Nevin Manimala

BMC Public Health. 2022 Aug 1;22(1):1463. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13891-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The substantial rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over the last two decades poses a major concern to the healthcare services in Malaysia. This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of the current NCDs programs and identify the challenges and factors impeding the sustainability of the NCDs program implemented under the National Strategic Plan.

METHODS: This study applied the mixed-method approach using the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) to assess the eight domains for program sustainability combined with 5 open-ended questions. The survey was administered to key leaders from the district health offices in Malaysia. The mean score for each sustainability domain and the overall mean sustainability score were determined. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and NVivo version 12, respectively.

RESULTS: A total of 80 key leaders responded to the survey. Overall seven domains scored an average of ≥ 4 with an overall mean sustainability score of 4.2. The highest domain mean scores were 4.5 (communications) and 4.4 (organizational capacity). The lowest mean score domain was 3.8 (funding stability). The open-ended responses revealed challenges faced by department heads, including implementation difficulties, factors impeding the planning of the NCDs program for sustainability, lack of financial resources, lack of human resources, and support for staff training which are largely consistent with the scores of each domain.

CONCLUSION: The sustainability factors affecting the NCDs program in Malaysia are qualitatively similar to other countries. For greater sustainability capacity, we should work towards strong leadership, strengthening funding stability, and incorporating evidence-based public health strategies in the implementation of the NCDs program.

PMID:35915493 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-13891-6

BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 Aug 1;22(1):981. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08360-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: CPs and PPMVs are an important source of modern contraceptives in Nigeria, yet many lack the requisite knowledge and skills to capably provide these services. This skills gap might be addressed through targeted family planning (FP) training. This study measures family planning knowledge retention of CPs and PPMVs after receiving training in FP counseling and services in Kaduna and Lagos States, in Nigeria.

METHODS: In a quasi-experimental longitudinal design without a comparison group, 559 CPs and PPMVs who were enrolled in the IntegratE project between January and December 2019, completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge related to the provision of FP counseling, and injectable and implant contraceptive services at three points in time: 1) before the training; 2) immediately after the training; and 3) 9-months after the training in Kaduna and Lagos states, Nigeria. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of provider characteristics and receipt of job aids on FP knowledge retention 9 months after the training. 95% confidence intervals and p-values were used to assess statistical significance.

RESULTS: Majority of study participants were females (60.3%) and between 30 and 49 years old (63.4%). The study revealed the importance of jobs aids as influence on knowledge retention. CPs and PPMVs who reported having the Balanced Counseling Strategy plus (BCS+) counseling cards, were more likely to retain knowledge (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.01-8.40, p-value = 0.05) at 9 months follow-up. Similarly, in terms of knowledge of injectable contraceptives, CPs and Tier 2 PPMVs who reported receiving the Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) Wheel were 2.1 times more likely to retain knowledge of injectable contraceptives 9-months later on (95% CI: 1.14-3.99, p-value = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Community Pharmacists and Proprietary Medicine Vendors had good retention of family planning knowledge, especially when combined with job aids. Training and providing them with job aids on FP will therefore support task shifting and task sharing on family planning services provision in Nigeria.

PMID:35915491 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-022-08360-0

BMC Nurs. 2022 Aug 1;21(1):210. doi: 10.1186/s12912-022-00993-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck malignancies, having a high incidence in Guangxi, China. Although chemoradiotherapy offers more effective cancer treatment, it also causes a variety of acute and chronic side effects, seriously affecting the quality of life. NPC has evolved into a chronic disease with most patients opting for home-based rehabilitation. Therefore, efforts on improving the home-based extended care services to improve the quality of life of patients are booming. The Chinese government encourages the use of internet technology for expanding the prospect of nursing. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mHealth-based care model on the health outcomes of discharged patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS: An experimental design was applied for this study. The study enrolled 116 discharged patients who were re-examined in the Radiotherapy Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from November 2019 to February 2020. These patients were randomized into control and intervention groups (n = 58 per group), but during the implementation of the project, there was one dropout in the control group due to the loss of follow-up, and one dropout in the intervention group due to distant metastasis. In the end, 57 patients in the control and intervention groups completed the trial. The control group was subjected to routine discharge guidance and follow-up, while the experimental group was implemented with a mobile health (mHealth)-based continuous nursing intervention model. The scores of the side effects, cancer fatigue, and quality of life were compared between the two groups of patients for 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively after discharge from the hospital.

RESULTS: This study included 114 patients and there were no significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups. After 6 and 12 months of intervention, the severity of radiation toxicity and side effects, the scores of cancer-related fatigue, and quality of life (symptom field) of the patients in the interventional group were significantly lowered statistically compared to those in the control group.

CONCLUSION: This study is based on the mHealth continuous nursing intervention model, which can reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and cancer fatigue, and improve the quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered as a randomized controlled trial in the Chinese Clinical Trial Center. Registration Date: January 12, 2021, Registration Number: ChiCTR2100042027.

PMID:35915490 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-022-00993-0

Thromb J. 2022 Aug 1;20(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s12959-022-00402-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common postoperative complication in general thoracic surgery, but the incidence of patients undergoing surgery for bronchiectasis was not known. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of VTE in bronchiectasis patients undergoing lung resection and to evaluate the risk stratification effect of the modified caprini risk assessment model (RAM).

METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with bronchiectasis who underwent lung resection surgery between July 2016 and July 2020.The postoperative duplex lower-extremity ultrasonography or(and) computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was performed to detect VTE. The clinical characteristics and caprini scores of VTE patients and non-VTE patients would be compared and analyzed. Univariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate whether higher Caprini scores were associated with postoperative VTE risk.In addition, We explored the optimal cutoff for caprini score in patients with bronchiectasis by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients were eligible based on the prospective study criteria. The postoperative VTE incidence was 8.5% (10/117). By comparing the clinical characteristics and Caprini scores of VTE and non-VTE patients, the median preoperative hospitalization (7 vs 5 days, P = 0.028) and Caprini score (6.5 vs 3,P < 0.001) were significantly higher in VTE patients. In univariate logistic regression, a higher Caprini score was associated with higher odds ratio (OR) for VTE of 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) was from 1.2 to 2.5 (P = 0.001), C-statistics was 0.815 in the modified caprini RAM for predicting VTE. In a multivariable analysis adjusting for preoperative hospitalization, a higher Caprini score was associated with higher odds OR for VTE of 1.8 (95%CI: 1.2-2.6, P = 0.002), C-statistics was 0.893 in the caprini RAM for predicting VTE. When taking the Caprini score as 5 points as the diagnostic threshold, the Youden index is the largest.

CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative VTE incidence in patients undergoing lung resection for bronchiectasis was 8.5%.The modified caprini RAM effectively stratified bronchiectasis surgery patients for risk of VTE and showed excellent predictive power for VTE. The patients with postoperative caprini scores = 5, should be recommended to take positive measures to prevent postoperative VTE.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR-EOC-17010577.

PMID:35915486 | DOI:10.1186/s12959-022-00402-1

Malar J. 2022 Aug 1;21(1):232. doi: 10.1186/s12936-022-04248-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Data integration and visualisation techniques have been widely used in scientific research to allow the exploitation of large volumes of data and support highly complex or long-lasting research questions. Integration allows data from different sources to be aggregated into a single database comprising variables of interest for different types of studies. Visualisation allows large and complex data sets to be manipulated and interpreted in a more intuitive way.

METHODS: Integration and visualisation techniques were applied in a malaria surveillance ecosystem to build an integrated database comprising notifications, deaths, vector control and climate data. This database is accessed through Malaria-VisAnalytics, a visual mining platform for descriptive and predictive analysis supporting decision and policy-making by governmental and health agents.

RESULTS: Experimental and validation results have proved that the visual exploration and interaction mechanisms allow effective surveillance for rapid action in suspected outbreaks, as well as support a set of different research questions over integrated malaria electronic health records.

CONCLUSION: The integrated database and the visual mining platform (Malaria-VisAnalytics) allow different types of users to explore malaria-related data in a user-friendly interface. Summary data and key insights can be obtained through different techniques and dimensions. The case study on Manaus can serve as a reference for future replication in other municipalities. Finally, both the database and the visual mining platform can be extended with new data sources and functionalities to accommodate more complex scenarios (such as real-time data capture and analysis).

PMID:35915484 | DOI:10.1186/s12936-022-04248-w

BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 Aug 1;22(1):982. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08379-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers and its role in maintaining their health and inhibiting the epidemic spread of Covid-19, the present study was done to identify the changes in intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine rate in two different time points and it’s determinants based on the dimensions of the health belief model among healthcare workers in Iran.

METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys performed to investigate COVID-19 vaccination intent and associated factors based on the health belief model. The first conducted on 1244 participants from August 18 to 23, 2020, and the second on 1514 participants from February 5 to April 29, 2021, both using a questionnaire of intent to accept COVID-19 vaccination. The questionnaire distribution platform in both surveys was similarly, WhatsApp and Telegram social and working virtual groups of HCWs. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16 software for descriptive and analytical statistics.

RESULTS: In the first survey, 58.4% (95% CI: 0.55-0.61%) of healthcare workers intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the rate dropped to 45.7% (95% CI: 0.43-0.48%) in the second survey (P < 0.001). The regression analysis indicated six factors that were significantly associated with higher intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine: being a female (OR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.11-3.03)), history of Covid-19 infection (OR = 1.54, 95% CI (1.09-2.18), perceptions of Covid-19 disease (OR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.01-1.28)), perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.22-1.47)), prosocial norms for COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 1.25, 95% CI (1.21-1.29)), and COVID-19 vaccine safety/cost concerns (OR = 1.25, 95% CI (1.17-1.33)).

CONCLUSIONS: Present study showed an undesirable rate of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers, especially decreasing over the time, emphasize the need of interventions to promote healthcare workers’ intention to receive the vaccine and reduce the spread of COVID-19 disease.

PMID:35915483 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-022-08379-3

Gut Pathog. 2022 Aug 1;14(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s13099-022-00506-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Kenya introduced Rotarix^® (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) vaccination into its national immunization programme beginning July 2014. The impact of this vaccination program on the local epidemiology of various known enteropathogens is not fully understood.

METHODS: We used a custom TaqMan Array Card (TAC) to screen for 28 different enteropathogens in 718 stools from children aged less than 13 years admitted to Kilifi County Hospital, coastal Kenya, following presentation with diarrhea in 2013 (before vaccine introduction) and in 2016-2018 (after vaccine introduction). Pathogen positivity rate differences between pre- and post-Rotarix^® vaccination introduction were examined using both univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS: In 665 specimens (92.6%), one or more enteropathogen was detected, while in 323 specimens (48.6%) three or more enteropathogens were detected. The top six detected enteropathogens were: enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAggEC; 42.1%), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC; 30.2%), enterovirus (26.9%), rotavirus group A (RVA; 24.8%), parechovirus (16.6%) and norovirus GI/GII (14.4%). Post-rotavirus vaccine introduction, there was a significant increase in the proportion of samples testing positive for EAggEC (35.7% vs. 45.3%, p = 0.014), cytomegalovirus (4.2% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.008), Vibrio cholerae (0.0% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.019), Strongyloides species (0.8% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.048) and Dientamoeba fragilis (2.1% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.004). Although not reaching statistical significance, the positivity rate of adenovirus 40/41 (5.8% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.444), norovirus GI/GII (11.2% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.089), Shigella species (8.7% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.092) and Cryptosporidium spp. (11.6% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.261) appeared to increase post-vaccine introduction. Conversely, the positivity rate of sapovirus decreased significantly post-vaccine introduction (7.8% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.030) while that of RVA appeared not to change (27.4% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.253). More enteropathogen coinfections were detected per child post-vaccine introduction compared to before (mean: 2.7 vs. 2.3; p = 0.0025).

CONCLUSIONS: In this rural Coastal Kenya setting, childhood enteropathogen infection burden was high both pre- and post-rotavirus vaccination introduction. Children who had diarrheal admissions post-vaccination showed an increase in coinfections and changes in specific enteropathogen positivity rates. This study highlights the utility of multipathogen detection platforms such as TAC in understanding etiology of childhood acute gastroenteritis in resource-limited regions.

PMID:35915480 | DOI:10.1186/s13099-022-00506-z

Contracept Reprod Med. 2022 Aug 2;7(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s40834-022-00181-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence from high income countries showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on population and reproductive health behaviour. This study provides a sub-Saharan Africa perspective by documenting the social consequences of COVID-19 and its relationship to fertility preference stability and modern contraceptive use in Nigeria.

METHOD: We analysed panel data collected by Performance Monitoring for Action in Nigeria. Baseline and Follow-up surveys were conducted before the COVID-19 outbreak (November 2019-February 2020) and during the lockdown respectively (May-July 2020). Analysis was restricted to married non-pregnant women during follow-up (n = 774). Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models were employed to explore the relationship between selected social consequences of COVID-19 and fertility preferences stability (between baseline and follow-up) as well as modern contraceptives use.

RESULTS: Reported social consequences of the pandemic lockdown include total loss of household income (31.3%), food insecurity (16.5%), and greater economic reliance on partner (43.0%). Sixty-eight women (8.8%) changed their minds about pregnancy and this was associated with age groups, higher wealth quintile (AOR = 0.38, CI: 0.15-0.97) and household food insecurity (AOR = 2.72, CI: 1.23-5.99). Fertility preference was inconsistent among 26.1%. Women aged 30-34 years (AOR = 4.46, CI:1.29-15.39) were more likely of inconsistent fertility preference compared to 15-24 years. The likelihood was also higher among women with three children compared to those with only one child (AOR = 3.88, CI: 1.36-11.08). During follow-up survey, 59.4% reported they would feel unhappy if pregnant. This was more common among women with tertiary education (AOR = 2.99, CI: 1.41-6.33). The odds increased with parity. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 32.8%. Women aged 45-49 years (AOR = 0.24, CI: 0.10-0.56) were less likely to use modern contraceptives than those aged 15-24 years. In contrast, the odds of contraceptive use were significantly higher among those with three (AOR = 1.82, CI: 1.03-3.20), four (AOR = 2.45, CI: 1.36-4.39) and at least five (AOR = 2.89, CI: 1.25-6.74) children. Unhappy disposition towards pregnancy (AOR = 2.48, CI: 1.724-3.58) was also a significant predictor of modern contraceptive use.

CONCLUSION: Some social consequences of COVID-19 affected pregnancy intention and stability of fertility preference but showed no independent association with modern contraceptive use.

PMID:35915478 | DOI:10.1186/s40834-022-00181-0

Arch Public Health. 2022 Aug 1;80(1):178. doi: 10.1186/s13690-022-00944-w.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Drowning is an under-recognised public health threat and a leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity. However, in many countries, including Turkey, limited data impair understanding of drowning burden and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study drowning estimates (defined using International Classification of Diseases [ICD] codes W65-74) do not include flood-related deaths (X38) and water transportation related drownings (V90, V92). A lack of accessible and reliable country-level data impacts a country’s ability to develop appropriate drowning prevention interventions and measure efficacy. This retrospective population-based study aimed to explore differences between two datasets in fatal drowning in Turkey between 2013 and 2019.

METHODS: National, all-age data on fatal drownings (restrictive definition: ICD-10 codes W65-74) were sourced from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. In addition, a broader definition of drowning including water transport, flood-related deaths and drowning due to undetermined intent (ICD-10 codes W65-74, V90, V92, X38, Y21, T751) were sourced from TurkStat. Numeric and percentage differences in number of drowning deaths were calculated overall and by sex, age group and death year. Chi square (p < 0.05) and relative risk (95% confidence intervals) using crude drowning rates per 100,000 population were also calculated for TurkStat data.

RESULTS: From 2013 to 2019, TurkStat reported a total of 5004 drowning deaths (coded W65-74) were reported, compared to 5252 (5% difference; n = 248) using the broader definition. A restrictive definition underreported drowning most significantly in females (9.5%; n = 97), 5-9 year-olds (8.9%; n = 31) and in the 2015 calendar year (30.2%; n = 226). Males accounted for 78.8% of drowning in Turkey, with females significantly (p < 0.001) more at risk under 10 years of age (0-4 years X² = 67.9; 5-9 years X² = 23.9) and aged 65+ years (X² = 29.7). GBD data overestimated a restrictive definition of drowning by 3.2% overall (7.6% for females, 52.5% for 0-4 year-olds) and underreported drowning for 65+ year-olds by 17% when compared to TurkStat restrictive definition of drowning.

CONCLUSIONS: Although a restrictive definition of drowning doesn’t greatly impact estimates at a population level in Turkey, there are variations. This highlights the importance of accurate country-level drowning data to guide decision making for prevention.

PMID:35915470 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-022-00944-w

BMC Nutr. 2022 Aug 1;8(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s40795-022-00571-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Consumers are exposed to a wide range of advertisements through different channels daily, which tends to have an influence on their food decision making. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different forms of food advertisements students are exposed to on campus and how they influence their food choices and nutritional status.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the influence of different forms of food advertisements on students’ food choices and nutritional status. A self-reported semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 367 students. About 51.5% of the students were females and 48.5% males. Body Mass index (BMI) was derived from weight and height measured according to standard procedures. Data was analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square was used to determine association between categorical variables (socio-demographic characteristics, food choices and nutritional status).

RESULTS: The students reported ‘use of internet’ (58.9%) as the main source of food advertisement on campus, followed by television (21.0%). A large number of students (74.9%) were affirmative about food advertisements influencing their food decision making. Those with poor nutritional status (underweight, overweight and obese) were more likely to patronize sugar sweetened beverages (10.1%) as compared to fruits and vegetables (1.4%). There was statistical significance (p = 0.003) for type of food patronized due to advertisement and the source of advertisement. However, there was no statistical significance (p = 0.832) for type of food patronized due to advertisement and BMI of students.

CONCLUSION: Owing to the increased patronage of internet and television as channels of food advertisements by students, policy makers should prioritize the designing and implementation of intervention programmes through these channels that would influence healthy food decision making and promote consumption of nutrient rich foods. As this population has high self-reported advertisements’ influence on food choices, it is vital to investigate further the influence of contextual cues such as environment and advertisement on their eating habits and dietary patterns.

PMID:35915469 | DOI:10.1186/s40795-022-00571-2