The World Wide Web provides a wealth of information about everything, including contemporary audio and visual art events, which are discussed on media outlets, blogs, and specialized websites alike. This information m...The World Wide Web provides a wealth of information about everything, including contemporary audio and visual art events, which are discussed on media outlets, blogs, and specialized websites alike. This information may become a robust source of real-world data, which may form the basis of an objective data-driven analysis. In this study, a methodology for collecting information about audio and visual art events in an automated manner from a large array of websites is presented in detail. This process uses cutting edge Semantic Web, Web Search and Generative AI technologies to convert website documents into a collection of structured data. The value of the methodology is demonstrated by creating a large dataset concerning audiovisual events in Greece. The collected information includes event characteristics, estimated metrics based on their text descriptions, outreach metrics based on the media that reported them, and a multi-layered classification of these events based on their type, subjects and methods used. This dataset is openly provided to the general and academic public through a Web application. Moreover, each event’s outreach is evaluated using these quantitative metrics, the results are analyzed with an emphasis on classification popularity and useful conclusions are drawn concerning the importance of artistic subjects, methods, and media.展开更多
AIM To characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants.METHODS Six outreach sessions were held in various community ven...AIM To characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants.METHODS Six outreach sessions were held in various community venues in the Greater Boston Area.Verbal consent was obtained from participants prior to starting each session.Each session included a pre-session questionnaire,followed by a teaching session,and then a post-session questionnaire.In person interpreters were present for translation during the teaching session and assistance for questionnaire completion when needed.The questions were developed based on the HBV clinical experience of physicians who serve largely immigrant populations.Questionnaires included Likerttype scale,open-ended,and true-false questions.All results were anonymous.RESULTS One hundred and one people participated in this study.Participants were 30%male with ages ranging from 19 to 87 years.The study population included immigrants from 21 countries,as well as seven United States-born participants.The greatest numbers of participants were from Somalia(44%),Morocco(10%),and Cameroon(8%).Pre session questionnaires revealed that 42%of participants were unaware that HBV can cause cancer,and 50%were unaware that therapies for HBV exist.Our brief teaching intervention led to improved scores on post session questionnaires.For example,at baseline,58%of participants responded correctly to the question"HBV infection can cause scarring of the liver and liver cancer",whereas 79%of participants responded correctly after the teaching session(P=0.01).Furthermore,the mean of total correct answers in the true or false portion of the questionnaire increased from 5.5 to 7.6(P<0.001).CONCLUSION A teaching session targeting Boston Immigrants atrisk for HBV helped improve scores on HBV knowledge questionnaires.Outreach may empower at-risk patients to pro-actively seek HBV care.展开更多
Polar science outreach is strongly needed, because besides promoting the utility of polar studies for society as a whole, it can generate public demand for new projects and expeditions. The dissemination of polar disc...Polar science outreach is strongly needed, because besides promoting the utility of polar studies for society as a whole, it can generate public demand for new projects and expeditions. The dissemination of polar discoveries should be reinforced in countries without polar territories and for which polar science might not be a priority. In this pilot study （N =182 participants） we have contrasted the opinions of polar scientists （French, Belgian, British, Canadian, Australian, German, Italian and Spanish researchers） with those of a potentially interested public （graduate students of pedagogy and biology）, in order to assess if the communication channels employed by polar researchers to make their results public align with those used by non-polar experts for learning about polar discoveries. The results revealed that scientific publications and presentations were considered a priority by the researchers, and these scientific communication channels were preferentially employed. Only a minority of researchers thought that non-scientific publications might be a good communication resource. In contrast, both groups of students, which considered polar research important but not a top priority, employed the Internet as their main channel for information about polar discoveries. Students assessed the use of polar discoveries as positive for educational purposes at both Primary and Secondary levels. The information presently received by students was perceived as being too generalist and the main suggestions to improve outreach in this field, in addition to the use of Internet, were more rapid dissemination of new discoveries.展开更多
Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered to be one of the most common incapacitating psychiatric diseases. A pharmacist interacting with patients has the potential to enhance compliance, ensure proper...Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered to be one of the most common incapacitating psychiatric diseases. A pharmacist interacting with patients has the potential to enhance compliance, ensure proper medication use, and monitor adverse effects that will ultimately improve patients’ quality of care. Methods: The primary objectives of this study were to 1) assess individuals’ knowledge of depression before and after a 30-minute educational intervention and 2) measure satisfaction with the program. The pre- and post-test consisted of 11 identical questions that assessed individuals’ knowledge regarding depression. The survey consisted of four questions that rated program satisfaction. Results: Although 82 individuals participated in some aspect of the program, 56 individuals completed the program requirements and were included in the data analysis. Four hundred and eighty six of the total 616 (56 participants × 11 questions) pre-test questions (79%) were answered correctly at the beginning of the program. A total of 556 post-test questions (90%) were answered correctly at the conclusion of the program, with an overall increase of 70 (p ≤ 0.001) more correct answers. Correct responses to five questions were statistically significant for improved post-test scores: Over-the-counter or herbal medications will interfere with your medication (p = 0.01);certain foods can interfere with medications that affect mood (p = 0.01);it is safe to use multiple pharmacies to get your medications (p = 0.001);the main chemical of the brain that is not balanced in depression (p ≤ 0.001);and the most common type of medication for depression (p ≤ 0.001). Overall, 95% of participants would recommend the program to a friend or family member. Conclusion: The data from this program supports that pharmacists can have a positive impact in the mental health field and satisfaction with such services in the community.展开更多
This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about ...This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.展开更多
Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards ...Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards pharmacy careers after education outreach. Study: A lecture was constructed providing participants with information about careers in pharmacy, diabetes, and information about health literacy. A multiple choice paper-based quiz covering the presented content both preceded and followed each delivery of the lecture. Increases in post-lecture scores of content-knowledge questions were seen in 10 of 11 questions, which indicated an overall increased knowledge from baseline. An additional question, which gauged student interest in pharmacy careers, showed a 10% increase in those who indicated they considered pharmacy as a career. Conclusions: The lectures, delivered by a student pharmacist, were effective in increasing awareness and knowledge of pharmacy as a career, diabetes as an important health issue, and health literacy as a problem pharmacists and other healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis.展开更多
Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuou...Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20<sup>th</sup> and 22<sup>nd</sup> of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.展开更多
EarthCaching is a real success story in how Earth science can benefit by working with successful community programs that link self-learning,technology,and the thrill of outdoor adventure.With over 11,000 Earth science...EarthCaching is a real success story in how Earth science can benefit by working with successful community programs that link self-learning,technology,and the thrill of outdoor adventure.With over 11,000 Earth science sites worldwide visited by 1.3 million people,it is making a real impact toward bringing Earth science to the wider community.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is essential for screening,diagnosing,and treating lower gastrointestinal diseases;however,access is limited in resource-constrained areas.Barriers to endoscopy services include a shortage of tr...BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is essential for screening,diagnosing,and treating lower gastrointestinal diseases;however,access is limited in resource-constrained areas.Barriers to endoscopy services include a shortage of trained specialists and inadequate equipment and infrastructure.Most gastroenterologists in Ethiopia work in major cities,leaving the 80%rural population with limited access to endoscopy due to economic and logistical challenges.Such inequitable access negatively impacts optimal patient care and outcomes and potentially skews data on disease prevalence.To address these issues we implemented weekend outreach endoscopy program in Southwest Ethiopia where such services were previously unavailable.Findings were documented electronically and stored safely.AIM To evaluate the findings,success,and impact of weekend outreach colonoscopy services in predominantly rural Southwest Ethiopia.METHODS In partnership with Jimma Awetu Hospital,a senior gastroenterologist from Addis Ababa University established an outreach endoscopy service in 2019,training local nursing staff as coordinators.Physicians selected and referred patients for colonoscopy,and informed consent was obtained before the procedure.A total of 1612 procedures were performed using a portable Fujinon EPX-2500-HD system,and findings were documented electronically.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 29.RESULTS From 2019 to 20241612 colonoscopy procedures were performed,achieving an 83.0%diagnostic yield.The cohort was predominantly male(70.6%)with a mean age of 44 years;61%were under 50.Ninety-one percent of patients were referred by 21 hospitals across three regions.Primary indications included abdominal pain(26.8%)and lower gastrointestinal bleeding(25.3%).Abnormal findings included inflammation(39.5%),colorectal masses(13.2%),and hemorrhoid(11.8%).Histology confirmed inflammatory bowel disease in 11.5%,cancers in 11.0%,and polyps in 10.0%.In this study half of colorectal cancer cases occurred in patients under 50 with prevalence rates of 18.8%in females and 10.8%in males,challenging the global trend that shows this disease predominantly affects older individuals and males.CONCLUSION This weekend outreach colonoscopy service implemented standard diagnostics,improved the existing service,and generated vital evidence on local disease patterns with the potential to positively impact clinical practice and policy-making.展开更多
Objective:This review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to equitable coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccine distribution in Nigeria using the consolidated framework for implementation research(CFIR).M...Objective:This review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to equitable coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccine distribution in Nigeria using the consolidated framework for implementation research(CFIR).Methods:A comprehensive search strategy was applied across five databases—Web of Science,MEDLINE,EMBASE,CAB Direct,and CINAHL.The search,conducted as part of a scoping review,yielded 2,751 citations.Seven studies met the inclusion criteria after screening.Data were extracted and analyzed using CFIR constructs to identify key barriers and facilitators to equitable vaccine distribution.Results:Six barriers were identified:limited physical and socioeconomic access,bribery,nepotism,and insufficient availability of translated information.Facilitators included community involvement as local monitoring agents,unannounced staff inspections,healthcare worker training tailored to community needs,and localized outreach strategies such as jingles and call-in programs.CFIR constructs,including Local Conditions,Tailoring Strategies,Available Resources,and Physical Infrastructure,provided a framework for analyzing the findings.Conclusion:This review highlights significant barriers and promising facilitators to equitable vaccine distribution in Nigeria.Targeted interventions,such as community engagement,anti-corruption measures,and culturally tailored strategies,are critical to addressing these challenges and improving access.These findings underscore the need for localized,equity-focused approaches to enhance vaccine distribution systems in Nigeria and other low-resource settings.展开更多
To the Editor:As a student actively involved in advocacy for heart disease prevention,I was particularly intrigued by the policymaking implications of digital interventions in the article "Digital components and ...To the Editor:As a student actively involved in advocacy for heart disease prevention,I was particularly intrigued by the policymaking implications of digital interventions in the article "Digital components and interaction types in counseling interventions for childhood and adolescent obesity:A systematic review" [1].Through my work as the Founder and President of the nonprofit Guardians of Heart,I have developed and promoted early educational programs,digital tools,and community outreach initiatives designed to instill heart-healthy habits in youth,intending to mitigate risk factors such as obesity that significantly contribute to cardiovascular disease later in life.展开更多
The public's participation rate in performing arts in Hong Kong has historically been low,and the Arts Participation and Consumption Survey in 2018 indicated that the primary reason was 4a lack of interest*and tha...The public's participation rate in performing arts in Hong Kong has historically been low,and the Arts Participation and Consumption Survey in 2018 indicated that the primary reason was 4a lack of interest*and that education in the arts could increase public involvement.The survey data clearly indicate the significance of education as a driver to develop future audiences.There are nine major performing arts organisations funded by the Hong Kong government,and they share the responsibility of shaping the performing arts landscape.This study explored the role of outreach and education within these major performing arts organisations and how they impact audience development.In addition to document analysis and fieldwork,the researcher interviewed five cultural leaders from the nine performing arts organisations.The findings of this study indicate that while the organisations*outreach and education engagement help to achieve various important educational goals,direct impact on ticket sales is not easily quantifiable and may occur in the long run.This study concludes by offering a proposed conceptual framework for outreach and education when they are positioned in non-profit performing arts organisations.The four layers in the proposed conceptual framework involve cognitive,affective,ethical,and behavioural dimensions.It contributes to reframing the conceptualisation of audience development for the performing arts and sheds new light on the future of outreach and education in arts organisations and policymaking in arts and culture,with far-reaching implications for other non-profit cultural organisations in Hong Kong and globally.展开更多
文摘The World Wide Web provides a wealth of information about everything, including contemporary audio and visual art events, which are discussed on media outlets, blogs, and specialized websites alike. This information may become a robust source of real-world data, which may form the basis of an objective data-driven analysis. In this study, a methodology for collecting information about audio and visual art events in an automated manner from a large array of websites is presented in detail. This process uses cutting edge Semantic Web, Web Search and Generative AI technologies to convert website documents into a collection of structured data. The value of the methodology is demonstrated by creating a large dataset concerning audiovisual events in Greece. The collected information includes event characteristics, estimated metrics based on their text descriptions, outreach metrics based on the media that reported them, and a multi-layered classification of these events based on their type, subjects and methods used. This dataset is openly provided to the general and academic public through a Web application. Moreover, each event’s outreach is evaluated using these quantitative metrics, the results are analyzed with an emphasis on classification popularity and useful conclusions are drawn concerning the importance of artistic subjects, methods, and media.
文摘AIM To characterize the understanding of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and determine if outreach improves HBV understanding among Greater Boston Area immigrants.METHODS Six outreach sessions were held in various community venues in the Greater Boston Area.Verbal consent was obtained from participants prior to starting each session.Each session included a pre-session questionnaire,followed by a teaching session,and then a post-session questionnaire.In person interpreters were present for translation during the teaching session and assistance for questionnaire completion when needed.The questions were developed based on the HBV clinical experience of physicians who serve largely immigrant populations.Questionnaires included Likerttype scale,open-ended,and true-false questions.All results were anonymous.RESULTS One hundred and one people participated in this study.Participants were 30%male with ages ranging from 19 to 87 years.The study population included immigrants from 21 countries,as well as seven United States-born participants.The greatest numbers of participants were from Somalia(44%),Morocco(10%),and Cameroon(8%).Pre session questionnaires revealed that 42%of participants were unaware that HBV can cause cancer,and 50%were unaware that therapies for HBV exist.Our brief teaching intervention led to improved scores on post session questionnaires.For example,at baseline,58%of participants responded correctly to the question"HBV infection can cause scarring of the liver and liver cancer",whereas 79%of participants responded correctly after the teaching session(P=0.01).Furthermore,the mean of total correct answers in the true or false portion of the questionnaire increased from 5.5 to 7.6(P<0.001).CONCLUSION A teaching session targeting Boston Immigrants atrisk for HBV helped improve scores on HBV knowledge questionnaires.Outreach may empower at-risk patients to pro-actively seek HBV care.
基金supported by SALMEVOL (Salmonid Evolutionref.1041)
文摘Polar science outreach is strongly needed, because besides promoting the utility of polar studies for society as a whole, it can generate public demand for new projects and expeditions. The dissemination of polar discoveries should be reinforced in countries without polar territories and for which polar science might not be a priority. In this pilot study （N =182 participants） we have contrasted the opinions of polar scientists （French, Belgian, British, Canadian, Australian, German, Italian and Spanish researchers） with those of a potentially interested public （graduate students of pedagogy and biology）, in order to assess if the communication channels employed by polar researchers to make their results public align with those used by non-polar experts for learning about polar discoveries. The results revealed that scientific publications and presentations were considered a priority by the researchers, and these scientific communication channels were preferentially employed. Only a minority of researchers thought that non-scientific publications might be a good communication resource. In contrast, both groups of students, which considered polar research important but not a top priority, employed the Internet as their main channel for information about polar discoveries. Students assessed the use of polar discoveries as positive for educational purposes at both Primary and Secondary levels. The information presently received by students was perceived as being too generalist and the main suggestions to improve outreach in this field, in addition to the use of Internet, were more rapid dissemination of new discoveries.
文摘Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered to be one of the most common incapacitating psychiatric diseases. A pharmacist interacting with patients has the potential to enhance compliance, ensure proper medication use, and monitor adverse effects that will ultimately improve patients’ quality of care. Methods: The primary objectives of this study were to 1) assess individuals’ knowledge of depression before and after a 30-minute educational intervention and 2) measure satisfaction with the program. The pre- and post-test consisted of 11 identical questions that assessed individuals’ knowledge regarding depression. The survey consisted of four questions that rated program satisfaction. Results: Although 82 individuals participated in some aspect of the program, 56 individuals completed the program requirements and were included in the data analysis. Four hundred and eighty six of the total 616 (56 participants × 11 questions) pre-test questions (79%) were answered correctly at the beginning of the program. A total of 556 post-test questions (90%) were answered correctly at the conclusion of the program, with an overall increase of 70 (p ≤ 0.001) more correct answers. Correct responses to five questions were statistically significant for improved post-test scores: Over-the-counter or herbal medications will interfere with your medication (p = 0.01);certain foods can interfere with medications that affect mood (p = 0.01);it is safe to use multiple pharmacies to get your medications (p = 0.001);the main chemical of the brain that is not balanced in depression (p ≤ 0.001);and the most common type of medication for depression (p ≤ 0.001). Overall, 95% of participants would recommend the program to a friend or family member. Conclusion: The data from this program supports that pharmacists can have a positive impact in the mental health field and satisfaction with such services in the community.
文摘This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.
文摘Objectives: 1) To demonstrate that education outreach in public schools by students in pharmacy education programs is effective at increasing knowledge of important health topics;2) To assess subject attitude towards pharmacy careers after education outreach. Study: A lecture was constructed providing participants with information about careers in pharmacy, diabetes, and information about health literacy. A multiple choice paper-based quiz covering the presented content both preceded and followed each delivery of the lecture. Increases in post-lecture scores of content-knowledge questions were seen in 10 of 11 questions, which indicated an overall increased knowledge from baseline. An additional question, which gauged student interest in pharmacy careers, showed a 10% increase in those who indicated they considered pharmacy as a career. Conclusions: The lectures, delivered by a student pharmacist, were effective in increasing awareness and knowledge of pharmacy as a career, diabetes as an important health issue, and health literacy as a problem pharmacists and other healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis.
文摘Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20<sup>th</sup> and 22<sup>nd</sup> of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.
文摘EarthCaching is a real success story in how Earth science can benefit by working with successful community programs that link self-learning,technology,and the thrill of outdoor adventure.With over 11,000 Earth science sites worldwide visited by 1.3 million people,it is making a real impact toward bringing Earth science to the wider community.
文摘BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is essential for screening,diagnosing,and treating lower gastrointestinal diseases;however,access is limited in resource-constrained areas.Barriers to endoscopy services include a shortage of trained specialists and inadequate equipment and infrastructure.Most gastroenterologists in Ethiopia work in major cities,leaving the 80%rural population with limited access to endoscopy due to economic and logistical challenges.Such inequitable access negatively impacts optimal patient care and outcomes and potentially skews data on disease prevalence.To address these issues we implemented weekend outreach endoscopy program in Southwest Ethiopia where such services were previously unavailable.Findings were documented electronically and stored safely.AIM To evaluate the findings,success,and impact of weekend outreach colonoscopy services in predominantly rural Southwest Ethiopia.METHODS In partnership with Jimma Awetu Hospital,a senior gastroenterologist from Addis Ababa University established an outreach endoscopy service in 2019,training local nursing staff as coordinators.Physicians selected and referred patients for colonoscopy,and informed consent was obtained before the procedure.A total of 1612 procedures were performed using a portable Fujinon EPX-2500-HD system,and findings were documented electronically.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 29.RESULTS From 2019 to 20241612 colonoscopy procedures were performed,achieving an 83.0%diagnostic yield.The cohort was predominantly male(70.6%)with a mean age of 44 years;61%were under 50.Ninety-one percent of patients were referred by 21 hospitals across three regions.Primary indications included abdominal pain(26.8%)and lower gastrointestinal bleeding(25.3%).Abnormal findings included inflammation(39.5%),colorectal masses(13.2%),and hemorrhoid(11.8%).Histology confirmed inflammatory bowel disease in 11.5%,cancers in 11.0%,and polyps in 10.0%.In this study half of colorectal cancer cases occurred in patients under 50 with prevalence rates of 18.8%in females and 10.8%in males,challenging the global trend that shows this disease predominantly affects older individuals and males.CONCLUSION This weekend outreach colonoscopy service implemented standard diagnostics,improved the existing service,and generated vital evidence on local disease patterns with the potential to positively impact clinical practice and policy-making.
文摘Objective:This review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to equitable coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccine distribution in Nigeria using the consolidated framework for implementation research(CFIR).Methods:A comprehensive search strategy was applied across five databases—Web of Science,MEDLINE,EMBASE,CAB Direct,and CINAHL.The search,conducted as part of a scoping review,yielded 2,751 citations.Seven studies met the inclusion criteria after screening.Data were extracted and analyzed using CFIR constructs to identify key barriers and facilitators to equitable vaccine distribution.Results:Six barriers were identified:limited physical and socioeconomic access,bribery,nepotism,and insufficient availability of translated information.Facilitators included community involvement as local monitoring agents,unannounced staff inspections,healthcare worker training tailored to community needs,and localized outreach strategies such as jingles and call-in programs.CFIR constructs,including Local Conditions,Tailoring Strategies,Available Resources,and Physical Infrastructure,provided a framework for analyzing the findings.Conclusion:This review highlights significant barriers and promising facilitators to equitable vaccine distribution in Nigeria.Targeted interventions,such as community engagement,anti-corruption measures,and culturally tailored strategies,are critical to addressing these challenges and improving access.These findings underscore the need for localized,equity-focused approaches to enhance vaccine distribution systems in Nigeria and other low-resource settings.
文摘To the Editor:As a student actively involved in advocacy for heart disease prevention,I was particularly intrigued by the policymaking implications of digital interventions in the article "Digital components and interaction types in counseling interventions for childhood and adolescent obesity:A systematic review" [1].Through my work as the Founder and President of the nonprofit Guardians of Heart,I have developed and promoted early educational programs,digital tools,and community outreach initiatives designed to instill heart-healthy habits in youth,intending to mitigate risk factors such as obesity that significantly contribute to cardiovascular disease later in life.
基金This study was funded by the Research Direct Grant from the Faculty of Arts,The Chinese University of Hong Kong(Project Reference Number:4051124,CUHK).
文摘The public's participation rate in performing arts in Hong Kong has historically been low,and the Arts Participation and Consumption Survey in 2018 indicated that the primary reason was 4a lack of interest*and that education in the arts could increase public involvement.The survey data clearly indicate the significance of education as a driver to develop future audiences.There are nine major performing arts organisations funded by the Hong Kong government,and they share the responsibility of shaping the performing arts landscape.This study explored the role of outreach and education within these major performing arts organisations and how they impact audience development.In addition to document analysis and fieldwork,the researcher interviewed five cultural leaders from the nine performing arts organisations.The findings of this study indicate that while the organisations*outreach and education engagement help to achieve various important educational goals,direct impact on ticket sales is not easily quantifiable and may occur in the long run.This study concludes by offering a proposed conceptual framework for outreach and education when they are positioned in non-profit performing arts organisations.The four layers in the proposed conceptual framework involve cognitive,affective,ethical,and behavioural dimensions.It contributes to reframing the conceptualisation of audience development for the performing arts and sheds new light on the future of outreach and education in arts organisations and policymaking in arts and culture,with far-reaching implications for other non-profit cultural organisations in Hong Kong and globally.
