Balancing Efficiency and Equity Criteria in Health Priorities in Ghana

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Baltussen ◽  
E. Stolk ◽  
D. Chisholm ◽  
M. Aikins
Keyword(s):  
Health Priorities ◽  
Balancing Efficiency

Identifying Public Health Problems

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Burris ◽  
Micah L. Berman ◽  
Matthew Penn, and ◽  
Tara Ramanathan Holiday
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life Years ◽  
Quality Adjusted Life Years ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Quality Adjusted Life

Chapter 5 discusses the use of epidemiology to identify the source of public health problems and inform policymaking. It uses a case study to illustrate how researchers, policymakers, and practitioners detect diseases, identify their sources, determine the extent of an outbreak, and prevent new infections. The chapter also defines key measures in epidemiology that can indicate public health priorities, including morbidity and mortality, years of potential life lost, and measures of lifetime impacts, including disability-adjusted life years and quality-adjusted life years. Finally, the chapter reviews epidemiological study designs, differentiating between experimental and observational studies, to show how to interpret data and identify limitations.

Global Health Priority-Setting

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Household Finances ◽  
Health Gains ◽  
Global Priority ◽  
Financing Gap

Global health is at a crossroads. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has come with ambitious targets for health and health services worldwide. To reach these targets, many more billions of dollars need to be spent on health. However, development assistance for health has plateaued and domestic funding on health in most countries is growing at rates too low to close the financing gap. National and international decision-makers face tough choices about how scarce health care resources should be spent. Should additional funds be spent on primary prevention of stroke, treating childhood cancer, or expanding treatment for HIV/AIDS? Should health coverage decisions take into account the effects of illness on productivity, household finances, and children’s educational attainment, or should they just focus on health outcomes? Does age matter for priority-setting or should it be ignored? Are health gains far in the future less important than gains in the present? Should higher priority be given to people who are sicker or poorer? This book provides a framework for how to think about evidence-based priority-setting in health. Over 18 chapters, ethicists, philosophers, economists, policymakers, and clinicians from around the world assess the state of current practice in national and global priority-setting, describe new tools and methodologies to address establishing global health priorities, and tackle the most important ethical questions that decision-makers must consider in allocating health resources.

Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Unmet Needs and Health Priorities of the Urban Poor in South-East Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110334
Author(s):  
Ifeyinwa Arize ◽  
Daniel Ogbuabor ◽  
Chinyere Mbachu ◽  
Enyi Etiaba ◽  
Benjamin Uzochukwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Primary Health Care System ◽  
Dual Practice ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Primary Health

Relatively little is known about readiness of urban health systems to address health needs of the poor. This study explored stakeholders’ perception of health needs and strategies for improving health of the urban poor using qualitative analysis. Focus group discussions (n = 5) were held with 26 stakeholders drawn from two Nigerian states during a workshop. Urban areas are characterised by double burden of diseases. Poor housing, lack of basic amenities, poverty, and poor access to information are determinants of health of the urban poor. Shortage of health workers, stock-out of medicines, high cost of care, lack of clinical practice guidelines, and dual practice constrain access to primary health services. An overarching strategy, that prioritises community-driven urban planning, health-in-all policies, structured linkages between informal and formal providers, financial protection schemes, and strengthening of primary health care system, is required to address health needs of the urban poor.

The predicted load balancing algorithm based on the dynamic exponential smoothing

Open Physics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 439-447
Author(s):  
Lijie Yan ◽  
Xudong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Load Balancing ◽  
Exponential Smoothing ◽  
Load Prediction ◽  
The Common ◽  
Load Balancing Algorithm ◽  
Balancing Efficiency

AbstractTo a large extent, the load balancing algorithm affects the clustering performance of the computer. This paper illustrated the common load balancing algorithms and elaborated on the advantages and drawbacks of such algorithms. In addition, this paper provides a kind of balancing algorithm generated on the basis of the load prediction. Due to the dynamic exponential smoothing model, such an algorithm helps obtain the corresponding smoothing coefficient with the server node load time series of current phrase and allows researchers to make prediction with the load value at the next moment of this node. Subsequently, the dispatcher makes the scheduling with the serve request of users according to the load predicted value. OPNET Internet simulated software is applied to the test, and we may conclude from the results that the application of such an algorithm acquires a higher load balancing efficiency and better load balancing effect.

Predictors of Discontinuation of Modern Spacing Contraceptives in India

2020 ◽  
pp. 101053952098314
Author(s):  
Shahina Begum ◽  
Himanshu Chaurasia ◽  
Kusum V. Moray ◽  
Beena Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Reproductive Age Women ◽  
One Year ◽  
Women In India

Data from National Family Health Survey (2015-2016) was analyzed to examine the contraceptive acceptance, discontinuation rates, and associated factors among reproductive age women in India over one year. Findings revealed that 11.7% accepted modern methods of which 68% were for spacing. Only 5% switched to other methods. Discontinuation rate was high among condom (56.8%) and oral contraceptive pill users (34.5%), among women aged less than 25 years, with parity less than 2, belonging to rural area, and having no education. Health concerns/side effects, husband’s disapproval, or method failure were most common reasons cited for discontinuation. The data show high discontinuation rates among some subgroups of women and for certain methods. Hence, women need to be provided options to switch methods to meet changing contraceptive needs and health priorities. Continuum of care with follow-up and counselling can facilitate sustained contraceptive use to avert unintended pregnancies.

scholarly journals Digitally-enabled approach to improving primary care in a rural and remote low-resource setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ansell
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Out Of Pocket Payments

Abstract Introduction An innovative digitally-supported multi-sectoral solution for supporting end-to-end primary care for rural and remote low-income populations in Western Visayas, Philippines was examined to determine its efficacy in supporting health access. This solution brings together multisectoral stakeholders using a digital platform to coordinate the provision of a virtual primary care system. The solution also supports ordering and delivery of low-cost insurance and medicines, with the aim of reducing out-of-pocket payments and complementing public-sector services. Methods Processes and outputs for a novel data-driven digital health solution were documented and analyzed through a mixed methods approach. Researchers conducted interviews with a range of stakeholders, including program beneficiaries and partners. Quantitative data focusing on the project outputs were also examined. Results Through an integrated digital platform to coordinate inputs from the public sector (Department of Health); private sector (pharmaceutical, insurance, and telecom firms); and community (in the form of a peer-worker network), this model offers an example of an innovative approach to primary health delivery in low-resource settings. These inputs are leveraged and informed by a 'big-data' precision approach, based on detailed epidemiological profiles of community residents. This dataset allows for the evidence-based identification of village-specific health priorities and development of corresponding interventions. This approach has contributed to increased access to medicines; affordability of medicines and health services; and community resilience among the target populations. However, barriers involving a local shortage of health human resources and cumbersome eHealth regulations affect program impact. Conclusions This research provides evidence for the scale-up of a multisectoral digital approach to support the implementation of UHC targets in Philippines. Key messages Implementing digital health solutions in low-resource settings is possible. Changes are needed in Philippines health regulations for digital health to properly support UHC implementation.

scholarly journals Uptake of provider-initiated HIV and syphilis testing among heterosexual STD clinic patients in Guangdong, China: results from a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e041503
Author(s):  
Peizhen Zhao ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Huanhuan Cheng ◽  
Shujie Huang ◽  
Heping Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Testing Uptake

ObjectivesUnderscreening of HIV and syphilis in clinical settings is pervasive in resource-constrained settings. Heavy patient loads and competing health priorities in these settings inhibit provider’s ability to meet screening coverage targets. The objective of this study was to examine determinants of provider-initiated HIV and syphilis testing uptake at sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in China.DesignA cross-sectional study was performed between July 2016 and December 2016.SettingSeven STD clinics in Guangdong Province, China.ParticipantsHeterosexual STD clinic patients met the inclusion criteria, regardless of their interest in receiving HIV or syphilis testing.Outcome measuresThe syphilis and HIV testing uptake determined by patient receipt of results.ResultsA total of 1943 individuals were recruited in this study. Among those participants, 60.6% (1177/1943) and 74.3% (1443/1943) conducted HIV testing and syphilis testing during the study, respectively, of whom, 2.2% (26/1177) and 21.5% (310/1443) were found to be HIV-positive and syphilis-positive, respectively. The most common reason for rejecting HIV and syphilis testing was a low self-perceived risk of HIV and syphilis infection. After adjusting for covariates, condom use in the last sexual act, consistent condom use in the last 6 months, having paid sex in the last 6 months and having received any kind of HIV/STD-related knowledge during the last 12 years were positively associated with both HIV and syphilis testing uptake.ConclusionsThe low-level of HIV and syphilis testing uptake, alongside with the high-level of engagement in risky sexual behaviours among heterosexual STD clinic patients, warranted a more targeted and intensive behavioural interventions to promote HIV and syphilis testing in this population.

scholarly journals Speaking Softly and Listening Hard: The Process of Involving Young Voices from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse School in Child Health Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5808
Author(s):  
Nora Samir ◽  
Antonio Mendoza Diaz ◽  
Michael Hodgins ◽  
Simone Matic ◽  
Samira Bawden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Student Preference ◽  
Research Stream ◽  
New Research

The involvement of young people in the planning of research continues to be rare, particularly for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This paper describes our experience in establishing a Youth Research Advisory Group (YRAG) in South West Sydney (SWS), including barriers and successful strategies. One hundred and fifteen students between school Years 7 and 12 (ages 11–18) took part in at least one of five sessions between 2019 and 2021. In total, we carried out 26 YRAG sessions, with between five and 30 students in each. Sessions focused on mapping the health priorities of the participants and co-developing research project proposals related to their health priorities. Our work with students revealed that their main areas of concern were mental health and stress. This led to material changes in our research strategy, to include “Mental Health” as a new research stream and co-develop new mental health-related projects with the students. Important strategies that enabled our research included maintaining flexibility to work seamlessly with organisational and individual preferences, and ensuring our processes were directed by the schools and—most importantly—the students themselves. Strategies such as maintaining an informal context, responding rapidly to student preference, and regularly renegotiating access enabled us to engage with the students to deepen our understanding of their experiences.

scholarly journals Design and In Vitro Study of a Dual Drug-Loaded Delivery System Produced by Electrospinning for the Treatment of Acute Injuries of the Central Nervous System

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 848
Author(s):  
Luisa Stella Dolci ◽  
Rosaria Carmela Perone ◽  
Roberto Di Gesù ◽  
Mallesh Kurakula ◽  
Chiara Gualandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Delivery System ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
In Vitro Release ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Vitro Release ◽  
Dual Drug

Vascular and traumatic injuries of the central nervous system are recognized as global health priorities. A polypharmacology approach that is able to simultaneously target several injury factors by the combination of agents having synergistic effects appears to be promising. Herein, we designed a polymeric delivery system loaded with two drugs, ibuprofen (Ibu) and thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) to in vitro release the suitable amount of the anti-inflammation and the remyelination drug. As a production method, electrospinning technology was used. First, Ibu-loaded micro (diameter circa 0.95–1.20 µm) and nano (diameter circa 0.70 µm) fibers were produced using poly(l-lactide) PLLA and PLGA with different lactide/glycolide ratios (50:50, 75:25, and 85:15) to select the most suitable polymer and fiber diameter. Based on the in vitro release results and in-house knowledge, PLLA nanofibers (mean diameter = 580 ± 120 nm) loaded with both Ibu and T3 were then successfully produced by a co-axial electrospinning technique. The in vitro release studies demonstrated that the final Ibu/T3 PLLA system extended the release of both drugs for 14 days, providing the target sustained release. Finally, studies in cell cultures (RAW macrophages and neural stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cells—OPCs) demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and promyelinating efficacy of the dual drug-loaded delivery platform.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document