Prevalence of diabetes among homeless and slum dwellers in Accra, Ghana: a survey study

Abstract Objective: This study aimed at determining diabetes status of homeless people in Nima and Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic characteristics and diabetes prevalence. Results: A total of 130 homeless and slum dwellers took part in the study out of which 7 (5.4%) participants were diagnosed with diabetes while 13 (10 %) were considered as having prediabetes. This is slightly lower than what had been reported two decades ago but similar to overall estimates of diabetes prevalence in Africa (5.7%). Diagnosis of normoglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes was based on individual’s hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level: ≤5.9%, 6.4–6.0%, and ≥6.5%, respectively. There was no significant association between prevalence of diabetes or prediabetes and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. The slightly lower diabetes prevalence among the homeless and slum dwellers compared to the general population may be due to constant movement of these people in the streets, a practice that could serve as a form of exercise for them. Intensive social support aimed at preventing and managing diabetes is crucial if we are to further reduce the incidence of diabetes in homeless people. Keywords: Homeless, Diabetes mellitus, Hemoglobin A1c, Head porters

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Prevalence of diabetes among homeless and slum dwellers in Accra, Ghana: A survey study

10.21203/rs.2.12642/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

AHMED TIJANI BAWAH ◽

Albert Abaka Yawson ◽

Mohammed Mustapha Seini ◽

Francis Agyemang Yeboah ◽

Robert Amadu Ngala

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Social Support ◽

Hba1c Level ◽

Hemoglobin A1c ◽

Homeless People ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Diabetes Prevalence ◽

Survey Study ◽

Slum Dwellers ◽

Diabetes Status

Abstract Objective: This study aimed at determining diabetes status of homeless people in Nima and Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic characteristics and diabetes prevalence. Results: A total of 130 homeless and slum dwellers took part in the study out of which 7 (5.4%) participants were diagnosed with diabetes while 13 (10 %) were considered as having prediabetes. This is slightly lower than what had been reported two decades ago but similar to overall estimates of diabetes prevalence in Africa (5.7%). Diagnosis of normoglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes was based on individual’s hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level: ≤5.9%, 6.4–6.0%, and ≥6.5%, respectively. There was no significant association between prevalence of diabetes or prediabetes and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. The slightly lower diabetes prevalence among the homeless and slum dwellers compared to the general population may be due to constant movement of these people in the streets, a practice that could serve as a form of exercise for them. Intensive social support aimed at preventing and managing diabetes is crucial if we are to further reduce the incidence of diabetes in homeless people. Keywords: Homeless, Diabetes mellitus, Hemoglobin A1c, Head porters

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Prevalence of diabetes among homeless and slum dwellers in Accra, Ghana: A survey study

10.21203/rs.2.12642/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

AHMED TIJANI BAWAH ◽

Albert Abaka Yawson ◽

Mohammed Mustapha Seini ◽

Francis Agyemang Yeboah ◽

Robert Amadu Ngala

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Social Support ◽

Hba1c Level ◽

Hemoglobin A1c ◽

Homeless People ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Diabetes Prevalence ◽

Survey Study ◽

Slum Dwellers ◽

Diabetes Status

Abstract Objective: This study aimed at determining diabetes status of homeless people in Nima and Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana and to evaluate the association between socio-demographic characteristics and diabetes prevalence. Results: A total of 130 homeless and slum dwellers took part in the study out of which 7 (5.4%) participants were diagnosed with diabetes while 13 (10 %) were considered as having prediabetes. This is slightly lower than what had been reported two decades ago but similar to overall estimates of diabetes prevalence in Africa (5.7%). Diagnosis of normoglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes was based on individual’s hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level: ≤5.9%, 6.4–6.0%, and ≥6.5%, respectively. There was no significant association between prevalence of diabetes or prediabetes and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. The slightly lower diabetes prevalence among the homeless and slum dwellers compared to the general population may be due to constant movement of these people in the streets, a practice that could serve as a form of exercise for them. Intensive social support aimed at preventing and managing diabetes is crucial if we are to further reduce the incidence of diabetes in homeless people. Keywords: Homeless, Diabetes mellitus, Hemoglobin A1c, Head porters

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Improving Health Care Management in Primary Care for Homeless People: A Literature Review

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

M Jego ◽

J Abcaya ◽

C Calvet-montredon ◽

S Gentile

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Primary Care ◽

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

General Population ◽

Literature Review ◽

Care Management ◽

Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

Homeless People ◽

Primary Health

Abstract Background Homeless people have poorer health status than the general population. They need complex care management, because of associated medical troubles (somatic and psychiatric) and social difficulties. However, they face multiple difficulties in accessing primary health care and receive less preventive health care than the general population. Methods We performed a literature review that included articles which described and evaluated primary care programs for homeless people. We searched into the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, COCHRANE library, and Cairn.info databases primary articles published between 1 January 2012 and 15 December 2016. We also performed a grey literature search, and we added relative articles as we read the references of the selected articles. We described the main characteristics of the primary care programs presented in the selected articles. Then we classified these characteristics in main categories, as a descriptive thematic analysis. Secondarily, we synthetized the main results about the evaluation of each intervention or organization. Results Most of the programs presented a team-based approach, multidisciplinary and/or integrated care. They often proposed co-located services between somatic health services, mental health services and social support services. They also tried to answer to the specific needs of homeless people. Some characteristics of these programs were associated with significant positive outcomes: tailored primary care organizations, clinic orientation, multidisciplinary team-based models which included primary care physicians and clinic nurses, integration of social support, and engagement in the community’s health. Conclusions Primary health care programs that aimed at taking care of the homeless people should emphasize a multidisciplinary approach and should consider an integrated (mental, somatic and social) care model. Key messages To improve the health care management of homeless people it seems necessary to priorize multidisciplinary approach, integrated care, involve community health and answer their specific needs. It is necessary to evaluate more non-tailored primary care programs that collaborate with tailored structures.

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Chronic Kidney Diseases Among Homeless and Slum Dwellers in Accra: A Survey Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-65462/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed Tijani Bawah ◽

Foster Edufia ◽

Fatima Nasara Yussif ◽

Anastasia Adu ◽

Mohammed Mustapha Seini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Kidney Disease ◽

Renal Insufficiency ◽

Kidney Diseases ◽

Homeless People ◽

Normal Serum ◽

Kidney Damage ◽

Survey Study ◽

Slum Dwellers ◽

Severe Renal Insufficiency ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among homeless people in Nima and Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana and to evaluate the association between socio‑demographic characteristics and CKD. Results: Participants with normal serum creatinine (SCr), made up of 232 males and 280 females totaling 512 took part in the study. Those with normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were 86% and 84.6% by means of the C-G and MDRD equations respectively. According to the C-G formula, kidney damage and mild to severe renal insufficiency was found in 13.2% of the participants and 4 participants (0.8%) had renal failure. On the other hand, 15.4% of the participants were found to have some kidney damage and mild to severe renal insufficiency according to the MDRD formula with no participant suffering from kidney failure. The prevalence of renal dysfunction among the homeless Ghanaians was significant especially among those with hypertension, diabetes and human immunodeficiency syndrome virus (HIV) infection. . Intensive social support aimed at preventing and managing kidney disease is crucial if we are to reduce the incidence of kidney related illnesses in homeless people.

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Characteristics and needs of people living homeless in León (Nicaragua): Similarities and differences with other groups in severe social exclusion

International Social Work ◽

10.1177/0020872819896820 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 002087281989682

Author(s):

José Juan Vázquez ◽

Alexia Suarez ◽

Alberto Berríos ◽

Sonia Panadero

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Exclusion ◽

New Technologies ◽

Homeless People ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Developmental Differences ◽

Economic Resources ◽

Similarities And Differences ◽

Social Difficulty ◽

Waste Pickers

The study examines various aspects (e.g. socio-demographic characteristics, access to economic resources, social support, chronicity and access to new technologies) in a sample of homeless people living in León (Nicaragua; n = 68). A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The results showed that people experiencing homelessness in León (Nicaragua) have enormous social difficulty, with high levels of chronification. Despite the major cultural and developmental differences between Spain and Nicaragua, there are considerable similarities between people living homeless in the two countries, while there are significant differences compared with waste pickers in León (Nicaragua) regarding the same aspects.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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Empathy not quarantined: Association between people’s empathy to others and the COVID-19 pandemic situations based on a national survey study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26834 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zhibin Jiang ◽

Fan Yang ◽

Bu Zhong ◽

Xuebing Qin

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Social Media ◽

National Survey ◽

Low Income ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Critical Role ◽

Affective Response ◽

Survey Study ◽

Income Levels ◽

The Social

BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic had turned the world upside down, but not much is known about how people’s empathy might be affected by the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study examined 1) how empathy towards others might be influenced by the social support people obtained by using social media; and 2) how the individual demographics (e.g., age, income) may affect empathy. METHODS A national survey (N = 943) was conducted in China in February 2020, in which the participants read three real scenarios about low-income urban workers (Scenario I), small business owners in cities (Scenario II), and farmers in rural areas (Scenario III) who underwent hardship due to COVID-19. After exposure to others’ difficulties in the scenarios, the participants’ empathy and anxiety levels were measured. We also measured the social support they had by using social media. RESULTS Results show that social support not only positively impacted empathy, β = .30, P < .001 for Scenario I, β = .30, P < .001 for Scenario II, and β = .29, P < .001 for Scenario III, but also interacted with anxiety in influencing the degree to which participants could maintain empathy towards others, β = .08, P = .010 for Scenario I, and β = .07, P = .033 for scenario II. Age negatively predicted empathy for Scenario I, β = -.08, P = .018 and Scenario III, β = -.08, P = .009, but not for Scenario II, β = -.03, P = .40. Income levels – low, medium, high – positively predicted empathy for Scenario III, F (2, 940) = 8.10, P < .001, but not for Scenario I, F (2, 940) = 2.14, P = .12, or Scenario II, F (2, 940) = 2.93, P = .06. Participants living in big cities expressed greater empathy towards others for Scenario III, F (2, 940) = 4.03, P =.018, but not for Scenario I, F (2, 940) = .81, P = .45, or Scenario II, F (2, 940) = 1.46, P =.23. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the literature by discovering the critical role empathy plays in people’s affective response to others during the pandemic. Anxiety did not decrease empathy. However, those gaining more social support on social media showed more empathy for others. Those who resided in cities with higher income levels were more empathetic during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study reveals that the social support people obtained helped maintain empathy to others, making them resilient in challenging times.

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SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in General Hospitals and Clinics in Japan

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073786 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3786

Author(s):

Tatsuya Yoshihara ◽

Kazuya Ito ◽

Masayoshi Zaitsu ◽

Eunhee Chung ◽

Izumi Aoyagi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Support ◽

General Population ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Immunoglobulin G ◽

Health Problem ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

General Hospitals ◽

Second Wave

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health problem worldwide. In general, healthcare workers are considered to be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. However, the prevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Japan is not well characterized. In this study, we aimed to examine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among 2160 healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics that are not designated to treat COVID-19 patients in Japan. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G was 1.2% in August and October 2020 (during and after the second wave of the pandemic in Japan), which is relatively higher than that in the general population in Japan (0.03–0.91%). Because of the higher risk of COVID-19 infection, healthcare workers should be the top priority for further social support and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

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Social support and delusional-like experiences: a nationwide population-based study

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796011000862 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 203-212 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

S. Saha ◽

J. Scott ◽

D. Varghese ◽

J. McGrath

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

General Population ◽

Community Sample ◽

Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽

Population Based ◽

Diagnostic Interview ◽

Confounding Factors ◽

Poor Social Support ◽

Physical Disorders ◽

The Relationship

Background.Population-based studies have identified that delusional-like experiences (DLEs) are common in the general population. While there is a large literature exploring the relationship between poor social support and risk of mental illness, there is a lack of empirical data examining the association of poor social support and DLEs. The aim of the study was to explore the association between social support and DLEs using a large, nationally representative community sample.Methods.Subjects were drawn from a national multistage probability survey of 8841 adults aged between 16 and 85 years. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to identify DLEs, common psychiatric disorders and physical disorders. Eight questions assessed various aspects of social support with spouse/partners and other family and friends. We examined the relationship between DLEs and social support using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors.Results.Of the sample, 8.4% (n = 776) positively endorsed one or more DLEs. Individuals who (a) had the least contact with friends, or (b) could not rely on or confide in spouse/partner, family or friends were significantly more likely to endorse DLEs. The associations remained significant after adjusting for a range of potential confounding factors.Conclusions.DLEs are associated with impoverished social support in the general population. While we cannot exclude the possibility that the presence of isolated DLEs results in a reduction of social support, we speculate that poor social support may contribute in a causal fashion to the risk of DLEs.

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