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Public Health Research & Practice Apr 2024People living in subsidised low-income housing are more likely to smoke and experience secondhand smoke exposure compared to the general population. While tobacco... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
People living in subsidised low-income housing are more likely to smoke and experience secondhand smoke exposure compared to the general population. While tobacco control interventions have yielded substantial population health benefits, people living in subsidised housing experience a greater burden of tobacco-related harms. We synthesised existing peer-reviewed and grey literature to determine tobacco control interventions that have been implemented in subsidised housing globally, and to understand their impact on smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
METHODS
We searched five databases for peer-reviewed research, and Google Advanced for grey literature. We adhered to the JBI Scoping Review Methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.
RESULTS
Fifty-seven sources met the eligibility criteria. The most common type of intervention was mandatory smoking bans covering all indoor spaces (n = 32), followed by cessation-focused interventions (n = 19). Interventions that indirectly addressed smoking were the least common (n = 6). Our findings suggest smoking bans can increase smoking cessation and reduce secondhand smoke exposure, especially if implemented alongside cessation support strategies.
CONCLUSION
Tobacco control interventions targeting subsidised housing demonstrate positive effects on tobacco-related outcomes for residents and provide an important opportunity to address health disparities. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of the interventions, including potential unintended consequences, in varied subsidised housing contexts.
Topics: Humans; Housing; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Smoking Cessation; Smoke-Free Policy; Poverty
PubMed: 38569574
DOI: 10.17061/phrp3412407 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Proficiency testing (PT) is an impartial laboratory performance-evaluating system using an independent body. It is a mandatory accreditation requirement and means for...
Proficiency testing (PT) is an impartial laboratory performance-evaluating system using an independent body. It is a mandatory accreditation requirement and means for improving the laboratory's performance. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of PT, with a focus on identifying and discussing determinants that influence PT performance at comprehensive specialized hospitals in northwest Ethiopia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from 2020 to 2022. Using a convenient sampling technique, laboratory tests with recorded PT results in each hospital laboratory were included. A data collection template and customized checklists were used to collect the data. Epi Data Version 3.1 for data entry and STATA Version 14.1 for cleaning and analysis were used. Binary logistic regression analyses were used. Variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were considered to be statistically significant. Over nine cycles, 3807 PT challenges were distributed. The total failure rate of the laboratories was 32.4%, with a peak failure rate of 40.3% in 2020, after which the failure rate was decline to 20.6% in 2022. Among the five laboratory sections, molecular biology had the lowest failure rate (22.2%), while microbiology had the highest failure rate (56.5%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that PT results reported without appropriate unit of measurement (AOR 7.5), lack of corrective action for PT nonconformance (AOR 7.1), and reagent unavailability (AOR 6.1) had significant effects on PT performance (p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that the overall performance of the laboratory was lower. Reporting PT results without appropriate units of measurement and not taking corrective action for PT nonconformance were the major aggravating factors for high failure rates.
Topics: Clinical Laboratory Services; Retrospective Studies; Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals
PubMed: 38565637
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58525-6 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Medical education, already demanding, has been further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic's challenges and the shift to distance learning. This context underscores the...
BACKGROUND
Medical education, already demanding, has been further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic's challenges and the shift to distance learning. This context underscores the need for effective stress reduction techniques in competency-based medical curricula (CBMC).
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the feasibility and benefits of integrating a Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) module-a known effective stress-reducing technique-into a time-restricted CBMC, particularly given such modules often find placement as elective rather than mandatory.
METHODS
Adapting Gagne's nine events of instruction, a 2-h PMR program was designed and implemented during the pandemic. Twenty participants were engaged on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring adherence to social distancing measures. Feedback was continuously gathered, leading to two post-program focus group sessions. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's approach, with study quality maintained by the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). To gauge adaptability, we aligned the program with various learning outcomes frameworks and explored its fit within CBMC using Bourdieu's Theory of Practice.
RESULTS
The pilot PMR program was well-received and effectively incorporated into our CBMC. Our analysis revealed five central themes tied to PMR's impact: Self-control, Self-realization, Liberation, Awareness, and Interpersonal relationships. Feedback indicated the program's capacity to mitigate stress during the pandemic. The SRQR confirmed the study's alignment with qualitative research standards. Further, the PMR program's contents resonated with principal domains of learning outcomes, and its integration into CBMC was supported by Bourdieu's Theory. These observations led us to propose the Integrative Psychological Resilience Model in Medical Practice (IPRMP), a model that captures the intricate interplay between the identified psychological constructs.
CONCLUSION
This research showcases an innovative, theory-guided approach to embed a wellbeing program within CBMC, accentuating PMR's role in fostering resilience among medical students. Our PMR model offers a feasible, cost-effective strategy suitable for global adoption in medical institutions. By instilling resilience and advanced stress-management techniques, PMR ensures that upcoming healthcare professionals are better equipped to manage crises like pandemics efficiently.
PubMed: 38544521
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1240791 -
A scoping review of continuing education models and statutory requirements for pharmacists globally.BMC Medical Education Mar 2024In the dynamic field of pharmacy amongst a diverse array of countries with disparate income levels, pharmacists play a pivotal role in integrating emerging scientific... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In the dynamic field of pharmacy amongst a diverse array of countries with disparate income levels, pharmacists play a pivotal role in integrating emerging scientific knowledge into their practice while adapting to evolving therapeutic interventions and expanding service delivery responsibilities. Lifelong Learning (LLL) is cultivated through continuing professional education (CPE) and continuing professional development (CPD), indispensable components ensuring sustained professional competence and heightened patient care quality. The global landscape witnesses diverse LLL activities tailored to pharmacists' learning needs and preferences. This scoping review maps and synthesises a comprehensive global perspective on the existing knowledge regarding CPE/CPD models, statutory requirements, and pharmacists' preferences for LLL activities.
OBJECTIVE
To comprehensively investigate global models of CPE/CPD for pharmacists' and examine the statutory requirements governing pharmacists' registration and licensure.
METHOD
A literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal library search engine was undertaken for studies between January 2012 and February 2023. The article selection and reporting followed the recommendations made by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The articles were tabulated based on their respective country's income level, continuing education models employed, country-specific statutory requirements, and pharmacists' preferences for LLL activities.
RESULTS
Of the initial 3974 publications identified through the database search, 24 studies met the review criteria. The majority of the articles originated from high-income countries (HICs) (14/24, 58.3%), and most employed the mandatory CPD points system (21/24, 87.5%). However, in some HICs and upper-middle income countries (UMICs), the CPE/CPD is non-mandatory. While most countries (19/24, 79.2%) offer various LLL formats, the preference of pharmacists remains primarily face-to-face learning (13/24, 54.2%). However, workplace learning (3/24, 12.5%) and blended learning (7/24, 29.1%) are mentioned in some studies.
CONCLUSION
Diverse models of CPE/CPD alongside statutory requirements persist globally and evolve, shaped by varied implementation experiences. HICs lead in CPD models, while the implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and low-income countries (LICs) requires further exploration for inclusivity and effectiveness. A few UMICs are either initiating or in early stages of implementing the CPD models. Structured planning for LLL activities is increasingly a global requirement for pharmacists' licensure. The essential progression of pharmacy practice in developing healthcare systems necessitates a mandatory CPD model. Ongoing research is crucial to fortify the implementation, align and unify the CPD model with evolving pharmacy profession needs.
Topics: Humans; Pharmacists; Education, Pharmacy, Continuing; Learning; Education, Continuing; Professional Competence
PubMed: 38539186
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05322-4 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2024Access to safe abortion has been recognized as a fundamental human right and important public health priority. Medical schools provide a rare opportunity to expose...
International support for abortion education in medical schools: results of a global online survey to explore abortion willingness, intentions, and attitudes among medical students in 85 countries.
INTRODUCTION
Access to safe abortion has been recognized as a fundamental human right and important public health priority. Medical schools provide a rare opportunity to expose medical students to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics and normalize abortion care early in a physician's career.
METHODS
This cross-sectional descriptive study used an online survey to explore abortion content in medical curricula and medical student intentions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding abortion provision among 1,699 medical students from 85 countries.
RESULTS
Results demonstrate positive attitudes towards abortion provision, with 83% reporting that "access to safe abortion is every woman's right". Students also reported a relatively high willingness to provide abortion professionally despite few opportunities to learn about this care. Only one-third of students surveyed reported having taken a gynecology course ( = 487; 33%); among these, one-third said they had no content on abortion care in their programs thus far ( = 155; 32%), including instruction on postabortion care. Among the two-thirds of students who had some content on abortion care ( = 335), either on induced abortion, postabortion care (PAC), or both, 55% said content was limited to one lecture and only 19% reported having an opportunity to participate in any practical training on abortion provision. Despite most students having no or very limited didactic and practical training on abortion, 42% intended to provide this care after graduation. Three-quarters of student respondents were in favor of mandatory abortion education in medical curricula.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study offer new evidence about abortion care education in medical curricula around the globe, indicating that there is no lack of demand or interest in increasing medical knowledge on comprehensive abortion care, merely a lack of institutional will to expand course offerings and content.
PubMed: 38529415
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1253658 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jun 2024Human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV)-1 infection is endemic in many countries of Central and South America and Caribbean (CSA&C). Neither screening nor surveillance... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV)-1 infection is endemic in many countries of Central and South America and Caribbean (CSA&C). Neither screening nor surveillance programs exist for HTLV-1/2 infection among pregnant women in this region. Neither in Western nations with large migrant flows from HTLV-1/2 endemic regions.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among CSA&C pregnant women. We included studies searching EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to February 15, 2023. This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines.
RESULTS
We identified a total of 620 studies. Only 41 were finally included in the meta-analysis. Most studies (61.0%) were from Brazil and Peru (14.6%). The total number of participants was 343,707. The pooled prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among CSA&C pregnant women was 1.30% (95% CI: 0.96-1.69) using anti-HTLV-1/2 antibody screening tests. There was a high heterogeneity (I = 98.6%). Confirmatory tests gave an HTLV-1 infection rate of 1.02% (95% CI: 0.75-1.33).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among CSA&C pregnant women is 1.3%, most cases being HTLV-1. This rate is greater than for other microbial agents regularly checked as part of antenatal screening (such as HIV, hepatitis B, or syphilis). Thus, HTLV-1/2 antenatal testing should be mandatory among CSA&C pregnant women everywhere.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; HTLV-I Infections; HTLV-II Infections; Prevalence; Caribbean Region; South America; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Human T-lymphotropic virus 2; Central America
PubMed: 38522611
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107018 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Mar 2024Head and neck are a site of numerous pathologies with different aetiologies and presentations. Rare pathologies, although infrequent still do exist. Diagnostic dilemma...
BACKGROUND
Head and neck are a site of numerous pathologies with different aetiologies and presentations. Rare pathologies, although infrequent still do exist. Diagnostic dilemma in maxillofacial pathologies can be the most challenging situation. Dealing with uncertainty, although difficult, is a reality in surgical practice. Being thorough, attentive to details and clues, and maintaining an open mind are critical strategies in the approach to such a patient.
CASE PRESENTATION
In our paper we are reporting a spectrum of 4 unusual variants of head and neck pathologies, whose age and sex were 52 years/ M, 37 years/F, 41 years/ F, 30 years/F respectively. All the patients were of Indian origin. The diagnosis ranged from autoimmune diseases to lymphatic cancer which posed a unique challenge both in the terms of diagnosis and management.
CONCLUSION
A thorough systematic evaluation along with a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory in the diagnosis of unusual head and neck pathologies.
Topics: Humans; Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia; Autoimmune Diseases; Head; Lymphatic Diseases; Neck; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38515220
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04408-3 -
PloS One 2024Norway has a low prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and reporting of all MRSA cases has been mandatory, including infections and carriage,...
AIM
Norway has a low prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and reporting of all MRSA cases has been mandatory, including infections and carriage, since 1995 and 2005 accordingly. This provides a unique window to study the spread of MRSA in Norway over time. The aim of this study was to analyze the nationwide trends in the molecular epidemiology of MRSA in Norway over a period of 10 years.
METHODS
Clinical and epidemiological data as well as bacterial genotype (spa-type and PVL) were analyzed for all reported MRSA cases in Norway in the period 2008-2017.
RESULTS
During the study period, there were 15,200 MRSA cases reported in Norway, from 14,386 patients. The notification rate per 100,000 population increased by 15% annually, rising from 14.2 in 2007 to 48.6 in 2017. This increase was primarily driven by MRSA carriage and community-associated MRSA cases. The incidence of invasive infections remained stable and low, at less than 0.5. The incidence of healthcare-associated MRSA showed an increasing trend, while the number of outbreak-related cases, particularly those associated with nursing homes, decreased. Overall, there were significantly more MRSA infections in males than females. Interestingly, there was a significantly higher prevalence of MRSA infections in female young adolescents compared to males. spa-typing revealed a very heterogeneous MRSA population (D = 0.97), predominantly impacted by international travel and migration patterns, and less by domestic spread in the community.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights that Norway, while still classified as a low-prevalence country, has experienced a significant increase in the incidence of MRSA between 2008 and 2017, which can predominantly be attributed to CA-MRSA and MRSA carriage.
Topics: Male; Adolescent; Humans; Female; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Molecular Epidemiology; Staphylococcal Infections; Nursing Homes; Norway; Genotype; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Molecular Typing
PubMed: 38470881
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297333 -
The use of private regulatory measures to create healthy food retail environments: a scoping review.Public Health Nutrition Mar 2024Different forms of public and private regulation have been used to improve the healthiness of food retail environments. The aim of this scoping review was to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Different forms of public and private regulation have been used to improve the healthiness of food retail environments. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically examine the types of private regulatory measures used to create healthy food retail environments, the reporting of the processes of implementation, monitoring, review and enforcement and the barriers to and enablers of these.
DESIGN
Scoping review using the Johanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Business Source Complete and Scopus databases were searched in October 2020 and again in September 2023 using terms for 'food retail', 'regulation' and 'nutrition'. Regulatory measure type was described by domain and mechanism. Deductive thematic analysis was used to identify reported barriers and enablers to effective regulatory governance processes using a public health law framework.
SETTING
Food retail.
PARTICIPANTS
Food retail settings using private regulatory measures to create healthier food retail environments.
RESULTS
In total, 17 694 articles were screened and thirty-five included for review from six countries, with all articles published since 2011. Articles reporting on twenty-six unique private regulatory measures cited a mix of voluntary ( 16), mandatory ( 6) measures, both ( 2) or did not disclose ( 2). Articles frequently reported on implementation (34/35), with less reporting on the other regulatory governance processes of monitoring (15/35), review (6/35) and enforcement (2/35).
CONCLUSIONS
We recommend more attention be paid to reporting on the monitoring, review and enforcement processes used in private regulation to promote further progress in improving the healthiness of food retail environments.
Topics: Humans; Food; Marketing; Environment; Food Preferences; Commerce
PubMed: 38465376
DOI: 10.1017/S136898002400065X -
Gastroenterology Research Feb 2024Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant source of end-stage liver disease and liver failure and an indication for liver transplant (LT). Historically, LT for...
BACKGROUND
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant source of end-stage liver disease and liver failure and an indication for liver transplant (LT). Historically, LT for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) required 6 months of alcohol abstinence. Recently, it has been demonstrated that early LT (< 6 months of abstinence) in strictly selected group of patients provides survival benefit while keeping the relapse to harmful drinking at acceptable levels. This practice has been reflected in the Dallas consensus, but more data are needed to appropriately risk stratify the patient from the perspective of return to harmful alcohol drinking post-transplant. This "6-month rule" has been highly debated and recent data demonstrated that the duration of pre-transplant sobriety is not related with an increased risk of relapse to alcohol post-transplant. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the rate of alcohol relapse in individuals having standard vs. early LT.
METHODS
MEDLINE and SCOPUS were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and case-control studies from their inception through June 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMSA) 2009 checklist guidelines were followed for this meta-analysis. Studies comparing post-transplant outcomes, such as alcohol relapse, in individuals following standard vs. early LT, were included. Reviews, case studies, conference abstracts, clinical trials with only an abstract, and studies with inadequate data for extraction were all disqualified. The data were retrieved, gathered, and examined. The random effects model was used to generate forest plots. For the analysis, a P-value of 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
Thirty-four studies were discovered in the initial search. Three studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis incorporating 367 patients. Mean age was 51.7 years. Out of 367 patients, 173 (47%) underwent early LT. Out of three studies included, one study demonstrated decreased probability of alcohol relapse in patients undergoing early LT, whereas the other two showed the opposite result. All of the included studies were analyzed and had minimal risk of bias. Pooled analysis demonstrates that the difference in alcohol relapse between early vs. standard LT was insignificant (odds ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.75 - 2.06, P = 0.40).
CONCLUSION
Our results show that early LT is not associated with increased risk of alcohol relapse post-transplant when compared with a mandatory 6-month abstinence period. Hence, individuals with ALD should not be categorically rejected from LT merely on the criteria of 6 months of abstinence. Other selection criteria based on the need and post-transplant outcomes should be utilized.
PubMed: 38463145
DOI: 10.14740/gr1674