Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity and Hypertension Among University Students in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Obesity has become a new challenge for health care providers in the world, which leads to reduced life expectancy or increased health problems. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of obesity and hypertension among the undergraduate and postgraduate students in Rajshahi city. About 675 students were interviewed by standard questionnaires with their verbal consents. In this study, we found that a major portion of the population (13.93% which is about 94 students out of 675) were overweight and 61 students (9.04%) were obese at different stages on the basis of Body Mass Index (BMI) values where 75.41% and 31.15% were male and female students, respectively. About 31.15% of the obese students came from families with monthly income of 31000-40000 taka and 29.50% obese students have at least one obese parent. We also observed that about 32 students (52.46%) out of 61 obese students were pre-hypertensive and 34.43% obese students were stage I hypertensive patient. In this study, we found that the most common risk factors of obesity and hypertension among university students were sedentary life style, physical activity less than 30 min/day, smoking, frequent intake of soft drinks, fast food and food rich in fats (Junk food). This may be the first health survey conducted regarding obesity and hypertension among these university students in Bangladesh, which might be helpful for health workers to raise awareness among the mass people.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 19(2): 179-184, 2016

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Influencing Factors for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage and Early Detection of Women at Risk in The Northern Province of Rwanda: Beneficiary and Health Worker Perspectives

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30568/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Oliva Bazirete ◽

Manassé Nzayirambaho ◽

Aline Umubyeyi ◽

Marie Chantal Uwimana ◽

Evans Marilyn

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care ◽

Early Detection ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Northern Province ◽

Care Providers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Childbearing Women

Abstract Background: Reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity is a major global health priority. However, much remains unknown regarding factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among childbearing women in the Rwandan context. The aim of this study is to explore the influencing factors for prevention of PPH and early detection of women at risk as perceived by beneficiaries and health workers in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was drawn from a larger sequential exploratory‐mixed methods study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who experienced PPH within the 6 months prior to interview. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with: women’s partners or close relatives (2 focus groups), community health workers (CHWs) in charge of maternal health (2 focus groups) and health care providers (3 focus groups). A socio ecological model was used to develop interview guides to describe factors related to early detection and prevention of PPH in consideration of individual attributes, interpersonal, family and peer influences, intermediary determinants of health and structural determinants. The research protocol was approved by the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Institutional Ethics Review Board. Results: We generated four interrelated themes: (1) Meaning of PPH: beliefs, knowledge and understanding of PPH: (2) Organizational factors; (3) Caring and family involvement and (4) Perceived risk factors and barriers to PPH prevention. The findings from this study indicate that PPH was poorly understood by women and their partners. Family members and CHWs feel that their role for the prevention of PPH is to get the woman to the health facility on time. The main factors associated with PPH as described by participants were multiparty and retained placenta. Low socioeconomic status and delays to access health care were identified as the main barriers for the prevention of PPH. Conclusions: Addressing the identified factors could enhance early prevention of PPH among childbearing women. Placing emphasis on developing strategies for early detection of women at higher risk of developing PPH, continuous professional development of health care providers, developing educational materials for CHWs and family members could improve the prevention of PPH. Involvement of all levels of the health system was recommended for a proactive prevention of PPH. Further quantitative research, using case control design is warranted to develop a screening tool for early detection of PPH risk factors for a proactive prevention.

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Influencing factors for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and early detection of childbearing women at risk in Northern Province of Rwanda: beneficiary and health worker perspectives

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-020-03389-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Oliva Bazirete ◽

Manassé Nzayirambaho ◽

Aline Umubyeyi ◽

Marie Chantal Uwimana ◽

Marilyn Evans

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care ◽

Early Detection ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Northern Province ◽

Care Providers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Childbearing Women

Abstract Background Reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity is a major global health priority. However, much remains unknown regarding factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among childbearing women in the Rwandan context. The aim of this study is to explore the influencing factors for prevention of PPH and early detection of childbearing women at risk as perceived by beneficiaries and health workers in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Methods A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was drawn from a larger sequential exploratory-mixed methods study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who experienced PPH within the 6 months prior to interview. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with: women’s partners or close relatives (2 focus groups), community health workers (CHWs) in charge of maternal health (2 focus groups) and health care providers (3 focus groups). A socio ecological model was used to develop interview guides describing factors related to early detection and prevention of PPH in consideration of individual attributes, interpersonal, family and peer influences, intermediary determinants of health and structural determinants. The research protocol was approved by the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Institutional Ethics Review Board. Results We generated four interrelated themes: (1) Meaning of PPH: beliefs, knowledge and understanding of PPH: (2) Organizational factors; (3) Caring and family involvement and (4) Perceived risk factors and barriers to PPH prevention. The findings from this study indicate that PPH was poorly understood by women and their partners. Family members and CHWs feel that their role for the prevention of PPH is to get the woman to the health facility on time. The main factors associated with PPH as described by participants were multiparty and retained placenta. Low socioeconomic status and delays to access health care were identified as the main barriers for the prevention of PPH. Conclusions Addressing the identified factors could enhance early prevention of PPH among childbearing women. Placing emphasis on developing strategies for early detection of women at higher risk of developing PPH, continuous professional development of health care providers, developing educational materials for CHWs and family members could improve the prevention of PPH. Involvement of all levels of the health system was recommended for a proactive prevention of PPH. Further quantitative research, using case control design is warranted to develop a screening tool for early detection of PPH risk factors for a proactive prevention.

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Influencing Factors for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage and Early Detection of Childbearing Women at Risk in Northern Province of Rwanda: Beneficiary and Health Worker Perspectives

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30568/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Oliva Bazirete ◽

Manassé Nzayirambaho ◽

Aline Umubyeyi ◽

Marie Chantal Uwimana ◽

Evans Marilyn

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care ◽

Early Detection ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Northern Province ◽

Care Providers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Childbearing Women

Abstract Background: Reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity is a major global health priority. However, much remains unknown regarding factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among childbearing women in the Rwandan context. The aim of this study is to explore the influencing factors for prevention of PPH and early detection of childbearing women at risk as perceived by beneficiaries and health workers in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was drawn from a larger sequential exploratory‐mixed methods study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who experienced PPH within the 6 months prior to interview. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with: women’s partners or close relatives (2 focus groups), community health workers (CHWs) in charge of maternal health (2 focus groups) and health care providers (3 focus groups). A socio ecological model was used to develop interview guides to describe factors related to early detection and prevention of PPH in consideration of individual attributes, interpersonal, family and peer influences, intermediary determinants of health and structural determinants. The research protocol was approved by the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Institutional Ethics Review Board. Results: We generated four interrelated themes: (1) Meaning of PPH: beliefs, knowledge and understanding of PPH: (2) Organizational factors; (3) Caring and family involvement and (4) Perceived risk factors and barriers to PPH prevention. The findings from this study indicate that PPH was poorly understood by women and their partners. Family members and CHWs feel that their role for the prevention of PPH is to get the woman to the health facility on time. The main factors associated with PPH as described by participants were multiparty and retained placenta. Low socioeconomic status and delays to access health care were identified as the main barriers for the prevention of PPH. Conclusions: Addressing the identified factors could enhance early prevention of PPH among childbearing women. Placing emphasis on developing strategies for early detection of women at higher risk of developing PPH, continuous professional development of health care providers, developing educational materials for CHWs and family members could improve the prevention of PPH. Involvement of all levels of the health system was recommended for a proactive prevention of PPH. Further quantitative research, using case control design is warranted to develop a screening tool for early detection of PPH risk factors for a proactive prevention.

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Influencing Factors for Quality Care on Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage in the Northern Province of Rwanda: Beneficiary and Health Worker Perspectives.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30568/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Oliva Bazirete ◽

Manassé Nzayirambaho ◽

Aline Umubyeyi ◽

Marie Chantal Uwimana ◽

Evans Marilyn

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Quality Care ◽

Northern Province ◽

Care Providers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Childbearing Women

Abstract Background: Reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity is a major global health priority. However, much remains unknown regarding factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among childbearing women in the Rwandan context. The aim of this study is to explore the influencing factors for quality care on prevention of PPH asperceived by beneficiaries and health workers in the Northern Province of Rwanda.Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was drawn from a larger sequential exploratory‐mixed methods study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women who experienced PPH within the 6 months prior to interview. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with: women’s partners or close relatives (2 focus groups), community health workers (CHWs) in charge of maternal health (2 focus groups) and health care providers (3 focus groups). A socio ecological model was used to develop interview guides to describe factors influencing the prevention of PPH in consideration of individual attributes, interpersonal, family and peer influence, intermediary determinants of health and structural determinants. The research protocol was approved by the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Institutional Ethics Review Board.Results: We generated four interrelated themes:(1) Meaning factors (beliefs, knowledge and understanding of PPH) among participants; (2) Organizational factors; (3) Caring factors and family involvement and (4) Perceived risk factors and barriers to PPH prevention. The findings from this study indicate that PPH was poorly understood by women and their partners. Family members and CHWs feel that their role for the prevention of PPH is to get the woman to the health facility on time. The main factors associated with PPH as described by participants were multiparity and retained placenta. Low socioeconomic status and delays to access health care were identified as the main barriers for the prevention of PPH. Conclusions:Addressing the identified factors could enhance early prevention of PPH among childbearing women. Placing emphasis on developing strategies for early detection of women at higher risk of developing PPH, continuous professional development of health care providers, developing educational materials for CHWs and family members could improve the prevention of PPH. Involvement of all levels of the health system was recommended for better prevention of PPH. Further quantitative research, using case control design is warranted to develop a screening tool for early detection of PPH risk factors for proactive prevention.

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Prevalence, risk factors and sources of anxiety among Emergency Department healthcare workers in Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic: A single center survey

Experimental Results ◽

10.1017/exp.2020.68 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

N. Haroon ◽

S. S. Owais ◽

A. S. Khan ◽

J. Amin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Work Performance ◽

Nonparametric Tests ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers

Summary COVID-19 has challenged the mental health of healthcare workers confronting it world-wide. Our study identifies the prevalence and risk of anxiety among emergency healthcare workers confronting COVID-19 in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an Emergency Department using the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and questions about sources of anxiety. Of 107 participants, 61.7% were frontline workers. The prevalence of anxiety was 50.5%. Nonparametric tests determined that nurses, younger and inexperienced staff, developed significant anxiety. Multivariate ordinal regression determined independent risk factors for developing anxiety were younger age (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.89–4.99) and frontline placement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–1.66). Significant sources of stress were fear of infecting family (P = 0.003), lack of social support when the health care providers were themselves unwell (P = 0.02) and feelings of inadequate work performance (P = 0.05). Our study finds that HCWs’ anxiety is considerable. Appropriate measures for its alleviation and prevention are required.

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Addressing Anxiety and Fear during the Female Pelvic Examination

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/2150132721992195 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215013272199219

Author(s):

Danielle J. O’Laughlin ◽

Brittany Strelow ◽

Nicole Fellows ◽

Elizabeth Kelsey ◽

Sonya Peters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Negative Symptoms ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Pelvic Examination ◽

Care Providers ◽

Emotional Symptoms ◽

Pelvic Examinations ◽

Anxiety And Fear

To review the anxiety and fear risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, screening and diagnosis while highlighting treatment considerations for women undergoing a pelvic examination. Methods: We reviewed the literature pertaining to anxiety and fear surrounding the pelvic examination to help guide health care providers’ on available screening options and to review options for individualized patient management. Results: Anxiety and fear are common before and during the pelvic examination. In fact, the pelvic exam is one of the most common anxiety-provoking medical procedures. This exam can provoke negative physical and emotional symptoms such as pain, discomfort, anxiety, fear, embarrassment, and irritability. These negative symptoms can interfere with preventative health screening compliance resulting in delayed or avoided care and significant health consequences. Conclusion: Assessing women for anxiety related to pelvic examinations may help decrease a delay or avoidance of examinations. Risk factor and symptom identification is also a key component in this. General anxiety questionnaires can help identify women with anxiety related to pelvic examinations. Strategies to reduce anxiety, fear and pain during a pelvic examination should routinely be implemented, particularly in women with high-risk factors or those identified with screening techniques as having anxiety, fear or pain with examinations. Treatment options should be targeted at understanding the patient’s concerns, starting conversations about pelvic examinations early, educating patient’s about the examination and offering the presence of a chaperone or support person. During an examination providers should ensure the patient is comfortable, negative phrases are avoided, the correct speculum size is utilized and proper lubrication, draping, dressing and positioning are performed. Treating underlying gynecologic or mental health conditions, consideration of cognitive behavioral therapy and complementary techniques such as lavender aromatherapy and music therapy should also be considered when appropriate.

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Brazil’s Community Health Workers Practicing Narrative Medicine: Patients’ Perspectives

Journal of General Internal Medicine ◽

10.1007/s11606-021-06730-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rogério Meireles Pinto ◽

Rahbel Rahman ◽

Margareth Santos Zanchetta ◽

W. Galhego-Garcia

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Community Health ◽

Community Health Workers ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Hybrid Approach ◽

Narrative Medicine ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Patient Perspectives ◽

Care Providers

Abstract Background Narrative medicine (NM) encourages health care providers to draw on their personal experiences to establish therapeutic alliances with patients of prevention and care services. NM medicine practiced by nurses and physicians has been well documented, yet there is little understanding of how community health workers (CHWs) apply NM concepts in their day-to-day practices from patient perspectives. Objective To document how CHWs apply specific NM concepts in Brazil’s Family Health Strategy (FHS), the key component of Brazil’s Unified Health System. Design We used a semi-structured interview, grounded in Charon’s (2001) framework, including four types of NM relationships: provider–patient, provider–colleague, provider–society, and provider–self. A hybrid approach of thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 27 patients. Key Results Sample: 18 females; 13 White, 12 “Pardo” (mixed races), 12 Black. We found: (1) provider–patient relationship—CHWs offered health education through compassion, empathy, trustworthiness, patience, attentiveness, jargon-free communication, and altruism; (2) provider–colleague relationship—CHWs lacked credibility as perceived by physicians, impacting their effectiveness negatively; (3) provider–society relationship—CHWs mobilized patients civically and politically to advocate for and address emerging health care and prevention needs; (4) provider–self relationship—patients identified possible low self-esteem among CHWs and a need to engage in self-care practices to abate exhaustion from intense labor and lack of resources. Conclusion This study adds to patient perspectives on how CHWs apply NM concepts to build and sustain four types of relationships. Findings suggest the need to improve provider–colleague relationships by ongoing training to foster cooperation among FHS team members. More generous organizational supports (wellness initiatives and supervision) may facilitate the provider–self relationship. Public education on CHWs’ roles is needed to enhance the professional and societal credibility of their roles and responsibilities. Future research should investigate how CHWs’ personality traits may influence their ability to apply NM.

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A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Australian Aboriginal Women on Oral Health during Pregnancy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18158061 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 8061

Author(s):

Ariana Kong ◽

Michelle Dickson ◽

Lucie Ramjan ◽

Mariana S. Sousa ◽

Joanne Goulding ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Torres Strait Islander ◽

Health Workers ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Aboriginal Health ◽

Health Staff ◽

Care Providers ◽

Aboriginal Women ◽

Torres Strait

The aim of this study was to explore whether oral health was an important consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy, whether oral health could be promoted by Aboriginal health staff, and strategies that would be appropriate to use in a new model of care. A qualitative descriptive methodology underpinned the study. All participants in this study identified as Aboriginal, with no Torres Strait Islander participants, and were from New South Wales, Australia. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. From the data, two themes were constructed. The first theme identified that oral health was not always the first priority for participants as poor accessibility alongside other competing commitments were challenges to accessing oral health services. The second theme highlighted how relationships with personal networks and healthcare providers were essential and could be used to support maternal oral health during pregnancy. Effective strategies to promote oral health during pregnancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women should involve key stakeholders and health care providers, like Aboriginal Health Workers, to facilitate culturally safe support and tailored oral health advice.

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Risk factors for glaucoma: what do they really mean?

Australian Journal of Primary Health ◽

10.1071/py10042 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 233 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Anthea Worley ◽

Karen Grimmer-Somers

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

At Risk ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Care Providers ◽

Reference Guide ◽

Future Assessment ◽

Primary Health Care Providers ◽

Patient’S History

Glaucoma is an insidious eye disease, potentially putting 4% of older Australians at risk of blindness, unless detected sufficiently early for initiation of effective treatment. This paper reports on the strengths of evidence and glaucoma risk factors that can be identified by primary health care providers from a patient’s history. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed databases identified relevant secondary evidence published between 2002 and 2007. Risk factors that could be determined from a patient’s history were identified. A novel glaucoma risk factor reference guide was constructed according to evidence strength and level of concern regarding risk of developing glaucoma. The evidence is strong and consistent regarding the risk of developing glaucoma, and elevated intraocular pressure, advancing age, non-Caucasian ethnicity and family history of glaucoma. There is moderate evidence of association with glaucoma, and migraine, eye injury, myopia and long-term use of corticosteroids. There is conflicting evidence for living in a rural location, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Early detection of people at risk of developing glaucoma can be initiated using our risk factor guide coupled with a comprehensive patient history. Timely future assessment and subsequent management strategies for at-risk individuals can then be effectively and efficiently actioned.

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Training health workers to provide person-centred maternal and newborn health care in Burkina Faso

The International Journal of Person Centered Medicine ◽

10.5750/ijpcm.v3i2.405 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 154-159

Author(s):

Janet Perkins ◽

Aminata Bargo ◽

Cecilia Capello ◽

Carlo Santarelli

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Burkina Faso ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Newborn Health ◽

World Health ◽

Maternal And Newborn Health ◽

Care Providers ◽

Maternal And Newborn

Assuring the provision of person-centred care is critical in maternal and newborn health (MNH). As a component of the national strategy to improve MNH, Burkina Faso Ministry of Health, supported by Enfants du Monde, La Fondation pour le Développement Communautaire/Burkina Faso and UNFPA, is implementing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for Working with Individuals, Families and Communities (IFC) to improve MNH. As a first step in district implementation, participatory community assessments were conducted. These assessments consistently revealed that poor interactions with healthcare providers posed one important barrier preventing women from seeking MNH services. In order to address this barrier, healthcare providers were trained to improve their interpersonal skills and in counselling women. During 2011-12 a total of 175 personnel were trained over a 5-day course developed using a WHO manual. The course was met with enthusiasm as providers expressed their need and desire for such training. Immediate post-test results revealed an impressive increase in knowledge and anecdotal evidence suggests that training has influenced provider’s behaviours in their interactions with women. In addition, health care providers are taking concrete action to build the capabilities of women to experience pregnancy and birth safely by engaging directly with communities. While early findings are promising, an evaluation will be necessary to measure how the training has influenced practices, whether this translates into a shift of perceptions at community level and ultimately its contribution toward promoting person-centred care in Burkina Faso.

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