scholarly journals Obstetric Capacity Strengthening in Ghana Results in Wide Geographic Distribution and Retention of Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologists: A Quantitative Analysis

Author(s):  
Melani Kekulawala ◽  
Ali Samba ◽  
Yael Braunschweig ◽  
Jacob Plange-Rhule ◽  
Cornelius Turpin ◽  
...  

Objectives: Our primary objective to determine the cumulative retention of Ob/Gyns since the inception of the program, to determine the demographic and practice characteristics of all Ob/Gyns who have been trained by the Ghana postgraduate Ob/Gyn programs, and to compare the geographic distribution of Ob/Gyns throughout Ghana between 2010 when a prior study was conducted and the current practice locations of all graduates in 2017. Design: Cross-sectional, Quantitative Investigation Setting: Fieldwork for this study was conducted in Ghana between June 21, 2017, and August 20, 2017. Methods: A roster of certified Ob/Gyns, year certified, and email contact information was obtained from the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, a roster of practice locations was obtained from Ghana Medical Board. Main Outcome Measures: retention of Ob/Gyns, geographic distribution of providers, fand comparisons between 2010 and 2017 Results: Significant geographic spread and increase in in-country medical programs have occurred over the seven-year period. In recent years, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons surpassed that of the West African College of Surgeons. Conclusion: Establishing an Ob/gyn training program with national certification provides a cadre of certified Ob/Gyns that can be trained and retained in low-income settings. Moreover, this allows for long term commitment in multiple relevant sectors that may serve to establish a comprehensive obstetric and gynecology capacity beyond urban centers.

Author(s):  
Melani Kekulawala ◽  
Ali Samba ◽  
Yael Braunschweig ◽  
Jacob Plange-Rhule ◽  
Cornelius Turpin ◽  
...  

Objectives: Our primary objective to determine the cumulative retention of Ob/Gyns since the inception of the program, to determine the demographic and practice characteristics of all Ob/Gyns who have been trained by the Ghana postgraduate Ob/Gyn programs, and to compare the geographic distribution of Ob/Gyns throughout Ghana between 2010 when a prior study was conducted and the current practice locations of all graduates in 2017. Design: Cross-sectional, Quantitative Investigation Setting: Fieldwork for this study was conducted in Ghana between June 21, 2017, and August 20, 2017. Methods: A roster of certified Ob/Gyns, year certified, and email contact information was obtained from the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, a roster of practice locations was obtained from Ghana Medical Board. Main Outcome Measures: retention of Ob/Gyns, geographic distribution of providers, fand comparisons between 2010 and 2017 Results: Significant geographic spread and increase in in-country medical programs have occurred over the seven-year period. In recent years, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons surpassed that of the West African College of Surgeons. Conclusion: Establishing an Ob/gyn training program with national certification provides a cadre of certified Ob/Gyns that can be trained and retained in low-income settings. Moreover, this allows for long term commitment in multiple relevant sectors that may serve to establish a comprehensive obstetric and gynecology capacity beyond urban centers.


SAGE Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824401988512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Chamberlain ◽  
Wendy Duggleby ◽  
Janet Fast ◽  
Pamela B. Teaster ◽  
Carole A. Estabrooks

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of residents who are incapacitated and have no surrogate decision maker, known as the “unbefriended” in Alberta long-term care (LTC) homes. Using cross-sectional online survey methods, data were collected from 123 staff (i.e., directors of care/nursing, administrators) from Alberta LTC homes. Information was collected on survey respondents’ demographic characteristics, number of unbefriended residents, and on organizational characteristics. The overall prevalence of unbefriended residents in LTC homes was 4.14% in Alberta ( SD = 6.28%, range: 0%-34.6%). Homes with the highest prevalence (nearly 15%) of unbefriended residents had >135 beds and were public not-for-profit and located in large urban centers. Fifty-three percent of unbefriended residents were male. The highest prevalence of unbefriended residents lived in homes located in large urban centers and public not-for-profit operators. Population level and LTC home level prevalence data are needed to assess the scope of unmet needs.


Author(s):  
Hossein Akbarialiabad ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Taghrir ◽  
Ashkan Abdollahi ◽  
Nasrollah Ghahramani ◽  
Manasi Kumar ◽  
...  

Introduction: Despite more than one year passed since the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were reported, there is still no consensus on the definition and clinical management of post-acute-COVID-19. The condition has heterogeneously been named as Chronic COVID syndrome, Post COVID-19 Syndrome, post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), and the more familiar long COVID. Method: In order to capture all relevant published studies, we undertook a multi-step search with no language restriction. The following four-step search strategy was utilized: First, a preliminary (limited) search was conducted on January 20, 2021, in Google Scholar and PubMed to identify the appropriate keywords. Then, on January 30, 2021, we adopted a search strategy of electronic databases from Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of sciences, using those keywords. Then, after duplicate removal, we screened all titles, abstracts, and full texts. This resulted in 66 eligible studies. Subsequently, after a forward and backward search of their references and citations an additional 54 publications were found, resulting in a total of 120 publications that formed the basis of the present analysis. The titles, abstracts, and full-texts of non-English articles were translated using Google Translate for further evaluation. We conducted our scoping review based on the PRISMA-ScR Checklist.Results: We found only one randomized clinical trial in our search. Of the 67 original studies, 22 were cohort and 28 were cross-sectional studies totaling 74.6% of the original studies. Of the total of 120 publications, 59 (49.1%) focused on signs and symptoms, 28 (23.3%) were focused on management, and 13 (10.8%) focused on pathophysiology. Ten (9%) publications focused on imaging studies. Ninety-one percent of the original investigations came from high and upper-middle-income countries, highlighting the scarcity of reports originating from low-income and lower-middle-income countries.Conclusion: The predominant symptoms among those with the so-called “Long COVID” were: fatigue, breathlessness, arthralgia, sleep difficulties, and chest pain. Recent reports also point to the risk of long-term sequela with cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, mental health, neurologic, and renal involvement in those who survive the acute phase of the illness. The ambiguity and controversies in its definition have impaired proper recognition and management of those requiring additional support following the resolution of the acute phase of this infection. This has resulted in long-standing distress for the patients and their families. Our findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach, support, and rehabilitation for these patients in terms of long-term mental and physical health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Maulita Listian Eka Pratiwi ◽  
Chandra Retno Fianti

Stunting on children is pressing matters since it could prevent and, up to a point, impair the physical and mental development of children, the growth of the brain, intelligence, and metabolism. Furthermore, in the long term it is worried that it could lead to the decrease of the cognitive ability and learning achievement, as well as the immunity so that the children will be prone to high-risk degenerative illness, old age disability, uncompetitive work competence, and low rate of productivity in economy (Kementrian Kesehatan, 2016). The aim of the research is to comprehend the character of stunted mothers and children (24-59 months) in Kricak village. The research applies analytic-descriptive model as the research design and cross-sectional study as the approach. The population in the research is 76 mothers in Kricak village having stunted children aged between 24 and 59 months. The instruments of the research are checklists and KIA books. Based on the research, the number of stunted children aged from 24 to 59 months were 76 children consisting of 69 stunted children (90,8%) and 7 severely stunted children (9,8%) and, mostly, it was suffered by the children coming from low-income families, namely 44 families (54,3%).


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (04) ◽  
pp. 352-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meriem Zahed ◽  
Floriane Guimond ◽  
Karine Baumstarck ◽  
Alice Faure ◽  
Fabrice Michel ◽  
...  

Introduction Quantify quality of life (QoL) outcomes in gastroschisis children is little assessed. The primary objective was to describe the long-term outcome of newborns with gastroschisis treated in three tertiary care hospitals of France in terms of neurodevelopment and QoL. Materials and Methods The study reported was a cross-sectional, descriptive multicentric retrospective study assessing the outcome of newborns with gastroschisis, born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, treated at two large and French level III neonatal intensive care units. Long-term outcome data were assessed by questionnaires sent to the infants' parents. Questionnaires explored global health, neurological development, and quality of life (overall assessment including socio-economic and medical), Age & Stages Questionnaire, infants' quality of life (KIDSCREEN), and quality of parents' life (General Questionnaire Short Form-36). Results In this study, 50% of the survivor's families answered the assessment form (n = 33). The average follow-up age was 40 months, ranging from 8 months to 6 years. Cases of simple gastroschisis more often had a normal score for “communication” (p = 0.033), while patients who received morphine for a longer duration had significantly lower scores for the items “communication” and “problem resolving” (p = 0.024 and p = 0.011, respectively). Children's QoL was significantly lower for patients with gestational age younger than 36 weeks (p = 0.023) and for patients born following “fetal cause delivery” (p = 0.022). Parents had a significantly higher physical composite score if their child underwent primary closure (p = 0.012). Conclusion Our analyses confirm the idea that cases of complex gastroschisis and preterm delivery may lead to poorer outcome. Such hindsight (40 months in mean) allowed for an interesting assessment of development long after the patient's initial hospitalization and to confirm these results, a standardized neuropsychological evaluation of patients should be done when at least 6 years old. An accurate assessment of the social environment and its impact on the development and QoL of children will be fundamental to avoid selection bias.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S797-S798
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Rickenbach ◽  
Elizabeth H Rickenbach ◽  
Chih-Chien Huang ◽  
Jessica Y Allen ◽  
Kelly E Cichy

Abstract Cross-sectional studies reveal the health burden of grandparent caregiving. Still, longitudinal, research is needed to understand how grandparent caregiving compromises grandparents’ long-term health. Using three waves of data from the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS), we examined sociodemographic factors, health and well-being outcomes between caregiving (CG) and non-caregiving (NCG) grandparents. By wave 3, 12.8% (n = 234) were CG. CG were younger, more likely female, and had lower income and education. MANCOVA adjusted for age, gender, education, and number of children revealed CG reported poorer physical and emotional well-being (e.g. higher depression, anxiety, lower life satisfaction, greater morbidity); CG were consistently less healthy than NCG across all three waves. Lower income and less healthy older adults are more likely to become grandparents, and they remain less healthy over time. Policies and resources to assist grandparents, particularly low-income and vulnerable older adults who are caring for grandchildren, are needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Rini Hariyati ◽  
Pujiyanto Pujiyanto ◽  
Budi Hidayat

Purpose: Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) is a strategic government program that wants to help the poor meet their health needs. However, there are still PKH beneficiaries who do not understand the health mission of this program. This study intends to explore smoking behavior among PKH families beneficiaries and whether program providers pay attention to promoting healthy living for their beneficiaries. Method: This study uses primary data with cross-sectional design and multiple logistic regression. The number of samples analyzed was 379 households in the Kembangan Region of West Jakarta. Results: Eighty-two percent of PKH recipients were smokers. The four variables related to smoking are low education, low income, smoking psychological dependence, and socially motivated smoking. The psychological and social factors of smoking were among strong predictors and deserve attention in the PKH program. Conclusion: The long-term goal of PKH is to improve the health quality. Smoking reduces the health quality of PKH beneficiaries. The Ministry of Social Affairs needs to coordinate with the Ministry of Health to make this program an entry point for the movement of healthy living in PKH recipient families.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 195-199
Author(s):  
Veronica Belostotsky ◽  
Catherine Laing ◽  
Deborah E. White

Functional decline in seniors admitted to hospital is due in part to lack of mobilization. Many Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives targeting mobilization of the elderly population in acute care exist; however, their long-term effectiveness is not well-documented. Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders (MOVE) was a grant-funded initiative that started in Ontario and spread to Alberta. The primary objective of this project was to ascertain the sustainability of the MOVE project 1 year post implementation at two hospital sites in Alberta, Canada. Qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional data were gathered from multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Our findings suggest MOVE was not well-sustained one year post implementation. Examination of specific survey questions provided an indication of strengths and weaknesses of the MOVE QI. Sustainable and cost-effective QI targeted at this elderly patient demographic could alleviate some of the demand on the healthcare system. Modifications to improve the sustainability of MOVE are summarized.


2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1775-1786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucía I. Méndez ◽  
Gabriela Simon-Cereijido

Purpose This study investigated the nature of the association of lexical–grammatical abilities within and across languages in Latino dual language learners (DLLs) with specific language impairment (SLI) using language-specific and bilingual measures. Method Seventy-four Spanish/English–speaking preschoolers with SLI from preschools serving low-income households participated in the study. Participants had stronger skills in Spanish (first language [L1]) and were in the initial stages of learning English (second language [L2]). The children's lexical, semantic, and grammar abilities were assessed using normative and researcher-developed tools in English and Spanish. Hierarchical linear regressions of cross-sectional data were conducted using measures of sentence repetition tasks, language-specific vocabulary, and conceptual bilingual lexical and semantic abilities in Spanish and English. Results Results indicate that language-specific vocabulary abilities support the development of grammar in L1 and L2 in this population. L1 vocabulary also contributes to L2 grammar above and beyond the contribution of L2 vocabulary skills. However, the cross-linguistic association between vocabulary in L2 and grammar skills in the stronger or more proficient language (L1) is not observed. In addition, conceptual vocabulary significantly supported grammar in L2, whereas bilingual semantic skills supported L1 grammar. Conclusions Our findings reveal that the same language-specific vocabulary abilities drive grammar development in L1 and L2 in DLLs with SLI. In the early stages of L2 acquisition, vocabulary skills in L1 also seem to contribute to grammar skills in L2 in this population. Thus, it is critical to support vocabulary development in both L1 and L2 in DLLs with SLI, particularly in the beginning stages of L2 acquisition. Clinical and educational implications are discussed.


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