scholarly journals Policy Literacy, Barriers, and Gender Impact on Accessibility to Healthcare Services under Compulsory Migrant Health Insurance among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sa Hlyan Htet Naing ◽  
Sang-Arun Isaramalai ◽  
Phen Sukmag
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Migrant Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Gender

Accessibility to health service and experience of healthcare are important factors for public health policymaking. The current study aimed to describe the status of accessibility and barriers to getting care as well as policy literacy among Myanmar migrant workers and ultimately to identify the predictors of accessibility to healthcare services among this population through Thailand’s Compulsory Migrant Health Insurance (CMHI). A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 240 Myanmar migrant workers who were 18 years or older, resided in Songkhla Province, and had Compulsory Migrant Health Insurance. The instrument was a set of questionnaires consisting of a Personal Data Form, Policy Literacy Questionnaire, Barriers to Get Care Questionnaire, and Accessibility to Healthcare Services Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. The majority of participants had a high level of policy literacy (36.3%), barriers to get care (34.2%), and accessibility to health care services (35.8%). Policy literacy (β = 0.35, p < 0.001 ), barriers to get care (β = −0.32, p < 0.001 ), and gender ( p < 0.001 ) were significant predictors of accessibility to healthcare services and could explain 43.2% of the total variance. To increase the accessibility to healthcare services among migrant workers with Compulsory Migrant Health Insurance, public health policymakers are recommended to cooperate more with healthcare staff and the workers’ employers to enhance the distribution of information about the health insurance to decrease barriers to get care.

scholarly journals Examining Australian’s beliefs, misconceptions and sources of information for COVID-19: a national online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e043421
Author(s):  
Rae Thomas ◽  
Hannah Greenwood ◽  
Zoe A Michaleff ◽  
Eman Abukmail ◽  
Tammy C Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Commercial Television ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Public Health Strategies

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.

scholarly journals Factors Related to Health Risk Communication Outcomes among Migrant Workers in Thailand during COVID-19: A Case Study of Three Provinces

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11474
Author(s):  
Ratchadaporn Papwijitsil ◽  
Hathairat Kosiyaporn ◽  
Pigunkaew Sinam ◽  
Mathudara Phaiyarom ◽  
Sataporn Julchoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Preventive Practices

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging infectious disease, and risk communication is one of several public health emergency responses. During the pandemic, many migrant workers in Thailand experienced barriers that hamper access to health information. This study aims to explore factors related to the outcomes of health risk communication, including awareness of public health measures and preventive practices. We conducted a cross-sectional survey on migrants between January and April 2021 using cluster sampling in Phuket, Ranong, and Samut Sakhon. In the descriptive analysis, we presented the median, proportion, and ratio, while in the inferential analysis, we employed a logistic regression with robust standard errors. Although a total of 303 participants were initially included in this study, the final number was narrowed down to 288 samples due to insufficient information required for the analysis. Frequent reception of health information and primary school education showed a statistically significant association with preventive practices. Middle-aged migrant workers demonstrated a significantly lower level of preventive practices than younger migrant workers. A longer stay in Thailand was significantly related to a lower degree of awareness toward public health measures. Thus, it is necessary to promote the accessibility of health information among migrant workers in Thailand, especially those who have lived in Thailand for more than eight years, are older, and have no formal education.

scholarly journals Parental Hesitancy and Concerns around Accessing Paediatric Unscheduled Healthcare during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9264
Author(s):  
Emma Nicholson ◽  
Thérèse McDonnell ◽  
Ciara Conlon ◽  
Michael Barrett ◽  
Fergal Cummins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Relative Risk Ratio ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Severe Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government

A decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations has been reported during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study sought to understand parents’ hesitancy and concerns around accessing healthcare during the pandemic using a cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 (N = 1044) in Ireland. Multinomial and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. In total, 34% of participants stated that their child required healthcare during the pandemic, of whom 22% decided against seeking healthcare. Parents who reported being much more hesitant about accessing healthcare were more likely to report mild–moderate (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 2.31, CI: 1.54–3.47) and severe–extremely severe stress (RRR: 3.37, CI: 1.81–6.27). Parents who understood government advice to mean avoiding health services were more likely to be hesitant to attend (RRR: 1.71, CI; 1.10–2.67). These effects held when restrictions were beginning to be lifted. Higher levels of stress were associated with a parent believing that the government advice meant that they should not attend health services (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.14–2.41). Public health messaging must ensure parents are reassured on the accessibility and safety of paediatric healthcare services as this public health emergency continues.

scholarly journals Understanding the problem of access to public health insurance schemes among cross-border migrants in Thailand through systems thinking

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Watinee Kunpeuk ◽  
Pard Teekasap ◽  
Hathairat Kosiyaporn ◽  
Sataporn Julchoo ◽  
Mathudara Phaiyarom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Migrant Health ◽  
Public Health Insurance ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background The migrant health agenda in Thailand has been shaped by domestic and international pressures relating to social and economic dimensions. Thailand has become a popular destination for international migrant workers particularly from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. However, only a fraction of these migrant workers were insured by public health insurance. This study aimed to apply systems thinking to explore contextual factors affecting access to public health insurance arrangements among cross-border migrants in Thailand. Methods A group model building (GMB) was applied to explore contextual factors and their interplay influencing access to health insurance for migrants in Thailand. Participants (n = 20) were encouraged to share ideas about underlying drivers and barriers of access to health insurance among migrants. Triangulation was performed with the document review. The findings were analysed by a thematic approach. The causal loop diagramme (CLD) and stock and flow diagramme (SFD) were synthesised to identify the dynamics relating to access to migrant health insurance. Results Nationality verification was recognised as one of the most important mechanisms that the Thai government exercises to deal with the precarious citizenship status of undocumented migrants. Also, it is the key function that links economic necessity, national security, and public health concerns. In the formal sector, the government plays an important role in the enrollment of migrant workers in the Social Security Scheme (SSS) run by the Ministry of Labour (MOL). In the informal sector, the Health Insurance Card Scheme (HICS) managed by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is the key option for migrant workers. However, some migrants are still left uninsured. The likely explanations are the semi-voluntary nature of the HICS, administrative delay of the enrollment process, and the resistance of some employers to hiring migrants. Conclusions Effective communication is required to raise awareness and acceptance towards the insurance among migrants and their employers. This needs cohesive effort from all stakeholders in society including the government, the business sector, civic groups, and even migrant communities. A public policy participatory process is needed to create a good balance of migrant policies among diverse authorities.

scholarly journals Concerns and Misconceptions About the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe App: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

10.2196/23081 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. e23081
Author(s):  
Rae Thomas ◽  
Zoe A Michaleff ◽  
Hannah Greenwood ◽  
Eman Abukmail ◽  
Paul Glasziou
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Do So

Background Timely and effective contact tracing is an essential public health measure for curbing the transmission of COVID-19. App-based contact tracing has the potential to optimize the resources of overstretched public health departments. However, its efficiency is dependent on widespread adoption. Objective This study aimed to investigate the uptake of the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app among Australians and examine the reasons why some Australians have not downloaded the app. Methods An online national survey, with representative quotas for age and gender, was conducted between May 8 and May 11, 2020. Participants were excluded if they were a health care professional or had been tested for COVID-19. Results Of the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 (16.0%) were excluded prior to completing the survey, 13 (0.7%) declined, and 1500 (83.2%) participated in the survey. Of the 1500 survey participants, 37.3% (n=560) had downloaded the COVIDSafe app, 18.7% (n=280) intended to do so, 27.7% (n=416) refused to do so, and 16.3% (n=244) were undecided. Equally proportioned reasons for not downloading the app included privacy (165/660, 25.0%) and technical concerns (159/660, 24.1%). Other reasons included the belief that social distancing was sufficient and the app was unnecessary (111/660, 16.8%), distrust in the government (73/660, 11.1%), and other miscellaneous responses (eg, apathy and following the decisions of others) (73/660, 11.1%). In addition, knowledge about COVIDSafe varied among participants, as some were confused about its purpose and capabilities. Conclusions For the COVIDSafe app to be accepted by the public and used correctly, public health messages need to address the concerns of citizens, specifically privacy, data storage, and technical capabilities. Understanding the specific barriers preventing the uptake of contact tracing apps provides the opportunity to design targeted communication strategies aimed at strengthening public health initiatives, such as downloading and correctly using contact tracing apps.

scholarly journals Concerns and Misconceptions About the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe App: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rae Thomas ◽  
Zoe A Michaleff ◽  
Hannah Greenwood ◽  
Eman Abukmail ◽  
Paul Glasziou
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Do So

BACKGROUND Timely and effective contact tracing is an essential public health measure for curbing the transmission of COVID-19. App-based contact tracing has the potential to optimize the resources of overstretched public health departments. However, its efficiency is dependent on widespread adoption. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the uptake of the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app among Australians and examine the reasons why some Australians have not downloaded the app. METHODS An online national survey, with representative quotas for age and gender, was conducted between May 8 and May 11, 2020. Participants were excluded if they were a health care professional or had been tested for COVID-19. RESULTS Of the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 (16.0%) were excluded prior to completing the survey, 13 (0.7%) declined, and 1500 (83.2%) participated in the survey. Of the 1500 survey participants, 37.3% (n=560) had downloaded the COVIDSafe app, 18.7% (n=280) intended to do so, 27.7% (n=416) refused to do so, and 16.3% (n=244) were undecided. Equally proportioned reasons for not downloading the app included privacy (165/660, 25.0%) and technical concerns (159/660, 24.1%). Other reasons included the belief that social distancing was sufficient and the app was unnecessary (111/660, 16.8%), distrust in the government (73/660, 11.1%), and other miscellaneous responses (eg, apathy and following the decisions of others) (73/660, 11.1%). In addition, knowledge about COVIDSafe varied among participants, as some were confused about its purpose and capabilities. CONCLUSIONS For the COVIDSafe app to be accepted by the public and used correctly, public health messages need to address the concerns of citizens, specifically privacy, data storage, and technical capabilities. Understanding the specific barriers preventing the uptake of contact tracing apps provides the opportunity to design targeted communication strategies aimed at strengthening public health initiatives, such as downloading and correctly using contact tracing apps.

scholarly journals Effects of a Temporary Suspension of Community-based Health Insurance in Kwara State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oladimeji Akeem Bolarinwa ◽  
Tanimola Makanjuola Akande ◽  
Wendy Janssens ◽  
Kwasi Boahene ◽  
Tobias Rinke de Wit
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Social Health Insurance ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Financial Protection ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Quality Health Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Healthcare Facilities

Abstract Background: Social health insurance has been widely proposed as a key strategy to improve access to healthcare and provide financial protection. The Kwara Community Health Insurance Programme (KCHIP) in Nigeria was temporarily suspended in 2016 in anticipation of the roll-out of a state-wide health insurance scheme. This article reports the adverse consequences of the scheme’s suspension on enrollees’ healthcare utilization and the associated factors with the ability to pay for care. Methods: A mixed-methods study was carried out in Kwara State, Nigeria, in 2018 using a semi-quantitative cross-sectional survey amongst 600 former KCHIP clients, and in-depth interviews with 24 clients and 29 participating public and private healthcare providers in the program. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically.Results: Most of former enrollees (95.3%) kept utilizing programme facilities after the suspension, mainly because of the high quality of care. However, majority of the enrollees (95.8%) reverted to out-of-pocket (OOP) payment while 67% reported constraints in payment for healthcare services after suspension of the program. In the absence of insurance, the most common coping mechanisms for healthcare payment were personal savings (63.3%), donations from friends and families (34.7%) and loans (11.8%). Being a male enrollee (OR=1.61), living in a rural community (OR=1.77), exclusive usage of KCHIP prior to suspension (OR=1.94) and suffering an acute illness (OR=3.38) increased the odds of being financially constrained in accessing healthcare. Expectedly, the wealthy respondents were less likely (OR = 0.78) to be constrained by the suspension of the programme. All healthcare facilities in the study sample experienced a reduced patient load after suspension of the scheme. Seventeen of 29 healthcare facilities recorded a decrease in revenue, more noticeable among private facilities. Conclusion: After the suspension of the KCHIP, many enrollees and health facilities experienced financial constraints. These underscore the importance of sustainable health insurance schemes as a risk-pooling mechanism to sustain access to good quality health care and financial protection from catastrophic health expenditures. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of effective processes to smooth the transition policy from community- to state-wide health insurance schemes.

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