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Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023Smartphone use is increasing among transgender women (TGW), including those who engage in sex work. Current government-supported HIV prevention interventions focus on...
Use of Smartphones for Social and Sexual Networking among Transgender Women in South India: Implications for Developing Smartphone-based Online HIV Prevention Interventions.
BACKGROUND
Smartphone use is increasing among transgender women (TGW), including those who engage in sex work. Current government-supported HIV prevention interventions focus on physical venue-based outreach among TGW, missing the opportunity to reach them through smartphone-based interventions.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the use of smartphones among TGW, especially in relation to social and sexual networking, and explored their perspectives on their willingness to use smartphone-based HIV prevention interventions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Through an exploratory descriptive-interpretive qualitative research design, we conducted 6 focus groups with a purposive sample of 30 TGW (70% in sex work) and 4 key informant in-depth interviews in Chennai and Hyderabad, India. Data were explored using framework analysis.
RESULTS
Through smartphones, TGW used social media (e.g., WhatsApp and Facebook) and dating applications for socialization, meeting sexual partners, and entertainment. Low-literacy TGW used voice or video messaging. TGW expressed interest in receiving short health-related videos and text messages on HIV, mental health, and gender transition.
CONCLUSION
At-risk TGW could potentially be reached through smartphone-based online health promotion interventions, but those interventions need to be holistic - moving beyond HIV.
Topics: Humans; India; HIV Infections; Transgender Persons; Female; Smartphone; Adult; Focus Groups; Social Networking; Young Adult; Qualitative Research; Male; Social Media; Health Promotion; Sexual Behavior; Adolescent
PubMed: 38934837
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1717_22 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023The Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) human resource planning and management tool developed by Shipp (1998) and popularized by the World Health Organization...
Nursing Personnel Workload and Staffing Need for Rural Hospitals of Darjeeling District, India: Assessment by Application of Workload Indicators of Staffing Need Tool (World Health Organization).
BACKGROUND
The Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) human resource planning and management tool developed by Shipp (1998) and popularized by the World Health Organization gives health managers a way to analyze and calculate correct staffing levels in health facilities.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the current workload and staffing need of staff nurses for rural hospitals in Darjeeling district, West Bengal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Primary data were collected by interviews with nursing personnel using a semi-structured interview schedule. Secondary data were obtained from available records at the rural hospitals. Workload components were established for health service activities, support activities, and additional activities. Staffing needs based on workload was calculated after adjusting allowance multiplier.
RESULTS
WISN findings highlighted varying degrees of health worker shortages and inequities in their distribution at different health facilities. WISN ratio indicated that the work pressure of health staff was highest at Kharibari RH (0.45), followed by Naxalbari RH (0.54). About 43% of nurses' time was occupied with support activities, instead of nursing care.
CONCLUSIONS
WISN method can help policy-makers in optimizing utilization of existing human resources. There is a need to adopt flexible health workforce planning and recruitment policy to manage the patient load and disease burden.
Topics: Humans; India; Workload; Hospitals, Rural; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; World Health Organization; Interviews as Topic; Workforce
PubMed: 38934835
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1678_22 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023A major group of the population, especially antenatal checkup (ANC) mothers and their spouses, people admitted for surgery, and people attending STI clinics, are...
BACKGROUND
A major group of the population, especially antenatal checkup (ANC) mothers and their spouses, people admitted for surgery, and people attending STI clinics, are reluctant to pretest counseling.
OBJECTIVES
This study has been taken up to explore the barriers and possible solutions to improve the utilization of Facility based integrated counseling and testing center (F-ICTC) counseling services.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Phase 1: In-depth interview and ranking with stakeholders from the F-ICTC center (n = 13) were conducted to identify the barriers to utilization of F-ICTC and solution for the same. Phase 2.
A
Delphi panel with experts (n = 17) was invited through mail to find out the potential solution to improve the utilization of F-ICTC counseling services.
RESULTS
Possible barriers from the stakeholders' perspectives were fear of the disease, violate the privacy, unacceptance, gender bias, fear of social stigma and discrimination, and neglect attached to the disease. At third round of Delphi experts had arrived at a consensus regarding of following possible potential solutions: 1. Those who refuse pretest counseling they should be asked to answer a set of questions(which are usually told during counseling), only those questions not answered correctly by them can be corrected, 2.conducive hospital environment, 3.zero discrimination policy, 4. group counseling for ANC mothers and patients in waiting area of the hospital,5. phone counseling for unwilling patients and relocation of testing center and health education camping.
CONCLUSION
Context-specific proactive evidence-based intervention will help in improving the proper utilization of the F-ICTC center.
Topics: Humans; Delphi Technique; Female; Counseling; Prenatal Care; Male; Pregnancy; Adult; India; Social Stigma; Interviews as Topic; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38934833
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1529_22 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023The present study intends to examine whether there exists any gender gap in out-of-pocket spending on hospitalization between elderly men and elderly women. Data were...
The present study intends to examine whether there exists any gender gap in out-of-pocket spending on hospitalization between elderly men and elderly women. Data were drawn from the NSS 75th Round Health Care Survey (2017-2018) consisting of a total number of 45,299 elderly. Bivariate analysis and t-test were used to examine the disease burden and gender gap in health spending. The burden of noncommunicable diseases such as bone disease and anemia is considerably higher among elderly women than elderly men. There is a significant, positive gender gap in inpatient health spending, especially in the rural area across various diseases. Lower level of awareness, male dominance in health-related decision-making, and financial dependence are some possible factors for the gender gap. Generating awareness among households and particularly among women regarding health-care system, chronic diseases, and sources of health financing along with formulating disease-specific policy may reduce the gender gap in health spending.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Noncommunicable Diseases; India; Aged; Health Expenditures; Hospitalization; Sex Factors; Middle Aged; Socioeconomic Factors; Health Care Surveys; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38934814
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1551_22 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The sports service supply chain faces various potential risks, such as market fluctuations, logistics issues, and partner uncertainties. To address these risks...
The sports service supply chain faces various potential risks, such as market fluctuations, logistics issues, and partner uncertainties. To address these risks effectively, this study employs a combination of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) methods and intelligent neural networks to create an innovative risk management framework. By considering diverse uncertainties and leveraging the analytical power of intelligent neural networks, this study aims to optimize the operation of the sports service supply chain and explore the risk factors within the public service supply chain of stadiums. This framework provides policy references to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the sports service industry. The main empirical findings, based on a representative survey of experts in China, are as follows: (1) When determining the weights of risk indicators for managing the public service supply chain of stadiums using the FCE method, the customer risk indicator is of paramount importance, with a weight of 0.286, accounting for 95.2 % of the total significance; and (2) In evaluating various risk indicators of the public service supply chain of stadiums through the neural network method, the customer risk indicator scores the highest, achieving a score of 76.02. Notably, the customer complaint risk indicator scores slightly higher at 79.33. Based on these findings, the study recommends focusing on enhancing customer experience within risk management strategies. Additionally, it suggests strengthening the supervision of platforms and third-party activities to ensure the stability and efficient operation of the stadium service supply chain. This study aims to provide theoretical support and reference indicators for evaluating the public service capabilities of stadiums.
PubMed: 38933972
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32068 -
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