scholarly journals Ophthalmic Problems of Adults in Rural Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Obi-Fortune, Nnenna ◽  
Ejimadu, Chibuike Sydney
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Allergic Conjunctivitis ◽  
Corneal Opacity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Bacterial Conjunctivitis ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
The Government ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
Good Vision

Aim: To determine the ophthalmic problems and their possible causes among adults in rural communities in Rivers State. Methods: A multistage population based random sampling study of adults in five clans of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Medical history was taken and comprehensive ocular examination done on each subject. Ocular examination included visual acuity, visual field, tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. Data taken were recorded and analysed using statistical software called Minitab 11. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant authorities. Results: Out of the 600 subjects seen in this study 276 (46.0%) were males and 324 (54.0%) females. They were all above 21 years old. Twenty six (2.4%) subjects had good vision while 8 (0.8%) were blind. The ophthalmic problems identified were Presbyopia 298 (28.0%), Refractive error 247 (23.2%), Cataract 126 (11.8%), Allergic conjunctivitis 106 (9.9%), Glaucoma 94 (8.8%), Pterygium 86 (8.1%), Bacterial conjunctivitis 35 (3.3%), Corneal opacity 32 (3.0%), Chalazion 4 (0.4%), Diabetic retinopathy 3 (0.3%) and Ptosis 1 (0.1%).   Conclusion: The most common ophthalmic problems in this study which were dependent on gender and occupation include Presbyopia, Refractive Error, Cataract and Allergic Conjunctivitis. More females and farmers were seen in this study. The problems identified can be easily managed if well-equipped health facilities are provided by the government.

scholarly journals Utilisation of public eye care services by the rural community residents in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mologadi D. Ntsoane ◽  
Olalekan A. Oduntan ◽  
Benjamin L. Mpolokeng
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural Villages ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Government

Background: Visual impairment and blindness are major health problems worldwide, especially in the rural and remote areas of developing countries. Utilisation of eye care services is essential to reduce the burden of visual impairment and blindness, and it is therefore important that it is monitored.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the level of utilisation of public eye care services and factors that might have influenced their usage in rural communities, Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Method: A population-based cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were residents in selected rural villages located within approximately 5 km of six Government hospitals. Following ethical approval and receipt of informed consent, a questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect information on the utilisation of eye care services and factors that might influence utilisation. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chisquare test were used to analyse and compare the data.Results: Many (62.7%) of the respondents had used the government eye care services in the past. Over fifty-nine per cent (59.3%) of them were satisfied with the services. Factors reported to influence utilisation (such as monthly income, knowledge of available services and the need for regular eye tests) were positively associated with utilisation of eye care services in this study (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Utilisation of eye care services was relatively good, but varied significantly between sites. An awareness campaign by government and non-governmental organisations about eye care services may increase utilisation amongst rural communities.

Pengembangan Pengelolaan Dana Desa Terhadap Kesejahtraan Masyarakat Desa Di Kabupaten Konawe Selatan Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-125
Author(s):  
Hasjad Hasjad
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Scientific Publication ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
State Budget ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Village

Development of village fund management is very much needed by the community so that it can be enjoyed by all levels of society in the villages. The seriousness of the government in developing villages is evidenced by the start of allocation of the Village Fund budget for 2015. The allocation of the Village Fund is mandated by Law (Law) Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages and Government Regulation (PP) Number 6 of 2014 concerning Village Funds Sourced from STATE BUDGET. The regulation explained that the administration of the village government adheres to the principle of decentralization and the task of assistance. The principle of decentralization raises village internal funding (Desa APBD), while the principle of co-administration provides an opportunity for Villages to obtain funding sources from the government above it (APBN, Provincial APBD, Regency / City APBD). This study aims to observe what the development of village funds looks like, how they are implemented and the impact of the use of village funds in supporting development activities and community empowerment. The research method used is a qualitative research method that relies on observing places, actors and activities in Konawe Selatan Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, which was chosen as a case study. Initial observations show that the Village Fund does not have significant results in improving the welfare of the community. These indications are evident in the welfare of the community which has not improved with the existence of the village fund. Therefore it is necessary to develop a good management of village funds to improve the welfare of rural communities, especially in Konawe Selatan District. The output to be achieved is the scientific publication with ISSN Online and the level of technological Readiness that will be achieved 1-3.

scholarly journals Sex disparities in cardiovascular health metrics among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Han ◽  
Ziying Jiang ◽  
Yuanjing Li ◽  
Yongxiang Wang ◽  
Yajun Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Sex Disparities

Abstract Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among Chinese older adults are poorly understood. We investigated sex disparities in CVH metrics and their management among rural-dwelling older adults in China. Methods This community-based study included 5026 participants (age ≥ 65 years; 57.2% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. In March–September 2018, data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. We defined six CVH metrics (three behavioral factors—smoking, body mass index, and physical activity; three biological factors—blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) following the modified American Heart Association’s recommendations. We performed descriptive analysis separately for men and women. Results Of all participants, only 0.8% achieved ideal levels in all six CVH metrics. Men were more likely than women to have ideal levels in all CVH metrics but smoking. Women had higher prevalence of ideal global (9.7% vs. 7.8%) and behavioral (18.3% vs. 9.5%) CVH metrics (p < 0.001), whereas men had higher prevalence of ideal biological CVH metrics (5.4% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of ideal global and behavioral CVH metrics increased with age in both women and men (p for trend< 0.001). Women were more likely to be aware of their hypertension and diabetes, and to receive antihypertensive treatment, while men were more likely to achieve the goal of high cholesterol treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions The CVH metrics among older adults living in the rural communities in China are characterized by an extremely low proportion of optimal global CVH metrics and distinct sex differences, alongside poor management of major biological risk factors. Trial registration ChiCTR1800017758 (Aug 13, 2018).

scholarly journals Presentation, Management, and Outcomes across the Rural-Urban Continuum for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kali Zhou ◽  
Trevor A Pickering ◽  
Christina S Gainey ◽  
Myles Cockburn ◽  
Mariana C Stern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tumor Stage ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Receive Treatment

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of few cancers with rising incidence and mortality in the United States. Little is known about disease presentation and outcomes across the rural-urban continuum. Methods Using the population-based SEER registry, we identified adults with incident hepatocellular carcinoma between 2000–2016. Urban, suburban and rural residence at time of cancer diagnosis were categorized by the Census Bureau’s percent of the population living in non-urban areas. We examined association between place of residence and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were late tumor stage and receipt of therapy. Results Of 83,368 cases, 75.8%, 20.4%, and 3.8% lived in urban, suburban, and rural communities, respectively. Median survival was 7 months (IQR 2–24). All stage and stage-specific survival differed by place of residence, except for distant stage. In adjusted models, rural and suburban residents had a respective 1.09-fold (95% CI = 1.04–1.14, p &lt; .001) and 1.08-fold (95% CI = 1.05–1.10, p &lt; .001) increased hazard of overall mortality as compared to urban residents. Furthermore, rural and suburban residents had 18% (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.10–1.27, p &lt; .001) and 5% (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.09, p = .003) higher odds of diagnosis at late stage and were 12% (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.94, p &lt; .001) and 8% (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88–0.95, p &lt; .001) less likely to receive treatment, respectively, compared to urban residents. Conclusions Residence in a suburban and rural community at time of diagnosis was independently associated with worse indicators across the cancer continuum for liver cancer. Further research is needed to elucidate the primary drivers of these rural-urban disparities.

scholarly journals Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6700
Author(s):  
Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽  
Song-Lih Huang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
The Government ◽  
Distress Scale

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

The prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Dariyah, a rural community in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed Alghamdi ◽  
Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eye Examination

Background: Visual impairment is disproportionately distributed between rural and urban dwellers. Rural dwellers have limited access to the eye care services that are available in urban cities.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Dariyah, a rural community in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.Setting: This research comprised a population-based assessment of the vision and visual status of the inhabitants of Dariyah community.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst the inhabitants of the community of Dariyah. A comprehensive eye examination consisting of visual acuity, ocular health examination, objective and subjective refraction was performed. The examinations were conducted by registered ophthalmologists and optometrists from the Qassim University. Vision impairments were categorised according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Section 9D90, ‘Vision impairment including blindness’ (2018).Results: In all, 68 (24.5%) participants had vision impairment (using the better-seeing eye), with refractive errors being the main cause of vision impairment. Other causes of vision impairment included cataract (20, 7.2%), trichiasis (5, 1.8%) and glaucoma (2, 0.7%). Refractive errors were present in 193 (69.7%), with astigmatism being the commonest refractive error. About 60% of those with refractive errors presented without spectacles for correction, and 20% reported that they had never had an eye examination. Refractive errors could not be determined in 19 (6.9%) of the subjects because of conditions such as matured cataract and other ocular abnormalities.Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive error was found to be the leading cause of vision impairment in this rural community in Saudi Arabia.

A design methodology for the supply of subterranean water through the use of wind energy

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Brett Richard Marais
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
White Paper ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Government

The Reconstruction and Development Programme adopted by the Government of National Unity is more than a list of the services required to improve the quality of life of the majority of South Africans. It is not just a call for South Africans to unite to build a country free of poverty and misery; it is a programme designed to achieve this objective in an integrated and principled manner. Based on the strategic objectives, as highlighted in the White Paper on Water Supply and Sanitation Policy, with regard to alleviating the chronic potable water shortages in South Africa, this thesis investigates a design methodology to supply potable water through the use of wind energy. The design focuses on small rural off-grid developments where grid electricity either has not or will not reach, and where renewable energy is the only viable option. This thesis provides an overview of wind energy and presents the fundamentals of wind power calculations. It also formulates an overview of the historic and present situation with regards to potable water supply, and reflects on the need for urgent intervention. The feasibility of using wind energy to supply potable water to rural communities in South Africa is explored in a case study. The various problem areas are identified and examined and a wide range of possible solutions are recommended. A final flow chart for the system design is proposed, thus ensuring comprehensive design methodology from which future design of similar systems can be based.

scholarly journals Integrating tobacco cessation into routine dental practice: protocol for a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e028792
Author(s):  
Rachana Shah ◽  
Rupal Shah ◽  
Sujal Shah ◽  
Upendra Bhojani
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Dental Patients ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Indian City ◽  
The Government

IntroductionCombined efforts to encompass different aspects of tobacco control have been in place for some time. Despite the recognition of the need to offer support to tobacco users to quit tobacco use, such support remains highly inadequate in India. However, little is known about the practice of oral health professionals (OHP) and the experiences and expectations of dental patients in the context of tobacco cessation (TC) services. In this article, we describe the protocol of a doctoral research project that explores OHPs and their patients in an Indian city. The aims are (A) to understand the functioning of the oral healthcare system towards TC and what changes to it will be needed to benefit TC and (B) to capture the views of dental patients on TC services provided by OHPs.Methods and analysisA cross-sectional qualitative study based on individual interviews with OHPs and dental patients will be carried out in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The OHP will be purposively selected from two major organisation types: (1) single-doctor dental clinics and (2) dental hospital attached to teaching institutions. The sample population will be divided into two subgroups: general OHP (dentists practising general dentistry irrespective of their qualification) and prosthodontists (dentists with a specialisation in prosthodontics). We will sample dental patients through convenient sampling from a public teaching hospital and select private dental care facilities. The sampling of OHPs and dental patients will continue until we reach data saturation. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded by hand. The interview transcript will subsequently be analysed using thematic content analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee of the Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. The findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and to the study participants.

scholarly journals RESILIENSI EKONOMI MASYARAKAT DESA WISATA PENGLIPURAN DI TENGAH PANDEMI COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-158
Author(s):  
Ida bagus putra Negarayana
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Economic Resilience ◽  
Cash Assistance ◽  
Village Community ◽  
Delivery Services ◽  
The Government ◽  
Livelihood Resilience ◽  
Role Of The Government

Penglipuran Tourism Village feels the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its tourism activities. Before the pandemic, the rapid tourism activity in Penglipuran Tourism Village made many rural communities dependent on the tourism sector. However, due to the prolonged pandemic, many people have to change professions to be able to survive and the economy can not run properly. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the economic resilience of the local community of Penglipuran Tourism Village in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study uses quantitative and qualitative methods (Mix Method). The study showed that the economic condition of the Penglipuran Tourism Village Community experienced a decline in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, this was influenced by several things, namely the decline in tourism activities in the village due to restrictions on activities and government policies, livelihood sources that changed for the worse and a decrease in income and public spending. The Economic Resilience of the Penglipuran Tourism Village Community is carried out in tourism activities by implementing the CHSE health protocol, village promotion, and village planning through improvements and additions to facilities and infrastructure support livelihood resilience efforts are carried out by digitizing products with online promotions, as well as the existence of delivery services that benefit buyers, the role of the government in resilience is to provide direct cash assistance to the community.

scholarly journals Economic development as a way to fight against poverty in a coastal society

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
Rukin Rukin
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Coastal Zone Management ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Economic Problem ◽  
Economic Empowerment ◽  
Zone Management ◽  
Village Communities ◽  
The Government

This research is based on the phenomenon of low construction in coastal village areas, primarily in relation to the economic development sector. This study was conducted in order to determine the low economic level of coastal rural communities and its abundant natural resources (SDA). The government has already issued a public policy related to economic empowerment and coastal zone management. However, the coastal village community’s economy remains very low. The qualitative and phenomenological approach was used to obtain the findings about why society in coastal villages is economically low level. The main cause of the economic problem was the lack of ability of the public to capture the business opportunities that existed. In addition, the constant hereditary lifestyle of the coastal people is one of the triggers of their low economic power. There is a lack of distinct empowerment by the government in order to improve their economy. SDA has not been optimally empowering coastal areas by way of the village communities of the coast and there is a lack of village infrastructure. The concrete participation of the local government is expected in relation to the handling of economic empowerment. One solution that can be undertaken is the revamping of public policy related to the development of coastal villages. The completion of the installation program for paving and street lighting is also a priority. The development and empowerment of the economy should be done immediately. Another thing that can be done by the government is the optimisation of the religious and beach tourism there.

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