Challenges of Health Services during Arbaeen Pilgrimage in 2019

Introduction: Arbaeen Pilgrimage is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings held in Iraq on the occasion of the 40th day of Imam Hussein martyrdom. The identification of the problems and challenges facing the Arbaeen Pilgrimage is of great help in holding this event safer in the future. The present study aimed to review the challenges of health services provided to pilgrims during the Arbaeen Pilgrimage in 2019. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed within one month after the end of this event. The statistical population comprised three million applicants registered by the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization of Iran. Out of this population, 1,200 subjects who had participated in the event were selected using simple random sampling. The needed data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire containing closed- and open-ended questions. Demographic characteristics, medical records, and subject comments were included in the questionnaire. The researchers contacted the participants and filled out the questionnaire. Results: The mean age of participants was reported as 41.2±14.1 years, and the majority of them (65.7%) were male. The cold mostly caused the need for medical services. In total, 9.5% of the participants did not receive services, and 90.9% received them from the Iranian Red Crescent Society(IRCS). According to the results, 95.4% of those who received services from the IRCS and 82.4% of those who received services from other service providers were satisfied with medical services. Conclusion: Iraq’s health system is faced with numerous challenges during the Arbaeen Pilgrimage. These challenges are multiplied due to infrastructural shortcomings in Iraq’s health system, the lack of precise planning, as well as attendees' unpreparedness and unawareness. To obtain pilgrims’ satisfaction and minimize the problems, the authorities of Iraq’s health system should participate, synergize, and provide health equipment and facilities in cooperation with organizations from other countries participating in the Arbaeen Pilgrimage. Comprehensive multi-organizational planning and intra- and extra-organizational coordination before the Arbaeen Pilgrimage and training the pilgrims are two key factors that can help the better organization of this event.

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 692-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Robards ◽  
Melissa Kang ◽  
Kate Tolley ◽  
Catherine Hawke ◽  
Lena Sanci ◽  
...  

Introduction: The pursuit of social justice includes a commitment to health equity for marginalised young people. Health professionals are central to marginalised young people’s engagement and access to health care and their navigation of health systems. They are also uniquely positioned to shed insight into structures and inefficiencies within the health system, including the role of technology, and to advocate for system change. Methods: This qualitative cross-sectional study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 health service managers and experienced clinicians to better understand service providers’ perspectives. The sampling frame comprised professionals from different sectors and levels of the health system. Analysis used Grounded Theory methods. Results: Three major themes were identified in the data: (1) intersectionalities – understanding the complexity of multiple disadvantage; (2) health system fragmentation – leading to inefficiencies, inertia and advocacy; and (3) services needing to be ‘turned on their head’ – rethinking service delivery and models of care. Conclusion: A better understanding of marginalised young people’s healthcare experiences, including the complexities of multiple disadvantage, and how this contributes to health inequalities could lead to more welcoming and respectful services. Services can reconceptualise their roles by reaching out to young people, both physically and online, to make the navigation of the health system easier. Marginalised young people’s healthcare journeys can be supported by advocates that help them navigate the health system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Shohreh Tofighian1 ◽  
◽  
Ali Khanehkeshi ◽  
Kolsom Akbarnataj Bisheh ◽  
◽  
...  

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease is a chronic, debilitating, and often progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is affected by cognitive and emotional dimensions, and also, this disease affects these dimensions. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the effect of executive functions on the tolerance and quality of life of MS patients. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 290 MS patients were selected as the sample size by simple random sampling method from the statistical population consisted of all 687 patients with MS disease in Gorgan’s MS Association, Gorgan City, Iran, in 2020. To collect data, we used Nejati’s executive functions questionnaire, McGuigan and Hutchinson’s quality of life questionnaire, and Simons and Gaher’s tolerance scale. Path analysis by SPSS V.18 and AMOS V.23 software was used for data processing. Results: According to the results of path analysis, executive functions affect -0.371 and tolerance -0.257 on the quality of life (P=0.01), and in total, that can explain 44% of the variance. Also, tolerance mediates the relationship between executive function and quality of life. Conclusion: Executive function is related to the quality of life of MS patients by the mediating role of tolerance, in the sense that a higher ability to tolerate increases the constructive effect of executive function on improving the quality of life.


Author(s):  
Thu Minh Bui ◽  
Men Thi Hoang ◽  
Toan Van Ngo ◽  
Cuong Duy Do ◽  
Son Hong Nghiem ◽  
...  

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-assisted smartphone applications in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was performed in two urban outpatient clinics in Hanoi from May to December 2019. A simple random sampling method and a structured questionnaire were used to recruit 495 eligible participants and to collect data. Multivariable modified Poisson regression and multivariable linear regression models were employed to investigate the factors associated with the willingness to pay (WTP) and amount of money patients were willing to pay. Approximately 82.8% of respondents were willing to pay for the hypothetical applications, with the mean amount the participants were willing to pay of Vietnam Dong (VND) 72,100/month. Marital status (separate/divorced/widow: Odds ratio (OR) = 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.09; 1.50) and having spouse/partner: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = (1.03; 1.36)) and using health services (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = (1.01; 1.04)) were positively associated with nominating they would be WTP for the app, whereas the duration of antiretroviral treatment (ART) (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = (0.96; 0.99)) had a negative association. The frequency of using health services (β = 0.04, 95% CI = (−0.07; −0.01)) was negatively associated with the amount of WTP. High levels of WTP revealed the feasibility of implementing smartphone-based apps for HIV treatment. This study implied the necessity to consider a co-payment system to reach populations who were in need but where such applications may be unaffordable in lieu of other treatment-associated expenses. Developers also need to pay attention to privacy features to attract single people living with HIV/AIDS and additional measures to initiate people with a long duration on ART into using the applications.


Author(s):  
Jyothi Lakshmi Naga Vemuri ◽  
B. Kiranmai ◽  
Viveka Cheedarla ◽  
S. Bhavana Laxmi

Background: According to WHO, responsiveness is an important goal of the health system, in addition to the two predominant goals of improving health and fairness of financing. Responsiveness includes non-medical aspects of health care. As the progress to universal health coverage is gaining pace, the present study has attempted to study the domains of responsiveness in the government and private health services and health care providers.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study for a period of 3 months in the households of the urban field practising area. Sampling technique was simple random sampling. Assuming the prevalence of 50% and allowable error of 5%, 400 households were surveyed. KISH table method was used at household level. Study tool was World Health Survey responsiveness module questionnaire for the eight responsiveness domains-prompt attention, dignity, communication, autonomy, confidentiality, choice, quality of basic facilities and social support (for inpatients).Results: The mean age (yrs) of the study subjects is 46.078±13.998. 68.25% (273) were males.31.75% (127) were females. 46.25% (185) were using government services and 53.75% (215) were using private services. The mean waiting time (min) in the public health facilities was 135.2±111.2 which was more than private facilities, 62.4±40.8.Conclusions: All the responsiveness domains (except confidentiality) were found to be positively associated (p<0.05) with the government health services. Proportion of people rating the responsiveness domains from most important to the least important showed prompt attention (52%) and dignity (30%) as the most important domains.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demelash Habtamu ◽  
Addisie Adamu

Street children worldwide do not have the information, skills, health services, and support they need to go through sexual development during adolescence. This study is undertaken to systematically investigate the fit between street children’s sexual and reproductive health needs and the existing services. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 street children and four service providers. About 72.5% of the respondents were sexually active during data collection and 84.3% of males and 85.7% of females tended to have multiple sexual partners. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of the participants had used at least one type of substance. History of substance use (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.42–4.56) and being on the street for the first one to three years (OR = 5.9; 95% CI = 1.41–7.22) increased the likelihood of having sexual activity. More than half (64.9%) of the street children did not attend any kind of sexual or reproductive health education programs. Lack of information on available services (26.5%) was the biggest barrier for utilization of local sexual and reproductive health services. From the individual interview with coordinator, the financial and networking problems were hindering the service delivery for street children. In conclusion, street children who are special high risk group have not been targeted and hence continue to remain vulnerable and lacking in sexual and reproductive health services and sexual health services are poorly advertised and delivered to them.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (07) ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
Lestari Lorna Lolo ◽  
Ny. Julma

Health services are any efforts that are held personal or together within an organization to maintain and improve health, prevent, and cure diseases and restore the health of individuals, families, groups, or society. Buntu Sarek villageis is one village in the village Latimojong district with the general state of the topografi. Buntu Sarek village is a plateau area and the hills and located at an altitude between 600-2500 m above sea level. Health services are always concentrated in urban areas alone and while it was preliminary study found the lack of utilization of health care services in the district Latimojong reasons long distances and can still be treated traditionally.The aims of the research to analyze the factors that influence decision of communities on the selection of a health care services in Latimojong district 2016. Descriptive analytic design with cross sectional study approach, the number of respondents as many as 61 heads of families who are assigned using method simple random sampling . Data collected by a questionnaire and analyzed using univariate and bivariate using Chi-Square statistical test.Conclusion of the research was prove there are significant influence on the distance of health care services selection (p= 0.006), there is a significant influence on the culture of health care services selection (p = 0.000) and there is significant effect on the information of health care services selection (p= 0.000). Suggestions in this research will wish governments and communities work together, care services in Latimojong district, so that people have the ability to reach quality health services and obtain health insurance.Key words : Distance, Culture, Information, Health Care Services Selection


Med Phoenix ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
Basant Lamichhane

Introduction:  Health systems all around the globe have greatly been affected by the increasing demand for care of people with COVID-19. A well-prepared health system should have the capacity to maintain equitable essential health services in any pandemic or emergency. In this current scenario, this study aims to study the trends of hospital care services in one of the remote tertiary hospitals of province 5. The aim of the study was to assess the trends of various important health services along with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data of the number of OPD cases, emergency cases, inpatients, deliveries, number of surgeries (major and minor), and the number of USG services were collected. Data of seven months prior to the onset of pandemic (August 15th, 2019 to March 15th, 2020) were compared with data of seven months following the onset of the pandemic (March 16th to October 16th, 2020) were recorded, compared, and plotted. Results:  In regard to inpatients, there was an increment of 47.57%, the number of emergency cases increment by 41.90%, and the number of delivery increments by 94.70% was detected compared to seven months’ data prior to the onset of the pandemic.  On the other hand, a reduction in total OPD, total number of surgeries, and USG by 32.7 %, 13.04%, 5.26 % respectively were detected. Looking through the trend, there was a decline in the number of OPD visits, inpatient cases, and emergency cases initially for three months (March-May) following the onset of the pandemic but along with an upsurge of the COVID pandemic, there was a marked increase in these services. Conclusions: The depiction of such trends of seeking and use of health services in resource-limited tertiary centers during this pandemic reflects the need of strengthening the overall health system. It also emphasizes the importance of the need of addressing non-COVID services during a pandemic, which was greatly affected by COVID-19.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Badu ◽  
Maxwell P. Opoku ◽  
Seth C.Y. Appiah

Introduction: Awareness of disability issues has gained considerable interest by advocacy groups in recent years. However, it is uncertain whether attitudes and perceptions of all service providers and society have adjusted accordingly towards the health care of people with disabilities. This study sought to examine the attitudes of health providers from the perspective of people with disabilities in the Kumasi Metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaires was conducted with people with disabilities (with physical, hearing and visual impairments,) in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study used a multi-stage sampling involving cluster and simple random sampling to select 255 respondents split amongst the following five clusters of communities; Oforikrom, Subin, Asewase, Tafo and Asokwa. Data were analysed using STATA 14 and presented in descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study found that 71% of the respondents faced some form of discrimination including the use of derogatory remarks, frustration and unavailable required services on the basis of their disability, the type of services they need and the location. Women were 3.89 times more likely to face discrimination; Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.41, 10.76), and visually impaired was more likely to be discriminated at the facility compared with physical disability; AOR = 5.05 (95% CI; 1.44, 17.65). However, respondents with some educational qualification and those who stayed with their family members were less likely to face discrimination; AOR = 0.08 (95% CI; 0.01, 0.39). Conclusion: The study recommends the provision of in-service training for service providers to update their knowledge on disability issues and improve access to services for people with disabilities.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Xiong ◽  
Yewei Xie ◽  
Hongbo Jiang ◽  
Guangquan Shen ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND In early 2020, many HIV and sexual health clinics shut down or only provided limited services because of COVID-19. How to ensure high-quality HIV and sexual health services for MSM during emergency responses is a critical challenge. This study evaluates Chinese MSM medical seeking behaviors before and during COVID-19 measures and explores the use of digital health (e.g., health information, online consultation, WeChat-based virtual hospitals) during the COVID-19 measures. OBJECTIVE MSM have sub-optimal healthcare seeking for health problems due to fear of unintentional disclosure of sexual orientation, fear of discrimination by healthcare workers. Digital health provides a comfortable alternative and is gaining popularity among MSM for both general and sexual health problems. This paper examines how MSM use digital health for common health issues and whether COVID-19 have any effects on their use of digital health. METHODS Data were collected from a nationwide online survey between 18 May to 2 June of 2020, a period when lockdown in China was easing. Men who ever had sex with another man, were 18 years or older, and assigned as male at birth were eligible. Survey collected information on health seeking behavior and use of digital health in three months before and during COVID-19 measures (23 January 2020). Variables that may associate with digital health use were evaluated. RESULTS Among 731 men (age: 29.2±7.3) recruited, most were never married (86.5%, 632/731), and identified as gay (81.7%, 597/731). The proportion of men who sought offline medical services at hospitals decreased from 49.1% (359 /731) before COVID-19 measures to 30.2% (221/731) during COVID-19 measures (P<0.001). Half (50.8%, 371/731) of the participants ever used digital health before COVID-19 and 35.6% (260/731) used it during the pandemic. Only 27% (197/731) reported that digital health services met their medical needs in general during the pandemic. Men living with HIV (AOR=1.92, 95%CI: 1.08-3.45) were more likely to use digital health during COVID-19 measures. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 affected access to facility-based medical services. MSM were able to use some digital health services when facility-based services were not available. Further research is needed to optimize digital health services.


2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ni Ketut Susilawati ◽  
Wayan Sudana ◽  
Eka Putra Setiawan

Background: Noise pollution or noise is an unwanted sound which is disturbing to human beings.However small or soft the sound, if it is undesirable it is considered as noise. Noise induced hearingloss is a sensorineural hearing loss that is commonly encountered second to presbycusis. Purpose: Toknow the effect of traffic noise exposure on hearing impairment to the employees of the Parking DistrictCompany of the Denpasar city and to improve diagnostic detection on hearing impairment caused bynoise. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Parking District Company office. Thepopulations of this study were the employees of the Parking District Company. Samples of this study were the employees who were exposed to traffic noise and control samples were an employee who was unexposed. Samples were selected by simple random sampling. Results: From 40 parking attendants,27 persons (67.5%) aged above 35 years old. The parking attendants who had been working for ten to fifteen years were 36 persons (90%) and no history using ear protection when working. Seven persons(17.5%) had referred DPOAE upon examination with increase hearing threshold on audiogram result.In this study the parking attendants who had hearing deficit induced by noise were 7 persons (17.5%)and only one person (2.5%) in control group. There was a statistically significant effect of traffic noiseto hearing function deficit (p<0.05). Conclusion: Traffic noise has effect in hearing function deficit onthe parking attendants.ORLI Vol. 40 No. 2 Tahun 2010Key words: NIHL, parking attendant, audiometry, DPOAE.


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