A national survey of early treatment seeking behavior among those with incident SARS-CoV-2 infection

Background: Despite effective means to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, the early treatment seeking behavior of those newly diagnosed with infection is not clear. Methods: We surveyed users of a national SARS-CoV-2 testing company to assess the frequency and correlates of early treatment seeking behavior for a positive test result. We recruited adults (18 years or older) who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR at a large clinical laboratory. To be eligible, individuals had to have a positive test result within 7 days of enrollment. Surveys were anonymous and voluntary. We collected data on demographic characteristics, general health care access and utilization, awareness of treatment for COVID-19, treatment seeking behavior, and treatments received. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated on StataSE. Results: Participants were surveyed from 3-7 January 2022: among the 15,991 who viewed a survey request, 7,647 individuals were eligible and provided responses. The median age of a respondent was 42 years (interquartile range: 32 to 54), 68.9% of respondents were women, and respondents represented 33 different states, districts, and territories. Among respondents, 23.1% reported they had sought treatment or medical advice for their current COVID-19 diagnosis. Of those who were very aware of treatment for COVID-19, 31.0% sought treatment versus 16.7% who were unaware (p-value< 0.001). The odds of treatment seeking behavior were higher for those that were contacted by a medical professional after their diagnosis (OR: 4.57 [95% CI: 3.89 to 5.37]), those with a primary doctor (OR: 2.94 [95% CI: 2.52 to 3.43]), those who self-measured their oxygen saturation (OR: 2.53 [95% CI: 2.25 to 2.84]), and those over 65 years of age (OR: 2.36 [95% CI: 2.02 to 2.76]). There was no difference in those seeking treatment based on heritage, ethnicity, prior COVID-19 diagnosis, state political affiliation, or vaccination status. The odds of seeking treatment were lower among men (OR: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.78 to 0.99]) and those without insurance (OR: 0.62 [95% CI: 0.52 to 0.72]). The most common treatment locations were clinics and most common treatments were Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Tylenol, and NSAIDs. Conclusion: More public outreach is needed to raise awareness of the benefits of treatment for COVID-19. We found that people who were more aware about treatment for COVID-19 were more likely to seek medical advice or therapy. Efforts to increase awareness might increase early treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased outreach with treatment facilitation from medical professionals and/or public health staff to those with newly detected SARS-CoV-2 infections, particularly among those at higher-risk of complications, might also be helpful.

Determinants of Obesity and Metabolic Health in the Afghan Population: Protocol, Methodology, and Preliminary Results

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause more than 70% of deaths worldwide and share modifiable risk factors including obesity and metabolic abnormalities. Over the past 15 years, many changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, physical activity, and socioeconomic status have been observed in the Afghan population. This study aims to investigate which specific lifestyle factors, dietary patterns, and characteristics of Westernization are associated with an increased risk of being overweight or obese and with poor metabolic health in the Afghan population. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted where a total of 729 male and female participants were recruited. Face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements were conducted by trained health staff using standardized questionnaires which included information on socio-demographic and housing characteristics, income, occupation, ethnicity, personal and family medical history, stress, anthropometry, diet, and physical activity. Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) was used to estimate body composition, including overall body fatness. Physical activity was measured using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). For a comprehensive assessment of dietary intake, a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) specific to the Afghan population was developed which included all local food items relevant to the population. Lipid profile and fasting glucose were measured in a local laboratory. Biospecimens were collected using dried blood spots (DBS) and dried stool cards to perform microbiome and biomarker-based research. Discussion This is the first study which will assess dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and their association with obesity and metabolic health in Afghanistan. Such a study will aid the development of dietary and lifestyle guidelines in Afghanistan which will promote better health and educate people to make healthy food choices. The findings will also help in designing and implementing effective public health strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent the epidemic of overweight and obesity, and, hence, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the region.

School Health Infrastructure and Students’ Elevated Body Mass Index

School-age children with overweight or obesity continue to be problematic in the United States, and are associated with many health, social, and financial problems. Schools provide an excellent venue in which to promote healthy weight in students, and school nurses are well-positioned to play an essential role in controlling obesity. The number of studies reporting relationships among school health infrastructure and prevalence of elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) is limited. The present study explored associations between three components of school health infrastructure (staff, services, budget) and the proportion overweight or obese 1st, 3rd, and 6th grade students, after controlling for selected factors (race, county education level, county poverty level, rurality). Study results supported an independent association between elevated BMI and school health staff. Additionally, independent associations between elevated BMI and the following covariates were supported: household income, race, and parents’ educational level. There is an ultimate need for well-designed studies addressing these associations.

The evaluation of a physical health promotion intervention for people with severe mental illness receiving community based accommodational support: a mixed-method pilot study

Background Unhealthy lifestyle constitutes a cause of increased morbidity and mortality in people with severe mental illness. The aim of this mixed-method pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an intervention to promote a health-conscious lifestyle in comparison to care as usual among people with severe mental illness receiving accommodational support in community settings. Methods This was a prospective, quasi-experimental, controlled study over four six-month assessment points (t0, + 6 months, + 12 months, + 18 months) with 70 persons with severe mental illness receiving community based accommodational support. Mental health staff members of the housing facilities were trained in Motivational Interviewing and conducted a six-week health course with the intervention group participants in addition to care as usual. Next to the primary outcome - self-rated physical well-being (FEW 16) - anthropometric parameters and unhealthy behaviours (diet, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and oral hygiene) were examined. Effectiveness analysis was conducted using mixed-effects regression models with propensity score adjustment to control for selection bias. One year after the end of the intervention, semi-standardized expert interviews were conducted with 12 of these employees and evaluated by content analysis. Results The qualitative interviews with mental health staff underline the intervention’s feasibility in people with severe mental illness in sheltered housing, and the acceptability of and satisfaction with the intervention among mental health workers. But in this pilot study no superiority of the HELPS intervention compared to routine care could be demonstrated in terms of the investigated outcomes. Conclusions The findings of this pilot study underscore the feasibility and acceptability of health promotion programmes based on Motivational Interviewing and highlight the need to further develop multi-modal programs according to the needs of the target group. Long-term and sustainable support for healthy lifestyles of people with severe mental illness receiving community mental health care requires multi-modal concepts and organisational change. Trial registration DRKS00011659, date of registration was 2017/02/15; retrospectively registered as date of first enrolment was 2017/01/24.

Primary health care workers perspective towards cancer in Fiji: a qualitative study

Background: By 2040, the predicted global cancer burden is expected to be more than 27 million new cancer cases per year. Understanding primary health care workers’ (HCWs) perception on cancer can highlight new ways in which cancer advocacy can be increased. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of primary HCWs in Lautoka, Fiji, towards common cancers with focus on knowledge, risk perceptions, barriers and preventive approaches. Methods: The study used a qualitative method approach. The study was conducted among primary HCWs at four purposively selected health centres in Lautoka Subdivision, Fiji, from 1 March 2021 to 1 April 2021. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with primary HCWs. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data, and the FGDs were audio-recorded. These audio recordings were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The responses from the four FGDs with six primary HCWs in each group emerged four major themes. These themes were cancer knowledge, health professional training, barriers and challenges and awareness strategies. Primary HCWs were not fully aware about common cancers and were not confident to discuss about cancer with their patients which is an important role of primary HCWs in cancer management. This lack of knowledge was attributed to less training received in primary care setting. Barriers to accessing cancer screening included misconceptions about cancer, negative attitudes from patients, stigmatization, lack of resources at health facility and less informed health staff. Community outreach programmes, opportunistic screening, community HCWs and the concept of a cancer hub centre were awareness strategies highlighted by primary HCWs. Conclusions: Lack of knowledge about common cancers among primary HCWs is a concern that is depicted well in this study. This low knowledge was attributed to lack of training on cancers received by primary HCWs. Guidelines on cancer screening and diagnosis can be developed by the health ministry to assist primary HCWs in detecting patients at pre-cancerous stage.

Analysis of Policy, Infrastructure Facilities and Human Resources in Preparation for Re-Accreditation

Accreditation is an acknowledgment of the public health center agency, by an independent accreditation agency set by the Minister of Health after meeting the first level health facility service standards to improve the quality of services on an ongoing basis. Puskesmas Bagansiapapi is a middle-accredited puskesmas that will go through a re-accreditation process scheduled for 2020 and is planned to be a pilot health center in Rokan Hilir district. Based on the results of initial interview with Head and Staff of Public Health center, there are some recommendations from surveyors for 2020’s re-accreditation preparation such as policies, infrastructure and human resources. Downstream 2020.This type of research is qualitative descriptive exploratory research with in-depth interviews, observation and document review with the respondents of the quality head, an admin’s leader, an UKM’s Leader, the head of UKP, the Head of Public Health Center and the Internal Health Staff. The results showed that the preparatory policies for accreditation had been implemented well. The facilities and infrastructure in preparation for accreditation have not met Permenkes 43 of 2019 and have not met the needs of the community. Judging from the adequacy of human resources has not met the standard Permenkes No. 43 of 2019 in the form of environmental sanitation workers, health information system personnel, financial administration staff, administrative staff and those needed by medical record health centers and information technology workers.Preparation for Puskesmas Bagansiapiapi accreditation in policy has been well implemented, infrastructure and human resources do not meet standards.

Stress and Burnout Among Mental Health Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply altered social and working environments among health care workers. These health care workers are therefore at risk of additional psychosocial strain and ensuing metal health symptoms, which indirectly affects patient care. In this study, we aimed to assess the psychosocial and psychopathological impact of COVID-19 among acute care mental health and addictions staff. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey and contains a sample size of 60 mental health and addiction acute care workers recruited from within Nova Scotia Health Authority. The survey was constructed using the online survey system, Opinio, and consisted of three sections: demographic variables (gender, age group and profession); the DASS-21 Questionnaire (which provides dimensional measures of stress, anxiety and depression); and the MBI-HSS (MP) Questionnaire (which measures three dimensions of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal achievement). Results: The majority of participants had at least one pathologic score on the DASS-21 and MBI-HSS (MP) sections (75.5% and 93.5%, respectively). The median severity on the DASS-21 and MBI-HSS (MP) were both moderate, with the younger age group (20-35 years) having more significant burnout scores (p = 0.0494). Simple logistic regression showed a significant relationship between burnout severity and pathologic distress, and simple linear regression showed significant correlation between DASS-21 and MBI-HSS (MP) scores, with a R2 value of 0.4633. Conclusion: More planning, programs, resources and further research are needed to support wellness and recovery of all health care professionals who work at the mental health and addictions acute care unit.

Veterans Health Administration staff experiences with suicidal ideation screening and risk assessment in the context of COVID-19

Universal screening for suicidal ideation in primary care and mental health settings has become a key prevention tool in many healthcare systems, including the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA). In response to the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare providers faced a number of challenges, including how to quickly adapt screening practices. The objective of this analyses was to learn staff perspectives on how the pandemic impacted suicide risk screening in primary care and mental health settings. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary care and mental health staff between April-September 2020 across 12 VHA facilities. A multi-disciplinary team employed a qualitative thematic analysis using a hybrid inductive/deductive approach. Staff reported multiple concerns for patients during the crisis, especially regarding vulnerable populations at risk for social isolation. Lack of clear protocols at some sites on how to serve patients screening positive for suicidal ideation created confusion for staff and led some sites to temporarily stop screening. Sites had varying degrees of adaptability to virtual based care, with the biggest challenge being completion of warm hand-offs to mental health specialists. Unanticipated opportunities that emerged during this time included increased ability of patients and staff to conduct virtual care, which is expected to continue benefit post-pandemic.

Impact on staff attitudes of brief personality disorder training for acute psychiatric wards

Purpose Negative attitudes towards “personality disorder” are common among mental health professionals. This study aims to design a psychoeducational training targeting attitudes to “personality disorder” for staff working in a London psychiatric hospital. Its impact on staff attitudes was evaluated. Design/methodology/approach Mental health clinicians were recruited from five acute psychiatric wards. Feasibility of implementing the training was measured. A free-association exercise explored baseline attitudes to “personality disorder” and visual analogue scales assessed staff attitudes pre- and post-training. Content analysis of staff feedback was carried out. Findings Psychoeducational training was found to be feasible, well-attended and highly valued by ward staff (N = 47). Baseline results revealed negative perceptions of “personality disorder”. Post-training, significant improvements in understanding, levels of compassion and attitudes to working with service users with a diagnosis of a “personality disorder” were observed. Staff feedback highlighted desire for further training and support. Research limitations/implications The sample size was relatively small and there was no control group, so findings should be interpreted with caution. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for support for staff working with service users with diagnoses of “personality disorder” on acute psychiatric wards. Providing regular training with interactive components may promote training as a resource for staff well-being. Planning to ensure service users’ and carers’ views are incorporated into the design of future training will be important. Originality/value This study is innovative in that it investigates the impact of a brief psychoeducational training on “personality disorder” designed for mental health staff on acute psychiatric wards.