scholarly journals The Holistic Health Status of Chinese Homosexual and Bisexual Adults: A Scoping Review Protocol

Author(s):  
Chanchan Wu ◽  
Edmond Pui Hang Choi ◽  
Pui Hing Chau ◽  
Kitty Wai Ying Choi

Abstract Background: There is a considerable number of homosexual and bisexual people in the Chinese population, while their health conditions have not received sufficient attention compared with general Chinese. Referring to World Health Organization (WHO)’s definition, holistic health is a comprehensive concept incorporating physical, mental, and social well-being. However, existing research seems inadequate and unbalanced on the holistic health of this population, especially many studies only focus on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and relating preventions. Apart from these, the health status of these sexual minorities from a holistic perspective remains unclear. Therefore, this scoping review aims to comprehensively examine all available literature and will be the first to map the existing evidence on the holistic health of homosexual and bisexual Chinese.Methods: This proposed scoping review has been structured according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) recommended framework, which was proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and further enhanced by Levac, et al. Pilot searches of PubMed in English and SinoMed in Chinese were completed to identify all relevant search terms or keywords, then a comprehensive search strategy has been carried out across all relevant databases centering on health care, psychology, nursing and social science, including both English and traditional as well as simplified Chinese electronic databases. Screening and study selection will be independently conducted by two reviewers, and consulting a third senior reviewer based on consensus needs. Data will be extracted using a structured data form referring to the Cochrane template, and a narrative synthesis of the findings will be used.Discussion: There is no systematically reviewed evidence available or underway review on the holistic health of either homosexual or bisexual Chinese, so this scoping review will serve as a most comprehensive way to map the existing evidence and draw a big picture of their health conditions. Results of this review can be used to inform scholars of existing health issues and other major needs, then to provide scientific references for the development of person-centered culturally sensitive programs with Chinese characteristics.Systematic review registration: This protocol has been registered within Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/82r7z) on April 27, 2020.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanchan WU ◽  
Edmond Pui Hang CHOI ◽  
Pui Hing CHAU ◽  
Kitty Wai Ying CHOI

BACKGROUND There is a considerable number of homosexual and bisexual Chinese, while their health conditions have not received sufficient attention compared with general population. Referring to World Health Organization (WHO)’s definition, holistic health is a comprehensive concept incorporating physical, mental, and social well-being. However, existing research seems inadequate and unbalanced on the holistic health of this population, especially many studies only focus on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and relating prevention interventions. Apart from these, the health status of these sexual minorities from a holistic perspective remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine all available literature and will be the first to map the existing evidence on the holistic health of homosexual and bisexual Chinese. METHODS This proposed scoping review has been structured according to standard framework recommended by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Pilot searches of PubMed in English and SinoMed in Chinese were completed to identify all relevant search terms or keywords, then a comprehensive search strategy has been carried out across all relevant databases centering on health care, psychology, nursing and social science, including totally 20 electronic databases covering both English and traditional as well as simplified Chinese. Screening and study selection has been independently conducted by two reviewers and consulting a third senior reviewer based on consensus needs. Data will be extracted using a structured data form and a narrative synthesis of the findings will be used. RESULTS The final database search has been conducted in May 2020, and totally yielded 14811 references from January 1st 2001 to May 31st 2020. After removing 4227 duplicates, there are 10584 references remained for further screen. As of May 2021, the full-text screening is just completed, and data extraction and charting is in progress. This review is projected to be completed by Fall 2021. CONCLUSIONS There is no systematically reviewed evidence available or underway review on the holistic health of either homosexual or bisexual Chinese, so this scoping review will serve as the first and most comprehensive way to map the existing evidence and draw a big picture of their health conditions. Results of this review can be used to inform scholars of existing health issues and other major needs, then to provide scientific references for the development of person-centered culturally sensitive programs with Chinese characteristics. CLINICALTRIAL This protocol has been registered within Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/82r7z) on April 27, 2020.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanchan Wu ◽  
Edmond Pui Hang Choi ◽  
Pui Hing Chau

Background: Same-sex marriage is currently not legalized in China, despite the considerably large number of homosexual and bisexual Chinese populations. At the same time, their holistic health status remains unclear. This is the first scoping review conducted to comprehensively examine all the available literature and map existing evidence on the holistic health of homosexual and bisexual Chinese.Methods: This scoping review used the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive search strategy was carried out across 20 English (EN) and Chinese (both traditional and simplified) electronic databases from January 1, 2001, to May 31, 2020. Two reviewers conducted the reference screening and study selection independently and consulted a third senior reviewer whenever a consensus must be achieved. Data extraction was conducted using a structured data form based on the Cochrane template, after which a narrative synthesis of the findings was performed.Results: A total of 2,879 references were included in the final analysis, with 2,478 research articles, 167 reviews, and 234 theses. Regarding the study populations, the vast majority of studies centered on men only (96.46%), especially men who have sex with men (MSM). Only 1.32% of the studies targeted female sexual minorities. The geographical distribution of all research sites was uneven, with most of them being conducted in mainland China (95.96%), followed by Hong Kong (2.05%), Taiwan (2.02%), and Macau (0.06%). Regarding the specific study focus in terms of the health domain, around half of the studies (45.93%) focused on sexual health only, and an additional quarter of the studies (24.15%) investigated both sexual health and social well-being. Meanwhile, the studies focusing on mental health only accounted for approximately 15% of the total.Conclusions: This scoping review revealed that previous research focused more on male than female sexual minorities, on disease-centered surveys than person-centered interventions, and investigations on negative health conditions than positive health promotion. Therefore, investigations centered on the female sexual minorities and corresponding person-centered interventions are highly needed.Review Registration: The protocol of this review has been registered within Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/82r7z) on April 27, 2020.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Salma Kaneez ◽  
Shamim A Ansari

Spirituality has been described as the central philosophy of life which guides peoples’ conduct and is the core of individual existence that integrates and transcends the physical, emotional, intellectual, ethical, volitional and social dimensions. World Health Organization (WHO) has included spirituality in its comprehensive definition of holistic health. It is recognized as a protective factor or resource when dealing with critical illness and disabilities. Spirituality and religious faith exert a primary preventive effect against morbidity in multiple populations, and has a positive association with psychological well-being. A growing body of research has investigated the relationship of various spiritual and religious indices to various aspects of health. Empirical studies have revealed that spirituality and religious beliefs help prevent physical and mental illness, reducing symptoms severity and relapse rate, and enhancing recovery from diverse set of ailments. Spiritual transcendence (connectedness with God) has been found to play crucial role in coping with illness. The purpose of the present article is to explore the role of spiritual and religious practices in promoting health and wellness among the people inflicted with illness. The paper also highlights implications for health practices and future research in complimentary therapies.Keywords; Spirituality, Well-Being, Coping, Holistic Health.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying He ◽  
Aliyu Aliyu ◽  
Mark Evans ◽  
Cunjin Luo

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has challenged the resilience of the health care information system, which has affected our ability to achieve the global goal of health and well-being. The pandemic has resulted in a number of recent cyberattacks on hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization and its partners, and others. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to identify key cybersecurity challenges, solutions adapted by the health sector, and areas of improvement needed to counteract the recent increases in cyberattacks (eg, phishing campaigns and ransomware attacks), which have been used by attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in technology and people introduced through changes to working practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A scoping review was conducted by searching two major scientific databases (PubMed and Scopus) using the search formula “(covid OR healthcare) AND cybersecurity.” Reports, news articles, and industry white papers were also included if they were related directly to previously published works, or if they were the only available sources at the time of writing. Only articles in English published in the last decade were included (ie, 2011-2020) in order to focus on current issues, challenges, and solutions. RESULTS We identified 9 main challenges in cybersecurity, 11 key solutions that health care organizations adapted to address these challenges, and 4 key areas that need to be strengthened in terms of cybersecurity capacity in the health sector. We also found that the most prominent and significant methods of cyberattacks that occurred during the pandemic were related to phishing, ransomware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and malware. CONCLUSIONS  This scoping review identified the most impactful methods of cyberattacks that targeted the health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges in cybersecurity, solutions, and areas in need of improvement. We provided useful insights to the health sector on cybersecurity issues during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other epidemics or pandemics that may materialize in the future. CLINICALTRIAL


10.2196/21747 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e21747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying He ◽  
Aliyu Aliyu ◽  
Mark Evans ◽  
Cunjin Luo

Background COVID-19 has challenged the resilience of the health care information system, which has affected our ability to achieve the global goal of health and well-being. The pandemic has resulted in a number of recent cyberattacks on hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization and its partners, and others. Objective The aim of this review was to identify key cybersecurity challenges, solutions adapted by the health sector, and areas of improvement needed to counteract the recent increases in cyberattacks (eg, phishing campaigns and ransomware attacks), which have been used by attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in technology and people introduced through changes to working practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A scoping review was conducted by searching two major scientific databases (PubMed and Scopus) using the search formula “(covid OR healthcare) AND cybersecurity.” Reports, news articles, and industry white papers were also included if they were related directly to previously published works, or if they were the only available sources at the time of writing. Only articles in English published in the last decade were included (ie, 2011-2020) in order to focus on current issues, challenges, and solutions. Results We identified 9 main challenges in cybersecurity, 11 key solutions that health care organizations adapted to address these challenges, and 4 key areas that need to be strengthened in terms of cybersecurity capacity in the health sector. We also found that the most prominent and significant methods of cyberattacks that occurred during the pandemic were related to phishing, ransomware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and malware. Conclusions  This scoping review identified the most impactful methods of cyberattacks that targeted the health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges in cybersecurity, solutions, and areas in need of improvement. We provided useful insights to the health sector on cybersecurity issues during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other epidemics or pandemics that may materialize in the future.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruhi kumbhare ◽  
VISHNU VARDHAN

Abstract Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is widespread and has become a global public health emergency. The disease's outbreak was recently announced by the World Health Organization. Pulmonary Rehabilitation has been shown to improve patients' quality of life, function, and well-being with Chronic Respiratory Diseases Recently there have been various guidelines and consensus available for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Post - COVID patients who have been discharged from other respiratory conditions. There is a limited number of literatures on the effect of exercise program on physical fitness and health status of patients with Post COVID 19 syndrome. The current study therefore uses the available evidence in COVID 19 patients to modify an exercise program and apply it to patients with COVID syndrome. The Central Trial Registry of India (CTRI) registration number for this trial is REF/2021/06/044205.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-81
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Shirzadfar ◽  
Narsis Gordoghli

In recent years, chronic medical problems have become increasingly prevalent. Chronic ‎illnesses challenge the view of life as a regular and continuous process, a challenge that has ‎important psychological consequences. The long duration of people suffering from these ‎diseases, the long process of treatment and the fact that there is no proper and definitive ‎treatment for most of these diseases and their associated complications have made chronic ‎diseases a detrimental factor in public health. According to the World Health Organization ‎‎(2006), the prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases is increasing in all countries, ‎especially developing countries, so that the major challenge for the health system in the present ‎century, is not living people, but better adapted to chronic illnesses and maintaining their ‎mental and social health and well-being Ed's life-threatening chronic physical illness.‎ Chronic pain is a pain that lasts longer than usual, and according to the criteria of the ‎International Association of Pain, this time is defined as at least 3 months to 6 months. Chronic ‎pain is such that not only faced the sick person whit the pressure of the pain but also with many ‎other pressure that affect different parts of her life. Fibromyalgia is one of the most rheumatologic disorders and one of the most resistant chronic ‎pain syndromes. Fibromyalgia is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in adults ‎and chronic pain is one of the most common complaints in this group of patients.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002073142110249
Author(s):  
Huriye Toker

As seen clearly from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health is an important foreign policy and diplomatic issue connected with security, economic well-being, and international development. According to risk communication researchers, effective, transparent, and timely information sharing is the most important tool after vaccines for responding to pandemics. This study aims to start a scholarly discussion on the risk communication efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed WHO’s communication efforts during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the leading international health organization, WHO was responsible for providing rapid, up-to-date, and credible information for the public and the media. The selected research items were 42 news releases and statements provided by WHO between December 31, 2019, and March 30, 2020. These were subjected to qualitative and quantitative content analyses using the NVivo 12 qualitative analysis software program for coding. The data were coded under 6 variables (date of publication, topics, frequency, wording of the COVID-19 outbreak, sourcing, and themes of the releases). While 54.7% of WHO's communications were devoted to the COVID-19 outbreak, more than half were not issued until March. That is, instead of early risk communication and clear warnings about the outbreak, WHO acted overcautiously, preferring messages related to solidarity and cooperation during the most devastating pandemic of the 21st century.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Kamila Janmohamed ◽  
Kate Nyhan ◽  
Laura Forastiere ◽  
Wei-Hong Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health inequities that disproportionately affect the sexual health and well-being of many populations, including people of color, ethnic minority groups, women, and sexual and gender minority populations. Although there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and health disparities across various populations, none has focused on sexual health. We plan to conduct a scoping review that seeks to fill several of the gaps in the current knowledge of sexual health in the COVID-19 era. Methods A scoping review focusing on sexual health and COVID-19 will be conducted. We will search (from January 2020 onwards) CINAHL, Africa-Wide Information, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Gender Studies Database, Gender Watch, Global Health, WHO Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease Database, WHO Global Index Medicus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Sociological Abstracts. Grey literature will be identified using Disaster Lit, Google Scholar, governmental websites, and clinical trials registries (e.g., ClinicalTrial.gov, World Health Organization, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry). Study selection will conform to the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Only English language, original studies will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. A narrative summary of findings will be conducted. Data analysis will involve quantitative (e.g., frequencies) and qualitative (e.g., content and thematic analysis) methods. Discussion Original research is urgently needed to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on sexual health. The planned scoping review will help to address this gap. Systematic review registrations Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework osf/io/PRX8E


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Rao ◽  
Kathi J. Kemper

Mind-body practices that intentionally generate positive emotion could improve health professionals’ well-being and compassion. However, the feasibility and impact of clinician training in these practices is unknown. Data were analyzed from 3 online modules offered to health professionals: ( a) Gratitude, ( b) Positive Word, and ( c) Loving-kindness/Compassion meditation. Paired t tests were used to assess pre- to posttraining changes in gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire), well-being (World Health Organization Well-Being Index), self-compassion (Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale), and confidence in providing compassionate care (Confidence in Providing Calm, Compassionate Care Scale). The 177 enrollees included diverse practitioners (nurses, physicians, social workers, and others). Training was associated with statistically significant improvements in gratitude (38.3 ± 4.6 to 39.5 ± 3.3), well-being (16.4 ± 4.0 to 17.9 ± 4.2), self-compassion (39.5 ± 8.1 to 43.1 ± 7.6), and confidence in providing compassionate care (73.3 ± 16.4 to 80.9 ± 13.8; P < .001 for all comparisons). Brief, online training appeals to diverse health professionals and improves their gratitude, well-being, self-compassion, and confidence in providing compassionate care.


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