scholarly journals Comparative analysis of the health status of the population in six health zones in South Kivu: a cross-sectional population study using the WHODAS

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Lwamushi Makali ◽  
Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽  
Anne-Sophie Lambert ◽  
Hermès Bimana Karemere ◽  
Christian Molima Eboma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
South Kivu

Abstract Background The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced decades-long armed conflicts which have had a negative impact on population’s health. Most research in public health explores measures that focus on a specific health problem rather than overall population health status. The aim of this study was to assess the health status of the population and its predictors in conflict settings of South Kivu province, using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). Methods Between May and June 2019, we conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among 1440 adults in six health zones (HZ), classified according to their level of armed conflict intensity and chronicity in four types (accessible and stable, remote and stable, intermediate and unstable). The data were collected by a questionnaire including socio-demographic data and the WHODAS 2.0 tool with 12 items. The main variable of the study was the WHODAS summary score measuring individual’s health status and synthesize in six domains of disability (household, cognitive, mobility, self-care, social and society). Univariate analysis, correlation and comparison tests as well as hierarchical multiple linear regression were performed. Results The median WHODAS score in the accessible and stable (AS), remote and stable (RS), intermediate (I) and unstable (U) HZ was 6.3 (0–28.6); 25 (6.3–41.7); 22.9 (12.5–33.3) and 39.6 (22.9–54.2), respectively. Four of the six WHODAS domain scores (household, cognitive, mobility and society) were the most altered in the UHZs. The RSHZ and IHZ had statistically comparable global WHODAS scores. The stable HZs (accessible and remote) had statistically lower scores than the UHZ on all items. In regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with an overall poor health status (or higher WHODAS score) were advanced age, being woman, being membership of an association; being divorced, separated or widower and living in an unstable HZ. Conclusions Armed conflicts have a significantly negative impact on people’s perceived health, particularly in crisis health zones. In this area, we must accentuate actions aiming to strengthen people’s psychosocial well-being.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of the Health Status of the Population in Six Health Zones in South Kivu: a Cross-sectional Population Study Using the WHODAS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Makali Lwamushi ◽  
Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽  
Anne-Sophie Lambert ◽  
Hermès Karemere Bimana ◽  
Christian Molima Eboma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
South Kivu

Abstract Background: The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced decades-long armed conflicts which might have had a negative impact on population’s health. Most studies have used reductionist health measures such as morbidity and mortality rather than person-centered approaches for measuring the health status of the population. The aim of this study was to assess the health status of the population and its predictors in conflict settings of South Kivu province, using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). Methods: Between May and June 2019, we conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among 1,440 adults in six health zones (HZ), classified according to their level of armed conflict intensity and chronicity in four types (accessible and stable, remote and stable, intermediate and unstable). The data were collected by a questionnaire including socio-demographic data and the WHODAS 2.0 tool with 12 items. The main variable of the study was the WHODAS summary score measuring individual’s health status and synthesize in six domains of disability (household, cognitive, mobility, self-care, social and society). Univariate analysis, correlation and comparison tests as well as hierarchical multiple linear regression were performed.Results: The median WHODAS score in the accessible and stable (AS), remote and stable (RS), intermediate (I) and unstable (U) HZ was 6.3 (0-28.6); 25 (6.3-41.7); 22.9 (12.5-33.3) and 39.6 (22.9-54.2), respectively. Four of the six WHODAS domain scores (household, cognitive, mobility and society) were the most altered in the UHZs. The RSHZ and IHZ had statistically comparable global WHODAS scores. The stable HZs (accessible and remote) had statistically lower scores than the UHZ on all items. In regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with an overall poor health status (or higher whodas score) were advanced age, being woman, being membership of an association; being divorced, separated or widower and living in an unstable HZ.Conclusions: Armed conflicts have a significantly negative impact on people’s perceived health, particularly in crisis health zones. In this area, we must accentuate actions aiming to strengthen people’s psychosocial well-being.

MORBIDITY PATTERN AMONG ADOLESCENT SCHOOL GIRLS IN RURAL AND URBAN SCHOOL OF JHANSI (U.P.)- A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shubhanshu Gupta ◽  
Sanjeev Kumar ◽  
Piyush D Swami ◽  
Anjana Niranjan
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban

Background: According to World Health Organization, adolescents constitute about one fifth of the world population, and in India they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at sub-optimal level. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for improvement of health status of adolescent girls.  Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in Rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014. Results: Among the various morbidities eye problem was seen in maximum no of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls. Conclusions: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent, anemia, morbidity, vaginal discharge.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Female Students in Fukushima Four Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinya Ito ◽  
Mie Sasaki ◽  
Satoko Okabe ◽  
Nobuhiro Konno ◽  
Aya Goto
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Female Students ◽  
World Health ◽  
Nuclear Radiation ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health.

scholarly journals Exploring the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education: an international cross-sectional study of medical learners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Brown ◽  
Aliya Kassam ◽  
Mike Paget ◽  
Kenneth Blades ◽  
Megan Mercia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
Geographic Regions ◽  
The Impact

Background: The evidence surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on medical learners remains anecdotal and highly speculative despite the anticipated impact and potential consequences of the current pandemic on medical training. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent that COVID-19 initially impacted medical learners around the world and examine global trends and patterns across geographic regions and levels of training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of medical learners was conducted between March 25–June 14, 2020, shortly after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Results: 6492 learners completed the survey from 140 countries. Most medical schools removed learners from the clinical environment and adopted online learning, but students reported concerns about the quality of their learning, training progression, and milestone fulfillment. Residents reported they could be better utilized and expressed concerns about their career timeline. Trainees generally felt under-utilized and wanted to be engaged clinically in meaningful ways; however, some felt that contributing to healthcare during a pandemic was beyond the scope of a learner. Significant differences were detected between levels of training and geographic regions for satisfaction with organizational responses as well as the impact of COVID-19 learner wellness and state-trait anxiety. Conclusions: The disruption to the status quo of medical education is perceived by learners across all levels and geographic regions to have negatively affected their training and well-being, particularly amongst postgraduate trainees. These results provide initial empirical insights into the areas that warrant future research as well as consideration for current and future policy planning.

scholarly journals The Relation Between Official WhatsApp-Distributed COVID-19 News Exposure and Psychological Symptoms: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean C J Liu ◽  
Eddie M W Tong
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factor ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
World Health ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Health Organization

BACKGROUND In a global pandemic, digital technology offers innovative methods to disseminate public health messages. As an example, the messenger app WhatsApp was adopted by both the World Health Organization and government agencies to provide updates on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During a time when rumors and excessive news threaten psychological well-being, these services allow for rapid transmission of information and may boost resilience. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to accomplish the following: (1) assess well-being during the pandemic; (2) replicate prior findings linking exposure to COVID-19 news with psychological distress; and (3) examine whether subscription to an official WhatsApp channel can mitigate this risk. METHODS Across 8 weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 7 to April 21, 2020), we conducted a survey of 1145 adults in Singapore. As the primary outcome measure, participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). As predictor variables, participants also answered questions pertaining to the following: (1) their exposure to COVID-19 news; (2) their use of the Singapore government’s WhatsApp channel; and (3) their demographics. RESULTS Within the sample, 7.9% of participants had severe or extremely severe symptoms on at least one DASS-21 subscale. Depression scores were associated with increased time spent receiving COVID-19 updates, whereas use of the official WhatsApp channel emerged as a protective factor (<i>b</i>=–0.07, <i>t</i>[863]=–2.04, <i>P</i>=.04). Similarly, increased anxiety scores were associated with increased exposure to both updates and rumors, but this risk was mitigated by trust in the government’s WhatsApp messages (<i>b</i>=–0.05, <i>t</i>[863]=–2.13, <i>P</i>=.03). Finally, although stress symptoms increased with the amount of time spent receiving updates, these symptoms were not significantly related to WhatsApp use. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that messenger apps may be an effective medium for disseminating pandemic-related information, allowing official agencies to reach a broad sector of the population rapidly. In turn, this use may promote public well-being amid an “infodemic.” CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04305574; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04305574

scholarly journals How COVID-19 is Affecting Apprentices

BioMedica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2S) ◽  
pp. 265-269
Author(s):  
Shamaila Hassnain ◽  
Naureen Omar
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
World Health ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Coronavirus induced disease (COVID-19) is affecting people all around the world. The rising number of deaths due to COVID-19 is not only harassing people but also causing strong emotions in adults as well as in children due to anxiety, fear and stress. The objective of this study was to assess the fears, anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 pandemic and related issues among the apprentices at various levels in different parts of world. <strong>Methods: </strong>It was a cross sectional survey design to assess the students/trainee&rsquo;s immediate psychological response during COVID-19 outbreak by using an anonymous online questionnaire. A snowball sampling technique was conducted focusing general public all around the world from 3rd April 2020 till 7th April 2020. A total of N=354 participants filled the form completely. The structured questionnaire collected information on demographic data and psychological aspect of this outbreak, including extreme fear and uncertainty. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of N = 354 participants completed the questionnaire; majority were from the age group of 21&ndash;30 years. Approximately 66.4% were females and 33.6% males. Participants from Asia were 83.6% while 9.9%, 3.4%, 2.8% and 1% from America/Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia respectively. Out of n = 354 participants 59.3% were relying on health professionals for authentic source of information regarding COVID-19 while 16.4%, 15% and 5.4% considered social media, television and World Health Organization (WHO) website respectively as their authentic guide. Out of the (n = 354) participants 80.5% were afraid about health status during COVID-19 most predominantly females (66.3%) (P = 0.000). A total of 65.8% participants felt agitated or irritated in this outbreak. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> COVID-19 lockdowns are affecting both physical and mental health of students and apprentices enrolled at different levels of education. Females are more affected and concerned to their loved ones and themselves. Working norms are being maintained and responsibilities are being fulfilled despite this grave situation.</p>

scholarly journals Exploring the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education: an international cross-sectional study of medical learners

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Brown ◽  
Aliya Kassam ◽  
Mike Paget ◽  
Kenneth Blades ◽  
Megan Mercia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
Geographic Regions ◽  
The Impact

To broadly explore the extent that COVID-19 has initially impacted medical learners around the world and examine global trends and patterns across geographic regions and levels of training, a cross-sectional survey of medical learners was conducted between March 25-June 14th, 2020, shortly after the World Health Organization declared concurrent COVID-19 a pandemic. 6492 medical learners completed the survey from 140 countries, Students were concerned about the quality of their learning, training progression, and milestone fulfillment. Most trainees felt under-utilized and wanted to be engaged clinically in meaningful ways; however, some trainees felt that contributing to healthcare during a pandemic was beyond the scope of a medical learner. Statistically significant differences were detected between levels of training and geographic regions for satisfaction with organizational responses, the impact of COVID-19 on wellness, and state-trait anxiety. Overall, the initial disruption to medical training has been perceived by learners across all levels and geographic regions to have negatively affected their training and well-being, particularly amongst postgraduate trainees. These results provide initial insights into the areas that warrant future research as well as consideration for current and future policy planning, such as the policies for clinical utilization of medical learners during public health emergencies.

scholarly journals Does Social Distancing During The Lock Down Due To Covid-19 Outbreak In Mumbai Affect Quality Of Life?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Hitav Someshwar ◽  
Prachi Sarvaiya ◽  
Swara Desai ◽  
Priya Gogri ◽  
Janvi Someshwar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
General Population ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing

Background – Social distancing leads to decrease in the spread of the novel virus but at the same time it shows to have a negative effect on the quality of life of the general population. Methodology - A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an electronic version of WHOQOL-BREF scale. The demographic data was collected along with the 26 questions of the scale. We distributed this survey to the general population through electronic and social media. Results – We received 861 responses. Excluding the incomplete responses, we analyzed 832 responses. They had a mean age of 48.33yrs, majority being graduates (56.4%), majority of the subjects were males (59.25%), and there was no significant age difference between both the genders. The overall quality of life was perceived to be 3.48 and the satisfaction for health was 3.77. Most affected domains were the physical and psychological domains. Lowest quality of life responses were noted for questions pertaining to financial, transportation and sleep related.    Conclusion- The quality of life in lock downs due to corona virus is affected due to social distancing. Law makers need to take care to avoid increasing this negative impact while enforcing lock downs.

Is Dental Fluorosis More Prone/Susceptible to Tooth Erosion?

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 2067-2069
Author(s):  
Fareed Ahmad ◽  
Ali Anwaar ◽  
Bilal Abdul Qayum Mirza ◽  
Mustafa Qadeer ◽  
Muhammad Afzal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Tooth Wear ◽  
Dental Erosion ◽  
World Health ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Erosive Tooth Wear

Background: The fluoride drug is mentioned as a double-edged weapon due to its positive and negative outcomes. Reducing dental caries in large population, cost effective and excess fluoride in teeth or body may lead to systemic diseases and even death. Dental erosion affects the hard tissues of the teeth rendering them vulnerable to decay. Methods & Materials: A school based descriptive cross-sectional survey. Purposive sampling was performed. All examiners were calibrated and trained for the criteria to identify dental fluorosis and dental erosion. The World Health Organisation Oral Health Assessment form 2013 was used to fill and measure dental fluorosis and erosive tooth wear. For Univariate analysis, mean, frequencies of both genders (dental erosion and Fluorosis) while Chi square was calculated and for bivariate analysis. Results: 22.7 % students were found to have fluorosis (ranging from questionable level to severe). Male students (primarily teenagers) had more enamel erosion as compared to the female’s ones. Conclusion: The higher levels of fluoride in water may make children and adults more susceptible to erosive tooth wear. Consuming excess fluoridated water may turn the mild fluorosis cases into moderate or severe ones. Keywords: Fluorosis, Erosive Tooth Wear, Gender, Fluoride

An exploration of violence against paramedics, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms in two Australian ambulance services

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nualnong Wongtongkam
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Traumatic Symptoms

Purpose Violence directed at ambulance paramedics has attracted increasing public attention because of its major negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims and productivity of organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of violent incidents, contributing factors, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms among paramedics. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was distributed in two ambulance services in Tasmania and South Australia, with self-administered instruments completed online. In total, 48 respondents completed questionnaires. Findings There were no significant differences between sites in timing of violent incidents, consequences of traumatic events or organisation provision. Surprisingly, over 90 per cent of paramedics had not been pushed, slapped, beaten, scratched or spat on in the previous month. There was a statistically significant difference between genders for being yelled at or verbally abused (p=0.02). When considering burnout, female paramedics showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion t(37)=–2.32, p=0.02 and lower levels of career satisfaction than their male counterparts, t(37)=3.32, p=0.00. Originality/value Although prevalence rates of violent incidents seemed lower than expected, policy interventions to encourage female paramedics to display their professional identities and steps to enhance well-being and safety while on duty should be considered.

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