scholarly journals Prevalence of Schistosoma Haematobium Measured by a Mobile Health System in an Unexplored Endemic Region in the Subprefecture of Torrock, Chad (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didier Lalaye ◽  
Mirjam E de Bruijn ◽  
Tom PVM de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Medical Doctor ◽  
Digenetic Trematode ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Endemic Region

BACKGROUND Schistosoma haematobium is a parasitic digenetic trematode responsible for schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia). The disease is caused by penetration of the skin by the parasite, spread by intermediate host molluscs in stagnant waters, and can be treated by administration of praziquantel. Schistosomiasis is considered to be an important but neglected tropical disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the subprefecture of Torrock, an endemic area in Chad where no earlier investigation had been conducted and no distribution system for pharmacotherapy has ever existed. METHODS This study examined 1875 children aged 1 to 14 years over a period of 1 year. After centrifugation, urine examination was performed by a direct microscopic investigation for eggs. The investigation was conducted with a mobile health (mHealth) approach, using short message service (SMS) for communication among parents, local health workers, a pharmacist, and a medical doctor. An initial awareness campaign requested parents to have their children examined for schistosomiasis. Urine was then collected at home by the parents following the SMS request. Urine results that proved positive were sent to a medical doctor by SMS, who in turn ordered a pharmacist by SMS to distribute praziquantel to the infected children. RESULTS Direct microscopic examination of urine found 467 positive cases (24.9% of the total sample). Of all male and female samples, 341 (34%) and 127 (14.4%) samples were positive, respectively. The infection rate was equally distributed over age groups. The newly developed mHealth system had a limited level of participation (8%) from an estimated total of 25,000 children in the target group. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of schistosomiasis in children in the subprefecture of Torrock is moderately high. Efforts will be required to enhance the awareness of parents and to reach a larger percentage of the population. Systematic governmental measures should be put in place as soon as possible to increase awareness in the area and to diagnose and treat cases of schistosomiasis.

scholarly journals TINGKAT KECEMASAN PASIEN YANG MENJALANI OPERASI DI RUMAH SAKIT PANTI RAPIH YOGYAKARTA

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
Anggit Septy Nugraheni ◽  
Siwi Ikaristi Maria Theresia
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Moderate Level ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Spiritual Support

Background: Anxiety is often associated with a life-threatening event such as during surgery. The emergence of anxiety begins in the preoperative phase as the initial phase in the surgical process. For someone who is undergoing surgery for the first time, an anxious response will emerge so that it can affect the success of the operation.   Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of anxiety of patients who underwent the first operation at RapihPanti Hospital Yogyakarta.   Methods: This research uses descriptive quantitative survey method, with a total sample of 30 respondents using purposive sampling technique. The instrument to assess used was the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A) which was translated into Indonesian.   Results: The results showed that the mild anxiety level was in the early elderly 16.7%. The most moderate level of anxiety in the elderly was 13.3% and severe anxiety in late adolescence was 3.3%. Based on gender, the level of mild anxiety was mostly experienced by men 33.3% and moderate anxiety was mostly experienced by women 30%. As many as 60% of patients get information sources on surgery from health workers and seek information on social media independently.   Conclusion: The level of anxiety is mild, moderate and severe experienced by all age groups. Types of gender men experience the mild anxiety level and women experience the most moderate level of anxiety. Recommendation for nurses is to provide assistance in knowledge, understanding, and spiritual support, besides the nurses assess the level of anxiety in all patients undergoing surgery. For hospitals develop social media communication as a source of information on surgery.

scholarly journals Cutaneous leishmaniasis control in Alta Verapaz (northern Guatemala): evaluating current efforts through stakeholders’ experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Mendizábal-Cabrera ◽  
Isabel Pérez ◽  
Víctor Becerril Montekio ◽  
Freddy Pérez ◽  
Erick Durán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Preventive Action ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Alta Verapaz

Abstract Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), endemic in Guatemala, mostly affects poor people living in the northern region. A national control program that includes surveillance, diagnose, and treatment offered free of cost by the Ministry of Health (MoH) has been in place since 2003. However, the incidence is increasing and treatment rates are not optimal, suggesting that current efforts are not being effective. This study aimed to understand barriers and facilitators of CL control in Guatemala as experienced and perceived by key stakeholders in order to comprehend what works well and does not and suggest evidence-informed interventions. Methods The study was conducted in the Cobán municipality, the most endemic of Guatemala, situated in the Department of Alta Verapaz. Data were collected during May and June 2019 via focus groups and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including local and national health personnel and residents of four communities of the endemic region. Thematic and content analysis of the collected data was conducted using NVIVO. Results Three overarching issues hamper the effectiveness of current CL efforts: resource scarcity, treatment challenges, and knowledge-action gaps. Scarce economic resources from the MoH and community residents negatively impact incidence, detection of cases and treatment rates in that preventive action is insufficient and healthcare access is low. In addition, local health workers often lack specialized CL training and access to the national CL control guidelines. With regards to the population living in the study area, misunderstanding of disease causation, shame associated with CL lesions, treatment pain fear, and long (often uncertain) waiting times for diagnose and treatment negatively affect people’s willingness to seek help, treatment adherence, and their trust on the healthcare provided. Conclusions Culturally sensitive CL preventive action must be developed. Given the scarce economic resources available for CL control in the country, the involvement of trained community health workers and the inclusion of thermotherapy as a treatment option is also advised. Other cost-effective actions include: ensuring all health workers receive CL training and have access to national CL control guidelines, improving national procurement system to avoid treatment shortages, and provision of motorized vehicles to increase active surveillance and treatment rates. Graphical abstract

GPS mHealth Intervention among People Experiencing Homelessness: A Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia R. Moczygemba ◽  
Whitney Thurman ◽  
Kyler Tormey ◽  
Anthony Hudzik ◽  
Lauren Welton-Arndt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Hospital Visit ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
E Mail

BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness are at risk for gaps in care after an emergency department (ED) or hospital visit, which leads to increased utilization, poor health outcomes, and high health care costs. The majority of homeless individuals have a cell phone of some type, which makes mobile health interventions a feasible way to connect a person experiencing homelessness with providers. OBJECTIVE To investigate the accuracy, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a global positioning system-enabled mobile health (GPS-mHealth) intervention designed to alert community health paramedics when people experiencing homelessness were in the ED or hospital. METHODS This was a pre-post design with baseline and 4-month post-enrollment assessments. A person experiencing homelessness taking at least two medications for chronic conditions who scored at least 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and had at least two ED or hospital visits in the prior 6 months was eligible. Participants were issued a study smartphone with a GPS app programmed to alert a community health paramedic when a participant entered an ED or hospital. For each alert, community health paramedics followed up via telephone to assess care coordination needs. Participants also received a daily e-mail to assess medication adherence. GPS alerts were compared to ED and hospital data from the local health information exchange (HIE) to assess accuracy. Paired t-tests compared scores on the PHQ-9, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, and ASK-12 adherence survey at baseline and exit. Semi-structured exit interviews examined perceptions and benefits of the intervention. RESULTS Thirty participants enrolled; the mean age was 44.1 years (SD 9.7). Most were male (67%; n = 20), White (57%; n = 17), and not working (63%; n = 19). The GPS app showed limited accuracy in ED or hospital visit alerts. Only 18.8% of the alerts aligned with HIE data (3/16), mainly due to patients not having the phone with them during the visit, phone being off, and gaps in GPS technology. There was a significant difference in depressive symptoms between baseline (M=16.9, SD=5.8) and exit (M=12.7, SD=8.2); t(19)=2.9, p=.009 and a significant difference in adherence barriers between baseline (M=2.4, SD=1.4) and exit (M=1.5, SD =1.5); t(17)=2.47, p = .025). Participants agreed that the app was easy to use (M=4.4/5 with 5 = strongly agree (SA)) and indicated the e-mail helped them remember to take their medications (M=4.6/5). Qualitative data indicated that unlimited phone access allowed participants to meet social needs and maintain reliable contact with case managers, healthcare providers, family, and friends. CONCLUSIONS mHealth interventions are feasible for and acceptable to people experiencing homelessness. Objective data from the HIE provided more accurate ED and hospital visit information, but unlimited access to reliable communication provided benefits to participants beyond the study purpose of improving care coordination. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

Do Migrants Receive Tuberculosis Education in China? Evidence From the China Migrants Dynamic Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110003
Author(s):  
Zheng Zhu ◽  
Mengdi Guo ◽  
Tingyue Dong ◽  
Beibei Gong ◽  
Xia Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Primary Methods ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Key Population ◽  
Bulletin Boards ◽  
Nationally Representative

Background Migrants are the key population for tuberculosis (TB) transmission in China. However, it remains unknown how many migrants have received TB education and through what means. Objectives To identify the rate and methods of TB education among migrants in China by using nationally representative data. Method This study used secondary data analysis. The data were derived from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey 2014–2017. A total sample of 745,926 migrants was included in the following analysis. Information on TB education was collected through a self-report questionnaire. We used hierarchical logistic regression models to explore the relationship between the independent variables and the receipt of TB education. Results Only 30.4% ( n = 226,458) received TB education. Among all age-groups, participants between 65 and 69 years old had the highest TB education rate (33.4%). Bulletin boards (86.5%–91%), media (73% to 86.7%), and books/magazines (59.2%–67.4%) were the most common ways for migrants to receive TB education. Conclusions Our study showed the rates of TB education in each region of China and indicated the significant disparity among the seven regions. Traditional media, off-line medical consultation, community advocacy, and bulletin boards should be the primary methods of delivering TB education. TB education campaigns targeting migrants with a low socioeconomic status should be actively promoted.

scholarly journals Examining local perspectives on the influence of climate change on the health of Hamer pastoralists and their livestock in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Lumborg ◽  
Samuel Tefera ◽  
Barry Munslow ◽  
Siobhan M. Mor
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Grazing Lands

AbstractThis study explores the perceived influence of climate change on the health of Hamer pastoralists and their livestock in south-western Ethiopia. A combination of focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with Hamer communities as well as local health workers, animal health workers and non-governmental organisation (NGO) staff. Thematic framework analysis was used to analyse the data. Reductions in rangeland, erratic rainfall, recurrent droughts and loss of seasonality were perceived to be the biggest climate challenges influencing the health and livelihoods of the Hamer. Communities were travelling greater distances to access sufficient grazing lands, and this was leading to livestock deaths and increases in ethnic violence. Reductions in suitable rangeland were also precipitating disease outbreaks in animals due to increased mixing of different herds. Negative health impacts in the community stemmed indirectly from decreases in livestock production, uncertain crop harvests and increased water scarcity. The remoteness of grazing lands has resulted in decreased availability of animal milk, contributing to malnutrition in vulnerable groups, including children. Water scarcity in the region has led to utilisation of unsafe water sources resulting in diarrhoeal illnesses. Further, seasonal shifts in climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria were also acknowledged. Poorly resourced healthcare facilities with limited accessibility combined with an absence of health education has amplified the community’s vulnerability to health challenges. The resilience and ambition for livelihood diversification amongst the Hamer was evident. The introduction of camels, increase in permanent settlements and new commercial ideas were transforming their livelihood strategies. However, the Hamer lack a voice to express their perspectives, challenges and ambitions. There needs to be collaborative dynamic dialogue between pastoral communities and the policy-makers to drive sustainable development in the area without compromising the values, traditions and knowledge of the pastoralists.

scholarly journals Rebuilding public trust: a clarified response to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy predicament

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalmacito A Cordero
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Public Trust ◽  
Medical Doctor ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
Defensive Strategy ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Local Health Care ◽  
The Government

Abstract As the world welcomes the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, coupled with it is the ‘hesitant’ predicament of some Filipinos to get vaccinated because of the confusing information regarding its efficacy. With this, the government needs to build up public trust to assure a successful vaccination program. A recent study suggested that a more ‘localized’ public education and role-modeling from public officials and health authorities can help in building public trust. However, this needs a lot of clarification if applied in the current situation where education is fully executed online. The problem now lies in the country’s poor internet connectivity which greatly affects the online setup. This study then proposes that a house-to-house massive information campaign by local health care personnel which is led by a medical doctor to ensure a credible explanation of the entire procedure. In the same way, the idea of public officials as role-models seemed to be ineffective since there were already casualties linked to the vaccine. A consistent transparent approach is suggested in lieu of this which can prepare the country for a more defensive strategy to fight the pandemic.

scholarly journals Psychedelic perceptions: mental health service user attitudes to psilocybin therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Corrigan ◽  
Maeve Haran ◽  
Conor McCandliss ◽  
Roisin McManus ◽  
Shannon Cleary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Service User ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Psychiatric Clinic ◽  
User Attitudes ◽  
Mental Health Service User

Abstract Introduction Despite the rapid advance of psychedelic science and possible translation of psychedelic therapy into the psychiatric clinic, very little is known about mental health service user attitudes. Objectives To explore mental health service user attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy. Methods A questionnaire capturing demographics, diagnoses, previous psychedelic and other drug use, and attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy was distributed to mental health service users. Results Ninety-nine participants completed the survey (52% female, mean age 42 years). The majority (72%) supported further research, with 59% supporting psilocybin as a medical treatment. A total of 27% previously used recreational psilocybin, with a male preponderance (p = 0.01). Younger age groups, those with previous psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin. A total of 55% of the total sample would accept as a treatment if doctor recommended, whereas 20% would not. Fewer people with depression/anxiety had used recreational psychedelics (p = 0.03) but were more likely to support government funded studies (p = 0.02). A minority (5%) of people with conditions (psychosis and bipolar disorder) that could be exacerbated by psilocybin thought it would be useful for them. One fifth of the total sample viewed psychedelics as addictive and unsafe even under medical supervision. Concerns included fear of adverse effects, lack of knowledge, insufficient research, illegality, and relapse if medications were discontinued. Conclusions The majority supported further research into psilocybin therapy. Younger people, those with previous recreational psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin therapy.

scholarly journals An evaluation of the factor structure of the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) and the creation of the SAWS-15 as a short measure for personal wisdom

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Trilas M. Leeman ◽  
Bob G. Knight ◽  
Erich C. Fein ◽  
Sonya Winterbotham ◽  
Jeffrey Dean Webster
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Wisdom ◽  
Age Range

ABSTRACT Objectives: Although wisdom is a desirable life span developmental goal, researchers have often lacked brief and reliable construct measures. We examined whether an abbreviated set of items could be empirically derived from the popular 40-item five-factor Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS). Design: Survey data from 709 respondents were randomly split into two and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Setting: The survey was conducted online in Australia. Participants: The total sample consisted of 709 participants (M age = 35.67 years; age range = 15–92 years) of whom 22% were male, and 78% female. Measurement: The study analyzed the 40-item SAWS. Results: Sample 1 showed the traditional five-factor structure for the 40-item SAWS did not fit the data. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on Sample 2 offered an alternative model based on a 15-item, five-factor solution with the latent variables Reminiscence/Reflection, Humor, Emotional Regulation, Experience, and Openness. This model, which replicates the factor structure of the original 40-item SAWS with a short form of 15 items, was then confirmed on Sample 1 using a CFA that produced acceptable fit and measurement invariance across age groups. Conclusions: We suggest the abbreviated SAWS-15 can be useful as a measure of individual differences in wisdom, and we highlight areas for future research.

scholarly journals Hypertension in the United States Fire Service

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5432
Author(s):  
Saeed U. Khaja ◽  
Kevin C. Mathias ◽  
Emilie D. Bode ◽  
Donald F. Stewart ◽  
Kepra Jack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
General Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fire Service ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Antihypertensive Medications ◽  
Increased Risk

Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cardiac remodeling and is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac events, the leading cause of duty-related death in the fire service. We assessed systemic blood pressures and prevalence of hypertension among US firefighters by decade of life. Medical records of career firefighters (5063 males and 274 females) from four geographically diverse occupational health clinics were assessed. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. Results from the firefighter sample were compared to the US general population (2015–2016 and 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys). Among the total sample, 69% of firefighters met the criteria for hypertension and 17% were taking antihypertensive medications. Percentages of hypertensive male and female firefighters were 45% and 11% among 20–29 years old, respectively, and increased to 78% and 79% among 50–59 years old, respectively. Compared to the general population, male firefighters had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.05) across all age groups (11–16% higher). In order to improve firefighter health and protect against sudden incapacitation in this public safety occupational group, increased efforts are necessary to screen for and manage high blood pressure.

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