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Universal Journal of Public Health
Number of Followers: 0  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 2331-8880 - ISSN (Online) 2331-8945 Published by Horizon Research Publishing  [50 journals]
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- Application of Institute of Medicine's Gestational Weight Gain
Recommendations in Asian Population: A Scoping Review
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Hanny L. Zahroh Yenni Zuhairini Siska Wiramihardja and Amillia Siddiq Background. Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important factor of the well-being of both mother and fetus. Latest recommendation by Institute of Medicine (IOM) was issued in 2009 based on women population in United States, and is classified based on World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index (BMI) cutoffs. Recommendation for Asian population is not currently available. This review aims to review the evidence of the application of said guidelines in Asian population. Method. Articles were searched using Google Scholar and PubMed. Articles published in 2016 or above, with single pregnancies and unlimited to pre-pregnancy BMI categories were selected. Of 1,239 potential articles, 29 were chosen for full-text screening and 9 were included in this review. Result. Mixed trends were found when assessing adequacy of GWG in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI. Article analyzing optimal GWG showed a higher and wider range compared to IOM. Inadequate GWG is associated with a higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) while excessive GWG is associated with large for gestational age (LGA). Significant differences were found when different categorizations of BMI are used with IOM guidelines. Conclusion. Asian women rarely gain adequate weight by IOM standard. This might lead to increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as SGA and LGA. Further researches are needed to study appropriate optimal GWG for Asian population, and/or to modify IOM guidelines to be applied better in Asian population.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Exercise Moderate Interval as an Alternative Exercise Model to Improve
Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Yetty Machrina Ambrosius Purba and Dwi Rita Anggraini Background: Previous study had found that adherence of patient Diabetes type-2 in moderate to vigorous continuous exercise was poor. Meanwhile regularly exercise needs to control fasting plasma glucose in T2DM. Exercise moderate interval (EMI) shows a significant effect to reduce insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome patients. But, studies to find the effect of EMI or EMC to muscle insulin receptor distribution are still limited. So, the purpose of this study is to compare the effects of EMI vs EMC in increasing insulin receptors and reducing insulin resistance in T2DM rat models. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in T2DM rat models. According to the treatments, rats were randomly assigned into the following 3 groups: sedentary group (SG), exercise moderate continuous (EMC) and exercise moderate interval (EMI). Each training session was performed on treadmill for eight weeks, three times weekly. Insulin receptor was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, insulin resistance was determined by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin (HOMA-IR) score measured before and after completing the training session. Results: This study found that the insulin receptors in EMI = 184% and EMC= 158%. Both insulin receptors in the treatment groups had a significant difference to the sedentary group (p=0.002), but there was no significant difference in insulin receptors between EMI and EMC group (p=0.222). HOMA-IR in EMI group was 16.6±4.0 significantly different with HOMA-IR in EMC group such as 43.3±8.6 (p=0.000). There was a negative correlation between insulin receptor and insulin resistance (p=0.047, r =-0.520). Conclusion: Both exercise moderate interval and exercise moderate continuous could increase insulin receptors on skeletal muscle, but exercise moderate interval showed better improve insulin sensitivity after eight weeks' exercise. We suggested exercise moderate interval as an alternative exercise for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- A Comparative Study on the Effects of Occupation Based Reminiscence
Therapy and Conversation-Based Reminiscence Therapy Combined with
Gymnastics on the Non-demented Elderly in the Community - Randomized
Controlled Trial Design
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Ju Hyung Park This study is a comparative study examining the effects of conversation-based reminiscence therapy combined with gymnastics and occupation based reminiscence therapy on cognitive function, depression, and quality of life of non-demented elderly in the community. A total of 53 normal elderly subjects in the community were divided into an experimental group (n=27) and a control group (n=26). The experimental group received occupation-based reminiscence therapy for 1 hour once a week for a total of 8 weeks, and the control group received 20 minutes of gymnastic exercise and 40 minutes of general conversation-oriented reminiscence therapy. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations of the subjects were performed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Korean Version (MoCA-K), a Short Form of the Geriatric depression Scale-Korean Version (SGDS-K), and the Geriatric Quality of Life (GQOL). After the intervention, significant improvements in MoCA-K, SGDS-K, and GQOL were observed in the experimental group (p
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Preparedness and Perceived Resilience in a Pandemic: U.S. Cancer Patients
during COVID-19
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Aldara Henderson and Huaibo Xin The purpose of this study is to examine U.S. cancer patients' preparedness for a disease outbreak like COVID-19 and understand cancer patients' perceived resilience, and how their preparedness has affected their resilience. It's a cross-sectional study with a national sample of 317 participants. Participants completed an anonymous online survey that consisted of 42 questions on a 5-point Likert scale, addressing different levels of preparedness during a pandemic, and overall individual resilience and COVID-19 resilience. Data were analyzed quantitatively. Results suggested 72% of the participants somewhat/strongly agreed, individually, they were prepared to respond to a health pandemic. Approximately, 84% of the participants felt their households had the knowledge to respond to a pandemic. Participants felt their oncologists had enough training (71%) but not enough knowledge to respond to a pandemic (58%). Only 43% felt healthcare institutions had enough supplies for a health pandemic. Participants somewhat/strongly agreed they were able to recognize thoughts and situations could make them feel stressed or upset about COVID-19 (85%) and practice their coping skills effectively. There were significant correlations between different levels of preparedness and resilience. Public health preparedness interventions/guidelines tailored towards cancer patients are needed to increase their resilience to a global pandemic.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Nurturing Caring Characteristics on Nurse Candidate: A Character Learning
Model in Nursing Education
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Iis Aisyah Ayu Prameswati Kusuma Astuti Tedi Supriyadi Enjang Yusup Ali and Dini Saraswati Handayani The caring characteristics have been considered a fundamental element of nursing as it has been studied in a variety of patient care and educational contexts for many years. To teach and cultivate caring as a character value in nurse candidates, a character education model is required. To answer this issue, this study aims at developing caring characteristics learning model for nurse candidates through a basic human needs class. This study employs a 4D design reflecting its stages: defining, designing, developing, and disseminating by involving 168 participants consisting of 4 lecturers, 41 nurses, 3 experts, and 120 nurse candidates from one of universities in Sumedang, West Java. 18 characters were recognized as significant values for a nurse, and the I-CARE paradigm was used to include these values in the learning process. It was found that the I-CARE learning paradigm is efficient in instilling caring characteristics in nurse candidates. This study adds to the body of knowledge on how to develop human resources in the health care sector.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Obesity, Physical Activity and Sedentary Time during Covid-19 Confinement:
Moroccan Adult Study
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 EL Ghouddany Safouane Yamni Khalid Mouri Misk Aderdour Tarik El Arabi Fatine Khal Layoun Soad and Bour Abdellatif Introduction: The objective of this study is to study the correlation between obesity, physical activity and sedentary behavior in a sample of the population in Kénitra, Morocco. Materials and methods: The obesity assessment was based on Body Mass Index (BMI), which pertains to sedentary time and physical activity. A questionnaire was completed by participants with respect to covid-19 precautions. The level of physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version. Results: Our study included 100 subjects (50 women and 50 men), the average age was 33.83±14.72 years. Our sample showed that 32 percent of individuals who are pre-obese and 9 percent who are obese. The IPAQ score showed that 41% of individuals had high physical activity and 37% low physical activity and 22% moderate physical activity with an insignificant relationship between physical activity and BMI (p=0.664). Our study showed that 50% of individuals had sedentary activity times below 20 hours/week, and 28% had sedentary activity times between 20 and 30 hours/week, and 18% had sedentary activity times between 30 and 40 hours/week, and 4% had a significant relationship between sedentary time and BMI (p=0.017). Conclusion: Our results have shown that there are inconveniences of containment on the health of individuals, requiring the intervention of specialists to find suitable solutions.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Study of Smartphone Addiction and Its Predictors among Medical College
Students in Puducherry, South India
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Devi K Harshini S and Mageswari R Smartphones are mobile phones with advanced features over and above those of basic phones. Smart phone addiction has been an emerging problem in modern era. But the existing knowledge about excessive use of smartphone still remains insufficient. The objective was to determine the prevalence of smartphone addiction, its predictors and details on smartphone use among medical college students in Puducherry, South India . A cross sectional study involved 253 second and third year medical college students in a Government medical college in Puducherry, South India was carried out. Data were collected using a validated, pretested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire. Appropriate statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation were performed for demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine demographic and health-related predictors of smartphone addiction. In this present study, the prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students was 54.2%. Addiction to smart phone had influenced various effects on health such as physical, psychological and social effects. Independent factors such as usage of smart phone for more than two hours, avoiding daily tasks and duties, not being punctual in day-to-day activities were significantly associated with smart phone addiction. To conclude Smart phone as a self-learning tool is essential. But overuse results in addiction. Increased awareness and standardized measures for identification of smart phone addiction and appropriate intervention for those in need of help might alleviate this problem
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Community Pharmacists on
COVID–19 Vaccine
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Ahmed M Ashour Background: In the past few years, knowledge of COVID-19, its management, patients' care, and its learning curve have been challenging for the professionals in charge of managing the pandemic. Since community pharmacists were the important health care providers who remained the first point of contact during the pandemic, they played a pivotal role in providing counselling services, care, support, and infection control to the public. COVID-19 vaccine remained an important public health measure in curbing COVID-19. Despite its effectiveness in preventing the spread of the disease, a large proportion of the population is unwilling to be vaccinated owing to the lack of adequate knowledge regarding its effectiveness. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the perception, attitude, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using questionnaires to collect data from the community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire is comprised of four sections: socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practices. Results: Most of the respondents were young adults between the ages of 23 and 34 years (73.0%). The study had more male participants (89.4%) than female participants (10.6%). Most of the male respondents were non-Saudi nationals (77.9%). The overall percentage of positive responses to the perception questions was 29.9%. The overall percentage of positive responses to the attitude questions was 21.2%. The overall percentage of positive responses to the knowledge questions was 57.4%. No significant difference is recorded between the respondents' intention on taking the vaccine and the age groups (χ2 (9) = 7.134, p> 0.05 = 0.623). However, the remaining characteristics of the test showed significant differences. Conclusion: The findings confirmed that the level of knowledge regarding the COVID-19 vaccine amongst the community pharmacists was high enough to offer reliable advice to patients. However, less than 50% of the participants had adequate knowledge of the vaccine.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- The Influence of Health Care from Health Professionals on Maternal Mental
Health
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Rika Arimoto and Hiroya Matuo As maternal mental health is related to postpartum depression; it is essential to reduce anxiety in pregnant women. However, little information is available on the health care effect provided by health professionals on maternal mental health. This study aimed to investigate the health care provided by health professionals during check-ups and its influence on maternal mental health in Japan. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 105 first-time mothers with a gestational age of 20 to 27 weeks. Data on participants' demographics, healthcare services received, participants' understanding of health care were collected, and mental health was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form JYZ, and Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Results reveal that women who understood their physical condition and fetal conditions were less likely to experience state anxiety than those who did not (p
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Effect of Tongue Stimulation on Upper Extremity Recovery in Stroke
Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Jayaprakash Jayavelu Jasobanta Sethi Sahil kohli and Tariq Matin Recovery of upper extremity after stroke is always challenging because of various factors. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of tongue stimulation on upper extremity recovery in stroke patients. Fifty-four stroke patients with informed consent were screened and included in the study after they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomly divided into experimental (N=26) and control group (N=28) using computerized randomization method followed by comprehensive assessment. Randomization was done by independent assessor. All patients were administered one hour of stroke rehabilitation program in both groups. In experimental group, periglossal electrical stimulation was done for 15 minutes along with upper limb retraining. Patients' functional scores were assessed in both groups at the time of enrolment into the study, which includes modified Rankin Scale and Barthel index, whereas the motor functions were assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale. They were reassessed after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of the study. Data analysis was done using SAS software. Test of normality was done to find out the normality of the data. Within group analysis was done using paired t test or Wilcoxin Signed Rank test and between group analysis was done using independent t test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on the normality of the data. Twenty-five stroke patients in control group and twenty-three stroke patients in experimental group completed the study. There was significant improvement in modified Rankin Scale, Barthel index and Fugl-Meyer Scale in both the groups (P
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Review on Biomedical Applications of Marine Algae-Derived Biomaterials
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Gayatree Nayak Sanat Kumar Bhuyan Ruchi Bhuyan Akankshya Sahu Ananya Kuanar and Dattatreya Kar Marine algae have gained substantial attention from various scientific and commercial fields. The reason behind its importance is due to the rich source of bioactive compounds like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and other pigments. Marine algae-derived carrageenans polysaccharides are used in food, medicine, cosmetic items, gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing agents. The carrageenan has also photoprotective activity as it protects against the UVB-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells and inhibits skin aging and cancers. Marine algae-derived macromolecules including polysaccharides and proteins have anticoagulant and photoprotective activities. The marine algae used in health sector is not limited to a food supplement only, rather, the derivatives from it are increasingly used in the biomedical application too. Different biological activities of marine algae as immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic are discussed in this review. This mini-review is comprehensively based on the bioactivities materials from brown, red, green, and blue-green algae used in various biomedical fields.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- A Practitioner Centred Assessment on Health Information Systems
Interoperability Readiness in Zimbabwe: Mixed Study Approach
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 1 Prosper Tafadzwa Denhere Munyaradzi Zhou and Ephias Ruhode Contemporary health information systems have moved to become electronically supported. This has presented the need for these eHealth systems to exist as an ecosystem that allows for healthcare service collaboration amongst service practitioners. In this research paper, the aim is to form an understanding of the healthcare practitioner readiness for Health Information Systems (HIS) interoperability in Zimbabwe. Some qualitative interview and quantitative 5 point Likert scale questionnaires were used to gather the data concurrently before the data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The HIS interoperability readiness survey was captured from responses made by 71 practitioners. The assessment was aimed at assessing factors which were healthcare practitioner readiness, technological infrastructure ownership readiness, policy readiness, core readiness and financial readiness. The findings presented indicate that healthcare practitioners and patients are ready to exist and function as part of an interoperable HIS although some enabling factors were identified in terms of policies needed to support its existence and functionality. Recommendations towards interoperability of HISs achievement were suggested.
PubDate: Feb 2022
- Compendium of Tunable Data-driven Approaches for Smoothing Parameter
Learning for Kernel Density-based Normal Systolic Blood Pressure Detection
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 David Kwamena Mensah Francis Eyiah-Bediako and Samuel Assabil The performance of a Kernel density-based approach for the detection of normal physiological vital signs can be affected drastically by the smoothing parameter that controls the underlying density. As a result, its application in practical (critical) areas such as public health, clinical trials and digital therapeutics (DTx), require some modifications for accurate and intelligent decisions. In this regard, this paper introduces a compendium of novel tunable data-driven smoothing parameter statistics together with tuning schemes for detecting normal systolic blood pressure (SBP) observations from continuously monitored SBP data. The tuning is designed based on both the entire data and observation-specific levels, using statistics that are by-products of the developed detector model, thereby allowing the smoothing parameters to adapt appropriately to the dynamics of the SBP data. A real systolic blood pressure data application illustrates the utility of the proposals, with significant improvement in overall performance over its well-known counterparts, the smoothed cross-validation bandwidth selector (HSCV), normal scale bandwidth selector (Hns), and Plug-in bandwidth selector (Hpi), implemented in standard statistical packages such as R. In particular, it turns out that observational-level tuning of smoothing parameters ensure better improvement in detection performance over the entire data tuning. Though performance assessment focused on accuracy, various problem-specific detection solutions can be designed for use in some application areas such as the pharmaceutical industries. For example, solution(s) based on sensitivity and specificity can be considered for early-stage clinical trials, for which several tuning proposals are evidently up to the task.
PubDate: Apr 2022
- A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Practice in
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Teaching Hospital
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 Aniza Ismail Saperi Sulong and Leny Suzana Suddin Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) practice had been recognized as one of the important components in the management of patients with T2DM. It was found that this practice was associated with improved glycemic control and decreased risk of disease complications that lead to improvement in quality of life (QOL). In the era of rising healthcare costs and the increasing prevalence of T2DM, an economic evaluation of this practice is needed. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to measure the cost-effectiveness of SMBG practice among T2DM patients by using the decision analytical model. An economic evaluation in the form of a cost-effectiveness analysis study was conducted among hospitalized T2DM patients in a teaching hospital. Data collection was conducted using a costing checklist and case report form. The costing analysis was conducted using a decision analytical model which involved theoretical model building and testing of primary data from a prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 100 patients participated in this study. The estimated mean for the total annual patients' cost for the patient not practicing SMBG and practicing SMBG was RM 76.82 (SD + RM2.43) and RM 609.83 (SD + RM 2.66), respectively. The cost difference was statistically (t [98] = -11.1, p=
PubDate: Apr 2022
- Financial Support of the Healthcare Development in the Conditions of
Digitalization
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 Nataliia Kasianova Vasyl Matviyiv Maksym Zabashtanskyi Maksym Dubyna Andrii Rogovyi and Oksana Lashuk In the research, modern models of the health care financing are studied, and features and drivers of their digitalization are determined. The state funding system is based on budget guarantees for medical care and institutional regulation. The private market financing model operates under the conditions of the market of medical services and insurance, private financing and regulation of business processes. The socially-oriented model of the health care financing combines compulsory health insurance with a state guarantee of the level of medical services. The aim of the study is to substantiate the directions of improving the system of financial support for digital development of health care. The author proposes to use digititalization drivers for each model, which will optimize information and financial flows. In accordance with the sequence of implementation of the medical reform in the domestic health care system, the following changes have been introduced: funding is implemented on the principle of "money follows the patient"; electronic systems for communication and information analysis were formed; new regulatory institutions were created for the distribution of financial flows and the implementation of the public policy; there was a reform of primary medicine; new systems of distribution and financing of medical devices, control over their circulation have been formed. Also, the achievements of the medical reform include a large-scale campaign to declare patients and assign them to primary care physicians, concluding agreements with privately owned medical institutions, which allows liberalizing the medical services market. Research trends in the health care financing reflect the growing volume of targeted disbursement of funds in accordance with the volume of declaration and provision of medical services. During the period of the health care reform in Ukraine, unified digital platforms and technologies for communication between state fund managers and medical institutions, and the latter with doctors and patients, have already been introduced.
PubDate: Apr 2022
- Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6-17 Years: How Did They Condition
during the COVID-19 Pandemic Review Weight Index by Height'
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 Diajeng Tyas Pinru Phytanza Erick Burhaein Carla Cristina Vieira Lourenço Budiman Jamaludin Yusuf Angkit Kinasih Maharani Fatima Gandasari and Bangkit Seandi Taroreh This study aims to find out the nutritional status of students based on height and weight. Study participants were randomly selected from two countries: Indonesia and Portugal. This study is a quantitative descriptive study using survey methods, instruments of calculation of weight index by height in children aged 6-17 years. The study used measurements of weight and height. Data collection techniques using anthropometric measurements that include measurements of weight and height are then calculated based on data analysis techniques using quantitative descriptive with percentages. The results of the above study and discussion concluded that the nutritional status of children aged 6-17 years during the COVID-19 pandemic reviewed the weight index by height is the majority in the normal category. This study has implications for 1) Helps improve understanding to children about the importance of nutritional status for development and growth, especially for those who do not fall into the normal category, and; 2) Children are expected to maximize the role of physical activity to improve the physical freshness and nutritional status of students. Then, this study contributes to future research that is the need to include certain free variables to be known the dominant variables in affecting nutritional status in children.
PubDate: Apr 2022
- On Optimal Control Analysis of Pneumonia
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 Jonathan Tsetimi Marcus Ifeanyi Ossaiugbo and Augustine Atonuje The optimal control of pneumonia disease is very important in the management of the disease within a given population. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially among children below 5 years old, the elderly above 65 years old and people with a weaker immune system. In this research work, the basic mathematical properties of a deterministic SEIR model for pneumonia disease were first presented. These properties include the invariant region, disease free equilibrium, basic reproduction number and the disease endemic equilibrium. The optimal control problem, which is the main focus of this work, was ushered in and thoroughly dealt with using the Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. The control measures include the prevention effort of the susceptible class, the vaccination intervention strategy and the treatment intervention strategy. The Hamiltonian of the control problem was defined and used together with the adjoint equations to obtain the optimality system and the optimal values of the controls. Numerical simulations were carried out using various combinations of these control measures (prevention, vaccination and treatment). The results were presented and compared to determine the best strategy that should be taken in order to eliminate the disease from a given population within a desired period of time. It is observed that the combination with all three controls gives the best intervention strategy for the elimination of the disease.
PubDate: Apr 2022
- Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6-17 Years: The Condition during the
COVID-19 Pandemic Reviewing Weight Indexed by Height
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 Diajeng Tyas Pinru Phytanza Erick Burhaein Carla Cristina Vieira Lourenço Budiman Jamaludin Yusuf Angkit Kinasih Maharani Fatima Gandasari and Bangkit Seandi Taroreh This study aims to find out the nutritional status of students based on height and weight. Study participants were randomly selected from two countries: Indonesia and Portugal. This study is a quantitative descriptive study using survey methods, instruments for the calculation of weight index by height in children aged 6-17 years. The study used measurements of weight and height. Data collection techniques using anthropometric measurements that include measurements of weight and height are then calculated based on data analysis techniques using quantitative descriptive with percentages. The results of the above study and discussion concluded that the nutritional status of children aged 6-17 years during the COVID-19 pandemic was reviewed and the weight index by height was the majority in the normal category. This study has implications for 1) Helping children understand the importance of nutritional status for development and growth, especially for those who do not fall into the normal category and; 2) Children are expected to maximize the role of physical activity to improve the physical freshness and nutritional status of students. Then, this study contributes to future research that is the need to include certain free variables to be known the dominant variables in affecting nutritional status in children.
PubDate: Apr 2022
- Determinants of Early Onset of Menopause: An Empirical Study of Chittagong
District in Bangladesh
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2022
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 10 Number 2 Mohammed Moniruzzaman Bhuiyan Early onset of menopause results in the loss of fertility of women and creates many health complications. The aim of the study is to explore the determinants of the early onset of menopause of the women living in Chittagong district of Bangladesh. A total of 160 postmenopausal women over the age of 30 years participated in our cross-sectional study as respondents. In the study, the mean age of onset of menopause was observed to be 45.70 years. Chi-square test of association and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to reveal the predictors of early menopause. Crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio are obtained to find the likelihood of onset of menopause and to compare each category of the variable with the reference category. The result shows that age at marriage, use of contraceptives, regularity of period, type of food preferred, number of children in the family, and level of education of the respondents are significantly associated when crude odds ratios are obtained. On the other hand, adjusted odds ratio shows that use of contraceptives, regularity of period, level of education, and type of food preferred are significantly associated with early onset of menopause of the women of Chittagong district in Bangladesh.
PubDate: Apr 2022
- The Impact of Eating Behavior on Obesity in Northwestern Morocco: Kenitra
Region
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 El Ghouddany Safouane Yamni khalid Bour Abdellatif and Khal Layoun Soad Introduction: Several studies show that there is a relationship between obesity and individual eating habits. Objective: To describe the relationship between dietary behavior and staturo-ponderal status in individuals of Kénitra. Materials and methods: This work was developed in Kénitra (February 01 to March 30, 2021), it was carried out on a sample of 100 subjects including both sexes with an age range between 18 and 65 years. Data are collected through a questionnaire that includes anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, age and gender. Results: Individuals who had three meals per day had a high BMI average (36.41 kg/m2) with a significant difference (p=0.0404) between BMI and the number of meals per day. As well as individuals who consumed high-fat foods, their mean BMI was high (36.41 kg/m2) with a significant difference (p=0,0120) between intake of high-fat foods and BMI. Conclusion: It is shown that there is a relationship between obesity and eating behavior, and obesity and eating high-fat foods, suggesting that controlling eating behavior helps individuals reduce body weight and have a normal high weight.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- The Influence of Climate Factors on Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease: A Five-State
Study in Malaysia
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Nurmarni Athirah Abdul Wahid Jamaludin Suhaila and Haliza Abd. Rahman Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has become an important public health problem worldwide due to its tendency to cause outbreaks and human death. The outbreak of HFMD with clinical and fatal complications has been noticed in the Asia Pacific region since the late 1990s. The increasing evidence of climate change effect on HFMD has motivated the need for further investigations. Numerous previous studies conducted in several countries have established a significant association between climate factors and HFMD. However, there are currently only a few studies in Malaysia addressing these issues. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the link between climate factors and the occurrences of HFMD in five states representing each region of Malaysia by using a generalized linear model approach. The weekly HFMD cases and four climate variables, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed, were examined. The findings indicate that climate variables significantly influence HFMD in Malaysia; however, it varies between states as different states experience different climates. Additionally, the results revealed that humidity and temperature were the primary climate factors affecting the incidence of HFMD in Malaysia. This study could guide policymakers, health agencies, and local communities in determining the most effective prevention and control strategies.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Improving the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Using Regularized Logistic
Regression with Adaptive Elastic Net
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Aiedh Mrisi Alharthi Muhammad Hisyam Lee and Zakariya Yahya Algama Early diagnosis of breast cancer helps improve the patient's chance of survival. Therefore, cancer classification and feature selection are important research topics in medicine and biology. Recently, the adaptive elastic net was used effectively for feature-based cancer classification, allowing simultaneous feature selection and feature coefficient estimation. The adaptive elastic net basically employed elastic net estimates as the initial weight. Nevertheless, the elastic net estimator is inconsistent and biased in selecting features. Therefore, the regularized logistic regression with the adaptive elastic net (RLRAEN) was used to handle the inconsistency problem by employing the adjusted variances of features as weights within the L1- regularization of the elastic net model. The proposed method was applied to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer dataset of the UCI repository and compared to the other existing penalized methods that were also applied to the same dataset. Based on the experimental study, the RLRAEN was more efficient in terms of feature selection and classification accuracy than the other competing methods. Therefore, it can be concluded that RLRAEN is a better method in breast cancer classification.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Social Capital and Health-related Quality of Life of Older Adults Living
in Thai Rural Areas
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Kana Nishino Sayaka Kotera and Arbkhanok Tongtham Thailand is one of the most aging countries in Southeast Asia. While family support for Thai older adults is dominant, mutual support in communities is needed in response to the demographic shifts. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of individual social capital on health-related quality of life (QOL) as a health outcome of older adults living in rural Thai communities. The questionnaire comprised the following: general characteristics, the Shortened and Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool (SASCAT) and other items of social capital, the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and life satisfaction. We collected data from 202 older adults who participated in elderly clubs. After controlling for confounding effects, logistic regression analysis revealed that less group membership and more support from individuals were significantly associated with better physical QOL. Feeling safe in the community was significantly associated with mental QOL. However, other components of SASCAT, such as citizenship activities and cognitive social capital, had no significant associations. This study suggests that health-related QOL of Thai older adults may be improved by increasing mutual support of community members and perceived neighborhood safety through feeling supported by a community. However, it should be noted that multiple active memberships may adversely affect the health of older adults in Thailand.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals in Commercially Valuable Fish from the
Western Region of Ghana
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Fosu-Mensah BY Ofori A Ofosuhene M Ofori-Attah E Nunoo FKE Tuffour I Gordon C Arhinful D Nyarko AK and Appiah-Opong R Fish is an important source of protein, however as human impacts on the environment through industrialization, mining and farming among others is resulting in increased concentration of toxic metals in them. The levels of copper (Cu), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) were analysed in fish samples from the southwestern coast of Ghana using acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. A total of 71 fish species were sampled where 35 species were collected in the wet season (October, 2014) whereas 36 species were collected in the dry season (March, 2015). The average levels of heavy metals detected in the wet season were 1.08 mg/kg for Cu, 9.79 mg/kg for Zn, 4.80 mg/kg for Se, 0.06 mg/kg for Pb, 0.03 mg/kg for Hg, 0.02 mg/kg for As, and 0.01 mg/kg for Cd. The average values of heavy metals in fish samples analysed in the dry season were 2.17 mg/kg for Cu, 4.55 mg/kg for Zn, 8.13 mg/kg for Se, 0.06 mg/kg for Pb, 0.03 mg/kg for Hg, 0.09 mg/kg for As, and 0.005 mg/kg for Cd. The results showed that the average levels of toxic metals analysed in the wet season increased in the order of Cd < As
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Triple Mediating Effect of Appearance Satisfaction, Body Image and Hope in
the Relationship between Appearance Management Behavior and Happiness
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Eun Ju Jang and Byung Soo Chang The purpose of this study is to verify the triple mediating effect of appearance satisfaction, body image, and hope in the relationship between appearance management behavior and happiness in 234 adults working in highway rest areas nationwide. Data analysis was performed using SPSS PC+ 25.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro3.5, and triple mediating effect analysis was performed using frequency analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and bootstrap analysis: This study was conducted to verify the triple mediating effect of appearance satisfaction, body image and hope in the relationship between appearance management behavior and happiness. The conclusions of the study are as follows. First, in the correlation analysis between the major variables, there were mostly significant positive correlations between appearance management behavior, appearance satisfaction, body image, hope, and happiness, but there was no correlation between body image and happiness or appearance satisfaction and happiness. Second, appearance management behavior had a significant positive effect on appearance satisfaction, appearance satisfaction had a significant positive effect on body image, body image had a significant positive effect on hope, and hope had a significant positive effect on happiness. Thus, appearance satisfaction, body image, and hope had a triple mediating effect in the relationship between appearance management behavior and happiness. As described above, few studies have dealt with this precise issue, and the discussion of these relationships needs to be expanded. Our results imply that improving one's appearance through various behaviors in order to appear more beautiful to others leads to changes in appearance and increased satisfaction with appearance. Thus, appearance management behavior not only changes one's appearance, but also results in positive psychological changes. In the end, such changes may promote happiness. The results of this study can be used as a new model for happiness improvement through appearance management behavior in office workers.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Health Demand in Indonesia: Health Stock Approach
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Mohamad Ichwan Haerul Anam Samuel Y. Sir Sudarkam R. Mertosono and Rita Yunus Health demand of Grossman Model recognizes three determinant factors in estimation model such as wage, education, and age. This study intends to examine the role of wage on health demand using measurement of total sick days and that of health days as measurement for health demand applying Econometrics Model in the form of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Technique. It employed household data from National Social Economy Survey Panel containing reports on the two areas examined among respondents in urban area. We found that the number of respondents who were ill was 6.642 and those who were not was 9.895. We also found that increase on wage reduced sick day total among working class families but not for middle class families, and it also triggered health time for both middle-working class families. Low Elasticity Coefficient indicated inelastic health demand which needs one-fold wage increase to improve one percent of health demand. Such inelasticity in demand can increase the price of medical services in long term and is potential for health stock disparity for the people. To avoid this, health insurance is needed to cover the people in order to improve health time of the people.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Administering the Inclusiveness of Neglected Low-Income Urban Families to
Access Healthcare Services: A Qualitative Inquiry
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Chairun Nasirin and Andries Lionardo Purpose: This study aims to know the implementation of good performance of local governance in improving the quality of health administration, especially the future of neglected children who live in urban areas to access the health facilities provided by the Government. Method: This study uses a kind of naturalistic qualitative research aimed at obtaining an overview of the phenomenon that occurred in the neglected children in Mataram. Data collection is conducted through a depth interview of the key informant who has the relevance of knowledge that is relevant to the problem of neglected children. Result: The results of this study showed that the problem of neglected children is a real phenomenon in the city of Mataram. The issues faced by local governments regarding the difficulty of local governments to overcome health problems for neglected children. So that whenever child neglect has a severe health problem, they should have to ask compassion for other people to help. Conclusion: The issue of neglected children is a real phenomenon that generally occurs in urban areas, and neglected problems occur influenced by the poverty factor. The implementation of local government functions has not been running correctly. The social development planning of local government is not functioning optimally due to the lack of clarity regarding health policy for neglected children who have social problems in the urban area.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Impact of WALKBOT on the Gait and Balance Recovery of Patients with Acute
Neurologic Disorders
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Sung-Joon Yun This study investigated the effects of WALKBOT robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) on lower extremity strength, functional ability, balance, and gait in patients with acute neurologic disorders. Twenty-six patients with acute hemiplegia, paraplegia, or quadriplegia resulting from cerebrovascular accident (n = 14) or spinal cord injury (n = 12) received RAGT 10–15 times over 2 weeks (up to 5 times or 20 min per day), combined with neurodevelopmental treatment. The main outcomes were pre- and post-intervention Motricity Index (MI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). The secondary outcomes were comparison of combined pre- and post-intervention scores for all patients (spinal cord injury and cerebrovascular accident) on 14 items in the BBS. There were significant improvements in MI, BBS, and FAC scores after WALKBOT RAGT (p < .001). After WALKBOT RAGT, the BBS scores on items 1–11 increased for all patients with acute neurologic disorders (p < .05); no significant differences were observed for items 12–14 (p> .05). WALKBOT RAGT improves balance and gait in patients with acute neurologic disorders.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Organization of Physical Therapy Classes for Rehabilitation in the
Post-COVID Period
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Martirosova T. Poboronchuk T. Kokova E. Doroshenko O. and Ivanitsky V. The purpose of the study is to organize physical therapy classes and develop a program that includes an adapted method of health-improving walking for rehabilitation in the post-covid period. This means of physical culture can provide the maximum level of functional and physical characteristics to achieve high performance, emotional mood, and healthy life activity. The study involved bachelors in the Siberian State Scientific and Technical University named after M. F. Reshetnev, who had been ill with COVID-19. Classes of therapeutic physical culture will allow to reveal the great adaptive potential of the human body, to form a long-term adaptation, which consists in the restructuring of the body at the molecular, cellular level, in tissues, organs, organ systems and intersystem level, which determines the positive morphological and functional features of the trained organism as a manifestation of the biological norm. The frequency, intensity, direction of physical exercises, their duration and combination, the level of fitness, individual characteristics of those engaged and a number of other factors determine the nature and degree of these changes in the body. In future studies, we plan to use health-improving walking for rehabilitation in the period after AIDS for university teachers aged 50-59 years, as the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, it should be noted that when exposed to physical exertion, muscle fibers are regenerated, becoming overgrown with a larger amount of protein material than it was originally. That is why the physical capabilities of the muscles are improved, due to the distribution of the load on a larger amount of muscle tissue. The synthesis of more muscle fiber requires the delivery of more oxygen and nutrients to the cells not only of the muscles, but also of all body systems. Increased blood flow contributes to an increase in the lumen of blood vessels, which increases the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, which is especially important during rehabilitation in the post-covid period.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Optimal Excise Tax on Indonesia's Unhealthy Food
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Hasyim Ali Shahab and Khoirunurrofik Khoirunurrofik A recent report by Indonesia's Ministry of Health shows that diabetes prevalence is doubled in the last decade, and it happens globally. Unhealthy food consumption is alleged to be the cause, and imposing taxes on unhealthy food to reduce its consumption. This study aims to analyze optimal taxation for unhealthy foods as a policy alternative to reduce the surge increase of diabetes in Indonesia. The study analyzes Indonesian consumption data on several types of food that fall into the unhealthy category by the World Health Organization. By estimating household demand for unhealthy food using the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) and categorizing them based on income, we could simulate the optimal tax rate for unhealthy food and contemplate the pros and cons. The findings identified three food groups that fall into the unhealthy category: snacks, instant noodles, and processed meat, and all the groups have inelastic demand elasticity. Applying the Ramsey rule, this study estimates the optimal tax rate for each food at 12-13% and can increase the state revenue by IDR 4 trillion annually. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that most instant noodle consumers were households in the bottom 40% of incomes, contrary to snacks and processed meat. The study advises considering income distribution when the excise tax will be applied by looking at a combination of food demand analysis with a tax-imposition simulation.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- The Problem of Overweight and Obesity - Does Geographical Location
Matter'
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Klaudia Kukurová Dilsad Ahmed Jian Wang Min Liu Raul Calderon Suporntip Pupanead Yongkoo Noh Rui Gao Jiaxi Hu Yi Zhao Yang Yang Xie Wilfred Wong Walter Ho and Patrick Ip The number of people with overweight and obesity issues has been increasing rapidly worldwide. This increase is related to many factors including physical activity, social background, economic development, cultural practices, etc. This study examined the body mass index (BMI) of 25,373 children, aged 6-12 years, from four Asian cities to assess children's health status and the association of geographical location with BMI issues. BMI data were calculated and classified according to the WHO criteria. Differences in height, weight, and BMI were calculated for boys and girls from different cities. Cross-city analyses revealed significant differences: children from the cities in higher latitudes had the highest chances of problems with overweight and obesity, compared with those in latitudes close to equator. There were a greater number of obese boys than girls. The most rapid increase of overweight and obesity issues in children occurred from ages 8-10 years, suggesting that this was a critical period in their development. Our findings suggest a geographical trend of a gradual increase in overweight and obesity issues from south to north. Weight management and physical activity programs for children aged 8-10 years could be effective for easing the increase among overweight and obesity.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Ergonomic Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risks Associated with
Electrical Hazards among Radio and Television Technicians in Enugu State
Abstract: Publication date: Oct 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 5 Ugwoke Chinyere Kate Ogbuanya Theresa Chinyere and Agbo George Chibuike The study aimed at the Ergonomic analysis of work-related musculoskeletal risks associated with electrical hazards among radio and television technicians. The objectives of the study were to determine the factors that facilitate electrical hazard among radio and television technicians, and to examine the factors that prevent electrical hazard among radio and television technicians. The total population of the study was 42, comprising 24 technicians, 8 workshop attendants and 10 workshop supervisors in radio and television stations in Enugu State Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. Random sampling was used to select the supervisors. Structured questionnaire containing a total of 18 items was the instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts and reliability coefficient of 0.89 was obtained using Cronbach's Alpha. The way radio/television stations in Enugu are structured has an impact on how technicians handle working instruments like pliers, screw drivers, chisels, and hammers, as well as other possible workplace hazards like nails, pieces of iron, bare conductors, and so on. There should be a standard building with well labeled shelves where tools and equipment are packed so as to promote their efficiency in the workplace. Technicians should also be aware of specific attitudes they have in the workshop and understand their role in hazard management to ensure that they stay fit and healthy throughout their careers. Occurrence of work related musculoskeletal problems should be minimized among radio/television technicians in Enugu.
PubDate: Oct 2021
- Communicating Healthcare Provider Perspectives about Mi'kmaq Women's
Access to Pap Smear Screening in Eastern Canada: A Qualitative Study
Abstract: Publication date: Jun 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 3 Catherine D. MacDonald and Audrey Steenbeek Indigenous women have higher rates of cervical cancer and lower rates of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening than non-Indigenous in Canada. Healthcare providers are well positioned to address the inequities in access to Pap screening that many Indigenous women continue to experience. The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare providers' experiences and perspectives about Mi'kmaq women's access to Pap smear screening in Eastern Canada, and to consider the broader historical, economic, and sociopolitical contexts that shape healthcare experiences. The methodology is a qualitative, community-based participatory action research approach that embodied Indigenous approaches to knowledge development and post-colonial theoretical perspectives in a two-eyed seeing approach. In-depth semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with five healthcare providers twice, in two First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. Findings revealed two major overarching themes: a) Understanding the Realities of Indigenous Women's Lives; which involved recognition of the impact of history, and socioeconomic and political factors; and b) Fostering Indigenous Women's Access to Pap Smear Screening, through fostering trusting relationships, cultural safety, addressing confidentiality issues and optimizing processes to improve experiences. Conclusions indicated approaches to foster Mi'kmaq women's access to Pap screening included a social women's day, targeting youth, explaining step-by-step during screening, providing Pap results to women and having nurse practitioners perform screening. Implications for practice comprised addressing confidentiality issues in community health centres, involving the community in Pap screening decision-making, acknowledging the impact of historical trauma on access to screening and optimizing processes to address and improve inequitable access to screening. This study highlights the importance of healthcare providers' participation in understanding and encouraging Indigenous women's access to Pap smear screening. Healthcare providers need to consider a wider view of the realities of Canadian Indigenous women's lives, and acknowledge the impact of historical trauma, socioeconomic factors, and racism on women's accessing of Pap smear screening. Healthcare providers can implement collaborative and culturally safe screening approaches, while acknowledging Indigenous community strengths to improve inequities in healthcare access and health outcomes.
PubDate: Jun 2021
- Improving the Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities by Promoting
Their Professional Rehabilitation
Abstract: Publication date: Jun 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 3 Victoriia Overchuk Julia Kushnir Оksana Shportun Lyudmila Matokhniuk Zhanna Sydorenko Kateryna Vasyuk Viktoriya Shevchuk and Ihor Bloshchynskyi The article considers fundamental aspects of ensuring the quality of life of persons with disabilities in Ukraine, recognition of their rights to a full life in society and the creation by the state of appropriate conditions for their rehabilitation and social integration. There have been significant changes in attitudes towards people with disabilities in recent decades. The basis of such changes is the recognition of their rights to a full life in society and the creation of appropriate conditions for their rehabilitation and social integration, but, despite the positive changes, the quality of life of people with disabilities lags far behind and does not meet today's requirements. Today in Ukraine, the employment of people with disabilities is part of vocational rehabilitation, the purpose of which is to provide them with work directly. The article is devoted to the study of the development and supports system of vocational training of persons with disabilities in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the structure of state and non-state institutions, through which vocational training of persons with disabilities is carried out. The critical shortcomings of the vocational education system of persons with disabilities in Ukraine are selected. In particular, in terms of financing such education, logistics for certain groups of persons with disabilities, as well as educational institutions and enterprises that need to adapt their place of study or work to the needs of persons with disabilities. The feasible analysis also indicates the shortcomings of the Procedure for choosing a profession for people with disabilities with the participation of medical and social expert commission (MSEC). Recommendations for overcoming these shortcomings are formulated separately.
PubDate: Jun 2021
- Spatio-Temporal Clustering of Dengue Incidence
Abstract: Publication date: Jun 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 3 Nik Nur Fatin Fatihah Sapri Wan Fairos Wan Yaacob Yap Bee Wah and Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim Dengue fever is a well-known vector-borne disease caused by Aedes aegypti mosquito. It has become a major burden to economy and society of affected country. In Malaysia, dengue incidence in Selangor has been worsening and alarming. The aim of this study is two-fold; to examine the trend and behaviour of dengue incidence across time and districts in Selangor and to cluster the endemic areas in Selangor using Wards hierarchical clustering method. The spatial and temporal analysis found that the dengue incidence is worsening in the early and middle of the year. The Wards minimum variance method was able to cluster Selangor's endemic area into high endemic areas (Gombak, Hulu Langat, Klang and Petaling), medium endemic area (Sepang) and low endemic areas (Hulu Selangor, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, SabakBernam). The findings of the study are significant to respective local authorities in providing information for monitoring and planning the early dengue warning systems. This is important to reduce the dengue incidence in hot spot areas and to safeguard the community from dengue outbreak.
PubDate: Jun 2021
- Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTP) on Mothers of
Youngsters with Cerebral Palsy
Abstract: Publication date: Jun 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 3 Norsuhaily Abu Bakar Mohammad Shaban Alsmadi and Ibrahim Mohammad Sulaiman Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTP) is a patient-centered talking therapy mostly concentrating on the way an individual's behaviors, emotions, and thoughts are connected. Recent literature has shown that CBTP is likely to reduce positive symptoms while improving the negative symptoms and functioning. Also, several studies suggest that the use of CBTP therapy is very effective in delaying or preventing the change to full psychosis whenever applied to persons known as being at risk of developing psychosis. Therefore, this research tends to determine the impact of CBTP on mothers of youngsters with cerebral palsy and propose the most efficient and supportive method for dealing with their stress management. Using a quasi-experimental research methodology, we obtained quantitative data to infer the results of the research. The Mann-Whitney results for CBTP was obtained and presented which illustrates a substantial difference in the pre-control and pre-experimental groups of pre-distribution. The paper on new child birth with cerebral palsy problem is the first quasi-experiment of many researches on this topic (concerning comparable variables and procedures) in numerous centuries. It highlights vital ways of sustaining the initiative is a successful intervention in Youngsters with cerebral palsy to cope with behavioral issues. The government is also suggested to have further training sessions, employ the collaborative operation as an out-of-class task, and track the process carefully.
PubDate: Jun 2021
- The Impact of Years of Schooling on Dementia: Panel Data Evidence from
Europe
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 1 Ahmet Ozyigit Dementia is a group of neurodegenerative disorders with multifactorial and complex etiologies. While a specific pathway is not identified, a number of associations have been reported in an attempt to understand the complexity of the condition. There is robust evidence both from cohort and case-control studies regarding the possibly protective effects of years of schooling on developing dementia later on in life. While theories exist why increased educational attainments may protect our cognitive abilities, the relevant literature suffers from a gap in formal empirical cross-country evidence. Recent literature on clinical dementia also suggests a role for cold exposure in development of dementia in the old age, possibly creating a geographic gradient between colder and warmer countries. This study aims to empirically test the relationship between years of schooling and dementia prevalence rates in the 28 EU countries (UK included) with further focus on climate differentials, using panel data estimation. Results from this study provide evidence in favor of a significant negative relationship between years of schooling and dementia prevalence rates in the EU-28. Climate differentials, on the other hand, only provide a weak association. Further research on broader geographic areas can shed more light on this possible association with broader range of temperatures observed.
PubDate: Feb 2021
- Attitude towards Coronavirus Pandemic "Covid-19" and Its Relationship to
Optimism and Pessimism among a Sample of Residents in Irbid
Abstract: Publication date: Feb 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 1 Mohammed Hasan Marie Ma’abreh and Anas Ramadan Ibrahim Al-Masri The study aimed to reveal the relationship between the attitude towards Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and optimism and pessimism among a sample from Irbid city. It also aimed to identify the nature of the differences between the degree of optimism and pessimism and the attitudes (affective, behavioral, cognitive) between the participants according to demographic and personal variables (gender. age, marital status, educational level, economic status, number of children). The study sample consisted of (600) male and female residents in Irbid city, who were chosen randomly. The findings showed that: there is a positive statistically significant relationship between the behavioral and cognitive attitudes towards the Corona pandemic (Covid-19) and optimism. And there is a negative statistically significant relationship between the attitude (affective, behavioral) towards the Covid-19 and pessimism. The results also showed statistically significant differences in the degree of optimism and pessimism attributed to the age variable and the differences are in the degree of optimism for the age group "from 25-35 years" and the differences in the degree of pessimism came in favor of the age group "35-36 years". Also, there are no statistically significant differences in the degree of optimism and pessimism due to a variable (gender, marital status, educational level, economic level, number of children). The results showed that there are no differences in the attitude (affective, behavioral, cognitive) attributable to the variables (gender, age, educational level, economic status, number of children). The results also indicated that there are statistically significant differences in the social status at the cognitive attitude and the differences came in favor of the Married group.
PubDate: Feb 2021
- Incidence of Predisposing Factors on the Human Hand-arm Response with
Flexed and Extended Elbow Positions of Workers Subject to Different
Sources of Vibrations
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Massimo Cavacece Purpose This paper analyses the predisposing factors that affect the time response of the hand–arm system. Predisposing factors are the method of tool use, tool type, source of power, the mass of tool, workpiece held in hand, dimensions of the handle, grip force and push force, and dynamic and thermal properties of handgrips. Methods This research considers the variability of the time response of the hand–arm system with respect to predisposing factors evaluated in 5 working conditions. The mathematical model consists of a distributed parameter representation in the form of a beam characterized by a continuous distribution of the mass, damping, and elasticity of the physical properties of the human and–arm system. The mathematical model considers the action of the extensor muscles of the elbow. The experimental investigations evaluate the forced vibrations of the human hand–arm system in work conditions. Novelty in research The analysis of predisposing factors on the human hand–arm response with flexed and extended elbow positions of workers subject to different sources of vibrations represents the novelty in this research. Operators assume different human hand–arm postures when using manual power tools. The human hand–arm with flexed and extended elbow positions are the postures of workers evaluated in this research. The research on postures of workers aims to provide an evidence base for prevention. Another important objective is to provide a better overview of the extent of the occupational burden of workers. Work-related diseases include musculoskeletal disorders. Results Posture factors of the human hand–arm system and predisposing of occupational hand–transmitted vibration exposures are considered to estimate the response of human hand–arm positions in the time domain. Conclusions Mathematical model and experimental investigations provide a better evaluation of health risks and muscle actions associated with exposure to hand–transmitted vibration from power tools in work conditions.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Mediating Effects of Self-esteem in the Effect of Depression on Physical
Health of Divorced and Married Elderly
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Yun-Jeong Kim Divorce in Korean society is a phenomenon that occurs in the early years of marriage or in old age, and the increase in divorce in the old age has been a distinct phenomenon in the last 10 years. The purpose of this study was to identify the structural connection between depression, health status, and self-esteem, focusing on the difference between divorced elderly and married elderly. For this purpose, data of the 14th Korea Welfare Panel were used in this study. In this study, only divorced and married elderly people aged 65 and over were selected and used for analysis. 3,076 people were subjects (177 divorced and 2,899 married elderly). Frequency analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and t-test were performed using SPSS Win version 21.0 and SPSS MACRO No. 4 model was used to determine the mediating effect of self-esteem in the effect of depression of divorced and married elderly on their physical health. The main results are summarized. First, divorced elderly had higher depression and lower self-esteem than married elderly. However, there was no difference in physical health between divorced and married elderly. Second, the mediating role of self-esteem in the effect of depression on physical health was verified in both divorced and married elderly. In other words, it was found that the negative effect of depression on physical health was alleviated by self-esteem.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Disclosure of Herbal Medicines Use on Mother and Children Health Care in
Ternate Island Indonesia
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Musiana Hamidah Rahman Rosmila Tuharea and Zubair Saing Traditional medicine (TM) is still used by some tribes in Indonesia to treat and cure a variety of diseases, including maternal and child health care. A Biang, or Woman Traditional Healer (WTH), is a woman who uses herbal plants to practice TM for the health of mothers and children. Indeed, the herbs and ingredients used are frequently undocumented, putting the sustainability of TM in jeopardy. TM practices are also practiced on Ternate Island, and no research has been conducted to date on the identification and documentation of local knowledge of WTH in the use of herbal plants. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of the WTH who practice on Ternate Island, as well as to identify local knowledge of WTH and to document herbal plants used in caring for the health of mothers and children. The descriptive explanatory research method was used, and data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire guide. Snowball sampling was used to obtain respondents, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The average age of the thirty-eight WTH respondents was fifty-three years old. They have a primary school education (92.1%), and some have attended traditional medicine training (60.5%). All WTH use herbs in traditional medicine practice (100%), and their healing skills were entirely inherited from their parents. WTH used 32 herbal plants, with postnatal care receiving the most attention. Given the significance of TM using herbal plants, more research is needed to determine the safety of these plants.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Dissociative Experiences and Stressful Life Events in Dissociative
Disorders - A Cross Sectional Study
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Rajan Shastri Rakesh Mohanty and Surjeet Sahoo Background: Unconscious defenses and dissociative experiences have always been related to stressful life events. A stressful life event has a role to play both in normative and pathological dissociation. These events can be desirable and undesirable and both acute and chronic events can lead to dissociative phenomena Aims: To assess the dissociative experiences and type of stressful life events and also to correlate the events with dissociative disorders. Methodology: A detailed history was obtained along with the application of Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and Presumptive Stressful Life Event Scale (PSLES) to know the type of dissociative experiences and the type of stressors. Their correlation was studied using SPSS-20 software. The scores of dissociative experiences and stressful life events were also calculated to find any relation between the scores and the type of dissociative presentation. Results: The majority of people diagnosed with dissociative disorders were females, although there is no gender difference in the DES scores. The mean age of presentation is 25.21±9.12 years. We found out that any subtype of patients can have any score on DES scale. The PSLES scores did not determine the type of dissociative presentation (subtype). Conclusion: Dissociative experiences are related to stressful events in last year, and it acts as a precipitating factor for people with poor coping mechanisms. The scores do not predict the subtype of dissociation.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Correlation of Knowledge and Attitude towards Exercise Habbit Action in FK
USU Student
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Muhammad Fadli Muhammad Ikhsan Syafri Amir Nasution Dina Keumala Sari Rina Amalia Carolina Saragih and Dewi Masyithah Darlan Background: Sport is a physically demanding activity that has a positive impact on the body. Exercise, in addition to maintaining physical fitness and being useful to one's health, it may protect a person from negative things such as stress and can be utilized as a kind of leisure. However, there are still many people who do not exercise properly. It is not necessarily excellent exercise for those who have good exercise knowledge, and it is not necessarily poor exercise for people who have less exercise knowledge. Exercising also disregards a person's age; people of all ages, young and old, are allowed to participate in sports they enjoy, such as aerobic and anaerobic activities. As previously said, in addition to maintaining physical fitness and being helpful to one's health, students should exercise to relieve tension induced by lectures. However, many students are overworked and do not consider exercise to be vital because they do not have spare time to participate in sports. Students will become unfit and unable to concentrate on the lecture subject as a result of this. Purpose: This study aims to determine whether there is a correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards the habit of exercising in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Method: The research that will be conducted is an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional study approach. The sample to be studied in this study was 260 students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara who met the inclusion criteria. The data used is primary data that will be obtained from questionnaires filled out online through the Line, WhatsApp, and Instagram applications. Results: Based on the data obtained using the chi-square method, then the results obtained were p = 0.202 and p = 0.706 (p
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Female Diabetic Prediction in India Using Different Learning Algorithms
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Payal Bose Samir Kumar Bandyopadhyay Amiya Bhaumik and Sandeep Poddar Diabetes, also known as Diabetic Mellitus, is a metabolic disease that affects the body's natural blood glucose levels. It is a non-contagious illness with numerous serious health risks. The said illness is rapidly growing in India. It is a chronic disorder that happens when the human body unable to create enough insulin hormone to keep blood sugar levels under control. Several characteristics that cause diabetes were investigated in this study, and multiple machine learning techniques were used to predict whether or not an unknown substance had diabetes. PIMA diabetes detection for female patients was employed for this purpose. For prediction, six distinct classification models were applied. This research presented a comprehensive performance assessment of the multiple factors in the PIMA dataset. Based on all factors of the PIMA dataset, a full discussion was made to demonstrate how diabetes is affected. Finally, in order to forecast the best automated diabetic prediction model, a thorough analysis of many classification approaches was undertaken. It was discovered that the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model delivers the best prediction result, with a reliability of 83.5 percent. Interestingly, Random Forest (RF) Classifier produced the second-best prediction result, with a reliability of 82.76 percent. The study's findings demonstrate that machine learning models produce efficient solutions. The accuracy of the two best machine learning models is 82-83 percent, which can be used for subsequent improvement of the autonomous forecasting tool. The accuracy of these techniques can be improved further by integrating diverse variables for prediction and classification.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Association between Sleep Duration, Use of Electronic Devices and Obesity
in Medical Students
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Tapaswini Mishra Manika Bose Prajyoti Behera Dipti Mohapatra Arati Meher Priyambada Panda and Mitu Mohanty Background: With the advancement in technology and use of multiple electronic devices and decreasing duration of sleep, adolescents are more prone to obesity, i.e., increased BMI (body mass index). Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the association between sleep duration, use of electronic devices, and obesity in medical students. Methods: Medical students between the age groups 17-22 years were recruited. The study design was cross-sectional. The main study variables were the type and duration of use of various electronic devices during daytime and bedtime. The independent variable used in the study was the subjects' self-reported average number of hours of sleep obtained per night based on the questionnaire. To calculate the BMI, height and weight were obtained. Results: There is a significant association between short sleep duration and prolonged use of electronic devices. (p
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Heart Rate Variability Peculiarities in Adolescents with Psychopathology
in the Educational Environment
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Polina Mavrenkova Natalia Pankova Marina Lebedeva and Mikhail Karganov Under conditions of inclusive education, students with health limitations, in particular, children with neurological and mental disorders, have the opportunity to study at a general school. The goal of this study was to assess the possibility of using analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) as a relatively simple tool for evaluation of the adaptive resources in students with mental disorders and for early detection of dysfunctions in the neuroregulatory mechanisms in healthy students. We compared the spectral parameters of HRV and peripheral blood pressure in healthy adolescents (n = 70) and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders (n = 58). Electrocardiogram was recorded for 2 minutes in a sitting posture, wearing a spirometric mask with voluntary breathing. Adolescents with mental disorders demonstrated a high total power of the HRV spectrum, an increased high-frequency power (0.15–0.4 Hz), a decreased low frequency / high-frequency ratio, and reduced total power and low frequency spectral power of systolic blood pressure variability. The revealed differences were observed mainly in males. The presented data demonstrate an increased vagal tone in adolescents with mental disabilities. Our findings support the idea that HRV can be used in schools to identify risk groups of vulnerability to mental disorders.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Health-Related Physical Fitness of School Going Girls in Indian Himalayan
Region: An Analytical Survey
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Tadang Minu Anil Mili Dipika Basumatary Vivek Kumar Singh Poli Borah and Hemantajit Gogoi Objective: Recently, Indian has adopted many policies to promote health, wellness and sports culture in the country. Though these policies have been implemented nationally, limited research is available about the health-related fitness status of children in the Indian Himalayan region. Therefore, the present study was conducted to survey the health-related fitness status of school-going girls in the Indian Himalayan region. Materials and methods: A total of 563 school-going girls had participated in the study, 166 were from the age group of 10-12 years, 164 from the age group of 13-15 years and 233 from the age group of 16-18 years. Administration manual of Khelo India Fitness Assessment in Schools-version 2.0 was followed for data collection for five health-related physical fitness components. Simple descriptive statistics and One-Way ANOVA test were employed as statistical tools for the study. Results: The study showed a moderate level of health-related fitness among school-going girls in the Indian Himalayan region. The height and weight of the participants were found at lower 50 percentiles as per the growth chart of IAP. One-Way ANOVA test and pairwise comparison revealed the presence of variance in the fitness components between different age groups. Conclusion: It was suggested to involve parents and elders to change the sedentary habits of the children. Proper execution of sports infrastructure development programmes can further help in promoting health, wellness and sports culture in the region.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- A Study of Bacterial Flora Present on Disinfected Crash Cart Laryngoscopes
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Mausum Ranjan Behera Tushar Bhutada Kundan Kumar Sahu and Sarita Otta Background: Laryngoscope is an instrument to facilitate placement of endotracheal tube which finds its use both in OTs and in crash carts for emergency resuscitation of patients. The blade of the instrument comes in contact with the mucosal surface during this procedure. Yet, there is an absence of clear cut guidelines for disinfection of different parts (blade and handle) of this instrument. Materials and methods: This observational prospective study was conducted over a period of 5 months on previously used and disinfected laryngoscopes placed in the crash carts of various areas (emergency, ICUs) of our hospital. Swabs were collected from three different parts of each laryngoscope: surface of the blade (A), front part of the handle top (B), and front part of the handle's knurled surface (C). Bacterial growth and identification were noted using standard microbiological techniques. Data were entered and analyzed using standard MS Excel sheet. Results: In the study, 213 samples (71 each from A, B, C sites) were obtained from laryngoscopes from various areas of the hospital of which 32.4% were contaminated. The highest percentage of contaminated laryngoscopes belonged to Emergency department, a known high throughput area. Swabs from blades were positive in 16.9% (12/71) cases, from light in 14.08% (10/71) cases and from handle in 18.3% (13/71) cases. Among the organisms isolated, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the commonest (37.1%) followed by MSSA (22.9%) and MRSA (20%) from various sites of the laryngoscopes. Conclusion: A sensitization towards proper cleaning of laryngoscopes from crash carts is a must. Centralized disinfection services of all the parts of this instrument are a must for ensuring proper sterility.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- The Role of Bonding, Bridging and Linking: Aspects of Social Capital in
Mental Health of Bosnian Refugees in the U.S.
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Huaibo Xin and Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic This study explored the role of bonding, bridging, and linking aspects of social capital among Bosnian refugees in the U.S. and their impact on the community's mental health. Using snowball sampling and criterion sampling, a total of 74 Bosnian refugees resettled in the U.S. participated in a cross-sectional study and responded to the modified online Personal Social Capital Scale. Most of the participants resided in Missouri, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Florida, California, and Virginia. They reported modest levels of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital; Married participants had higher levels of both bonding and bridging social capital than single, divorced, and widowed participants (p = 0.036; 0.013); religious neutral/not religious participants had a higher level of bridging social capital (p = 0.018) than religious/very religious participants; males had a higher level of linking social capital than females (p = 0.047). Age and the number of years living in the U. S. also made significant differences in participants' social capital. Bonding and overall social capital were significantly associated with participants' mental health, although the relationships did not appear to be strong. Multi-level social capital building interventions/approaches tailored to Bosnian refugees are recommended, and their long-term mental health effects should be further examined.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Patients' Perception about the Influence of CRM Factors in Selected Health
Care Units
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Gangu Naidu Mandala Kavitha Desai Jerlin Jose Elizabeth Renju Koshy and Macherla Bhagyalakshmi The primary motivation behind this exploration study targets introducing a portion of the CRM ideas and components, CRM procedure to take proactive measures towards the customer to Health supplier to improve patients' satisfaction, loyalty fabricates a decent connection with patients and increment income. Patients' consideration, needs, and making associations with patients is an everyday schedule action in a well-being supplier. CRM is fundamental in this foundation customer satisfaction, the customer saw worth and customer relationship the board upgrade the relationship of the customer with the support up the general execution of the Hospital. The exploration configuration depends on quantitative examination, hence the information was gathered through an organized poll, five Likert-scales, SPSS, relapse, and SEM Model were utilized to figure out the results. This audits and distinguishes fundamental service quality, framework, the executives, and correspondence is identified with patients' satisfaction and loyalty in the private clinics in Andhra Pradesh. This investigation features the degree of service quality of the clinic services chosen by the test respondents. This paper is an endeavour to discover connections between patients' views of customers' satisfaction and customers' loyalty and to propose ideas to have better CRM rehearses.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Modeling in Healthcare: Selection of Simulation Types
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Mohd Kamal Mohd Nawawi Jafri Zulkepli Ruzelan Khalid and Norhaslinda Zainal Abidin The nature of the healthcare system is crucial and requires health authorities worldwide to ensure every decision is made correctly and efficiently. Simulation modeling which is among the decision-making techniques,is generally used to represent the real systems of healthcare for the authorities to evaluate prior to any modification. A holistic understanding of the issues related to simulation types in healthcare is required. This paper reviews and summarizes publications related to various types of computer simulation tools in the healthcare domain, using the Scopus database. Based on healthcare applications and issues, this paper finalized five main types of simulations: 1) discrete-event simulation; 2) system dynamics; 3) agent-based modeling; 4) Monte Carlo simulation; and 5) hybrid systems. All of these types have continued to contribute to healthcare simulation modelling in recent years and more are expected in the future. In general, this review argues that future studies should focus on framework development that will support the selection of simulation types based on the problem.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- The Influence of Local Authorities on the Formation of a System of
Motivation of Citizens for a Healthy Lifestyle
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Olga Urzha and Tatyana Evstratova The health of the nation is the key to the successful development of any state. Therefore, taking care of the health of each citizen and creating conditions for its preservation are the key objectives of authorities at all levels. To develop and implement the organizational and methodological measures aimed at solving this problem, it is necessary to create a complex system of measures accounting for the specific features of the country as a whole, its territory, climatic conditions, historical traditions, demographic and economic situation, i.e. to develop a scientific approach to the creation of the National Project of the healthy lifestyle of citizens. The development of the project has to take into consideration the social structure of each municipality, the presence of all age and gender groups, the state of citizens' health and their potential opportunities to engage in particular types of sports, the dynamics and perspective of changes. It is also necessary to take into account the typology of the country's municipalities, i.e. its administrative and territorial structure since Russia is a huge country with extremely diverse specifics of individual territories. In addition, it is necessary to take into consideration the priorities in the choice of mass types of sports for different social groups; providing staffing for physical culture and sports work in the field; developing a system for the promotion of physical culture and sports as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Of critical importance is also the study of positive practices in this sphere since Russia has a great experience of past and contemporary examples of organizing citizens' healthy lifestyle that have to be generalized and disseminated.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Personal & Professional Qualities of Medical Representative and Impact on
Doctor's Prescribing Behavior
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Vishavadia Krunal Seema Singh and Sandip Solanki Background: The promotion of a pharmaceutical product is based on the effective collaboration between medical representatives (MR) & physicians. Pharmaceutical companies are following many doctor-consulting strategies and have found a way to promote their products through MR. But it's only possible if the MR communicates the brand's benefit effectively to the doctor. Aims and Objectives: To identify the personal and professional qualities of MRs that affect doctors' prescribing behavior. The impact of three variables like product detailing of MR, MR's attire, and MR's knowledge has been measured on doctor's prescription behavior. Methodology: Three personal and/or professional qualities of MR have been identified (effective detailing, personal attire, and scientific knowledge of MRs) and studied the influence of these qualities on physician's prescribing habits. Responses were collected through self-administered questionnaires from general practitioners, physicians, gynecologists, pediatricians, and dentists. ANOVA & regression analysis models were used to analyze the hypothesis. Result: Eighty-seven percent of the doctors agreed that pharmaceutical companies should train MRs properly about the detailing of brand and product knowledge, 64% of doctors agreed-upon personal attire of MRs attract their attention, and 92% agreed that MR knowledge plays a crucial role in influencing their prescribing behavior. The hypothesis was accepted for detailing, personal attire, and scientific understanding of MRs regarding their influence on doctor's prescription. Conclusion: The role of detailing, personal attire, and scientific knowledge of MR is well established to influence the practice of physicians. Pharmaceutical companies should train their sales team properly, starting from personal grooming to every aspect of brand and therapy for practical in-clinic discussion and doctor conversion.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Cognitive Somatic Symptoms and Stress among Parents with Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities Children
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Norsuhaily Abu Bakar Jumadil Saputra Mohammad Shaban Al-smadi Mohd Hamidi Solahudin Azni Yati Kamarudin and Zulfa Izza Hashim Adapting to the kids has been hinted at as having declining impacts as the disabled develops. Along these lines, this is an issue that could influence the whole family climate, particularly the moms' monetary state and enthusiastic equilibrium. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the psychological, physical indications, and stress of emotional wellbeing for Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This study used a quasi-experimental research design, with quantitative data being used to infer research conclusions. The results of CBTCF's Mann-Whitney demonstrated that CBTCF pre-experimental and pre-controlled moms, specifically of intellectually and developmentally disabled children had a pre-delivery. When examining the findings of all three distributions of questions, it became obvious that children in the experimental group did significantly better as those in the control group had parents of intellectual and developmentally disabled children. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test findings showed a major difference in the experimental group before, after, and after the system exposure, and the minimal difference for the control group was investigated. In children with intellectual and developmental difficulties, the plan is also an effective therapy for behavioral problems with intellectual and developmental challenges that have behavioral issues.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Implementation of the Health-Centrist Policy of the System Functioning of
Healthcare and Labor Relations in the Context of the Development of
Corporate Social Responsibility
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 Iryna Kychko Svitlana Kovalchuk Yuliia Kopochynska Oksana Glynyana and Inna Zub In the article, the need to form and implement a health-centrists policy of the health care system, which is implemented with the active involvement of companies in preventive measures in the development of corporate social responsibility, sponsorship and patronage, is substantiated. It is argued that the basic components of the health-centrists policy of the health care system should be the following ones: a high level of income sufficient for expanded reproduction; increasing the national income of the country based on the production of goods with high value added; prevention of sale on the territory of Ukraine of low-quality, counterfeit products; prevention of diseases, and injuries through their preventive measures at the enterprise level. Methodical approaches to assessing the impact of corporate social responsibility on the functioning of the health care system and the development of labor relations are used. They are based on the use of the SWOT-analysis from the standpoint of comprehensive understanding of prospects for improving public health on the principles of prevention, or reduction of injuries and mortality. It is substantiated that the health-centrist policy of the health care system should be formed and implemented comprehensively, involving the population of Ukraine, companies, authorities and government by actively promoting a responsible attitude to their health; activation of social responsibility at the level of the companies and the use of state financial, administrative, organizational levers of the influence on companies and individuals.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Long-Term Visual Outcome Following Cataract Surgery Using Intraocular Lens
– A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract: Publication date: Dec 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 6 S. Priyadharshini Purpose: Long-term follow up and determination of visual acuity in the community is seldom carried out to examine the outcome of medical intervention, but the same is routinely assessed after cataract surgery [short-term] in medical camps and hospitals. Setting: Rural areas in Chidambaram town, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, South India. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: All patients who underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included in this study. With a 5.4% prevalence of cataract operated cases in the community, 95% confidence limit and 5% absolute precision, sample size was calculated as eighty-two. Door-to-door survey was conducted to obtain the sample. Data was collected using proforma and visual acuity was assessed using Snellen's chart. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 18. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between different parameters and determine the visual acuity status. The obtained p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Uncorrected, present visual acuity in the first cataract-operated eye, 53 [64.6%], 25[30.5%] and 4 [4.9%] of operated eyes had poor vision, near normal vision and normal vision, respectively whereas it was 14[31.2%], 29 [64.4%] and 2 [4.4%] in the second. Long-term subjective visual outcome was reported to be good in the postoperative period in 51[62.2%] of cases. Conclusion: In the course of the long-term follow up, it is revealed that a majority of the operated cases have near normal or poor vision [uncorrected]. Vision can be improved by the simple correction of refractive error.
PubDate: Dec 2021
- Comparison of Air Pollutants' Hazardous Levels in Selected Cities of
Malaysia: Entropy Method
Abstract: Publication date: Aug 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 4 Nur Syamimi Muhamad Fauzi Maznah Mat Kasim and Nor Hasliza Mat Desa The ambient of air quality in Malaysia is described in terms of Air Pollutant Index (API) which is calculated based on the maximum value of sub-index values of each of the six air pollutants (Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5). It is argued that the existing API cannot give the true picture of how harmful the pollution is towards humans' health because the hazardous levels of these pollutants are not considered in the API development. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the weights of the air pollutants according to their levels of hazardous in three selected cities in Malaysia; Putrajaya (PJ), Tawau (TW) and Alor Setar (AS). The study applies Shannon entropy method to weigh the air pollutants where the entropy values of the pollutants are the proxy measure of the pollutants' weights. The pollutants with higher weights would contribute more to air pollution and vice-versa. The study found different weights of the pollutants according to different cities where PJ shows SO2 at the top ranking with 48.16% of the air pollutants' weight. Meanwhile, TW and AS show PM2.5 at the first rank with 36.31% and 31.79% respectively. However, the analysis on the overall data shows that PM2.5 and PM10 are at the most and second most hazardous pollutants respectively that contribute to the air pollution. The effect of these two particulate matters is said to be more serious since SO2 that is associated with both particulate matters are difficult to breakdown and bring harmful effects in human life as compared to the other air pollutants. This study signifies a new perspective in measuring the hazardous levels of the air pollutants and the results could be used to improve the existing API in monitoring the air quality in Malaysia.
PubDate: Aug 2021
- Providing Education for a Mother in Stunting Prevention: A Collaborative
Study through Action Research
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 2 Dewi Dolifah Diding Kelana Setiadi Delli Yuliana Rahmat and Tedi Supriyadi One of the attempts to prevent stunting requires the implementation of new intervention, especially in upgrading a mother’s education. A mother’s substandard education is a vital risk factor in child growth. Therefore, this study aims to educate mothers in terms of improving a mother's understanding of stunting prevention through Bina Keluarga Balita (helping family with toddler) program as part of the Kampung Keluarga Berencana (family planning village) program initiated by the government. Action research method was employed as the design of this study by involving 100 mothers of toddlers as research participants. This study was conducted in one of the areas in Sumedang - West Java that carried out the Kampung Keluarga Berencana program. This study resulted in several findings, including: 1) Mothers lack education concerning stunting issue; 2) The need for parenting intervention related to toddler’s nutritional intake; and 3) There are 5 steps abbreviated to I-CARE, serving as the framework to educate mothers regarding stunting prevention. Through this model, this study showed a rise in mothers’ insights and understanding regarding stunting prevention efforts. Hence, it can be concluded that the I-CARE model comprises reflective and solution steps that can be implemented to educate mothers regarding stunting prevention and government program succession efforts through Kampung KB program.
PubDate: Apr 2021
- COVID-19 and Student Health Care in Ukraine: Do Public Decisions Meet
Student Needs'
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 2 Mykola Zhurba Yuliia Bokhonkova Dmytro Marchenko Nataliia Buhaiova and Marharyta Zhurba There were three main reasons for choosing the topic for this empirical research. The first reason was that the world faced a global threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second one was that the new university offering the relative share of e-learning equals 100% must meet students' needs as educational services buyers. The third reason was that the sudden transition to 100% of e-learning could affect the mental and physical health of students. The goal of this empirical research was to study whether public decisions on student health care during the COVID-19 pandemic era in Ukraine meet students' needs. The authors have used powerful research methodologies such as literature review, analysis of public decisions on student health care during the COVID-19 pandemic era in Ukraine, experiment planning, questionnaire survey, primary processing and grouping of the results and verification of statistical hypotheses. The study surveyed 142 respondents in seven groups. The authors put forward the key hypothesis: public decisions on student health care during the COVID-19 pandemic era in Ukraine meet student needs in e-learning. This empirical study gives us six new scientific results. Mainly, the comparison of public decisions on student health care during the COVID-19 pandemic era and student needs in e-learning shows that the difference is statistically significant. The alternative hypothesis was accepted: student needs in e-learning are not equal to 100% if random deviations will not be taken into account. This main scientific result is highly statistically significant (0,01). Additionally, the new scientific result is that the theory of learning should be adjusted taking into account that the share of e-learning equals 100%. Implementation of these and the rest of the new scientific results will improve public decisions on student health care in Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the tasks for the next exploration is to study how the sudden transition to 100% of e-learning affected mental and physical student health.
PubDate: Apr 2021
- Perception of Non-radiation Healthcare Workers about Radiation in Cape
Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 2 Emmanuel Kobina Mesi Edzie Klenam Dzefi-Tettey Philip Narteh Gorleku Adu Tutu Amankwa Ewurama Andam Idun Edmund Kwakye Brakohiapa Eric Aidoo Julius John Essoun Frank Quarshie Henry Kusodzi and Abdul Raman Asemah The patient management team includes a wide category of healthcare workers, who in one way or the other interact to render services, including radiation-based services. It becomes imperative that every healthcare worker must have appreciable knowledge and opinions on radiation issues for effective service delivery. Hence, this study assesses the perception of non-radiation healthcare workers about radiation. This was a prospective questionnaire-based study involving 340 consented participants from four hospitals in Cape Coast. A stratified sampling method was employed for the number of respondents from each hospital. The responses obtained from Google Forms WhatsApp-administered questionnaires, were systematically selected to obtain the sample size. Data obtained were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL version 20.0) and the results were presented in appropriate tables and charts. Statistical significance level was set at p≤0.05. The majority of the 340 participants were males. The average age was 32.26±7.618 years. Nurses constituted majority 166 (48.8%) of respondents, followed by allied health professionals. The knowledge of participants about radiation issues was high with over 65% of responses. There were statistically significant associations between gender, educational level, work experience and willingness to accept postings to radiology departments. We conclude that, the majority of non-radiation healthcare workers had a high level of knowledge about radiation issues. The perception of non-radiation healthcare workers was positive from suggestions and recommendations they offered.
PubDate: Apr 2021
- Health Management Model: A Case Study for Success
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 2 Prosper M. Bernard Obesity is an important health issue in the current day and age. As it has been reported by many studies on the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with excess weight and people with poor health are at a higher risk for COVID-19 severity. The purpose of this research is to give a model for losing weight by selecting a plant-based diet and by the progress measuring every day. The methodology is a case study with observations over three years. A case study is used to analyze the model and to teach in many disciplines in universities such as medicine, management, chiropractic, dentistry, psychology. Based on the findings of prior empirical studies, the subject made dietary and behavioral changes and was able to lose 45 kg (95 pounds) in approximately 18 months and maintain the proper weight for two years. The main conclusion is that by following this model including nutrition changes and regular measuring, people can reduce their weight to the normal level and keep it for a long period, hopefully, for the rest of life. This study shows how to change to plant-based food, avoid processed food, and measure the progress every day to adjust the behavior. Furthermore, the study shows that it is not a special diet but a long-term lifestyle. This study has limitations because a case study is not the same as a study with a randomized large sample. However, it contributes to the field of nutrition by showing that with a plant-based diet and a minor behavioral change, one can greatly improve his or her health by staying at a normal weight. This type of nutrition has a major social impact especially at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic because it affects particularly people in poor health conditions.
PubDate: Apr 2021
- Medical Tourism: Analysis of the State of International Tourism and
Prospects for Domestic Development
Abstract: Publication date: Apr 2021
Source:Universal Journal of Public Health Volume 9 Number 2 Igor Turski Hanna Mashika Tetiana Tkachenko Maryna Khmara Igor Komarnitskyi and Mariia Oliinyk Medical tourism is a relatively popular area of tourism, and the primary purpose is to organize the treatment of a patient abroad. It differs from usual tourism in that rest abroad is combined with medical services, which are ready to provide the world's leading centres and clinics. The study is devoted to developing recommendations for ensuring the sustainable development of Ukrainian medical tourism, based on the analysis of international tourism achievements. In their study, the authors similarly considered the very concept of medical tourism, its features and main directions, namely, the authors deemed such directions as diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitation, health-improving and non-traditional tourism. The authors examined the leading countries of inbound medical tourism, as well as the key incentives for such tourists. Analysis of the growth dynamics of medical tourists by year and the main directions of medical tourism in Ukraine allowed the authors to highlight the most promising Ukrainian medical tourism destinations. In conclusion, the authors analyzed the benefits of international and Ukrainian medical tourism. Summing up, the authors concluded that medical tourism in Ukraine is only at the initial stage of its development; however, certain regions have significant potential for its successful formation.
PubDate: Apr 2021
