scholarly journals Creating a Scientific Solution: Local Problem Solving in the Portuguese Health Examination Survey: A Mixed Method Study

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Lyshol ◽  
Ana Paula Gil ◽  
Hanna Tolonen ◽  
Sónia Namorado ◽  
Irina Kislaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participation Rate ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Central Research ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Health Examination Survey ◽  
Scientific Standards

Abstract BackgroundParticipation rates in health surveys, recognized as an important quality dimension, have been declining over the years, which may affect representativeness and confidence in results. The Portuguese national health examination survey INSEF (2015) achieved a participation rate of 43.9%, which is in line with participation rates from other similar health examination surveys. The objective of this article is to describe strategies used by the local teams to increase participation rates and to solve practical survey problems.MethodsAfter a literature search, informal interviews were conducted with 14 public health officials from local health examination teams, regional and central authorities. 41 of the local staff members also filled in a short questionnaire anonymously. The interviews and self-administered questionnaires were analysed using mixed methods, informed by thematic analysis.ResultsThe local teams believed that the detailed manual, described as a "cookbook for making a health examination survey", made it possible to maintain high scientific standards while allowing for improvising solutions to problems in the local context. The quality of the manual, supported by a series of training workshops with the central research and support team, gave the teams the confidence and knowledge to implement local solutions. Motivation and cohesion within the local teams were among the goals of the training process. Local teams felt empowered by being given large responsibilities and worked hard to incite people to attend the examination through a close and persuasive approach.Local teams praised their INSA contacts for being available for assistance throughout the survey, and said they were inspired to try harder to reach participants to please their contacts for interpersonal reasons.ConclusionsThe theory of organizational improvisation or bricolage, which means using limited resources to solve problems, was useful to discuss and understand what took place during INSEF.A detailed manual covering standard procedures, continuous monitoring of the data collection and face-to-face workshops, including role-play, were vital to assure high scientific standards and high participation rates in this health examination survey. Close contacts between the central team and local focal points in all regions and all survey sites were key to accommodating unexpected challenges and innovative solutions.

scholarly journals Creating a scientific solution: local problem solving in the Portuguese Health Examination Survey: a mixed method study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Lyshol ◽  
Ana P. Gil ◽  
Hanna Tolonen ◽  
Sónia Namorado ◽  
Irina Kislaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Participation Rate ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Central Research ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Health Examination Survey ◽  
Scientific Standards

Abstract Background Participation rates in health surveys, recognized as an important quality dimension, have been declining over the years, which may affect representativeness and confidence in results. The Portuguese national health examination survey INSEF (2015) achieved a participation rate of 43.9%, which is in line with participation rates from other similar health examination surveys. The objective of this article is to describe strategies used by the local teams to increase participation rates and to solve practical survey problems.Methods After a literature search, informal interviews were conducted with 14 public health officials from local health examination teams, regional and central authorities. 41 of the local staff members also filled in a short questionnaire anonymously. The interviews and self-administered questionnaires were analysed using mixed methods, informed by thematic analysis.Results The local teams believed that the detailed manual, described as a "cookbook for making a health examination survey", made it possible to maintain high scientific standards while allowing for improvising solutions to problems in the local context. The quality of the manual, supported by a series of training workshops with the central research and support team, gave the teams the confidence and knowledge to implement local solutions. Motivation and cohesion within the local teams were among the goals of the training process. Local teams felt empowered by being given large responsibilities and worked hard to incite people to attend the examination through a close and persuasive approach.Local teams praised their INSA contacts for being available for assistance throughout the survey, and said they were inspired to try harder to reach participants to please their contacts for interpersonal reasons.Conclusions The theory of organizational improvisation or bricolage, which means using limited resources to solve problems, was useful to discuss and understand what took place during INSEF.A detailed manual covering standard procedures and face-to-face workshops, including role-play, were vital to assure high scientific standards and high participation rates in this health examination survey. Close contacts between the central team and local focal points in all regions and all survey sites were key to accommodating unexpected challenges and innovative solutions.

scholarly journals Contributions of a Local Health Examination Survey to the Surveillance of Chronic and Infectious Diseases in New York City

2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Charon Gwynn ◽  
Renu K. Garg ◽  
Bonnie D. Kerker ◽  
Thomas R. Frieden ◽  
Lorna E. Thorpe
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
York City ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Examination Survey

scholarly journals The first Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (2015): design, planning and implementation

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baltazar Nunes ◽  
Marta Barreto ◽  
Ana P Gil ◽  
Irina Kislaya ◽  
Sónia Namorado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Health ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
National Level ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Examination Survey ◽  
Design Planning

Abstract Background In Health Examination Surveys interview information is complemented with objective information, providing more accurate indicators than self-reported data. We report the study design, planning and implementation of the first Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF). Methods INSEF was a cross-sectional population-based study representative at regional and national level. Individuals aged between 25 and 74 years old, residing in Portugal were selected from the national health users’ registry through multi-stage stratified probabilistic sampling. Sample size was set at 4200 individuals. Data was collected in primary care units and included blood pressure, height, weight, hip and waist measurements, blood collection for lipid profile, HbA1c and blood count and a general health questionnaire. European HES procedures were followed. Results A total of 4911 individuals agreed to participate (43.9% participation rate). Participation rate varied by region, sex and age group, being lower in Lisbon and Tagus Valley (32.8%), for men (41.8%) and for those aged 25–34 years old (36%). Conclusions INSEF has set up an experienced national and regional structure for HES implementation. Nationally representative quality epidemiological data is now available for public health monitoring, planning and research.

Language as a determinant of participation rates in Finnish health examination surveys

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Tolonen ◽  
Päivikki Koponen ◽  
Katja Borodulin ◽  
Satu Männistö ◽  
Markku Peltonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Language Group ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
High Participation ◽  
Survey Results

Aim: A high participation rate is considered as a prerequisite for representative survey results, especially when it is known that non-participation is selective. In many countries migration is increasing and the proportion of people speaking other language(s) than the official language(s) of the country is also increasing. How does this affect survey participation rates? Methods: Data from four cross-sectional health examination surveys (the FINRISK Study) were used to evaluate the effect of the registered mother tongue to participation in the survey. Results: Finland has two official languages (Finnish and Swedish). Between 1997 and 2012, the proportion of the population with some other language as their registered mother tongue has increased significantly. Participation rates in the health surveys have been highest among the Finnish language group (68% in men in 1997 and 76% in women in 1997), while lowest among the foreign language group (43% in men in 1997 and 57% in women in 1997). In 2012, the participation rates had declined in all language groups: for men, 58%, 62% and 41% for Finnish, Swedish and foreign groups respectively, and for women 68%, 75% and 56%. Conclusions: The participation rate for the foreign language group was significantly lower than for the Finnish and Swedish groups. In future surveys it will be important to include actions to promote participation, e.g. providing survey material in several languages. These actions will increase costs but will be essential to ensure high participation rates and reliable results for the total population.

scholarly journals The Online Evaluation of Courses: Impact on Participation Rates and Evaluation Scores

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-120
Author(s):  
Jovan F Groen ◽  
Yves Herry
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation System ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Course Evaluations ◽  
Participation Rates ◽  
Online System ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Average Decrease ◽  
Evaluation Scores ◽  
The Impact

At one of Ontario’s largest universities, the University of Ottawa, course evaluations involve about 6,000 course sections and over 43,000 students every year. This paper-based format requires over 1,000,000 sheets of paper, 20,000 envelopes, and the support of dozens of administrative staff members. To examine the impact of a shift to an online system for the evaluation of courses, the following study sought to compare participation rates and evaluation scores of an online and paper-based course evaluation system. Results from a pilot group of 10,417 students registered in 318 courses suggest an average decrease in participation rate of 12–15% when using an online system. No significant differences in evaluation scores were observed. Instructors and students alike shared positive reviews about the online system; however, they suggested that an in-class period be maintained for the electronic completion of course evaluations.  

scholarly journals The health of asylum seekers in Finland: a total population health examination survey (TERTTU)

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Skogberg ◽  
P Koponen ◽  
E Lilja ◽  
K-L Mustonen ◽  
F Garoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
National Level ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Health Examination Survey

Abstract Background There is scarcity of representative population-based data on the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers in Europe. The Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing Survey (TERTTU) was launched to provide the evidence-base for developing services for asylum seekers as well as for planning and allocation of healthcare resources at a national level. Methods A sample of all first-time asylum applicants between 19.2-30.11.2018 was drawn from the Finnish Immigration Services electronic asylum database. Altogether 784 adults aged 18 years and older took part in the standardised health examination and face-to-face interview with participation rate of 79%. Interviewed health measures included the Minimum European Health Module, conditions previously diagnosed by a physician, permanent injury due to violence or accident and somatization. Results Self-rated health was good among 66% (95% CI 62,5-69,1) and 42% (95% CI 38,5-45,4) reported having some self-reported long-term illness or health problem. The most common previously diagnosed conditions were diseases of the circulatory system (19%, 95% CI 16,5-22,0), musculoskeletal system (18%, 95% CI 15,6-21,1), mental and behavioural disorders (13%, 95% CI 10,9-15,6) and diseases of the respiratory system (10%, 95% CI 8,0-12,2 ). Nearly half (47%, 95% CI 43,7-50,8) reported having a permanent injury due to violence or accident. Somatisation was common: 23% (95% CI 20,3-26,2) reported having headache, 23% (95% CI 19,9-25,8) back ache and 13% (95% CI 10,8-15,6) other pains at least several times a week. Conclusions The overall health of newly-arrived asylum seekers was poorer compared with the general Finnish population and migrant origin populations from similar countries of origin permanently living in Finland. Significant differences in asylum seekers health were found by sex and region of origin. Survey data will be used for developing the national initial health assessment protocol for asylum seekers during 2019. Key messages The TERTTU Survey is the largest population-based health examination survey among newly-arrived asylum seekers in Europe to date. The extensive data gathered over the course of the survey will be used for developing services for asylum seekers at a national level and is of high relevance also to other European countries.

Estimates of prediabetes and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in Denmark: The end of an epidemic or a diagnostic artefact?

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marit Eika Jørgensen ◽  
Christina Ellervik ◽  
Ola Ekholm ◽  
Nanna Borup Johansen ◽  
Bendix Carstensen
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Population Study ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Health Examination Survey ◽  
Danish Health

Background: Up-to-date information on undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes based on current diagnostic criteria is lacking. The study aimed to model the total numbers of people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in Denmark based on existing population-based surveys. Methods: Two population-based Danish studies with information on HbA1c, date of examination, gender, age and known type 2 diabetes were identified: the Danish General Suburban Population Study, n = 21,205, and the Danish Health Examination Survey, n = 18,065. The prevalence of known, undiagnosed and pre-diabetes were estimated in the Danish General Suburban Population Study, and population-level age-specific prevalence of known type 2 diabetes was estimated from national registers. The Danish Health Examination Survey was included for sensitivity analysis. Combining estimates of the survey participation rate among known type 2 diabetes patients with known overall participation rates from the studies allowed for the correction of survey prevalence to plausible population-level estimates of age- and gender-specific prevalence. Results: The prevalence of known, undiagnosed and pre-diabetes was highest among men, increasing with age with a peak at age 70. Applying the survey-based prevalence to the entire Danish population, the estimated number (May 2011) with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes was 60,681, corresponding to 24% of all type 2 diabetes cases, and 292,715 had prediabetes, about 50% more than the total type 2 diabetes population. Conclusions: Estimates of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are dramatically lower than reported in previous studies (60,681 vs 200,000 and 292,715 vs 750,000); however, whether this reflects a true decrease in incidence or the change to HbA1c-based diagnostic criteria is not clear.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular health of the elderly

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Giampaoli ◽  
Diego Vanuzzo
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
High Cholesterol ◽  
High Serum Cholesterol ◽  
Health Examination Survey ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
Age Range

<p>Within the Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare/Health Examination Survey 426 men and 376 women, ages 75-79 years, randomly selected from the general population were examined. Participation rate was 50%; within men 78% were hypertensives, 36% had high serum cholesterol, 28% were diabetics, 25% were obese; within women 81% were hypertensives, 55% had high cholesterol, 19% were diabetics, 37% were obese. Preventive actions at individual and community level are urgent, also at this age range.</p><p><strong>Riassunto</strong></p><p>Nell’ambito dell’Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare/Health Examination Survey sono stati esaminati 426 uomini e 376 donne di età compresa fra 75-79 anni, estratti casualmente dalla popolazione generale. Il tasso di partecipazione è stato del 50%; fra gli uomini il 78% era iperteso, il 36% ipercolesterolemico, il 28% diabetico e il 25% obeso; fra le donne l’81% era ipertesa, il 55% ipercolesterolemica, il 19% diabetica, il 37% obesa. Azioni di prevenzione a livello individuale e collettivo sono urgenti sulla popolazione generale, anche in questa fascia di età.</p>

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