W. Cheung, M. M. Ostrosky, C. O'Grady, M. Chudzik, A. Ackerman, N. Perez, N. Delinski, R. L. Smith
To investigate the feasibility of conducting COVID‐19 testing in kindergarten‐grade 12 schools, saliva‐based testing was implemented in five schools. The purpose of this study was to understand staff's perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to conducting saliva‐based testing in their settings.Thirty‐three school staff who worked in five target schools were interviewed in the summer of 2021. Participants were recruited from June–August 2021 via a flyer that was distributed through email and school‐affiliated social media and websites, and word‐of‐mouth. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted over Zoom by a trained interviewer; interviews were audio recorded and auto transcribed using this Zoom feature. Constant comparative analysis and emergent coding were used to analyze the data.The majority of participants had positive experiences with conducting saliva‐based testing during school hours. Participants reported that saliva‐based testing did not interrupt their school routine because (1) the testing was simple and quick, (2) the testing schedule was consistent and organized, and (3) school staff maintained open lines of communication. Barriers to implementing the testing were as follows: (1) obtaining parental consent, (2) not being allowed to drink or eat an hour before testing, and (3) struggling to provide enough saliva for testing. Participants suggested the following strategies to facilitate testing in schools: being more proactive, giving families fewer things to sign (i.e., consent forms), improving communication, adding needed consents to the school registration process, using social media, and increasing community outreach.As schools weigh the benefits and the risks of closing for extended periods of time versus remaining open for in‐person learning, saliva‐based testing is a feasible and efficient way to support programs in this decision‐making process. This approach can be used in future pandemics and in areas with outbreaks or poor vaccine coverage.
{"title":"Exploring School Staff's Perceptions About Implementing Saliva‐Based Testing","authors":"W. Cheung, M. M. Ostrosky, C. O'Grady, M. Chudzik, A. Ackerman, N. Perez, N. Delinski, R. L. Smith","doi":"10.1002/puh2.225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.225","url":null,"abstract":"To investigate the feasibility of conducting COVID‐19 testing in kindergarten‐grade 12 schools, saliva‐based testing was implemented in five schools. The purpose of this study was to understand staff's perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to conducting saliva‐based testing in their settings.Thirty‐three school staff who worked in five target schools were interviewed in the summer of 2021. Participants were recruited from June–August 2021 via a flyer that was distributed through email and school‐affiliated social media and websites, and word‐of‐mouth. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted over Zoom by a trained interviewer; interviews were audio recorded and auto transcribed using this Zoom feature. Constant comparative analysis and emergent coding were used to analyze the data.The majority of participants had positive experiences with conducting saliva‐based testing during school hours. Participants reported that saliva‐based testing did not interrupt their school routine because (1) the testing was simple and quick, (2) the testing schedule was consistent and organized, and (3) school staff maintained open lines of communication. Barriers to implementing the testing were as follows: (1) obtaining parental consent, (2) not being allowed to drink or eat an hour before testing, and (3) struggling to provide enough saliva for testing. Participants suggested the following strategies to facilitate testing in schools: being more proactive, giving families fewer things to sign (i.e., consent forms), improving communication, adding needed consents to the school registration process, using social media, and increasing community outreach.As schools weigh the benefits and the risks of closing for extended periods of time versus remaining open for in‐person learning, saliva‐based testing is a feasible and efficient way to support programs in this decision‐making process. This approach can be used in future pandemics and in areas with outbreaks or poor vaccine coverage.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141809612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ashley Edgerly, G. L. Gillespie, Beverly M. Hittle, Amit Bhattacharya
Occupational heat‐related illness (HRI) is problematic in the United States. Farmworkers are disproportionately affected by HRI compared to other workers. Uncovering barriers that farmworkers face to the prevention of HRI is crucial to reducing HRI‐associated morbidity and mortality. This integrative review aimed to understand US farmworkers’ barriers to preventing HRI.An integrative review occurred following Whittemore and Knafl guidelines. Literature searches occurred on PubMed, Medline, and Agricola. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and removing duplicates, nine articles remained for review.There were nine articles in the review. The majority of articles used a convenience sample. In all studies, the populations were farmworkers or agricultural workers. The study designs included cross‐sectional, mixed methods, qualitative focus groups, and a longitudinal study. The articles revealed several themes related to prevention barriers: access to prevention, education and training, work culture, and compensation. Farmworkers often lack access to proper prevention measures, education, and training. Work culture and compensation were obstacles to preventing HRI as some workers feel powerless to speak up for themselves, whereas others are tempted to forgo breaks because of the way they are compensated.This review indicates the need for more research to understand the barriers farmworkers face to HRI prevention. Providing prevention measures without considering obstacles to their use is ineffective in reducing HRI. Because many farmworkers lack oversight and regulation of prevention measures, focusing on barriers and areas over which farmworkers have more control could have a significant impact.
{"title":"US Farmworkers’ Barriers to Preventing Heat‐Related Illness: An Integrative Review","authors":"Ashley Edgerly, G. L. Gillespie, Beverly M. Hittle, Amit Bhattacharya","doi":"10.1002/puh2.222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.222","url":null,"abstract":"Occupational heat‐related illness (HRI) is problematic in the United States. Farmworkers are disproportionately affected by HRI compared to other workers. Uncovering barriers that farmworkers face to the prevention of HRI is crucial to reducing HRI‐associated morbidity and mortality. This integrative review aimed to understand US farmworkers’ barriers to preventing HRI.An integrative review occurred following Whittemore and Knafl guidelines. Literature searches occurred on PubMed, Medline, and Agricola. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and removing duplicates, nine articles remained for review.There were nine articles in the review. The majority of articles used a convenience sample. In all studies, the populations were farmworkers or agricultural workers. The study designs included cross‐sectional, mixed methods, qualitative focus groups, and a longitudinal study. The articles revealed several themes related to prevention barriers: access to prevention, education and training, work culture, and compensation. Farmworkers often lack access to proper prevention measures, education, and training. Work culture and compensation were obstacles to preventing HRI as some workers feel powerless to speak up for themselves, whereas others are tempted to forgo breaks because of the way they are compensated.This review indicates the need for more research to understand the barriers farmworkers face to HRI prevention. Providing prevention measures without considering obstacles to their use is ineffective in reducing HRI. Because many farmworkers lack oversight and regulation of prevention measures, focusing on barriers and areas over which farmworkers have more control could have a significant impact.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141812653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sitotaw Kerie Bogale, Haribondhu Sarma, Tilahun Tewabe Alamnia, Matthew Kelly
Sedentary office work and work‐related stress increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Workplace‐based education interventions for promoting prevention are gaining popularity due to their positive impact on managing metabolic syndrome. We conducted this realist review to understand the contextual factors and mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of these interventions and how they interact to produce outcomes.We conducted a comprehensive search of five main databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus and PsycINFO) and Google Scholar, as well as references of included articles. We included all studies published until 12 January 2023, reporting the effects of workplace lifestyle education interventions on metabolic syndrome. Using a realist review approach, we identified and evaluated middle‐range theories to develop a context–mechanism–outcome configuration.We identified 6883 titles for screening, of which 15 studies were included in this realist review. This realist review has identified strong social support networks, workplace influence, involvement of worksite managers and cultural relevance as contextual factors that contribute to the effectiveness of workplace‐based education interventions for managing metabolic syndrome in low‐ and middle‐income countries, which may not be as prominent in developed countries.The review concludes that while developing and implementing healthy lifestyle policies in the workplace, policymakers and researchers should consider social support, workplace influences, manager participation and cultural relevance.
{"title":"Workplace‐Based Education Interventions for Managing Metabolic Syndrome in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Realist Review","authors":"Sitotaw Kerie Bogale, Haribondhu Sarma, Tilahun Tewabe Alamnia, Matthew Kelly","doi":"10.1002/puh2.224","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.224","url":null,"abstract":"Sedentary office work and work‐related stress increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Workplace‐based education interventions for promoting prevention are gaining popularity due to their positive impact on managing metabolic syndrome. We conducted this realist review to understand the contextual factors and mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of these interventions and how they interact to produce outcomes.We conducted a comprehensive search of five main databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus and PsycINFO) and Google Scholar, as well as references of included articles. We included all studies published until 12 January 2023, reporting the effects of workplace lifestyle education interventions on metabolic syndrome. Using a realist review approach, we identified and evaluated middle‐range theories to develop a context–mechanism–outcome configuration.We identified 6883 titles for screening, of which 15 studies were included in this realist review. This realist review has identified strong social support networks, workplace influence, involvement of worksite managers and cultural relevance as contextual factors that contribute to the effectiveness of workplace‐based education interventions for managing metabolic syndrome in low‐ and middle‐income countries, which may not be as prominent in developed countries.The review concludes that while developing and implementing healthy lifestyle policies in the workplace, policymakers and researchers should consider social support, workplace influences, manager participation and cultural relevance.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141810508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Human populations are rapidly ageing worldwide due to declining birth rates and rising life expectancies. This profound demographic shift presents complex public health challenges. Synthesizing evidence on key public health issues impacting ageing populations and policy strategies is required to address these needs.The study employs narrative literature review based on the PubMed database. Data have been extracted on public health challenges to ageing populations and its recommended policy solutions.The key public health challenges identified include rising chronic disease burden, risks for preventable multi‐morbidities and co‐morbidities, disability and dependencies, mental health issues, caregiving gaps, long‐term care system deficiencies, health inequities, healthcare access barriers, end‐of‐life care needs, financial instability, ageism/elder abuse, adverse built environments, climate/disaster threats, and social isolation. Evidence‐based policy responses span interventions in healthcare, social services, urban planning, emergency preparedness, economics, technology, anti‐ageism advocacy and so on.Proactively addressing the array of public health challenges faced by rapidly growing ageing populations globally requires implementing collaborative, multisectoral policy solutions focused on promoting healthy, equitable, and socially engaged ageing. Healthcare systems, communities, and policies must be optimized to meet the needs of elderly people and tap into their strengths.
{"title":"Public Health Challenges and Responses to the Growing Ageing Populations","authors":"Hafiz T. A. Khan, Kwaku Mari Addo, Helen Findlay","doi":"10.1002/puh2.213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.213","url":null,"abstract":"Human populations are rapidly ageing worldwide due to declining birth rates and rising life expectancies. This profound demographic shift presents complex public health challenges. Synthesizing evidence on key public health issues impacting ageing populations and policy strategies is required to address these needs.The study employs narrative literature review based on the PubMed database. Data have been extracted on public health challenges to ageing populations and its recommended policy solutions.The key public health challenges identified include rising chronic disease burden, risks for preventable multi‐morbidities and co‐morbidities, disability and dependencies, mental health issues, caregiving gaps, long‐term care system deficiencies, health inequities, healthcare access barriers, end‐of‐life care needs, financial instability, ageism/elder abuse, adverse built environments, climate/disaster threats, and social isolation. Evidence‐based policy responses span interventions in healthcare, social services, urban planning, emergency preparedness, economics, technology, anti‐ageism advocacy and so on.Proactively addressing the array of public health challenges faced by rapidly growing ageing populations globally requires implementing collaborative, multisectoral policy solutions focused on promoting healthy, equitable, and socially engaged ageing. Healthcare systems, communities, and policies must be optimized to meet the needs of elderly people and tap into their strengths.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141818376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Lucero‐Prisno, J. Ogaya, D. O. Shomuyiwa, Y. Adebisi, M. Kouwenhoven, Isaac Olushola Ogunkola, Odey Goodness, Nafisat Dasola Jimoh, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, T. Dorji
The term “conflict” resonated throughout 2023, echoing prolonged civil wars and heightened global tensions in geopolitical disputes, escalating ongoing rifts among global communities, and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This article explores the complex relationship between conflicts and public health, providing a thorough analysis of their dynamics and current prevalence. It aims to illuminate the diverse challenges posed and delineate a holistic path forward to mitigate violent conflicts and ameliorate health disparities, particularly among affected low‐ and middle‐income countries, by advancing an equitable and resilient healthcare system. The expanded perspective of “conflict” reveals far‐reaching consequences that extend beyond borders, significantly straining public health capacity. The world is in dire need of reinvigorating healthcare systems and de‐escalating such violent conflicts due to the relentless exhaustion of resources and the increasing demand for medical emergencies that current responses inadequately address. The damage to vital healthcare facilities in conflict zones severely hampers the provision of necessary and timely medical care, affecting a wide range of health services, including treatment for chronic illnesses, maternal and child care, and mental health support. Additionally, the continuous displacement of people in these areas increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases, raising the possibility of new outbreaks and worsening long‐standing public health challenges. Therefore, prioritizing public health in diplomatic efforts is essential for resolving conflicts and aiding recovery, through building a strong public health strategic approach for a more stable and peaceful global community.
{"title":"Public Health Word of the Year 2023 — Conflict","authors":"D. Lucero‐Prisno, J. Ogaya, D. O. Shomuyiwa, Y. Adebisi, M. Kouwenhoven, Isaac Olushola Ogunkola, Odey Goodness, Nafisat Dasola Jimoh, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, T. Dorji","doi":"10.1002/puh2.220","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.220","url":null,"abstract":"The term “conflict” resonated throughout 2023, echoing prolonged civil wars and heightened global tensions in geopolitical disputes, escalating ongoing rifts among global communities, and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This article explores the complex relationship between conflicts and public health, providing a thorough analysis of their dynamics and current prevalence. It aims to illuminate the diverse challenges posed and delineate a holistic path forward to mitigate violent conflicts and ameliorate health disparities, particularly among affected low‐ and middle‐income countries, by advancing an equitable and resilient healthcare system. The expanded perspective of “conflict” reveals far‐reaching consequences that extend beyond borders, significantly straining public health capacity. The world is in dire need of reinvigorating healthcare systems and de‐escalating such violent conflicts due to the relentless exhaustion of resources and the increasing demand for medical emergencies that current responses inadequately address. The damage to vital healthcare facilities in conflict zones severely hampers the provision of necessary and timely medical care, affecting a wide range of health services, including treatment for chronic illnesses, maternal and child care, and mental health support. Additionally, the continuous displacement of people in these areas increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases, raising the possibility of new outbreaks and worsening long‐standing public health challenges. Therefore, prioritizing public health in diplomatic efforts is essential for resolving conflicts and aiding recovery, through building a strong public health strategic approach for a more stable and peaceful global community.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141828578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lili Nimri, Bshara Mansour, Amir Benhos, Abdallah Banna, Elias Nasrallah, Marwan Sackran, Ahlam Abu Ahmad, Ziv Ardi, Omer Horovitz
Israeli‐Arab adolescents are reported to consume higher amounts of fast food, sweets, and candies. This study examined possible associations among energy drink consumption, anxiety, and well‐being in Israeli‐Arab adolescents. We also investigated these associations concerning fast food consumption, physical activity, and hours of sleep per night.A cross‐sectional exploratory study assessed adolescents’ energy drink consumption, nutritional and lifestyle habits, well‐being, and anxiety using self‐reported questionnaires. Adolescents aged 12–18 from several cities and villages in northern Israel were considered for the study. Anthropometric measurements—weight, height, and waist circumference—were also assessed.One hundred and fourteen adolescents (59 females) participated in the study. Gender and energy drink consumption were associated with psychological status. Energy drink consumers reported a lower well‐being index and a higher anxiety index than nonconsumers (73.02 ± 2.64 and 23 ± 1.56 vs. 79.37 ± 1.67 and 18.86 ± 1.41, respectively). Energy drink consumers ate significantly more fast food per week than nonconsumers (1.25 ± 0.07 vs. 1.03 ± 0.09). Additionally, hours of sleep per night were correlated with anxiety levels among energy drink consumers [rs = 0.352, p = 0.018]. These results differed between genders.Our study shows complex associations between energy drink consumption and mental health indices. These associations can serve as a basis for further research into this topic.
{"title":"Energy drink consumption among Israeli‐Arab adolescents: Gender differences in anxiety and well‐being","authors":"Lili Nimri, Bshara Mansour, Amir Benhos, Abdallah Banna, Elias Nasrallah, Marwan Sackran, Ahlam Abu Ahmad, Ziv Ardi, Omer Horovitz","doi":"10.1002/puh2.187","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.187","url":null,"abstract":"Israeli‐Arab adolescents are reported to consume higher amounts of fast food, sweets, and candies. This study examined possible associations among energy drink consumption, anxiety, and well‐being in Israeli‐Arab adolescents. We also investigated these associations concerning fast food consumption, physical activity, and hours of sleep per night.A cross‐sectional exploratory study assessed adolescents’ energy drink consumption, nutritional and lifestyle habits, well‐being, and anxiety using self‐reported questionnaires. Adolescents aged 12–18 from several cities and villages in northern Israel were considered for the study. Anthropometric measurements—weight, height, and waist circumference—were also assessed.One hundred and fourteen adolescents (59 females) participated in the study. Gender and energy drink consumption were associated with psychological status. Energy drink consumers reported a lower well‐being index and a higher anxiety index than nonconsumers (73.02 ± 2.64 and 23 ± 1.56 vs. 79.37 ± 1.67 and 18.86 ± 1.41, respectively). Energy drink consumers ate significantly more fast food per week than nonconsumers (1.25 ± 0.07 vs. 1.03 ± 0.09). Additionally, hours of sleep per night were correlated with anxiety levels among energy drink consumers [rs = 0.352, p = 0.018]. These results differed between genders.Our study shows complex associations between energy drink consumption and mental health indices. These associations can serve as a basis for further research into this topic.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141828797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Assessing patient satisfaction is an effective way to provide an evaluation of the quality of healthcare services. As a result, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) Patient Survey was established as the first standardized national survey to publicly report patient ratings on hospital care. There remains a lack of research that examines rural–urban distinctions in patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is a difference in hospital determinants of patient satisfaction among hospitals based on rural status.The study utilized two public datasets containing HCAHPS survey results from 4714 US hospitals and from eligible cancer hospitals that participate in the Prospective Payment System‐Exempt Cancer Hospital Quality Reporting. The data were collected from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 and published by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Rural status of each hospital was determined by matching zip codes with data provided by the Health Resources & Services Administration.A total of 3248 hospitals were included in the analysis, with approximately 51.14% located in rural areas. There was a significant difference across every hospital determinant when comparing rural and non‐rural status. Rural hospitals had a higher score for every hospital determinant (Cleanliness, Nurse communication, Doctor communication, Staff responsiveness, Communication about medicines, Discharge information, Care transition, Overall hospital rating, Quietness, and Willingness to recommend the hospital), indicating better performance.Rural hospitals demonstrated better HCAHPS performance across every hospital determinant in comparison to urban hospitals, suggesting possible recent improvements. Future research is necessary to investigate this trend and its consistency, which can inform targeted interventions to better address the healthcare needs of diverse populations in the United States.
{"title":"Patient Satisfaction in Rural Versus Non‐Rural US Hospitals","authors":"Sharon Vu, Logan Reese, Neha Patel, Man Hung","doi":"10.1002/puh2.219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.219","url":null,"abstract":"Assessing patient satisfaction is an effective way to provide an evaluation of the quality of healthcare services. As a result, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) Patient Survey was established as the first standardized national survey to publicly report patient ratings on hospital care. There remains a lack of research that examines rural–urban distinctions in patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is a difference in hospital determinants of patient satisfaction among hospitals based on rural status.The study utilized two public datasets containing HCAHPS survey results from 4714 US hospitals and from eligible cancer hospitals that participate in the Prospective Payment System‐Exempt Cancer Hospital Quality Reporting. The data were collected from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 and published by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Rural status of each hospital was determined by matching zip codes with data provided by the Health Resources & Services Administration.A total of 3248 hospitals were included in the analysis, with approximately 51.14% located in rural areas. There was a significant difference across every hospital determinant when comparing rural and non‐rural status. Rural hospitals had a higher score for every hospital determinant (Cleanliness, Nurse communication, Doctor communication, Staff responsiveness, Communication about medicines, Discharge information, Care transition, Overall hospital rating, Quietness, and Willingness to recommend the hospital), indicating better performance.Rural hospitals demonstrated better HCAHPS performance across every hospital determinant in comparison to urban hospitals, suggesting possible recent improvements. Future research is necessary to investigate this trend and its consistency, which can inform targeted interventions to better address the healthcare needs of diverse populations in the United States.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141828245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. N. Christian, D. O. Shomuyiwa, N. G. Christian, N. Umoette
Visual impairment and blindness pose a significant and growing public health threat in Nigeria. Over 1.6 million Nigerians are visually impaired or blind, with more than 80% of these cases being preventable and treatable. The risk for ocular morbidities is expected to increase due to rapid population growth, an aging population, and the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases. Despite efforts to improve eye health services, universal eye health remains elusive, with 35% of Nigerians unable to access eye care in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Many Nigerians instead turn to traditional and alternative medicine for primary eye care (PEC), which can worsen their outcomes. This article highlights the potential of the country's PHC system to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of PEC as an integral part of PHC. The article discusses the various challenges faced by PHC workers in delivering eye care services in Nigeria, focusing on financing, training, leadership, and policies for eye care. It also provides a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, including improved leadership and policy implementation, optimized financing, strengthened collaborations and partnerships, enhanced education and training, and effective human resource management systems. We emphasize the importance of holistic and strategic efforts to bolster the PHC workforce's capacity to provide universal eye healthcare in Nigeria, ultimately improving access to high‐quality eye care services for all.
{"title":"Integrating eye care into primary healthcare in Nigeria: Challenges of the primary healthcare workforce","authors":"B. N. Christian, D. O. Shomuyiwa, N. G. Christian, N. Umoette","doi":"10.1002/puh2.191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.191","url":null,"abstract":"Visual impairment and blindness pose a significant and growing public health threat in Nigeria. Over 1.6 million Nigerians are visually impaired or blind, with more than 80% of these cases being preventable and treatable. The risk for ocular morbidities is expected to increase due to rapid population growth, an aging population, and the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases. Despite efforts to improve eye health services, universal eye health remains elusive, with 35% of Nigerians unable to access eye care in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Many Nigerians instead turn to traditional and alternative medicine for primary eye care (PEC), which can worsen their outcomes. This article highlights the potential of the country's PHC system to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of PEC as an integral part of PHC. The article discusses the various challenges faced by PHC workers in delivering eye care services in Nigeria, focusing on financing, training, leadership, and policies for eye care. It also provides a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, including improved leadership and policy implementation, optimized financing, strengthened collaborations and partnerships, enhanced education and training, and effective human resource management systems. We emphasize the importance of holistic and strategic efforts to bolster the PHC workforce's capacity to provide universal eye healthcare in Nigeria, ultimately improving access to high‐quality eye care services for all.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141411921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matiyas Asrat Shiferaw, J. Grentzer, M. Wondafrash, Hanna Demissie, Tesfaye Berhe, Abel Teshome, Balkachew Nigatu, L. B. Tolu, Abraham Fessehaye Sium
Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder globally. Women with epilepsy (WWE) have a special need for contraception and careful pregnancy planning. This study aimed to determine the utilization of modern contraceptive methods and associated factors among WWE at neurology clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.A cross‐sectional study was conducted on women of reproductive age attending neurology clinics for an epilepsy diagnosis at three referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from June to December 2020. Data was collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer. Simple descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed as appropriate.Only 29.7% of the women were using a modern contraceptive method. Contraceptive implants were the most popular method used (29.9% of contracepting women). Being married was associated with higher utilization of modern contraceptive methods [adjusted odds ratio [OR] (95%, confidence interval [CI]) 3.91 (1.80, 8.50)]. Women who were from an urban area [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.29 (0.11, 0.78)], who had never been pregnant [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.34 (0.17, 0.68)], and who had never been counseled on contraception [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.47 (0.28, 0.78)] had lower odds of modern contraceptive method utilization compared to the respective counterparts.In this study, only a third of WWE were using a modern contraceptive method. Marital status, place of residence, previous history of pregnancy, and history of family planning counseling were independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization.
{"title":"Factors associated with contraceptive use among women with epilepsy: A cross‐sectional study","authors":"Matiyas Asrat Shiferaw, J. Grentzer, M. Wondafrash, Hanna Demissie, Tesfaye Berhe, Abel Teshome, Balkachew Nigatu, L. B. Tolu, Abraham Fessehaye Sium","doi":"10.1002/puh2.188","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.188","url":null,"abstract":"Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder globally. Women with epilepsy (WWE) have a special need for contraception and careful pregnancy planning. This study aimed to determine the utilization of modern contraceptive methods and associated factors among WWE at neurology clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.A cross‐sectional study was conducted on women of reproductive age attending neurology clinics for an epilepsy diagnosis at three referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from June to December 2020. Data was collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer. Simple descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed as appropriate.Only 29.7% of the women were using a modern contraceptive method. Contraceptive implants were the most popular method used (29.9% of contracepting women). Being married was associated with higher utilization of modern contraceptive methods [adjusted odds ratio [OR] (95%, confidence interval [CI]) 3.91 (1.80, 8.50)]. Women who were from an urban area [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.29 (0.11, 0.78)], who had never been pregnant [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.34 (0.17, 0.68)], and who had never been counseled on contraception [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.47 (0.28, 0.78)] had lower odds of modern contraceptive method utilization compared to the respective counterparts.In this study, only a third of WWE were using a modern contraceptive method. Marital status, place of residence, previous history of pregnancy, and history of family planning counseling were independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141398288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In Africa, asthma and wheezing are major health issues for children. There is a dearth of prior research examining the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in both preschool and school‐aged African children. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in African infants and children aged 0 month to 8 years.We conducted a thorough electronic search of Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Web of Science to find papers published between January 2012 and July 2023. We reviewed only research that was published in English. Independently, two review authors examined the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the research studies. A fixed effects model and STATA 17 software were used. Using I2, heterogeneity was assessed.We considered 10 papers from Africa that examined the prevalence of asthma and/or wheezing in preschool and school‐aged children. Asthma prevalence ranged from 1.70% to 20.85% (n = 7 134 total participants), with a meta‐analysis showing an overall prevalence of 4.41% (95% CI: 3.95–4.87), with no heterogeneity (I2 < 0). The historical prevalence rate of wheezing ranged from 4.71% to 67.72% (n = 8769 total participants), with a meta‐analysis revealing an overall prevalence of 22.91% (95% CI: 22.12–23.70), with no heterogeneity (I2 < 0) and no significant differences observed between studies.Asthma and wheezing are prevalent among African preschool and school‐aged children, highlighting the need for comprehensive and localized research to address this public health issue.
{"title":"Prevalence of asthma and wheeze among preschool and school‐aged children in Africa: A meta‐analysis","authors":"R. M. Rodney, K. V. Kuku, J. S. Joyce","doi":"10.1002/puh2.199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.199","url":null,"abstract":"In Africa, asthma and wheezing are major health issues for children. There is a dearth of prior research examining the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in both preschool and school‐aged African children. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in African infants and children aged 0 month to 8 years.We conducted a thorough electronic search of Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Web of Science to find papers published between January 2012 and July 2023. We reviewed only research that was published in English. Independently, two review authors examined the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the research studies. A fixed effects model and STATA 17 software were used. Using I2, heterogeneity was assessed.We considered 10 papers from Africa that examined the prevalence of asthma and/or wheezing in preschool and school‐aged children. Asthma prevalence ranged from 1.70% to 20.85% (n = 7 134 total participants), with a meta‐analysis showing an overall prevalence of 4.41% (95% CI: 3.95–4.87), with no heterogeneity (I2 < 0). The historical prevalence rate of wheezing ranged from 4.71% to 67.72% (n = 8769 total participants), with a meta‐analysis revealing an overall prevalence of 22.91% (95% CI: 22.12–23.70), with no heterogeneity (I2 < 0) and no significant differences observed between studies.Asthma and wheezing are prevalent among African preschool and school‐aged children, highlighting the need for comprehensive and localized research to address this public health issue.","PeriodicalId":506750,"journal":{"name":"Public Health Challenges","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141391091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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