scholarly journals The State of Gerontological Training in Ghana: Implications for a Specialized Workforce and the Aging Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 350-351
Author(s):  
Samuel Asante ◽  
Grace Karikari
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
National Level ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Training System ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Human Service Professionals ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Specialized Care ◽  
Guidelines And Standards

Abstract The rise in older population in Ghana is accompanied by several challenges that may require trained professionals with specialized knowledge in geriatrics and gerontology to help address. Extensive review of existing literature, however, indicates a lack of comprehensive geriatric focused training in Ghana’s education system. Unfortunately, the scope of this training deficiency, potential impact on the geriatric workforce, as well as the health and wellbeing of the aging population on the national level have not been extensively examined. With the older adult population set to increase over the next few years, the need for geriatric-trained human service professionals in diverse disciplines, including medicine, nursing, psychology, social work and public health has become more pronounced. This paper is a review of the current state of gerontological education in higher institutions in Ghana. Specifically, authors examined (1) current geriatric-focused training programs available to students in all public/government owned institutions, (2) existing national level programs, and policies addressing training deficiencies, and (3) the implications of findings for future geriatric workforce as well as the health and wellbeing of older Ghanaians. The findings call attention to the need for a nationwide geriatric-focused training system and policies aimed at prioritizing specialized care for the older population. Culturally appropriate recommendations for integrating gerontological training and education in tertiary institutions are discussed. Guidelines and standards based on the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) Competencies for Undergraduate and Graduate Education are proposed.

A Person-Centered Design Framework for Serious Games for Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Bella Yigong Zhang ◽  
Mark Chignell
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Strategic Design ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Initial Design ◽  
Active Research ◽  
Active Research Area

With the rapidly aging population and the rising number of people living with dementia (PLWD), there is an urgent need for programming and activities that can promote the health and wellbeing of PLWD. Due to staffing and budgetary constraints, there is considerable interest in using technology to support this effort. Serious games for dementia have become a very active research area. However, much of the work is being done without a strong theoretical basis. We incorporate a Montessori approach with highly tactile interactions. We have developed a person-centered design framework for serious games for dementia with initial design recommendations. This framework has the potential to facilitate future strategic design and development in the field of serious games for dementia.

scholarly journals National Economic Burden Associated with Management of Periodontitis in Malaysia

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuti Ningseh Mohd Dom ◽  
Rasidah Ayob ◽  
Khairiyah Abd Muttalib ◽  
Syed Mohamed Aljunid
Keyword(s):  
Societal Perspective ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
National Level ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Treatment Costs ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
National Economic ◽  
The Cost

Objectives. The aim of this study is to estimate the economic burden associated with the management of periodontitis in Malaysia from the societal perspective.Methods. We estimated the economic burden of periodontitis by combining the disease prevalence with its treatment costs. We estimated treatment costs (with 2012 value of Malaysian Ringgit) using the cost-of-illness approach and included both direct and indirect costs. We used the National Oral Health Survey for Adults (2010) data to estimate the prevalence of periodontitis and 2010 national census data to estimate the adult population at risk for periodontitis.Results. The economic burden of managing all cases of periodontitis at the national level from the societal perspective was approximately MYR 32.5 billion, accounting for 3.83% of the 2012 Gross Domestic Product of the country. It would cost the nation MYR 18.3 billion to treat patients with moderate periodontitis and MYR 13.7 billion to treat patients with severe periodontitis.Conclusion. The economic burden of periodontitis in Malaysia is substantial and comparable with that of other chronic diseases in the country. This is attributable to its high prevalence and high cost of treatment. Judicious application of promotive, preventive, and curative approaches to periodontitis management is decidedly warranted.

scholarly journals TEACHER EDUCATION FOR INCLUSION - THE PREMISES FOR IMPLEMENTING A NEW INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME / PRIELAIDOS ĮGYVENDINTI NAUJĄ MOKYTOJŲ RENGIMO PROGRAMĄ: INKLIUZINIS UGDYMAS MOKYKLOJE

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (35) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Elena Marin
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
School System ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
National Level ◽  
Training System ◽  
Font Size ◽  
Initial Teacher Training ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Training Programmes

<p><span>This paper attempts to highlight and examine the Romanian perspective regarding inclusive education by presenting some statistical data and the steps that have been made in order to make the switch from a school system lead by the segregation principle to a school system based on inclusive principles. Moreover, the attention focuses on schools` key actors, the teacher, more specifically on the initial teachers training programmes available in Romania. The starting point when it come to the initial teacher training programmes is based on the assumption that there is an acute need for training when it comes to the implementation of an inclusive educational system in Romania. Using a qualitative approach, we aimed at presenting specialists’ opinion on priority issues in policy development regarding the teacher training in the field of inclusive education, </span><span>focusing on </span><span>the premises for implementing a training system that is mandatory for every teacher in the inclusive education and on the aspects that relate to the rethinking of the teacher’s training process at a national level.</span></p><p><span lang="RO"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p><span lang="RO"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">Straipsnyje bandoma analizuoti inkliuzinio ugdymo diegimą Rumunijoje: pateikiama statistinių duomenų ir aprašoma, kokių veiksmų buvo imtasi pereinant nuo segregacijos principu pagrįstos ugdymo sistemos mokykloje prie inkliuzijos principais grindžiamos sistemos. Dėmesys kreipiamas į mokytojus ir mokytojų pirminio rengimo programas.<br />Mokytojų pirminis rengimas Rumunijoje remiasi prielaida, kad, siekiant įdiegti inkliuzinio ugdymo sistemą, tokių mokytojų rengimo poreikis yra labai didelis. Kokybiniu tyrimu buvo siekiama pateikti specialistų nuomonę dėl inkliuzinio ugdymo mokytojų rengimo politikos prioritetų, atkreipiamas dėmesys į tokių specialistų rengimo, privalomo kiekvienam inkliuzinį ugdymą taikančiam mokytojui, sistemos įdiegimo sąlygas<br />ir aspektus, susijusius su mokytojų rengimo proceso reformavimu nacionaliniu lygmeniu.</span></span></p>

Development of a group of robotic tools that comprehensively support healthy independent walking of the elderly

Impact ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (10) ◽  
pp. 64-66
Author(s):  
Tomotaka Ito
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Total Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Robotic Tools

It is well documented that in Japan, the population is ageing rapidly. Indeed, people aged 65 and older already make up one-quarter of the country's total population, and this is expected to reach one-third by the year 2036. The health and wellbeing of the elderly is at risk, with a burden of chronic illness in the older population, as well as issues associated with decreased mobility and increased likelihood of falls. Tomotaka Ito, based at Shizuoka University, Japan is working to develop a group of robotic tools to support the elderly to walk independently and live full and healthy lives. Ito's research involves exploring innovative ways to assist the elderly in living independent and fully functional lives. He is doing this through robotic tools that can help with day-to-day activities such as walking and help to prevent falls.

scholarly journals The impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A case study of Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Ochola ◽  
Diana M. S. Karanja ◽  
Susan J. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Political ◽  
Economic Opportunity ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
The Impact

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain endemic to many regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) left behind by socioeconomic progress. As such, these diseases are markers of extreme poverty and inequity that are propagated by the political, economic, social, and cultural systems that affect health and wellbeing. As countries embrace and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the needs of such vulnerable populations need to be addressed in local and global arenas. The research uses primary qualitative data collected from five NTD endemic counties of Kenya: interviews key informants (n = 21) involved in NTD implementation programs and focus groups (n = 5) of affected individuals. Informed by theories of political ecology of health, the research focuses on post-devolution Kenya and identifies the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that propagate NTDs and their effects on health and wellbeing. Our findings indicate that structural factors such as competing political interests, health worker strikes, inadequate budgetary allocations, economic opportunity, marginalization, illiteracy, entrenched cultural norms and practices, poor access to water, sanitation and housing, all serve to propagate NTD transmission and subsequently affect the health and wellbeing of populations. As such, we recommend that post-devolution Kenya ensures local political, economic and socio-cultural structures are equitable, sensitive and responsive to the needs of all people. We also propose poverty alleviation through capacity building and empowerment as a means of tackling NTDs for sustained economic opportunity and productivity at the local and national level.

scholarly journals Ko e talanoa fekau’aki pea moe mo’ui kakato ‘o e mātu’a Tonga nofo Nu’usila

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Siaosi Mafi
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Belief In God ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Multiple Health

<p>New Zealand’s older adult population is gradually increasing, in line with global increases in the number of older people. Pacific populations living in New Zealand currently have the least number of people aged 65 years and older in New Zealand (2.4% or 13,944 people), however; this is projected to increase in the next 20 years by 160%. After controlling for multiple health risks, socio-economic and demographic variables, ethnicity has been shown to have an independent role as a predictor of health and wellbeing. Research on the wellbeing of older Pacific peoples in New Zealand is limited, with none having been published that involves or relates to older Tongan people. Therefore, research exploring the perspectives and experiences of the psychosocial factors of wellbeing of older Pacific peoples in New Zealand is required.   This thesis describes the perspectives and experiences of nine older Tongan people from the Wellington region, and their consideration of what contributes to their wellbeing. The research aimed to describe wellbeing based on the participants’ own concepts of wellbeing, and also identify factors that either enabled or inhibited their wellbeing. A qualitative research design guided by Pacific models of the Talanoa methodology and the Kakala research framework was utilised. Talanoa were conducted with all participants, with the talanoa transcripts qualitatively analysed using content and thematic analysis.   The study found that wellbeing for older Tongan people is centred upon the quality of their mo’ui kakato (life in its entirety). It is multi-dimensional, interrelated and broader than just physical and mental health aspects. God was the overarching component, and their belief in God greatly influenced their views of wellbeing or their life as a whole. These findings will assist family members, churches, communities, health professionals and others to improve their practices and therefore support the improvement of older Pacific peoples’ wellbeing.   </p>

scholarly journals The Road to Healthy Ageing: What Has Indonesia Achieved So Far?

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3441
Author(s):  
Ray Wagiu Basrowi ◽  
Endang Mariani Rahayu ◽  
Levina Chandra Khoe ◽  
Erika Wasito ◽  
Tonny Sundjaya
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
The Road ◽  
The World ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that the world should prepare for an aging society. As the fourth most populous country in the world, the elderly population in Indonesia is also continuously growing. In 2010, the proportion of the elderly group was merely 5%, and it is expected to increase to 11% in 2035. Understanding the current situation of the adult population in Indonesia would be crucial to prepare for the future aging population. This article analyzed the current socio-demographic status, nutrition status, nutrient intake, and health profile of the current Indonesian adult population through a literature review. The key issues to prepare for healthy aging in Indonesia are summarized. Acknowledging the profile of the adult and senior adult population in Indonesia will provide beneficial information for all stakeholders in preparing Indonesia for a better healthy aging population with improved quality of life.

scholarly journals Morbidity of the working-age population of the Russian Federation for 2015–2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (12) ◽  
pp. 1487-1494
Author(s):  
Aleksandr S. Shastin ◽  
Olga L. Malykh ◽  
Venera G. Gazimova ◽  
Tatyana M. Tsepilova ◽  
Tatyana S. Ustyugova
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
National Level ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Working Age ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Working Age Population

Introduction. The quality of labour potential is one of the most important factors of economic growth, which largely depends on the health status of the working-age population. Today, incidence and prevalence rates in the Russian working-age population are not monitored at the national level. Materials and methods. We conducted a descriptive epidemiological study based on retrospective data on disease incidence in the adult population of the Russian Federation. We also assessed disease incidence and prevalence in the Russian working-age population (men aged 18-59 and women aged 18-54) in 2015-2019 using the method of continuous observation. We estimated and ranked incidence and prevalence rates per 100,000 working-age population of some constituent entities and federal districts of the Russian Federation to establish the territories with the highest and lowest rates. Results. We applied and tested methodological approaches to assessing the morbidity of the working-age population living in different regions of the Russian Federation. Our findings demonstrate a high degree of variability in both incidence and prevalence rates in the working-age population in general and by ICD-10 disease categories. Conclusion. Results of our assessments and ranking of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation by disease-specific incidence and prevalence rates in the working-age population provide an opportunity to areas at risk with specific health status enabling the most efficient management of risks of labour and economic losses. The proven method approaches may be used to address the challenges of public health monitoring.

Mental health and wellbeing of Pacific students : Protocol of a prospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 272-280
Author(s):  
Faafetai Sopoaga ◽  
Shyamala Nada-Raja ◽  
Tracie Leckie ◽  
Ari Samaranayaka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Academic Progress ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Mental disorders are a significant health concern and an increasing burden for Pacific youth in New Zealand. Approximately 30,000 (30%) of Pacific youth aged 18-24 years are enrolled in tertiary studies with sparse information about their mental health and wellbeing. There is increasing recognition of the impact of stresses and emotional problems faced by students in tertiary institutions internationally. This study seeks to describe Pacific tertiary students’ mental health and wellbeing, their expectations and experiences. It seeks also to determine risk and protective factors, access and barriers to using health services and their impact on students’ academic progress. Methods All Pacific students enrolling for the first time and in their first year of study at the University of Otago in 2019 will be invited to participate and followed over 3 years. A mixed-method research approach will be used with a survey obtaining information from all eligible students. Of these, 30 students will be randomly selected to participate in four interviews over the study period. Research objectives will be addressed by using quantitative statistical methods to analyse cross-sectional and longitudinal self-reported data linked to administrative data.  The Talanoa methodology  and a thematic approach will inform qualitative data collection and analysis.    Findings/Outcomes measure The primary mental health measures are the Kessler 10 (distress), PHQ-9 (depression) and the GAD-7 (anxiety). The primary wellbeing measure utilises a validated Pacific Identity and Wellbeing (PIWBS-R) scale and the WHO-5 (subjective wellbeing). Secondary measures include alcohol use, students’ experience and academic progress.  Interviews will provide in-depth perspectives of the students’ journeys, and the relationship to their mental health and wellbeing including the impact on students’ academic progress. Conclusions This research seeks to better understand the factors that influence the mental health, wellbeing and academic success of Pacific students in tertiary institutions. The findings will be used to inform advocacy approaches and guide targeted support efforts.

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