scholarly journals Utilisation of and Attitude towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Ebola Survivors in Sierra Leone

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Bai James ◽  
Jon Wardle ◽  
Amie Steel ◽  
Jon Adams
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
The Impact

Background and objectives: In addition to conventional healthcare, Ebola survivors are known to seek traditional and complementary healthcare (T&CM) options to meet their healthcare needs. However, little is known about the general beliefs of Ebola survivors regarding T&CM and the impact of these beliefs in influencing their decisions around T&CM use. This study examines Ebola survivors’ attitudes towards T&CM use in Sierra Leone. Materials and Methods: We conducted a nationwide quantitative cross-sectional study of 358 Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone between January and August 2018. We used descriptive analysis, chi-square tests and backward stepwise binary logistic regression for data analysis. Results: Close to half of the survivors (n = 163, 45.5%) had used T&CM since their discharge from an Ebola treatment centre. Survivors who viewed T&CM as boosting their immune system/resistance were 3.89 times (95%CI: 1.57–9.63, p = 0.003) more likely to use T&CM than those who did not view T&CM as boosting their immune system/resistance. Additionally, survivors who viewed T&CM as having fewer side effects than conventional medicine were more likely to use T&CM [OR = 5.03 (95%CI: 1.92–13.19, p = 0.001)]. Ebola survivors were more influenced to use T&CM based on their personal experience of the effectiveness of T&CM than by clinical evidence [OR = 13.72 (95%CI: 6.10–30.84, P < 0.001)]. Ebola survivors who perceived T&CM as providing them with more control than conventional medicine over their health/body were more likely to use T&CM [OR = 4.15 (95%CI: 1.74–9.89, p = 0.001)] as opposed to those who did not perceive T&CM in this way. Conclusions: Considering the widespread use of T&CM, an understanding of Ebola survivors’ attitudes/beliefs towards T&CM is useful to healthcare providers and policymakers with regard to public education and practitioner–survivors communication, T&CM regulation and research in Sierra Leone. Ebola survivors appear to turn to T&CM not only for treatment, but also to fill gaps in conventional health care services.

scholarly journals Unmet Healthcare Needs and Associated Factors in Rural and Suburban Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6320
Author(s):  
Ju Young Kim ◽  
Dae In Kim ◽  
Hwa Yeon Park ◽  
Yuliya Pak ◽  
Phap Ngoc Hoang Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Unmet Healthcare Needs

The purpose of this study was to examine the current utilization of healthcare services, exploring unmet healthcare needs and the associated factors among people living in rural Vietnam. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 233 participants in a rural area. The methods included face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. We considered participants to have unmet health needs if they had any kind of health problem during the past 12 months for which they were unable to see a healthcare provider. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with unmet healthcare needs. Of the participants, 18% (n = 43) had unmet healthcare needs, for reasons like transportation (30%), a lack of available doctors or medicine (47%), and communication issues with healthcare providers (16%). The multivariate logistic regression showed that living in a rural area, having stage 2 hypertension, and having insurance were associated with unmet healthcare needs. To better meet the healthcare needs in rural or suburban areas of Vietnam, allocation of adequate healthcare resources should be distributed in rural areas and insurance coverage for personalized healthcare needs might be required. Efforts should focus on availability of medicine, improvement of transportation systems, and communication skills of healthcare providers to improve access to healthcare services.

scholarly journals Brazilian vascular surgeons experience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Vascular ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 170853812095496
Author(s):  
Rafael D Malgor ◽  
Marcone Lima Sobreira ◽  
Nicolas J Mouawad ◽  
Adam P Johnson ◽  
Max V Wohlauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Vascular Surgery ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact on all spheres of society. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the practices, finances, and social aspects of Brazilian vascular surgeons’ lives. Methods This is a descriptive analysis of the responses from Brazilian vascular surgeons to the cross-sectional anonymous Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Task Force Pandemic Practice, Anxiety, Coping, and Support Survey for Vascular Surgeons disseminated 14–24 April 2020. Survey dissemination in Brazil occurred mainly via the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV) and social media. The survey evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vascular surgeons’ lives by assessing COVID-19-related stressors, anxiety using theGeneral Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 scale, and coping strategies using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) inventory. Results A total of 452 responses were recorded from Brazil, with 335 (74%) respondents completing the entire survey. The majority of respondents were males ( N = 301, 67%) and practiced in an urban hospitals. The majority of respondents considered themselves at high risk to be infected with COVID-19 ( N = 251, 55.8%), and just over half the respondents noted that they had adequate PPE at their primary hospital ( N = 171, 54%). One hundred and nine (35%) surgeons confirmed that their hospitals followed professional surgical society guidelines for prioritizing surgeries during the pandemic. At the time of the survey, only 33 (10%) surgeons stated they have pre-operative testing of patients for COVID-19 available at their hospital. Academic vascular surgeons reported being redeployed more often to help with other non-vascular duties compared to community-based or solo practitioners (43% vs. 30% vs. 21% respectively, P = .01). Severe anxiety due to pandemic-related financial concerns was similar in those surgeons practicing solo compared to those in community- or academic-based/group practice (46% vs. 38% vs. 22%; P = .54). The respondents reported their anxiety levels as mild based on the stressors investigated instead of moderate-severe (54% vs. 46%; P = .04). Social media was utilized heavily during the pandemic, with video gatherings being the most commonly used tool (76%). Self-distraction (60%) and situational acceptance (81%) were the most frequently reported coping mechanisms used among Brazilian vascular surgeons. Conclusion The COVID pandemic has greatly affected healthcare providers around the world. At the time of this survey, Brazilian vascular surgeons are reporting low anxiety levels during this time and are using mostly active coping mechanisms.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 and mitigation plans on essential health services: institutional experience of a hospital in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Firaol Dandena ◽  
Berhanetsehay Teklewold ◽  
Dagmawi Anteneh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Health systems around the world are being challenged by an on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated response can have a significant downstream effect on access to routine health care services, and indirectly cause morbidity and mortality from causes other than the disease itself, especially in resource-poor countries such as Ethiopia. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on these services and measures taken to combat the effect. Methods The study was conducted at St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college (SPHMMC) from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021 using a comparative cross-sectional study design. We collected data on the number of clients getting different essential health care services from May to October 2019 (Pre COVID) and the same period in 2020 (during a COVID-19 pandemic) from the patient registry book. The analysis was done with SPSS version 24 software. Result Overall, the essential services of SPHMMC were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most affected service is inpatient admission, which showed a 73.3% (2044 to 682) reduction from the pre-COVID period and the least affected is maternal service, which only decreased by 13% (3671 to 3177). During the 6 months after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a progressive increment in the number of clients getting essential health services. Conclusion and recommendation The establishment of a triple setup for fighting against COVID-19, which encompasses non-COVID services, an isolation center and a COVID-19 treatment center, played a vital role in preserving essential health services.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 and Mitigation Plans on Essential Health Services: Institutional Experience of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firaol Dandena ◽  
Berhanetsehay Teklewold ◽  
Dagmawi Anteneh
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Treatment Centre ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundHealth systems around the world are being challenged by on-going COVID-19 pandemic .The COVID-19 pandemic and associated response can have a significant downstream effect on access to routine health care services, and indirectly cause morbidity and mortality from causes other than the disease itself ,especially in resource-poor countries such Ethiopia. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on these service and measures taken to combat the effect.MethodsThe study was conducted at St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college (SPHMMC). The study was conducted from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021 using comparative cross- sectional study design. We collected data on the number of clients getting different essential healthcare services from May to October 2019 (Pre COVID) and same period in 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic) from patient registry book. The analysis was done with SPSS version 24 software.ResultOverall, the essential services of SPHMMC were affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The most affected service is inpatient admission that showed 73 % (2044 to 682) reduction from pre- COVID period and the least affected is maternal service, which only decrease by 13% (3671 to 3177). During the 6 months after COVID-19 pandemic, there is a progressive increment in number of clients getting essential health services.ConclusionThe establishment of a triple setup for fighting against COVID-19, which encompass; non COVID service, isolation centre and COVID-19 treatment centre played a vital role in preserving essential health services.

scholarly journals Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice And Associated Factors Among Employed And Unemployed Mothers In Ethiopia: Comparative Cross Sectional Study Using EDHS 2016

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desta Markos Minamo
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Maternity Leave ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Breastfeeding Practice

Abstract Introduction Contrary to the recommendation, children under the age of 6 months be exclusively breastfed, many infants are also fed with other liquids such as water, non-milk liquids, and other milks before 6 months. Because of level of education and proportion of employed women in Ethiopia has been increasing gradually. Consequently the practice of exclusive breastfeeding became very lower. The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among employed and unemployed mothers in Ethiopia, using dataset from EDHS 2016. METHOD Data was extracted from Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS-2016). A total of 1089 mothers with infants aged 0 to 6 months in the data set were included in the analysis. Descriptive analysis, chi-square and binary logistic regression models were used. RESULT This study has demonstrated a 64.7%, 95%CI(58.9-70.5) and 75.4%, 95%CI(72.378.2) prevalence of EBF practices among employed and unemployed mothers respectively in the 24h preceding the survey. Other factors associated with EBF practice included being unemployed mother, larger to normal birth weight; infant aged 0-3 month old, infant being male, have radio in the house, infant being wanted, delivery by non CS mode and presence of ANC follow up during pregnancy were found to be significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Conclusion the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding practice among employed mothers was significantly lower than that of unemployed mothers. Thus, Having in consideration the impact of appropriate infant and young children feeding practice on children’s nutritional status and mortality rate, policy makers still need to give more emphasis on promotion of exclusive breastfeeding through creating an enabling environment targeting the extension of postnatal maternity leave up to the first six month.

scholarly journals Descriptive analysis of sickle cell patients living in France: The PHEDRE cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248649
Author(s):  
Marie Gerardin ◽  
Morgane Rousselet ◽  
Marie-Laure Couec ◽  
Agathe Masseau ◽  
Marylène Guerlais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Link Type ◽  
The Impact

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) induces chronic haemolytic anaemia and intermittent vaso-occlusion that results in tissue ischaemia causing acute, severe pain episodes that can lead to frequent hospitalizations. These consequences can have repercussions on family, social, school and/or professional life. Here, we present some of the results of the PHEDRE study (Pharmacodépendance Et DREpanocytose—drug dependence and sickle-cell disease), which is the largest study of patients with SCD in France. This paper intends to describe characteristics of the French SCD population. We also aimed to assess the impact of the disease on the lives of patients using objective and subjective variables. Methods The PHEDRE study was a national multicentric observational study. Adults, adolescents and children with a confirmed SCD diagnosis were included in the study by their referring doctor. Then, they were interviewed by phone about their socioeconomic status, about the impact of the disease on their lives and about their analgesic and psychoactive drug use. Results The study population consisted of 872 patients (28% were minors). Seventy-two percent of adults were active, and all minors were in school. Many patients presented criteria of severe SCD. Seventy-five percent were homozygous SS, 15% were double heterozygotes SC and 8% were heterozygotes Sβthal, 87% received specific treatment, 58% were hospitalized at least once for vaso-occlusive crisis in the past 12 months, and the number of analgesic drugs taken averaged 3.8. Seventy-five percent of patients reported academic or professional consequences related to their SCD, and 52% reported social consequences. Conclusions The impact of SCD on patients’ lives can be significant, nevertheless their social integration seems to be maintained. We highlighted respect of recommendations regarding analgesic treatments and only a few patients used tobacco, alcohol or cannabis. Trial registration Clinical Trials, NCT02580565; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Registered 16 October 2015.

scholarly journals The impact of racially-motivated housing discrimination on allostatic load among Indigenous university students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Currie ◽  
Takara A. Motz ◽  
Jennifer L Copeland
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
University Students ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Housing Discrimination ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wear And Tear ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Allostatic load (AL) is a preclinical marker of the pathophysiologic processes that precede the onset of disease. The goal of this study was to examine the association between racially-motivated housing discrimination and AL score within a sample of Indigenous university students.Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from Indigenous adults attending university in a small city in western Canada between 2015 and 2017 ( N = 104; Mean age = 27.8 years). An item adapted from the Experience of Discrimination Scale was to assess racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past 12 months. AL was measured as a composite of 7 biomarkers assessing neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system function. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapped linear regression models were used to examine associations adjusting for age, income, parenthood, and other situations in which discrimination had been experienced.Results Indigenous university students who experienced racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past year (16.8% of the sample) had an average AL score of approximately 4, which was almost double that of their peers who had not. In an adjusted model. racially-motivated housing discrimination was associated with a-1.5 point increase in AL score. This model explained 35% of the adjusted variance in AL score, of which racially-motivated housing discrimination explained 24% ( R 2 Change = 0.24, F Change = 32.52, Sig. F Change p <0.001).Conclusions Indigenous adults who experienced racially-motivated housing discrimination in the past year had early and more pronounced wear and tear on neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune system functioning in young and middle adulthood than Indigenous peers who did not. These findings combine with others to highlight the need for increased efforts to prevent racially-motivated housing discrimination in urban centres.

Communication Vulnerability within Singapore’s Healthcare Environment

2021 ◽  
pp. 201010582110686
Author(s):  
Teck W. William Go ◽  
Hoi T. Mok ◽  
Sanchalika Acharyya ◽  
Darlin C. Suelo ◽  
Eu C. Ho
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Communication Challenges ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Outpatient Settings

Communication difficulties can, and often do, create barriers between patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). We examined the perceptual differences between patients and caregivers; and HCWs with regards to their perceived communication vulnerabilities and identified communication needs in a tertiary hospital. A survey was conducted in selected outpatient settings among patients, their caregivers and HCWs, in a cross-sectional study. Respondents rated the reasons and frequency of encountering the communication difficulties during a hospital visit. Fifty-four percent of patients and caregivers cited poor hearing in the presence of noise, while HCWs cited patient’s poor vision (87%) as their primary communication barrier that requires improvement. Majority of HCWs (90%) had encountered patients who presented multiple communication barriers a quarter of the time. A third of HCWs felt that such encounters were especially challenging during communication, with very limited strategies available to deal with such communication vulnerable individuals. Patients, caregivers and HCWs universally experience communication challenges, even if their perceived barriers to communication happen to differ. Such perceptual difference between patients and HCWs may lead to inconsistent use of communication strategies by HCWs, potentially compromising patient’s healthcare needs. Nonetheless, the onus is on healthcare providers to bridge this communication gap to improve patient care.

SAT0387 ROLE OF HLA-B27 IN THE COMORBIDITIES OBSERVED IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: DATA FROM COMOSPA

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1142.1-1142
Author(s):  
M. Arévalo ◽  
C. López-Medina ◽  
M. Moreno ◽  
A. Moltó ◽  
F. U. Pilar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Hla B27 ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ischemic Disease ◽  
Asas Criteria ◽  
Few Data ◽  
The Impact

Background:Comorbidities have merged as an important field in Spondyloarthritis, however there is few data about its relationship to genetic factors such as HLA-B27.Objectives:To analyze the potential association between the presence of HLA-B27 and the different comorbidities observed in axSpA patients.Methods:A comparative cross-sectional study including axSpA patients from COMOSPA registry. COMOSPA is a worldwide registry that includes a wide set of anthropometric and clinical variables from 3984 patients with spondyloarthritis. The registry also includes the most frequent comorbidities observed in spondyloarthitis such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart ischemic disease, stroke, renal failure, neoplasms, peptic ulcer, diverticulitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the presence of osteoporosis. A descriptive analysis and a multiple logistic regression model was performed including all variables assessed.Results:2370 patients fulfilled ASAS criteria of axSpA patients and were included in the study. 1858 (78.4%) of them were HLA-B27 positive. HLA-B27 positive axSpA patients presented significantly higher percentage of male sex, longer disease duration, higher percentage of definite Ankylosing Spondylitis, higher CRP levels, and were also more frequent tobacco consumers and excessive alcohol intakers compared to the negatives. However, disease activity measured by BASDAI, BASFI and ASDAS-CRP were all significantly higher in the HLA-B27 negative patients compared to the positive ones.The only association observed between any comorbidity and presence of gen HLA-B27 was the presence of osteoporosis. This association was independently significant even after adjusting in the multivariate analysis for all variables assessed.Conclusion:The association observed between the gen HLA-B27 and the presence of osteoporosis in axSpA patients could be of great relevance given the impact of osteoporosis in the phenotypical frame of axSpA patients.Disclosure of Interests:Marta Arévalo: None declared, Clementina López-Medina: None declared, Mireia Moreno: None declared, Anna Moltó Grant/research support from: Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Font Ugalde Pilar: None declared, Eduardo Collantes-Estévez Grant/research support from: ROCHE and Pfizer., Speakers bureau: ROCHE, Lilly, Bristol and Celgene., Jordi Gratacos-Masmitja Grant/research support from: a grant from Pfizzer to study implementation of multidisciplinary units to manage PSA in SPAIN, Consultant of: Pfizzer, MSD, ABBVIE, Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Lilly, Speakers bureau: Pfizzer, MSD, ABBVIE, Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Lilly

scholarly journals Impacts of Community Pharmacists on Self-medication Management among Rural Dwellers, Kwara State Central, Nigeria

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakirat I Bello ◽  
Ibrahim K Bello
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

The role of pharmacist has not only advanced from medication dispensing but also to direct patient care and pharmaceutical interventions aiming at enhancing the populace wellbeing. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of rural community pharmacist interventions on self-medications and disease prevalence among rural settings in the Kwara State Central, Nigeria. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in eight rural communities with a pre-piloted questionnaire. Data obtained from respondents were computed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 using descriptive analysis procedures, and relationships between variables were tested using the chi square. Respondents between the age of 40 and 50 years dominated with 42.3% and majority (88.1%) of the rural residents were illiterates. Farming was the major occupation of the respondents and survived on less than ten thousand naira Nigeria money ($63) per month. Among the combinations of drugs abused by the respondents, the regimen containing combination of prednisolone, diclofenac and paracetamol had the highest users. The least used combination was ibuprofen, diclofenac plus prednisolone. These combinations were taken twice daily by the majority participants. The most common reasons given for self-medications were osteoarthritis (31.1%), poverty (17.4%), general body pain (14.3%), inadequate of health facilities (4.6%), ignorance (4.3%) among others. The intervention offered by the pharmacists had reduced the mean systolic blood pressure significantly (P < 0.05) from 161 mmHg to 129 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 104 mmHg at baseline to 86 mmHg. Postintervention evaluation revealed the impact of the pharmacists, as the respondents with dyspepsia at baseline significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 220 to 53 participants. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(1): 1-9, 2013 (June) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16294

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