Examining fine-scale tribal health inequalities around three forested sites in India: Results of a cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Seshadri ◽  
Nandini Dias Velho ◽  
Nityasri Sankha Narasimhamurti ◽  
Prashanth N Srini

Abstract Background The data available for the health of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India are often coarse-scale snapshots of health status and healthcare access showing poorer indicators when compared to others but do not allow fine-scale analysis. In this paper, we examined health inequalities between ST and non-ST populations in two forested sites and compare healthcare parameters for ST populations across three forested sites in India. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional household survey in sites in and around Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT), Kanha and Pakke tiger reserves in the south, central and northeast regions of India respectively. In each site, multi-stage sampling and cluster analysis provided a representative sample of households across villages of 859 ST and non-ST households. We examined sociodemographic and health-related information including self-reported illnesses and healthcare utilisation; from these we explored within-site health inequality patterns for two sites and inter-site differences among ST households in the three sites. Results In BRT, ST-non-ST differences favoured the latter for socio-economic characteristics with no difference in self-reported illness/injuries or healthcare utilisation. In Kanha, both groups were similar for socio-economic characteristics and healthcare utilisation. Pakke ST households reported highest healthcare utilisation, while Kanha ST households reported lowest care seeking at hospitals and relied on home networks and health workers. High tobacco consumption prevalence was noted among ST households in all sites. Conclusions ST-non-ST inequality patterns at a fine-scale were different between BRT and Kanha. Absence of health inequalities between both groups in Kanha indicates uniform socio-geographical disadvantage while poor healthcare utilisation by ST in BRT indicates health inequities within the state. Pakke ST households reported highest utilisation while Kanha reported the lowest. Thus, programmes addressing health inequalities of STs need to consider site-specific assessments in socio-geographical and health system factors.

2012 ◽  
Vol 02 (03) ◽  
pp. 61-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malathi G. Nayak ◽  
Anice Geroge ◽  

Abstract Introduction: Every society has its own traditional beliefs and practices related to health care. Some practices are effective whereas others may be harmful or ineffective. These beliefs and practices are linked to culture, environment and education. Health workers must have concern for the community's cultural values and beliefs so that they can utilize the harmless practices for effective use as well as eliminate harmful practices. Objectives of the study were to explore the adults perception on health and illness, Identify the health care seeking behavior and to find the relationship between perceptions on health and illness with the study variables. Method: Explorative cross sectional survey study was conducted among rural adults in the selected villages of Udupi district. The study subjects (75) were interviewed through a questionnaire and selected by purposive sampling Results: Data shows that majority (52.9%) of them were in the age group of 20-40 years and most (76.6%) of them were females. 52% were illiterate and 73% were lived in nuclear family. 64% of the samples take the decision to seek medical help by themselves. Majority of the samples (85%) perceived that yoga and exercises reduces the health risks. Most of the samples (70%) perceived smoking, alcohol, using unsafe water & food, multiple sex partner, stress, obesity, are the risk factors to cause the diseases. Conclusion: Present study samples perceived diseases like epilepsy, tuberculosis, leprosy is due to sin of god and past sins. Further studies may require giving awareness program on particular area to remove such false beliefs.


Author(s):  
Kahler W. Stone ◽  
Kristina W. Kintziger ◽  
Meredith A. Jagger ◽  
Jennifer A. Horney

While the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline health care workers have been well described, the effects of the COVID-19 response on the U.S. public health workforce, which has been impacted by the prolonged public health response to the pandemic, has not been adequately characterized. A cross-sectional survey of public health professionals was conducted to assess mental and physical health, risk and protective factors for burnout, and short- and long-term career decisions during the pandemic response. The survey was completed online using the Qualtrics survey platform. Descriptive statistics and prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated. Among responses received from 23 August and 11 September 2020, 66.2% of public health workers reported burnout. Those with more work experience (1–4 vs. <1 years: prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08−3.36; 5–9 vs. <1 years: PR = 1.89, CI = 1.07−3.34) or working in academic settings (vs. practice: PR = 1.31, CI = 1.08–1.58) were most likely to report burnout. As of September 2020, 23.6% fewer respondents planned to remain in the U.S. public health workforce for three or more years compared to their retrospectively reported January 2020 plans. A large-scale public health emergency response places unsustainable burdens on an already underfunded and understaffed public health workforce. Pandemic-related burnout threatens the U.S. public health workforce’s future when many challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 response remain unaddressed.


Author(s):  
Chidebe Christian Anikwe ◽  
Philip Chidubem Osuagwu ◽  
Cyril Chijioke Ikeoha ◽  
Okechukwu B Ikechukwu Dimejesi ◽  
Bartholomew Chukwunonye Okorochukwu

Background Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that contributes significantly to the death of women. This study is aimed at determining the level of knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among female undergraduates of Ebonyi State University. Methods A structured questionnaire was used for a cross-sectional survey of the study population between January 1 and March 3, 2018. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Data were represented with frequency table, simple percentage, mode, range, Chi square and pie chart. The level of significance is at P-value < 0.05. Results Majority (74.8%) of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer and it could be prevented (70.8%). More than three-fifths (68.30%) were informed via health workers, and 86.8% were aware that post-coital vaginal bleeding is a symptom. Less than half (49.8%) knew that HPV is the primary cause, and only 32.9% were aware of the HPV vaccine. One-quarter of the respondent were aware that early coitarche is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 41.8% of the women were aware of Pap smear, 9.2% had undergone screening, and 97.6% were willing to be screened. Marital status was the significant determinant of being screened while class level did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening. The most common reason (20.6%) for not being screened was lack of awareness of the test. Conclusion Our study population had a good knowledge of cervical cancer, but utilization of cervical cancer screening was poor. Awareness creation through the mass media and provision of affordable screening services can promote the use of cervical cancer screening in the study area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tumbwene Mwansisya ◽  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Kahabi Isangula ◽  
Loveluck Mwasha ◽  
Eunice Pallangyo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Continuous professional development (CPD) has been reported to enhance healthcare workers’ knowledge and skills, improve retention and recruitment, improve the quality of patient care, and reduce patient mortality. Therefore, validated training needs assessment tools are important to facilitate the design of effective CPD programs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. Participants were healthcare workers in reproductive, maternal, and neonatal health (RMNH) from seven hospitals, 12 health centers, and 17 dispensaries in eight districts of Mwanza Region, Tanzania. The training needs analysis (TNA) tool that was used for data collection was adapted and translated into Kiswahili from English version of the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Need Analysis Questionnaire (TNAQ). Results In total, 153 healthcare workers participated in this study. Most participants were female 83 % (n = 127), and 76 % (n = 115) were nurses. The average age was 39 years, and the mean duration working in RMNH was 7.9 years. The reliability of the adapted TNAQ was 0.954. Assessment of construct validity indicated that the comparative fit index was equal to 1. Conclusions The adapted TNAQ appears to be reliable and valid for identifying professional training needs among healthcare workers in RMNH settings in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to test the use of the TNAQ in broader healthcare systems and settings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Bartholomew Yir-Erong ◽  
Marcel Tunkumgnen Bayor ◽  
Isaac Ayensu ◽  
Stephen Yao Gbedema ◽  
Joshua Boateng

Background. The study was undertaken to elicit the knowledge, views, and perceptions of key stakeholders on malaria, its bioburden, and treatment options, in order to ascertain the knowledge gabs and challenges, especially in the use of oral quinine in childhood malaria. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a well-structured Likert Scale and self-administered questionnaire. The principal site of the study was a government-run children’s hospital located in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metro of Accra. The study population included health workers, parents, and guardians or care givers. The participants were 300, purposively selected, and consisted of both men (41%) and women (59%) who were twenty years and above, whether employed (42%), self-employed (37%), or unemployed (21%). Results. Majority of the participants (78%) demonstrated above average knowledge of malaria. However, their awareness of the causes, modes of transmission, signs, and symptoms as well as preventive mechanisms of malaria did not result in low incidence of malaria. About 77% of the respondents agreed they would seek treatment within 24 hours once signs and symptoms are detected. Though close to 50% undertook home treatment of malaria, majority eventually sought treatment at hospital or clinic. Above 92% of respondents knew that quinine is used to treat malaria and agreed its bitter taste greatly affects compliance, especially in children. Consequently, 95% of the respondents would be glad if its bitter taste is masked. Conclusion. The study demonstrated the availability of substantial knowledge of the devastating effects of malaria, especially in children. Therefore, there is the need to ensure the availability and utilization of effective paediatric formulations in the fight against malaria. From this study, fast dissolving oral thin film with a good mouth feel, would be the formulation of choice for quinine.


Author(s):  
Vijayan Neena ◽  
Neelakandhan Asokan ◽  
Rajany Jose ◽  
A. Sarin

Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.


Jurnal NERS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Susy Katikana Sebayang ◽  
Erni Astutik ◽  
Desak Made Sintha Kurnia Dewi ◽  
Ayik Mirayanti Mandagi ◽  
Septa Indra Puspikawati

Introduction:  Improving health care-seeking behavior of the coastal communities is a pathway to improve their health. This analysis aims to explore the health care-seeking behavior of the coastal communities in Banyuwangi District to recommend the room for improvement for health promotion and health service improvement for these communities. Method: Data from a cross-sectional survey of metabolic syndrome and mental health conducted in coastal communities in Banyuwangi was used for analysis.  Randomly selected participants from a list of members of Family Welfare Development Group (Pembinaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga /PKK) were asked for an interview at corresponding village office in Ketapang, Bangsring, Bulu Agung, Grajagan and Kampung Mandar village.  Distribution of health care-seeking behaviors was analyzed individually and where possible were segregated by gender and age. Results: More than half of the coastal communities in Banyuwangi District went to health care service to seek health and 7 out of 10 turned to health care service to seek health for their family members.  Women more than men turned to health care service when they or their family members fell ill.  Private doctors rather than Puskesmas were more popular.  Private midwives were the most popular service for antenatal care (ANC) and delivery.  Although there was not a clear increase in health care service utilization over time, we found that contraceptive utilization increased with time. Conclusion: The utilization of health care service in Banyuwangi needs to be more promoted especially for men’s health.  


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Shiva Raj Mishra ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundHealth workers involved in COVID-19 response might be at risk of developing fear and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear among health workers in Nepal during the early phase of pandemic.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of April-May 2020 among 475 health workers directly involved in COVID-19 management. The Fear Scale of COVID 19 (FCV-19S) was used to measure the status of fear. Scatter plots were used to observe the relationship between fear and other psychological outcomes: anxiety, depression and insomnia. Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with COVID fear.ResultsCOVID-19 fear score was moderately correlated with anxiety and depression, and weakly correlated with insomnia (p<0.001). Nurses (AOR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.23-4.26), health workers experiencing stigma (AOR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73), those working in affected district(AOR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.12-2.77) and presence of family member with chronic diseases (AOR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01-2.25) was associated with higher odds of developing COVID-19 fear as compared to other health workers, health workers not experiencing stigma, working in non-affected district and not having family member with chronic diseases respectively.ConclusionNurses, health workers facing stigma, those working in affect district and having family member with chronic diseases were more at risk of developing COVID-19 fear. It is thus recommended to improve work environment to reduce fear among health workers, employ stigma reduction interventions, and ensure personal and family support for those having family member with chronic diseases.


Author(s):  
Magda Piekarska ◽  
Martyna Pszczółka ◽  
Damian Parol ◽  
Paweł Szewczyk ◽  
Daniel Śliż ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic and abiding restrictions have affected every life domain. Sleep disturbances are a major health issue that is linked with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and psychological burdens. Research of sleeping disorders among vegetarian and non-vegetarian subpopulations is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sleeping disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with different dietary patterns. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 1987 people. A total of 1956 respondents met all study conditions. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information, assessment of dietary habits, and assessment of the prevalence of insomnia and sleepiness, based on the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A total of 36.04% (n = 705) respondents declared that they noticed a change in the quality of their sleep during the last year. According to AIS and ESS, non-vegetarians suffered from insomnia or sleepiness more often than vegetarians. Insomnia and sleepiness were also more prevalent among those respondents who declared consumption of fruit and vegetables less often than once a day compared with those who consumed fruit and vegetables daily. Respondents with BMI within the recommended limit (18.5–24.99) suffered from insomnia less often when compared with underweight (BMI < 18.5) or obese (BMI ≥ 25) respondents. Those results may be useful for public health workers and medical professionals in terms of establishing new instruments that help treat sleeping disorders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nuzliati T Djama ◽  
Amira BSA

Abstract : Knowledge relations of pregnant women with the hygiene behavior about flour albus in Puskesmas Kalumpang Ternate Oktober 2013 Whiteness or Flour Albus is an abnormal vaginal secretion in women. Many women are not aware that they regard whitish vaginal discharge as common and trivial. Survey of health workers at the Puskesmas Kalumpang Ternate Incidence of Flour Albus / Whitish in pregnant women and pregnant women about the knowledge of flour albus / whiteness, from 100% of pregnant women around 55% of women do not know flour albus / discharge is physiological and pathological. The purpose of this study is to reveal Knowledge relations of pregnant women with the hygiene behavior about flour albus in Puskesmas Kalumpang Ternate Oktober 2013. The study design was descriptive correlational, design is cross sectional survey, with 30 samples of working mothers. The statistical analysis use in this study was bivariate.The results Relations knowledge of pregnant women with the hygiene behavior about flour albus in Puskesmas Kalumpang Ternate Oktober 2013, Based on the results showed a significant association (p = 0.036 ). Based on the Knowledge relations of pregnant women with the hygiene behavior about flour albus in Puskesmas Kalumpang Ternate Oktober 2013, can be considered in an effort to increase knowledge and awareness of the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the area of sex organs.


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