scholarly journals MASK NARRATIVES PROMOTED BY ANTI-VACCINATION ACCOUNTS ON INSTAGRAM PRIOR TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kolina Koltai ◽  
Iva Grohmann ◽  
Devin T. Johnson ◽  
Samantha Rondini ◽  
Ella R. Foley
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Viable Alternative ◽  
Prior Beliefs ◽  
The Past ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Dramatic Shift ◽  
Passionate Debate

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked passionate debate worldwide on matters of public health. A portion of this debate has been dedicated to the efficacy of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While the majority of health officials agree that wearing a mask is efficacious, there has been a widespread movement against masks. The “anti-mask” movement is often characterized for spreading misinformation about masks and for its overlap with the anti-vaccine movement. This paper focuses on the mask sentiments of the anti-vaccination community prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this paper is to identify if the anti-vaccination movement held prior beliefs about masks to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and if those beliefs differ from their mask sentiment today. Through thematic analysis of 44 Instagram posts prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find that online vaccine safety communities have, in the past, regarded mask-wearing as a viable alternative to vaccines. Notably, posts supported the efficacy of mask-wearing while criticizing the mandates to wear masks in healthcare settings. In this paper, we elaborate on these mask narratives, as well as their implications in how the anti-vaccination group had a dramatic shift in mask sentiment during the pandemic.

LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M. Messinger
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
The Past ◽  
Victim Services ◽  
Public Health Threat

Many nations today recognize intimate partner violence (IPV) in romantic-sexual relationships as a major public health threat, yet not all victims are treated equally. Contrary to myths, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, and queer (LGBTQ) people are more likely to experience IPV than heterosexual-cisgender people. Unfortunately, LGBTQ victims face major barriers to reaching safety in a world that too often stigmatizes their identities and overlooks their relationships when forming victim services and policies. Offering a roadmap forward, LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence: Lessons for Policy, Practice, and Research is the first book to synthesize nearly all existing research from the past forty years on this pressing issue. At once highly organized and engaging, it provides evidence-based tips for academic and nonacademic audiences alike.

Preventive aspect of ayurveda and yoga towards newly emerging disease COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranjeet S. Sawant ◽  
Bharat D. Zinjurke ◽  
Sandeep V. Binorkar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
Prophylactic Therapy ◽  
Current Line ◽  
Therapeutic Aspect ◽  
The Past

Abstract The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2) and unique in various facets. The earlier experience from the past severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemics seem to be insufficient and there is need for better strategies in public health and medical care. Ayurved & Yog are well known for their preventive and therapeutic aspect, but not getting utilized properly for prevention of Covid 19 crisis which may also be helpful as supportive therapy along with current line of management. This paper is aimed at unrevealing the role of Ayurved and Yoga guidelines established by Department of AYUSH for prevention from SARS-CoV-2 by providing help to improving the quality of supportive/prophylactic therapy in relation with their immunity.

Healthcare and Terrorism: The Lebanese Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Nooreddine Iskandar ◽  
Tatiana Rahbany ◽  
Ali Shokor
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Common ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background: Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented. Conclusion: The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.

scholarly journals Trends in breastfeeding practices and mothers’ experience in the French NutriNet-Santé cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Courtois ◽  
Sandrine Péneau ◽  
Benoît Salanave ◽  
Valentina A. Andreeva ◽  
Marie Françoise Roland-Cachera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Breastfeeding Initiation ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Breastfeeding Education ◽  
Breastfeeding Cessation

Abstract Background France has one of the lowest rates in the world regarding breastfeeding initiation and duration. Few studies have explored breastfeeding practices in France since the middle of the twentieth century, or following from initiation to cessation. The purpose of our study was to determine trends in breastfeeding over the past decades regarding public health recommendations, and to examine mothers’ perceptions about factors known to have an impact on breastfeeding support and cessation. Methods From the NutriNet-Santé cohort, 29,953 parous women (launched in 2009 to study relation between nutrition and health), were included in the present study. Using web-questionnaires, they were asked retrospectively if they had breastfed their youngest child or not, and if so, the duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding. For those who had breastfed, we investigated their perceptions about support at initiation and during the entire breastfeeding period and reasons for breastfeeding cessation. We also asked those who did not breastfeed about their perceptions and reasons for infant formula feeding their youngest child. Analyses were weighted according to the French census data. Results In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, 67.3% of mothers breastfed their youngest child. The proportion of breastfed children increased over the past few decades, from 55.0% (95% CI 54.3, 55.6) in the 1970s to 82.9% (82.4, 83.4) in the 2010s. Total and exclusive breastfeeding duration went from 3.3 months and 2.4 months respectively in the 1970s to 5.9 months and 3.2 months respectively in the 2010s. Most mothers felt supported at initiation and during the breastfeeding period. A reported desire to have breastfed longer than two months was 59.5%. Mothers who did not breastfeed did it by choice (64.3%). They did not feel guilty (78.2%) and did not perceive a problem not to breastfeed (58.8%), but almost half of them would have liked to have breastfed (45.9%). Conclusion Breastfeeding duration has increased in the past decades but did not reach the public health recommendations threshold. Targets other than mothers have to be considered for breastfeeding education, like the partner and her environment, to increase breastfeeding practices. Trial registration The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03335644).

Detection of Flaviviral-Like DNA Sequences in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected From Argentina

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melisa B Bonica ◽  
Dario E Balcazar ◽  
Ailen Chuchuy ◽  
Jorge A Barneche ◽  
Carolina Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
The Past ◽  
Health Burden ◽  
The World ◽  
Aegypti Genome ◽  
Dengue Epidemics

Abstract Diseases caused by flaviviruses are a major public health burden across the world. In the past decades, South America has suffered dengue epidemics, the re-emergence of yellow fever and St. Louis encephalitis viruses, and the introduction of West Nile and Zika viruses. Many insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) that cannot replicate in vertebrate cells have recently been described. In this study, we analyzed field-collected mosquito samples from six different ecoregions of Argentina to detect flaviviruses. We did not find any RNA belonging to pathogenic flaviviruses or ISFs in adults or immature stages. However, flaviviral-like DNA similar to flavivirus NS5 region was detected in 83–100% of Aedes aegypti (L.). Despite being previously described as an ancient element in the Ae. aegypti genome, the flaviviral-like DNA sequence was not detected in all Ae. aegypti samples and sequences obtained did not form a monophyletic group, possibly reflecting the genetic diversity of mosquito populations in Argentina.

scholarly journals Values and preferences for hepatitis C self-testing among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Z. Martínez-Pérez ◽  
Danil S. Nikitin ◽  
Alla Bessonova ◽  
Emmanuel Fajardo ◽  
Sergei Bessonov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hcv Testing

Abstract Background The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) continues to be a major public-health burden in this highly stigmatised population. To halt transmission of HCV, rapid HCV self-testing kits represent an innovative approach that could enable PWID to know their HCV status and seek treatment. As no HCV test has yet been licenced for self-administration, it is crucial to obtain knowledge around the factors that may deter or foster delivery of HCV self-testing among PWID in resource-constrained countries. Methods A qualitative study to assess values and preferences relating to HCV self-testing was conducted in mid-2020 among PWID in the Bishkek and Chui regions of Kyrgyzstan. Forty-seven PWID participated in 15 individual interviews, two group interviews (n = 12) and one participatory action-research session (n = 20). Responses were analysed using a thematic analysis approach with 4 predefined themes: awareness of HCV and current HCV testing experiences, and acceptability and service delivery preferences for HCV self-testing. Informants’ insights were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. This research received local ethics approval. Results Awareness of HCV is low and currently PWID prefer community-based HCV testing due to stigma encountered in other healthcare settings. HCV self-testing would be accepted and appreciated by PWID. Acceptability may increase if HCV self-testing: was delivered in pharmacies or by harm reduction associations; was free of charge; was oral rather than blood-based; included instructions with images and clear information on the test’s accuracy; and was distributed alongside pre- and post-testing counselling with linkage to confirmatory testing support. Conclusions HCV self-testing could increase awareness of and more frequent testing for HCV infection among PWID in Kyrgyzstan. It is recommended that peer-driven associations are involved in the delivery of any HCV self-testing. Furthermore, efforts should be maximised to end discrimination against PWID at the healthcare institutions responsible for confirmatory HCV testing and treatment provision.

scholarly journals Who are we missing with EHR-based smoking cessation treatments? A descriptive study of patients who smoke and do not regularly visit primary care clinics

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-180
Author(s):  
Margaret Nolan ◽  
Deejay Zwaga ◽  
Danielle McCarthy ◽  
Christian Kastman ◽  
Timothy Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Care Provider ◽  
Primary Care Provider ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Care Visit ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
The Past ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Care Visit ◽  
Tobacco Treatment

AbstractIntroductionMost tobacco treatment efforts target healthcare settings, because about 75% of smokers in the United States visit a primary care provider annually. Yet, 25% of patients may be missed by such targeting.AimsTo describe patients who smoke but infrequently visit primary care – their characteristics, rates of successful telephone contact, and acceptance of tobacco treatment.MethodsTobacco Cessation Outreach Specialists ‘cold-called’ those without a primary care visit in the past year, offering tobacco dependence treatment. Age, sex, insurance status, race, ethnicity, electronic health record (EHR) patient-portal status and outreach outcomes were reported.ResultsOf 3,407 patients identified as smokers in a health system registry, 565 (16.6%) had not seen any primary care provider in the past year. Among 271 of those called, 143 (53%) were successfully reached and 33 (23%) set a quit date. Those without visits tended to be younger, male, some-day versus every-day smokers (42 vs. 44 years, P = 0.004; 48% vs. 40% female, P = 0.0002, and 21% vs. 27% some-day, P = 0.003), and less active on the EHR patient portal (33% vs. 40%, P = 0.001).ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients who smoke are missed by traditional tobacco treatment interventions that require a primary care visit, yet many are receptive to quit smoking treatment offers.

scholarly journals Evaluation of vaccines against enteric infections: a clinical and public health research agenda for developing countries

2011 ◽  
Vol 366 (1579) ◽  
pp. 2799-2805 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Clemens
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Vaccine Protection ◽  
Enteric Infections ◽  
Research Questions

Enteric infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. To date, vaccines have played a limited role in public health efforts to control enteric infections. Licensed vaccines exist for cholera and typhoid, but these vaccines are used primarily for travellers; and there are two internationally licensed vaccines for rotavirus, but they are mainly used in affluent countries. The reasons that enteric vaccines are little used in developing countries are multiple, and certainly include financial and political constraints. Also important is the need for more cogent evidence on the performance of enteric vaccines in developing country populations. A partial inventory of research questions would include: (i) does the vaccine perform well in the most relevant settings? (ii) does the vaccine perform well in all epidemiologically relevant age groups? (iii) is there adequate evidence of vaccine safety once the vaccines have been deployed in developing countries? (iv) how effective is the vaccine when given in conjunction with non-vaccine cointerventions? (v) what is the level of vaccine protection against all relevant outcomes? and (vi) what is the expected population level of vaccine protection, including both direct and herd vaccine protective effects? Provision of evidence addressing these questions will help expand the use of enteric vaccines in developing countries.

Transition Experiences of Indian Nurses Into Australian Mental Health System

2021 ◽  
pp. 104365962110263
Author(s):  
Bindu Joseph ◽  
Michael Olasoji ◽  
Cheryl Moss ◽  
Wendy Cross
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Mental Health System ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Dual Culture ◽  
The Past ◽  
Transition Experience ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Insight Into

Introduction: In the past decade, there has been an influx of migrant nurses from India to Australia. Migrant professionals have specific transition needs associated with working in Mental Health (MH). This study aimed to explore the transition experience of overseas trained nurses from India working in Australian MH settings. Method: Hermeneutic phenomenology was the methodological approach used in the study. The participants ( N = 16) were overseas trained nurses from India. Data were collected through in-depth interview and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The findings resulted in the identification of the following themes: (1) Living in dual culture, (2) Loneliness, (3) Discrimination, and (4) Feeling incomplete. Discussion: It is evident that the transition to work in MH in Australia was a journey of mixed experiences. While certain findings of this study are comparable with experiences of migrant nurses in other settings, it provides insight into those that are working in MH.

scholarly journals The value of domiciliary medication reviews: a thematic analysis of patient views

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia McCormick ◽  
Bridget Coleman ◽  
Ian Bates
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Outcome Measure ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Medication Reviews ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Patient Centric

AbstractBackground Medication reviews are recognised as essential to tackling problematic polypharmacy. Domiciliary medication reviews (DMRs) have become more prevalent in recent years. They are proclaimed as being patient-centric but published literature mainly focuses on clinical outcomes. However, it is not known where the value of DMRs lies for patients who participate in them. Objective To determine the value of domiciliary medication reviews to service users. Setting Interviews took place with recipients of domiciliary medication reviews residing in the London boroughs of Islington and Haringey. Method Semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. Main outcome measure Themes and sub-themes identified from interview transcripts. Results Five themes were identified: advantages over traditional settings, attributes of the professional, adherence, levels of engagement and knowledge. Conclusion For many patients, the domiciliary setting is preferred to traditional healthcare settings. Patients appreciated the time spent with them during a DMR and felt listened to. Informal carers felt reassured that the individual medication needs of their relative had been reviewed by an expert.

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