scholarly journals The Hidden Public Health Problem of Inadequate Sleep: Deploying Digital Mobile Technology to Improve Employee Sleep Hygiene in Asia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
George A Gellert ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sleep Hygiene ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Multinational Banking ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inadequate Sleep

To evaluate the impact of an on demand, digital mobile application deployed via smartphone on the sleep hygiene and nightly duration of employee program participants within a large multinational banking enterprise.

scholarly journals The prevalence of scabies in Monrovia, Liberia: a population-based survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelui Collinson ◽  
Joseph Timothy ◽  
Samuel K Zayay ◽  
Karsor K Kollie ◽  
Eglantine Lebas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundScabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality data from sub-Saharan Africa and peri-Urban settings to inform scale up of scabies control efforts. There have been anecdotal reports of scabies being a public health problem in Liberia but robust data are lacking.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional cluster-randomised prevalence survey for scabies in a peri-urban community in Monrovia, Liberia in February-March 2020. Participants underwent a standardised examination conducted by trained local health care workers. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using age-appropriate dermatology life quality indices (DLQIs). Prevalence estimates were calculated accounting for clustering at community and household levels and associations with key demographic variables assessed through multivariable random-effects logistic regression.Results1,318 participants from 477 households were surveyed. The prevalence of scabies prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.5-13.2%), across 75 (19.7%) households; impetigo or infected scabies prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4-1.9%). The majority (52%) of scabies cases were classified as severe. Scabies prevalence was lower in females and higher in the youngest age group; no associations were found with other collected demographic or socio-economic variables. DLQI scores indicated a very or extremely large effect on HRQoL in 29% of adults and 18% of children diagnosed with scabies.ConclusionsOur study indicates a substantial burden of scabies in this peri-Urban population in Liberia. This was associated with significant impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for action to control scabies in this population. Further work is needed to assess the impact of interventions in this context on both the prevalence of scabies and quality of life.Plain English summaryScabies is an infestation with a microscopic mite which affects many people living in low-resource tropical countries. It causes intense itching, which can lead to complications through bacterial infection and poor quality of life. To help develop global scabies control programmes, we need a better understanding of how common it is across different tropical settings. We conducted a survey to assess the burden of scabies and bacterial skin infection in a random sample of people living in a community in Monrovia, Liberia. Information about participants and their household were collected and their skin was examined; those with skin conditions were asked about its impact on quality of life.We examined 1,318 participants and found that almost 10% of people had scanies. Scabies was more common in young children, and was more common in male children than female children. We found that there was a large impact on quality of life due mostly to the itching that scabies causes and to people feeling embarrassed or sad because of their skin condition. This scabies survey is one of the first conducted across all age groups in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa and indicates a substantial burden and impact on quality of life. More work is needed to understand how common scabies is in different settings and the impact that different treatment strategies may have.

International Symposium on Measles Immunization: Summary and Recommendations

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-654
Author(s):  
SAMUEL L. KATZ
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
International Symposium ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Great Variability ◽  
International Conference ◽  
Environmental Setting ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Impact

The passage of 20 years since the first International Conference on Measles Immunization in November 1961 has been accompanied by very significant advances in our understanding of the impact of measles among different groups, in the development and the utilization of measles vaccines, and in the control of the disease. Throughout all these considerations, there remains great variability. This is manifest in the surveillance data on morbidity and mortality, the extent of vaccine utilization, and the attitudes about measles as a serious public health problem. Because of these variations it is obvious that any recommendations must be evaluated carefully and adapted appropriately to meet the needs of a given nation, a population group, a geographic locale, or an environmental setting.

Students Exposed to Domestic Violence

2012 ◽  
pp. 129-138
Author(s):  
A. BURGESS Deseri ◽  
Lisa Weed Phifer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Development ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Domestic Abuse ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Performance Behavior

Domestic violence is a growing public health problem that affects children nationwide. In fact, research estimates that anywhere between three and 17.8 million children witness domestic abuse each year5. Therefore, it is likely that teachers will regularly encounter students in their classroom who have been exposed to domestic violence. The impact of domestic violence is widespread, affecting academic performance, behavior, and social development. Teachers can make a positive impact by learning how best to identify and support these students. The following chapter will provide an overview of domestic violence, developmental considerations, and strategies for helping children who have been affected by it.

scholarly journals The prevalence of scabies in Monrovia, Liberia: A population-based survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e0008943
Author(s):  
Shelui Collinson ◽  
Joseph Timothy ◽  
Samuel K. Zayzay ◽  
Karsor K. Kollie ◽  
Eglantine Lebas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Local Health ◽  
The Impact

Scabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality data from sub-Saharan Africa and peri-urban settings to inform scale up of scabies control efforts. There have been anecdotal reports of scabies being a public health problem in Liberia but robust data are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional cluster-randomised prevalence survey for scabies in a peri-urban community in Monrovia, Liberia in February-March 2020. Participants underwent a standardised examination conducted by trained local health care workers. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using age-appropriate versions of the dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Prevalence estimates were calculated accounting for clustering at community and household levels and associations with key demographic variables assessed through multivariable random-effects logistic regression. 1,318 participants from 477 households were surveyed. The prevalence of scabies was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.5–13.2%), across 75 (19.7%) households; impetigo or infected scabies prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4–1.9%). The majority (52%) of scabies cases were classified as severe. Scabies prevalence was lower in females and higher in the youngest age group; no associations were found with other collected demographic or socio-economic variables. DLQI scores indicated a very or extremely large effect on HRQoL in 29% of adults and 18% of children diagnosed with scabies. Our study indicates a substantial burden of scabies in this peri-urban population in Liberia. This was associated with significant impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for action to control scabies in this population. Further work is needed to assess the impact of interventions in this context on both the prevalence of scabies and quality of life.

scholarly journals Insights from mathematical modelling and quantitative analysis on the proposed WHO 2030 targets for visceral leishmaniasis on the Indian subcontinent

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1651
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
District Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Kala Azar ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Leishmania protozoa that are transmitted by female sand flies. On the Indian subcontinent (ISC), VL is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination as a public health problem by 2020, which is defined as <1 VL case (new and relapse) per 10,000 population at district level in Nepal and sub-district level in Bangladesh and India. WHO is currently in the process of formulating 2030 targets, asking whether to maintain the 2020 target or to modify it, while adding a target of zero mortality among detected cases. The NTD Modelling Consortium has developed various mathematical VL transmission models to gain insight into the transmission dynamics of VL, identify the main knowledge gaps, and predict the feasibility of achieving and sustaining the targets by simulating the impact of varying intervention strategies. According to the models, the current target is feasible at the appropriate district/sub-district level in settings with medium VL endemicities (up to 5 reported VL cases per 10,000 population per year) prior to the start of the interventions. However, in settings with higher pre-control endemicities, additional efforts may be required. We also highlight the risk that those with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) may pose to reaching and sustaining the VL targets, and therefore advocate adding control of PKDL cases to the new 2030 targets. Spatial analyses revealed that local hotspots with high VL incidence remain. We warn that the current target provides a perverse incentive to not detect/report cases as the target is approached, posing a risk for truly achieving elimination as a public health problem although this is taken into consideration by the WHO procedures for validation. Ongoing modelling work focuses on the risk of recrudescence when interventions are relaxed after the elimination target has been achieved.

scholarly journals To Fall or Not to Fall – Falls and Perceptions of Control and Meaning of the Home

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 444-444
Author(s):  
Susanne Iwarsson ◽  
Steven Schmidt ◽  
Björn Slaug
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Psychological Instruments ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Falls are a major public health problem among older people. Even if the outcome of a fall is not fatal, it may be a traumatic experience with both physical and psychological consequences. However, there is a lack of studies examining how falls in the home may impact the perception of the home. To compare perceptions of the home between those who had fallen and those who had not, we utilized data from the Swedish SNAC-GÅS study (N=371; mean age=68; 43% men). Perceptions of control and meaning of the home were captured by established psychological instruments. Excluding falls in other environments than the home (n=99), those who fell in the home the previous year (n=34) scored notably higher on housing control by “powerful others” (p=0.053) and notably lower on perceived “behavioral home bonding” (p=0.056) compared to non-fallers (n=238). These results warrant further research into the impact of falls on perceived housing.

scholarly journals Diagnostic sensitivity of direct wet mount microscopy for soil-transmitted helminth infections in Jimma Town, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (06.1) ◽  
pp. 66S-71S
Author(s):  
Daniel Dana ◽  
Johnny Vlaminck ◽  
Zeleke Mekonnen ◽  
Mio Ayana ◽  
Florian Vogt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Diagnostic Sensitivity ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Wet Mount ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Jimma Town

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remains a major public health problem in school children in Ethiopia. Although direct wet mount microscopy (DWMM) is the means to diagnose parasitic diseases in health care facilities in Ethiopia, it remains unclear what its diagnostic performance is for STH. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed in Jimma Town (Ethiopia) and included 600 children from 10 primary schools. The diagnostic sensitivity of DWMM was compared to a composite reference standard (CRS) consisting of Kato-Katz, McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC. We also explored the impact of intensity of infection (the highest faecal egg counts (FECs; expressed as eggs per gram of stool (EPG)) across the CRS) on the diagnostic sensitivity of DWMM. Results: Based on the CRS, there were 210 Ascaris (35.0%), 312 Trichuris (52.0%) and 102 hookworm cases (17.0%). The median intensity of infections equalled 2,057 EPG for Ascaris, 200 EPG for Trichuris and 110 EPG for hookworms. The sensitivity of DWMM was 73.8% for Ascaris, but was around 17% for both Trichuris and hookworms. The sensitivity significantly increased with intensity of STH. For Ascaris, the odds for detecting an infection intensity of 1,000 EPG was 6.2 times higher than detecting an infection of 100 EPG. For Trichuris and hookworms, these odds ratios were 7.1 and 14. Conclusions: The diagnostic sensitivity of DWMM is low for STH, but it is able to detect those subjects that are in the highest need of treatment, and hence contributes to the global goal to eliminate STH as a public health problem.

scholarly journals Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Blumberg ◽  
Anna Borlase ◽  
Joaquin M Prada ◽  
Anthony W Solomon ◽  
Paul Emerson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Basic Reproduction Number ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Specific Implementation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Basic Reproduction Number

AbstractBackgroundProgress towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem has been substantial, but the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted community-based control efforts.MethodsWe use a susceptible-infected model to estimate the impact of delayed distribution of azithromycin treatment on the prevalence of active trachoma.ResultsWe identify three distinct scenarios for geographic districts depending on whether the basic reproduction number and the treatment-associated reproduction number are above or below a value of one. We find that when the basic reproduction number is below one, no significant delays in disease control will be caused. However, when the basic reproduction number is above one, significant delays can occur. In most districts a year of COVID-related delay can be mitigated by a single extra round of mass drug administration. However, supercritical districts require a new paradigm of infection control because the current strategies will not eliminate disease.ConclusionIf the pandemic can motivate judicious, community-specific implementation of control strategies, global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem could be accelerated.

scholarly journals Modelling trachoma post 2020: Opportunities for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and accelerating progress towards elimination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Borlase ◽  
Seth Blumberg ◽  
E Kelly Callahan ◽  
Michael S Deiner ◽  
Scott D Nash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted planned annual antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) activities which have formed the cornerstone of the largely successful global efforts to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.MethodsUsing a mathematical model we investigate the impact of interruption to MDA in trachoma-endemic settings. We evaluate potential measures to mitigate this impact and consider alternative strategies for accelerating progress in those areas where the trachoma elimination targets may not be achievable otherwise.ResultsWe demonstrate that for districts which were hyperendemic at baseline, or where the trachoma elimination thresholds have not already been achieved after 3 rounds of MDA, the interruption to planned MDA could lead to a delay greater than the duration of interruption. We also show that an additional round of MDA in the year following MDA resumption could effectively mitigate this delay. For districts where probability of elimination under annual MDA was already very low, we demonstrate that more intensive MDA schedules are needed to achieve agreed targets.ConclusionThrough appropriate use of additional MDA, the impact of COVID-19 in terms of delay to reaching trachoma elimination targets can be effectively mitigated. Additionally, more frequent MDA may accelerate progress towards 2030 goals.

scholarly journals Modelling the impact of COVID-19-related programme interruptions on visceral leishmaniasis in India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Epke A Le Rutte ◽  
Luc E Coffeng ◽  
Johanna Muñoz ◽  
Sake J de Vlas
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Mitigation Strategy ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Transmission Model ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Age Structured ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundIn March 2020, India declared a nationwide lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19. As a result, control efforts against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were interrupted.MethodsUsing an established age-structured deterministic VL transmission model, we predicted the impact of a 6 to 24-month programme interruption on the timeline towards achieving the VL elimination target, as well as on the increase of VL cases. We also explored the potential impact of a mitigation strategy after the interruption.ResultsDelays towards the elimination target are estimated to range between 0 to 9 years. Highly endemic settings where control efforts have been ongoing for 5-8 years are most affected by an interruption, for which we identified a mitigation strategy to be most relevant. However, more importantly, all settings can expect an increase in the number of VL cases. This increase is substantial even for settings with a limited expected delay in achieving the elimination target.ConclusionBesides implementing mitigation strategies, it is of great importance to try and keep the duration of the interruption as short as possible, to prevent new individuals from becoming infected with VL, and continue the efforts towards VL elimination as a public health problem in India.

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