Improving public health in low-and middle-income countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 358-371
Author(s):  
Eric Heymann ◽  
Nicholas Banatvala
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

This chapter looks at the broader determinants of health and current approaches to tackling public health in poorer countries. Reading this chapter will help you understand: the major public health issues in low- and low middle-income countries; the approaches used to tackle them.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bullen ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Decompressive craniotomy: an international survey of practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Midhun Mohan ◽  
◽  
Hugo Layard Horsfall ◽  
Davi Jorge Fontoura Solla ◽  
Faith C. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Bone Flap ◽  
Acute Subdural Hematoma ◽  
International Survey ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Decompressive Craniotomy

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke have devastating consequences and are major global public health issues. For patients that require a cerebral decompression after suffering a TBI or stroke, a decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the most commonly performed operation. However, retrospective non-randomized studies suggest that a decompressive craniotomy (DCO; also known as hinge or floating craniotomy), where a bone flap is replaced but not rigidly fixed, has comparable outcomes to DC. The primary aim of this project was to understand the current extent of usage of DC and DCO for TBI and stroke worldwide. Method A questionnaire was designed and disseminated globally via emailing lists and social media to practicing neurosurgeons between June and November 2019. Results We received 208 responses from 60 countries [40 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)]. DC is used more frequently than DCO, however, about one-quarter of respondents are using a DCO in more than 25% of their patients. The three top indications for a DCO were an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and a GCS of 9-12, ASDH with contusions and a GCS of 3-8, and ASDH with contusions and a GCS of 9-12. There were 8 DCO techniques used with the majority (60/125) loosely tying sutures to the bone flap. The majority (82%) stated that they were interested in collaborating on a randomized trial of DCO vs. DC. Conclusion Our results show that DCO is a procedure carried out for TBI and stroke, especially in LMICs, and most commonly for an ASDH. The majority of the respondents were interested in collaborating on a is a future randomized trial.

scholarly journals Suicide prevention in low- and middle-income countries: part perceptions, partial solutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 211 (5) ◽  
pp. 264-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Personal Distress ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

SummarySuicide, a common cause of death in many low- and middle-income countries, has often been viewed through a medical/psychiatric lens. Such perspectives medicalise social and personal distress and suggest individual and medication-based treatments. This editorial argues for the need to examine suicide from a public health perspective and suggests the need for population-based social and economic interventions.

scholarly journals Effective Strategies for Global Health Training Programs A Systematic Review of Training Outcomes in Low and Middle Income Countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aprill Z. Dawson ◽  
Rebekah J. Walker ◽  
Jennifer A. Campbell ◽  
Leonard E. Egede
Keyword(s):  
Medical Training ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
High Income ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Training Outcomes ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

<p><strong>INTRODUCTION: </strong>Low and middle-income countries face a continued burden of chronic illness and non-communicable diseases while continuing to show very low health worker utilization. With limited numbers of medical schools and a workforce shortage the poor health outcomes seen in many low and middle income countries are compounded by a lack of within country medical training.</p><p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Using a systematic approach, this paper reviews the existing literature on training outcomes in low and middle-income countries in order to identify effective strategies for implementation in the developing world. This review examined training provided by high-income countries to low- and middle-income countries.</p><p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Based on article eligibility, 24 articles were found to meet criteria. Training methods found include workshops, e-learning modules, hands-on skills training, group discussion, video sessions, and role-plays. Of the studies with statistically significant results training times varied from one day to three years. Studies using both face-to-face and video found statistically significant results.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION:</strong> Based on the results of this review, health professionals from high-income countries should be encouraged to travel to low- middle-income countries to assist with providing training to health providers in those countries.</p>

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 infection in Low and Middle-Income Countries and risk classification in the context of rolling out vaccine candidate across these countries : Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ackah ◽  
Louise Ameyaw ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Cynthia Osei Yeboah ◽  
Nana Esi Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Seroprevalence of SARS Cov-2 provides a good indication of the extent of exposure and spread in the population, as well as those likely to benefit from a vaccine candidate. To date, there is no published or ongoing systematic review on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis will estimate SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence and the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in LMICs.Methods We will search PubMed, EMBASE, WHO COVID-19 Global research database, Google Scholar, the African Journals Online, LILAC, HINARI, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Cochrane Library for potentially useful studies on seroprevalence of COVID-19 in LMICs from December 2019 to December 2020 without language restriction. Two authors will independently screen all the articles, select studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and extract data using a pre-tested data extraction form. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the authors. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 for people from LMICs will be calculated. Random effects model will be used in case of substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, otherwise fixed-effect model will be used. A planned subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses will be performed. For comparative studies, the analyses will be performed using Review Manager v 5.4; otherwise, STATA 16 will be used. All effect estimates will be presented with their confidence intervals.Discussion The study will explore and systematically review empirical evidence on SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence in LMICs, and to assess the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in Low Middle Income Countries in the context of rolling out vaccines in these countries. Finally, explore risk classifications to help with the rolling out of vaccines in LMICs.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD422020221548).

scholarly journals Community-Level Experiences, Understandings, and Responses to COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Ethnographic Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12063
Author(s):  
Christopher B. Raymond ◽  
Paul R. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Effective Public Health ◽  
Low And Middle Income

(1) Background: COVID-19 disruptions offer researchers insight into how pandemics are at once biological and social threats, as communities struggle to construct meaning from novel challenges to their ontological status quo. Multiple epistemes, in which public health imperatives confront and negotiate locally derived knowledge and traditions, vie for legitimacy and agency, resulting in new cultural forms. (2) Methods: To investigate the context and construction of community responses, a systematic review of qualitative literature was conducted with the aim of evaluating those insights provided by empirical, social field research in low- and middle-income countries since the onset of COVID-19. Six scholarly databases were searched for empirical, qualitative, field-based, or participatory research that was published in peer-reviewed journals between December 2019 and August 2021. (3) Results: Twenty-five studies were selected for data extraction, following critical appraisal for methodological rigor by two independent reviewers, and were then analyzed thematically. Faced with unprecedented social ruptures, restrictions in social and physical mobility, and ever-looming uncertainties of infection, financial insecurity, stigma, and loss, communities worldwide reacted in multiple and complex ways. Pervasive misinformation and fear of social rejection resulted in noncompliance with pandemic sanctions, resistance, and increased isolation, allowing the spread of the disease. The meaning of, and understandings about, COVID-19 were constructed using traditional, religious, and biomedical epistemologies, which were occasionally in conflict with each other. Innovations and adaptations, through syntheses of traditional and biomedical discourses and practice, illustrated community resilience and provided models for successful engagement to improve public health outcomes. (4) Conclusion: Local context and community engagement were indispensable considerations when enacting effective public health interventions to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

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