scholarly journals Evaluating hospital websites in Kuwait to improve consumer engagement and access to health information: a cross-sectional analytical study

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dari Alhuwail ◽  
Zainab AlMeraj ◽  
Fatima Boujarwah
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dari Alhuwail ◽  
Zainab AlMeraj ◽  
Fatima Boujarwah

BACKGROUND Current advances in information and communication technology have made accessing and obtaining health-related information easier than ever before. Today, many hospital websites use a patient-centric approach to promote engagement and encourage learning for better health-related decision making. However, little is known about the current state of hospital websites in the State of Kuwait. OBJECTIVE This study aims to thoroughly evaluate hospital websites in Kuwait and offer recommendations to improve consumer engagement and access to health information. METHODS This study employs a cross-sectional analytical approach to evalu- ate hospital websites in Kuwait in 2017. The websites of hospitals that provide in-patient services were identified through a structured search. Only active websites that were available in either English or Arabic were considered. The evaluation of the websites involved a combination of automated and expert- based evaluation methods and was performed across four dimensions: Accessibility, usability, presence, and content. RESULTS Nine hospitals met the inclusion criteria. Most of the websites fell short in all four dimensions. None of the websites passed the accessibility guidelines. The usability of websites varied between hospitals. Overall, the majority of hospitals in Kuwait have rudimentary online presences and their websites require careful reassessment with respect to design, content, and user experience. The websites focus primarily on promoting services provided by the hospital rather than engaging and communicating with patients or providing evidence-based information CONCLUSIONS Healthcare organization and website developers should follow best-practices to improve their websites taking into consideration the quality, readability, objectivity, coverage and currency of the information as well as the design of their websites. Hospitals should leverage social media to gain outreach and better engagement with consumers. The websites should be offered in additional languages commonly spoken by people living in Kuwait. Efforts should be made to ensure that health information on hospital websites are evidence-based and checked by healthcare professionals.


2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 295-327
Author(s):  
Isabella Martelleto Teixeira De Paula ◽  
Maria Hellena Ferreira Brasil Ferreira Brasil ◽  
Patrícia da Silva Araújo ◽  
Wynne Pereira Nogueira ◽  
Gabriela Silva Esteves de Hollanda ◽  
...  

Introduction: The riparians population is considered vulnerable to Sexually Transmitted Infections due to restrictions related to access to health, information and education.Objective: To analyze the prevalence of self-reported Sexually Transmitted Infections among the riparians population and associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors.Material and Method: Cross-sectional, analytical study, conducted with 250 riparians dwellers from João Pessoa, Paraiba state, from June to October 2019. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under opinion number 3,340,273.Results: The prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections was 20.8%. Male ribs (OR=3.27; CI95%:1.74-6.15), who reported sexual intercourse with sex workers (OR=6.54; CI95%:3.05-14.0) and illicit drug use (OR 2.13; CI95%:1.10-4.13) were more likely to develop sexually transmitted infection.Conclusions: High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and presence of risk behaviors among riparians. Screening, early diagnosis and health education is essential for discontinuation of the transmission chain. Introducción: La población ribereña se considera vulnerable a las infecciones de transmisión sexual debido a cambios relacionados con el acceso a la salud, la información y la educación.Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual autoinformadas en una población ribereña y los factores sociodemográficos y conductuales asociados.Material y Método: Estudio transversal, analítico, realizado con 250 habitantes ribereños de João Pessoa, en el estado de Paraíba, de junio a octubre de 2019. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas mediante un cuestionario estructurado. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación con el dictamen número 3.340.273.Resultados: La prevalencia de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual fue de 20,8%. Hombres habitantes de la ribera (OR = 3,27; IC del 95%: 1,74-6,15), que informaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales con una trabajadora sexual (OR = 6,54; IC del 95%: 3,05-14,0) y uso de drogas ilícitas (OR 2,13; IC del 95%: 1.10-4.13) disipación mayores posibilidades de desarrollar una infección de transmisión sexual.Conclusiones: Alta prevalencia de riesgo de transmisión sexual y presencia de tendencia de riesgo entre los habitantes de las riberas. El cribado, el diagnóstico precoz y la educación sanitaria son fundamentales para interrumpir la transmisión. Introdução: A população ribeirinha é considerada vulnerável às Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis devido às restrições relacionadas ao acesso à saúde, informação e educação.Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis autorreferidas entre a população ribeirinha e fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados. Material e Método: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com 250 ribeirinhos de João Pessoa, no estado da Paraíba, no período de junho a outubro de 2019. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista com a utilização de questionário estruturado. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa sob número de parecer 3.340.273.Resultados: A prevalência de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis foi de 20,8%. Ribeirinhos do sexo masculino (OR=3,27;IC95%: 1,74-6,15), que relataram relação sexual com profissional do sexo (OR=6,54;IC95%:3,05-14,0) e uso de droga ilícita (OR 2,13; IC95%: 1,10-4,13) apresentaram maiores chances de desenvolver alguma infecção sexualmente transmissível. Conclusões: Alta prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e presença de comportamentos de risco entre os ribeirinhos. Rastreio, diagnóstico precoce e educação em saúde é fundamental para descontinuação da cadeia de transmissão.


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49
Author(s):  
Beatriz Bertolaccini Martínez ◽  
Fernanda Marcelino Da Silva ◽  
Vinícius Tavares Veiga ◽  
Rodrigo Pereira Custódio ◽  
José Vítor Da Silva

Introdução: A pobreza influencia na evolução dos pacientes com doenças crônicas, porque contribui para o seu agravamento e dificulta o acesso à assistência médica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos relacionados à desigualdade social de pacientes em hemodiálise. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 123 pacientes em hemodiálise no Hospital Samuel Libânio – Pouso Alegre, MG, divididos, de acordo com a classe econômica, em 3 grupos: AB (n=23), C (n=60) e DE (n=40),. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e econômicos, antecedentes clínicos e informações sobre o acesso a serviços de saúde. Para a análise dos resultados, foi utilizada estatística analítica e descritiva. Adotou-se p £ 0,05. Resultados: O grupo AB apresentou um menor número de pacientes jovens (4,3% em AB vs 40% em C e 25% em DE, p < 0,05), um maior número de indivíduos com mais anos de escolaridade (65,3% em AB vs 18,3% em C e 2,5% em DE; p < 0,05), predomínio de pacientes com menos de um ano em tratamento de hemodiálise (65,2% em AB vs 10% em C e 5% em DE, p < 0,05), menor número de usuários do SUS (40% em C e 25% em DE vs 4,3% em AB; p < 0,05) e maior acesso ao tratamento com nefrologista (73,9% em AB vs 46,7% em C e 52,5 em DE; p < 0,05). Conclusão: Classes economicamente desfavorecidas agregam indivíduos mais jovens, com menor escolaridade, usuários do SUS, com maior tempo em hemodiálise e pior acesso ao tratamento com nefrologista.Introduction: The poverty influence on the evolution of patients with chronic diseases because it contributes to your aggravation and hinders access to health care. Our goal was to evaluate the aspects related to social inequality on hemodialysis patients. Methods: cross-sectional study with 123 patients on hemodialysis in Samuel Libânio Hospital – Pouso Alegre, MG, divided according to the economic class, into 3 groups: AB (n = 23), C (n = 60) and DE (n = 40). Were collected socio-demographic and economic data, clinical background and information about access to health services. For analysis of the results has been used statistical analytical and descriptive. We take p £ 0,05.  Results: The AB group has fewer young patients (4,3% in AB vs 40% in C and 25% in DE, p< 0,05), a greater number of individuals with more years of schooling (65,3% in AB vs 18,3% in C and 2,5% in DE; p< 0,05), predominance of patients with less than a year on haemodialysis treatment (65,2% in AB vs 10% in C and 5% in DE, p< 0,05), smaller number of users of SUS (40% in C and 25% in DE vs 4,3% in AB; p< 0,05), greater access to treatment with nephrologist (73,9% in AB vs 46,7% in C and 52,5% in DE; p< 0,05). Conclusion: Economically disadvantaged classes bring younger patients, with less schooling, users of SUS, patients with greater time on hemodialysis and worse access to treatment with nephrologist. 


Author(s):  
Gizell Green ◽  
Riki Tesler ◽  
Cochava Sharon

The Internet and social media are crucial platforms for health information. Factors such as the efficiency of online health information, the outcomes of seeking online health information and the awareness of reliable sources have become increasingly important for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine differences between elderly individuals’ income above and below the average monthly wage in relation to their online health information efficiency and the outcomes of seeking online health information; to evaluate types of online information sources with online health information efficiency and the outcomes of seeking online health information; and to explore online health information efficiency as a mediator between health status and awareness of online sources. A cross-sectional study design was conducted with 336 elderly participants age 65 or older. The participants volunteered to complete a questionnaire. No differences were found between the two groups regarding efficiency in retrieving health information from official online health sites and Google. Perceived efficiency mediated health status and awareness of online sources. In these challenging times, it is important to provide a tailor-made education strategy plan for reliable sources of online health information for the elderly, in order to enhance their technology safety skills. It is also important to explore other mediating variables between health status and awareness of online sources.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e045892
Author(s):  
Solomon Feleke ◽  
Gudina Egata ◽  
Firehiwot Mesfin ◽  
Gizachew Yilak ◽  
Abebaw Molla

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and associated factors in orphaned children under 5 years old.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingGambella City, Ethiopia.ParticipantsA sample of 419 under 5 orphaned children included in the study. Eligible households with orphans had selected using a systematic random sampling method. The lottery method was used when more than one eligible study participants live in the household. An OR with 95% CI was performed to measure the strength of association between each dependent variable and independent variables. Variables with p<0.05 were declared statistically significant.Primary outcomeThe main outcome of this study was the prevalence of undernutrition among orphaned under 5 and its associated factors.ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in orphan children under 5 were 12.2%, 37.8% and 21.7%, respectively. The prevalnce of wasting peaks among age group of 36–47 months (42.5%), whereas underweight peaks in 48–59 months (27.7%). Food insecurity, wealth index, family size, vitamin A supplementation, diarrhoea, fever 2 weeks before the survey, children under 5 and parents’ death were associated with undernutrition.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among orphan children under 5 was significantly high. Multisectoral collaborative efforts towards access to health services, improving income-generating activities, micronutrient supplementation and social support and protection targeting orphan and vulnerable populations have to be built up.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.


Author(s):  
Beniamino Schiavone ◽  
Andrea Vitale ◽  
Mena Gallo ◽  
Gianlucasalvatore Russo ◽  
Domenico Ponticelli ◽  
...  

Background: Facebook is the most popular social network across the world and also allows users access to health information. Our study presents an overview of the official Facebook profiles of hospitals in Italy (n = 1351) and how much they are used. Methods: All hospitals were surveyed on the number of Facebook posts in May (post-lockdown) and October (second pandemic wave) 2020. The number of followers, the creation date of the official page, and the frequency of publication—that is, the average number of days between two subsequent posts—were determined. Results: In Italy, only 28% (n = 379) of the hospitals had official Facebook pages, of which 20.6% (n = 78) were public hospitals, and 79.4% (n = 301) were private hospitals. Of the hospitals with Facebook pages, 49.1% used them every week, and public hospitals published more often. Conclusions: Despite the differences between regions and types of management, the number of hospitals in Italy that use Facebook as a tool for the public dissemination of health information is still low. Hospitals should adopt an effective communication strategy using social networks to improve the quality of health care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e006472
Author(s):  
Soumyadeep Bhaumik ◽  
Pranab Chatterjee

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