Patients’ Behavior Regarding Dietary or Herbal Supplements before and during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

The use of traditional medicinal plants in Saudi Arabia stems mainly from consumers’ belief in prophetic medicine. This study was conducted to explore changes in patients’ use of dietary or herbal supplements among individuals infected with COVID-19 before and during infection and the association between herbal or dietary supplements and hospitalization. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted enrolling symptomatic patients who had recently recovered from COVID-19. Data were collected through phone interviews, and McNemar’s test was used to investigate changes to consumption of dietary or herbal supplements before and during infection. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between supplements use during patients’ infection and hospitalization. A total of 738 patients were included in this study, of whom 32.1% required hospitalization. About 57% of participants were male with a mean age of 36.5 (±11.9) years. The use of lemon/orange, honey, ginger, vitamin C, and black seed among participants significantly increased during their infection. In contrast, patients using anise, peppermint, and coffee peel before their infection were more likely to stop using them during their infection. In addition, using lemon/orange (p < 0.0001), honey (p = 0.0002), ginger (p = 0.0053), vitamin C (p = 0.0006), black seed (p < 0.0001), peppermint (p = 0.0027), costus (p = 0.0095), and turmeric (p = 0.0012) was significantly higher among nonhospitalized patients than hospitalized ones. However, in the multivariable logistic regression, only use of vitamin C (OR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.33–0.79), peppermint (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.31–0.90), and lemon/orange (OR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.33–0.88) was associated with significantly lower odds of hospitalization. The study reveals that patients’ consumption of dietary or herbal supplements changed in response to their COVID-19 infection, with hospitalized patients having a lower likelihood of using these supplements. Because some supplements were associated with lower odds of hospitalization, these supplements or their bioactive components should be further investigated as feasible options for COVID-19 treatment.

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The Influence of COVID-19 Information Sources on the Attitudes and Practices Toward COVID-19 Among the General Public of Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Online Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28888 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Noor Alshareef ◽

Ismaeel Yunusa ◽

Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

General Public ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in panic among the general public, leading many people to seek out information related to COVID-19 through various sources, including social media and traditional media. Identifying public preferences for obtaining such information may help health authorities to effectively plan successful health preventive and educational intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the types of sources used for obtaining COVID-19 information on the attitudes and practices of the general public in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic, and to identify the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the use of different sources of information. METHODS This study used data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted on residents of Saudi Arabia from March 20 to 24, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Bivariate analysis of categorical variables was performed to determine the associations between information sources and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to examine whether socioeconomic and demographic variables were associated with the source of information used to obtain information about COVID-19. Moreover, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine how sources of information influence attitudes and practices of adhering to preventive measures. RESULTS In this analysis of cross-sectional survey data, 3358 participants were included. Most participants reported using social media, followed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as their primary source of information. Seeking information via social media was significantly associated with lower odds of having an optimistic attitude (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.845, 95% CI 0.733-0.974; P=.02) and adhering to preventive measures (aOR 0.725, 95% CI 0.630-0.835; P<.001) compared to other sources of information. Participants who obtained their COVID-19 information via the MOH had greater odds of having an optimistic attitude (aOR 1.437, 95% CI 1.234-1.673; P<.001) and adhering to preventive measures (aOR 1.393, 95% CI 1.201-1.615; P<.001) than those who obtained information via other sources. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that different sources of information influence attitudes and preventive actions differently within a pandemic crisis context. Health authorities in Saudi Arabia should pay attention to the use of appropriate social media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public.

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Attitudes towards the New Zealand Government’s Smokefree 2025 goal associated with smoking and vaping in university students aged 18 to 24 years: results of a 2018 national cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037362 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e037362

Author(s):

Ben Wamamili ◽

Mark Wallace-Bell ◽

Ann Richardson ◽

Randolph C Grace ◽

Pat Coope

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

New Zealand ◽

University Students ◽

Confidence Intervals ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Smoking Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lower Odds

ObjectiveIn March 2011, New Zealand (NZ) launched an aspirational goal to reduce smoking prevalence to 5% or less by 2025 (Smokefree 2025 goal). Little is known about university students’ awareness of, support for and perceptions about this goal. We sought to narrow the knowledge gap.SettingUniversity students in NZ.MethodsWe analysed data from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students across NZ. Logistic regression analysis examined the associations between responses about the Smokefree goal with smoking and vaping, while controlling for age, sex and ethnicity. Confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported where appropriate.ParticipantsThe sample comprised 1476 students: 919 (62.3%) aged 18 to 20 and 557 (37.7%) aged 21 to 24 years; 569 (38.6%) male and 907 (61.4%) female; 117 (7.9%) Māori and 1359 (92.1%) non-Māori. Of these, 10.5% currently smoked (ie, smoked at least monthly) and 6.1% currently vaped (ie, used an e-cigarette or vaped at least once a month).ResultsOverall awareness of the Smokefree goal was 47.5% (95% CI: 44.9 to 50.1); support 96.9% (95% CI: 95.8 to 97.8); belief that it can be achieved 88.8% (95% CI: 86.8 to 90.7) and belief that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it 88.1% (95% CI: 86.0 to 89.9).Dual users of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes had greater odds of being aware of the Smokefree goal (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.19 to 7.92), current smokers had lower odds of supporting it (OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.27) and of believing that it can be achieved (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.24) and current vapers had greater odds of believing that e-cigarettes/vaping can help to achieve it (OR=8.57, 95% CI: 1.18 to 62.52) compared with non-users.ConclusionsThe results suggest strong overall support for the Smokefree goal and belief that it can be achieved and that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it. Smoking and vaping were associated with high awareness of the Smokefree goal, but lower support and optimism that it can be achieved.

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Liver fat content is independently associated with microalbuminuria in a normotensive, euglycaemic Chinese population: a community-based, cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044237 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e044237

Author(s):

Xiaoming Li ◽

Mingfeng Xia ◽

Hui Ma ◽

Yu Hu ◽

Hongmei Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Fat Content ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Liver Fat ◽

Community Based ◽

Liver Fat Content ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression

ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with microalbuminuria (MA) in patients with diabetes/pre-diabetes. Whether this association is mediated by blood glucose and blood pressure (BP) remains unclear. This study investigated whether liver fat content (LFC) was associated with MA in a normotensive and non-diabetic population.DesignA cross-sectional substudy.SettingsLFC was determined from the hepatic/renal echogenicity ratio at ultrasound. MA was defined as an albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) of 30–300 µg/mg (early- morning urine sample). Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate LFC as a predictor of MA.ParticipantsBetween May 2010 and June 2011, this cross-sectional, community-based study enrolled residents from Shanghai (China), aged ≥40 years and with normal glucose tolerance and BP.ResultsA total of 550 residents (median age, 57 years; 174 men) were enrolled and stratified according to LFC quartiles. ACR (p<0.001) and MA prevalence (p=0.012) increased across the LFC quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the OR for MA (per SD increase in LFC) was 1.840 (95% CI 1.173 to 2.887, p=0.008) after adjustment for potential confounders including age, gender, waist-hip ratio, blood urea nitrogen, systolic and diastolic BP, fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate and lipid-lowering drugs. The ROC analysis revealed that the optimal LFC cut-off value for predicting MA was 6.82%.ConclusionLFC is independently associated with MA in normotensive, euglycaemic middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals. Screening for MA in people with NAFLD might facilitate early intervention to minimise kidney disease risk.

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Assessment of Maternal Satisfaction and Associated Factors among Parturients Who Underwent Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anesthesia at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019

Anesthesiology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2020/8697651 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Samuel Debas Bayable ◽

Seid Adem Ahmed ◽

Girmay Fitiwi Lema ◽

Debas Yaregal Melesse

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Spinal Anesthesia ◽

Cesarean Delivery ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Anesthetic Technique ◽

Spinal Block ◽

Maternal Satisfaction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression

Background. Spinal anesthesia is the most common anesthetic technique for cesarean delivery. Patient satisfaction is a subjective and complicated concept, involving physical, emotional, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Regular evaluation of maternal satisfaction related to anesthesia service is an important parameter to the required changes and expansion of high-quality care services. We aimed to assess maternal satisfaction and associated factors among parturients who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019. A total of 383 parturients were enrolled to assess maternal satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Variables of p value ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. A p value <0.05 was considered as significantly associated with maternal satisfaction at 95% CI. Results. This study revealed that 315 (82.3%) of the parturients were satisfied. Single spinal prick attempts (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.05–4.11), successful spinal block (AOR = 7.17, 95% CI = 3.33–15.43), less incidence of postdural puncture headache (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.33–4.20), and prophylactic antiemetic use (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19–0.66) were positively associated with maternal satisfaction. Conclusions. The overall maternal satisfaction receiving spinal anesthesia was considerably low. Single spinal prink attempts, successful spinal block, and less incidence of postural puncture headache can increase maternal satisfaction. Therefore, effective perioperative management, skillful techniques, and using the small-gauge Quincke spinal needle (25–27 gauge) may increase the maternal satisfaction and quality of spinal anesthesia management.

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Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Radiologists in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.2.14209/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Malak Al Shammari ◽

Ali Hassan ◽

Omran Al Dandan ◽

Mohammed Al Gadeeb ◽

Dalal Bubshait

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽

Body Region ◽

Viewing Distance ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background : Musculoskeletal symptoms account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains that predispose them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and their contributing factors. Methods : An online survey was sent to radiologists in all hospitals (academic, public and private) in the major cities of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia covering demographic characteristics, workload (e.g. the time spent at a computer workstation), and workstation environments including the number of monitors as well as the adjustability of the height of the workstation and the viewing distance. This survey of 263 radiologists was conducted in April 2019. It included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study outcome was the presence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in any body region, which restricted the performance of normal activities in the last 12 months. Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months. Results : The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women) with a response rate of 75.3%. Most participants (71.2%) were aged below 40 years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female radiologist (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5), aged 30–39 years (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–15.3), and predominantly reviewing computed tomography (CT) images (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4–12.3) or ultrasound scans (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.4–25.3) were associated with higher prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms, compared to those aged below 30 years and those who reviewed various imaging modalities, respectively. Conclusions : Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists with lower back and neck pain being the most frequent complaints. Being a female radiologist, aged 30–39 years, and reviewing CT or ultrasound scans were associated with higher rates of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms.

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The association between sexual orientation and screening of prevalent gender-specific cancers.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.6_suppl.198 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (6_suppl) ◽

pp. 198-198

Author(s):

Michael Joseph Herriges ◽

Ruben Pinkhasov ◽

Keren Lehavot ◽

Oleg Shapiro ◽

Joseph M Jacob ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Sexual Orientation ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Bisexual Men ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽

Gender Specific ◽

Screening And Diagnosis

198 Background: Data on heterogeneity in cancer screening and diagnosis rates among sexual minorities (SMs) is lacking. Recent studies have shown SMs are more likely to engage in risky health behavior and have decreased healthcare utilization. However, few studies have examined how sexual orientation impacts cancer screening and prevalence. We therefore investigated whether sexual orientation affects prevalent gender-specific cancer including prostate (PCa), breast (BC), and cervical cancer (CC). Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey-based US study, including men and women aged 18+ from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) database (part of the National Cancer Institute’s division of cancer control and population sciences) between 2017-2019. The primary endpoint was individual-reported PCa, BC, and CC screening and prevalence rates among heterosexuals and homosexuals/bisexuals. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed association of various covariates with undergoing screening and diagnosis of these cancers. Results: Overall, 4,441 and 6,333 heterosexual men and women, respectively, were compared to 225 and 213 homosexual/bisexual men and women, respectively. Homosexuals/bisexuals were younger and less likely to be screened for PCa (34.7% vs 41.3%, p=0.013), BC (54.5% vs 80.7%, p=<0.001), and CC (88.3% vs 95.4%, p=<0.001). While rates of PCa and BC diagnosis were similar, more than twice as many homosexual/bisexual women were diagnosed with CC (4.2% vs 1.9%, p=0.023). Multivariable logistic regression models (Table) showed homosexuals/bisexuals were less likely to be screened for cancer with ORs of 0.61 (95% CI 0.39-0.95) for PCa, 0.52 (95% CI 0.30-0.92) for BC, and 0.21 (95% CI 0.09-0.46) for CC. Homosexuals/bisexuals were more likely to be diagnosed with any cancer with ORs of 1.64 (95% CI 1.06-2.54) in women only and 1.50 (95% CI 1.11-2.03) in men and women combined. Conclusions: Homosexuals/bisexuals in the US may be less likely to undergo screening of gender-specific prevalent malignancies, including PCa, BC, and CC. The implementation of cancer screening among SMs should be improved. [Table: see text]

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Prevalence and Determinants of Fertility Desire Among HIV-positive Women in Rwanda in the Context of Improved Life Expectancy: A Statistical Analysis of Cross-Sectional Data

10.21203/rs.3.rs-105991/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

François Niragire ◽

Celestin Ndikumana ◽

Marie Gaudence Nyirahabimana ◽

Dieudonne Uwizeye

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Scale Up ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Fertility Desire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽

Hiv Positive Women

Abstract Background: The knowledge of the key determinants of fertility desire among people living with HIV/AIDS is crucial for the design of efficient maternal and child health care programs. However, such determinants are not well understood in the context of a successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda. The present study aim was to assess fertility desire among HIV- positive women and its determinants in Rwanda.Methods: Data were extracted from the 2015 Rwanda demographic health survey (RDHS) for 243 HIV-positive women of reproductive age. Univariate and multivariable based variable selection as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. Results: The prevalence of desire to have another child in HIV-positive women was as high as 40.7%. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the woman’s age, number of her living children, woman’s employment status, and having a co-wife are significant determinants of fertility desire among HIV- positive women in Rwanda. Women younger than 25 years, with no living child, who were unemployed or who had at least a co-wife were associated with greater odds of desire to have another child in the future than other HIV- positive women.. Conclusion: There is a need to devise integrated programs and services that are tailored to support HIV-positive women in planning their fertility, and controlling HIV transmission to their prospective children. Efficient policy and fertility interventions among WLHA in Rwanda should target young women, especially those living with partners and have fewer children than they prefer.

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Musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia: a multi-center cross-sectional study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-019-2933-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Malak Al Shammari ◽

Ali Hassan ◽

Omran Al Dandan ◽

Mohammed Al Gadeeb ◽

Dalal Bubshait

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽

Body Region ◽

Viewing Distance ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal symptoms account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains that predispose them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and their contributing factors. Methods An online survey was sent to radiologists in all hospitals (academic, public and private) in the major cities of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia covering demographic characteristics, workload (e.g. the time spent at a computer workstation), and workstation environments including the number of monitors as well as the adjustability of the height of the workstation and the viewing distance. This survey of 263 radiologists was conducted in April 2019. It included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The study outcome was the presence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in any body region, which restricted the performance of normal activities in the last 12 months. Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months. Results The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women) with a response rate of 75.3%. Most participants (71.2%) were aged below 40 years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female radiologist (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5), aged 30–39 years (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–15.3), and predominantly reviewing computed tomography (CT) images (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4–12.3) or ultrasound scans (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.4–25.3) were associated with higher prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms, compared to those aged below 30 years and those who reviewed various imaging modalities, respectively. Conclusions Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists with lower back and neck pain being the most frequent complaints. Being a female radiologist, aged 30–39 years, and reviewing CT or ultrasound scans were associated with higher rates of disabling musculoskeletal symptoms.

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HUBUNGAN KEBIASAAN SARAPAN, KECUKUPAN ZAT GIZI DAN CAIRAN DENGAN DAYA KONSENTRASI ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR

Media Gizi Indonesia ◽

10.20473/mgi.v12i2.123-128 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 123

Author(s):

Wida Ratna Yunita ◽

Triska Susila Nindya

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Fluid Intake ◽

Observational Research ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Concentration Test ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

The Relationship

Breakfast habits, nutritional and fl uid adequacy is very important for students learning concentration. The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationship between breakfast habits, nutritional and fl uid adequacy with thelearning concentration in students. This was an observational research with cross sectional design, conducted in SDN Sukomanunggal IV Surabaya with 60 respondents. Characteristics of respondents, breakfast habit, food intake, fl uidintake and learning concentration test were collected. The breakfast habit was measured by questionnaire. The nutrition and fluid intake were measured using recall 3×24 hours and the concentration was measured by using bender gestalttest. The data was analyzed by chi square test and logistic regression. Respondents have an adequate of carbohydrate (63.3%), protein (60.0%), fat (61.7%) and vitamin C (58.3%). Meanwhile inadequate of energy (51.7%), iron (53.3%) and fluid (56.7%). There are signifi cant correlation between breakfast habit, energy, carbohydrate, protein, Fe, vitamin C and fl uid adequacy level with learning concentration. There was no signifi cant correlation between fat adequacy level with learning concentration. Therefore parents need to provide the breakfast regularly.

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A cross sectional study of unmet need for health services amongst urban refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand in comparison with Thai population, 2019

10.21203/rs.3.rs-35092/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

RAPEEPONG SUPHANCHAIMAT ◽

Pigunkaew Sinam ◽

Mathudara Phaiyarom ◽

Nareerut Pudpong ◽

Sataporn Julchoo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Health Services ◽

Asylum Seekers ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Thai Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urban Refugees ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽

Refugees And Asylum Seekers ◽

Self Reporting Questionnaire

Abstract BackgroundAlthough the Thai government has introduced policies to promote the health of migrants, it is still the case that urban refugees and asylum seekers (URAS) seem to be neglected. This study aimed to explore the degree of healthcare access through the perspective of unmet need in URAS, relative to the Thai population.MethodsA cross-sectional survey, using a self-reporting questionnaire adapted from the Thai Health and Welfare Survey (HWS), was performed in late 2019, with 181 URAS completing the survey. The respondents were were randomly selected from the roster of the Bangkok Refugee Center. The data of the URAS survey were combined with data of the Thai population (n=2,941) from the HWS. Unmet need for health services was defined as the status of needing healthcare in the past twelve months but failing to receive it. Bivariate analysis was conducted to explore the demographic and unmet need difference between URAS and Thais. Multivariable logistic regression and mixed-effects (ME) model were performed to determine factors associated with unmet need.ResultsOverall, URAS were young, less educated and living in more economically deprived households, compared with Thais. About 98% of URAS were uninsured by any of the existing health insurance schemes. The prevalence of unmet need among URAS was significantly higher than among Thais in both outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) services (54.1% versus 2.1% and 28.0% versus 2.1%, respectively). Being uninsured showed the strongest association with unmet need, especially for OP care. The association between insurance status and unmet need was more pronounced in the ME model, relative to multivariable logistic regression. URAS migrating from Arab nations suffered from unmet need to a greater extent, compared with those originating from non-Arab nations.ConclusionThe prevalence of unmet need in URAS was drastically high, relative to the prevalence in Thais. Factors correlated with unmet need included advanced age, lower educational achievement, and, most evidently, being uninsured. Policy makers should consider a policy option to enrol URAS in the nationwide public insurance scheme to create health security for Thai society.

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