scholarly journals A cross-sectional questionnaire study of the rules governing pupils’ carriage of inhalers for asthma treatment in secondary schools in North East England

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2006
Author(s):  
Wendy Funston ◽  
Simon J. Howard

Objectives.The primary objective of this study was to assess the rules governing secondary school pupils’ carriage of inhalers for emergency treatment of asthma in the North East of England.Design.This study was based upon a postal questionnaire survey.Setting.The setting for this study was mainstream free-to-attend secondary schools which admit 16 year old pupils within the 12 Local Authority areas which make up the North East of England.Participants.All 153 schools meeting the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study, of which 106 (69%) took part.Main Outcome Measures.Our three main outcome measures were: whether pupils are permitted to carry inhalers on their person while at school; whether advance permission is required for pupils to carry inhalers, and from whom; and whether the school has an emergency ‘standby’ salbutamol inhaler for use in asthma emergencies, as permitted since October 2014 under recent amendments to The Human Medicines Regulations 2012.Results.Of 98 schools submitting valid responses to the question, 99% (n= 97) permitted pupils to carry inhalers on their person while at school; the remaining school stored pupils’ inhalers in a central location within the school. A total of 22% of included schools (n= 22) required parental permission before pupils were permitted to carry inhalers. Of 102 schools submitting valid responses to the question, 44% (n= 45) had purchased a ‘standby’ salbutamol inhaler for use in asthma emergencies.Conclusions.Most secondary schools in North East England permit pupils to carry inhalers on their person. The requirement in a minority of schools for parental permission to be given possibly contravenes the standard ethical practices in clinical medicine for children of this age. Only a minority of schools hold a ‘standby’ salbutamol inhaler for use in asthma emergencies. Wider availability may improve outcomes for asthma emergencies occurring in schools.

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S87-S88
Author(s):  
R. Woodward ◽  
R. Lingam ◽  
F. Papouli

IntroductionThe Oswin unit located in the North East of England is commissioned primarily for offenders screened on the offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway based on measures of personality disorder being linked to moderate to high risks to other persons.ObjectivesThe Oswin Unit was re-designed in early 2014 meeting commissioning specifications to meet objectives based on access, measuring quality and reducing. The primary objective of this pathway is to ensure personality Disorder offenders have access to “community-to-community”, joint-up care and monitoring of risks. The Oswin unit implemented a re-designed service offering individuals formulation based assessments and risk management embedded in the OPD pathway. The overall objective of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness and risk amelioration of this hospital-based service.AimAs part of a broader service development and evaluation project, the cost-effectiveness of the current model of the unit was compared to that of the unit prior to the redesign of the service.MethodCollection of data on number of admission and length of stay and calculation of expenses per capita. Retrospective analysis of costs of care.ResultsAnalysis of comparative figures post-implementation of this new model of care found 41% more episodes of care. Cost-analysis indicated a saving of £200,000.ConclusionThe new Oswin Model meets commissioning objectives in offering access to hospital-based care and focused treatments for prisoners ‘stuck’ in prison pathways. This finding led to further investigation using thematic measures of quality of care to evaluate the effectiveness of this service and risk amelioration.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Wan Muhammad Taufiq Wan Hussin ◽  
Tarmiji Masron ◽  
Mohd Norarshad Nordin

This study aims to analyze fatal accident rate involving all vehicle types in the North East District of Penang. It covers fatal accident data within the duration of three years from 2011 till 2013. The primary objective is to analyze the spatial pattern and fatal accident black spot areas using Geographic Information System (GIS) application. Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) tool is used to analyze fatal accident spatial pattern, while Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) method is utilized for fatal accident analysis. The Fatal Accident rates in 2011, 2012 and 2013 were the highest with each accounted up to 90, 88 and 91 cases. The result of ANN shows that the fatal accident pattern for 2011, 2012 and 2013 is clustered with null hypothesis rejected. The KDE analysis result shows that most fatal accident black spot areas happened at main road areas or segments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e0008902
Author(s):  
Yaw Ampem Amoako ◽  
Richard Odame Phillips ◽  
Joshua Arthur ◽  
Mark Ayaaba Abugri ◽  
Emmanuel Akowuah ◽  
...  

Background There is a dearth of data on scabies from Ghana. In September 2019, local health authorities in the East Mamprusi district of northern Ghana received reports of scabies from many parts of the district. Due to on-going reports of more cases, an assessment team visited the communities to assess the effect of the earlier individual treatment on the outbreak. The assessment team furthermore aimed to contribute to the data on scabies burden in Ghana and to demonstrate the use of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) diagnostic tool in a field survey in a resource limited setting. Methodology/Principal findings This was a cross sectional study. Demographic information and medical history was collected on all participants using a REDCap questionnaire. A standardised skin examination of exposed regions of the body was performed on all participants. Scabies was diagnosed based on the criteria of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS). Participants were mostly female (61.5%) and had a median age of 18.8 years (IQR 13–25). Two hundred out of 283 (71%) of participants had scabies with most (47%) presenting with moderate disease. Impetigo was found in 22% of participants with scabies and 10.8% of those without scabies [RR 2.27 (95% CI 1.21–4.27)]. 119 participants who received scabies treatment in the past months still had clinical evidence of the disease. 97% of participants reported a recent scabies contact. Scabies was commoner in participants ≤16 years compared to those >16 years [RR 3.06 (95% CI 1.73–5.45)]. Conclusion/Significance The prevalence of scabies was extremely high. The lack of a systematic approach to scabies treatment led to recurrence and ongoing community spread. The IACS criteria was useful in this outbreak assessment in Ghana. Alternative strategies such as Mass drug administration may be required to contain outbreaks early in such settings.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e027273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel O Adewuyi ◽  
Asa Auta ◽  
Vishnu Khanal ◽  
Samson J Tapshak ◽  
Yun Zhao

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and factors associated with caesarean delivery in Nigeria.DesignThis is a secondary analysis of the nationally representative 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data. We carried out frequency tabulation, χ2test, simple logistic regression and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses to achieve the study objective.SettingNigeria.ParticipantsA total of 31 171 most recent live deliveries for women aged 15–49 years (mother–child pair) in the 5 years preceding the 2013 NDHS was included in this study.Outcome measureCaesarean mode of delivery.ResultsThe prevalence of caesarean section (CS) was 2.1% (95% CI 1.8 to 2.3) in Nigeria. At the region level, the South-West had the highest prevalence of 4.7%. Factors associated with increased odds of CS were urban residence (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.51, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.97), maternal age ≥35 years (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.11), large birth size (AOR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.74) and multiple births (AOR: 4.96, 95% CI 2.84 to 8.62). Greater odds of CS were equally associated with maternal obesity (AOR: 3.16, 95% CI 2.30 to 4.32), Christianity (AOR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.68), birth order of one (AOR: 3.86, 95% CI 2.66 to 5.56), husband’s secondary/higher education level (AOR: 2.07, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.33), health insurance coverage (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.95) and ≥4 antenatal visits (AOR: 2.84, 95% CI 1.56 to 5.17).ConclusionsThe prevalence of CS was low, indicating unmet needs in the use of caesarean delivery in Nigeria. Rural–urban, regional and socioeconomic differences were observed, suggesting inequitable access to the obstetric surgery. Intervention efforts need to prioritise women living in rural areas, the North-East and the North-West regions, as well as women of the Islamic faith.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 553-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies De Wulf ◽  
Adam R. Aluisio ◽  
Dana Muhlfelder ◽  
Christina Bloem

AbstractIntroductionThe North East Department is a resource-limited region of Haiti. Health care is provided by hospitals and community clinics, with no formal Emergency Medical System and undefined emergency services. As a paucity of information exists on available emergency services in the North East Department of Haiti, the objective of this study was to assess systematically the existing emergency care resources in the region.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was carried out at all Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP)-affiliated hospitals in the North East Department and all clinics within the Fort Liberté district. A modified version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care and Generic Essential Emergency Equipment Lists were completed for each facility.ResultsThree MSPP hospitals and five clinics were assessed. Among hospitals, all had a designated emergency ward with 24 hour staffing by a medical doctor. All hospitals had electricity with backup generators and access to running water; however, none had potable water. All hospitals had x-ray and ultrasound capabilities. No computed tomography scanners existed in the region. Invasive airway equipment and associated medications were not present consistently in the hospitals’ emergency care areas, but they were available in the operating rooms. Pulse oximetry was unavailable uniformly. One hospital had intermittently functioning defibrillation equipment, and two hospitals had epinephrine. Basic supplies for managing obstetrical and traumatic emergencies were available at all hospitals. Surgical services were accessible at two hospitals. No critical care services were available in the region. Clinics varied widely in terms of equipment availability. They uniformly had limited emergency medical equipment. The clinics also had inconsistent access to basic assessment tools (sphygmomanometers 20% and stethoscopes 60%). A protocol for transferring patients requiring a higher level of care was present in most (80%) clinics and one of the hospitals. However, no facility had a written protocol for transferring patients to other facilities. One hospital reported intermittent access to an ambulance for transfers.ConclusionsDeficits in the supply of emergency equipment and limited protocols for inter-facility transfers exist in North East Department of Haiti. These essential areas represent appropriate targets for interventions aimed at improving access to emergency care within the North East region of Haiti.De WulfA, AluisioAR, MuhlfelderD, BloemC. Emergency care capabilities in North East Haiti: a cross-sectional observational study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(6):553–559.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-205
Author(s):  
Prabhat Kumar Datta ◽  
Panchali Sen

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the eastern range North-East (N-E) has the ‘seven sisters’—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, along with a small and beautiful cousin in the Himalayan fringes, namely, Sikkim. Nearly ninety-eight per cent of N-E is surrounded by international boundaries and two per cent with the rest of India. Often known as ‘the ethnic cauldron’, this region is the home of extraordinarily diverse mosaic of ethnic groups having distinctive social, cultural and economic identity, more akin to their South Asia neighbours than mainland India. It is a habitat of a good number of ethnic rebel groups whose agendas vary from complete session from India to fighting for ethnic identities and home lands. The primary objective of the colonial rule in N-E was to ensure its administrative insulation which might have largely contributed to the continuation of the backwardness of the N-E region. It is probably the only political region in the country where every large state is a region unto itself within a sub-continental nation. This uniqueness is found reflected in the legislations and institutions like the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, setting a nodal agency for the economic development of the region with a secretariat of its own and a separate Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region created in 2001. In this article, an attempt has been made to analyse the background, context, content and significance of the Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India which was incorporated to provide self-rule to the tribal population in the N-E India.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110339
Author(s):  
Patimah Abdul Wahab ◽  
Dariah Mohd Yusoff ◽  
Azidah Abdul Kadir ◽  
Siti Hawa Ali ◽  
Lee Yeong Yeh

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, symptoms, and associated factors of chronic constipation among older adults in the North-East of Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among older patients from four health clinics. A total of 400 older patients participated, with a mean age of 68.7 ( SD = 6.4) years. The prevalence of chronic constipation was 14.8%. The highest symptom reported was the inability to pass stool (98.3%). Chronic constipation was significantly associated with older age (OR = 2.97; 95% CI [1.17, 7.54]; p = .022), inadequate plain water intake per day (OR = 2.13; 95% CI [1.13, 4.02]; p = .020), hypertension (OR = 2.22; 95% CI [1.07, 4.61]; p = .033), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.52; 95% CI [1.24, 5.11]; p = .010). Identification of chronic constipation should be done as part of routine clinic visits, especially for older patients with cardiovascular disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18
Author(s):  
S.O. Sam-Wobo ◽  
C.N. Ukaga ◽  
D. Pam ◽  
I.C.J. Omalu ◽  
A. Mogaji ◽  
...  

The knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) people hold towards a new disease could play a major role in the way they accept measures put in place to curb its spread as Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of other endemic diseases, especially malaria. A cross-sectional KAP/symptomatology online survey was conducted from August –September 2020 across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. Data were entered into Google sheets and analyses performed using SPSS version 20. From the 900 respondents, majority 66% were from the North west while 1.2% were from the North east. By sex and age distribution, 69% were males while females were 31%. Age group 15-25 years were more (32.22%) and the least (11%) among respondents were above 65years. Majority of respondents (57.89%), had not experienced symptoms associated with COVID-19 in the past 3 months before this study, however 96.0% of respondents have heard about COVID19 prior the time of survey. Hyperthemia (high fever) 636(70.67%) was accurately recognized by respondents as the most common symptoms. Other highly mentioned symptoms were dry or chesty cough, shortness of breath, catarrh and cough, difficulty in breathing at night, painful breathing, and weakness or tiredness, with significant differences in the responses recorded for the recognition of COVID-19 symptoms across the geopolitical zones (p=0.00). In terms of preventive measures, 771(85.67%) respondents perceive regular hand washing with soap as the major preventive measure for COVID19 infection. This was followed by the usage of face mask 659(73.22%). Also, 794(88.22%) respondents accurately recognized hyperthemia as the most  common overlapping symptom between malaria and COVID-19. Other highly mentioned overlapping symptoms were weakness or tiredness 591(65.67%), loss of appetite 504 (56.00%), loss of taste and smell 388(43.11%), and catarrh and cough 313(34.78%). We conclude that awareness of COVID-19 symptoms is fairly high in the country. Awareness strategies should target those with limited access to information on the disease. Keywords: COVID-19, Knowledge, Symptoms, Preventive measures


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e017804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoly Machado Maciel ◽  
Marta Helena Souza De Conti ◽  
Sandra Fiorelli Almeida Penteado Simeão ◽  
Caio Vitor dos Santos Genebra ◽  
José Eduardo Corrente ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 858-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myra Mackenzie ◽  
Laura Shanahan

Purpose Adopting meat reduction strategies within the UK is fundamental to limiting environmental damage and achieving public health benefits. This paper aims to compare the attitudes to adopting meat reduction strategies within the general population and people with a link to agriculture to understand attitudes to meat reduction. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional self-administered questionnaires were disseminated using online fora, community groups and by attending agricultural marts. Questionnaire development was informed by current literature, and structured around four theoretical domains: knowledge, social/cultural influences, beliefs about consequences and intentions to change and a food frequency questionnaire for meat consumption. Inclusion criteria were people > 18 years, living in the North East of Scotland. In total, 470 adult participants, from within the North East of Scotland, were recruited. The study population was divided into two groups, individuals with a link to the agricultural economy (n = 174) and the general public (n = 296). Findings The general public group were more willing than the agricultural community to adopt meatless meals (or were doing so) [55.1% (n = 162) vs 28.1% (n = 49), p < 0.001]. Barriers to change included habit, limited choice when eating out, resistance of family members, lack of information, income related to meat consumption and the status of meat within a meal. Men were less likely to choose meatless meals than women (23.8%, n = 36, vs 55.1%, n = 176, p < 0.001). Originality/value Meat reduction strategies should be tailored appropriately to population groups, with an understanding of social and political drivers, and further studies investigating barriers within the agricultural economy are warranted.


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