Digital Divide

2016 ◽  
pp. 94-101
Author(s):  
Geoff Kaufman ◽  
Mary Flanagan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Digital Game ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Version ◽  
Digital Format ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
The Impact

With a growing body of work demonstrating the power of games to transform players' attitudes, behaviors, and cognitions, it is crucial to understand the potentially divergent experiences and outcomes afforded by digital and non-digital platforms. In a recent study, we found that transferring a public health game from a non-digital to a digital format profoundly impacted players' behaviors and the game's impact. Specifically, players of the digital version of the game, despite it being a nearly identical translation, exhibited a more rapid play pace and discussed strategies and consequences less frequently and with less depth. As a result of this discrepancy, players of the non-digital version of the game exhibited significantly higher post-game systems thinking performance and more positive valuations of vaccination, whereas players of the digital game did not. We propose several explanations for this finding, including follow-up work demonstrating the impact of platform on basic cognitive processes, that elucidate critical distinctions between digital and non-digital experiences.

Lost in Translation

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff F. Kaufman ◽  
Mary Flanagan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Attitude Change ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Basic Question ◽  
Health It ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
Digital Version ◽  
Digital Format ◽  
Lost In Translation

In light of a growing body of work demonstrating the ability of games to transform cognitive skill sets and change attitudes toward social issues, including in public health, it is crucial to understand the potentially divergent experiences and outcomes afforded by analog and digital platforms. In a recent empirical study, the authors addressed the basic question of whether transferring a public health game from an analog to a digital format would impact players’ perceptions of the game and the efficacy of the game for stimulating changes to beliefs and cognitions. Results revealed that the digital version of the game, despite being a nearly identical translation, was perceived by players to be more complicated than the analog version and, consequently, was less effective at facilitating learning and attitude change. The authors propose several explanations for this finding, based on psychological theories, to help elucidate critical distinctions between non-digital and digital game play phenomenology.

scholarly journals Preoperative multidisciplinary program for bariatric surgery: a proposal for the Brazilian Public Health System

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elinton Adami CHAIM ◽  
José Carlos PAREJA ◽  
Martinho Antonio GESTIC ◽  
Murillo Pimentel UTRINI ◽  
Everton CAZZO
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Health System ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Multidisciplinary Program ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Access To Surgery

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery has become the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity, but access to surgery remains difficult and low compliance to postoperative follow-up is common. To improve outcomes, enable access and optimize follow-up, we developed a multidisciplinary preoperative approach for bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of this program in the outcomes of bariatric surgery in the Brazilian public health system. METHODS A prospective evaluation of the individuals who underwent a preoperative multidisciplinary program for bariatric surgery and comparison of their surgical outcomes with those observed in the prospectively collected historical database of the individuals who underwent surgery before the beginning of the program. RESULTS There were 176 individuals who underwent the multidisciplinary program and 226 who did not. Individuals who underwent the program had significantly lower occurrence of the following variables: hospital stay; wound dehiscence; wound infection; pulmonary complications; anastomotic leaks; pulmonary thromboembolism; sepsis; incisional hernias; eventrations; reoperations; and mortality. Both loss of follow-up and weight loss failure were also significantly lower in the program group. CONCLUSION The adoption of a comprehensive preoperative multidisciplinary approach led to significant improvements in the postoperative outcomes and also in the compliance to the postoperative follow-up. It represents a reproducible and potentially beneficial approach within the context of the Brazilian public health system.

scholarly journals Whose Health in Whose City? A Systems Thinking Approach to Support and Evaluate Plans, Policies, and Strategies for Lasting Urban Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12225
Author(s):  
Silvio Cristiano ◽  
Samuele Zilio
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Urban Health ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Urban Systems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
The Impact

An increasing interest has been present in scientific literature and policy making for the links between urban environments and health, as also learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration between urban planning and public health is therefore critical for enhancing the capabilities of a city to promote the well-being of its people. However, what leverage potential for urban health can be found in existing plans, policies, and strategies that address urban health? Starting from the relationship between urban systems and health issues, the purpose of this contribution is to broaden the systemic knowledge of urban systems and health so as to try to figure out the impact potential of local urban governance on public health. Considering the systemic nature of health issues, as defined by the World Health Organisation, this is done through a systems thinking epistemological approach. Urban health proposals are studied and assessed in four European cities (Copenhagen, London, Berlin, and Vienna). Current criticalities are found, starting from the guiding goal of such proposals, yet a systemic approach is suggested aimed at supporting and evaluating lasting and healthy urban planning and management strategies.

scholarly journals COVID-19 as an “Infodemic” in Public Health: Critical Role of the Social Media

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debanjan Banerjee ◽  
K. S. Meena
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
The Impact

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a significant and global public health crisis. Besides the rising number of cases and fatalities, the outbreak has also affected economies, employment and policies alike. As billions are being isolated at their homes to contain the infection, the uncertainty gives rise to mass hysteria and panic. Amidst this, there has been a hidden epidemic of “information” that makes COVID-19 stand out as a “digital infodemic” from the earlier outbreaks. Repeated and detailed content about the virus, geographical statistics, and multiple sources of information can all lead to chronic stress and confusion at times of crisis. Added to this is the plethora of misinformation, rumor and conspiracy theories circulating every day. With increased digitalization, media penetration has increased with a more significant number of people aiding in the “information pollution.” In this article, we glance at the unique evolution of COVID-19 as an “infodemic” in the hands of social media and the impact it had on its spread and public reaction. We then look at the ways forward in which the role of social media (as well as other digital platforms) can be integrated into social and public health, for a better symbiosis, “digital balance” and pandemic preparedness for the ongoing crisis and the future.

scholarly journals Early Insights From a Digitally Enhanced Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program: Single-Arm Nonrandomized Trial

JMIR Diabetes ◽  
10.2196/25295 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e25295
Author(s):  
Folasade Wilson-Anumudu ◽  
Ryan Quan ◽  
Cynthia Castro Sweet ◽  
Christian Cerrada ◽  
Jessie Juusola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Digital Format ◽  
Nonrandomized Trial ◽  
Digitally Enhanced ◽  
The Impact

Background Translation of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) into a digital format can improve access, but few digital programs have demonstrated outcomes using rigorous evaluation metrics. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a digital DSMES program on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for people with type 2 diabetes. Methods A single-arm, nonrandomized trial was performed to evaluate a digital DSMES program that includes remote monitoring and lifestyle change, in addition to comprehensive diabetes education staffed by a diabetes specialist. A sample of 195 participants were recruited using an online research platform (Achievement Studies, Evidation Health Inc). The primary outcome was change in laboratory-tested HbA1c from baseline to 4 months, and secondary outcomes included change in lipids, diabetes distress, and medication adherence. Results At baseline, participants had a mean HbA1c of 8.9% (SD 1.9) and mean BMI of 37.5 kg/m2 (SD 8.3). The average age was 45.1 years (SD 8.9), 70% were women, and 67% were White. At 4-month follow up, the HbA1c decreased by 0.8% (P<.001, 95% CI –1.1 to –0.5) for the total population and decreased by 1.4% (P<.001, 95% CI –1.8 to –0.9) for those with an HbA1c of >9.0% at baseline. Diabetes distress and medication adherence were also significantly improved between baseline and follow up. Conclusions This study provides early evidence that a digitally enhanced DSMES program improves HbA1c and disease self-management outcomes.

Assessing the reach of nicotine replacement therapy as a preventive public health measure

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
SJ Bondy ◽  
LM Diemert ◽  
JC Victor ◽  
PW McDonald ◽  
JE Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Nicotine Replacement Therapy ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Smoking Behaviour ◽  
Nicotine Replacement ◽  
Health Measure ◽  
Preventive Public Health ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a key public health intervention to reduce smoking. We assessed prevalence and correlates of use of NRT in Ontario, where NRT is available without prescription. Methods Participants were a representative sample of 2262 adult smokers in the Ontario Tobacco Survey cohort. Prospectively measured use of NRT over a 6-month period was reported in relation to smoking behaviour and history, attempts to quit, receipt of other supports for cessation supports and attitudes toward NRT. Results Overall, 11% of smokers used NRT over the six-month follow-up period. Conclusion With increasing accessibility of NRT, further surveillance and research are warranted to determine the impact of the reach and benefits of NRT, considering both the general and targeted smoking populations.

Measuring the impact and sustainability of a statewide program for identifying minority and underserved clients at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC): An eight-year follow up including transitions during the COVID pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18546-e18546
Author(s):  
Alice S. Kerber ◽  
Sheryl G. A. Gabram ◽  
Diane Durrence ◽  
Janet Y. Shin ◽  
Nancy M. Paris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Underserved Women ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
The Impact

e18546 Background: The Georgia Breast Cancer Genomics Program was created with 2011-2014 funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH). In collaboration with GDPH and the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE), the goal of the program has been to reduce disparities among high-risk minority and underserved women. The objective of this study is to report the 8-year surveillance data for women at increased risk for HBOC in statewide public health centers. The effect of the COVID pandemic on the program and sustainability is also reported. Methods: From 11/1/2012-12/31/2020, the program provided education, outreach and collected surveillance data using an online genetics referral screening tool as recommended by USPSTF. Providers in 159 counties and health centers across Georgia were educated in cancer family history collection and appropriate referral to genetics. When an individual was found to be at high risk, she was referred to the Georgia CORE Genetics Advanced Practice Nurse for additional education, genetic testing and follow-up. Results: Online screenings attributable to GDPH totaled 29,087 with 1,656 positive screens. 28 % of clients were less than 25 years of age and 56 % ranged from 25-54. Race: 33 % white, 41 % black, 15 % Hispanic and 11 % other or N/A. 92 % of referrals were uninsured. Genetic testing was started or completed on 430 clients. 36 individuals declined testing after counseling (reconsideration, insurance, unknown reasons) and were provided with contact information. 47 (11%) pathogenic, clinically significant mutations were identified including 37 (79 %) HBOC related mutations and 10 (21 %) Lynch related mutations. Variants of uncertain significance were identified in 90 (21 %) clients, with multiple variants in 40 of those. 27 clients have been served through GDPH for physician consultation and surveillance. 13 were referred to area resources: one diagnosed with cancer, and 7 chose referral to other health care providers. Because of the pandemic, the program transitioned to telecommunications and remote access to testing in 5/2020. From 5/2020-12/2020, 34 clients completed testing (41% minority, all uninsured). 10 (29%) clinically significant mutations were identified and heightened surveillance initiated. Conclusions: The GDPH and Georgia CORE collaborative genomics program has served clients over the past 8 years, adjusting to changing resources while reaching a significant number of minority and underserved women. The program successfully converted to remote services during the COVID pandemic. Lessons learned from this transition have been incorporated into planning for future program sustainability.

scholarly journals Trusting and valuing news in a pandemic: Attitudes to online news media content during COVID-19 and policy implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Terry Flew
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
News Media ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Public Funding ◽  
Online News ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
The Future ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
The Impact

While the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant growth in news consumption, this did not translate into either greater trust or an improved financial situation for news providers. At a time when disinformation has become a key concern with regards to public health messaging, this mistrust of mainstream news media has potentially disastrous consequences for public communication in a time of urgent public health concerns. The article explores five issues for the study of news and trust, including the impact of digital platforms, the accountability revolution, the crisis of news media business models, the power-shift within media to platforms in the time of COVID-19, and the turn to subscription-based media. The latter raises critical issues around the value of news, and the future relationship between subscriptions, advertising revenue and public funding in the future of news publication and distribution.

scholarly journals Experimental Manipulation of Processing Style: Impact on Interpretive Bias, Problem Solving, and Worry in Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Jane Pawluck
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Training Condition ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Processing Style ◽  
The Impact

The present study investigated whether individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) could be trained to adopt an abstract or concrete processing style and the impact of processing style training on GAD symptoms and cognitive processes, including an interpretation bias, negative problem solving orientation, poor problem solving, and worry. Participants (N=47) were trained to adopt an abstract or concrete processing style, and outcome measures were completed at posttraining and 1 week follow-up. At posttraining, processing style training was effective in inducing an abstract or concrete processing style. In addition, at posttraining, the concrete training condition reported reduced concern with ambiguous scenarios and produced problem solutions that were rated as more effective compared with the abstract training condition. At follow-up, there was no difference between training conditions on processing style and associated GAD symptoms and cognitive processes. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Working Conditions and Social Participation. A 10-Year Follow-Up of Senior Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9154
Author(s):  
Pia Hovbrandt ◽  
Per-Olof Östergren ◽  
Catarina Canivet ◽  
Maria Albin ◽  
Gunilla Carlsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Psychosocial Working Conditions ◽  
Public Health Survey ◽  
The Impact

Social participation is important for health, and it is well known that high strain jobs impact negatively on mental and physical health. However, knowledge about the impact of psychosocial working conditions on social participation from a long-term perspective is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between different job types and social participation from a long-term perspective. A comprehensive public health questionnaire “The Scania Public Health Survey”, was used, and psychosocial working conditions were measured with a Swedish translation of the Job Content Questionnaire. Based on data from 1098 working respondents aged 55 at baseline and a 10-year follow-up when the respondents were not working, the analyses revealed that social participation varied by job type. Jobs with high decision latitude, as in active and relaxed jobs, seem to predict high social participation, even after cessation of employment. Besides that, the result suggests that high social participation during working life is a predictor of high social participation from a long-term perspective which promotes healthy aging. Incentives for working longer are strongly related to good working conditions. A supportive work environment with possibilities for employees to participate in decision making, i.e., high control, is vital for a sustainable working life. This may contribute to an extended working life and may also support social participation prior to retirement as well as after retirement and thus to healthy aging.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document