scholarly journals Blood-borne virus transmission in an urban, culturally diverse neighbourhood: results from a cross-sectional bio-behavioural survey using innovative outreach methods in a hard-to-reach population

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Peach ◽  
Shelley Cogger ◽  
Kat Byron ◽  
Penny Francis ◽  
Daniel O'Keefe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Following a HIV outbreak among Aboriginal people in a culturally diverse inner-city suburb of Melbourne, a blood-borne virus (BBV) screening program was conducted to inform public health interventions to prevent transmission and facilitate timely diagnosis and linkage to care. Methods: In August–September 2014, community health workers recruited people who inject drugs (PWID) from a local needle and syringe program. Participants were tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), HIV and syphilis and completed a bio-behavioural questionnaire. Results: In total, 128 PWID participated in the study. Serological evidence of exposure to HCV and HBV was detected among 118 (93%) and 57 participants (45%) respectively. Five participants were HIV positive. Independent risk factors for needle sharing were Aboriginality (AOR = 6.21, P < 0.001), attending health care for mental health problems (AOR = 2.79, P = 0.023) and inability to access drug treatment in the previous 6 months (AOR = 4.34, P = 0.023). Conclusions: BBV prevalence in this sample was much higher than reported in other recent Australian studies. This local population is at high risk of further BBV transmission, particularly Aboriginal PWID. Individual and service-related factors associated with risk in the context of a dynamic urban drug culture and HIV outbreak suggest an urgent need for tailored harm-reduction measures.

scholarly journals Can Psychological Empowerment Prevent Emotional Disorders in Presence of Fear of COVID-19 in Health Workers? A Cross-Sectional Validation Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1614
Author(s):  
Marta Llorente-Alonso ◽  
Cristina García-Ael ◽  
Gabriela Topa ◽  
María Luisa Sanz-Muñoz ◽  
Irene Muñoz-Alcalde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Disorders ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Cross Sectional

The global emergency produced by COVID-19 has been a turning point for health organizations. Healthcare professionals have been exposed to high levels of stress and workload. Close contact with infected patients and the infectious capacity of COVID-19 mean that this group is especially vulnerable to contagion. In various countries, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale has been shown to be a fast and reliable tool. Early detection of fear complements clinical efforts to prevent emotional disorders. Thus, concepts focused on positive occupational health, such as Job Crafting or psychological empowerment (PE), have been examined as a tool to prevent mental health problems at work. In this work, we intended to adapt and validate the 7-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale in health workers (N = 194). The interpretation of the measurement model indicates adequate values of internal consistency reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. The overall goodness of fit of the model was also adequate. The structural model indicates that the implementation of job crafting measures in health services leads to workers’ greater PE. High levels of anxiety and depression prevent health professionals from psychologically detaching from work. In turn, PE can reduce the emotional disorders caused by the fear of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Predictors of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests’ Utilisation Among Healthcare Workers in Zamfara State

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usman Rabi ◽  
Ahmad A. Umar ◽  
Saheed Gidado ◽  
A.A Gobir ◽  
Izuchukwu F. Obi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Influencing

AbstractIntroductionEarly diagnosis and prompt and effective treatment is one of the pillars of malaria control Malaria case management guidelines recommend diagnostic testing before treatment using malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) or microscopy and this was adopted in Nigeria in 2010. However, despite the deployment of mRDT, the use of mRDTs by health workers varies by settings. This study set out to assess factors influencing utilisation of mRDT among healthcare workers in Zamfara State, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 306 healthcare workers selected using multistage sampling from six Local Government Areas between January and February 2017. Mixed method was used for data collection. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge, use of mRDT and factors influencing utilization. An observational checklist was used to assess the availability of mRDT in the six months prior to this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means and proportions. Association between mRDT use and independent variables was tested using Chi square while multiple regression was used to determine predictors of use at 5% level of significance.ResultsMean age of respondents was 36.0 ± 9.4years. Overall, 198 (64.7%) of health workers had good knowledge of mRDT; malaria RDT was available in 33 (61.1%) facilities. Routine use of mRDT was reported by 253 (82.7%) healthcare workers. This comprised 89 (35.2%) laboratory scientists/technicians, 89 (35.2%) community health extension workers/community health officers; 59 (23.3%) nurses and 16 (6.3%) doctors. Predictors of mRDT utilisation were good knowledge of mRDT (adjusted OR (aOR):3.3, CI: 1.6-6.7), trust in mRDT results (aOR: 4.0, CI: 1.9 - 8.2), having being trained on mRDT (aOR: 2.7, CI: 1.2 - 6.6), and provision of free mRDT (aOR: 2.3, CI: 1.0 - 5.0).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that healthcare worker utilisation of mRDT was associated with health worker and health system-related factors that are potentially modifiable. There is need to sustain training of healthcare workers on benefits of using mRDT and provision of free mRDT in health facilities.

scholarly journals Antenatal care among women in Chitwan district of Nepal: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (01) ◽  
pp. 74-86
Author(s):  
Sharmila Pokharel ◽  
Ram Krishna Maharjan
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Community

Antenatal care is one of the most effective measures to reduce maternal mortality in Lower Middle-income Countries. The study aims to assess the utilization of antenatal care and related factors by breastfeeding mothers in Chitwan district of Nepal. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bharatpur municipality in April 2020, among all women of the reproductive age group (15-49) who have had a birth child in the last 12 months before the survey date. A census sampling technique was used to select respondents. The vaccination period was two weeks. All the mothers who came to the vaccine center to vaccinate their children were the respondents of this study. The data were collected by using an interview schedule. The collected data were managed using SPSS Version 20. The study found that 84.31 percent of respondents attended more than four antenatal care utilization. The educational level of the respondents and the occupation of their partners were linked to the use of antenatal care. The number of pregnancies, the number of live births, the place of delivery, and the educational level and occupations of the birth attendees were also significantly linked to the use of antenatal care. Community mobilization and intensive use of community health workers are essential factors to improve the use of antenatal care.

scholarly journals Perception and Experiences of the Front Line Health Workers (FLWs) Attending Suspected or Confirmed Covid-19 Patients in Bangladesh: a Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Zarin Islam ◽  
Mir Raihanul Islam ◽  
Samiun Nazrin Bente Kamal Tune ◽  
Syed Masud Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract Background: Front-line health workers (FLWs) are always at a very high risk of being infected by COVID 19 due to their close contact with patients; thus, proper protection is critical. Concerning the FLWs' safety, Bangladesh's haphazard health system preparedness response on the eve of the pandemic triggered an uncoordinated management crisis, making the FLWs even more vulnerable. This study aims to elicit FLWs' perceptions and experiences regarding personal safety against COVID-19 while attending suspected/confirmed cases in the pandemic's early days. Methods: A mixed-methods quick telephone survey of a cross-sectional design was conducted during April and May 2020. 60 FLWs of various categories and levels from 14 districts and 43 institutions participated in the study in two rounds (initial and follow up) by four weeks apart. The participants were chosen using a combination of purposive sampling and the snowball sampling method and responded to a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data, and qualitative data were thematically analysed.Results: The FLWs were obvious about the necessity of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases with suspected/asymptomatic patients. All types and levels of FLWs did not get the needed formal training on COVID-19 management and prevention. During the initial round, only 75% and 57% FLWs received PPEs and training for their proper use, respectively. Concerns about spreading the infection to family members precipitated mental health problems for the FLWs, so they recommended some safety measures, e.g. separate accommodation, transport, modified duty roaster during COVID placement. After almost a month, the follow-up round showed that a total of 76% FLWs received PPEs, but only 20% received training about them during the last month. The recommended measures were found to be more beneficial for physicians than the other FLWs. Conclusion: COVID 19 highlighted the shortcomings of Bangladesh's health systems and the low priority given to public health. This hampered the COVID 19 response, which was late, fragmented, and poorly coordinated, putting the FLWs at risk even more. Nonetheless, a coordinated, integrated approach involving all relevant authorities is required, and the health ministry should direct an efficient and inclusive COVID response.

scholarly journals Anxiety Among Inpatients With Cancer: Findings From a Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327481986464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dung Viet Truong ◽  
Quyen Thi Tu Bui ◽  
Do Tri Nguyen ◽  
Jaleesa Moore
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Score ◽  
Medical Mistrust ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Patient Health

Anxiety, a condition which is commonly found in patients with cancer, has negative impacts on their quality of life and treatment outcome. This study aimed to determine the level of anxiety in patients with cancer and explore sociodemographic, disease-related, and hospital-related factors associated with anxiety in those patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 inpatients with cancer at Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital, Vietnam. Data were collected from self-administered questionnaire forms on hospital depression anxiety-A, interviews with patients, and patient medical records. The univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed using STATA ver. 14.0. Our finding that the patients’ mean anxiety score (standard deviation) was 7.22 (3.8); 27.6% of the patients had an anxiety score between 8 and 10 points, and 15.5% had an anxiety score of ≥11 points. In the multivariate model, in more advanced stages of cancer, and patients with metastasis were more likely to have higher levels of anxiety than those who presented no sign of metastasis. The longer the patients had cancer, the less anxious they became. Lower levels of anxiety were observed in patients who stated that hospital facilities were adequate or had trust in health workers. Patients with cancer need to be provided with psychological support in the early stage of cancer detection and when metastases form. A strong patient–health-care provider relationship after diagnosis may help reduce distress among patients with cancer with higher levels of medical mistrust.

scholarly journals Preferences for methadone clinics among drug users in Vietnam: a comparison between public and private models

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuan Anh Le ◽  
Tuan Anh Nguyen ◽  
Anh Duc Dang ◽  
Cuong Tat Nguyen ◽  
Hai Thanh Phan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Methadone Maintenance ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Public Facility ◽  
Private Facility ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Public Clinics

Abstract Background Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been proven to be effective in treating opioid dependence. In Vietnam, MMT services are provided primarily by public clinics, with only one private MMT clinic established in recent years. Assessing the preferences of patients for different MMT models is important in evaluating the feasibility of these models. This study measured the preferences of drug users enrolling in public and private MMT clinics in Vietnam and examines the related factors of these preferences. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on 395 participants at 3 methadone clinics in Nam Dinh. Data about the preferences for MMT models and sociodemographic characteristics of participants were collected. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to explore the construct validity of the questionnaire. The chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used for analyzing demographic characteristics and preferences of participants. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with participants’ preferences. Results Half the participants received MMT treatment in a private facility (49.4%). Two preference dimensions were defined as “Availability and convenience of service” and “Competencies of clinic and health professionals”. Self-employed patients were more likely to consider these two dimensions when choosing MMT models. Only 9.9% of participants chose “Privacy” as one of the evaluation criteria for an MMT facility. Compared to public clinics, a statistically higher percentage of patients in the private clinic chose the attitudes of health workers as the reason for using MMT service (34.7% and 7.6% respectively). Mean score of satisfaction towards MMT services was 8.6 (SD = 1.0), and this score was statistically higher in a public facility, compared to the private facility (8.7 and 8.4 respectively). Conclusions The study highlighted patterns of patient preferences towards MMT clinics. Compared to the public MMT model, the private MMT model may need to enhance their services to improve patient satisfaction.

scholarly journals Analisis Profil dan Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Perilaku Kepatuhan Pengobatan untuk Pasien Diabetes Mellitus Lanjut Usia

2019 ◽  
pp. 114-125
Author(s):  
Andi Makkulawu ◽  
Adji Prayitno Setiadi ◽  
Tri Budi Wahyuni Rahardjo ◽  
Eko Setiawan
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence Behaviour

Adherence with medication is one of the important factors in controlling blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which in turn also determines the risk of diabetic complications. The profile and factors that influence adherence behaviour in the use of medication in elderly diabetic patients in Indonesia, especially in East Surabaya, are not yet known. The purpose of this study was to identify profiles and factors that influence the behavior of drug use adherence in elderly DM patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 32 Karang Werda or support groups for elderly in East Surabaya. Identification of the respondent’s level of adherence was carried out using the Adherence to Refill and Medication Scale (ARMS) questionnaire while the contributing factors towards adherence behaviour were identified using a published questionnaire. Both questionnaires have been validated in elderly people living in Surabaya. Result of adherence profile analysis was expressed in terms of percentage while determinant factors analysis was identified by using the highest mean among 14 sub-domains included in the questionnaire. In total, 281 elderly diabetic patients were recruited in this study. It was identified that 67.26% of the respondents were classified as non-adherence patients. The dominant factors that contribute to the behavior of medication adherence in elderly diabetic patients were social support, product-related factors, health workers, and emotional factors. Appropriate interventions to optimize the use of medications in elderly diabetic patients need to be identified and implemented according to the identified contributing factors.

scholarly journals Mental health problems in the general population during and after the first lockdown phase due to the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic: Rapid review of multi-wave studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Richter ◽  
Steffi Riedel-Heller ◽  
Simeon Zuercher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
General Populations ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and the lockdown response have increased mental health problems in general populations compared to pre-pandemic times. The course of mental health problems during and after the first lockdown phase has not yet been reviewed.MethodsWe conducted a rapid review of multi-wave studies in general populations with time points during and after the first lockdown phase. Repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were included. The main outcome assessed was whether indicators of mental health problems have changed during and after the first lockdown phase. The study was registered with PROSPERO No. CRD42020218640Findings23 studies with 56 indicators were included in the qualitative review. Studies that reported data from pre-pandemic assessments through lockdown indicated an increase in mental health problems. During lockdown no uniform trend could be identified. After lockdown mental health problems decreased slightly.InterpretationAs mental health care utilization indicators and data on suicides do not suggest an increase in demand during the first lockdown phase, we regard the increase in mental health problems as general distress that is to be expected during a global health crisis. Several methodological, pandemic-related, response-related and health policy-related factors need to be considered when trying to gain a broader perspective on the impact of the first wave of the pandemic and the first phase of lockdown on general populations’ mental health.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Mothers and some Relative Factors about Kangaroo Method Take Care Premature Infants

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ha Thi Kim Loan ◽  
Pham Van Dem ◽  
Nguyen Thanh Nam ◽  
Nguyen Tien Dung
Keyword(s):  
Premature Infants ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Kangaroo Mother Care ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Premature Babies ◽  
Internet Media ◽  
Skin To Skin

Aim: The consequences of neonatal morbidity and mortality are severe, but interventions are available within maternal-children health care programs can save the lives of most babies. In particular, Kangaroo mother care for infants is a simple, easy-to-implement intervention that contributes to improving health and reducing infant mortality, especially among premature babies. Subjects and method of study: In this study, we used cross-sectional descriptive research to interview knowledge of 60 mothers with premature babies on Kangaroo mother care method and some related factors at Bach Mai Hospital from October 2019 to March 2020. Results: Research results show that 94.8% of mothers knew about Kangaroo mother care method, of which only 91.78% of mothers had knowledge about this method through their relatives and friends. friends accounted for 58.2%, via internet media 45.5% and 18.2% through health workers. The mother's education was related to the mother's knowledge about Kangaroo mother care method with p <0.05. Conclusion: Education enhancing about role and effection of skin-to-skin in premature infants. Keywords: skin-to-skin, Kangaroo mother care, KMC, preterm delivery.    

scholarly journals Disrupted Rhythms of Life, Work and Entertainment Behaviours and Their Associations with Mental Health Problems under the Stress of COVID-19 Epidemic: A Survey in 5854 Chinese People with Different Backgrounds

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Yang ◽  
Ping He ◽  
Xiaoming Xu ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Yanjun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Annual Income ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychosomatic Diseases ◽  
Life Work

Abstract BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVE The rhythms of life, work and entertainment behaviours are considered as the external behavioural manifestations of biological rhythm.To evaluate the distinctive disrupted rhythms of behaviours and their associations with mental health problems in people with different backgrounds under the stress of COVID-19 epidemic.SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10-17 March 2020 under the stress of COVID-19 epidemic.A structured e-questionnaire containing general information,rhythm scale(subscale1 for life-work rhythms and subscale2 for entertainment rhythm) and Zung's self-rating depression and anxiety scale(SDS and SAS) were filled and the data were analysed.RESULTS Overall 5854 participants were included.Significant differences were found in rhythm, SDS and SAS scores among people with different backgrounds (all P<0.05). Subjects with female gender and poor health status were mostly suffered from disrupted rhythms of life- work-entertainment behaviours, combined with depression and anxiety. Nurses and subjects being divorced or with chronic disease with psychosomatic diseases were mostly suffered from disrupted rhythms of life-work behaviours, combined with depression and anxiety. Subjects with aged 26-30 years, or annual income of 50,000-100,000CY were mostly suffered from disrupted rhythms of life-work combined with depression. Subjects with income over 300,000CY were mostly suffered from disrupted rhythm of entertainment combined with anxiety.The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in people with the high-scores of rhythm disruption increased by 34.50% and 47.16%, respectively, compared with those with low-scores.People with the high-scores of rhythm disruption had higher SDS and SAS scores, compared to those with low scores (all P<0.001). The independent related factors of disrupted rhythms included gender,age,marital status, health status,annual income and chronic diseases with psychosomatic diseases using logistic regression.The disrupted rhythms of life and work behaviours was positively correlated with both SDS and SAS scores.CONCLUSIONS The disrupted rhythms of life, work and entertainment behaviours were closely associated with mental health problems.The disrupted rhythms of behaviours are frequent and fluxible,triggering more severe mental health problems under the stress of COVID-19 epidemic.The physicians should be aware of their importance when evaluating their interviewees or patients’ mental health and achieving maximization of therapeutic efficacy by integrating the intervention of circadian rhythm and its behaviour.

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