BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)remains a serious and potentially preventable complication among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),particularly in Saudi Arabia.Psychological constructs such as perceive...BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)remains a serious and potentially preventable complication among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),particularly in Saudi Arabia.Psychological constructs such as perceived severity and susceptibility influence health behaviour,yet their role in pediatric diabetes management remains underexplored.AIM To examine psychological predictors of DKA in children with T1DM using the health belief model,and to assess the role of caregiver-perceived understanding in influencing adherence and DKA occurrence.METHODS A case-control study was conducted at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia,involving 191 caregivers of children with T1DM(96 cases with a history of DKA and 95 controls without).Validated questionnaires measured perceived severity,susceptibility,understanding,and adherence.Statistical analyses included independent t-tests,Pearson and Spearman correlations,and multiple regression.RESULTS Perceived understanding was the strongest predictor of adherence(β=1.03,P<0.001)and was inversely associated with DKA occurrence(P<0.001).Children without a DKA history had significantly higher levels of perceived understanding and adherence.Perceived severity had a moderate positive association with adherence,while perceived susceptibility showed a weak negative correlation.CONCLUSION Caregiver-perceived understanding plays a critical role in adherence and DKA prevention.These findings support expanding the health belief model to include perceived understanding as a distinct construct and highlight the importance of integrating comprehension-focused strategies into pediatric diabetes education.展开更多
The pandemic highlighted significant gaps in the public health infrastructure impacted by shortages of public health workers, an undertrained workforce, and years of disinvestment. These gaps required innovative probl...The pandemic highlighted significant gaps in the public health infrastructure impacted by shortages of public health workers, an undertrained workforce, and years of disinvestment. These gaps required innovative problem-solving by public health agencies (PHAs), including local health departments (LHDs), to respond to rapidly changing community conditions during and after the pandemic. Many schools and programs of public health (SPPH) worked with PHAs to mobilize public health (PH) students through practice-based teaching (PBT). Current research indicates PBT benefits all stakeholders—PHAs, students, faculty, SPPH, and ultimately the community served. However, more research is needed on the utility of PBT in addressing a community’s systemic public health issues, the extent to which the academic-community collaboration enhances a PHA’s capacity, and the impact of the pedagogy on preparing the workforce for an evolving PH landscape. This paper examines the process of a semester-long PBT course, guided by the PBT STEPS framework, which includes five steps from collaboration to implementation to evaluation of a PBT course. The collaborating PHA and its student group addressed community trauma and resilience issues during the semester. Additionally, it examines the longer-term impacts after the semester for the PHA, community, and the workforce by 1) conducting a formative evaluation to understand needs and gaps in the community;2) redesigning an intervention that merged the results of the formative evaluation with the intervention developed during the semester;and 3) securing funding and resources for intervention sustainability. Through the documentation of a post-course partnership between an LHD and faculty at a large school of public health, this case study illustrates the potential for PBT to lay the foundation for ongoing research that supports more impactful interventions for PHAs while bolstering the workforce abilities of students as future practitioners.展开更多
Background:Mental health literacy(MHL)refers to one’s knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders and their treatments.This literacy may be influenced by cultural norms and values that shape individuals’e...Background:Mental health literacy(MHL)refers to one’s knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders and their treatments.This literacy may be influenced by cultural norms and values that shape individuals’experiences,beliefs,attitudes,and behaviors regarding mental health.This study focuses on adapting the Mental health literacy scale(MHLS)for use in the multicultural context of Israel.Objectives include validating its construct,assessing its accuracy in measuring MHL in this diverse setting and examining and comparing levels of MHL across different cultural groups.Methods:The data collection included 1057 participants,representing all the ethnic groups of the Israeli population aged 18 and over.The tools included the MHLS and a demographic questionnaire.Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA)was employed to assess the original structure of the MHLS.Results:The results revealed that after evaluating the original MHLS,five items were excluded,leading to the validation of a modified version—Israeli mental health scale(IMHLS)with four factors and 25 items.CFA and reliability analyses supported an established and robust four-factor model.Significant ethnic differences in MHLS scores were identified,with Muslim participants showing the highest familiarity with mental disorders,followed by Druze and Christian participants,while Jewish participants had the lowest familiarity.Conclusion:The study concluded that the IMHLS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing MHL in Israel’s diverse and multicultural population.The revised scale better reflects the cultural nuances of the Israeli context.The significant ethnic differences that the study revealed in IMHLS emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to different ethnic groups in Israel.展开更多
Health literacy(HL)is an effective approach for improved health status and measures the capacity of individuals to engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities as low HL constitutes a global problem in...Health literacy(HL)is an effective approach for improved health status and measures the capacity of individuals to engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities as low HL constitutes a global problem in health-care delivery.Nurses play a significant role in providing adequate information to the client and as such it becomes imperative for them to understand the concept of HL.Clinical approach of HL refers to ability to utilize literacy skills in relation to appointments,prescriptions,and instructions for self-management.Public health approach presents HL as means of empowering individuals to take control of their health and factors that influences health.HL is a hierarchy of skills that can be assessed and managed through health education and effective communication.Nurses’understanding of the concept of HL and strategies to reduce HL demands is crucial to delivery of effective nursing practice.This review will provide a clear understanding of the concept of HL which is essential for nurses to effectively educate patients and provide holistic care.More so,nurses will be able to assess literacy level of the patients,plan and develop better educational program tailored to patients’level of literacy.This could invariably improve patients’comprehension and adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes.展开更多
Objective:To review the scope of interventional studies on horticultural therapy(HT)applied to elderly people in nursing institutions to support the efficient implementation of HT among this target group.Methods:In ac...Objective:To review the scope of interventional studies on horticultural therapy(HT)applied to elderly people in nursing institutions to support the efficient implementation of HT among this target group.Methods:In accordance with the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI),the Pub Med,JSTOR,Web of Science,CNKI,and Wanfang databases were searched.Data from the retrieved literature were summarized and analyzed.Results:In all,18 studies were included in this review.The target population groups of interventions included self-supporting elderly people,cognitively impaired elderly people,elderly people with negative emotions,and elderly people with frailty living in nursing institutions.HT interventions,including planting,craft activities,derivative activities,and outdoor viewing activities,are implemented indoors,outdoors,or in mixed settings.The most common duration of the intervention was 8 weeks,the most common frequency was once per week,and the most common session duration was 60 min.Conclusions:The measurements used in HT interventions included assessments of physical,psycho-mental,and social health;quality of life;and activity effects.Future studies should include partially dependent groups and completely dependent groups of elderly individuals,interventions that last at least 6 months,scientifically designed activity intensity and safety-guarantee plans,and outcomeevaluation indicators such as compliance and intervention benefits.展开更多
Background: Worldwide, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has been practiced for generations. This study examined the practice of FGM/C and identified factors influencing its continuity in Osu, a rural communit...Background: Worldwide, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has been practiced for generations. This study examined the practice of FGM/C and identified factors influencing its continuity in Osu, a rural community in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a mixed method cross-sectional design. The quantitative aspect involved interview of 294 women using a semi-structured questionnaire while the qualitative aspect entailed 16 in-depth interviews using an in-depth interview guide to seek information from selected spouses of the respondent, women leaders, religious leaders and health workers. The study took place between January and June 2023. The quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Ninety four percent of the women had poor knowledge of the health risks associated with FGM/C practice. About three-third (76.5%) had undergone FGM/C while 77.2% intend to continue FGM/C practice on their daughters. The predictors of continuing FGM/C practice include being married (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.12 - 3.65, p = 0.019), none/primary education (AOR 10.02, 95% CI 2.88 - 34.88, p = 0.0001), lower income (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.54 - 6.55, p = 0.002) and having undergone FGM/C (AOR 14.65, 95% CI 5.31 - 40.37, p = 0.0001). In-depth interviews revealed that the factors sustaining FGM/C in the community include curbing promiscuity, religious rites, community customs and traditions. Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors continue to sustain FGM/C practice in the community. It is necessary to target married women and other community leaders in the campaign against FGM/C practice.展开更多
Objective: Relaxation technique is a nonpharmacological treatment applied to increase sleep efficiency and the quality of sleep.Hydrotherapy is one of the relaxation techniques and uses warm water to decrease stress a...Objective: Relaxation technique is a nonpharmacological treatment applied to increase sleep efficiency and the quality of sleep.Hydrotherapy is one of the relaxation techniques and uses warm water to decrease stress and muscle stiffness, as well as to warm the body. The incidence of sleep deficiency among older people in Integrated Community Health Services, Pandak I Bantul, has slightly increased year by year. This research aims to evaluate the effect of hydrotherapy on sleep deprivation among older people.Methods: The research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post test design. Purposive sampling was used to enroll 66 older people from the Integrated Community Health Services, Pandak I Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as a sample, and we divided them into two groups: 33 people formed the intervention group, and 33 people comprised the control group. The intervention group did hydrotherapy once a day for a total of 7 days. First, they soaked their feet in warm water for 10 minutes. The water temperature was adjusted according to the body temperature, to approximately 40.0℃-43.0℃. Then, the intervention group took a bath using warm water. The level of sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) questionnaire. Data analysis was done using the Wilcoxon test.Results: The mean score for sleep quality in the pretest in the intervention group was 9.04(standard deviation [SD]: 2.57) and the score on the posttest was 42(SD: 1.43). The mean score for sleep quality in the intervention group was 4.67, with P=0.05.Meanwhile, the research found that the difference between the pretest and posttest scores for quality of sleep in the control group was 0.42, with P=0.059. Wilcoxon analysis found that in the intervention group, there was a significant difference after intervention using hydrotherapy, with P<0.05. In the control group, there was no significance difference between the pretest and posttest scores,with P> 0.05.Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it appears that the practice of hydrotherapy is effective in reducing sleep deficiency and hence can be considered an effective method of intervention.展开更多
Objective:The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of neck massage on increased breast milk secretion among postnatal mothers.Materials and Methods:The current study adopted a quasi-experimental design conducted...Objective:The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of neck massage on increased breast milk secretion among postnatal mothers.Materials and Methods:The current study adopted a quasi-experimental design conducted among 60 primi postnatal mothers(30 in each group).Study was conducted at the Postnatal ward of IMS and SUM Hospital,Bhubaneswar,Odisha.Tools used were structured sociodemographic pro forma,structured breast milk adequacy questionnaire,and structured rating scale to assess the adequacy of breast milk production.The duration of the study is 1 year.All the postnatal mothers who were primigravida and undergone cesarean section were chosen as the sample through a convenience sampling technique.Then,the samples were assigned to the intervention group(receiving neck massage)and control group(receiving standard postnatal care).The data were collected and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS version 20.Results:The study resulted a significant difference between the pretest and posttest score of breast milk production after neck massage(P=0.000).The mean score of the posttest(2.90±0.36)is more than the mean score of the pretest(2.89±0.36)of the baby’s weight(P<0.001).Further,the number of urination and stool passed in 24 h was more in the intervention group than the control group(P<0.001).The Chi-square analysis showed statistical significance between breast milk production after neck massage with religion of the postnatal mothers(P<0.05).Conclusion:The neck massage is found effective in improving the breast milk production among primi c-section mothers with improve newborn parameters.展开更多
Background:Physical inactivity among adolescents has become a global public health challenge,with over 80%failing to meet the recommendations of the WHO for activity levels.Existing research predominantly examines how...Background:Physical inactivity among adolescents has become a global public health challenge,with over 80%failing to meet the recommendations of the WHO for activity levels.Existing research predominantly examines how physical activity(PA)enhances resilience,while the predictive role of resilience in PA,particularly its interaction with family factors,has received limited attention.This study aimed to examine the associations between resilience and PA among adolescents,focusing on family functioning and gender differences.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,a total of 909 Chinese adolescents(463 males and 446 females,aged 13.30.5 years)completed the±following validated self-report instruments:the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale with 10 items,the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children,and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale II-Chinese version that was used to categorize family functioning into three types(i.e.,lower,balanced,and higher).The generalized linear mixed-effect model(GLMM)was used to determine the contribution of resilience and its interaction with family functioning type on PA after adjusting for age and gender.Results:Males presented significantly higher resilience and PA levels(both p 0.001)as well as better family functioning(p 0.01)than females.Compared with the lower<<functioning group,participants from higher-functioning families showed superior resilience and PA(both p 0.001).<The GLMM analysis revealed a positive relationship between resilience and PA(p 0.001),where the lower functioning<group was significantly weaker than the higher functioning group.Conclusion:Resilience and PA in adolescents vary across gender and family functioning type,with males and adolescents from better-functioning families outperforming their peers.Resilience is a positive predictor of PA in adolescents,with family functioning type being a crucial moderator of such a relationship.展开更多
Background:Weight-related self-stigma(WRSS)is prevalent among individuals with different types of weight status and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes.Social support and coping models explain how i...Background:Weight-related self-stigma(WRSS)is prevalent among individuals with different types of weight status and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes.Social support and coping models explain how individuals may use different coping methods to deal with their mental health needs.Psychological distress(e.g.,depression and stress)could lead to overuse of social media and smartphones.When using social media or smartphones,individuals are likely to be exposed to negative comments regarding weight/shape/size posted on the social media.Consequently,individuals who experience problematic social media use(PSMU)or problematic smartphone use(PSPU)may develop WRSS.Therefore,the present study examined the roles of PSMU and PSPU as mediators in the relationship between psychological distress and WRSS.Methods:Using convenience sampling via an online survey,622 participants with a mean age of 23.70 years(SD=4.33)completed questions assessing sociodemographic variables,psychological distress,PSMU,PSPU,WRSS,and self-reported weight and height.Results:The hierarchical regression models showed that sex(β=0.08,p=0.01),BMI(β=0.39,p<0.001),depression(β=0.21,p=0.001),stress(β=0.18,p=0.01),PSMU(β=0.09,p=0.045),and PSPU(β=0.14,p=0.001)were significant factors for WRSS.Conclusion:The mediation models showed that both PSMU and PSPU were significant mediators in the relationships between depression and stress with WRSS.The present findings provide some evidence for understanding WRSS and has important implications for developing interventions to reduce its negative impact on individuals’health and well-being.展开更多
BACKGROUND: According to the fact that women account for the highest rate of victims of mental health loss during disasters, prioritization of their requirements is of remarkable signifi cance. Therefore, the present ...BACKGROUND: According to the fact that women account for the highest rate of victims of mental health loss during disasters, prioritization of their requirements is of remarkable signifi cance. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim to prioritize factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. METHODS: This study was conducted using the Delphi method in 2017. Participants consisted of experts including psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists, social medicine specialists, and psychiatric-mental health nurses with experience in service and disaster awareness, especially earthquake. They were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The Delphi method was used in 2 rounds with 21 components and the fi nal attendance of 19 participants and the collective agreement of 75%. RESULTS: Of the 21 factors related to women's mental health during the earthquake, the following components were, respectively, preferred by the participants: psychological well-being training, group relationships and support of women in emergency situations, fair treatment in the provision of rights and services to women, crisis awareness and management of behavior and diffi cult conditions, and social security during disasters with the total mean standard deviation (SD) of 13.4 (2.4), 13.0 (2.4), 12.7 (2.5), 12.5 (2.4), and 12.3 (2.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Training in the fi eld of psychology and disasters, and social and cultural factors were prioritized among factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. Therefore, the results of this study can be applied by the planners and executives of mental health, women and disasters, and the women's community itself.展开更多
Background: The world is currently experiencing a healthcare crisis caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the forefront of controlling the spread of t...Background: The world is currently experiencing a healthcare crisis caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the forefront of controlling the spread of the disease;this response has resulted in a huge number of infections amongst HCWs and unfortunately some casualties. Infection prevention and control practices (IPC) are practical, proven methods that prevent avoidable harm to patients and protect health workers from contagious infection. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of IPC practices utilized in COVID-19 testing drive through facility in Lagos Nigeria. Method: The facility recruited 42 HCWs who were trained on IPC and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Training on donning and doffing of PPEs, preparation of decontaminants and sample handling were done for relevant personnel. A daily log for monitoring COVID-19 symptoms was deployed to all HCWs;to help early detection of COVID-19 infection and prevent transmission amongst staff. Results: Of 42 personnel, 92.8% had a tertiary level of education while 71.4% had at least 5 years work experience. A total of 5 (11.9%) out of 42 HCWs were positive by week six of the study. All infected persons worked at the drive through centre. Most common symptom filled in the daily log tool was headache and fatigue. Conclusion: Despite all the measures introduced, 11.9% of HCWs became positive within 6 weeks, showing the highly infectious nature of the virus and the need to research into more effective measures in preventing the transmission of highly infectious pathogens to HCWs during outbreaks.展开更多
Water supply has become insufficient for the rapidly rising population in Pakistan. As in other parts of Pakistan, coastal villagers also become helpless to use ground water for drinking and daily consumption, due to ...Water supply has become insufficient for the rapidly rising population in Pakistan. As in other parts of Pakistan, coastal villagers also become helpless to use ground water for drinking and daily consumption, due to their need and their not knowing about the quality of water. A number of patients arrived to Karachi hospitals, suffering from a strange disease and this study has been done to find the exact cause of this disease by assuming that arsenic contaminated drinking water may be one of the possibilities. Maximum permissible limit (MRL) of arsenic in drinking water of Pakistan has been calculated by analysis of 50 samples of supply water as 0.05 mg/l. It was observed that most of the residents of Ibrahim Hyderi, Rehri, Chashma, Mubarak, Fagheer Muhammad and Gul Hasan Goths (villages) of the coastal belt of the Karachi city were suffering from melanosis, leuco-melanosis, keratosis, hyperkeratosis, dorsum, non-pitting oedema, gangrene and skin cancer that might be due to arsenic contamination in drinking water. Studied subjects were seriously affected due to paralyzing lower limbs, arms and other body parts in the coastal belt of Karachi, which was observed to be the most prominent health hazards of arsenic. The majority of victims were children. This community problem demands proper addressing and extensive research for improving the quality of life of these villagers.展开更多
Sexual and reproductive health problems among adolescents are increasing in trend. Inadequate knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is the main cause of problems in sexual and reproductive health. Short messages...Sexual and reproductive health problems among adolescents are increasing in trend. Inadequate knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is the main cause of problems in sexual and reproductive health. Short messages service (SMS) intervention has been implemented widely in health education and the outcomes are positive. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mobile phone messaging in improving sexual and reproductive health among late adolescents (age 18 - 19 years old). A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two Professional Vocasional Colleges in Malaysia. A total of 116 respondents in the intervention group and 130 respondents in the control group had completed the study. There was a series of 24 messages (SMS) sent to the respondents biweekly for 12 weeks. The adolescent girls (mean knowledge score 15.90, sd ± 3.321) in the intervention group had a significantly (P = 0.007) higher mean score in knowledge of sexual and reproductive health than boys (mean knowledge score 13.87, sd ± 4.003) at post intervention. The adolescent boys (mean knowledge scores 15.35, sd ± 4.748) in the control group had a significantly (P = 0.009) higher mean score for knowledge on HIV/AIDS than girls (mean scores 13.08, sd ± 4.325) at post intervention. In the intervention group, the number of respondents with good knowledge and good attitude on HIV/AIDS increased at 3 months post intervention. SMS intervention on knowledge of sexual and reproductive health for adolescents was accepted and effectively improved the knowledge scores and sustained even after 3 months post intervention. Therefore, the SMS intervention should be implemented as an intervention package to improve knowledge and reduce risk in developing sexual and health related problems among adolescents.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of specially designed zori, a Japanese-style sandal, for enhancing walking performance. A total of 89 women aged 59-75 were randomly assigned to either the interve...The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of specially designed zori, a Japanese-style sandal, for enhancing walking performance. A total of 89 women aged 59-75 were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group wore the zori for 6 months while the control group did not. We conducted physical assessments, including The Good Walker’s Index, which consisted of a 10-m walking time measurement, maximal step length, the 40/20-cm step test and tandem gait, and measurement of the toe-gap force (TGF). Additionally, bare foot plantar pressure distribution was measured using a foot-mapping sensor, while gait characteristics were measured using three dimensional sensors. In the intervention group, means for TGF improved significantly between baseline and three months and between baseline and six months, but this improvement was not evident in the control group. In the intervention group, the means for pressure and surface areas of both left and right feet significantly decreased over time compared with the control group. Three-dimensional analysis found that left and right ankle height was enhanced in the intervention group, and their walking speed was improved by the extension of their stride length and an increase in the height of the tiptoe in one cycle. The findings in our study indicate that zori can be useful in improving lower leg function through TGF enhancement and adjustment of the pressure pattern.展开更多
Objective: The study aims to investigate the psychosocial health status of patients with pulmonary diseases in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using 230 patients diagnosed with lung diseases from six major h...Objective: The study aims to investigate the psychosocial health status of patients with pulmonary diseases in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using 230 patients diagnosed with lung diseases from six major hospitals in Jordan used to collect data in regards to depressive symptoms, psychological distress, coping, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. Data were collected from Jan 2013 to May 2013. Results: About 50% of the patients reported moderate levels of ability to effectively cope with life situations, life satisfaction, psychological distress, and perceived social support from family, friends and others. About 29% of the patients reported that they had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms had significant and negative correlation with life satisfaction and perceived social support (r = ﹣0.21 to ﹣0.39, p β = 2.72, p = 0.007), marital status (β = 2.63, p = 0.009), and life satisfaction (β = ﹣4.54, p ≤ 0.001) were the significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Health professionals need to screening for psychological disturbances for their patients. There should be integration between early detection of psychological disturbances and implementation of effective treatment plans.展开更多
There are many deaths occurring among the aged population in Japan. Geriatric Health Service Facilities (GHSFs) are highlighted as some of the chosen facilities designated as sites of death. The aim of our study was t...There are many deaths occurring among the aged population in Japan. Geriatric Health Service Facilities (GHSFs) are highlighted as some of the chosen facilities designated as sites of death. The aim of our study was to clarify the characteristics and related factors, including physical signs first noticed by staff at the end-of-life period, in GHSFs designated as sites of death, using a nationwide survey in Japan. We administered a questionnaire to 3971 GHSFs in Japan. Eligible responses for the study were obtained from 854 GHSFs. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death were more likely to have basic policies and documented preferences regarding end-of-life care. We also found that staff members in GHSFs designated as sites of death were less likely to first notice physical signs of pain. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death tended to identify earlier symptoms, such as reduced oral intake and less vigor. Our results would enable elderly persons, their families, and staff in GHSFs to prepare for the elderly’s death more efficiently though earlier identification of the end-of-life period. We hope that GHSFs have an important role to play in end-of-life care provision to elderly persons in Japan, through the strengthening of these intermediate facilities.展开更多
Objectives: To determine health promoting behaviors of university students in Jordan and factors influencing them. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to recruit convenience sample (n = 5...Objectives: To determine health promoting behaviors of university students in Jordan and factors influencing them. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to recruit convenience sample (n = 525) of university students receiving education from two governmental and one private universities in Jordan. Data were collected between September 2013 and January 2014 by using Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Pender Model provided conceptual framework to guide the study. Results: The mean score of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile of the student was at (127.87 ± 19.91). Significant differences were found between Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile mean score and the mean score of its subscales and student’s age, gender, employment status, family income, university type, and faculty type. Conclusions: These findings suggest that interventions are needed to enhance the practice of health promoting behaviours. These interventions should focus on demographic variations among university students.展开更多
Background: Late presentation to the hospital and poor post-operative follow-up after cataract surgery are associated with complications which compromise visual recovery and perpetuate disability among children with c...Background: Late presentation to the hospital and poor post-operative follow-up after cataract surgery are associated with complications which compromise visual recovery and perpetuate disability among children with cataract. The objectives of the study were to understand the social, psychological and physical consequences of blindness in families, to understand why some parents with blind children access services and others do not, and to explore factors related to decision making within families that prevent access to health care services. Methodology: A mixed methodology quantitative and qualitative community study of blindness in children conducted in southern Malawi to compare “Doers”: families with blind children from the same communities who had attended cataract surgical services with “Non-doers” versus families with blind children from the same communities who had not attended services. Individual, family, community socio-cultural and economic characteristics and other qualitative data on knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs were recorded and analyzed thematically, based on grounded theory. Results: A total of 53 in-depth interviews of parents;21 in-depth interviews of children;15 focus group discussions with community members;62 children’s clinical eye examinations, and 4 case studies were conducted over the study period. Doer families were likely to have a reliable source of income, have better housing and live closer to health centres than non-doer families. Visual acuity among doers was better than non-doers. Conclusion: This research has highlighted reasons why some families who have children with cataract are likely to be delayed to seek surgical intervention. Comprehensive counseling modules targeting such families need to be developed to increase acceptance and access to children’s cataract surgical services.展开更多
Introduction: During 1986-2009, an estimated 1.6 million persons were internally displaced from northern and eastern regions of Uganda due to civil war. We investigated accessibility to and availability of health care...Introduction: During 1986-2009, an estimated 1.6 million persons were internally displaced from northern and eastern regions of Uganda due to civil war. We investigated accessibility to and availability of health care services for the internally displaced persons in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda. We interviewed a total of 1383 respondents comprising 968 (70%) adults and 415 (30%) adolescents;60% were females and 40% males, randomly selected from 35 of 67 (52.2%) internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. We held 27 key informant interviews and 52 focus group discussions. Data were entered in EPI data version 3.02 and analysed using SPSS version 12.00 statistical packages. Findings: Two thirds of the respondents 67.5% lived within 5 km distance of a health facility. The majority 62.9% of respondents mentioned that health related information was readily provided. 43.5% of health providers were always available in a health facility. A quarter 25.1% of health facilities always had drugs available, while 56.9% of the drugs prescribed were always available. Two thirds of the respondents 65.9% were satisfied with the health care services provided. The main reasons for the choice of a health facility were proximity 29.6%, provision of free treatment 24.7% and availability of drugs 17.2%. Main barriers to health care access were due to the lack of financial resources, trained personnel, and inadequate drugs and supplies in the health facilities. Conclusions and Recommendations: The majority of IDPs lived in close proximity to health facilities and obtained health care services from public health facilities. Access to health care was determined mainly by proximity and availability of free services and drugs. Although geographic accessibility to health services was high, lack of finances, information and decision power hindered access to health care services.展开更多
基金Supported by the Ongoing Research Funding Program at King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia,No.ORF-2025-1315.
文摘BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)remains a serious and potentially preventable complication among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),particularly in Saudi Arabia.Psychological constructs such as perceived severity and susceptibility influence health behaviour,yet their role in pediatric diabetes management remains underexplored.AIM To examine psychological predictors of DKA in children with T1DM using the health belief model,and to assess the role of caregiver-perceived understanding in influencing adherence and DKA occurrence.METHODS A case-control study was conducted at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia,involving 191 caregivers of children with T1DM(96 cases with a history of DKA and 95 controls without).Validated questionnaires measured perceived severity,susceptibility,understanding,and adherence.Statistical analyses included independent t-tests,Pearson and Spearman correlations,and multiple regression.RESULTS Perceived understanding was the strongest predictor of adherence(β=1.03,P<0.001)and was inversely associated with DKA occurrence(P<0.001).Children without a DKA history had significantly higher levels of perceived understanding and adherence.Perceived severity had a moderate positive association with adherence,while perceived susceptibility showed a weak negative correlation.CONCLUSION Caregiver-perceived understanding plays a critical role in adherence and DKA prevention.These findings support expanding the health belief model to include perceived understanding as a distinct construct and highlight the importance of integrating comprehension-focused strategies into pediatric diabetes education.
文摘The pandemic highlighted significant gaps in the public health infrastructure impacted by shortages of public health workers, an undertrained workforce, and years of disinvestment. These gaps required innovative problem-solving by public health agencies (PHAs), including local health departments (LHDs), to respond to rapidly changing community conditions during and after the pandemic. Many schools and programs of public health (SPPH) worked with PHAs to mobilize public health (PH) students through practice-based teaching (PBT). Current research indicates PBT benefits all stakeholders—PHAs, students, faculty, SPPH, and ultimately the community served. However, more research is needed on the utility of PBT in addressing a community’s systemic public health issues, the extent to which the academic-community collaboration enhances a PHA’s capacity, and the impact of the pedagogy on preparing the workforce for an evolving PH landscape. This paper examines the process of a semester-long PBT course, guided by the PBT STEPS framework, which includes five steps from collaboration to implementation to evaluation of a PBT course. The collaborating PHA and its student group addressed community trauma and resilience issues during the semester. Additionally, it examines the longer-term impacts after the semester for the PHA, community, and the workforce by 1) conducting a formative evaluation to understand needs and gaps in the community;2) redesigning an intervention that merged the results of the formative evaluation with the intervention developed during the semester;and 3) securing funding and resources for intervention sustainability. Through the documentation of a post-course partnership between an LHD and faculty at a large school of public health, this case study illustrates the potential for PBT to lay the foundation for ongoing research that supports more impactful interventions for PHAs while bolstering the workforce abilities of students as future practitioners.
文摘Background:Mental health literacy(MHL)refers to one’s knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders and their treatments.This literacy may be influenced by cultural norms and values that shape individuals’experiences,beliefs,attitudes,and behaviors regarding mental health.This study focuses on adapting the Mental health literacy scale(MHLS)for use in the multicultural context of Israel.Objectives include validating its construct,assessing its accuracy in measuring MHL in this diverse setting and examining and comparing levels of MHL across different cultural groups.Methods:The data collection included 1057 participants,representing all the ethnic groups of the Israeli population aged 18 and over.The tools included the MHLS and a demographic questionnaire.Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA)was employed to assess the original structure of the MHLS.Results:The results revealed that after evaluating the original MHLS,five items were excluded,leading to the validation of a modified version—Israeli mental health scale(IMHLS)with four factors and 25 items.CFA and reliability analyses supported an established and robust four-factor model.Significant ethnic differences in MHLS scores were identified,with Muslim participants showing the highest familiarity with mental disorders,followed by Druze and Christian participants,while Jewish participants had the lowest familiarity.Conclusion:The study concluded that the IMHLS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing MHL in Israel’s diverse and multicultural population.The revised scale better reflects the cultural nuances of the Israeli context.The significant ethnic differences that the study revealed in IMHLS emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to different ethnic groups in Israel.
文摘Health literacy(HL)is an effective approach for improved health status and measures the capacity of individuals to engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities as low HL constitutes a global problem in health-care delivery.Nurses play a significant role in providing adequate information to the client and as such it becomes imperative for them to understand the concept of HL.Clinical approach of HL refers to ability to utilize literacy skills in relation to appointments,prescriptions,and instructions for self-management.Public health approach presents HL as means of empowering individuals to take control of their health and factors that influences health.HL is a hierarchy of skills that can be assessed and managed through health education and effective communication.Nurses’understanding of the concept of HL and strategies to reduce HL demands is crucial to delivery of effective nursing practice.This review will provide a clear understanding of the concept of HL which is essential for nurses to effectively educate patients and provide holistic care.More so,nurses will be able to assess literacy level of the patients,plan and develop better educational program tailored to patients’level of literacy.This could invariably improve patients’comprehension and adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes.
基金supported by the Henan Provincial Medical Science and Technology Research Project(No.SBGJ202102186)。
文摘Objective:To review the scope of interventional studies on horticultural therapy(HT)applied to elderly people in nursing institutions to support the efficient implementation of HT among this target group.Methods:In accordance with the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI),the Pub Med,JSTOR,Web of Science,CNKI,and Wanfang databases were searched.Data from the retrieved literature were summarized and analyzed.Results:In all,18 studies were included in this review.The target population groups of interventions included self-supporting elderly people,cognitively impaired elderly people,elderly people with negative emotions,and elderly people with frailty living in nursing institutions.HT interventions,including planting,craft activities,derivative activities,and outdoor viewing activities,are implemented indoors,outdoors,or in mixed settings.The most common duration of the intervention was 8 weeks,the most common frequency was once per week,and the most common session duration was 60 min.Conclusions:The measurements used in HT interventions included assessments of physical,psycho-mental,and social health;quality of life;and activity effects.Future studies should include partially dependent groups and completely dependent groups of elderly individuals,interventions that last at least 6 months,scientifically designed activity intensity and safety-guarantee plans,and outcomeevaluation indicators such as compliance and intervention benefits.
文摘Background: Worldwide, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has been practiced for generations. This study examined the practice of FGM/C and identified factors influencing its continuity in Osu, a rural community in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a mixed method cross-sectional design. The quantitative aspect involved interview of 294 women using a semi-structured questionnaire while the qualitative aspect entailed 16 in-depth interviews using an in-depth interview guide to seek information from selected spouses of the respondent, women leaders, religious leaders and health workers. The study took place between January and June 2023. The quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Ninety four percent of the women had poor knowledge of the health risks associated with FGM/C practice. About three-third (76.5%) had undergone FGM/C while 77.2% intend to continue FGM/C practice on their daughters. The predictors of continuing FGM/C practice include being married (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.12 - 3.65, p = 0.019), none/primary education (AOR 10.02, 95% CI 2.88 - 34.88, p = 0.0001), lower income (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.54 - 6.55, p = 0.002) and having undergone FGM/C (AOR 14.65, 95% CI 5.31 - 40.37, p = 0.0001). In-depth interviews revealed that the factors sustaining FGM/C in the community include curbing promiscuity, religious rites, community customs and traditions. Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors continue to sustain FGM/C practice in the community. It is necessary to target married women and other community leaders in the campaign against FGM/C practice.
基金supported by the Center of Research and Community Services(PPPM),Stikes Jenderal Achmad Yani,Yogyakarta(No.SPK/039/STIKES/VI/2016)
文摘Objective: Relaxation technique is a nonpharmacological treatment applied to increase sleep efficiency and the quality of sleep.Hydrotherapy is one of the relaxation techniques and uses warm water to decrease stress and muscle stiffness, as well as to warm the body. The incidence of sleep deficiency among older people in Integrated Community Health Services, Pandak I Bantul, has slightly increased year by year. This research aims to evaluate the effect of hydrotherapy on sleep deprivation among older people.Methods: The research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post test design. Purposive sampling was used to enroll 66 older people from the Integrated Community Health Services, Pandak I Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as a sample, and we divided them into two groups: 33 people formed the intervention group, and 33 people comprised the control group. The intervention group did hydrotherapy once a day for a total of 7 days. First, they soaked their feet in warm water for 10 minutes. The water temperature was adjusted according to the body temperature, to approximately 40.0℃-43.0℃. Then, the intervention group took a bath using warm water. The level of sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) questionnaire. Data analysis was done using the Wilcoxon test.Results: The mean score for sleep quality in the pretest in the intervention group was 9.04(standard deviation [SD]: 2.57) and the score on the posttest was 42(SD: 1.43). The mean score for sleep quality in the intervention group was 4.67, with P=0.05.Meanwhile, the research found that the difference between the pretest and posttest scores for quality of sleep in the control group was 0.42, with P=0.059. Wilcoxon analysis found that in the intervention group, there was a significant difference after intervention using hydrotherapy, with P<0.05. In the control group, there was no significance difference between the pretest and posttest scores,with P> 0.05.Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it appears that the practice of hydrotherapy is effective in reducing sleep deficiency and hence can be considered an effective method of intervention.
文摘Objective:The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of neck massage on increased breast milk secretion among postnatal mothers.Materials and Methods:The current study adopted a quasi-experimental design conducted among 60 primi postnatal mothers(30 in each group).Study was conducted at the Postnatal ward of IMS and SUM Hospital,Bhubaneswar,Odisha.Tools used were structured sociodemographic pro forma,structured breast milk adequacy questionnaire,and structured rating scale to assess the adequacy of breast milk production.The duration of the study is 1 year.All the postnatal mothers who were primigravida and undergone cesarean section were chosen as the sample through a convenience sampling technique.Then,the samples were assigned to the intervention group(receiving neck massage)and control group(receiving standard postnatal care).The data were collected and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS version 20.Results:The study resulted a significant difference between the pretest and posttest score of breast milk production after neck massage(P=0.000).The mean score of the posttest(2.90±0.36)is more than the mean score of the pretest(2.89±0.36)of the baby’s weight(P<0.001).Further,the number of urination and stool passed in 24 h was more in the intervention group than the control group(P<0.001).The Chi-square analysis showed statistical significance between breast milk production after neck massage with religion of the postnatal mothers(P<0.05).Conclusion:The neck massage is found effective in improving the breast milk production among primi c-section mothers with improve newborn parameters.
基金supported by the National Social Science Fund of China(Grant No.22BTY098)with JJY as Principal Investigator.
文摘Background:Physical inactivity among adolescents has become a global public health challenge,with over 80%failing to meet the recommendations of the WHO for activity levels.Existing research predominantly examines how physical activity(PA)enhances resilience,while the predictive role of resilience in PA,particularly its interaction with family factors,has received limited attention.This study aimed to examine the associations between resilience and PA among adolescents,focusing on family functioning and gender differences.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,a total of 909 Chinese adolescents(463 males and 446 females,aged 13.30.5 years)completed the±following validated self-report instruments:the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale with 10 items,the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children,and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale II-Chinese version that was used to categorize family functioning into three types(i.e.,lower,balanced,and higher).The generalized linear mixed-effect model(GLMM)was used to determine the contribution of resilience and its interaction with family functioning type on PA after adjusting for age and gender.Results:Males presented significantly higher resilience and PA levels(both p 0.001)as well as better family functioning(p 0.01)than females.Compared with the lower<<functioning group,participants from higher-functioning families showed superior resilience and PA(both p 0.001).<The GLMM analysis revealed a positive relationship between resilience and PA(p 0.001),where the lower functioning<group was significantly weaker than the higher functioning group.Conclusion:Resilience and PA in adolescents vary across gender and family functioning type,with males and adolescents from better-functioning families outperforming their peers.Resilience is a positive predictor of PA in adolescents,with family functioning type being a crucial moderator of such a relationship.
基金supported in part by(received funding from)the Ministry of Science and Technology,Taiwan(MOST 110-2410-H-006-115,MOST 111-2410-H-006-100)the National Science and Technology Council,Taiwan(NSTC 112-2410-H-006-089-SS2)+1 种基金the Higher Education Sprout Project,the Ministry of Education at the Headquarters of University Advancement at the National Cheng Kung University(NCKU)the 2021 Southeast and South Asia and Taiwan Universities Joint Research Scheme(NCKU 31).
文摘Background:Weight-related self-stigma(WRSS)is prevalent among individuals with different types of weight status and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes.Social support and coping models explain how individuals may use different coping methods to deal with their mental health needs.Psychological distress(e.g.,depression and stress)could lead to overuse of social media and smartphones.When using social media or smartphones,individuals are likely to be exposed to negative comments regarding weight/shape/size posted on the social media.Consequently,individuals who experience problematic social media use(PSMU)or problematic smartphone use(PSPU)may develop WRSS.Therefore,the present study examined the roles of PSMU and PSPU as mediators in the relationship between psychological distress and WRSS.Methods:Using convenience sampling via an online survey,622 participants with a mean age of 23.70 years(SD=4.33)completed questions assessing sociodemographic variables,psychological distress,PSMU,PSPU,WRSS,and self-reported weight and height.Results:The hierarchical regression models showed that sex(β=0.08,p=0.01),BMI(β=0.39,p<0.001),depression(β=0.21,p=0.001),stress(β=0.18,p=0.01),PSMU(β=0.09,p=0.045),and PSPU(β=0.14,p=0.001)were significant factors for WRSS.Conclusion:The mediation models showed that both PSMU and PSPU were significant mediators in the relationships between depression and stress with WRSS.The present findings provide some evidence for understanding WRSS and has important implications for developing interventions to reduce its negative impact on individuals’health and well-being.
文摘BACKGROUND: According to the fact that women account for the highest rate of victims of mental health loss during disasters, prioritization of their requirements is of remarkable signifi cance. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim to prioritize factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. METHODS: This study was conducted using the Delphi method in 2017. Participants consisted of experts including psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists, social medicine specialists, and psychiatric-mental health nurses with experience in service and disaster awareness, especially earthquake. They were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The Delphi method was used in 2 rounds with 21 components and the fi nal attendance of 19 participants and the collective agreement of 75%. RESULTS: Of the 21 factors related to women's mental health during the earthquake, the following components were, respectively, preferred by the participants: psychological well-being training, group relationships and support of women in emergency situations, fair treatment in the provision of rights and services to women, crisis awareness and management of behavior and diffi cult conditions, and social security during disasters with the total mean standard deviation (SD) of 13.4 (2.4), 13.0 (2.4), 12.7 (2.5), 12.5 (2.4), and 12.3 (2.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Training in the fi eld of psychology and disasters, and social and cultural factors were prioritized among factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. Therefore, the results of this study can be applied by the planners and executives of mental health, women and disasters, and the women's community itself.
文摘Background: The world is currently experiencing a healthcare crisis caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the forefront of controlling the spread of the disease;this response has resulted in a huge number of infections amongst HCWs and unfortunately some casualties. Infection prevention and control practices (IPC) are practical, proven methods that prevent avoidable harm to patients and protect health workers from contagious infection. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of IPC practices utilized in COVID-19 testing drive through facility in Lagos Nigeria. Method: The facility recruited 42 HCWs who were trained on IPC and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Training on donning and doffing of PPEs, preparation of decontaminants and sample handling were done for relevant personnel. A daily log for monitoring COVID-19 symptoms was deployed to all HCWs;to help early detection of COVID-19 infection and prevent transmission amongst staff. Results: Of 42 personnel, 92.8% had a tertiary level of education while 71.4% had at least 5 years work experience. A total of 5 (11.9%) out of 42 HCWs were positive by week six of the study. All infected persons worked at the drive through centre. Most common symptom filled in the daily log tool was headache and fatigue. Conclusion: Despite all the measures introduced, 11.9% of HCWs became positive within 6 weeks, showing the highly infectious nature of the virus and the need to research into more effective measures in preventing the transmission of highly infectious pathogens to HCWs during outbreaks.
文摘Water supply has become insufficient for the rapidly rising population in Pakistan. As in other parts of Pakistan, coastal villagers also become helpless to use ground water for drinking and daily consumption, due to their need and their not knowing about the quality of water. A number of patients arrived to Karachi hospitals, suffering from a strange disease and this study has been done to find the exact cause of this disease by assuming that arsenic contaminated drinking water may be one of the possibilities. Maximum permissible limit (MRL) of arsenic in drinking water of Pakistan has been calculated by analysis of 50 samples of supply water as 0.05 mg/l. It was observed that most of the residents of Ibrahim Hyderi, Rehri, Chashma, Mubarak, Fagheer Muhammad and Gul Hasan Goths (villages) of the coastal belt of the Karachi city were suffering from melanosis, leuco-melanosis, keratosis, hyperkeratosis, dorsum, non-pitting oedema, gangrene and skin cancer that might be due to arsenic contamination in drinking water. Studied subjects were seriously affected due to paralyzing lower limbs, arms and other body parts in the coastal belt of Karachi, which was observed to be the most prominent health hazards of arsenic. The majority of victims were children. This community problem demands proper addressing and extensive research for improving the quality of life of these villagers.
文摘Sexual and reproductive health problems among adolescents are increasing in trend. Inadequate knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is the main cause of problems in sexual and reproductive health. Short messages service (SMS) intervention has been implemented widely in health education and the outcomes are positive. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mobile phone messaging in improving sexual and reproductive health among late adolescents (age 18 - 19 years old). A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two Professional Vocasional Colleges in Malaysia. A total of 116 respondents in the intervention group and 130 respondents in the control group had completed the study. There was a series of 24 messages (SMS) sent to the respondents biweekly for 12 weeks. The adolescent girls (mean knowledge score 15.90, sd ± 3.321) in the intervention group had a significantly (P = 0.007) higher mean score in knowledge of sexual and reproductive health than boys (mean knowledge score 13.87, sd ± 4.003) at post intervention. The adolescent boys (mean knowledge scores 15.35, sd ± 4.748) in the control group had a significantly (P = 0.009) higher mean score for knowledge on HIV/AIDS than girls (mean scores 13.08, sd ± 4.325) at post intervention. In the intervention group, the number of respondents with good knowledge and good attitude on HIV/AIDS increased at 3 months post intervention. SMS intervention on knowledge of sexual and reproductive health for adolescents was accepted and effectively improved the knowledge scores and sustained even after 3 months post intervention. Therefore, the SMS intervention should be implemented as an intervention package to improve knowledge and reduce risk in developing sexual and health related problems among adolescents.
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of specially designed zori, a Japanese-style sandal, for enhancing walking performance. A total of 89 women aged 59-75 were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group wore the zori for 6 months while the control group did not. We conducted physical assessments, including The Good Walker’s Index, which consisted of a 10-m walking time measurement, maximal step length, the 40/20-cm step test and tandem gait, and measurement of the toe-gap force (TGF). Additionally, bare foot plantar pressure distribution was measured using a foot-mapping sensor, while gait characteristics were measured using three dimensional sensors. In the intervention group, means for TGF improved significantly between baseline and three months and between baseline and six months, but this improvement was not evident in the control group. In the intervention group, the means for pressure and surface areas of both left and right feet significantly decreased over time compared with the control group. Three-dimensional analysis found that left and right ankle height was enhanced in the intervention group, and their walking speed was improved by the extension of their stride length and an increase in the height of the tiptoe in one cycle. The findings in our study indicate that zori can be useful in improving lower leg function through TGF enhancement and adjustment of the pressure pattern.
文摘Objective: The study aims to investigate the psychosocial health status of patients with pulmonary diseases in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using 230 patients diagnosed with lung diseases from six major hospitals in Jordan used to collect data in regards to depressive symptoms, psychological distress, coping, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. Data were collected from Jan 2013 to May 2013. Results: About 50% of the patients reported moderate levels of ability to effectively cope with life situations, life satisfaction, psychological distress, and perceived social support from family, friends and others. About 29% of the patients reported that they had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms had significant and negative correlation with life satisfaction and perceived social support (r = ﹣0.21 to ﹣0.39, p β = 2.72, p = 0.007), marital status (β = 2.63, p = 0.009), and life satisfaction (β = ﹣4.54, p ≤ 0.001) were the significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Health professionals need to screening for psychological disturbances for their patients. There should be integration between early detection of psychological disturbances and implementation of effective treatment plans.
文摘There are many deaths occurring among the aged population in Japan. Geriatric Health Service Facilities (GHSFs) are highlighted as some of the chosen facilities designated as sites of death. The aim of our study was to clarify the characteristics and related factors, including physical signs first noticed by staff at the end-of-life period, in GHSFs designated as sites of death, using a nationwide survey in Japan. We administered a questionnaire to 3971 GHSFs in Japan. Eligible responses for the study were obtained from 854 GHSFs. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death were more likely to have basic policies and documented preferences regarding end-of-life care. We also found that staff members in GHSFs designated as sites of death were less likely to first notice physical signs of pain. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death tended to identify earlier symptoms, such as reduced oral intake and less vigor. Our results would enable elderly persons, their families, and staff in GHSFs to prepare for the elderly’s death more efficiently though earlier identification of the end-of-life period. We hope that GHSFs have an important role to play in end-of-life care provision to elderly persons in Japan, through the strengthening of these intermediate facilities.
文摘Objectives: To determine health promoting behaviors of university students in Jordan and factors influencing them. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to recruit convenience sample (n = 525) of university students receiving education from two governmental and one private universities in Jordan. Data were collected between September 2013 and January 2014 by using Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Pender Model provided conceptual framework to guide the study. Results: The mean score of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile of the student was at (127.87 ± 19.91). Significant differences were found between Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile mean score and the mean score of its subscales and student’s age, gender, employment status, family income, university type, and faculty type. Conclusions: These findings suggest that interventions are needed to enhance the practice of health promoting behaviours. These interventions should focus on demographic variations among university students.
文摘Background: Late presentation to the hospital and poor post-operative follow-up after cataract surgery are associated with complications which compromise visual recovery and perpetuate disability among children with cataract. The objectives of the study were to understand the social, psychological and physical consequences of blindness in families, to understand why some parents with blind children access services and others do not, and to explore factors related to decision making within families that prevent access to health care services. Methodology: A mixed methodology quantitative and qualitative community study of blindness in children conducted in southern Malawi to compare “Doers”: families with blind children from the same communities who had attended cataract surgical services with “Non-doers” versus families with blind children from the same communities who had not attended services. Individual, family, community socio-cultural and economic characteristics and other qualitative data on knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs were recorded and analyzed thematically, based on grounded theory. Results: A total of 53 in-depth interviews of parents;21 in-depth interviews of children;15 focus group discussions with community members;62 children’s clinical eye examinations, and 4 case studies were conducted over the study period. Doer families were likely to have a reliable source of income, have better housing and live closer to health centres than non-doer families. Visual acuity among doers was better than non-doers. Conclusion: This research has highlighted reasons why some families who have children with cataract are likely to be delayed to seek surgical intervention. Comprehensive counseling modules targeting such families need to be developed to increase acceptance and access to children’s cataract surgical services.
文摘Introduction: During 1986-2009, an estimated 1.6 million persons were internally displaced from northern and eastern regions of Uganda due to civil war. We investigated accessibility to and availability of health care services for the internally displaced persons in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda. We interviewed a total of 1383 respondents comprising 968 (70%) adults and 415 (30%) adolescents;60% were females and 40% males, randomly selected from 35 of 67 (52.2%) internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. We held 27 key informant interviews and 52 focus group discussions. Data were entered in EPI data version 3.02 and analysed using SPSS version 12.00 statistical packages. Findings: Two thirds of the respondents 67.5% lived within 5 km distance of a health facility. The majority 62.9% of respondents mentioned that health related information was readily provided. 43.5% of health providers were always available in a health facility. A quarter 25.1% of health facilities always had drugs available, while 56.9% of the drugs prescribed were always available. Two thirds of the respondents 65.9% were satisfied with the health care services provided. The main reasons for the choice of a health facility were proximity 29.6%, provision of free treatment 24.7% and availability of drugs 17.2%. Main barriers to health care access were due to the lack of financial resources, trained personnel, and inadequate drugs and supplies in the health facilities. Conclusions and Recommendations: The majority of IDPs lived in close proximity to health facilities and obtained health care services from public health facilities. Access to health care was determined mainly by proximity and availability of free services and drugs. Although geographic accessibility to health services was high, lack of finances, information and decision power hindered access to health care services.
