scholarly journals Characteristics Associated with Homeless Pregnant Women in Columbus, Ohio

Author(s):  
Emma Ervin ◽  
Barbara Poppe ◽  
Amanda Onwuka ◽  
Hannah Keedy ◽  
Stephen Metraux ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The effects of homelessness on pregnant women are substantial. We aim to identify key characteristics of a group of women identified as homeless and pregnant in order to understand their history of housing, family composition, health, and demographics as a first step for future intervention. Methods We present cross-sectional survey data on a sample of 100 women reporting homelessness and pregnancy in the prior year in Columbus, Ohio, identified through social service and housing not for profit agencies. Our analysis uses data collected from a survey of health behaviors, housing, employment status, and demographics. Continuous measures are described with means and standard deviations, and categorical variables are described with percentages. Results The majority (81%) of the women identified as African American. Over 95% of the women were single, and 74 women reported a prior pregnancy. Almost half of the women reported being behind on rent at least one time in the last 6 months, and 43% indicated that they had lived in more than three places in the last year. Approximately 34% of the sample reported cigarette use during pregnancy, while 12% and 30% reported alcohol and illicit drug use, respectively. Discussion Women who were pregnant and experiencing homelessness in our study reported a multitude of complex and severe problems ranging from high rates of substance use, longstanding housing insecurity and financial stress. Programs hoping to successfully support women will need to address a variety of service needs while recognizing the resilience of many women.

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e015997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maram B Hakoum ◽  
Nahla Jouni ◽  
Eliane A Abou-Jaoude ◽  
Divina Justina Hasbani ◽  
Elias A Abou-Jaoude ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo provide a detailed and current characterisation of funding of a representative sample clinical trials. We also aimed to develop guidance for standardised reporting of funding information.MethodsWe addressed the extent to which clinical trials published in 2015 in any of the 119 Core Clinical Journals included a statement on the funding source (eg, whether a not-for-profit organisation was supported by a private-for-profit organisation), type of funding, amount and role of funder. We used a stepwise approach to develop a guidance and an instrument for standardised reporting of funding information.ResultsOf 200 trials, 178 (89%) included a funding statement, of which 171 (96%) reported being funded. Funding statements in the 171 funded trials indicated the source in 100%, amount in 1% and roles of funders in 50%. The most frequent sources were governmental (58%) and private-for-profit (40%). Of 54 funding statements in which the source was a not-for-profit organisation, we found evidence of undisclosed support of those from private-for-profit organisation(s) in 26 (48%). The most frequently reported roles of funders in the 171 funded trials related to study design (42%) and data analysis, interpretation or management (41%). Of 139 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing pharmacological or surgical interventions, 29 (21%) reported information on the supplier of the medication or device. The proposed guidance addresses both the funding information that RCTs should report and the reporting process. Attached to the guidance is a fillable PDF document for use as an instrument for standardised reporting of funding information.ConclusionAlthough the majority of RCTs report funding, there is considerable variability in the reporting of funding source, amount and roles of funders. A standardised approach to reporting of funding information would address these limitations. Future research should explore the implications of funding by not-for-profit organisations that are supported by for-profit organisations.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabia Merve Palalioglu ◽  
Ozan Karadeniz ◽  
Gokce Ipek Aytok ◽  
Batuhan Palalioglu ◽  
Gizem Nur Koyan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:COVID-19 pandemic is an important and urgent public health problem. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women deal with the Coronavirus disease and its results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic on pregnant women and to determine whether pregnant women have sufficient knowledge and awareness for a healthy antenatal process.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at two centers. Regardless of the gestational age, a questionnaire was distributed to 1003 pregnant women in total, from 51 original questions that investigate the pregnant women’s demographic data, history of contact with COVID-19-positive patients, knowledge and concerns about COVID-19, precautions. 526 participants were included in the study. The questionnaire was delivered using the QR code method. The questionnaires were answered online by participants via SurveyMonkey in order to minimize contamination due to the pandemic.Results: The period when anxiety was highest was the 2nd trimester, whereas women in the 1st trimester had the lowest level of anxiety. High levels of awareness were observed in patients with heart disease, but patients with diabetes mellitus had a high level of anxiety. There was a statistically significant correlation between anxiety and awareness scores of the coronavirus disease.Conclusion:It is important to maintain the mental and physical health of pregnant women, who are in a more delicate condition than other individuals in the society. In this regard, healthcare professionals have important duties such as taking necessary precautions and explaining the seriousness of the situation to pregnant women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-chen Luo ◽  
Xu Liu ◽  
Anni Wang ◽  
Jian-qiong Li ◽  
Ze-hong Zheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As the birth policy has been adjusted from one-child-one-couple to universal two-child-one-couple in China, there is an increasing number of women undergoing a second pregnancy after a previous cesarean section (CS). Undertaking an elective repeat CS (ERCS) has been taken for granted and has thus become a major contributor to the increasing CS rate in China. Promoting trial of labor after CS (TOLAC) can reduce the CS rate without compromising delivery outcomes. This study aimed to investigate Chinese obstetricians’ perspectives regarding TOLAC, and the factors associated with their decision-making regarding recommending TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS under the two-child policy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and July 2018. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the obstetricians’ intention to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. The independent variables included sociodemographic factors and perceptions regarding TOLAC (selection criteria for TOLAC, basis underlying the selection criteria for TOLAC, and perceived challenges regarding promoting TOLAC). Results A total of 426 obstetricians were surveyed, with a response rate of ≥83%. The results showed that 31.0% of the obstetricians had no intention to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. Their decisions were associated with the perceived lack of confidence regarding undergoing TOLAC among pregnant women with a history of CS and their families (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.38–1.38); obstetricians’ uncertainty about the safety of TOLAC for pregnant women with a history of CS (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27–0.96), and worries about medical lawsuits due to adverse delivery outcomes (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07–0.31). The main reported challenges regarding performing TOLAC were lack of clear guidelines for predicting or avoiding the risks associated with TOLAC (83.4%), obstetricians’ uncertainty about the safety of TOLAC for women with a history of CS (81.2%), pregnant women’s unwillingness to accept the risks associated with TOLAC (81.0%) or demand for ERCS (80.7%), and the perceived lack of confidence (77.5%) or understanding (69.7%) regarding undergoing TOLAC among pregnant women and their families. Conclusion A proportion of Chinese obstetricians did not intend to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. This phenomenon was closely associated with obstetricians’ concerns about TOLAC safety and perceived attitudes of the pregnant women and their families regarding TOLAC. Effective measures are needed to help obstetricians predict and reduce the risks associated with TOLAC, clearly specify the indications for TOLAC, improve labor management, and popularize TOLAC in China. Additionally, public health education on TOLAC is necessary to improve the understanding of TOLAC among pregnant women with a history of CS and their families, and to improve their interactions with their obstetricians regarding shared decision making.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 1206-1216
Author(s):  
Stella T Obadeji ◽  
Adetunji Obadeji ◽  
Janet O Bamidele ◽  
Felix T Ajayi

Background: Despite the lack of adequate studies on the safety of drugs in pregnancy, surprisingly, available evidence shows that pregnant women still take large number of drugs. Objectives: The study aim was to determine drug utilization pattern and predictors of number of medications used by pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 369 pregnant women attending a secondary health facility. Data were collect- ed using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics using the Chi-Square test were carried out with level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: Three hundred and sixty-nine women were interviewed. Their mean age was 27.7 years (SD± 4.78) and the mean number of pregnancies was 2.46 (SD± 1.34). On average, 2.62 medications were taken, with the lowest being 1 and the highest being 12 different medications during the course of pregnancy. Those who were on more than 2 medications were more likely to be older than 30 years, had lower education and with history of associated medical conditions. All participants were on one form of supplements or the other, nearly half had used antimalarials, 12.8%, 5.8% 2.4% were on antibiotics, anti-hypertensive and anti-retroviral medications respectively. All the medications prescribed were from category A, B, C, N, and none from category D and X. Conclusion: Varieties of medications were used during the course of pregnancy among this population, however, most of these drugs were still within safety profile. Keywords: Medications; pregnancy; pattern; predictors; co-morbidity.


Author(s):  
Ajmal Agha ◽  
Fozia Ajmal ◽  
Afshan Khurshid ◽  
Altaf Ahmed Soomro ◽  
Nazia Farrukh ◽  
...  

Objective: To conduct a community-based cross-sectional survey to determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among pregnant women in taluka Ratodero, Larkana, and two adjacent talukas: Sajawal, district Kambar Shahdadkot and Garhi Yasin, district Shikarpur. Methods: The study was conducted among pregnant women in the three talukas of rural Sindh: Ratodero, Garhi Yasin, and Sajawal, from October 16, 2020 - December 23, 2020. A total of 1,157 pregnant women were interviewed at their homes and tested using the AlereTM HIV Combo rapid finger prick test. The study captured women's sociodemographic, economic, and health characteristics, including age, education, employment, number of children, home or hospital delivery, antenatal care use, antenatal trimester, history of blood transfusion, and HIV test result. Descriptive statistics were calculated: percentages for categorical variables and mean ± standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. Results: It was found that 0.35% (4/1,157) of women were HIV-positive, of which 3 were in Ratodero, Larkana, and 1 was in Garhi Yasin, Shikarpur. The average age of women was 28.7 ± 4.0 years. Most of the women (n=1067; 92.2%) of women did not attend a school, and 99.0% (n=1145) had never had a formal job. The average gestational age was 7.6 (±2.2) months. More than three-quarters of the women participating in the study (n=894; 77.3%) were not registered with a formal healthcare facility for antenatal care. Continuous...


2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 38-42
Author(s):  
Sadia Siddiqi ◽  
Faridah Amin ◽  
Farheen Saboor

Objective: This study was aimed to determine patient satisfaction and factors associated with patient satisfaction in a not for profit private primary healthcare service in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted across eight primary healthcare clinics of Sina Health, Education and Welfare trust. A total of 557 patients visiting these primary healthcare services participated in the study. The questionnaire gauged information in 2 parts: assessing demographics and patient satisfaction with services Chi square use as the test of significance. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 20. Results: Results revealed that majority (89%) of the patients were women and more than half were between 30-60 years of age. In the multivariable model, patients were more likely to be satisfied with less waiting time at pharmacy (p 0.007), listening (p 0.01), assessing (p 0.001) and counseling (p 0.007 ) skills of the doctor. Conclusion: The study highlights a successful possibility of provision of quality primary healthcare services in developing countries with easy access for the people most deserving it especially women, at an affordable cost. One of the unique reasons for satisfaction is the training of Sina doctors and staff on regular basis


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711377
Author(s):  
David Lehane ◽  
Philip Oliver ◽  
Caroline Mitchell ◽  
Christopher Burton

BackgroundProfessional interpreters are considered to be the gold standard when meeting the needs of patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in primary care. The models by which CCGs supply interpreting services (IS) vary. Many CCGs use external commercial IS, while other CCGs commission ‘not for profit’ services such as the Advocacy and Interpreting Service in Tower Hamlets, the Sussex Interpreting Service, and the decommissioned Sheffield Community Access and Interpreting Service. Research on comparative costs and needs of the LEP population is lacking.AimTo compare the costs of interpreting services between CCG’s in England.MethodA cross-sectional study involving CCGs in England. A standardised request was sent to 195 CCGs inviting comment on how much the CCG spent (2017–2018) on IS. The data were plotted against a number of demographic variables (https://fingertips.phe.org.uk) and analysed using regression analysis.ResultsSurvey response rate: 86% of CCGs (n = 169). Of those CCGs who responded, 39% (n = 66) did not hold IS cost data. NHS England spent £2 951 348.16 for IS services for the year 2017–2018. A positive correlation was noted with increased cost of interpreting services when plotted against increasing percentage BME or percentage birth to non-UK parents. However, there were wide variations around correlation of best fit indicating variation in spending between CCGs for similar populations.ConclusionInter CCG variation in correlations between demographic variables and expenditure suggests further research is needed to determine how to optimise and resource safe and equitable IS across the UK population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Alanezi

UNSTRUCTURED E-health system is emerging and providing health services and solutions through different electronic gadgets. Saudi Arabia has launched a program called Saudi Arabia vision 2030, in which providing state-of-the-art health facilities to their citizen is of topmost priority. After all the efforts, the residents of Saudi Arabia are still reluctant for the adaptation of e-health system. The current study was conducted to evaluate the obstacle in adoption of the e-health system through the mobile phones. The current study was cross-sectional survey and was conducted by developing a self-administered structured questionnaire asking the utilization of mobile phone in state of health emergency prior to ask any medical history. Majority of the participants was married and doing jobs in different firms and have their personal mobile phones (p = 0.100, > 0.05) which indicates easily access to the e-health apps. The majority of the participants suffers from either obesity or high blood pressure (p = 0.018, < 0.05) regardless of either history of mental disorder or other family history of mental diseases. The pattern of diseases with mental disorders correlate well with adoption of e-health in government policies. The obstacles in adopting e-health includes fear of the loss of personal data and information (p = 0.0401, < 0.05). Moreover, they did not trust on online medications as the doctor cannot prescribe medicines without seeing physical health of the patient. The current study concluded that by making improvement in policies and proper commercializing the e-health apps together with awareness programs can boast the adoption of e-health in Saudi Arabia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205970022110244
Author(s):  
Katie Alison Falla ◽  
Sarah Randall ◽  
Carol DeMatteo

Objectives There are two objectives for this paper. First, to determine effects of a concussion education program in a local school board in terms of concussion-specific knowledge in children and confidence in identifying and managing concussion in adults. Second, to identify differences and similarities in concussion knowledge between children who participate in sports and those who do not and between children with a history of one or more concussions and those without. Design A cross sectional survey regarding concussion knowledge was distributed randomly to students and adults at both pre- and posteducation timepoints. A concussion education program was disseminated across the school board for students between the distribution survey timepoints. Following the education program, adults and students completed their respective post-test surveys. Chi-squared tests in SPSS determined the significance of between-group differences. Results All 17 adults (100.0%) who had received concussion education recently reported confidence in their knowledge of concussion management, compared to 35.7% adults who had not received education for over a year (p = 0.020). For students, all of whom completed the concussion education training between the pre- and post-tests, there were no significant differences in concussion knowledge scores between athletes and non-athletes (either in or outside of school) or between those with a history of concussion and those without. There were no significant changes in concussion knowledge between the pre- and post-tests, except for one question. Conclusion Concussion education programs increase confidence of concussion management protocols in adults involved in sport, but they require improvements to better support knowledge amelioration, particularly for target groups that are at high risk of sustaining another injury.


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