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Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2024This cross-sectional descriptive study evaluates the experiences and perceptions of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the 937 medical call center in Saudi Arabia, a...
INTRODUCTION
This cross-sectional descriptive study evaluates the experiences and perceptions of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the 937 medical call center in Saudi Arabia, a key telemedicine initiative.
AIM
To assess HCP satisfaction, identify challenges, and provide recommendations for improvement.
METHODS
Conducted from November 20th to December 15th, 2022, the study surveyed 454 HCPs, achieving a 90.5% response rate.
RESULTS
A majority (86.8%) of respondents were satisfied with the call center, valuing its ease of use and effectiveness in healthcare delivery. However, challenges such as the accuracy of remote medical assessments, the need for clearer telehealth regulations, and concerns over management support and consultation overlaps were identified. The study also highlights the importance of ongoing support and updates, comprehensive telehealth regulations, integration of more medical specialties, and improvements in system integration and data confidentiality.
CONCLUSION
The study underscores the need for strategic enhancements to the 937 call center to further improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency in Saudi Arabia. These enhancements are vital for aligning telehealth services with Saudi Arabia's healthcare objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
PubMed: 38933694
DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S467172 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024the burden of diseases amenable to surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care is increasing globally but low- and middle-income countries are... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
the burden of diseases amenable to surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care is increasing globally but low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery proposed National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anesthesia Plans as national policies to reduce the global SOTA burden. These plans are dependent on comprehensive stakeholder engagement and health policy analysis. Objective: in this study, we analyzed existing national health policies and events in Cameroon to identify opportunities for SOTA policies.
METHODS
we searched the Cameroonian Ministry of Health´s health policy database to identify past and current policies. Next, the policies were retrieved and screened for mentions of SOTA-related interventions using relevant keywords in French and English, and analyzed using the 'eight-fold path´ framework for public policy analysis.
RESULTS
we identified 136 policies and events and excluded 16 duplicates. The health policies and events included were implemented between 1967 and 2021. Fifty-nine policies and events (49.2%) mentioned SOTA care: governance (n=25), infrastructure (n=21), service delivery (n=11), workforce (n=11), information management (n=10), and funding (n=8). Most policies and events focused on maternal and neonatal health, followed by anesthesia, ophthalmologic surgery, and trauma. National, multinational civil society organizations and private stakeholders supported these policies and events, and the Cameroonian Ministry of Public Health was the largest funder.
CONCLUSION
most Cameroonian SOTA-related policies and events focus on maternal and neonatal care, and health financing is the health system component with the least policies and events. Future SOTA policies should build on existing strengths while improving neglected areas, thus attaining shared global and national goals by 2030.
Topics: Cameroon; Humans; Health Policy; Delivery of Health Care; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Global Health; Wounds and Injuries; Anesthesia; Policy Making
PubMed: 38933430
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.143.38399 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is highly prevalent and often coexists with other infectious diseases, especially Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C...
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is highly prevalent and often coexists with other infectious diseases, especially Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a vulnerable population in terms of HIV infection. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV, HBV among HIV-infected MSM.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest up-to 2023/04/22. All studies reporting the prevalence of HBV or HCV infection in MSM PLHIV were included. Meta-analysis used random effect model for synthesis and along with prediction interval for heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis based on continent and meta-regression for study size, average age and year of publication were used to explore heterogeneity. Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies according to the protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023428764).
RESULTS
Fifty-six of 5948 studies are included. In 53 studies with 3,07,589 participants, a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5-10) was found for HCV among MSM PLHIV, while a 9% (95% CI: 4-18) prevalence was found for HBV infection from five studies which included 5641 MSM PLHIV. Asia reported the lowest pooled prevalence at 5.84% (95% CI: 2.98-11.13) for HCV while Europe reported the highest pooled prevalence at 7.76% (95% CI: 4.35-13.45). Baujat plot and influence diagnostic identified contributors to influence and between-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses omitting these studies result in considerably more precise estimates. Another sensitivity analysis as leave-one-out meta-analysis did not change any pooled estimate significantly.
CONCLUSION
There is a significant burden of HCV and HBV among MSM PLHIV worldwide, with varying prevalence rates. Future studies should focus on these multimorbidity clusters and investigate factors influencing disease burden, long-term outcomes, optimal testing strategies, and tailored interventions.
PubMed: 38933421
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2206 -
Fundamental Research May 2024Extreme precipitation is exacerbating the burden of infectious diarrhea in the context of climate change, it is necessary to identify the critical and easy-to-intervene...
Extreme precipitation is exacerbating the burden of infectious diarrhea in the context of climate change, it is necessary to identify the critical and easy-to-intervene intermediate factors for public health strategies. Water quality may be the most important mediator, while relevant empirical evidence is limited. This study aimed to examine the role of water quality in the process of infectious diarrhea caused by extreme precipitation. Weekly infectious diarrhea cases, meteorological factors and water quality data in Yangtze River Basin in China between October 29, 2007 to February 19, 2017 were obtained. Two-stage statistical models were used to estimate city-specific extreme precipitation, water quality and infectious diarrhea relationships that were pooled to derive regional estimates. A causal mediation analysis was used to assess the mediation effect of water quality. In Yangtze River Basin, extreme precipitation events had a significant impact on infectious diarrhea (Incidence Rate Ratios [IRR]: 1.027, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.013∼1.041). After extreme precipitation events, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in surface water decreased (-0.123 mg/L, 95%CI: -0.159 mg/L∼-0.086 mg/L), while the un-ionized ammonia (NH(3)-N) increased (0.004 mg/L, 95%CI: 0.001 mg/L∼0.006 mg/L). The combined overall effect of DO and NH(3)-N on infectious diarrhea showed that both low and high concentrations were associated with an increased risk of infectious diarrhea. The causal mediation analysis showed that the mediation proportion of the two water quality indexes (DO and NH(3)-N) is 70.54% ( < 0.001). To reduce the health effects of extreme precipitation, in contrast to current population-oriented health strategies, those that take into account more direct and easy-to-intervene water quality indicators should be encouraged by future policies.
PubMed: 38933184
DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.05.019 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024This case study on the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Professional Development and Technical Assistance (PDTA) Center highlights a government-funded...
This case study on the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Professional Development and Technical Assistance (PDTA) Center highlights a government-funded entity's efforts to provide technical assistance to federal grantees of the CYFAR Sustainable Community Projects (SCP) grant program. The PDTA Center aligns with and supports components of an evidence-based system for innovation support. Through these components, the system provides targeted tools, training for CYFAR SCP grantees, dedicated technical assistance in the form of coaching, and quality improvement support through the evaluation of available program data.
Topics: Humans; United States; Health Policy; Child; Financing, Government
PubMed: 38932789
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347632 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024In the contemporary context marked by globalization and the growing prominence of sustainable development, assessing urban tourism competitiveness has emerged as a...
In the contemporary context marked by globalization and the growing prominence of sustainable development, assessing urban tourism competitiveness has emerged as a crucial research domain. This paper aims to develop a comprehensive model for evaluating city tourism competitiveness, grounded in the principles of sustainable development. The model incorporates factors such as city tourism resources, environmental considerations, economic aspects, and societal factors. This holistic approach seeks to offer valuable insights for the city tourism industry. The study conducts a thorough analysis of current research both domestically and internationally, highlighting gaps and articulating the objectives and significance of the research. Employing a machine learning-based empowerment method, the paper determines the significance of evaluation indices and utilizes the Topsis method for assessing urban tourism competitiveness. Distinguishing itself from traditional evaluation methods, this model integrates the principles of sustainable development throughout the evaluation process, with environmental, social, and economic sustainability serving as pivotal evaluation indicators. Empirical analysis involves the evaluation of tourism competitiveness for select cities, facilitating inter-city comparisons. Results from empirical studies demonstrate the model's effectiveness in evaluating urban tourism competitiveness, providing targeted developmental recommendations for urban tourism.
Topics: Humans; Sustainable Development; Cities; Tourism; Models, Theoretical
PubMed: 38932779
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1396134 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Climate change affects the transmission of vector-borne diseases like dengue, posing a substantial public health threat. Bangladesh, with its favorable conditions for...
BACKGROUND
Climate change affects the transmission of vector-borne diseases like dengue, posing a substantial public health threat. Bangladesh, with its favorable conditions for Dengue transmission, has experienced periodic outbreaks. This study explores the relationship between climate change knowledge, perceptions of the Dengue-climate link, and the associated factors among Bangladeshi youth.
METHODS
In the Dhaka district of Bangladesh, a cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2023, involving face-to-face interviews with 1,358 participants. Convenient (non-probability) sampling was utilized for participant selection. Data collection involved the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire encompassing informed consent, socio-demographic information, and inquiries pertaining to climate change-related knowledge (13 items) and perception (11 items). Data analysis utilized STATA (Version 15.0) and SPSS (Version 26.0).
RESULTS
The mean scores for knowledge and perceptions were determined to be 7.10 ± 3.20 (out of 13) and 26.60 ± 4.12 (out of 33) respectively. Participants had a mean age of 22.02 ± 1.58 years. The study revealed that unmarried status, living in a nuclear family, being a non-smoker, good self-perception of physical health, regular sleep patterns, moderate social media usage, older age, unemployment, and daily media consumption are factors associated with higher knowledge and perception regarding the Dengue-climate change link. Moreover, a positive association was observed between knowledge of climate change and favorable attitudes toward the Dengue-climate connection.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the importance of tailored climate change education for youth in Bangladesh and highlights key variables influencing their knowledge and perceptions. Notably, there exists a positive association between climate change knowledge and favorable attitudes toward the Dengue-climate connection. These insights underscore the importance of targeted educational campaigns and policy interventions aimed at enhancing climate consciousness among the youth population, thereby fostering proactive measures to mitigate the impact of Dengue fever in the context of climate change.
Topics: Humans; Bangladesh; Dengue; Climate Change; Male; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adolescent; Adult
PubMed: 38932778
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1346692 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024This article deals with combat experiences and their consequences and could be potentially disturbing.
TRIGGER WARNING
This article deals with combat experiences and their consequences and could be potentially disturbing.
INTRODUCTION
Moral injury (MI) is a severe form of combat trauma that shatters soldiers' moral bearings as the result of killing in war. Among the myriad ways that moral injury affects veterans' reintegration into civilian life, its impact on political and societal reintegration remains largely unstudied but crucial for personal, community, and national health.
METHODS
13 in-depth interviews examine combat soldiers' exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) that include killing enemy combatants, harming civilians, and betrayal by commanders, the military system, and society. Interviewees also described their political activities (e.g., voting, fundraising, advocacy, protest) and social activism (e.g., volunteering, teaching, charitable work). Interviewees also completed the Moral Injury Symptom Scale.
RESULTS
Two distinct narratives process PMIEs. In a narrative, soldiers hold themselves or their in-group morally responsible for perpetrating, witnessing, or failing to prevent a morally transgressive act such as killing or injuring civilians or placing others at unnecessary risk. In contrast, a perspective blames an out-group for leaving soldiers with no choice but to act in ways that trigger moral distress. Associated with shame and guilt, the humanitarian perspective triggered amends-making and activism after discharge. In contrast, a national security perspective associated with anger and frustration fostered protest and intense activism.
DISCUSSION
Despite its harmful health effects, moral trauma and injury can drive intense political and social activism, depending upon the narrative veterans adopt to interpret PMIEs. Aside from moral injury's personal, familial, and social effects, moral injury drives veterans' return to the political arena of civil society. As such, veterans play a central role in politics and dramatically affect post-war policy in democratic nations following conflict.
Topics: Humans; Veterans; Male; Adult; Israel; Political Activism; Morals; Military Personnel; Female; Middle Aged; Interviews as Topic; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38932767
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1336406 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Public transportation is an important mode of transportation in developing countries like Pakistan since it is accessible and convenient. But there are also serious...
Public transportation is an important mode of transportation in developing countries like Pakistan since it is accessible and convenient. But there are also serious health hazards associated with it, especially when it comes to the transmission of infectious diseases including COVID-19, TB, and . Worldwide transportation systems are vulnerable, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, underscoring the necessity for study and mitigating measures. The danger of disease transmission is increased in Pakistan by crowded metropolitan areas, inadequate sanitation, and low health awareness. In addition, congested public transportation and inadequate ventilation lead to reduced air quality and elevated stress levels among commuters. Comprehensive actions are needed to address these health hazards, such as promoting physical distance, improving cleanliness, enforcing traffic safety laws, and implementing policy changes that support sustainable transportation. Community involvement and advocacy are critical in campaigning for safer and more sustainable transportation networks. Pakistan can enhance public health outcomes and reduce the health hazards linked to public transportation by giving priority to these measures.
Topics: Pakistan; Humans; COVID-19; Public Health; Transportation; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38932765
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1325193 -
Vaccines May 2024The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines depends on widespread vaccine uptake. Employing a telephone-administered weighted survey with 19,502 participants, we examined the...
The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines depends on widespread vaccine uptake. Employing a telephone-administered weighted survey with 19,502 participants, we examined the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in Texas. We used multiple regression analysis with LASSO-selected variables to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intentions to receive the vaccine among the unvaccinated. The prevalence of unvaccinated individuals (22%) was higher among those aged 18-39, males, White respondents, English speakers, uninsured individuals, those facing financial challenges, and individuals expressing no concern about contracting the illness. In a fully adjusted regression model, higher odds of being unvaccinated were observed among males (aOR 1.11), the uninsured (aOR 1.38), smokers (aOR 1.56), and those facing financial struggles (aOR 1.62). Conversely, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics were less likely to be unvaccinated compared to Whites. Among the unvaccinated, factors associated with stronger intent to receive the vaccine included age (over 65 years), Black and Hispanic ethnicity, and perceived risk of infection. Hispanic individuals, the uninsured, those covered by public insurance, and those facing financial challenges were more likely to encounter barriers to vaccine receipt. These findings underscore the importance of devising tailored strategies, emphasizing nuanced approaches that account for demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal factors in vaccine distribution and public health interventions.
PubMed: 38932330
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060601