scholarly journals Pharmacies in informal settlements: a retrospective, cross-sectional household and health facility survey in four countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Pauline Bakibinga ◽  
Caroline Kabaria ◽  
Ziraba Kasiira ◽  
Peter Kibe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
Facility Survey ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Background Slums or informal settlements characterize most large cities in LMIC. Previous evidence suggests pharmacies may be the most frequently used source of primary care in LMICs but that pharmacy services are of variable quality. However, evidence on pharmacy use and availability is very limited for slum populations. Methods We conducted household, individual, and healthcare provider surveys and qualitative observations on pharmacies and pharmacy use in seven slum sites in four countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). All pharmacies and up to 1200 households in each site were sampled. Adults and children were surveyed about their use of healthcare services and pharmacies were observed and their services, equipment, and stock documented. Results We completed 7692 household and 7451 individual adults, 2633 individual child surveys, and 157 surveys of pharmacies located within the seven sites. Visit rates to pharmacies and drug sellers varied from 0.1 (Nigeria) to 3.0 (Bangladesh) visits per person-year, almost all of which were for new conditions. We found highly variable conditions in what constituted a “pharmacy” across the sites and most pharmacies did not employ a qualified pharmacist. Analgesics and antibiotics were widely available but other categories of medications, particularly those for chronic illness were often not available anywhere. The majority of pharmacies lacked basic equipment such as a thermometer and weighing scales. Conclusions Pharmacies are locally and widely available to residents of slums. However, the conditions of the facilities and availability of medicines were poor and prices relatively high. Pharmacies may represent a large untapped resource to improving access to primary care for the urban poor.

scholarly journals Atrial fibrillation screening: feasible approaches and implementation challenges across Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Engler ◽  
C Hanson ◽  
L Desteghe ◽  
G Boriani ◽  
S Z Diederichsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Opportunistic Screening ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
Public Grant ◽  
Personal Devices

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening has the potential to increase early detection and possibly reduce complications of AF. Guidelines recommend screening, but the most appropriate approaches are unknown. Purpose We aimed to explore the views of stakeholders across Europe about the opportunities and challenges of implementing four different AF screening scenarios. Method This qualitative study included 21 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and regulators potentially involved in AF screening implementation in nine European countries. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three themes evolved. 1) Current approaches to screening: there are no national AF screening programmes, with most AF detected in symptomatic patients. Patient-led screening exists via personal devices, creating screening inequity by the reach of screening programmes being limited to those who access healthcare services. 2) Feasibility of screening approaches: single time point opportunistic screening in primary care using single lead ECG devices was considered the most feasible approach and AF screening may be possible in previously unexplored settings such as dentists and podiatrists. Software algorithms may aid identification of patients suitable for screening and telehealth services have the potential to support diagnosis. However, there is a need for advocacy to encourage the use of telehealth to aid AF diagnosis, and training for screening familiarisation and troubleshooting. 3) Implementation requirements: sufficient evidence of benefit is required. National rather than pan-European screening processes must be developed due to different payment mechanisms and health service regulations. There is concern that the rapid spread of wearable devices for heart rate monitoring may increase workload due to false positives in low risk populations for AF. Data security and inclusivity for those without access to primary care or personal devices must be addressed. Conclusions There is an overall awareness of AF screening. Opportunistic screening appears to be most feasible across Europe. Challenges that need to be addressed concern health inequalities, identification of best target groups for screening, streamlined processes, the need for evidence of benefit, and a tailored approach adapted to national realities. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): H2020 Screening Scenarios  Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Access to primary healthcare services and associated factors in urban slums in Nairobi-Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter O. Otieno ◽  
Elvis Omondi Achach Wambiya ◽  
Shukri M Mohamed ◽  
Martin Kavao Mutua ◽  
Peter M Kibe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Urban Slums ◽  
Public Facility ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
Female Headed Households

Abstract Background: Access to primary healthcare is crucial for the delivery of Kenya’s universal health coverage policy. However, disparities in healthcare have proved to be the biggest challenge for implementing primary care in poor-urban resource settings. In this study, we assessed the level of access to primary healthcare services and associated factors in urban slums in Nairobi-Kenya. Methods: The data were drawn from the Lown scholars’ study of 300 randomly selected households in Viwandani slums (Nairobi, Kenya), between June and July 2018. Access to primary care was measured using Penchansky and Thomas’ model. Access index was constructed using principal component analysis and recorded into tertiles with categories labeled as poor, moderate, and highest. Generalized ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with access to primary care. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95 percent confidence intervals were used to interpret the strength of associations. Results: The odds of being in the highest access tertile versus the combined categories of lowest and moderate access tertile were 3.5 times higher for males than female-headed households (AOR 3.05 [95% CI 1.47-6.37]; p<.05). Households with an average quarterly out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure of ≥$30 had significantly lower odds of being in the highest versus combined categories of lowest and moderate access tertile compared to those spending ≤ $5.(AOR 0.36 [95% CI 0.18-0.74]; p<.05). Households that sought primary care from private facilities had significantly higher odds of being in the highest versus combined categories of lowest and moderate access tertiles compared to the public facilities (AOR 6.64 [95% CI 3.67-12.01]; p<.001). Conclusion: In Nairobi slums in Kenya, living in a female-headed household, seeking care from a public facility, and paying out of pocket for healthcare are significantly associated with low access to primary care. Therefore, the design of the UHC program in this setting should prioritize quality improvement in public health facilities and focus on policies that encourage economic empowerment of female-headed households to improve access to primary healthcare

Gender Affirmation as a Source of Resilience for Addressing Stigmatizing Healthcare Experiences of Transgender Youth of Color

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamar Goldenberg ◽  
Kristi E Gamarel ◽  
Sari L Reisner ◽  
Laura Jadwin-Cakmak ◽  
Gary W Harper
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Youth Of Color ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Color Experience ◽  
Healthcare Experiences ◽  
Gender Affirmation ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological

Abstract Background Transgender and other gender diverse (TGD) youth of color experience stigma within healthcare. Gender affirmation can be a resilience resource; however, little is known about gender affirmation within healthcare. Purpose This study explores TGD youth of color’s experiences of stigma and gender affirmation across the entire healthcare experience and their role on motivation to seek care. Methods In 2015, cross-sectional surveys and individual in-depth interviews were conducted among 187 TGD youth ages 16–24 living in 14 U.S. cities. Analyses followed a mixed-methods design whereby 33 participants were purposively selected for a qualitative phenomenological analysis based on quantitatively reported gender affirmation needs. Subsequent quantitative analyses examined how healthcare use differed by access to gender affirmation. Results Participants qualitatively described experiencing stigma across multiple healthcare settings (e.g., primary care, emergency care, medical gender affirmation), including before (finding providers, scheduling), during (waiting rooms, provider interactions), and after (pharmacy) healthcare visits. Participants who quantitatively reported access to gender-affirming healthcare still described negative healthcare experiences, either because they accessed multiple healthcare services or because of prior negative experiences. Stigma and gender affirmation (both inside and outside of healthcare) influenced motivation to seek care, with variation depending on the type of care. Quantitative analyses confirmed these findings; access to gender affirmation differed for participants who delayed primary care vs. those who did not, but did not vary based on participants’ use of medical gender affirmation. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of promoting gender-affirming healthcare environments to increase access to care for TGD youth of color.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of Swiss ambulatory care services use by multimorbid patients in primary care in the light of the Andersen model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Messi ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Dagmar M. Haller ◽  
Andreas Zeller ◽  
Stefan Neuner-Jehle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Use ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Andersen Model ◽  
Multimorbid Patients ◽  
Services Use

Abstract Background: Multimorbidity is frequently encountered in primary care and is associated with increasing use of healthcare services. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use is a multilevel framework classifying societal, contextual, and individual characteristics about the use of healthcare services into three categories: 1. predisposing factors, 2. enabling factors, and 3. need factors. The present study aimed to explore multimorbid patients' use of ambulatory healthcare in terms of homecare and other allied health services, visits to GPs, and number of specialists involved. A secondary aim was to apply Andersen's model to explore factors associated with this use. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 100 Swiss GPs enrolled up to 10 multimorbid patients each. After descriptive analyses, we tested the associations of each determinant and outcome variable of healthcare use, according to the Andersen model: predisposing factors (patient's demographics), enabling factors (health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6), deprivation (DipCare)), and need factors (patient's quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), treatment burden (TBQ), severity index (CIRS), number of chronic conditions, and of medications). Logistic regressions (dichotomous variables) and negative binomial regressions (count variables) were calculated to identify predictors of multimorbid patients' healthcare use.Results: Analyses included 843 multimorbid patients; mean age 73.0 (SD 12.0), 28–98 years old; 48.3% men; 15.1% (127/843) used homecare. Social deprivation (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.62–0.89) and absence of an informal caregiver (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.28–0.88) were related to less homecare services use. The use of other allied health services (34.9% (294/843)) was associated with experiencing pain (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.59–3.90). The number of contacts with a GP (median 11 (IQR 7-16)) was, among other factors, related to the absence of an informal caregiver (IRR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83–0.98). The number of specialists involved (mean 1.9 (SD 1.4)) was linked to the treatment burden (IRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10).Conclusion: Multimorbid patients in primary care reported high use of ambulatory healthcare services variably associated with the Andersen model's factors: healthcare use was associated with objective medical needs but also with contextual or individual predisposing or enabling factors. These findings emphasize the importance of adapting care coordination to individual patient profiles.

scholarly journals Investigating geographical variation in the use of mental health services by area of England: a cross-sectional ecological study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Maconick ◽  
Luke Sheridan Rains ◽  
Rebecca Jones ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans ◽  
Sonia Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Geographical Variation ◽  
Ecological Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Access To Primary Care

Abstract Background There is evidence of geographical variation in the use of mental health services in the UK and in international settings. It is important to understand whether this variation reflects differences in the prevalence of mental disorders, or if there is evidence of variation related to other factors, such as population socioeconomic status and access to primary care services. Methods This is a cross-sectional ecological study using Public Health England data. The unit of analysis was the population served by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), National Health Service (NHS) catchment areas. The analysis explored associations between area characteristics and the number of people in contact with mental health services using regression modelling. Explanatory variables included age, gender, prevalence of severe mental illness (SMI), prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD), index of multiple deprivation (IMD), unemployment, proportion of the population who are Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME), population density, access to and recovery in primary care psychological therapies. Unadjusted results are reported, as well as estimates adjusted for age, prevalence of CMD and prevalence of SMI. Results The populations of 194 CCGs were included, clustered within 62 trusts (NHS providers of mental health services). The number of people in contact with mental health services showed wide variation by area (range from 1131 to 5205 per 100,000 population). Unemployment (adjusted IRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.17; p < 0.001) and deprivation (adjusted IRR 1.02 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04; p < 0.001) were associated with more people being in contact with mental health services. Areas with a higher proportion of the population who are BAME (IRR 0.95 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99 p = 0.007) had lower service use per 100,000 population. There was no evidence for association with access to primary care psychological therapies. Conclusions There is substantial variation in the use of mental health services by area of England. Social factors including deprivation, unemployment and population ethnicity continued to be associated with the outcome after controlling for the prevalence of mental illness. This suggests that there are factors that influence the local population use of mental health services in addition to the prevalence of mental disorder.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of Swiss ambulatory care services use by multimorbid patients in primary care in the light of the Andersen model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Messi ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Dagmar M. Haller ◽  
Andreas Zeller ◽  
Stefan Neuner-Jehle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Use ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Andersen Model ◽  
Multimorbid Patients ◽  
Services Use

Abstract Background: Multimorbidity is frequently encountered in primary care and is associated with increasing use of healthcare services. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use is a multilevel framework classifying societal, contextual, and individual characteristics about the use of healthcare services into three categories: 1. predisposing factors, 2. enabling factors, and 3. need factors. The present study aimed to explore multimorbid patients' use of ambulatory healthcare in terms of homecare and other allied health services, visits to GPs, and number of specialists involved. A secondary aim was to apply Andersen's model to explore factors associated with this use. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 100 Swiss GPs enrolled up to 10 multimorbid patients each. After descriptive analyses, we tested the associations of each determinant and outcome variable of healthcare use, according to the Andersen model: predisposing factors (patient's demographics), enabling factors (health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6), deprivation (DipCare)), and need factors (patient's quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), treatment burden (TBQ), severity index (CIRS), number of chronic conditions, and of medications). Logistic regressions (dichotomous variables) and negative binomial regressions (count variables) were calculated to identify predictors of multimorbid patients' healthcare use.Results: Analyses included 843 multimorbid patients; mean age 73.0 (SD 12.0), 28–98 years old; 48.3% men; 15.1% (127/843) used homecare. Social deprivation (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.62–0.89) and absence of an informal caregiver (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.28–0.88) were related to less homecare services use. The use of other allied health services (34.9% (294/843)) was associated with experiencing pain (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.59–3.90). The number of contacts with a GP (median 11 (IQR 7-16)) was, among other factors, related to the absence of an informal caregiver (IRR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83–0.98). The number of specialists involved (mean 1.9 (SD 1.4)) was linked to the treatment burden (IRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10).Conclusion: Multimorbid patients in primary care reported high use of ambulatory healthcare services variably associated with the Andersen model's factors: healthcare use was associated with objective medical needs but also with contextual or individual predisposing or enabling factors. These findings emphasize the importance of adapting care coordination to individual patient profiles.

Satisfaction Affecting Factors of Mohalla Clinic Services in the Times of COVID -19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 187-194
Author(s):  
Akshay Parmar ◽  
Ankit Singh ◽  
Sammita Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Affecting Factors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Care System ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
The Times

The Delhi government has launched the Mohalla clinic concept in the year 2015 to make health universal and strengthen the primary care system of Delhi. The basic aim was to provide primary care to people located in remote and poor areas of Delhi. This study was conducted from April 2020 to July 2020 to determine the community dwellers' perception and satisfaction level towards Mohalla clinics and their role in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted with pretested and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 28 items, which were identified with the help of a literature review. The responses were collected from 100 respondents selectively from the ones who have availed the Mohalla clinic's service. The analysis of the results revealed that the perception of the community toward the Mohalla clinic is positive. Moreover, out of all the identified factors impacting satisfaction, the availability factor, which includes the availability of doctors and medicines, had the highest influence on the perception of satisfaction from Mohalla Clinics. Additionally, 58 % of the current users have shown willingness to utilize the Mohalla clinic services, even in the times of COVID-19. This is an important finding. It postulates that the Delhi government should focus on the availability of medicines and medical staff to improve satisfaction and render healthcare services in COVID-19.

scholarly journals Integrative literature review: access to primary healthcare services

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 1178-1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Cristiane e Silva Figueira ◽  
Wellington Pereira da Silva ◽  
Eliete Maria Silva
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Access To Primary Care

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the scientific production that describes the type of access to primary healthcare services and identify specific populations that have differentiated access to health services. Method: An integrative review. For study selection, the following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Bireme, and Cinahl. The sample included 22 national and international articles. Results: The results describe the access of specific populations to health services, the access to primary care through health plans and proposed improvements to the access to primary care. Conclusion: The access to services is a challenge in many countries and some strategies and policies are implemented to solve and improve primary health care.

scholarly journals Assessment of public oral healthcare services in Curitiba, Brazil: a cross-sectional study using the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool)

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e023283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Carlos Nascimento ◽  
Simone Tetü Moysés ◽  
Renata Iani Werneck ◽  
Marilisa Carneiro Leão Gabardo ◽  
Samuel Jorge Moysés
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Primary Care Services ◽  
Care Assessment ◽  
Primary Care Assessment Tool

ObjectivesTo compare two different models of public oral health in primary care services, a so-called family health strategy (FHS), as opposed to non-FHS services designated as ‘conventional’ healthcare (CHC), regarding the presence and extent of the attributes of ‘good’ primary healthcare (PHC). The null hypothesis of this study is that the attributes do not differ between the FHS and CHC.DesignCross-sectional.SettingPublic PHC services in Curitiba, the state capital of Paraná.ParticipantsPHC users of the public oral health network (n=900) and dentists active in this municipal network (n=203).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool)-Dentists and PCATool-Users were used to analyse the primary outcomes (‘essential’ attributes) and secondary outcomes (‘derived’ attributes) in the PHC.ResultsOverall, the primary care services in oral health were well evaluated, both by users and by dentists, with mean scores ascribed to PHC attributes mostly above the cut-off point (6.6). The exception for users were affiliation (6.36; 95% CI 6.11 to 6.60) and accessibility (5.83; 95% CI 5.78 to 5.89); and for dentists the accessibility (5.80; 95% CI 5.63 to 5.96). When comparing FHS and CHC, there was a superiority of the FHS model, which reached a general mean score of 7.53 (95% CI 7.48 to 7.58) among users and 7.56 (95% CI 7.45 to 7.67) among dentists; on the other hand, the CHC general mean score was of 6.61 (95% CI 6.49 to 6.73) and 6.68 (95% CI 6.56 to 6.80) respectively for users and dentists.ConclusionsThe results reveal a reasonable level of attainment of PHC attributes in the services investigated. Nevertheless, public health managers should make efforts to reduce the difficulties faced by users in accessing dental care. The more positive results achieved by FHS services indicate that the provision of oral healthcare under this strategy should be expanded.

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