scholarly journals OP0329-PARE IN SHORT: EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND INFORMATION FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 202.1-202
Author(s):  
V. Krafft ◽  
E. Rösch
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Reading Difficulties ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Migrant Background ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Foreign Media ◽  
National Languages

Background:Some 800,000 people in Switzerland have trouble reading (1). For people with reading or learning difficulties, many texts are too complex or simply too long. People with a migrant background likewise often lack access to health information, in their case due to language barriers.Objectives:One of the top priorities set out in Switzerland’s “National Strategy on Musculoskeletal Diseases (2017–2022) is to develop low-threshold services for vulnerable groups. In keeping with this strategy, the Swiss League against Rheumatism (SLR) wants to reach out to people with a migrant background as well as those with reading difficulties by making available to them helpful and readily understandable information material on rheumatic diseases.Methods:During the planning phase, the SLR collaborated with migesplus, the portal for equal health opportunities operated by the Swiss Red Cross. Their input flowed into the conception of the new publication series “kurz & knapp” (in short).The texts for the new series are written in accordance with the rules for Easy Language, with the help of an expert committee from Pro Infirmis, the Swiss professional organisation for people with disabilities (www.buero-leichte-sprache.ch). After being evaluated, the final texts then receive a seal of approval. Easy Language is a key component of accessibility, because it makes complex content accessible to a wider audience.For the benefit of people with a migrant background, the SLR has the texts translated not only into the three Swiss national languages German, French and Italian but also into Albanian, Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish.Brochures on “Gout” and “Arthrosis” have already been published in the “kurz & knapp” series. In 2020, a publication on the subject of “Back Pain” will follow.In order to make the publications known to the intended target groups, the SLR wrote to various multipliers, such as immigration offices and foreign media.The publications are available free of charge in the online shop.Results:The new series “kurz & knapp” has been commended in particular by migration experts. Within the last ten months, the SLR has already distributed over 1,000 copies.Conclusion:To reach people with reading difficulties or a migrant background – groups that make up a large part of the Swiss population – specially designed communication tools are needed. An interdisciplinary network is indispensable for the development and dissemination of such tools.References:[1]Notter, P. & Arnold, C (2006). Lesen und Rechnen im Alltag: Grundkompetenzen von Erwachsenen in der Schweiz. Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS). Accessed on 28 January 2020:https://www.lesen-schreiben-schweiz.ch/myUploadData/files/ALL-StudieD.pdfDisclosure of Interests:Valérie Krafft Grant/research support from: Yes, Menarini AG (for gout brochure), Eva Rösch: None declared

scholarly journals German translation, cultural adaption and validation of the unidimensional self-efficacy scale for multiple sclerosis: a study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e029565
Author(s):  
Barbara Seebacher ◽  
Roger J Mills ◽  
Markus Reindl ◽  
Laura Zamarian ◽  
Raija Kuisma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Cultural Adaption

IntroductionSelf-efficacy refers to individuals’ confidence in their ability to perform relevant tasks to accomplish desired goals. This is independent of their actual abilities. In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), self-efficacy has been shown to powerfully influence motivation and health-related behaviour, such as adherence to prescribed treatment or physical activity. So far, a rigorously tested German language self-efficacy questionnaire for people with MS is missing.MethodsThe purpose of this study is to translate the original Unidimensional Self-Efficacy Scale for Multiple Sclerosis (USE-MS) into German and to validate the German USE-MS (USE-MS-G). Based on Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy and international guidelines for questionnaire development, the patient-led development of the pre-final German version will involve a forward–backward translation process, synthesis of translations, expert committee review and consensus with the original test developers. At two centres in Tyrol, Austria, content and face validity and cultural adaption for Austria will be established using face-to-face semistructured cognitive interviews of 30 people with MS (PwMS). A further 292 PwMS with minimal to severe disability will be tested at two timepoints to validate the USE-MS-G.ResultsMixed methods analyses will be applied. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed employing qualitative content analysis. External validity will be explored using Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficients of the USE-MS-G with the 13-item Resilience Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and MS-specific Neurological Fatigue Index. Test–retest reliability, internal consistency and floor and ceiling effects will be evaluated. Internal validity will be examined using Rasch analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was received from the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (reference number EK1260/2018; 13.12.2018). Results from this study will be disseminated to the participants and MS Societies, and to clinicians and researchers through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.Study registrationISRCTN Registry; trial ID ISRCTN14843579; prospectively registered on 02. 01. 2019; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14843579

Medicare and Medicaid Services Online

2015 ◽  
pp. 696-710
Author(s):  
Mary Schmeida ◽  
Ramona McNeal
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Government Programs ◽  
Life Project ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Access To Health

Government initiatives in the United States have been passed in an effort to increase citizen usage of e-government programs. One such service is the availability of online health insurance information. However, not all demographic groups have been equally able to access these services, primarily the poor and rural American. As more legislation is passed, including the advancement of broadband services to remote areas, infrastructure barriers are being removed, opening access to Medicare and Medicaid websites for these vulnerable groups. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze factors predicting the impact of recent government actions on citizen access to health insurance information online. This topic is explored using multivariate regression analysis and individual level data from the Internet and American Life Project. The findings suggest that healthcare needs and quality of Internet access may be playing a more important role in health insurance information services than other factors.

The role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in promoting respect for human rights

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (293) ◽  
pp. 139-149
Author(s):  
Peter Nobel
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
The World ◽  
Humanitarian Organization ◽  
Do So

As violations of human rights are a growing concern all over the world, and as the perpetrators are not only governments and their agents but all sorts of parties on many levels, it is essential for a major humanitarian organization like the Red Cross and Red Crescent to focus its efforts on counteracting this evil. If it fails to do so it might dangerously weaken its profile and, what is much worse, it will be deserting many of the most vulnerable groups and communities.

Vulnerability and capacity assessment in Europe

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (301) ◽  
pp. 333-339
Author(s):  
Lena Sallin
Keyword(s):  
Working Group ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Capacity Assessment ◽  
Work Plan ◽  
Regional Conference ◽  
Consistent Manner ◽  
The Hague ◽  
European Regional ◽  
Vulnerability And Capacity Assessment

The Swedish Red Cross initiative to organize a workshop to exchange experience on vulnerability and capacity assessment in Europe and discuss the feasibility of conducting the assessment in a consistent manner was sparked by the report of the Working Group on the Implementation of the Strategic Work Plan for Europe (formed at the Fourth European Regional Conference in The Hague, in May 1992), which recommends that the European National Societies proceed with identifying vulnerable groups in their respective countries and initiate a discussion on future cooperation on vulnerability and capacity assessment.

scholarly journals Measuring equity of access to health services in practice: test and application of existing measuring tools in eye health outreach camps in rural Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Trotignon ◽  
Iain Jones ◽  
Shaneez Saeed Ali ◽  
Ziporah Mugwang’a ◽  
Thomas Engels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Household Characteristics ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Equity Of Access ◽  
Eye Camps

Abstract Introduction: Equity in the access and use of health services is critical if countries are to make progress towards universal health coverage and address the systematic exclusion of the most vulnerable groups. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of existing wealth measurement tools and functional disability questions to assess if the Co-ordinated Approach To Community Health programme implemented by Sightsavers was successful in reaching the poorest population and people living with disabilities in Kasungu district, Malawi. Methods: Between April and September 2017, data on socio-economic status, household characteristics and functional disability were collected from patients attending at eye camps in Kasungu district, Malawi. Using asset-based tools to measure household wealth (EquityTool© and Simple Poverty Scorecard©) and the Washington Group Short Set of Questions, individuals were categorised by wealth quintiles, poverty status, and functional disability status and then compared to relevant representative national household surveys. A follow-up household survey was conducted to check the validity of self-reported household characteristics at eye camps. Results: A total of 1,358 individuals participated in the study. The study shows that self-reported data on household characteristics and assets are reliable and can be collected in clinical settings (instead of relying on direct observations of assets). Individuals attending outreach camps were poorer in terms of relative wealth and absolute poverty rates compared to the rest of the population in Kasungu. It was estimated that 9% of the participants belonged to the poorest quintile compared to 4% for the population in Kasungu (DHS 2015-2016). The ultra-poverty rate was also lower among respondents (13%) compared to 15% for Kasungu district (IHS 2017). The functional disability rate was 27.5% for study participants, and statistically higher than the general population (5.6%, SENTIF 2017). Conclusions: Our study shows that existing tools can be reliably used, and combined, if based on recent population data, to assess equity of access to health services for vulnerable groups of the population. The findings suggest that the programme was successful in reaching the poorest people of the Kasungu district population as well as those with disabilities through outreach camps. However, it is essential to use sub-national data (district or regional level) from recent surveys for the purpose of benchmarking in order to produce accurate results.

TRENDS

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1950 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-484
Keyword(s):  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Bcg Vaccination ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Tuberculin Testing ◽  
Joint Enterprise ◽  
Emergency Fund

A MONTH ago, in this column, we called attention briefly to a mass vaccination program which is being conducted on a global scale. Some of the early results are now appearing and carrying far-reaching significance in the universal fight against tuberculosis. The program began in the spring of 1947 when the Danish Red Cross started a demonstration of mass tuberculin testing and BCG vaccination in several European countries as a postwar measure against tuberculosis. A year later the Swedish Red Cross and the Norwegian Relief for Europe joined in the work, and in March 1948, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Danish Red Cross and its Scandinavian associates formed a new organization known as the Joint Enterprise. The WHO has given technical assistance to the program through its Expert Committee on Tuberculosis and through the Subcommittee on Tuberculin Testing and BCG vaccination. In February 1949, the WHO established in Copenhagen a Tuberculosis Research Office to study. tuberculosis on an international basis with special emphasis on problems connected with the BCG campaign. Dr. Carroll E. Palmer of the Division of Tuberculosis of the U.S.P.H.S. was appointed as Director of the Joint Enterprises. By the end of March 1950, a total of more than 24 million children and adolescents in 20 different countries were tuberculin tested and over 11 million of them vaccinated with BCG. National Health services and voluntary organizations cooperated under the Joint Enterprise in this International Tuberculosis Campaign. In Poland alone over 5,500,000 persons have been tuberculin tested and over 2,500,000 vaccinated with BCG. In Germany the number tested totaled over 4,300,000 and the number vaccinated over 1,500,000.

Absolute Poverty in Europe

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Civic Organizations ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Social Statistics ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Judicial Protection

This book examines absolute poverty in Europe, which is at the moment fairly neglected in academic and policy discourse. It opens with conceptual and methodological considerations that prepare the ground for an application of the concept of absolute poverty in the context of affluent societies and analyses shortcomings of social statistics as well as possibilities to include highly vulnerable groups. This includes thoughts on ethics of research in this particular field where people live under severe circumstances and research can make a difference. The book sheds light on crucial dimensions of deprivation and social exclusion of people in absolute poverty in affluent societies: access to health care, housing and nutrition, poverty related shame and violence. After conceptual and practical issues, the book investigates into different policy responses to absolute poverty in affluent societies from social policy concerns to civic organizations, e. g. food donations, and penalisation and “social cleansing” of highly visible poor. The book finally frames this discussion by profound ethical considerations and normative reasoning about absolute poverty and its alleviation, how it is related to concerns of justice/injustice as well as human dignity. Furthermore, it questions the power and importance of human rights and their judicial protection in regard of persons in absolute poverty.

scholarly journals Work participation trajectories in 1098748 Finns: determinants and the incidence of sickness absence

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Lallukka ◽  
E Kronholm ◽  
J Pekkala ◽  
S Jäppinen ◽  
J Blomgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Work Participation ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Paid Employment ◽  
Representative Cohort

Abstract Background Early exit from paid employment is a notable public health and societal challenge. Previous research has largely focused on the relationships among variables instead of the relationships among individuals with different work participation history. Person-oriented methods enable to identify latent groups of individuals who are likely to follow similar development in their work participation over time. We thus aimed to identify work participation trajectories during early and midlife careers and their social determinants. A further aim was to determine the cumulative incidence of sickness absence due to key diagnostic groups, mental disorders and musculoskeletal diseases within the trajectories. Methods Young (25-38 years at baseline, n = 495663) and midlife (39-52 years at baseline, n = 603085) Finnish people, working in 2004, were followed up through 2013, with registers of the Social Insurance Institution, and the Statistics Finland. The registers provided data for the outcome (work participation) and its determinants and sickness absence. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify trajectories. Results Three distinctive trajectories were identified: temporary exit, permanent exit, and continuously employed people. As compared to the other trajectories, those belonging to the permanent exit trajectory were more likely men, manual workers and had a lower income. The cumulative incidence of sickness absence due to mental disorders was highest in the permanent exit trajectory group. For musculoskeletal diseases, the cumulative incidence of sickness absence increased in the permanent exit trajectory mainly in the older age groups. Conclusions Distinct group-based trajectories of early work exit can be identified in a representative cohort of initially employed people. Focusing on the determinants of premature exit and early intervention to tackle increasing sickness absence may promote work participation particularly in the most vulnerable groups. Key messages Distinct trajectories of premature exit from paid employment can be identified in a nationally representative cohort of initially employed people from Finland. Focusing on the determinants and reasons of premature long-term labor market exit may help promote work participation particularly in the most vulnerable groups.

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