scholarly journals Post Flood Study on the Incidence of Leptospirosis in Alappuzha District of Kerala, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (03) ◽  
pp. 127-134
Author(s):  
Rajendran R ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Laboratory Facilities ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Flood Period

Alappuzha district was severely affected by floods due to the intense rainfall in August 2018. A three member team with the assistance of local health workers was entrusted to assess the post flood situation and to assist the local health department to extend expertise mainly to control infectious diseases and propose suggestions regarding hygiene and sanitary measures to be taken for health and wellbeing of the community. Among the infectious diseases, Leptospirosis poses a significant public health issue in the flood affected areas of Alappuzha district. Majority of households had taken chemoprophylaxis for Leptospirosis as per standard protocol as also temporary rehabilitation camps in the flood affected areas. There was no episode of Acute Diarrheal Diseases (ADD), found in clusters in any of the areas. The number of dengue fever cases reported in post flood period was less when compared to previous year. Risk assessment is essential in post-disaster situations mainly concerned with the rapid implementation of control measures through refurbishment and improvement of health care delivery. The findings presented relate to an assessment carried out in Alappuzha district in September 2018 that included epidemiological situation analysis, appraisal of laboratory facilities for microbiology investigations, evaluation of health facilities and infrastructure available at Local Self Governments (LSGs).

Employer Requirements to Work during Emergency Responses: Key Ethics Considerations

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (S1) ◽  
pp. 73-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lainie Rutkow ◽  
Holly A. Taylor ◽  
Tia Powell
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Department ◽  
The United States ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Departments ◽  
Local Health Departments ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Public Health Workers ◽  
Emergency Responses

Local health departments and their employees are at the forefront of emergency preparedness and response. Yet, recent studies have found that some local public health workers are unwilling to report to work in a variety of disaster scenarios. This can greatly compromise a response, as many local health departments need “all hands on deck” to effectively meet increased demands. To address these concerns, local health departments have employed varied policy strategies to ensure that employees do report to work. After describing different approaches taken by local health departments throughout the United States, we briefly identify and explore key ethics considerations that arise for local health departments when employees are required to report to work for emergency responses. We then discuss how these ethics considerations may inform local health department practices intended to promote a robust emergency response.

scholarly journals Acceptability and feasibility of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers: findings from a qualitative study in Cambodia

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽  
Mom Ean ◽  
Chhoeun Heng ◽  
Thoek Buntau ◽  
Rupam Tripura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Malaria Prophylaxis ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Preventive Medication ◽  
Greater Mekong Subregion

Abstract Background In the Greater Mekong Subregion, adults are at highest risk for malaria, particularly those who visit forests. The absence of effective vector control strategies and limited periods of exposure during forest visits suggest that chemoprophylaxis could be an appropriate strategy to protect forest goers against malaria. Methods Alongside a clinical trial of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis in northern Cambodia, qualitative research was conducted, including in-depth interviews and observation, to explore the acceptability of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers, the implementation opportunities, and challenges of this strategy. Results Prophylaxis with artemether–lumefantrine for forest goers was found to be acceptable under trial conditions. Three factors played a major role: the community’s awareness and perception of the effectiveness of prophylaxis, their trust in the provider, and malaria as a local health concern. The findings highlight how uptake and adherence to prophylaxis are influenced by the perceived balance between benefits and burden of anti-malarials which are modulated by the seasonality of forest visits and its influence on malaria risk. Conclusions The implementation of anti-malarial prophylaxis needs to consider how the preventive medication can be incorporated into existing vector-control measures, malaria testing and treatment services. The next step in the roll out of anti-malarial prophylaxis for forest visitors will require support from local health workers.

scholarly journals 59Outbreak investigation of dengue fever in union council (UC) Bharakahu, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Ahmad Khan Sajjad Khan
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Stagnant Water ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Nonstructural Protein 1

Abstract Background During third week of September 2019, lady health workers reported twelve suspected cases of dengue fever from UC Bharakahu, Islamabad (population 70,000) to health department. Outbreak investigation conducted with objectives to determine risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods Investigation conducted from 20th September to 04th November 2019. Case was defined as any resident of UC Bharakahu with fever and two or more of following signs/symptoms; headache, retro-orbital pain, arthralgia, myalgia, petechial rash with NS1 (Nonstructural Protein 1) positive during 12th August to 18th November 2019. Age and sex matched healthy controls recruited from same neighborhood. Blood samples from seven suspected cases sent for laboratory confirmation. Results Total 993 houses surveyed and 113 cases identified. Mean age was 34.2 years (range 13-90 years). Most affected age group was 35-44 years (Attack Rate 0.78%), Overall attack rate was 0.15%. Males were predominantly involved n = 70 (62%). Out of total cases, 34 (70%) had stagnant water inside and around houses (OR 2.0, CI 1.06-3.75, p < 0.005), 40 (35%) used repellent lotions (OR 0.55, CI 0.32-0.95, p < 0.05), 34 (30%) used insecticide spray (OR 0.35, CI 0.20-0.61, p < 0.05), 97 (86%) used full protective clothing (OR 0.22, CI 0.07-0.68, p < 0.05). All seven blood samples tested positive for NS-1 Ag. Conclusion Presence of stagnant rain water inside and around houses acted as breeding grounds for aedes aegypti mosquitoes and was most probable cause of outbreak. Following our recommendations, health department initiated mosquito breeding sites control activities through insecticide residual spray and advocacy on use of protective measures against mosquito bites. Key words Outbreak, dengue, stagnant water, Bhara Kahu, Islamabad, 2019

scholarly journals Forest malaria and prospects for anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis among forest goers: findings from a qualitative study in Lao PDR

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽  
Soulixay Inthasone ◽  
Panarasri Khonputsa ◽  
Vilayvone Malaphone ◽  
Kulchada Pongsoipetch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Prophylactic Regimen ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Despite significant decline in malarial incidence and mortality in countries across the Greater Mekong Subregion, the disease remains a public health challenge in the region; transmission continues mainly among people who visit forests in remote areas, often along international borders, where access to primary healthcare is limited. In the absence of effective vector-control measures and limited exposure periods, malaria chemoprophylaxis has been proposed as a strategy to protect forest goers. As a rarely used approach for indigenous populations, questions remain about its feasibility and acceptability. Drawing on in-depth interviews with forest goers and stakeholders, this article examines opportunities and challenges for implementation of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis for forest goers in Lao PDR. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 forest goers and 15 stakeholders in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Interview topics included experience of malaria prevention and health services, and perceptions of prophylaxis as a potential component of malaria elimination strategy. The interviews were transcribed and coded using inductive and deductive approaches for qualitative thematic analysis. Results In ethnically and geographically diverse villages, awareness of malaria risk prompts forest goers to protect themselves, albeit sub-optimally using available preventive measures. Stakeholders highlighted challenges for targeting at-risk populations and approaches to address forest malaria in southern Lao PDR. Among policymakers, choice and cost of anti-malarials, particularly their efficacy and source of funding, were key considerations for the feasibility of malaria prophylaxis. Acceptability of prophylaxis among forest goers was also influenced by the complexity of the regimen, including the number of tablets and timing of doses. Implementation of prophylaxis may be affected by a lack of transportation and communication barriers in remote communities. Conclusion Adding prophylaxis to existing malaria control activities requires strengthening the capacity of local health workers in Lao PDR. Ideally, this would be part of an integrated approach that includes strategies to address the other febrile illnesses that forest goers describe as priority health concerns. The prophylactic regimen also requires careful consideration in terms of effectiveness and simplicity of dosing.

scholarly journals Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Brief Review with Recent Updates

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-99
Author(s):  
Shahana Shermin ◽  
Aysha Noor ◽  
Samsad Jahan
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Meta Analyses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic, complex and the most common endocrine disorder observed in women of reproductive age. This syndrome is heterogeneous by nature and is characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms of androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction. It is a significant public health issue. PCOS is associated with many comorbidities and also has a number of long-term metabolic and other consequences. The prevalence is quite high and is increasing day by day. It is a syndrome to be prevented by awakening awareness both in health workers and patients. There are many areas of controversies starting from its diagnosis, pathogenesis, consequences and treatment modalities. This review is an attempt to summarize the evolution of the diagnosis and current management guidelines and also to look into the future approaches. An extensive search was made through the Cochrane database, available systematic reviews and meta-analyses and recent international guidelines for providing an updated scientific overview of PCOS. Delta Med Col J. Jul 2019 7(2): 84-99

Principles of infectious disease control

2021 ◽  
pp. 597-622
Author(s):  
Robert J. Kim-Farley
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infectious Disease Control ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity, disability, and mortality worldwide. Lower respiratory infections are the third leading causes of death worldwide and their control is a constant challenge that faces health workers and public health officials in both industrialized and developing countries. This chapter provides a global and comprehensive view of the principles of infectious disease control through examination of the magnitude of disease burden, the chain of infection (agent, transmission, and host) of infectious diseases, the varied approaches to their prevention and control (measures applied to the host, vectors, infected humans, animals, environment, and agents), and the factors conducive to their eradication as well as emergence and re-emergence.

scholarly journals SURVEI PERILAKU MASYARAKAT TERHADAP POPULASI TUNGAU DEBU RUMAH DI KELURAHAN BITUNG KARANGRIA KECAMATAN TUMINTING KOTA MANADO

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Greis Emilia Tawurisi
Keyword(s):  
House Dust ◽  
House Dust Mite ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Health Department ◽  
House Dust Mites ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Dust Mites ◽  
The Public ◽  
Dust Mite

Abstract: House dust mites (HDM) is very small creatures and can not visible with the unaided eyes, found in the house dust and can causing allergic diseases. The existence of dust mites can not be separated from people's behavior about the house dust mite populations.The purpose of research is to know of the public behavior about the population House Dust Mites in the Bitung Karangria Village District of Tuminting Manado.The results obtained 34,86% are show that the cognition of the mites in Bitung Karangria Village is still deficient, and for attitude 97.83% are show that people have a good attitude, and for the action are obtained 82,44%, this show the attitude of the community is good.The cognition about house dust mitesis still less, and for the attitudes and actions of society is good. It takes counseling from health workers especially local health department about the house dust mite. Keywords: behavior of the public, House Dust Mites  Abstrak: Tungau debu rumah (TDR) adalah mahluk yang sangat kecil dan  tidak dapat dilihat dengan mata telanjang, ditemukan pada debu rumah dan dapat menyebabkan penyakit alergi. Keberadaan tungau  debu rumah tidak terlepas dari perilaku masyarakat terhadap populasi tungau debu rumah tersebut. Tujuan penelitian adalah Mengetahui perilaku masyarakat terhadap populasi Tungau Debu Rumah di kelurahan Bitung karangria Kecamatan Tuminting kota Manado. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah 34,86% menunjukan pengetahuan masyarakat Kelurahan Bitungkarangria terhadap tungau debu rumah masi kurang, dan sikap didapatkan hasil 97,83% menunjukan bahwa sikap masyarakat sudah baik, serta untuk tindakan didapatkan hasil 82,44% ini menunjukan sikap masyarakat sudah baik. Pengetahuan  masyarakat mengenai tungau debu rumah masi kurang, dan untuk sikap serta tindakan masyarakat sudah baik. Dibutuhkan penyuluhan dari petugas kesehatan kususnya dinas kesehatan setempat mengenai tungau debu rumah. Kata kunci: perilaku masyarakat, Tungau Debu Rumah

Public health-specific personal disaster preparedness training: An academic-practice collaboration

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivan Kohn, MPH ◽  
Natalie Semon, MSEd ◽  
Haley K. Hedlin, PhD ◽  
Carol B. Thompson, MS, MBA ◽  
Felicity Marum, MHS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Threat Categories

Objectives: To measure the following three relevant outcomes of a personal preparedness curriculum for public health workers: 1) the extent of change (increase) in knowledge about personal preparedness activities and knowledge about tools for conducting personal preparedness activities; 2) the extent of change (increase) in preparedness activities performed post-training and/or confidence in conducting these tasks; and 3) an understanding of how to improve levels of personal preparedness using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) framework. Design: Cross-sectional preinterventional and postinterventional survey using a convenience sample. Setting: During 2010, three face-to-face workshops were conducted in three locations in West Virginia.Participants: One hundred thirty-one participants (baseline survey); 69 participants (1-year resurvey)—representing West Virginia local health department (LHD) and State Health Department employees.Interventions: A 3-hour interactive, public health-specific, face-to-face workshop on personal disaster preparedness.Main outcome measure(s): Change in 1) knowledge about, and tools for, personal preparedness activities; 2) preparedness activities performed post-training and/or confidence in conducting these activities; and 3) the relationship of EPPM categories to personal preparedness activities.Results: One year postworkshop, 77 percent of respondents reported having personal emergency kits (40 percent at baseline) and 67 percent reported having preparedness plans (38 percent at baseline) suggesting some participants assembled supply kits and plans postworkshop. Within the context of EPPM, respondents in high-threat categories agreed more often than respondents in low-threat categories that severe personal impacts were likely to result from a moderate flood. Compared to respondents categorized as low efficacy, respondents in high-efficacy categories perceived confidence in their knowledge and an impact of their response on their job success at higher rates.Conclusions: Personal disaster preparedness trainings for the LHD workforce can yield gains in relevant preparedness behaviors and attitudes but may require longitudinal reinforcement. The EPPM can offer a useful threat and efficacy-based lens to understand relevant perceptions surrounding personal disaster preparedness behaviors among LHD employees.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Health Services Utilization in Province-2 of Nepal: A Qualitative Study Among Community Members and Stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devendra Raj Singh ◽  
Dev Ram Sunuwar ◽  
Sunil Kumar Shah ◽  
Kshitij Karki ◽  
Lalita Kumari Sah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Services Utilization ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Essential Medicine ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Services Delivery

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic is posing unprecedented challenges and threats to the health care system, particularly affecting the effective delivery of essential health services in resource-poor countries such as Nepal. This study aims to explore community perceptions of COVID-19 and their experiences towards health services utilization during the pandemic in Province-2 of Nepal. MethodsThe semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted among purposively selected participants (n=41) from a mix of rural and urban settings in all districts (n =8) in Province 2 of Nepal. Virtual interviews were conducted between July and August 2020 in local languages. The data were analyzed using thematic network analysis in NVivo 12 Pro. ResultsThe findings of this research are categorized into four global themes: i) Community and stakeholders’ perceptions towards COVID-19; ii) Impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on health services delivery; iii) Community perceptions and experiences of health services during COVID-19; and, iv) COVID-19: testing, isolation, and quarantine services. Most participants shared their experience of being worried and fearful about COVID-19 and reported a lack of awareness, misinformation, and stigma as major factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Maternity services, immunization, and supply of essential medicine were found to be the most affected areas of health care delivery during the lockdown. Participants reported that the interruptions of health services were mostly due to the closure of health services at local health facilities, limited involvement of private health sectors during the pandemic, fears of COVID-19 transmission among health workers and within health centers, and disruption of transportation services. In addition, the participants expressed frustrations on poor testing, isolation, and quarantine services related to COVID-19, and poor accountability from governments at all levels towards health services management during the COVID-19 pandemic. ConclusionsThis study found that essential health services were severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic in all districts of Province-2. It is essential to expand the service coverage and its quality in addition to increasing public-private sector engagement to ensure the essential health services are utilized by the population.

scholarly journals Forest Malaria and Prospects for Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis Among Forest Goers: Findings From a Qualitative Study in Lao PDR

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽  
Soulixay Inthasone ◽  
Panarasri Khonputsa ◽  
Vilayvone Malaphone ◽  
Kulchada Pongsoipetch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Prophylactic Regimen ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Despite significant decline in malarial incidence and mortality in countries across the Greater Mekong Subregion, the disease remains a public health challenge. Transmission continues mainly among people who visit forests in remote areas, often along international borders, where access to primary healthcare is limited. In the absence of effective vector-control measures and limited periods of exposure, malaria chemoprophylaxis has been proposed as a strategy to protect forest goers. As a rarely used approach for indigenous populations, questions remain about its feasibility and acceptability. Drawing on in-depth interviews with forest goers and stakeholders, this article examines opportunities and challenges for implementation of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis for forest goers in Lao PDR.Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 forest goers and 15 stakeholders in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Interview topics included experience of malaria prevention and health services, and perceptions of prophylaxis as a potential component of malaria elimination strategy. The interviews were transcribed and coded using inductive and deductive approaches for qualitative thematic analysis.Results In ethnically and geographically diverse villages, awareness of malaria risk prompts forest goers to protect themselves, albeit suboptimality using available preventive measures. Stakeholders highlighted challenges for targeting at-risk populations and approaches to address forest malaria in southern Laos. Among policymakers, choice and cost of antimalarials, particularly their efficacy and source of funding, were key considerations for the feasibility of malaria prophylaxis. Acceptability of prophylaxis among forest goers was also influenced by the complexity of the regimen, including the number of tablets and timing of doses. Implementation of prophylaxis may be affected by a lack of transportation and communication barriers in remote communities. Conclusion Adding prophylaxis to existing malaria control activities requires strengthening the capacity of local health workers in Lao PDR. Ideally, this would be part of an integrated approach that includes strategies to address the other febrile illnesses that forest goers describe as priority health concerns. The prophylactic regimen also requires careful consideration in terms of effectiveness and simplicity of dosing.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document