Experience of non-breastfeeding mothers

Background: Breastfeeding is currently strongly recommended by midwives and paediatricians, and the recommendations are based on documents provided by the World Health Organization and public health authorities worldwide. Research question: The underlying question is, how are non-breastfeeding mothers affected emotionally when informed that breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest option? Research design: The method used is an anonymous web-based qualitative survey exploring the narratives of non-breastfeeding mothers, published on Thesistools.com . The aim is to achieve qualitative knowledge about the emotions of non-breastfeeding mothers. Participants and research context: Participants were based in Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and were selected through a purposeful sample. Ethical considerations: The online survey anonymizes responses automatically, and all respondents had to tick a box agreeing to be quoted anonymously in scientific articles. The study conforms to research ethics guidelines. Findings: Respondents describe how they were affected, and the following themes emerged in studying their descriptions: depression, anxiety and pain, feeling failed as a mother and woman, loss of freedom/feeling trapped, relief and guilt. Discussion: The themes are discussed against the background of the ethics of care and a theory of ethically responsible risk communication. Conclusion: Three conclusions are made. First, the message should become more empathetic. Second, information should be given in an attentive dialogue. Third, information providers should evaluate effects in a more inclusive way.

Download Full-text

Covid-19-induced fear in infoveillance studies: a meta-analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21156 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Styliani Geronikolou ◽

George Chrousos

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

World Health ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Prophylactic Measures ◽

The Social ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

UNSTRUCTURED The World Health Organization named the phenomenon of misinformation spread through the social media “infodemics”, and recognized the need to curb it. Misinformation infodemics undermine not only population safety, but also compliance to the suggestions/prophylactic measures recommended in pandemics. The aim of this study was to review the impact of social media on general population fear in “infoveillance” studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. PRISMA protocol was followed and six out of twenty studies were retrieved, meta-analyzed, and had their findings presented in the form of a Forest plot. The summary random and significant event rate was 0.298, 95% CI respectively 0.213 and 0.400, suggesting that social media-circulated misinformation related to COVID-19 triggered public fear and other manifestations. These findings merit special attention by public health authorities. Thus, “infodemiology” and Infoveillance are valid tools in the hands of epidemiologists to help prevent dissemination of false information, with potentially damaging effects.

Download Full-text

Saliva as a Potential Diagnostic Tool for SARS–CoV-2

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.14260/jemds/2021/415 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (27) ◽

pp. 2029-2033

Author(s):

Aakriti Khemka ◽

Manpreet Arora ◽

Aparna Dave ◽

Pulin Saluja ◽

Radhika Rai

Keyword(s):

Health Sector ◽

World Health ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Antibody Testing ◽

Diagnostic Modality ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization

BACKGROUND COVID 19 has been labelled as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The sudden rise in death toll and devastation associated with it has put the entire infrastructure, economy and health sector to test. The only way for the prevention and control of this infectious disease is rapid and accurate screening of masses. Public Health Authorities mainly use antibody testing in hot spots using a mix of RT-PCR and antibody testing nasopharyngeal and orpharyngeal swabs. Considering the potential risk factors, constraints of time, cost and manpower, mass screening for COVID is not possible through nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs alone. Hence, to search an alternate method to diagnose for the initial screening of patients is the need of the hour globally. Saliva can also be used as one of the diagnostic modalities for coronavirus, helping in the rapid testing of individuals at home or at hospital. The article intends to explain the evidence regarding the reliability of saliva as a diagnostic specimen in COVID-19 patients and demonstrates the association and potential of detecting novel coronavirus in saliva of patients and how its implication in future can aid in diagnosis as a non - invasive diagnostic modality. KEY WORDS COVID 19, Throat Swab, Nasopharyngeal Swab, Saliva, Diagnostic Fluid

Download Full-text

The Polio Epidemic in Israel, 1949-1956

Iyunim, Multidisciplinary Studies in Israeli and Modern Jewish Society ◽

10.51854/bguy-34a107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 ◽

pp. 172-199

Author(s):

Dorit Weiss

Keyword(s):

Healthcare System ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

World Health ◽

Monitoring Systems ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Mass Vaccination Campaign ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Health Organization ◽

Alternative Solutions ◽

State Of Israel

The polio epidemic broke out in Israel in July 1949, soon after the establishment of the State and during a period of mass immigration. The fledgling Ministry of Health was in the stage of creating the medical system and infrastructure and was still in the process of formulating policy. The new State of Israel now faced a complex, multifaceted challenge, at a time when it was vigorously seeking acceptance and recognition of its standing in the UN and the World Health Organization (WHO). The healthcare system battled the epidemic for over four years. In view of the severity of the situation and the lack of alternative solutions, the heads of the healthcare system adopted their own independent policy. Demonstrating professional courage, they undertook the manufacture of vaccines and initiated a mass vaccination campaign. Israel’s handling of the epidemic boosted the country’s standing and reputation among medical professionals worldwide and in the WHO. In addition to laboratories for producing vaccines, Israel developed treatment, rehabilitation and monitoring systems. The impressive response of the Israeli public health authorities to the epidemic established its position among the leading countries worldwide in the field of preventive medicine.

Download Full-text

Virology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Control of COVID-19

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v12040372 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 372 ◽

Cited By ~ 272

Author(s):

Yuefei Jin ◽

Haiyan Yang ◽

Wangquan Ji ◽

Weidong Wu ◽

Shuaiyin Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

World Health ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Current State ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Health Organization ◽

And Control ◽

Present Understanding

The outbreak of emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) in China has been brought to global attention and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Scientific advancements since the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002~2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012 have accelerated our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and the development of therapeutics to treat viral infection. As no specific therapeutics and vaccines are available for disease control, the epidemic of COVID-19 is posing a great threat for global public health. To provide a comprehensive summary to public health authorities and potential readers worldwide, we detail the present understanding of COVID-19 and introduce the current state of development of measures in this review.

Download Full-text

Thailand’s national alcohol survey as a policy monitoring tool

Drugs and Alcohol Today ◽

10.1108/dat-06-2017-0027 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 250-257 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Udomsak Saengow

Keyword(s):

Drinking Behavior ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Population Based ◽

World Health ◽

Content Type ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Health Organization ◽

English Articles ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess to what extent the Smoking and Alcohol Drinking Behavior Survey (SADBeS), the national alcohol survey, could be used in monitoring goals and cost-effective measures suggested by the National Alcohol Strategy (NAS) issued by public health authorities in 2010. Design/methodology/approach The NAS was reviewed. Strategies, measures, and corresponding indicators were extracted. Questionnaire items used in the 2014 SADBeS were assessed in comparison with those indicators. Findings Four primary indicators indicate overall success of the NAS. In all, 6 out of 15 measures were in accordance with best-buy or good-buy policies – cost-effective policies suggested by the World Health Organization. After excluding indicators unlikely to be obtained from population-based surveys, the SADBeS could be used in monitoring 5 out of 14 indicators corresponding to best-buy or good-buy measures. Of 103 questionnaire items, 26.2 percent of items could be used to monitor primary indicators of the NAS; 34.0 percent could be used to estimate indicators corresponding to best-buy or good-buy measures. Overall, only 35.0 percent of questionnaire items provided useful information for monitoring primary indicators and cost-effective measures suggested in the NAS. Practical implications The SADBeS questionnaire items should be added or replaced to cover feasibly obtained indicators corresponding to best-buy or good-buy policies in the next wave of the survey. Originality/value This is the first study addressing the compatibility between the national strategy and the national alcohol survey. It also includes the overview of Thailand’s alcohol strategy, which is, to the author’s knowledge, never presented in any English articles.

Download Full-text

Breastfeeding Experiences During the COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Kingdom: An Exploratory Study Into Maternal Opinions and Emotional States

Journal of Human Lactation ◽

10.1177/08903344211026565 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089033442110265

Author(s):

Cristina Costantini ◽

Anna Joyce ◽

Yolanda Britez

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

World Health ◽

Breastfeeding Duration ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Emotional States ◽

Number Of Children ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Breastfeeding Practices ◽

Patient Health ◽

Health Organization

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted upon people’s psychological and physical wellbeing; however, the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on mothers of young children, with particular regard to breastfeeding, are unknown. Research Aims To explore: (1) Sources of advice and support available to breastfeeding mothers during and prior to the COVID-19 lockdown; (2) Mothers’ opinions on statements and recommendations made by the World Health Organization on the importance of breastfeeding and breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) Maternal emotional states (i.e., anxiety and depression symptoms) experienced by breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown; and (4) influence of breastfeeding duration and number of children on breastfeeding opinions and emotional states. Methods Mothers of children aged 0–36 months ( N = 4018) took part in an online survey. The survey included demographic questions, as well as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Mothers were further probed on opinions regarding breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Participants strongly agreed with the importance of breastfeeding, even if a mother showed symptoms of COVID-19. Differences in opinions on breastfeeding practices (e.g., the use of donor human milk and relactation), were found between participants in relation to breastfeeding duration and number of children. Participants with more than one child showed higher negative emotional states, namely anxiety symptoms. Except for Internet usage, participants indicated a decline in all sources of advice and support for breastfeeding during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions Health bodies and professionals should consider maternal viewpoints and opinions regarding breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are urgently needed in order to support breastfeeding mothers and prevent the development of mental health issues.

Download Full-text

Levels of Salt in Romanian Food in 2009

Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Agriculture ◽

10.15835/buasvmcn-agr:5202 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Corina Aurelia ZUGRAVU ◽

Monica PARVU ◽

Monica TARCEA ◽

Daniela PATRASCU ◽

Anca STOIAN

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Salt Content ◽

World Health ◽

Processed Food ◽

Huge Number ◽

The Public ◽

Health Authorities ◽

The World ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Health Organization

Salt is the oldest preservative used for food. But the excessive consume of salt is at the origin of blood hypertension, a problem responsible for a huge number of human diseases and deaths. As a consequence, the level of salt added in processed food has to diminish progressively. At the end of 2009, the Public Health Authorities from 29 Romanian counties reported results from the salt analysis of 1321 samples of different foods. The highest levels of salt were found in “telemea” cheese and the significant salt content in other widely consumed food underlined the necessity for a joined effort in order to bring down salt and to comply with the World Health Organization target

Download Full-text

The Comprehensive Appraisal of COVID-19: Its’ Clinical Panorama from Virology till Management and Beyond

Coronaviruses ◽

10.2174/2666796701999200701132336 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 57-72

Author(s):

Iftikhar Haider Naqvi ◽

Saiyeda Nayema Zehra Rizvi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Treatment Options ◽

World Health ◽

Health Authorities ◽

The World ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Public Health Challenge ◽

Uncertain Future ◽

Health Organization

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, caused by SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19), was first reported in China, and has laid the entire globe at a standstill, with an uncertain future, and a possible economic disaster. The World Health Organization (WHO), on March 11th 2020, avowed COVID-19 a pandemic considering its global pervasiveness. The multi-dimensional challenges include the combat with present available treatment options while simultaneously hastening scientific research for the development of definitive therapeutics and vaccine for this pandemic. The research advancement related to earlier epidemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) by the same coronavirus family provides the understanding of basic and clinical virology, pathogenesis and therapeutics of SARS-CoV-2. The dearth of definitive therapeutics and vaccine renders COVID-19 pandemic a public health challenge globally. This comprehensive review of virology, pathogenesis, and management will abet quarters of public health authorities and medical fraternity to better understand COVID-19.

Download Full-text

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Taiwan: An Facebook Online study on Concern/Fear Regarding the Disease and General Anxiety and Relevant Factors (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21165 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Peng-Wei Wang ◽

Wei-Hsin Lu ◽

Yi-Lung Chen ◽

Dian-Jeng Li ◽

Yu-Ping Chang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Health Resources ◽

World Health ◽

Regional Government ◽

General Anxiety ◽

Self Confidence ◽

Health Organization

BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a ‘public health emergency of international concern. Both worry and anxiety are the common psychological impact during the pandemic. The level of and determinants for worry and anxiety during COVID-19 are not well explored. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to explore the associations of demographic and environmental factors with worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety among people in Taiwan. METHODS In total, 1970 respondents were recruited through a Facebook advertisement and completed an online survey on worry toward COVID-19, general anxiety during the pandemic, and individual and environmental factors. RESULTS In total, 51.7% and 43.4% of respondents reported high levels of worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety, respectively. Worse self-rated mental health, lower self-confidence in COVID-19 management, and insufficient mental health resources were significantly associated with high levels of both worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety. Lower perceived confidence in COVID-19 management by the regional government was significantly associated with a higher level of worry toward COVID-19. Lower perceived social support was significantly associated with a higher level of general anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that high levels of worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety were prevalent during the disease outbreak. Multiple individual and environmental factors related to worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety were identified. CLINICALTRIAL

Download Full-text

Influenza vaccination during pregnancy and influencing factors in Korea: A multicenter questionnaire study of pregnant women and obstetrics and gynecology doctors

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03984-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Byung Soo Kang ◽

San Ha Lee ◽

Woo Jeng Kim ◽

Jeong Ha Wie ◽

In Yang Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

World Health ◽

Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽

Health Authorities ◽

The Government ◽

Vaccine Information ◽

Health Organization ◽

Maternal Influenza

Abstract Background Although the World Health Organization and health authorities in most countries recommend that pregnant women receive inactivated influenza virus vaccines, coverage remains low. This study aimed to investigate (1) the proportion of pregnant women who received an influenza vaccination and influencing factors and (2) the proportion of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) doctors who routinely recommend influenza vaccination to pregnant women and influencing factors. Methods Two separate, anonymized questionnaires were developed for physicians and pregnant and postpartum women and were distributed to multicenters and clinics in South Korea. The proportions of women who received influenza vaccination during pregnancy and OBGYN doctors who routinely recommend the influenza vaccine to pregnant women were analyzed. Independent influencing factors for both maternal influenza vaccination and OBGYN doctors’ routine recommendations to pregnant women were analyzed using log-binomial regression analysis. Results The proportion of self-reported influenza vaccination during pregnancy among 522 women was 63.2%. Pregnancy-related independent factors influencing maternal influenza vaccination were “(ever) received information about influenza vaccination during pregnancy” (OR 8.9, 95% CI 4.17–19.01), “received vaccine information about from OBGYN doctors” (OR 11.44, 95% CI 5.46–24.00), “information obtained from other sources” (OR 4.38, 95% CI 2.01–9.55), and “second/third trimester” (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.21–4.82).. Among 372 OBGYN doctors, 76.9% routinely recommended vaccination for pregnant women. Independent factors effecting routine recommendation were “working at a private clinic or hospital” (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.44–11.65), “awareness of KCDC guidelines” (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.11–8.73), and “awareness of the 2019 national free influenza vaccination program for pregnant women” (OR 4.88, 95% CI 2.34–10.17). OBGYN doctors most commonly chose ‘guidelines proposed by the government or public health (108, 46%) and academic committees (59, 25%), as a factor which expect to affect the future recommendation Conclusion This study showed that providing information about maternal influenza vaccination, especially by OBGYN doctors, is crucial for increasing vaccination coverage in pregnant women. Closer cooperation between the government and OBGYN academic societies to educate OBGYN doctors might enhance routine recommendations.

Download Full-text