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BMJ Open May 2024Patients in Nova Scotia do not have access to public prenatal education programming. This study aimed to explore whether care providers find patients are uninformed or...
OBJECTIVE
Patients in Nova Scotia do not have access to public prenatal education programming. This study aimed to explore whether care providers find patients are uninformed or misinformed, and the impact of that on patients and their care providers with a focus on clinical outcomes, time, resources and informed decision-making.
METHODS
Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 care providers around Halifax and Cape Breton. An interview guide (supplemental) of open-ended questions was used for consistency. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed to describe the contents of the interviews. Each interview was audio-taped and transcribed verbatim by an interdependent transcriber. Transcripts were analysed using established techniques in qualitative descriptive research including coding, grouping, detailing and comparing the data using NVivo V.12 software. A co-coder (SS) independently coded two interviews for inter-rater reliability.
RESULTS
The study revealed six themes: (1) concern for a significant population of Nova Scotians experiencing pregnancy, birth and postpartum uninformed and misinformed, (2) consequences for patients who are uninformed and misinformed, (3) more time and resources spent on care for patients who are uninformed or misinformed, (4) patients and their care providers need a publicly available education programme, particularly vulnerable populations, (5) emphasis on programme quality and disappointment with the programme previously been in place and (6) recommendations for an effective prenatal education programme for Nova Scotians.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows care providers believe a public prenatal education programme could improve health literacy in Nova Scotia. Patients are seeking health education, but it is not accessible to all and being uninformed or misinformed negatively impacts patients' experiences and outcomes. This study revealed excess time and resources are being spent on individualised prenatal education by care providers with high individual and system-wide cost and explored the complicated process of providing patient-centred care for people who are uninformed or misinformed.
Topics: Humans; Nova Scotia; Qualitative Research; Female; Pregnancy; Prenatal Education; Health Personnel; Adult; Interviews as Topic; Health Services Accessibility; Prenatal Care; Communication; Male; Decision Making
PubMed: 38816061
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085140 -
PloS One 2024The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of health literacy on the relationship between frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of health literacy on the relationship between frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among community-dwelling older adults.
METHODS
This study used the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Database (KFACD) for secondary data analysis. We selected data from 1,631 people without missing main variable values for analysis. Frailty was determined based on the modified Fried's phenotype [MFP], and HRQOL was measured using the Korean version of the 5-level EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Health literacy was assessed using the questions on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) used by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. To examine the mediating role of health literacy in the relationship between frailty and HRQOL, Baron & Kenny's three-step mediating effect verification method was utilized.
RESULTS
The participants had a mean frailty score of 1.37±1.02, health literacy score of 8.56±2.59, and HRQOL score of 0.84±0.10. Frailty was negatively correlated with health literacy (r = -0.27, p < .001) and HRQOL (r = -0.32, p < .001), while health literacy was positively correlated with HRQOL (r = 0.34, p < .001). We observed that health literacy played a partial mediating role in the relationship between frailty and HRQOL.
CONCLUSION
To increase older adults' HRQOL, measures that directly prevent and manage frailty as well as interventions that target the enhancement of health literacy are needed.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Aged; Male; Female; Health Literacy; Independent Living; Frailty; Aged, 80 and over; Republic of Korea; Frail Elderly; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38814978
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303164 -
JMIR Cancer May 2024WeChat (Tencent) is one of the most important information sources for Chinese people. Relevantly, various health-related data are constantly transmitted among WeChat...
BACKGROUND
WeChat (Tencent) is one of the most important information sources for Chinese people. Relevantly, various health-related data are constantly transmitted among WeChat users. WeChat public accounts (WPAs) for health are rapidly emerging. Health-related WeChat public accounts have a significant impact on public health. Because of the rise in web-based health-seeking behavior, the general public has grown accustomed to obtaining cancer information from WPAs. Although WPAs make it easy for people to obtain health information, the quality of the information is questionable.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the quality and suitability of cancer-related WeChat public accounts (CWPAs).
METHODS
The survey was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2023. Based on the WPA monthly list provided by Qingbo Big Data, 28 CWPAs in the WeChat communication index were selected as the survey sample. Quality assessment of the included CWPAs was performed using the HONcode instrument. Furthermore, suitability was measured by using the Suitability Assessment of Materials. A total of 2 researchers conducted the evaluations independently.
RESULTS
Of the 28 CWPAs, 12 (43%) were academic and 16 (57%) were commercial. No statistical difference was found regarding the HONcode scores between the 2 groups (P=.96). The quality of the academic and commercial CWPAs evaluated using the HONcode instrument demonstrated mean scores of 5.58 (SD 2.02) and 5.63 (SD 2.16), respectively, corresponding to a moderate class. All CWPAs' compliance with the HONcode principles was unsatisfactory. A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the Suitability Assessment of Materials scores (P=.04). The commercial WPAs reached an overall 55.1% (SD 5.5%) score versus the 50.2% (SD 6.4%) score reached by academic WPAs. The suitability of academic and commercial CWPAs was considered adequate.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that CWPAs are not sufficiently credible. WPA owners must endeavor to create reliable health websites using approved tools such as the HONcode criteria. However, it is necessary to educate the public about the evaluation tools of health websites to assess their credibility before using the provided content. In addition, improving readability will allow the public to read and understand the content.
PubMed: 38814688
DOI: 10.2196/52156 -
Journal, Physical Therapy Education May 2024Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students have considerable educational debt upon graduation with suspected low levels of financial literacy, limited financial...
INTRODUCTION
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students have considerable educational debt upon graduation with suspected low levels of financial literacy, limited financial self-efficacy, and elevated stress and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between financial knowledge, financial anxiety, financial stress, and financial self-efficacy with socioeconomic determinants in DPT students.
SUBJECTS
Five hundred seventy-eight DPT students, surveyed through a cross-sectional sample of convenience.
METHODS
Participants responded to a 40-item demographic questionnaire providing a self-assessment of their current financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, financial anxiety, financial stress, and level of general social support. Pairwise correlations were used to determine the relationship between independent variables and composite scores on self-assessment tools. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict financial knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety, stress, and social support by socioeconomic indicators and educational debt status.
RESULTS
While there was a moderate, positive association between presence of debt and financial self-efficacy and financial anxiety for all students (r = .55), there was no statistically significant difference in financial knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety, stress, or social support for students based on race/ethnicity. There was a negligible to weak correlation between financial knowledge, financial self-efficacy, and level of financial anxiety based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic background, debt load, risk tolerance, and retirement reflection. When subjected to multiple regression analysis, the level of education-related debt could explain a large proportion of the variance in multiple measures, including financial self-efficacy, anxiety, and stress. Economic background explained a large proportion of variance in the general social support students felt.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
We found a strong, positive correlation between the presence of debt and financial stress and anxiety for all DPT student respondents. While there is no difference in financial literacy and self-efficacy based on race and ethnic background, there is a moderate correlation between self-efficacy and financial anxiety for all students. Education on strategies to manage debt load may reduce both factors.
PubMed: 38814573
DOI: 10.1097/JTE.0000000000000348 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Chronic diseases remain a significant contributor to both mortality and disability in our modern world. Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are recognized as...
BACKGROUND
Chronic diseases remain a significant contributor to both mortality and disability in our modern world. Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are recognized as significant behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases, which can be influenced by the built environment and socio-economic status (SES). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the built environment, SES, and lifestyle factors with chronic diseases.
METHODS
The current study was conducted in Mashhad's Persian cohort, which included employees from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). In the study, 5,357 participants from the cohort were included. To assess the state of the built environment in Mashhad, a Geographic Information System (GIS) map was created for the city and participants in the Persian Mashhad study. Food intake and physical exercise were used to assess lifestyle. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess food intake. To assess food intake, the diet quality index was computed. To assess the link between variables, the structural model was created in accordance with the study's objectives, and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized.
RESULTS
The chronic diseases were positively associated with male sex ( < 0.001), married ( < 0.001), and higher age ( < 0.001). The chronic diseases were negatively associated with larger family size ( < 0.05), higher SES ( < 0.001), and higher diet quality index (DQI) ( < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between chronic disease and physical activity.
CONCLUSION
Food intake and socioeconomic status have a direct impact on the prevalence of chronic diseases. It seems that in order to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing economic access, reducing the class gap and increasing literacy and awareness should be emphasized, and in the next step, emphasis should be placed on the built environment.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Iran; Life Style; Chronic Disease; Adult; Middle Aged; Social Class; Prevalence; Built Environment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Latent Class Analysis; Exercise; Diet; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38813428
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1358423 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Elite athletes' help-seeking on mental health might be influenced by their mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health experiences. The current study aimed to explore...
INTRODUCTION
Elite athletes' help-seeking on mental health might be influenced by their mental health literacy (MHL) and mental health experiences. The current study aimed to explore the MHL, experiences and help-seeking behaviours among elite athletes using a qualitative approach.
METHODS
Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 Chinese elite athletes, 12 coaches, and 5 team officials. Interview data was analyzed using content analysis.
RESULTS
Seven main themes emerged from the analysis. The current study revealed that Chinese elite athletes suffered from various mental health issues and athletes' MHL levels, help-seeking attitudes and intentions, Chinese sports environments, and Chinese cultural background could impact their help-seeking behaviours.
CONCLUSION
Support for Chinese elite athletes' mental health and help-seeking requires improvement.
Topics: Humans; Qualitative Research; Health Literacy; Athletes; Male; Female; Help-Seeking Behavior; China; Adult; Mental Health; Young Adult; Interviews as Topic; Adolescent; East Asian People
PubMed: 38813417
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1391597 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Cognitive and motor impairments are common among stroke survivors. Physical therapy is often used to improve the functional capacity of stroke survivors. However,...
INTRODUCTION
Cognitive and motor impairments are common among stroke survivors. Physical therapy is often used to improve the functional capacity of stroke survivors. However, limited adherence to rehabilitation programs is a challenge. Motivation plays a crucial role in the success of rehabilitation programs as it influences individual adherence to treatment and overall health outcomes. This review aims to identify current trends in motivational strategies used by healthcare professionals for stroke survivor rehabilitation.
METHODS
Following the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, a scoping review was conducted. We performed a literature search using MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Nursing & Allied Health, and MedicLatina databases.
RESULTS
A total of 906 papers were identified. After selecting and analyzing the articles, 17 papers were included in this review. Health professionals use various strategies to motivate stroke survivors. These approaches include establishing a therapeutic alliance, improving patients' health literacy, defining realistic goals, fostering problem-solving skills, personalizing the rehabilitation program, showcasing success stories, utilizing persuasive techniques, offering encouragement and compliments, providing emotional support, and effectively managing symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The knowledge gathered in this review can guide healthcare professionals in helping patients overcome barriers to rehabilitation, improve their motivation, and ultimately enhance their recovery outcomes.
PubMed: 38813377
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1384414 -
Heliyon May 2024Successfully managing and utilizing feedback is a critical skill for self-improvement. Properly identifying feedback literacy level is crucial to facilitate teachers and...
Successfully managing and utilizing feedback is a critical skill for self-improvement. Properly identifying feedback literacy level is crucial to facilitate teachers and learners especially in clinical learning to plan for better learning experience. The present review aimed to gather and examine the existing definitions and metrics used to assess feedback literacy (or parts of its concepts) for health professions education. A systematic search was conducted on six databases, together with a manual search in January 2023. Quality of the included studies were appraised using the COSMIN Checklist. Information on the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the accepted instruments were extracted. A total 2226 records of studies were identified, and 11 articles included in the final analysis extracting 13 instruments. These instruments can be administered easily, and most are readily accessible. However, 'appreciating feedback' was overrepresented compared to the other three features of feedback literacy and none of the instruments had sufficient quality across all COSMIN validity rating sections. Further research studies should focus on developing and refining feedback literacy instruments that can be adapted to many contexts within health professions education. Future research should apply a rigorous methodology to produce a valid and reliable student feedback literacy instrument.
PubMed: 38813152
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31070 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2024In many parts of Asia Pacific (APAC), insufficient intake of micronutrients that are important for conception and pregnancy remains a prevalent issue among women of...
INTRODUCTION
In many parts of Asia Pacific (APAC), insufficient intake of micronutrients that are important for conception and pregnancy remains a prevalent issue among women of reproductive age. It is crucial to gain insights into women's nutritional awareness and nutrition-related behaviors, as well as how these relate to their health literacy (HL). This understanding can help identify gaps and guide the development of appropriate intervention strategies. However, there appears to be limited relevant data available for the APAC region. We therefore examined nutritional awareness and behaviors among preconception and pregnant women in three APAC countries, and explored how these were related to women's HL.
METHODS
Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among preconception (i.e., planning to conceive within the next 12 months or currently trying to conceive) and pregnant women in Australia ( = 624), China ( = 600), and Vietnam ( = 300). The survey questionnaire included a validated tool for HL (Newest Vital Sign) and questions to examine awareness and behaviors relating to healthy eating and prenatal supplementation during preconception and pregnancy.
RESULTS
Despite recommendations for a quality diet complemented by appropriate supplementation during preconception and pregnancy, many respondents in each country were not aware of the specific impact of adequate nutrition during these stages. While many respondents reported changes in their diet to eat more healthily during preconception and pregnancy, a substantial proportion were not taking prenatal supplements. Higher HL was related to greater nutritional awareness and higher use of prenatal supplements.
DISCUSSION
Our findings suggest that there are gaps in nutritional awareness and practices of many preconception or pregnant women in the three countries. Interventions to improve HL would be valuable to complement conventional knowledge-centric nutrition education, and enhance understanding and empower women to adopt appropriate nutritional practices throughout their preconception/pregnancy journey.
PubMed: 38813069
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1332555 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders May 2024In Germany, exercise therapy represents the most commonly prescribed physiotherapy service for non-specific, chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). So far, little is known...
BACKGROUND
In Germany, exercise therapy represents the most commonly prescribed physiotherapy service for non-specific, chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). So far, little is known about current practice patterns of German physiotherapists in delivering this intervention. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of exercise therapy delivered to NSCLBP patients in German physiotherapy care and to identify practitioner-related drivers of appropriate exercise delivery.
METHODS
We used a vignette-based, exploratory, cross-sectional, online-survey study design (76-items; data collection between May and July 2023). Eligible participants were required to hold a professional degree in physiotherapy and were required to be practicing in Germany. Access links to anonymous online surveys were spread via established German physiotherapy networks, educational platforms, social media, e-mail lists, and snowball sampling. Appropriateness of exercise therapy was calculated by an equally weighted total score (400 points) including scales on shared-decision-making, exercise dose selection, pain knowledge and self-management promotion. "Appropriate exercise delivery" was determined by a relative total score achievement of > 80%. "Partly appropriate exercise delivery" was determined by a relative total score achievement of 50-79%, and "inappropriate exercise delivery" by a score achievement of < 50%. Practitioner-related drivers of exercise appropriateness were calculated by bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses.
RESULTS
11.9% (N = 35) of 298 physiotherapists' exercise delivery was considered "appropriate", 83.3% (N = 245) was "partly appropriate", and 4.8% (N = 14) was "inappropriate". In the final multiple regression model, most robust parameters positively influencing appropriate delivery of exercise therapy were increased scientific literacy (B = 10.540; 95% CI [0.837; 20.243]), increased average clinical assessment time (B = 0.461; 95% CI [0.134; 0.789]), increased self-perceived treatment competence (B = 7.180; 95% CI [3.058; 11.302], and short work experience (B = - 0.520; 95% CI [-0.959; - 0.081]).
CONCLUSION
Appropriate exercise delivery in NSCLBP management was achieved by only 11.9% of respondents. However, the vast majority of 95.2% of respondents was classified to deliver exercise therapy partly appropriate. Long work experience seemed to negatively affect appropriate exercise delivery. Positive influences were attributed to scientific literacy, the average clinical assessment time per patient as well as the perceived treatment competence in NSCLBP management.
REGISTRATION
Open science framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/S76MF .
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Cross-Sectional Studies; Germany; Exercise Therapy; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Chronic Pain; Physical Therapists; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Surveys and Questionnaires; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38811932
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07505-y