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Hosseinabadi R, Karampourian A, Beiranvand S, Pournia Y. The effect of quality circles on job satisfaction and quality of work-life of staff in emergency medical services. Int Emerg Nurs 2012; 21:264-70. [PMID: 23266112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quality circles, as a participatory management technique, offer one alternative for dealing with frustration and discontent of today's workers. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of implementation of quality circles on nurses' quality of work-life and job satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, two emergency medical services (EMS) of Hamedan province were selected and randomly assigned as the experimental and control groups. After the experimental group was trained and quality circles were established in this group, the levels of quality of work-life and job satisfaction were measured in the two groups. Then, the statistical analyses were performed using t-test. RESULTS After the intervention, the results showed significant differences between the scores of motivational factors (p=0.001), the total scores of job satisfaction (p=0.003), and the scores of some quality of work life (QWL) conceptual categories including the use and development of capacities (p=0.008), the total space of life (p=0.003), and the total scores of QWL (p=0.031) in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. CONCLUSION This study confirms the effectiveness of quality circles in improving quality of work-life and job satisfaction of nurses working in EMS, and offers their application as a management method that can be used by EMS managers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hosseinabadi
- Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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4452
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Thevis M, Kuuranne T, Geyer H, Schänzer W. Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing. Drug Test Anal 2012; 5:1-19. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiia Kuuranne
- Doping Control Laboratory, United Medix Laboratories; Höyläämötie 14; 00380; Helsinki; Finland
| | - Hans Geyer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6; 50933; Cologne; Germany
| | - Wilhelm Schänzer
- Center for Preventive Doping Research - Institute of Biochemistry; German Sport University Cologne; Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6; 50933; Cologne; Germany
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4453
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Chung VCH, Ma PHX, Hong LC, Griffiths SM. Organizational determinants of interprofessional collaboration in integrative health care: systematic review of qualitative studies. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50022. [PMID: 23209634 PMCID: PMC3510174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Inteprofessional collaboration (IPC) between biomedically trained doctors (BMD) and traditional, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners (TCAMP) is an essential element in the development of successful integrative healthcare (IHC) services. This systematic review aims to identify organizational strategies that would facilitate this process. Methods We searched 4 international databases for qualitative studies on the theme of BMD-TCAMP IPC, supplemented with a purposive search of 31 health services and TCAM journals. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using published checklist. Results of each included study were synthesized using a framework approach, with reference to the Structuration Model of Collaboration. Findings Thirty-seven studies of acceptable quality were included. The main driver for developing integrative healthcare was the demand for holistic care from patients. Integration can best be led by those trained in both paradigms. Bridge-building activities, positive promotion of partnership and co-location of practices are also beneficial for creating bonding between team members. In order to empower the participation of TCAMP, the perceived power differentials need to be reduced. Also, resources should be committed to supporting team building, collaborative initiatives and greater patient access. Leadership and funding from central authorities are needed to promote the use of condition-specific referral protocols and shared electronic health records. More mature IHC programs usually formalize their evaluation process around outcomes that are recognized both by BMD and TCAMP. Conclusions The major themes emerging from our review suggest that successful collaborative relationships between BMD and TCAMP are similar to those between other health professionals, and interventions which improve the effectiveness of joint working in other healthcare teams with may well be transferable to promote better partnership between the paradigms. However, striking a balance between the different practices and preserving the epistemological stance of TCAM will remain the greatest challenge in successful integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent C H Chung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.
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4454
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Duplaga M. Acceptance of Internet-based health care services among households in Poland: secondary analysis of a population-based survey. J Med Internet Res 2012. [PMID: 23187116 PMCID: PMC3510773 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polish society is benefiting from growing access to the Internet, but the use of advanced e-services is still limited. The provision of Internet-based health services depends not only on the penetration of the Internet into society, but also on the acceptance of this technology by potential users. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was focused on the assessment of predictors of acceptance of Internet use for provision of health services (eg, sociodemographic status, the use of information technologies, and consumption of health care services) among households in Poland. METHODS The study was based on a secondary analysis of the dataset from the 2011 Social Diagnosis survey (a biannual survey conducted since 2001 about economic and non-economic aspects of household and individual living conditions in Poland). Analysis of the questionnaire results focused on the situations of the households included in the study. The predictors for 2 outcome variables describing the acceptance of households for Internet use for provision of a full health care service, or at least access to information and download of required forms, were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS After excluding those households that would not consider the use of health care services or for which predictor variables assumed missing values, the final analyses were conducted on data from 8915 households. Acceptance of the use of the Internet for provision of full health care services in Polish households was significantly higher among households in urban locations with ≥ 200,000 inhabitants than among households in rural areas; it was also higher with salaried employment as the source of income than with self-employment in agriculture (odds ratio [OR] = 0.53, 95% CI 0.40 - 0.70), retirement pension (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.39 - 0.54), disability pension (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.34 - 0.68), or with several simultaneous income sources (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.57 - 0.79). Furthermore, acceptance of Internet-based health care was higher in households with a higher monthly net income per capita (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.75 - 2.53 for households from the lowest and the highest income interval), among households with > 1 child aged < 15 years (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.20 - 1.59), among households with at least some books (with OR = 3.33, 95% CI 2.39 - 4.64 for household with no books and those with over 500 books). Acceptance was also higher in households with a computer (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.35 - 2.56), Internet access (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.37 - 2.76), and Internet access for a longer duration (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.75 and OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.40 - 2.33 for households with access < 1 year versus those with access for 1-5 years and > 5 years, respectively). Greater self-declared confidence in using technology was also associated with higher acceptance of the Internet for health care services (OR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.21 - 3.91 for the least confident households versus those with the highest confidence). Furthermore, recent use of health care services increased acceptance of using the Internet for at least some health-related services (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.16 - 1.91), but not for full provision of online health care services (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.92 - 1.55). Neither the hospitalization of a member of a household nor the opinion about satisfying health care needs of a household affected the degree of acceptance. CONCLUSIONS The acceptance of health care services through the Internet is higher in households from larger cities, with stable income from an employee salary, as well as with higher income levels per capita. Furthermore, general computer and Internet use in the household influenced the perception of eHealth. Paradoxically, the use of health care services or the level of satisfaction with the coverage of the household's health needs has a limited influence on acceptance of Internet-based health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Duplaga
- Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
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4455
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Devasenapathy N, Neogi SB, Zodpey S. Is intravenous iron sucrose the treatment of choice for pregnant anemic women? J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2012; 39:619-26. [PMID: 23167561 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2012.02033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anemia during pregnancy remains an important public health problem in developing countries like India. Anemia is the direct cause of 12-15% of maternal deaths. Iron deficiency is the commonest cause for anemia in the Indian subcontinent. Several preventive and therapeutic approaches are in practice. The available routes of iron supplementation are oral and intravenous. In spite of oral iron being least invasive, cheap and safe, the ineffectiveness of oral iron due to dietary inhibitors and poor compliance are well known. Intravenous iron sucrose can be a promising therapy for moderate to severely anemic pregnant women and has been in practice for quite some time in private and public health practices. In this article, we report the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of intravenous iron sucrose in anemic pregnant women on hematological and clinical outcomes. Though the evidence on its efficacy in improving hemoglobin and serum ferritin is convincing, its effect on maternal and fetal outcomes are unclear. This is primarily due to lack of well-designed and larger studies powered to detect difference in clinical outcomes. Hence, there is a need to gather evidence from a well-designed large randomized clinical trial conducted in a developing country. The results of such a study would feed into the national policy and would form the basis to frame guidelines for management of anemia in developing countries.
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4456
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Naik-Panvelkar P, Armour C, Saini B. Discrete choice experiments in pharmacy: a review of the literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2012; 21:3-19. [DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) have been widely used to elicit patient preferences for various healthcare services and interventions. The aim of our study was to conduct an in-depth scoping review of the literature and provide a current overview of the progressive application of DCEs within the field of pharmacy.
Methods
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, ECONLIT) were searched (January 1990–August 2011) to identify published English language studies using DCEs within the pharmacy context. Data were abstracted with respect to DCE methodology and application to pharmacy.
Key findings
Our search identified 12 studies. The DCE methodology was utilised to elicit preferences for different aspects of pharmacy products, therapy or services. Preferences were elicited from either patients or pharmacists, with just two studies incorporating the views of both. Most reviewed studies examined preferences for process-related or provider-related aspects with a lesser focus on health outcomes. Monetary attributes were considered to be important by most patients and pharmacists in the studies reviewed. Logit, probit or multinomial logit models were most commonly employed for estimation.
Conclusion
Our study showed that the pharmacy profession has adopted the DCE methodology consistent with the general health DCEs although the number of studies is quite limited. Future studies need to examine preferences of both patients and providers for particular products or disease-state management services. Incorporation of health outcome attributes in the design, testing for external validity and the incorporation of DCE results in economic evaluation framework to inform pharmacy policy remain important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol Armour
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bandana Saini
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4457
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Briggs AM, Bragge P, Slater H, Chan M, Towler SCB. Applying a Health Network approach to translate evidence-informed policy into practice: a review and case study on musculoskeletal health. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12:394. [PMID: 23151082 PMCID: PMC3522050 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While translation of evidence into health policy and practice is recognised as critical to optimising health system performance and health-related outcomes for consumers, mechanisms to effectively achieve these goals are neither well understood, nor widely communicated. Health Networks represent a framework which offers a possible solution to this dilemma, particularly in light of emerging evidence regarding the importance of establishing relationships between stakeholders and identifying clinical leaders to drive evidence integration and translation into policy. This is particularly important for service delivery related to chronic diseases. In Western Australia (WA), disease and population-specific Health Networks are comprised of cross-discipline stakeholders who work collaboratively to develop evidence-informed policies and drive their implementation. Since establishment of the Health Networks in WA, over 50 evidence-informed Models of Care (MoCs) have been produced across 18 condition or population-focused Networks. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the Health Network framework in facilitating the translation of evidence into policy and practice with a particular focus on musculoskeletal health. CASE PRESENTATION A review of activities of the WA Musculoskeletal Health Network was undertaken, focussing on outcomes and the processes used to achieve them in the context of: development of policy, procurement of funding, stakeholder engagement, publications, and projects undertaken by the Network which aligned to implementation of MoCs.The Musculoskeletal Health Network has developed four MoCs which reflect Australian National Health Priority Areas. Establishment of community-based services for consumers with musculoskeletal health conditions is a key recommendation from these MoCs. Through mapping barriers and enablers to policy implementation, working groups, led by local clinical leaders and supported by the broader Network and government officers, have undertaken a range of integrated projects, such as the establishment of a community-based, multidisciplinary rheumatology service. The success of these projects has been contingent on developing relationships between key stakeholders across the health system. CONCLUSIONS In WA, Networks have provided a sustainable mechanism to meaningfully engage consumers, carers, clinicians and other stakeholders; provided a forum to exchange ideas, information and evidence; and collaboratively plan and deliver evidence-based and contextually-appropriate health system improvements for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Briggs
- Department of Health, Government of Western Australia, GPO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849, Australia.
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4458
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Brownie S. Older Australians' views about the impact of ageing on their nutritional practices: Findings from a qualitative study. Australas J Ageing 2012; 32:86-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00607.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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4459
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Kuriyan R, Kurpad AV. Complementary feeding patterns in India. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2012; 22:799-805. [PMID: 22748607 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are far too many children in the world who suffer from under-nutrition and growth faltering, with life time consequences such as reduced work capacity, increased infections, impaired intellectual performance and an increased risk of non communicable diseases later in life. These changes occur early in life, and consequently, complementary feeding has been receiving increased attention in the international nutrition community. In India, common problems relate not only to insufficient breastfeeding, but also to detrimental feeding practices. Only about 20% of children aged 6-23 months were fed according to the three recommended Infant and Child Feeding practices. The most common types of solid or semi-solid foods fed to both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding children under 3 years of age were foods made from grains and roots. These complementary feeding practices were found to be significantly associated with poor socioeconomic status, undesirable socio-cultural beliefs, maternal illiteracy, and ignorance. Although many initiatives have been carried out in India to promote Infant and Young Child Feeding, the progress in reducing the number of undernourished children in India over the last decade has been slow and modest. Equally, with the growing evidence and interest in the role of infant nutrition in the development of over nutrition and non-communicable disease, it is important to plan appropriate complementary feeding interventions that result in optimal growth. Contact opportunities with parents, specifically mothers, must be used for counseling through multiple communication channels such as local media, in order to constantly educate the population with consistent and simple messages on child feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kuriyan
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore 560034, India.
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4460
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Kuilman L, Nieweg RMB, van der Schans CP, Strijbos JH, Hooker RS. Are Dutch patients willing to be seen by a physician assistant instead of a medical doctor? HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2012; 10:28. [PMID: 22947130 PMCID: PMC3462730 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-10-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The employment of physician assistants (PAs) is a strategy to improve access to care. Since the new millennium, a handful of countries have turned to PAs as a means to bridge the growing gap between the supply and demand of medical services. However, little is known about this new workforce entity from the patient's perspective. The objective of this study was to assess the willingness of Dutch patients to be treated by a PA or a medical doctor (MD) under various time constraints and semi-urgent medical scenarios. METHODS A total of 450 Dutch adults were recruited to act as surrogate patients. A convenience sample was drawn from patients in a medical office waiting room in a general hospital awaiting their appointments. Each participant was screened to be naive as to what a PA and a nurse practitioner are and then read a definition of a PA and an MD. One of three medical scenarios was assigned to the participants in a patterned 1-2-3 strategy. Patients were required to make a trade-off decision of being seen after 1 hour by a PA or after 4 hours by a doctor. This forced-choice method continued with the same patient two more times with 30 minutes and 4 hours and another one of 2 hours versus 4 hours for the PA and MD, respectively. RESULTS Surrogate patients chose the PA over the MD 96 % to 98 % of the time (depending on the scenario). No differences emerged when analysed by gender, age, or parenthood status. CONCLUSION Willingness to be seen by a PA was tested a priori to determine whether surrogate Dutch patients would welcome this new health-care provider. The findings suggest that employing PAs, at least in concept, may be an acceptable strategy for improving access to care with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luppo Kuilman
- Master Physician Assistant Program, School of Health Care Studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roos MB Nieweg
- Research and Innovation Group in Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cees P van der Schans
- Research and Innovation Group in Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Roderick S Hooker
- The George Washington University, School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
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4461
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Yoon S, Lam TH. The alcohol industry lobby and Hong Kong's zero wine and beer tax policy. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:717. [PMID: 22935365 PMCID: PMC3490743 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas taxation on alcohol is becoming an increasingly common practice in many countries as part of overall public health measures, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is bucking the trend and lowered its duties on wine and beer by 50 percent in 2007. In 2008, Hong Kong removed all duties on alcohol except for spirits. The aim of this paper is to examine the case of Hong Kong with its history of changes in alcohol taxation to explore the factors that have driven such an unprecedented policy evolution. METHODS The research is based on an analysis of primary documents. Searches of official government documents, alcohol-related industry materials and other media reports on alcohol taxation for the period from 2000 to 2008 were systematically carried out using key terms such as "alcohol tax" and "alcohol industry". Relevant documents (97) were indexed by date and topic to undertake a chronological and thematic analysis using Nvivo8 software. RESULTS Our analysis demonstrates that whereas the city's changing financial circumstances and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's strong propensity towards economic liberalism had, in part, contributed to such dramatic transformation, the alcohol industry's lobbying tactics and influence were clearly the main drivers of the policy decision. The alcohol industry's lobbying tactics were two-fold. The first was to forge a coalition encompassing a range of catering and trade industries related to alcohol as well as industry-friendly lawmakers so that these like-minded actors could find common ground in pursuing changes to the taxation policy. The second was to deliberately promote a blend of ideas to garner support from the general public and to influence the perception of key policy makers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the success of aggressive industry lobbying coupled with the absence of robust public health advocacy was the main driving force behind the unparalleled abolition of wine and beer duties in Hong Kong. Strong public health alliance and advocacy movement are needed to counteract the industry's continuing aggressive lobby and promotion of alcoholic beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwon Yoon
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Tai-Hing Lam
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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4462
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McManus A, Hunt W, Howieson J, Cuesta-Briand B, McManus J, Storey J. Attitudes towards seafood and patterns of consumption in an Australian coastal town. NUTR BULL 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2012.01978.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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4463
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Freeman C, Cottrell WN, Kyle G, Williams I, Nissen L. Integrating a pharmacist into the general practice environment: opinions of pharmacist's, general practitioner's, health care consumer's, and practice manager's. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12:229. [PMID: 22852792 PMCID: PMC3444319 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists are viewed as highly trained yet underutilised and there is growing support to extend the role of the pharmacist within the primary health care sector. The integration of a pharmacist into a general practice medical centre is not a new concept however is a novel approach in Australia and evidence supporting this role is currently limited. This study aimed to describe the opinions of local stakeholders in South-East Queensland on the integration of a pharmacist into the Australian general practice environment. Methods A sample of general practitioners, health care consumers, pharmacists and practice managers in South-East Queensland were invited to participate in focus groups or semi-structured interviews. Seeding questions common to all sessions were used to facilitate discussion. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Leximancer software was used to qualitatively analyse responses. Results A total of 58 participants took part in five focus groups and eighteen semi-structured interviews. Concepts relating to six themes based on the seeding questions were identified. These included positively viewed roles such as medication reviews and prescribing, negatively viewed roles such as dispensing and diagnosing, barriers to pharmacist integration such as medical culture and remuneration, facilitators to pharmacist integration such as remuneration and training, benefits of integration such as access to the patient’s medical file, and potential funding models. Conclusions These findings and future research may aid the development of a new model of integrated primary health care services involving pharmacist practitioners.
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4465
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Bazin D, Daudon M, Combes C, Rey C. Characterization and some physicochemical aspects of pathological microcalcifications. Chem Rev 2012; 112:5092-120. [PMID: 22809072 DOI: 10.1021/cr200068d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Bazin
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France.
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4466
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Schilling K, Toth B, Rösner S, Strowitzki T, Wischmann T. Prevalence of behaviour-related fertility disorders in a clinical sample: results of a pilot study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 286:1307-14. [PMID: 22752595 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is no doubt that lifestyle factors can be detrimental to fertility. The aim of the present pilot study was to identify initial prevalence rates for behaviour-related fertility disorders in a clinical sample of couples wanting a child. METHODS Between February 2010 and August 2010, all patients coming for the first time to Heidelberg University's Women's Hospital for consultation on involuntary childlessness were asked to fill out a questionnaire designed by the authors of this article. The questionnaire was based on a review of the relevant literature, with special reference to the latest research findings on behaviour detrimental to fertility. Of the 156 couples addressed, 110 women and 100 men took part in the study. RESULTS For behaviour-related infertility, 9 % of the women and 3 % of the men in our sample were classified on the basis of BMI <18.5, sexual disorders, or abuse of anabolic steroids. If we include smokers, these figures increase: 11 % female smokers and 18 % male smokers. A further 19 % of the women practised sport to an excessive degree; and 26 % of the women and 53 % of the men had a BMI ≥25. DISCUSSION The prevalence of behaviour-related fertility disorders should not be underestimated. For the prevention of behaviour-related fertility disorders, it is important to inform the population about lifestyle-mediated fertility risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Schilling
- Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimer Strasse 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
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4467
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Notter
- Birmingham City University, UK, and Professor of Cross Border Health Care and Social Work, Saxion University of Applied Science, The Netherlands
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4468
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Pinto VN, Kulkarni RN. A Case Control Study on School Dropouts in Children of Alcohol-Dependent Males Versus that in Abstainers/Social Drinkers' Children. J Family Med Prim Care 2012; 1:92-6. [PMID: 24479014 PMCID: PMC3893976 DOI: 10.4103/2249-4863.104944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study and compare in the children of alcohol-dependent males versus those in a socio-demographically similar control group, the occurrence of school dropouts, and to examine the link between certain factors like parental education and socioeconomic status on school dropout. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a community-based case control study. The participants were 107 family units in both study group (alcohol-dependent male, wife, at least one child less than 14 years of age) and control group (abstainer/social drinker, wife, at least one child less than 14 years of age). It was conducted in an urban slum community in Mumbai. Interview technique was used for data collection. The study was conducted for a period of 1 year. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Using software SPSS version 17.0, percentages, Chi-square test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The number of school dropouts was significantly higher (45.31%, P < 0.001) in the children of alcohol-dependent males as compared to 22.47% in the abstainers/social drinkers' children. In the study group, there was higher number of school dropouts among boys (52.73%, P < 0.05) as compared to girls (35.37%). There was a statistically significant association between parental illiteracy and school dropout in children in both the groups. In the control group, significantly higher number of school dropouts of socioeconomic class IV and V had dropped out as compared to those of socioeconomic class III and II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet N. Pinto
- Department of Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Rajan N. Kulkarni
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Topiwala Nair Medical College, Bombay Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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4469
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Shankar Beriha G, Patnaik B, Shankar Mahapatra S. Assessment of occupational health practices in Indian industries. JOURNAL OF MODELLING IN MANAGEMENT 2012. [DOI: 10.1108/17465661211242804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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4470
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Hasumi T, Ahsan F, Couper CM, Aguayo JL, Jacobsen KH. Parental involvement and mental well-being of Indian adolescents. Indian Pediatr 2012; 49:915-8. [PMID: 22728626 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-012-0218-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between parental involvement and mental well being among the 6721 school going adolescents aged 13 to 15 years who participated in Indias nationally representative Global School based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in 2007. Parental involvement (homework checking, parental understanding of their childrens problems, and parental knowledge of their childrens freetime activities) was reported by students to decrease with age, while poor mental health (loneliness, insomnia due to anxiety, and sadness and hopelessness) increased with age. Age adjusted Logistic regression models showed that high levels of reported parental involvement were significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of poor mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Hasumi
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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4471
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Bahadori M, Shams L, Sadeghifar J, Hamouzadeh P, Nejati M. Classification of health structural indicators using scalogram model in golestan province, northern iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 41:58-65. [PMID: 23113178 PMCID: PMC3468978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main and basic pillars of health system promotion is the equitable distribution of health facilities in order to ensure fair access of people in the community to the health services. The goal of this study was to classify the health structural indicators in Golestan Province using Scalogram analysis model. METHOD A descriptive study was conducted in 2010. Data related to indicators in 3 categories of institutional, human resources and rural health and their indicators were collected using statistical yearbook. Data analysis was done using SPSS software and scalogram analysis model. RESULTS There is large gap between health structural indicators in cities of Golestan Province. Aq Qala City with 97 score and Azad Shahr City with 41 score were the most and lowest scores respectively from enjoyment of health structural indicators. Generally, 18% of cities were in less developed level and only 27% of cities were developed level. CONCLUSION To achieve a fair and balanced healthcare status in different provinces based on their state of development, plans should be arranged in order to reduce the gap in the access to healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bahadori
- Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - L Shams
- Dep. of Health Services Management, School of Health Services and Information Management, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - J Sadeghifar
- Dep. of Health Services Management, School of Health Services and Information Management, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - P Hamouzadeh
- Dep. of Health Services Management, School of Health Services and Information Management, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Nejati
- School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
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4472
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Hendriks J, Fyfe S, Styles I, Skinner SR, Merriman G. Scale construction utilising the Rasch unidimensional measurement model: A measurement of adolescent attitudes towards abortion. Australas Med J 2012; 5:251-61. [PMID: 22848320 DOI: 10.4066/amj.2012.952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurement scales seeking to quantify latent traits like attitudes, are often developed using traditional psychometric approaches. Application of the Rasch unidimensional measurement model may complement or replace these techniques, as the model can be used to construct scales and check their psychometric properties. If data fit the model, then a scale with invariant measurement properties, including interval-level scores, will have been developed. AIMS This paper highlights the unique properties of the Rasch model. Items developed to measure adolescent attitudes towards abortion are used to exemplify the process. METHOD Ten attitude and intention items relating to abortion were answered by 406 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, as part of the "Teen Relationships Study". The sampling framework captured a range of sexual and pregnancy experiences. Items were assessed for fit to the Rasch model including checks for Differential Item Functioning (DIF) by gender, sexual experience or pregnancy experience. RESULTS Rasch analysis of the original dataset initially demonstrated that some items did not fit the model. Rescoring of one item (B5) and removal of another (L31) resulted in fit, as shown by a non-significant item-trait interaction total chi-square and a mean log residual fit statistic for items of -0.05 (SD=1.43). No DIF existed for the revised scale. However, items did not distinguish as well amongst persons with the most intense attitudes as they did for other persons. A person separation index of 0.82 indicated good reliability. CONCLUSION Application of the Rasch model produced a valid and reliable scale measuring adolescent attitudes towards abortion, with stable measurement properties. The Rasch process provided an extensive range of diagnostic information concerning item and person fit, enabling changes to be made to scale items. This example shows the value of the Rasch model in developing scales for both social science and health disciplines.
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4473
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Gilmore AB, Fooks G. Global Fund needs to address conflict of interest. Bull World Health Organ 2012; 90:71-2. [PMID: 22271969 DOI: 10.2471/blt.11.098442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna B Gilmore
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, England.
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4474
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Watson T, Hughes C. Pharmacists and harm reduction: A review of current practices and attitudes. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2012; 145:124-127.e2. [PMID: 23509527 PMCID: PMC3567507 DOI: 10.3821/145.3.cpj124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use and other high-risk behaviours are the cause of significant morbidity and mortality and thus have been the focus of many health promotion strategies. Community pharmacists are considered underutilized health providers and are often thought to be more accessible than other health professionals. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of community pharmacists' practices as well as pharmacists' attitudes and identified barriers toward providing harm reduction services. We will highlight the major harm reduction services being offered through community pharmacies, as well as identify barriers to implementing these services. METHODS A review of the literature from 1995 to 2011 was conducted using the electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus, encompassing pharmacists' involvement in harm reduction services. Keywords included pharmacist, harm reduction, disease prevention, health promotion, attitudes, competence and barriers. References of included articles were examined to identify further relevant literature. RESULTS Pharmacists are primarily involved in providing clean needles to injection drug users, as well as opioid substitution. Pharmacists generally have a positive attitude toward providing health promotion and harm reduction programs and express some interest in increasing their role in this area. Common barriers to expanding harm reduction strategies in community pharmacists' practice include lack of time and training, insufficient remuneration, fear of attracting unruly clientele and inadequate communication between health providers. CONCLUSION As one of the most accessible health care providers, community pharmacists are in an ideal position to provide meaningful services to injection drug users. However, in order to do so, pharmacists require additional support in the form of better health team and system integration, as well as remuneration models.
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4475
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Tsianakas V, Robert G, Maben J, Richardson A, Dale C, Griffin M, Wiseman T. Implementing patient-centred cancer care: using experience-based co-design to improve patient experience in breast and lung cancer services. Support Care Cancer 2012; 20:2639-47. [PMID: 22544223 PMCID: PMC3461206 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-012-1470-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this paper was to briefly describe how the experience-based co-design (EBCD) approach was used to identify and implement improvements in the experiences of breast and lung cancer patients before (1) comparing the issues identified as shaping patient experiences in the different tumour groups and (2) exploring participants' reflections on the value and key characteristics of this approach to improving patient experiences. Methods Fieldwork involved 36 filmed narrative patient interviews, 219 h of ethnographic observation, 63 staff interviews and a facilitated co-design change process involving patient and staff interviewees over a 12-month period. Four of the staff and five patients were interviewed about their views on the value of the approach and its key characteristics. The project setting was a large, inner-city cancer centre in England. Results Patients from both tumour groups generally identified similar issues (or 'touchpoints') that shaped their experience of care, although breast cancer patients identified a need for better information about side effects of treatment and end of treatment whereas lung cancer patients expressed a need for more information post-surgery. Although the issues were broadly similar, the particular improvement priorities patients and staff chose to work on together were tumour specific. Interviewees highlighted four characteristics of the EBCD approach as being key to its successful implementation: patient involvement, patient responsibility and empowerment, a sense of community, and a close connection between their experiences and the subsequent improvement priorities. Conclusion EBCD positions patients as active partners with staff in quality improvement. Breast and lung cancer patients identified similar touchpoints in their experiences, but these were translated into different improvement priorities for each tumour type. This is an important consideration when developing patient-centred cancer services across different tumour types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Tsianakas
- Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London, 57 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8WA, UK.
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4476
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4477
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of manuscript review is a central part of scientific publishing, but has increasingly become the subject of criticism, particularly for being difficult to manage, slow, and time consuming - all of which contribute to delaying publication. AIMS To identify potential sources of delays during manuscript review by examining the review process, and to identify and propose constructive strategies to reduce time spent on the review process without sacrificing journal quality. METHOD Sixty-seven manuscripts published in the Australasian Medical Journal (AMJ) were evaluated in terms of duration of peer review, number of times manuscripts were returned to authors, time authors spent on revision per review round, manuscripts containing grammatical errors reviewers deemed as major, papers where instructions to authors were not adhered to, and the number of reviews not submitted on time. RESULTS The median duration of the review process was found to be 74 days, and papers were on average returned to authors 1.73 times for revision. In 35.8% of papers, instructions to authors were not adhered to, whilst 29.8% of papers contained major grammatical errors. In 70.1% of papers reviewers did not submit their reviews on time, whilst the median time spent on revision by authors per review round was found to be 22 days. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of communication before and during review. Reviewers should be thoroughly briefed on their role and what is expected of them, whilst the review process as well as the author's role in preventing delays should be explained to contributors upon submission.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lotriet Cornelius
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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4478
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Osborne JM, Wilson C, Moore V, Gregory T, Flight I, Young GP. Sample preference for colorectal cancer screening tests: Blood or stool? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojpm.2012.23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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4479
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Weishaar H, Collin J, Smith K, Grüning T, Mandal S, Gilmore A. Global health governance and the commercial sector: a documentary analysis of tobacco company strategies to influence the WHO framework convention on tobacco control. PLoS Med 2012; 9:e1001249. [PMID: 22745607 PMCID: PMC3383743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In successfully negotiating the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the World Health Organization (WHO) has led a significant innovation in global health governance, helping to transform international tobacco control. This article provides the first comprehensive review of the diverse campaign initiated by transnational tobacco corporations (TTCs) to try to undermine the proposed convention. METHODS AND FINDINGS The article is primarily based on an analysis of internal tobacco industry documents made public through litigation, triangulated with data from official documentation relating to the FCTC process and websites of relevant organisations. It is also informed by a comprehensive review of previous studies concerning tobacco industry efforts to influence the FCTC. The findings demonstrate that the industry's strategic response to the proposed WHO convention was two-fold. First, arguments and frames were developed to challenge the FCTC, including: claiming there would be damaging economic consequences; depicting tobacco control as an agenda promoted by high-income countries; alleging the treaty conflicted with trade agreements, "good governance," and national sovereignty; questioning WHO's mandate; claiming the FCTC would set a precedent for issues beyond tobacco; and presenting corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an alternative. Second, multiple tactics were employed to promote and increase the impact of these arguments, including: directly targeting FCTC delegations and relevant political actors, enlisting diverse allies (e.g., mass media outlets and scientists), and using stakeholder consultation to delay decisions and secure industry participation. CONCLUSIONS TTCs' efforts to undermine the FCTC were comprehensive, demonstrating the global application of tactics that TTCs have previously been found to have employed nationally and further included arguments against the FCTC as a key initiative in global health governance. Awareness of these strategies can help guard against industry efforts to disrupt the implementation of the FCTC and support the development of future, comparable initiatives in global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heide Weishaar
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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4480
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Beaglehole R, Bonita R, Magnusson R. Global cancer prevention: An important pathway to global health and development. Public Health 2011; 125:821-831. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2011.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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4481
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Yap KYL, Chui WK, Chan A. Development of a chemotherapy regimen interaction database for the mobile internet: detecting interactions with psychotropics through OncoRx-MI. Inform Health Soc Care 2011; 36:132-46. [DOI: 10.3109/17538157.2011.584996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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4482
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Bbaale E. Determinants of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection among under-fives in Uganda. Australas Med J 2011; 4:400-9. [PMID: 23393526 DOI: 10.4066/amj.2011.723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in children under the age of five in developing countries. On the African continent, pneumonia (14%) and diarrhoea (17%) cause more child deaths than Malaria (16%), HIV/AIDS (4%), and measles (1%) combined. This paper set out to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of diarrhoea and ARI incidence for children under five years in Uganda. METHOD We used a nationally representative Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) (2006). Sampling was done in two stages. In the first stage 321 clusters were selected from among a list of clusters sampled in the 2005/06 Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS), 17 clusters from the 2002 Census frame from Karamoja, and 30 internally displaced camps (IDPs). In the second stage, households in each cluster were selected as per UNHS listing. In addition 20 households were randomly selected in each cluster. Questionnaires were used during data collection. During the analysis, a maximum likelihood probit model was used in order to ascertain the probability of occurrence of diseases. RESULTS On average, 32% and 48% of children in the survey suffered from diarrhoea and ARI in the two weeks prior to the survey date. The occurrence was concentrated amongst children aged 0-24 months. Mother's education, especially at postsecondary level, reduced the probability of diarrhoea occurrence but had no effect on ARI occurrence. First hour initiation and exclusive breastfeeding reduced the probability occurrence of both diarrhoea and ARI. Other significant factors associated with the occurrence of both diseases include: regional and location differentials, wealth status, type of dwelling, mother's occupation, child age, and child nutritional status. CONCLUSION Policy interventions should target female education, eliminate location and regional disadvantages, and educate the population to adopt breastfeeding practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The government should also ensure proper dwelling places for the population that are associated with favourable health outcomes. Other proper feeding practices together with breastfeeding (after six months), should be made known to the masses so as to reduce the number of children that are malnourished and growth retarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bbaale
- Visiting Fellow, Centre for Global Development, Washington DC, USA
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4483
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Li J, Zhang C, Yang K, Liu P, Xu LX. SPIO-RGD nanoparticles as a molecular targeting probe for imaging tumor angiogenesis using synchrotron radiation. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2011; 18:612-616. [PMID: 21685679 DOI: 10.1107/s090904951101017x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, new blood vessels sprouting from pre-existing vessels, is essential to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. It can be used as a biomarker for early stage tumor diagnosis and targeted therapy. To visualize angiogenesis many molecular imaging modalities have been used. In this study a novel X-ray molecular targeting probe using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) conjugated with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (SPIO-RGD) has been developed. Based on the extremely high sensitivity to the iron element of synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence and the superior spatial resolution of third-generation synchrotron radiation, the feasibility of SPIO-RGD as a promising molecular probe for imaging tumor angiogenesis has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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4484
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4485
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Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, O'Brien J, Oakes W. Developing cessation interventions for the social and community service setting: a qualitative study of barriers to quitting among disadvantaged Australian smokers. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:493. [PMID: 21699730 PMCID: PMC3135539 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smoking rates remain unacceptably high among individuals who are socially disadvantaged. Social and community service organisations (SCSO) are increasingly interested in providing smoking cessation support to clients, however little is known about the best way to assist disadvantaged smokers to quit in this setting. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to quitting within the conceptual framework of the PRECEDE model to identify possible interventions appropriate to the social and community service setting. Methods Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with clients attending five community welfare organisations located in New South Wales, Australia. Thirty-two clients participated in six focus groups. A discussion guide was used to explore the barriers and facilitators to smoking and smoking cessation including: current smoking behaviour, motivation to quit, past quit attempts, barriers to quitting and preferences for cessation support. Focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Results Participants were current smokers and most expressed a desire to quit. Factors predisposing continued smoking included perceived benefits of smoking for stress relief, doubting of ability to quit, fear of gaining weight, and poor knowledge and scepticism about available quit support. The high cost of nicotine replacement therapy was a barrier to its use. Continual exposure to smoking in personal relationships and in the community reinforced smoking. Participants expressed a strong preference for personalised quit support. Conclusions Disadvantaged smokers in Australia express a desire to quit smoking, but find quitting difficult for a number of reasons. SCSOs may have a role in providing information about the availability of quit support, engaging disadvantaged smokers with available quit support, and providing personalised, ongoing support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Bryant
- Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology, Cancer Council New South Wales, Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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4486
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Hamidreza M, Asghar PA, Allah JK, Tahereh K. Current form of randomized controlled trials. Ann Pediatr Cardiol 2011; 4:90. [PMID: 21677818 PMCID: PMC3104546 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2069.79636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobi Hamidreza
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences Iran. E-mail:
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4487
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Tsourtos G, Ward PR, Muller R, Lawn S, Winefield AH, Hersh D, Coveney J. The importance of resilience and stress to maintaining smoking abstinence and cessation: a qualitative study in Australia with people diagnosed with depression. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2011; 19:299-306. [PMID: 21138494 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2010.00973.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study explored stress in relation to smoking and how non-smokers (never-smoked and ex-smokers) are 'resilient' to smoking in a population where there is a high prevalence of smoking (people diagnosed with depression). In-depth oral history interviews were conducted with 34 adult participants from metropolitan Adelaide, and who were medically diagnosed with depression. Participants were recruited according to their smoking status (currently smoking, ex-smoker, and never-smoked). Smoking was taken-up and maintained for a number of reasons that included perceived high levels of stress. Resilience to stress in relation to smoking was also a major theme. Non-smoking participants tended to be more resilient to stress. Ex-smokers were able to quit for a number of varied reasons during critical transition points in their lives. The never-smoked participants reported successful strategies to cope with stress but not all of them were necessarily healthy. There was often interplay between external factors and the individual's internal properties that led to a building or an erosion of resilience. Smokers and ex-smokers have indicated a strong relationship between stress and tobacco use. Ex-smokers and the never-smoked participants have demonstrated how being 'resilient' to stress can be important to smoking abstinence. The finding that external factors can interact with internal properties to build resilience in relation to stress and smoking is important for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Tsourtos
- Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia.
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4488
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Fincham JE. The expanding public health threat of obesity and overweight. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2011; 19:214-6. [PMID: 21554448 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7174.2011.00126.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and overweight is a continuing public health crisis. This health threat respects no boundaries or economic strata, and is a pervasive universal threat with short- and long-term negative sequelae associated. Pharmacists and other health professionals need to structure interventions from individual patient and population-based standpoints. Documentation of effects of programmes needs to be disseminated and incorporated into educational, research and practice-based efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack E Fincham
- Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, The University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA.
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4489
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Ward PR, Muller R, Tsourtos G, Hersh D, Lawn S, Winefield AH, Coveney J. Additive and subtractive resilience strategies as enablers of biographical reinvention: a qualitative study of ex-smokers and never-smokers. Soc Sci Med 2011; 72:1140-8. [PMID: 21377777 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The notion of developing resilience is becoming increasingly important as a way of responding to the social determinants of poor health, particularly in disadvantaged groups. It is hypothesized that resilient individuals and communities are able to 'bounce back' from the adversities they face. This paper explores the processes involved in building resilience as an outcome in relation to both quitting smoking and never smoking. The study involved 93 qualitative, oral-history interviews with participants from population groups with high and enduring smoking rates in Adelaide, Australia, and was essentially interested in how some people in these groups managed to quit or never start smoking in the face of adversities, in comparison to a group of smokers. Our key findings relate to what we call additive and subtractive resilience strategies, which focus on the practices, roles and activities that individuals either 'took on' or 'left behind' in order to quit smoking or remain abstinent. The theoretical lenses we use to understand these resilience strategies relate to biographical reinforcement and biographical reinvention, which situate the resilience strategies in a broader 'project of the self', often in relation to attempting to develop 'healthy bodies' and 'healthy biographies'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Russell Ward
- Flinders University, Discipline of Public Health, G.P.O. Box 2100, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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Gilmore AB, Savell E, Collin J. Public health, corporations and the new responsibility deal: promoting partnerships with vectors of disease? J Public Health (Oxf) 2011; 33:2-4. [PMID: 21289060 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdr008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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4491
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4492
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Daube M. Commentary on Adams et al. (2010): Learning from history. Addiction 2010; 105:591-2. [PMID: 20403011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02961.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Daube
- Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA-Curtin University Health Research Campus, GPO Box U1987, Western Australia WA6845, Australia.
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4493
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Gual
- Alcohol Unit, ICN, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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4494
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4495
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Shahid S, Bessarab D, Howat P, Thompson SC. Exploration of the beliefs and experiences of Aboriginal people with cancer in Western Australia: a methodology to acknowledge cultural difference and build understanding. BMC Med Res Methodol 2009; 9:60. [PMID: 19674484 PMCID: PMC2743702 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-9-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aboriginal Australians experience poorer outcomes, and are 2.5 times more likely to die from cancer than non-Aboriginal people, even after adjustment for stage of diagnosis, cancer treatment and comorbidities. They are also less likely to present early as a result of symptoms and to access treatment. Psycho-social factors affect Aboriginal people's willingness and ability to participate in cancer-related screening and treatment services, but little exploration of this has occurred within Australia to date. The current research adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach to understand and explore the lived experiences of Aboriginal Australians with cancer and their beliefs and understanding around this disease in Western Australia (WA). This paper details considerations in the design and process of conducting the research. Methods/Design The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for ethical conduct of Aboriginal research were followed. Researchers acknowledged the past negative experiences of Aboriginal people with research and were keen to build trust and relationships prior to conducting research with them. Thirty in-depth interviews with Aboriginal people affected by cancer and twenty with health service providers were carried out in urban, rural and remote areas of WA. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded independently by two researchers. NVivo7 software was used to assist data management and analysis. Participants' narratives were divided into broad categories to allow identification of key themes and discussed by the research team. Discussion and conclusion Key issues specific to Aboriginal research include the need for the research process to be relationship-based, respectful, culturally appropriate and inclusive of Aboriginal people. Researchers are accountable to both participants and the wider community for reporting their findings and for research translation so that the research outcomes benefit the Aboriginal community. There are a number of factors that influence whether the desired level of engagement can be achieved in practice. These include the level of resourcing for the project and the researchers' efforts to ensure dissemination and research translation; and the capacity of the Aboriginal community to engage with research given other demands upon their time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaouli Shahid
- Centre for International Health, Curtin University of Technology, Perth WA, Australia.
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4496
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Miller PG, Kypri K, Chikritzhs TN, Skov SJ, Rubin G. Health experts reject industry-backed funding for alcohol research. Med J Aust 2009; 190:713; discussion 714. [PMID: 19527212 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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4497
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Kiukas V, Mikkonen J. The Finnish Brewing Industry and Alcohol Education. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/145507250902600413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vertti Kiukas
- Healthy Lifestyles Paasivuorenkatu 5 B, VII krs FIN-00530 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Mikkonen
- Healthy Lifestyles Paasivuorenkatu 5 B, VII krs FIN-00530 Helsinki, Finland
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