scholarly journals Cross-sectional survey to describe medicine use among Syrian asylum seekers and refugees in a German federal state: looking beyond infectious diseases

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e053044
Author(s):  
Saleh Aljadeeah ◽  
Veronika J Wirtz ◽  
Eckhard Nagel
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees

ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to describe medicine use and document self-reported diseases or conditions for which medicines were used among Syrian asylum seekers and refugees (AS&Rs) in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). We examined in this study differences in the use of medicines among different age and sex groups of the study participants.SettingFifteen different refugee shared accommodation centres in the greater Cologne area, a community centre with a language school and consultation office, and other places frequented by the Syrian community.ParticipantsSyrian AS&Rs registered in NRW and residing in the city of Cologne or surrounding areas.Primary outcome measuresThe prevalence of using at least one medicine in the 7 days preceding data collection, and the use of prescribed medicines and self-medication.ResultsOf the 1641 Syrian AS&Rs who took part in our study, the overall 7-day prevalence of medicine use was 34.9%. Among adults, headache and hypertension were the most common indications that led to medicine use. By dose, hypertension (954 doses) and diabetes (595 doses) were the first and second most frequent indication. Among children, fever and cough were the most common indication; ibuprofen and hederae helicis folium preparations were the most used medicines. Low prevalence was found of medicine use for the treatment of either infectious diseases or mental disorders.ConclusionAmong the Syrian AS&Rs in NRW who participated in the study, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were common presumed causes of use of medication among adults. We encourage future studies to pay more attention to NCDs medicine use among AS&Rs. Researchers should also consider reaching AS&Rs who live in private housing and not limit studies only to newly arrived AS&Rs who live in shared accommodation centres.

scholarly journals Barriers to Accessing Medicines among Syrian Asylum Seekers and Refugees in a German Federal State

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 519
Author(s):  
Saleh Aljadeeah ◽  
Veronika J. Wirtz ◽  
Eckhard Nagel
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Language Barriers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pork Products ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees

In Germany, asylum seekers and refugees (AS&Rs) face challenges when accessing healthcare services including medicines. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to accessing medicines among Syrian AS&Rs in the state of North Rheine-Westphalia, and to provide an understanding of their perspectives towards taking medicines that contain alcohol or pork products. This study is based on a cross-sectional survey using a combination of sampling methods. We used descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data. Participants’ answers to an open-ended question yielded qualitative data that were categorized based on the thematic areas they discussed or addressed. Among the 1641 respondents, language barriers had more of an effect on the access to medicines than any other factor studied. The effect of language barriers on access to medicines was more pronounced for female participants, those who were older than 50 years, and participants who had chronic diseases in comparison to the other groups of participants. Male participants and those younger than 50 years of age showed more acceptance towards taking medicines that contain alcohol or pork products. Based on our results, we recommend providing more support for AS&Rs to learn the German language, particularly for female refugees, older refugees, and those with chronic diseases or disabilities. We also recommend providing translated medical leaflets for patients who wish to receive them in their native language. Healthcare providers should try to consider the special conditions of AS&Rs patients and take into account their perspectives about treatments and diseases.

scholarly journals Health experiences of asylum seekers and refugees in Wales

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Scott ◽  
L Ellis ◽  
A Khanom ◽  
M Rhydderch ◽  
G Richardson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Experiences ◽  
Peer Researchers ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees

Abstract There are concerns that people seeking sanctuary (asylum seekers and refugees) in Wales, UK, have unmet health needs and face difficulties accessing services, but little collated evidence. This study addressed this gap to inform policy and practice in reducing health inequities. It aimed to: investigate the health, wellbeing and healthcare experiences of adults seeking sanctuary in Wales, including the views of healthcare recipients and providers; and establish what helped or hindered the healthcare experiences of those seeking sanctuary. It is the most comprehensive study of this population in Wales. A mixed-method approach was taken, including a literature search, a cross-sectional survey of 210 adults seeking sanctuary, telephone interviews with 32 health professionals and third sector support workers, and 8 focus groups including 57 people seeking sanctuary and those supporting them. Eight trained volunteer peer researchers, themselves asylum seekers or refugees, administered the surveys. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using a standard framework. The literature search identified 5 themes that help or hinder people seeking sanctuary to access healthcare. The survey found 79% of respondents attended an initial health assessment on arriving in Wales, with 94% currently registered with Primary healthcare. 64% reported difficulties in accessing health services. Awareness of services was mixed, with 66% having used healthcare in working hours (planned) and 28% out of hours (unplanned). Mainstream health professionals felt they lack capacity to deliver care effectively due to time and other pressures on the healthcare system and the need for appropriate translation/interpretation services. This study triangulates the experiences of people seeking sanctuary with those providing healthcare and general support. Peer researchers maximised sanctuary seekers’ participation. Many of its methods and findings have relevance to other countries in Europe. Key messages Improving health equity is key to realising Wales’ ambition to become a Nation of Sanctuary. Peer Researchers enabled participation by sanctuary seekers and revealed useful findings to steer future policy and practice.

scholarly journals Vaccination knowledge, attitudes and practices in patients with HIV: a cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Rousset ◽  
G Voglino ◽  
E Boietti ◽  
A Corradi ◽  
M R Gualano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Health System ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hiv Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contagion Risk ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Infectious diseases are more common and severe in patients with HIV, which show different response to vaccines and a diminished protection. It is therefore very important to assess knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination in people with HIV, since precise vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy are not well established in this subgroup of patients. Methods A sample of 119 patients with HIV completed a cross-sectional survey. Patients were recruited during their routine medical examination at the infectious diseases clinic in Turin. The survey explored these main areas: demographics and history of HIV infection, vaccination history, attitudes towards vaccination, confidence in the public health system, contagion risk and disease seriousness perception. In this preliminary phase descriptive analysis were conducted. Results Preliminary data show that mean age of the participants was 49.51 years, 80% were males. The median of HIV infection duration was 10 years, while the median of the lymphocyte count was 762.50 cells/mm3. The disease with the highest vaccination coverage was tetanus (88.7%), considered a serious or very serious disease by 85.6% of the participants, despite low or very low contagion risk perception (84.1%). The disease with the lowest vaccination coverage was Herpes Zoster (7.3%), despite high or very high seriousness perception (70%). Furthermore, 99.1% of the participants showed high or very high confidence toward public health system professionals, and the majority of them (59.5%) stated that vaccines are more useful for the community than for the single person. Conclusions Vaccination coverage is still not fully satisfactory regarding diseases considered infrequent or mild. Considering the high level of confidence toward the public health system that has emerged, it is necessary to implement informative and operative strategies about vaccination for European HIV patients, which are particularly at risk regarding infectious diseases. Key messages Vaccination coverage and risk perception in HIV patients is not satisfactory for many diseases and an effort to implement informative strategies in Europe is needed. The role of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases in HIV patients should be recognized and strengthened by relying on the high level of confidence toward European public health systems.

scholarly journals Infectious Diseases Training in Canada: One Size Does Not Fit All

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Craig Lee
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Career Counselling ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Of Calgary ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Outpatient Settings ◽  
The University

PURPOSE:To evaluate training in infectious diseases, determining which components of the training program best prepare residents for their career choices and where improvements are needed.METHOD:A cross-sectional survey was mailed to all 14 physicians who had graduated from both the Adult and Paediatric Infectious Diseases Training Program at the University of Calgary from 1985 to 1998. Responses about the adequacy of training were measured using a Likert-type scale and a qualitative questionnaire.RESULTS:Of 14 mailed questionnaires, nine responses were received (64%). Two-thirds of respondents were in an academic setting, and seven (78%) graduates obtained postfellowship training. The specialists in academic settings were all engaged in multiple nonclinical activities. The clinical and diagnostic microbiological components of training received the highest scores in terms of adequacy of training.CONCLUSION:Graduates of the University of Calgary training program indicated an overall satisfaction with their training. However, improvements are needed in career counselling, health administration, antibiotic utilization, infection prevention and specialized outpatient clinics. Potential strategies for addressing these issues include didactic lectures, enhanced exposure to clinical outpatient settings and provision of designated faculty mentors.

scholarly journals Universal PCR and antibody testing demonstrate little to no transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a rural community

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha Appa ◽  
Saki Takahashi ◽  
Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer ◽  
Gabriel Chamie ◽  
Aenor Sawyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Community ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural Town ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Prior Infection ◽  
Estimate Precision

Abstract Background Limited systematic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in the early months of the United States epidemic curtailed accurate appraisal of transmission intensity. Our objective was to perform case detection of an entire rural community to quantify SARS-CoV-2 transmission using PCR and antibody testing. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the rural town of Bolinas, California (population 1,620), four weeks following shelter-in-place orders. Participants were tested between April 20 th – 24 th, 2020. Prevalence by PCR and seroprevalence from two forms of antibody testing were performed in parallel (Abbott ARCHITECT IgG and in-house IgG ELISA). Results Of 1,891 participants, 1,312 were confirmed Bolinas residents (>80% community ascertainment). Zero participants were PCR positive. Assuming 80% sensitivity, it would have been unlikely to observe these results (p<0.05) if there were >3 active infections in the community. Based on antibody results, estimated prevalence of prior infection was 0.16% (95% CrI: 0.02%, 0.46%). The positive predictive value (PPV) of a positive result on both tests was 99.11% (95% CrI: 95.75%, 99.94%), compared to PPV 44.19%-63.32% (95% CrI range 3.25%-98.64%) if one test was utilized. Conclusions Four weeks following shelter-in-place, SARS-CoV-2 infection in a rural Northern California community was extremely rare. In this low prevalence setting, use of two antibody tests increased seroprevalence estimate precision. This was one of the first community-wide studies to successfully implement synchronous PCR and antibody testing, particularly in a rural setting. Widespread testing remains an underpinning of effective disease control in conjunction with consistent uptake of public health measures.

scholarly journals Fathering Agency Staff Members’ Perspectives on Domestic Violence Perpetration

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56
Author(s):  
Peter F. Cronholm ◽  
Willie Ellison ◽  
Silvana Mazzella ◽  
Marcy Witherspoon ◽  
Joy Bowman Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Agency Staff ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Violence Perpetration ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Routine Inquiry

Purpose: To describe the perspectives of fathering staff regarding domestic violence (DV) perpetration. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey of 85 fathering staff members was conducted to identify behaviors and barriers regarding inquiry about DV perpetration. Results: Almost half (47.1%) of the surveyed staff reported never having identified DV perpetration. Routine inquiry was less likely if staff perceived low prevalence rates among their clients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.11, p = .001), did not have standard ways of asking (OR = 0.11, p < .001), or if they had never identified family violence before (OR = 0.07, p < .001). Increased years as a provider (OR = 6.62, p = .001) and DV training (OR = 7.29, p = .003) increased rates of DV perpetration inquiry. Conclusions: Staff of fathering agencies do not routinely screen for DV perpetration likely due to the interplay between individual and agency-level barriers. Appropriate training interventions can address identified barriers.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 753-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália Gazzoni Scaraveli ◽  
Ana Maria Passos ◽  
Andréia Royer Voigt ◽  
Andréa do Livramento ◽  
Gabriela Tonial ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immunosorbant Assay ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
The City

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.

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