The disparity in geographical accessibility to healthcare resources in Iran: the comparison of two cross-section

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-94
Author(s):  
Sara Emamgholipour Sefiddashti ◽  
Ali Kazemi Karyani ◽  
Sadegh Ghazanfari
Keyword(s):  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Resources ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Population

Purpose – Accessing adequate healthcare to all people is one of the main goals of the health sector. The purpose of this paper is to investigate healthcare services access development of the provinces in Iran during 2007 and 2013. Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population included all the provinces in Iran. The data for 13 variables, including physical and human health resources, was collected from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the Statistics Center of Iran. Taxonomy technique was used to determine the degree of healthcare services access development in the provinces. Findings – The findings show that Semnan was the province with the most developed healthcare services access with development score of 0.342 while Sistan Balocehstan province was the least developed with development score of one in 2007. In the year 2013, Chahar-Mahal Bakhtiari and Sistan Baluchestan were the least and most developed provinces with scores of 0.551 and 0.989, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the development scores in access to healthcare services in 2007 and 2013 were 0.7463±0.1268 and 0.7766±0.1058, respectively. Originality/value – Most previous studies that examined disparities in access to healthcare resources in Iran only considered one resource. This study applied a taxonomy technique to investigate the disparity and changes in access using 13 main healthcare resources. This approach helped the authors to investigate whether the decisions of the policy makers were intended to eliminate the disparities.

scholarly journals Patient Satisfaction in the Peruvian Health Services: Validation and Application of the HEALTHQUAL Scale

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5111
Author(s):  
Fernando Barrios-Ipenza ◽  
Arturo Calvo-Mora ◽  
Félix Velicia-Martín ◽  
Fernando Criado-García ◽  
Antonio Leal-Millán
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Path Modeling ◽  
Outpatient Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

During recent years, public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector have been an attractive alternative for improving healthcare services in developing countries such as Peru. Therefore, it is fundamental to consider a comprehensive set of healthcare qualities, like the HEALTHQUAL scale, when we measure dimensions of healthcare service quality. Currently, no studies have applied HEALTHQUAL in Peruvian hospitals. The purposes of this study were to (1) validate and evaluate the application of the HEALTHQUAL scale to measure user satisfaction in outpatient services at two PPP hospitals in Peru; and (2) test the relationship between user satisfaction, efficiency, and loyalty. A descriptive, cross-sectional study based on the HEALTHQUAL scale was carried out at the end of 2018. The measurement items were satisfaction with healthcare personnel, satisfaction with nonhealthcare personnel, satisfaction with facilities and equipment, perception of efficiency, and trust. The scale was administered to a nonprobability sample of 250 users who attended one of two PPP hospitals—Barton and Kaelin. The application of partial least squares path modeling significantly impacted on the perceived efficiency in the items of healthcare personnel, nonhealthcare personnel, and facilities and equipment. The HEALTQUAL scale demonstrated sufficient validity and thus can be applied for measuring user satisfaction in PPP hospitals.

Nursing staff and patients’ length of stay

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1004-1012
Author(s):  
Ioannis Moisoglou ◽  
Petros Galanis ◽  
Evangelia Meimeti ◽  
Angeliki Dreliozi ◽  
Petros Kolovos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Nurse Staffing ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nurse Education ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of nurse staffing, nurse education and work experience on patients’ length of stay (LOS) in the Greek public hospitals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study, with retrospective administrative data, was implemented. From all seven Regional Health Authorities of Greece, 25 general surgical units in 17 public hospitals participated in the study. Findings All over the hospitals were studied, 32,287 patients ⩾17 years old and 203 nursing staff, who were working in the study units, were included in the analysis. According to the multivariate linear regression model, increased years of experience as a nurse (b= −0.04, 95% CI= −0.06 to −0.02, p=0.001) and increased percentage of registered nurse to the total nursing staff (b= −1.18, CI= −1.88 to −0.47, p=0.03) were associated with decreased patient LOS. Originality/value This was the first extended study in Greece, which explored the relationship between nurse staffing, nurse education, work experience and the LOS. The role that nurse staffing play together with its characteristics in the provision toward the quality healthcare services has already been recognized worldwide. The findings revealed the great shortage of nursing staff and the significant correlation between the work experience and educational level to patients’ LOS.

Children and energy-dense foods – parents, peers, acceptability or advertising?

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1669-1694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liudmila Tarabashkina ◽  
Pascale G. Quester ◽  
Roberta Crouch
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frequent Consumption ◽  
Explained Variance ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Children’S Behaviour ◽  
First Time

Purpose Studies to date have focused on one or very few factors, rather than exploring a host of influences associated with children’s consumption of energy-dense foods. This is surprising as multiple agents are relevant to children’s food consumer socialisation (parents, peers, social norms and food advertising). This study aims to address these gaps and offers the first comprehensive empirical assessment of a wide cluster of variables. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was undertaken with children aged 7-13 years and their parents/main carers, collecting family metrics from parents and data directly from children. Structural Equation Modelling was used to estimate a series of interdependence relationships in four steps, revealing the increased explained variance in children’s consumption of energy-dense foods. Findings The inclusion of multiple potential factors increased the percentage of explained variance in children’s consumption of energy-dense foods. The models explicate which factors relate to frequent consumption in children, and clarify various indirect influences on children through parents. Originality/value For the first time, a wider range of variables was integrated to maximise the percentage of explained variance in children’s behaviour, providing policy makers and social marketers with novel insights regarding areas that need to be prioritised for consumer education. Both direct and indirect relationships were assessed. Data were collected from parents and their children to provide an original methodological contribution and richer data for investigation.

Nutritional status as a determinant of cognitive development among preschool children in South-Western Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 1568-1578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyepeju Mary Onifade ◽  
Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo ◽  
Joshua Odunayo Akinyemi ◽  
Titus Ayodeji Oyedele ◽  
Ademola Richard Akinlade
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children

Purpose – Improving the health of children under the age of five is one of the main objectives of primary healthcare services in most developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to identify the nutritional status of children under the age of five and its impact on cognitive function. Design/methodology/approach – The cross-sectional study was carried out in a semi-urban community in south-western Nigeria. The sample consisted of 220 school children under the age of five. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height and mid arm circumference were carried out to determine the nutritional status of the children. Cognitive function of the children was assessed using a developmental checklist developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and their performance was graded as good, fair and poor. Findings – The overall prevalence of malnutrition in this study was low with stunting, underweight and wasting recording 8.2, 6.8 and 1.8 percent, respectively thereby making stunting the most common malnutrition indicator in this study. A large proportion of the children (88.6 percent) had good cognitive performance while 11.4 and 5.5 percent had fair and poor cognitive performance, respectively. Among the various malnutrition indicators measured in this study, stunting was found to have a statistically significant association with cognitive development (p=0.005).Stunted children have multiple functional disadvantages that persist throughout childhood and poor nutrition almost certainly plays a role. This paper calls for a need for the Nigerian Government to intervene by ensuring that policies are implemented that will ensure that health and nutritional needs of preschool children are guaranteed right from conception. Originality/value – In view of the importance of nutrition for cognition in children, this research has shown that the cognitive function of preschool children can be affected by stunting and it has contributed to global data on nutrition and cognition particularly in South-Western Nigeria.

scholarly journals Effect of COVID-19 on the Treatment of Infections by Community Pharmacists in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Edidiong Orok ◽  
Success David ◽  
Chiemezie Ibegwam
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Way

been one of the most affected since the pandemic has limited their access to healthcare everywhere in the world including Nigeria. Reduced access to healthcare services in hospitals has caused an increase in the number of patient visits to the community pharmacies.  This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of infections by community pharmacists. This study was a prospective cross-sectional study that was carried out among community pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Ibadan, Oyo state and Uyo, Akwa Ibom state due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases from July until August 2020. Data was collected through a pre-tested online questionnaire which was sent to the pharmacists upon provision of consent after the purpose of the study was explained.  A total of one hundred and twenty two pharmacists consented to participate in this study out of which 65 (53.3%) were female. Malaria (81, 66.4%), respiratory tract infections (40, 32.8%) and sexually transmitted infections (1, 0.8%) were identified as infections with the highest frequency by the community pharmacists, while more than 96% (118) pharmacists reported that COVID-19 has affected the way they manage or treat other infections seen in their pharmacy. This study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way community pharmacists treat other infections in the community pharmacy setting. More studies are needed to explore the specific nature of this effect on specific infections.

scholarly journals Equity in the Distribution of Health Resources: A Case Study in Southeast Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Khammarnia ◽  
Hesam Ghiasvand ◽  
Fateme Javadi ◽  
Fatemeh Safdari Adimi
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Gini Index ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Equity in the distribution of equipment and resources in the health sector constitutes one of the main dimensions of justice, improving health status and increasing people's satisfaction. Objectives: The current study aimed at determining how health resources and equipment are distributed in the poorest region of Iran. Methods: The current retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, as the poorest region of Iran, in 2020. Data were collected using a standard checklist from all five health centers affiliated to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZAUMS). Excel and STATA software was used for data analysis; the Gini index was also calculated. Results: The Gini index for the distribution of midwives and rural health workers was equitable (0.216 and 0.287, respectively). The distribution of urban healthcare providers, nutrition and psychology counselors, and active beds in ZAUMS were 0.675, 0.545, 0.454, and 0.526, respectively. The distribution of general practitioners, based on the Gini index (0.492), was not fair. Also, the distribution of specialists and nurses was unfair (Gini index: 0.494 and 589, respectively). Conclusions: The distribution of most resources in the poorest region of Iran was not fair. Unfair distribution and disparities can affect population health status in the future. Then, it is suggested that health policymakers and managers pay more attention to deprived regions.

Discharge against medical advice from a Tehran emergency department

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azar Hadadi ◽  
Patricia Khashayar ◽  
Mojgan Karbakhsh ◽  
Ali Vasheghani Farahani
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Advice ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Against Medical Advice ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Discharge Against Medical Advice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the main reasons for discharge against medical advice (DAMA) in the emergency department (ED) of a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study was conducted on all the patients who left the ED of a referral teaching hospital against medical advice (AMA) in 2008. A questionnaire was filled out for each patient to determine the reasons behind patient leaving AMA. Findings – In total, 12.8 percent of the patients left the hospital AMA. Dissatisfaction with being observed in the ED, having a feeling of recovery and hospital personnel encouraging patients to leave the hospital were the main reasons for leaving the hospital AMA. Practical implications – Like many other centers, the results showed that poor communication skill and work overload were the main contributing factors to DAMA. The center managed to improve patient satisfaction and thus lowered DAMA rates following this study. Considering the similarities reported in the reports and that of other studies, it could be concluded that policy makers in other centers can also benefit from the results to adopt effective approaches to reduce DAMA rate. Originality/value – To the knowledge no study has evaluated the rate and the reasons behind DAMA in the Iranian EDs.

The impacts of casino tourism development on Macao residents’ livelihood

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Wing Pong But ◽  
John Ap
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Development ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gaming Industry ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Local Residents

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the livelihood impacts, any inequalities and poverty consequences in the special administration region of Macao, following the liberalization of the gaming industry and the subsequent development of casino resorts. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive research design was used, which adopted the case study method to conduct this research study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify and gain better understanding of the impacts influencing residents’ livelihoods. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings The findings identified and examined the major livelihood impacts affecting local residents, and the recommendations of local residents in addressing these impacts were provided. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study. To fully understand holistically the recent casino development and monitor the likelihood outcomes, a longitudinal study could be undertaken. The unit of analysis for this study was individual residents. Not all stakeholders representing different groups and organizations in the community were included, such as local authorities and community groups. Originality/value The result of this paper can provide policy-makers, planners and non-government organizations with a better view of the consequences of casino tourism development. The study will extend our knowledge of casino tourism development and enhance decision-making regarding tourism development that can deliver “real” rather than perceived benefits for all in the community.

scholarly journals Breaching the Bridge: An Investigation into Doctor-Patient Miscommunication as a Significant Factor in the Violence against Healthcare Workers in Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Munther Saeedi ◽  
Nihad Al-Othman ◽  
Maha Rabayaa
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Verbal Violence ◽  
Major Factors

Background. Workplace violence is a common issue worldwide that strikes all professions, and healthcare is one of the most susceptible ones. Verbal and nonverbal miscommunications between healthcare workers and patients are major inducers for violent attacks. Aim. To study the potential impact of verbal and nonverbal miscommunications between the patients and healthcare workers upon workplace violence from the patients’ perspectives. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from November to December 2020. Patients and previously hospitalized patients were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire that involved items of verbal and nonverbal miscommunication. With the use of a suitable available sample composed of 550 participants, 505 had completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22 software. Results. 7.2% of the study population reported participating in nonverbal violence and 19.6% participated in verbal violence against healthcare workers. The nonverbal and verbal violence was characteristically displayed by the patients who are male, younger than 30 years old, and bachelor’s degree holders. The results of the study demonstrated that the verbal and nonverbal miscommunications between the patients and healthcare workers were the major factors in provoking violent responses from patients. Factors, such as age, gender, and level of education, were significant indicators of the type of patients who were more likely to respond with violence. Conclusion. Workplace violence, either verbal or nonverbal, in the health sector is a public health concern in Palestine. The verbal and nonverbal communication skills of healthcare workers should be developed well enough to overcome the effect of miscommunication provoking violent acts from patients and their relatives as well.

scholarly journals Punctuality of Patients and Physicians in an Outpatient Setting: Which Has a Greater Effect on Waiting Time?

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-115
Author(s):  
Afsoon Aeenparast ◽  
Farzaneh Maftoon ◽  
Faranak Farzadi ◽  
Seyed Hossein Yahyazadeh
Keyword(s):  
Waiting Time ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Time Of Arrival ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Appointment System ◽  
Outpatient Settings

Background: Patients’ waiting time for healthcare services is identified as one of the key measurements of an effective health system. This factor has an important role in patients’ satisfaction as well. One factor that is related to the waiting time is patients’ punctuality. Objectives: the objective of this study was assessing the effect of patients’ and physicians’ punctuality on outpatients’ waiting time. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population was outpatients that were admitted in clinics of a general non-educational hospital. 3500 samples were selected from all clinics. The sampling method was stratified randomized method. Samples were included after taking the informed consent. Data gathered by check lists that recorded the patients work flow at the clinic and the time of arrival to and departure of each station. Results: About 34% of patients had appointment that 98.5% of them were unpunctual. The correlation of patient unpunctuality (positive and negative) and their waiting time indicated that these variables had positive correlation (P<0.001). Assessing the correlation of physicians’ punctuality and patients’ waiting time indicated that these variables also had positive correlation (P<0.001). Conclusion: Appointment systems are very useful in controlling patients waiting time. This study identified that patient’s unpunctuality will increase patients waiting time. By the way negative punctuality will affect waiting time more that positive punctuality. Other important findings of this study were revealing the relation of physicians’ unpunctuality and patients’ waiting time. Punctuality of patients and providers are very important in the performance of appointment system in outpatient settings.

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