Updating preventive measures of children disability

The article provides an overview of special literature, which gives an opportunity to redefine some issues of disability prevention in children with rare (orphan) diseases, which will improve the organizational measures in this area. The prevention of children’s disability is considered as a system of measures to protect the health of the mother and child throughout childhood. The early disability prevention system in children and support for families raising children with disabilities remain among the main priorities of the State social policy of the Russian Federation. The authors describe modern technologies for reducing the genetic burden in the population from the point of view of preventing hereditary and congenital pathologies. They identify the priority areas of disability prevention in children with rare (orphan) diseases, i.e. introduction of prenatal and preimplantation diagnostics; use of the Prenatal Consultation organizational model; conducting a wider screening for congenital and hereditary metabolic diseases with the inclusion of the most common nosological forms of rare (orphan) diseases; finding pathogenetic therapy methods; increasing the knowledge of pediatricians about rare (orphan) diseases.

ON THE ORIGIN AND DISABILITY PREVENTION

There is an asymmetry in the disability research. Much more research is devoted to the problems of living conditions of people with disabilities and the instruments of their support and activation. Prevention of accidents, injuries and chronic diseases leading to disability is less researched. The article indicates that research on disability prevention should be multidisciplinary and based on the life course and settings (place of living) approach, preferably with the use of longitudinal observation. Correspondingly to this proposal, examples of studies meeting the author's suggestions are noted, as well as the guidelines of WHO and other specialized organizations on the use of developed definitions, creating national databases and mobilizing stakeholders for participation in adequate data collection process at international level.

Unlocking Trust in Community Health Systems: Lessons from the Lymphatic Filariasis Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention Pilot Project in Luangwa District, Zambia

Background: Surgery for hydrocele is commonly promoted as part of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services for lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, uptake of these surgeries has been suboptimal owing to several community level barriers that have triggered mistrust in such services. This study aimed at documenting mechanisms of unlocking trust in community health systems (CHS) in the context of a LF hydrocele management project that was implemented in Luangwa District, Zambia. Methods: Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (n=45) in February 2020 in Luangwa District. Thirty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with hydrocele patients, CHWs, health workers, traditional leaders and traditional healers. Two focus group discussions were also conducted with CHWs who had been involved in project implementation with seven participants per group. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The use of locally appropriate communication strategies, development of community driven referral systems, working with credible community intermediaries as well as strengthening health systems capacity through providing technical and logistical support enhanced trust in surgery for hydrocele and uptake of the surgeries. Conclusion: Implementation of community led communication and referral systems as well as strengthening health services are vital in unlocking trust in health systems as such mechanisms trigger authentic partnerships, including mutual respect and recognition in the CHS. The mechanisms also enhance confidence in health services among community members.

Lymphatic filariasis elimination in the Dominican Republic: History, progress, and remaining steps

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-transmitted parasitic disease that is a leading cause of disability globally. The island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, accounts for approximately 90% of LF cases in the Americas region. In 1998, the Dominican Ministry of Public Health created the Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (PELF) with the goal of eliminating LF transmission by 2020. Baseline mapping revealed 19 (12% of total) endemic municipalities clustered into three geographic foci (Southwest, La Ciénaga and East), with a total at-risk population of 262,395 people. Beginning in 2002, PELF sequentially implemented mass drug administration (MDA) in these foci using albendazole and diethylcarbamazine (DEC). In total, 1,174,050 treatments were given over three to five annual rounds of house-to-house MDA per focus with a median coverage of 81.7% (range 67.4%–92.2%). By 2018, LF antigen prevalence was less than 2% in all foci, thus meeting criteria to stop MDA and begin post-treatment surveillance (PTS). This success has been achieved against a shifting landscape of limited domestic funding, competing domestic public health priorities, and sporadic external donor support. Remaining steps include the need to scale-up morbidity management and disability prevention services for LF and to continue PTS until LF transmission is interrupted across Hispaniola.

Prevalence and predictors of return to work following a spinal cord injury using a work disability prevention approach: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Worldwide, spinal cord injuries are associated with diminished participation in the labor market. Inconclusive reporting and differences between workplace settings for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) make conceptualizing return to work rates among this population inherently challenging. The objectives of this study are to explore factors associated with return to work (RTW) following an SCI. Moreover, the factors were classified according to the work disability prevention framework. Finally, we conducted a meta-analysis of the prevalence of RTW following an SCI. Methods Original articles were identified through a literature search in four health databases. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the mapping and identification of records. Included studies contained primary studies that included the nature of the injury, antecedent factors associated with the injury, and study characteristics and RTW outcomes. Exclusion criteria for the studies included if there was no discussion of RTW outcomes, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results A total of 461 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and eight studies were included and assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, Risk of Bias, and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Four studies identified personal system factors, four identified healthcare system factors, two identified compensation system factors, and one identified workplace system factors. Conclusions Attempts to optimize RTW among persons with SCI are inherently difficult due to the diversity of this client population. Findings from the studies included in this systematic review support the utility of interventions for facilitating RTW, such as vocational rehabilitation and workplace accommodations, while simultaneously acknowledging the limitations in identifying specific interventions as facilitatory or inhibitory throughout the process.