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Huda M, Rabbani F, Shipton L, Aftab W, Khan KS, Marini MG. Listening to Caregivers: Narratives of Health Seeking for Children Under Five with Pneumonia and Diarrhea: Insights from the NIGRAAN Trial in Pakistan. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:3629-3640. [PMID: 38034877 PMCID: PMC10683648 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s417102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding health-seeking behaviors of caregivers is important to reduce child mortality. Several factors influence decision-making related to childhood illnesses. Objective The objective of this study was to gather caretaker narratives to develop a comprehensive understanding of the context and process of caregiving at household level during all stages of an episode of diarrhea and pneumonia in children <5. Methods Using a narrative interview approach, stories from caregivers of children <5 were collected from a rural district in Sindh Pakistan. Eleven households with children <5 were randomly selected and purposive sampling was done to interview 20 caregivers. All data collection was conducted privately in participants' homes and informed consent taken. Manual content analysis was carried out by three independent researchers and emerging themes drawn. Results The role of joint family system is integral in making decisions and the child's paternal grandmother, is an important and trusted source of information regarding child sickness in the household. They often promote home remedies with considerable authority prior to formal consultation with the health care system. Caregivers were generally dissatisfied with doctors in the public sector who were perceived to be providing free consultation with a poor quality of care and long waiting time as compared to private doctors. Financial considerations and child support were favorably addressed in households with a joint family system. Conclusion The joint family system provides a strong support system, but also tends to reduce parental autonomy in decision-making and delay first contact with formal health providers. Prevalent home remedies, and authority of elders in the family influence management practices. Interventions for reducing improving child mortality should be cognizant of the context of decision-making and social influences at the household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Huda
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fauziah Rabbani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Brain & Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Leah Shipton
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wafa Aftab
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kausar S Khan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maria Giulia Marini
- Research and Health Care Director, Fondazione ISTUD per la Cultura d’Impresa e di Gestione, Milan, Italy
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Chaudhury S, Aggarwal A. UTILIZATION AND CHOICE OF HEALTH CARE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM INDIA. SACHETAS 2023; 2:23-41. [DOI: 10.55955/220003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2023]
Abstract
Utilization and choice of health care services are two important decision-making issues once an individual perceives or realizes illness. Identifying and measuring the factors that influence health care utilization and choice are important concern for policy makers, to reduce health system inequality. Both demand and supply side factors influence the above-mentioned choice decisions. However, the nature and severity of illness can also affect the above choice decisions. This study has identified and measured the role of disease specification as an important determinant of choice decision along with its influence on other factors. This study also explored the regional and socio-economic variation of factors which hinder the utilization of government-provided health care services. Analyzing the data of women and child household members, the study found that disease specification affects the choice of health care provider and even influences the role of other important factors.
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Factors associated with health-seeking behavior amongst children in the context of free market: Household study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 2011. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271493. [PMID: 36256647 PMCID: PMC9578640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited access to healthcare among children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a major cause of poor infant health indicators. Although many speculate that the private sector expansion has overwhelmingly reinforced health systems' utilization, little is known as to whether and where children are cared for when they are sick. This study investigated health-seeking behavior (HSB) among children from an urban area of Burkina Faso, with respect to disease severity and the type of provider versus children's characteristics. METHODS A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso using a two-stage sampling strategy. 1,098 households (2,411 children) data were collected. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze providers' choice for emergency, severe and non-severe conditions; sex-preference was further assessed with a χ2 test. RESULTS Thirty-six percent of children requiring emergency care sought private providers, as did 38% with severe conditions. Fifty-seven percent with non-severe conditions were self-medicated. A multivariable GEE indicated that University-educated household-heads would bring their children to for-profit (instead of public) providers for emergency (OR = 3.51, 95%CI = 1.90; 6.48), severe (OR = 4.05, 95%CI: 2.24; 7.30), and non-severe (OR = 3.25, 95%CI = 1.25; 8.42) conditions. A similar pattern was observed for insured and formal jobholders. Children's sex, age and gender was not associated with neither the type of provider preference nor the assessed health condition. CONCLUSION Private healthcare appeared to be crucial in the provision of care to children. The household head's socioeconomic status and insurance coverage significantly distinguished the choice of care provider. However, the phenomenon of son-preference was not found. These findings spotlighted children's HSB in Burkina Faso.
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Debsarma D, Saha J, Ghosh S. Factors associated with delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for fever cases among caregivers of under-five children in India: Evidence from the National Family Health Survey-4, 2015-16. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269844. [PMID: 35709164 PMCID: PMC9202928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fever is one of the common clinical symptoms found among children suffering from various illnesses. India carries a substantial burden of febrile illness among under-five children which heighten the risk of malnutrition, mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine the factors associated with delay in treatment-seeking for fever among under-five children in India. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out using the large-scale nationally representative data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), conducted in 2015-2016. The data were collected by using four survey questionnaires i.e., Household Questionnaire, Woman's Questionnaire, Man's Questionnaire, and Biomarker Questionnaire. Delay in treatment-seeking was defined as taking a child for treatment after 24 hours of fever onset. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess the factors associated with delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for fever in under-five children. RESULTS In India, 31.12% (n = 7229) of the caregivers sought treatment for children after 24 hours of the onset of fever. Findings show no significant differences in delay in treatment-seeking behaviour by age groups and sex of children. Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of delay in treatment-seeking behaviour of fever were higher among children from the poorest wealth quintile (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.85, 2.31), belonging to the scheduled tribe (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.48), children who resided in rural areas (AOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.22), children from the northeast region (AOR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.46), and children of caregivers who perceived distance to health facilities as a 'big problem' (AOR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.23). CONCLUSION The study shows a high prevalence of delay in seeking treatment for fever among caregivers of under-five children in India. Delay in seeking treatment is associated with socio-demographic and socio-economic factors. Therefore, there is a need for intensified health promotion programs to sensitize caregivers on the importance of early health-seeking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiman Debsarma
- Centre for the Study of Regional Development, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayanti Saha
- Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sagar Ghosh
- Government Shyamlal Pandaviya P.G. College, Morar, Gwalior, India
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Health care utilization and expenditure inequities in India: Benefit incidence analysis. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Tiwari G, Thakur AK, Pokhrel S, Tiwari G, Pahari DP. Health care seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses in Birendranagar municipality, Surkhet, Nepal: 2018. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264676. [PMID: 35353836 PMCID: PMC8967048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate and prompt health care seeking by parents or caretakers can reduce morbidity and mortality among under-five year children. Although remarkable progress has been made in the reduction of under-five mortality, still the under-five mortality rate is high in Nepal. There are few studies on health care seeking behavior among caretakers in Nepal. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevailing health care seeking behavior of caretakers on common childhood illness of under five year children and to identify the association of socio demographic, economic, illness related and health system related factors with health care seeking behavior in 2018. METHODS A community based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2018. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with health care seeking behavior. RESULTS A total of 387 caretakers participated in the study. Of these, 84.8% sought any type of care and 15.2% did nothing. Amongst those who sought care 42.4% visited the pharmacy directly, 25.3% visited the health facility. Amongst those who visited a health facility, 37.2% of caretakers sought prompt health care. Common danger sign stated by caretakers was fever in children (92.4%). Secondary education(AOR = 0.357, 95%CI = 0.142-0.896), involvement in service as an occupation(AOR = 3.533, 95%CI = 1.096-11.384), distance to reach nearest health facility(0.957, 95%CI = 0.923-0.993) and perceived severity of illness; moderate severity (7.612, 95%CI = 2.127-27.242), severe severity (AOR = 15.563, 95%CI = 3.495-69.308) were found to be significantly associated with health care seeking behavior. CONCLUSION Strong policies and regulations should be formulated and implemented at Birendranagar municipality of Surkhet district to prevent direct purchase of medicines from pharmacies without any consultation. It is essential to conduct the health awareness program at community level on early recognition of danger signs and importance of consulting health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganga Tiwari
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ajoy Kumar Thakur
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sushil Pokhrel
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ganesh Tiwari
- Department of Medicine, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal
| | - Durga Prasad Pahari
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Sethu S, Lawrenson JG, Kekunnaya R, Ali R, Borah RR, Suttle C. Barriers and enablers to access childhood cataract services across India. A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) of behaviour change. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261308. [PMID: 34972107 PMCID: PMC8719670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early presentation for childhood cataract surgery is an important first step in preventing related visual impairment and blindness. In the absence of neonatal eye screening programmes in developing countries, the early identification of childhood cataract remains a major challenge. The primary aim of this study was to identify potential barriers to accessing childhood cataract services from the perspective of parents and carers, as a critical step towards increasing the timely uptake of cataract surgery. In-depth interviews were conducted using a pre-designed topic guide developed for this study to seek the views of parents and carers in nine geographic locations across eight states in India regarding their perceived barriers and enablers to accessing childhood cataract services. A total of 35 in-depth interviews were conducted including 30 at the hospital premises and 5 in the participants' homes. All interviews were conducted in the local language and audio taped for further transcription and analysis. Data were organised using NVivo 11 and a thematic analysis was conducted utilising the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), an integrative framework of behavioural theories. The themes identified from interviews related to 11 out of 12 TDF domains. TDF domains associated with barriers included: 'Environmental context and resources', 'Beliefs about consequences' and 'Social influences'. Reported enablers were identified in three theoretical domains: 'Social influences', 'Beliefs about consequences' and 'Motivations and goals'. This comprehensive TDF approach enabled us to understand parents' perceived barriers and enablers to accessing childhood cataract services, which could be targeted in future interventions to improve timely uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeladevi Sethu
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, Centre for Applied Vision Research, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Orbis International, Gurugram, India
- * E-mail:
| | - John G. Lawrenson
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, Centre for Applied Vision Research, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ramesh Kekunnaya
- Child Sight Institute, Jasti V Ramanamma Children’s Eye Care Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rahul Ali
- Orbis International, Gurugram, India
| | | | - Catherine Suttle
- Division of Optometry and Visual Science, Centre for Applied Vision Research, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Mahapatro SR, James K, Mishra US. Intersection of class, caste, gender and unmet healthcare needs in India: Implications for health policy. HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2021.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Lohfeld L, Graham C, Ebri AE, Congdon N, Chan VF. Parents' reasons for nonadherence to referral to follow-up eye care for schoolchildren who failed school-based vision screening in Cross River State, Nigeria-A descriptive qualitative study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259309. [PMID: 34793502 PMCID: PMC8601460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is a major cause of vision impairment in children worldwide. Cases are often detected through a school-based vision screening program and then treated in a follow-up appointment. This requires parents or guardians ('parents') to adhere to referrals for the eye exam and care plan. We aim to understand the reasons for parents' referral non-adherence in Cross River State, Nigeria, using qualitative methods. METHODS Ten focus groups were held with parents who had not adhered to the referral for a follow-up eye examination. Participants were recruited with help from staff in schools hosting the vision screening programme. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, audio taped and transcribed verbatim. After identifying relevant quotes, the researchers labelled each one with a descriptive code/subcode label. Then they clustered the data into categories and overarching themes. RESULTS Forty-four parents participated in 10 focus group discussions with 28 women and 16 men. Three themes and participated in the focus group discussions with 28 women (63%). Twelve themes were generated. The three megathemes were Modifiable Factors (with 4 themes), Contextual Factors (with 6 themes), and Recommendations (with 2 themes). CONCLUSION Participants identified modifiable barriers that make it difficult for parents to adhere to a referral for a follow-up eye exam. These include not believing their child has a vision problem or the screening test, and issues with the referral letter. They also described important contextual factors such as poverty, logistical problems, parental attitudes towards their children and beliefs about appropriate care. Many of these issues could be addressed by following their recommendation to educate the public on the importance of child eye care and correct parents' misconceptions. These themes will be used by the Nigerian government to enhance and scale up its child eye health programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Lohfeld
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Clinical and Epidemiological Eye Research Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Christine Graham
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Effiom Ebri
- Brien Holden Vision Institute Foundation (Africa) Trust, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Orbis International, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ving Fai Chan
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- College of Health Sciences, University KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Maharatha TM, Dash U. Inequity in health care utilization for common childhood illnesses in India: measurement and decomposition analysis using the India demographic and health survey 2015-16. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:881. [PMID: 34452619 PMCID: PMC8394173 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06887-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though child mortality has dropped remarkably, it is considerably high in South Asia. Across the globe, 5.2 million children under 5 years of age died in 2019, and India accounts for a significant portion of these deaths. Common childhood illnesses are the leading cause of these deaths. Seeking care from formal providers can reduce these avoidable deaths. Inequity is a crucial blockage in optimum utilization of medical treatment for children. Hence, the present study analyzes the inequalities and horizontal inequities in utilizing the medical treatment for diarrhea, fever, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and any of these common childhood illnesses in India and across the Indian states. The study also attempts to locate significant contributors to these inequalities. METHODS The study used 0 to 59 months children's data sourced from the Demographic and Health Survey, India (2015-16). Concentration Index (CI) and Erreygers Corrected Concentration Index (EI) were used to measure the inequalities. The Horizontal Inequity Index (HII) was deployed to estimate inequity. The decomposition method introduced by Erreygers was applied to determine the significant contributors of inequalities. RESULTS The EI in medical treatment-seeking for common childhood illnesses was 0.16, while the HII was 0.15. The highest inequality was perceived in the utilization of medical treatment for ARI (0.17). The primary contributing factors of these inequalities were continuum of maternal care (18.7%), media exposure (12%), affordability (9.3%), place of residence (9.1%), mother's education (8.5%), and state groups (8.8%). The North-Eastern states showed the highest level of inequality across the Indian states. CONCLUSION The study reveals that the horizontal inequity in medical treatment utilization for children in India is pro-rich. The findings of the study suggest that attuning the efforts of existing maternal and child health programs into one seamless chain of care can bring the inequalities down and improve the utilization of child health care services. The spread of health education through different media sources, reaching out to rural and remote places with adequate health personnel, and easing out the financial hardship in accessing medical treatment could be the cornerstone in accelerating the utilization level amongst the impoverished children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulasi Malini Maharatha
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Umakant Dash
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Muraleedharan M, Chandak AO. Emerging challenges in the health systems of Kerala, India: qualitative analysis of literature reviews. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-04-2020-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeThe substantial increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is considered a major threat to developing countries. According to various international organizations and researchers, Kerala is reputed to have the best health system in India. However, many economists and health-care experts have discussed the risks embedded in the asymmetrical developmental pattern of the state, considering its high health-care and human development index and low economic growth. This study, a scoping review, aims to explore four major health economic issues related to the Kerala health system.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the literature was performed using PRISMA to facilitate selection, sampling and analysis. Qualitative data were collected for thematic content analysis.FindingsChronic diseases in a significant proportion of the population, low compliance with emergency medical systems, high health-care costs and poor health insurance coverage were observed in the Kerala community.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study was undertaken to determine the scope for future research on Kerala's health system. Based on the study findings, a structured health economic survey is being conducted and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. In addition, the scope for future research on Kerala's health system includes: (1) research on pathways to address root causes of NCDs in the state, (2) determine socio-economic and health system factors that shape health-seeking behavior of the Kerala community, (3) evaluation of regional differences in health system performance within the state, (4) causes of high out-of-pocket expenditure within the state.Originality/valueGiven the internationally recognized standard of Kerala's vital statistics and health system, this review paper highlights some of the challenges encountered to elicit future research that contributes to the continuous development of health systems in Kerala.
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Awasthi S, Rastogi T, Pandey AK, Roy C, Mishra K, Verma N, Kumar CB, Jain PK, Yadav R, Chauhan A, Mohindra N, Shukla RC, Agarwal M, Pandey CM, Kohli N. Epidemiology of Hypoxic Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children Under 5 Years of Age: An Observational Study in Northern India. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:790109. [PMID: 35223708 PMCID: PMC8863665 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.790109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of under-five mortality in India. An increased risk of mortality has been reported in cases of hypoxic pneumonia. METHODS The primary objective of this study was to assess the proportion of children aged 2-59 months, hospitalized with hypoxic CAP, as well as socio-demographic, clinical, and radiological features associated with it. The secondary objective was to determine the risk of mortality among hospitalized cases of hypoxic CAP. This prospective, observational study was conducted in four districts of Northern India, between January 2015 and April 2021. A hospital-based surveillance network was established. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) child between 2 and 59 months, (b) hospitalization with symptoms of WHO-defined CAP, (c) resident of project district, (d) illness of <14 days, and (e) child had neither been hospitalized for this illness nor recruited previously. Children whose chest x-rays (CXRs) were either unavailable/un-interpretable and those that received any dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-13 were excluded. Hypoxic pneumonia was defined as oxygen saturation <90% on pulse oximetry or requiring oxygen supplementation during hospital stay. RESULTS During the study period, 71.9% (7,196/10,006) children of severe pneumonia were eligible for inclusion, of whom 35.9% (2,580/7,196) were having hypoxic pneumonia. Female gender and use of biomass fuel for cooking increased the odds of hypoxic CAP. Clinical factors like wheezing, pallor, tachypnea, low pulse volume, presence of comorbidity, general danger signs, severe malnutrition, and radiological finding of primary end-point pneumonia ± other infiltrates (PEP±OI) also increased the odds of hypoxic CAP in a conditional logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratio for mortality with hypoxia was 2.36 (95% CI: 1.42-3.92). CONCLUSION Almost one-third of cases hospitalized with severe CAP had hypoxia, which increased chances of mortality. Besides known danger signs, certain newer clinical signs such as pallor and wheezing as well as PEP+OI were associated with hypoxic CAP. Therefore, objective assessment of oxygen saturation must be done by pulse oximetry in all cases of CAP at the time of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shally Awasthi
- Department of Pediatrics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Tuhina Rastogi
- Department of Pediatrics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Anuj Kumar Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Chittaranjan Roy
- Department of Community Medicine, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Darbhanga, India
| | - Kripanath Mishra
- Department of Pediatrics, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Darbhanga, India
| | - Neelam Verma
- Department of Pediatrics, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, India
| | | | - Pankaj Kumar Jain
- Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, India
| | - Rajesh Yadav
- Department of Pediatrics, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Namita Mohindra
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Ram Chandra Shukla
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Monika Agarwal
- Department of Community Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Chandra Mani Pandey
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Neera Kohli
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
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Mahmud I, Das S, Khan SH, Faruque ASG, Ahmed T. Gender disparity in care-seeking behaviours and treatment outcomes for dehydrating diarrhoea among under-5 children admitted to a diarrhoeal disease hospital in Bangladesh: an analysis of hospital-based surveillance data. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038730. [PMID: 32883737 PMCID: PMC7473626 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite economic development and augmented literacy rates, Bangladeshi households are still discriminating against girls when it comes to seeking medical care. We examined gender disparities in diarrhoeal disease severity and the treatment outcomes of under-5 children. SETTING A tertiary level diarrhoeal disease hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS 13 361 under-5 children admitted to the hospital between January 2008 and December 2017. OUTCOME VARIABLES AND METHODS The primary outcome of interest was severity of diarrhoea, defined as 'dehydrating diarrhoea' or 'non-dehydrating diarrhoea'. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between 'gender' and admission to hospital for dehydrating diarrhoea. RESULTS Data on 13 321 children under 5 years of age were analysed, of whom 61.5% were male and 38.5% were female. The mean (±SD) age of children with diarrhoea was 5.63 (±3.49) months. The median distance travelled to come to the hospital for admission was 10 miles (IQR: 6-25) and was significantly higher for boys (10 miles, IQR: 6-25) than girls (9.5 miles, IQR: 6-23) (p<0.001). Girls had 1.11 times higher odds (adjusted OR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.20, p=0.007) of presenting with dehydrating diarrhoea than boys at the time of hospital admission. Almost 20% of children received two or more medications during the period of hospital admission and this did not differ by gender. The median duration of hospital stay was 11 hours and was similar in both sexes. No gender-based disparity was observed in the management of diarrhoea and in the hospital outcome of children. CONCLUSION We found that girls were more likely to have dehydrating diarrhoea when they were presented to the Dhaka hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. No gender-based disparity was observed in the hospital outcome of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imteaz Mahmud
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Subhasish Das
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Soroar Hossain Khan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A S G Faruque
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Marsh A, Hirve S, Lele P, Chavan U, Bhattacharjee T, Nair H, Juvekar S, Campbell H. Determinants and patterns of care-seeking for childhood illness in rural Pune District, India. J Glob Health 2020; 10:010601. [PMID: 32082546 PMCID: PMC7020658 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.010601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 1.2 million children under five years of age die each year in India, with pneumonia and diarrhea among the leading causes. Increasing care-seeking is important to reduce mortality and morbidity from these causes. This paper explores the determinants and patterns of care-seeking for childhood illness in rural Pune district, India. METHODS Mothers having at least one child <5 years from the study area of the Vadu Health and Demographic Surveillance System were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Household sociodemographic information was collected through a baseline questionnaire administered at enrollment. Participants were visited up to six times between July 2015 and February 2016 to collect information on recent childhood acute illness and associated care-seeking behavior. Multivariate logistic regression explored the associations between care-seeking and child, participant, and household characteristics. RESULTS We enrolled 743 mothers with 1066 eligible children, completing 2585 follow-up interviews (90% completion). Overall acute illness prevalence in children was 26% with care sought from a health facility during 71% of episodes. Multivariable logistic regression showed care-seeking was associated with the number of reported symptoms (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-3.9) and household insurance coverage (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1-4.3). We observed an interaction between the associations of illness severity and maternal employment on care-seeking. Somewhat-to-very severe illness was associated with increased care-seeking among both employed (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.2-11.1) and currently unemployed mothers (OR = 7.0, 95% CI = 3.9-12.6). Maternal employment was associated with reduced care-seeking for non-severe illness (OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-0.7), but not associated with care-seeking for somewhat-to-very severe illness. Child sex was not associated with care-seeking. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the importance of illness characteristics in determining facility-based care-seeking while also suggesting that maternal employment resulted in decreased care-seeking among non-severe illness episodes. The nature of the association between maternal employment and care-seeking is unclear and should be explored through additional studies. Similarly, the absence of male bias in care-seeking should be examined to assess for potential bias at other stages in the management of childhood illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Marsh
- Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- KEM Hospital Research Centre, Rasta Peth, Pune, India
| | | | - Pallavi Lele
- KEM Hospital Research Centre, Rasta Peth, Pune, India
| | | | - Tathagata Bhattacharjee
- KEM Hospital Research Centre, Rasta Peth, Pune, India
- INDEPTH Network, East Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Harish Nair
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sanjay Juvekar
- KEM Hospital Research Centre, Rasta Peth, Pune, India
- INDEPTH Network, East Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Joint last author with equal contributions
| | - Harry Campbell
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK
- Joint last author with equal contributions
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Tsai TH, Huang N, Lin IF, Chou YJ. Variation in the 11-year trajectories of medical care seeking behaviors in diabetes patients under a single payer system: persisting gaps to be filled. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:580. [PMID: 31426781 PMCID: PMC6699076 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4399-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care-seeking behavior is widely acknowledged to have strong influences on health outcomes among individuals with chronic conditions including diabetes. Despite its dynamic nature, care seeking behavior are often considered as time invariant in most studies. The likelihood of patients changing their regularity and source of chronic care over time is often neglected. This study aimed to determine the long-term trajectories of care-seeking patterns of both care-seeking regularity and health provider choices; and their associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program in Taiwan. METHODS We utilized population-based data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Three thousand, nine hundred and eighty-seven adult patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in 1999 were enrolled in the cohort. We assessed their trajectories of regular care visits and sources of diabetes care from 2000 to 2010. A group-based trajectory model was applied. RESULTS Seven distinct groups of long-term care-seeking patterns were identified. Only 51.44% of patients with newly diagnosed diabetes had regularly visited their providers over time. Among them, 56.41 and 16.09% had persistently sought care from generalized and specialized providers, respectively. 27.50% had sought care from different levels of providers. Patients who were male, elderly, low-income, and had a higher baseline diabetes severity were significantly more likely to either continue with their irregular care-seeking behavior or fail to maintain their regular care seeking behavior over time. Those who were younger, had a higher socioeconomic status, and lived in an urban area were significantly more likely to persistently seek care from specialized care settings. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first population-based assessment of long-term care-seeking behaviors of type 2 diabetes patients under a single-payer system with a comprehensive benefit coverage. The most alarming finding was that, despite the existence of the comprehensive universal health insurance coverage in Taiwan, almost 50% of patients did not seek or maintain regular visits to providers over time as recommended. Understanding variations in the long-term trajectories of care adherence and sources of care may help to identify gaps in diabetes care management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ho Tsai
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.115, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Intensive Care, Cheng-Hsin Hospital, No. 45, Cheng Hsin Street, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nicole Huang
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.115, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Feng Lin
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.115, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yiing-Jenq Chou
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.115, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, Taiwan
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Nkoka O, Chuang TW, Chen YH. Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Treatment-Seeking Behaviors among Caregivers with Febrile Children in Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 100:1454-1465. [PMID: 30994089 PMCID: PMC6553897 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis and treatment of childhood fever, an important sign of potentially serious infections such as malaria, is essential for controlling disease progression, and ultimately, preventing deaths. This study examined individual- and community-level factors associated with treatment-seeking behaviors and promptness in these behaviors among caregivers of febrile under-five children in Malawi. The 2015-2016 Malawi Demographic Health Survey was used to analyze a nationally representative sample of 4,133 under-five children who had fever within 2 weeks before the survey. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to examine the association between individual- and community-level factors and treatment-seeking behaviors. Approximately 67.3% of the caregivers reported seeking treatment for their febrile child, whereas only 46.3% reported promptly seeking treatment. Children from communities with moderate and high percentages of educated caregivers were more likely to be taken for treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01-1.58 and aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02-1.70, respectively) than those from communities with a low percentage of educated caregivers. Children from communities with moderate and high percentages of caregivers complaining about the distance to a health facility were less likely to be taken for treatment (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58-0.96 and aOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.51-0.88, respectively). At the individual level, having a cough in the last 2 weeks, region, religion, and having better health behaviors in other health dimensions were associated with fever treatment-seeking behaviors among Malawian caregivers. Programs aimed at improving treatment-seeking behaviors should consider these factors and the regional variations observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Nkoka
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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van der Heijden J, Gray N, Stringer B, Rahman A, Akhter S, Kalon S, Dada M, Biswas A. 'Working to stay healthy', health-seeking behaviour in Bangladesh's urban slums: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:600. [PMID: 31101099 PMCID: PMC6525448 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6750-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kamrangirchar and Hazaribagh are the largest slum areas in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In 2013, Médecins Sans Frontières initiated an urban healthcare programme in these areas providing services for factory workers and responding to the sexual and reproductive health needs of young women. Little in-depth information is available on perceptions of health and health seeking behaviour in this population. We aimed to provide a better understanding of community perceptions toward health and health care in order to inform programme strategies. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with women (n = 13); factory workers (n = 14); and key informants (n = 13). Participants were selected using purposive maximum variation sampling and voluntarily consented to take part. Topic guides steered participant-led interviews, which were audio-recorded, translated and transcribed from Bangla into English. By comparing cases, we identified emerging themes, patterns and relationships in the data. NVivo11© was used to sort and code the data. Results Emerging themes indicated that in Kamrangirchar and Hazaribagh, health is seen as an asset necessary for work and, thus, for survival. Residents navigate a highly fragmented health system looking for ‘quick fixes’ to avoid time off work, with the local pharmacy deemed ‘good enough’ for ‘common’ health issues. Health care seeking for ‘serious’ conditions is characterised by uncertainty, confusion, and unsatisfactory results. Decisions are made communally and shaped by collective perceptions of quality care. People with limited socio-economic capital have few options for care. ‘Quality care’ is perceived as comprehensive care ‘under one roof,’ including predictive biomedical diagnostics and effective medication, delivered through a trusting relationship with the care provider. Conclusions Health seeking behaviour of slum dwellers of Kamrangirchar and Hazaribagh is based on competing priorities, where quick and effective care is key, focussed on the ability to work and generate income. This takes place in a fragmented healthcare system characterised by mistrust of providers, and where navigation is informed by word-of-mouth experiences of peers. Improving health in this context demands a comprehensive and integrated approach to health care delivery, with an emphasis on rapid diagnosis, effective treatment and referral, and improved trust in care providers. Health education must be developed in collaboration with the community to identify knowledge gaps, support decision-making, and be channelled through existing networks. Further research should consider the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve the practice of pharmacists. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6750-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nell Gray
- Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Chancery Exchange, 10 Furnival St, London, EC4A 1AB, UK
| | - Beverly Stringer
- Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Chancery Exchange, 10 Furnival St, London, EC4A 1AB, UK
| | - Aminur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sadika Akhter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Stobdan Kalon
- Médecins Sans Frontières OCA, Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martins Dada
- Médecins Sans Frontières OCA, Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Animesh Biswas
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB), House B 162, Road 23, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh
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Disparities by sex in care-seeking behaviors and treatment outcomes for pneumonia among children admitted to hospitals in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213238. [PMID: 30845206 PMCID: PMC6405050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Incidence of community acquired pneumonia is high globally. In Bangladesh, more male children than female children are brought to hospitals for pneumonia. We examined if there was disparities in the severity of illness and outcome by sex among children who were admitted with pneumonia to hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods Hospitalized children, aged 2 to 59 months, meeting a case definition of pneumonia were recruited in seven hospitals following parental consent. At baseline, study doctors obtained socio-demographic characteristics and care seeking behaviors for pneumonia, and then clinical data were collected throughout the hospital stay. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine if the sex of the child had a relationship with either illness severity on admission or outcome in the hospital. Results Between May 2004 and December 2008, 6,856 children, including 35% females, were recruited. A total of 1,371 (19.9%) children had non-severe pneumonia, 4,118 (60.0%) had severe pneumonia, and 1,367 (19.9%) had very severe pneumonia. A higher proportion of hospitalized females had very severe pneumonia as compared to males (21.5% versus 19.1%; P = 0.01), but there was no difference by sex in the proportion of children with severe or non-severe pneumonia. There was no difference by sex observed in the clinical management provided in the hospital, but a greater proportion of females (4.7%) as compared to males (3.6%) died in hospitals (P = 0.04). In multivariate analyses, female sex was associated with very severe pneumonia on admission (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09–1.47) and fatal outcome in the hospitals (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01–1.71). Death in female children admitted with very severe pneumonia was 4 times higher than that reported in males (OR: 4.37, 95% CI: 3.24–5.89). Conclusion Our data demonstrates a sex-based disparity in the severity of pneumonia and deaths among children admitted to hospitals in Bangladesh, despite no existing disparity by sex in hospital treatment. These findings call for further investigations to explore the determinants of health seeking behavior by parents with children with pneumonia in a community that favors males to females, and to understand the role of differences by sex in childhood pneumonia outcomes in Bangladesh.
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Jungari S, Paswan B. What he knows about her and how it affects her? Husband's knowledge of pregnancy complications and maternal health care utilization among tribal population in Maharashtra, India. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:70. [PMID: 30760234 PMCID: PMC6373054 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Husbands’ knowledge and awareness of pregnancy complications have a positive impact on their wives’ utilization of maternal health care services. In this study, we examined whether husbands’ knowledge and awareness of pregnancy complications can serve as determinants of maternal health service utilization among wives from the tribal population. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural Gadchrioli district of Maharashtra, India, during November 2014–March 2015. This study included a representative population-based sample of 385 men whose wives had given birth in last 2 years at the age of 15–49 years. A multistage sampling strategy was adopted to select the respondents. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the association between men’s knowledge and maternal health service utilization. Results The result revealed that an increase in husbands’ education level increased the wives’ utilization of antenatal (ANC) care services. The type of tribe also contributed to significant differences in ANC utilization (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 0.847–8.24). Regarding standard of living, husbands who were poor were 22% less likely than husbands in the rich category to report the utilization of ANC by their wives. Men with partial or complete knowledge of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum complications were more likely to utilize all maternal health services by their wives. Conclusions The wives are of men who aware of complications during pregnancy and childbirth are more likely to use maternal health services. Therefore, educating and empowering men about pregnancy complications will contribute to the reduction in maternal and neonatal deaths. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2214-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Jungari
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Saritribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India.
| | - Balram Paswan
- Department of Population Policies and Programmes, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
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Bogale TN, Worku AG, Yalew AW, Bikis GA, Tigabu Kebede Z. Mothers treatment seeking intention for neonatal danger signs in northwest Ethiopia: A structural equation modeling. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209959. [PMID: 30596745 PMCID: PMC6312321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal mortality contributes to nearly half of under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Treatment seeking for newborn danger signs remains low despite correlations with neonatal mortality. This study tests a theoretical model of factors affecting mothers' treatment seeking intention for neonatal danger signs in northwest Ethiopia. METHOD A cross sectional study was conducted from March 3-18, 2016 in northwest Ethiopia. A total of 2,158 pregnant women and women who had delivered in the past 6 months were interviewed. Latent variables; knowledge of neonatal danger signs (KDS), household level women empowerment (HLWE) and positive perception toward the behavior of health care providers (PPBHCP) were measured using a Five Point Likert Scale. Socioeconomic status (SES), number of antenatal care attendance, perceived cost of treatment (PCT), average distance to health facilities (ADHF) and treatment seeking intention (TSI) were observed variables in the study. A structural equation modeling was applied to test and estimate the hypothesized model of relationships among latent and observed variables and their direct and indirect effects on TSI. RESULT KDS, PPBHCP, HLWE, and PCT showed direct, positive and significant association with TSI (β = 0.41, p<0.001, β = 0.08, p<0.002, β = 0.18, p<0.001, and β = 0.06, p<0.002, respectively). SES was not directly associated with TSI. However, it indirectly influenced TSI through three pathways; KDS, number of ANC attendance and HLWE (β = 0.05, p<0.05, β = 0.08, p<0.001 and β = 0.13, p<0.001, respectively). Number of antenatal care was not directly associated with TSI. But indirectly, it affected TSI through its direct effect on KDS and PPBHCP (β = 0.05, p<0.05, β = 0.14, p<0.001, respectively). PPBHCP and HLWE also showed indirect association with TSI through their direct effect on KDS (β = 0.37, p<0.001, β = 0.36, p<0.001, respectively). All in all, the model fitted the sample data and explained 31% of the variance in TSI. CONCLUSION PPBHCP, HLWE, PCT and KDS were associated with mothers' TSI for newborn danger signs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zemene Tigabu Kebede
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Kassile T, Mmbando BP, Lokina R, Mujinja P. Perceptions of caretakers with different socioeconomic status about the harmful outcomes of fever in under-five children in Dodoma region, central Tanzania: A cross-sectional study. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2017.08.004] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Telemu Kassile
- Department of Biometry and Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3038, Morogoro, TanzaniaDepartment of Biometry and Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3038 , Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Bruno P. Mmbando
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, P. O. Box 5004, Tanga, TanzaniaNational Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, P. O. Box 5004 , Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Razack Lokina
- Department of Economics, College of Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35045, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaDepartment of Economics, College of Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35045 , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Phares Mujinja
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaDepartment of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65015 , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Ayalneh AA, Fetene DM, Lee TJ. Inequalities in health care utilization for common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2011 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Int J Equity Health 2017; 16:67. [PMID: 28431502 PMCID: PMC5399816 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, 5.9 million children under the age of five died in 2015. More than half and almost one-third of those deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, respectively. Diarrhea and Pneumonia, which were the major causes of the problem, accounted for more than two million deaths of the world’s youngest children every year. Like other developing countries, child health services utilization is low in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to identify the determinant factors for the inequalities in medical treatment seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia. Methods Data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2011. All children who had diarrhea, cough, and fever in the 2 weeks preceding the survey were included. A total of 1620 children with diarrhea, 2082 with fever, and 2134 with cough were included in the analyses. Multivariate logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval, adjusted odds-ratio, and a P < 0.05 were used to determine the independent effect of each variable. Results Household wealth-status, maternal and paternal education, and religion were found to be associated with the inequality in the use of child health services. Respondents from households with the richest, richer, and middle wealth status had higher odds of seeking medical treatment for childhood diarrhea, cough, and fever than that of the poorest ones. Maternal and paternal educational status was also associated with medical treatment seeking behavior for childhood diarrhea and fever, respectively. Conclusion Household wealth and educational status of parents were possible determinant factors for the inequalities observed in health care seeking behavior. Policy interventions aimed at improving the appropriate medical treatment seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses are desirable. Practical economic policies aimed at moving those in the lower wealth quintile are essential to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Studies comprising qualitative and quantitative methods are recommended to further explore other determinants of health care utilization. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12939-017-0561-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmamaw Atnafu Ayalneh
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dagnachew Muluye Fetene
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea. .,Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Adane M, Mengistie B, Mulat W, Kloos H, Medhin G. Utilization of health facilities and predictors of health-seeking behavior for under-five children with acute diarrhea in slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2017; 36:9. [PMID: 28376916 PMCID: PMC5381138 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-017-0085-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on health-seeking behavior and utilization of health facilities in slums of Addis Ababa is scarce, impeding the implementation of effective interventions. The purpose of this study is to assess the status of health facilities utilization and predictors for health-seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers of under-five children with acute diarrhea in slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed in five rounds of surveys in seven kebeles in slums of Addis Ababa among 472 mothers/caregivers of 472 under-five children with acute diarrhea in reference to Andersen's behavioral model. Data were entered into EpiData Version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA Version 14.0. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of health facilities utilization and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors associated with health-seeking behavior. RESULTS Most mothers/caregivers (70.8%) sought care either at home (14.2%) or health facilities (56.6%), whereas 29.2% reported that they did not seek any care. Of those who consulted health facilities, government health facilities (76.9%) were more utilized than private (18.0%) and informal (5.1%) health facilities. Nearly all (93.9%) of the mothers/caregivers using government health facilities used health centers, and of those who took their children to private health facilities (60.9%) used clinics and 26.1% used pharmacies/drug vendors. Mothers/caregivers visiting health facilities obtained mainly oral rehydration salt (ORS) (39.8%) and home-recommended fluids (HRF) (40.3%), but few of them (11.9%) obtained ORS plus zinc supplementation. Predisposing factors of literacy of mothers/caregivers (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.1) and occupation (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.6), the enabling factors of households monthly income of 50 United States Dollars (US$) and above (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.5-5.6) and availability of nearest health facilities within 15 min walking distance (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.7-6.6), and the need factors of recognizing danger signs of fever (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI 2.4-7.6) and vomiting (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.8-5.9) were significantly associated with health-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS Increasing the proximity of health facilities in slums and health education and socioeconomic development programs targeting illiterate mothers/caregivers and poor households may promote and increase health-seeking behavior and the accessibility of health facilities for the treatment of acute diarrhea in under-five children in Addis Ababa slums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metadel Adane
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources (EIWR), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bezatu Mengistie
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Mulat
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Helmut Kloos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Girmay Medhin
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Wu D, Lam TP, Lam KF, Zhou XD, Sun KS. Health reforms in china: the public's choices for first-contact care in urban areas. Fam Pract 2017; 34:194-200. [PMID: 28122845 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmw133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the public's views towards their choice of first-contact care and its associated factors in urban China. METHODS A mixed-method study was adopted using individual interviews, focus group interviews and a cross-sectional survey. The study was conducted among the general public between September 2014 and September 2015 in Zhejiang province, China. RESULTS Six focus groups and 13 individual interviews were conducted. The questionnaire was completed by 1248 respondents with a response rate of 83%. Survey results showed that 70% of the respondents preferred hospital-based services for first-contact care, it is especially the case with paediatric patients (83.3%). The qualitative data revealed that a major cause was the public distrust in the competence of primary care practitioners with lower educational qualifications. In the decision-making process, compared to cost factors like medical expenses and waiting times, participants attached greater emphasis on organizational characteristics. Respondents who rated sophisticated medical equipment, reputation of the facility, average education of doctors as important were significantly more inclined to choose hospital services. Respective adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were 2.14 (P < 0.001), 1.83 (P < 0.001) and 1.40 (P = 0.043) for their own conditions and 2.19 (P = 0.004), 1.94 (P = 0.002) and 1.86 (P = 0.003) for their children's conditions. Availability of medications and perceived severity of illness were also significantly associated with their choice of hospital services for their children. CONCLUSION The public's preference for hospital-based services for first-contact care places a huge obstacle to promoting community-based primary care. Addressing the public's concerns about the primary care practitioners' competence is worth more efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tai Pong Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Fai Lam
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xu Dong Zhou
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kai Sing Sun
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Aboud FE, Rahman E, Kassam R, Khan J, Ali NA, Taleb F. Interrupting pathways to sepsis: Effectiveness of an intervention to reduce delays in timely care for sick children in rural Bangladesh. Soc Sci Med 2017; 177:269-277. [PMID: 28190626 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The time it takes for a child with suspected sepsis to receive care is critical. OBJECTIVE We evaluated care-seeking practices for sick children under 5 years in rural Bangladesh, following interpersonal communication to inform households of newly introduced supports for quality care. Based on the Delays Framework, we assessed length and source of care-seeking delays, use of formal providers, and autonomous decision-making among mothers. METHOD Using two cross-sectional rounds before and after the 3-year intervention (August 2012 and August 2015), we surveyed 400 mothers of recently sick children in 26 randomly sampled villages from 2 intervention and 2 control subdistricts, using structured questions about delays. Six to ten times during the 18-month intervention period, local workers communicated four key messages to most intervention households in 292 villages: serious symptoms of suspected sepsis in children, a call-in center number for referral advice, a reliable transport hub, and upgrades to the local hospital. RESULTS Compared to baseline, endline results demonstrated a significant difference in the total delay between the onset of child's illness and seeking external care, with intervention families having shorter delays. Over 90% of mothers informed someone in the family, mainly the husband, about the sick child before acting to seek care. Delays due to transportation and receiving provider care were short and not different. Using a benchmark of seeking external care within 24 h of onset, only 14.14% of intervention households and 13.40% of control households were "timely" in seeking care. Approximately 78% of parents, similar for the two groups, sought care from a non-formal practitioner (the village doctor). CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that the delay in deciding to seek external care is most serious, and that communication strategies at the community level are necessary to increase the uptake of improved health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ehsanur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Rosemin Kassam
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jasmin Khan
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | | | - Fahmida Taleb
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh
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Ebeigbe JA. Factors influencing eye-care seeking behaviour of parents for their children in Nigeria. Clin Exp Optom 2016; 101:560-564. [PMID: 27990681 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eye-care seeking behaviour of parents for their children has a role to play in increasing or reducing the prevalence of childhood blindness. In Nigeria, little or no work has been done in this area. Hence, this study was carried out with a view to assisting eye-care professionals plan better program regimens and also to help them identify various elements that either facilitate or hinder eye-care seeking behaviour of parents for their school age children. METHODS This was a qualitative narrative study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thirty-five parents and 10 eye-care practitioners were selected by random sampling and homogenous sampling methods, respectively. Parents were selected, based on those who sought care and those who did not seek care for their children after a school screening exercise. Collected data were analysed qualitatively by transcribing the voice recordings of interview sessions into textual data and themes were raised. RESULTS Four FGDs and 13 IDIs were conducted. Parents were more likely to seek care for manifest conditions than for conditions they could not perceive. A family history of ocular disease and repetitiveness of complaints facilitated parents to seek eye care for their children. The cost of eye-care services was a major barrier. Logistics such as fixing a doctor's appointment, getting time off work and long waiting periods at the clinic were also reported as barriers. Fear of treatment options and family interferences were also mentioned. CONCLUSION Parents have some concerns and challenges in seeking eye care for their children. This study recommends that more work be done through planned awareness programs to educate parents and help them overcome the concerns and barriers that hinder them from seeking eye care for their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Ebeigbe
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin, Nigeria
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Treleaven E, Toan PN, Le DN, Diamond-Smith N, Partridge JC, Le HT. Gender disparities in child health care seeking in northern Vietnam. ASIAN POPULATION STUDIES 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/17441730.2016.1207930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Self-reported morbidity and health service utilization in rural Tamil Nadu, India. Soc Sci Med 2016; 161:118-25. [PMID: 27285663 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In Tamil Nadu, India, improvements have been made toward developing a high-quality, universally accessible healthcare system. However, some rural residents continue to confront significant barriers to obtaining healthcare. The primary objective of this study was to investigate self-reported morbidity, health literacy, and healthcare preferences, utilization, and experiences in order to identify priority areas for government health policies and programs. Drawing on 66 semi-structured interviews and 300 household surveys (including 1693 individuals), administered in 26 rural villages in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, we found that the prevalence of self-reported major health conditions was 22.3%. There was a large burden of non-communicable and chronic diseases, and the most common major morbidities were: connective tissue problems (7.6%), nervous system and sense organ diseases (5.0%), and circulatory and respiratory diseases (2.5%). Increased age and decreased education level were associated with higher odds of reporting most diseases. Low health literacy levels resulted in individuals seeking care only once pain interfered with daily activities. As such, individuals' health-seeking behaviour depended on which strategy was believed to result in the fastest return to work using the fewest resources. Although government facilities were the most common healthcare access point, they were mistrusted; 48.8% and 19.2% of respondents perceived inappropriate treatment protocols and corruption, respectively, at public facilities. Conversely, 93.3% of respondents reported high treatment cost as the main barrier to accessing private facilities. Our results highlight that addressing the chronic and non-communicable disease burdens amongst rural populations in this context will require health policies and village-level programs that address the low health literacy and the issues of rural healthcare accessibility and acceptability.
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Thorsen RS, Pouliot M. Traditional medicine for the rich and knowledgeable: challenging assumptions about treatment-seeking behaviour in rural and peri-urban Nepal. Health Policy Plan 2015; 31:314-24. [PMID: 26130610 PMCID: PMC4779144 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czv060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicine is commonly assumed to be a crucial health care option for poor households in developing countries. However, little research has been done in Asia to quantify the reliance on traditional medicine and its determinants. This research contributes to filling in this knowledge gap using household survey data collected from 571 households in three rural and peri-urban sites in Nepal in 2012. Questions encompassed household socioeconomic characteristics, illness characteristics, and treatment-seeking behaviour. Treatment choice was investigated through bivariate analyses. Results show that traditional medicine, and especially self-treatment with medicinal plants, prevail as treatment options in both rural and peri-urban populations. Contrarily to what is commonly assumed, high income is an important determinant of use of traditional medicine. Likewise, knowledge of medicinal plants, age, education, gender and illness chronicity were also significant determinants. The importance of self-treatment with medicinal plants should inform the development of health policy tailored to people's treatment-seeking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Stamp Thorsen
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Mariève Pouliot
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Kanungo S, Bhowmik K, Mahapatra T, Mahapatra S, Bhadra UK, Sarkar K. Perceived morbidity, healthcare-seeking behavior and their determinants in a poor-resource setting: observation from India. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125865. [PMID: 25965382 PMCID: PMC4428703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To control the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in the developing world, understanding the patterns of morbidity and healthcare-seeking is critical. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the distribution, predictors and inter-relationship of perceived morbidity and related healthcare-seeking behavior in a poor-resource setting. METHODS Between October 2013 and July 2014, 43999 consenting subjects were recruited from 10107 households in Malda district of West Bengal state in India, through multistage random sampling, using probability proportional-to-size. Information on socio-demographics, behaviors, recent ailments, perceived severity and healthcare-seeking were analyzed in SAS-9.3.2. RESULTS Recent illnesses were reported by 55.91% (n=24,600) participants. Among diagnosed ailments (n=23,626), 50.92% (n=12,031) were NCDs. Respiratory (17.28%, n=7605)), gastrointestinal (13.48%, n=5929) and musculoskeletal (6.25%, n=2749) problems were predominant. Non-qualified practitioners treated 53.16% (n=13,074) episodes. Older children/adolescents [adjusted odds ratio for private healthcare providers (AORPri)=0.76, 95% confidence interval=0.71-0.83) and for Govt. healthcare provider (AORGovt)=0.80(0.68-0.95)], females [AORGovt=0.80(0.73-0.88)], Muslims [AORPri=0.85(0.69-0.76) and AORGovt=0.92(0.87-0.96)], backward castes [AORGovt=0.93(0.91-0.96)] and rural residents [AORPri=0.82(0.75-0.89) and AORGovt=0.72(0.64-0.81)] had lower odds of visiting qualified practitioners. Apparently less severe NCDs [acid-peptic disorders: AORPri=0.41(0.37-0.46) & AORGovt=0.41(0.37-0.46), osteoarthritis: AORPri=0.72(0.59-0.68) & AORGovt=0.58(0.43-0.78)], gastrointestinal [AORPri=0.28(0.24-0.33) & AORGovt=0.69(0.58-0.81)], respiratory [AORPri=0.35(0.32-0.39) & AORGovt=0.46(0.41-0.52)] and skin infections [AORPri=0.65(0.55-0.77)] were also less often treated by qualified practitioners. Better education [AORPri=1.91(1.65-2.22) for ≥graduation], sanitation [AORPri=1.58(1.42-1.75)] and access to safe water [AORPri=1.33(1.05-1.67)] were associated with healthcare-seeking from qualified private practitioners. Longstanding NCDs [chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases: AORPri=1.80(1.46-2.23), hypertension: AORPri=1.94(1.60-2.36), diabetes: AORPri=4.94(3.55-6.87)] and serious infections [typhoid: AORPri=2.86(2.04-4.03)] were also more commonly treated by qualified private practitioners. Potential limitations included temporal ambiguity, reverse causation, generalizability issues and misclassification. CONCLUSION In this poor-resource setting with high morbidity, ailments and their perceived severity were important predictors for healthcare-seeking. Interventions to improve awareness and healthcare-seeking among under-privileged and vulnerable population with efforts to improve the knowledge and practice of non-qualified practitioners probably required urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kanungo
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Kalyan Bhowmik
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Tanmay Mahapatra
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Sanchita Mahapatra
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, 700010, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Kamalesh Sarkar
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, 700010, West Bengal, India
- * E-mail:
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Awasthi S, Nichter M, Verma T, Srivastava NM, Agarwal M, Singh JV. Revisiting community case management of childhood pneumonia: perceptions of caregivers and grass root health providers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, northern India. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123135. [PMID: 25898211 PMCID: PMC4405201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of under-five mortality globally with almost one-quarter of deaths occurring in India. Objectives To identify predisposing, enabling and service-related factors influencing treatment delay for CAP in rural communities of two states in India. Factors investigated included recognition of danger signs of CAP, health care decision making, self-medication, treatment and referral by local practitioners, and perceptions about quality of care. Methods Qualitative research employing case studies (CS) of care-seeking, key informant interviews (KII), semi-structured interviews (SSI) and focus group discussions (FGD) with both video presentations of CAP signs, and case scenarios. Interviews and FGDs were conducted with parents of under-five children who had suffered CAP, community health workers (CHW), and rural medical practitioners (RMP). Results From September 2013 to January 2014, 30 CS, 43 KIIs, 42 SSIs, and 42 FGDs were conducted. Recognition of danger signs of CAP among caregivers was poor. Fast breathing, an early sign of CAP, was not commonly recognized. Chest in-drawing was recognized as a sign of serious illness, but not commonly monitored by removing a child’s clothing. Most cases of mild to moderate CAP were brought to RMP, and more severe cases taken to private clinics in towns. Mothers consulted local RMP directly, but decisions to visit doctors outside the village required consultation with husband or mother-in-law. By the time most cases reached a public tertiary-care hospital, children had been ill for a week and treated by 2-3 providers. Quality of care at government facilities was deemed poor by caregivers. Conclusion To reduce CAP-associated mortality, recognition of its danger signs and the consequences of treatment delay needed to be better recognized by caregivers, and confidence in government facilities increased. The involvement of RMP in community based CAP programs needs to be investigated further given their widespread popularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shally Awasthi
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark Nichter
- The School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Tuhina Verma
- Department of Pediatrics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Monica Agarwal
- Department of Community Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Jai Vir Singh
- Department of Community Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
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Rutaremwa G, Kabagenyi A, Wandera SO, Jhamba T, Akiror E, Nviiri HL. Predictors of modern contraceptive use during the postpartum period among women in Uganda: a population-based cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:262. [PMID: 25885372 PMCID: PMC4372233 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rationale for promotion of family planning (FP) to delay conception after a recent birth is a best practice that can lead to optimal maternal and child health outcomes. Uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP) remains low in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about how pregnant women arrive at their decisions to adopt PPFP. METHODS We used 3298 women of reproductive ages 15-49 from the 2011 UDHS dataset, who had a birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. We then applied both descriptive analyses comprising Pearson's chi-square test and later a binary logistic regression model to analyze the relative contribution of the various predictors of uptake of modern contraceptives during the postpartum period. RESULTS More than a quarter (28%) of the women used modern family planning during the postpartum period in Uganda. PPFP was significantly associated with primary or higher education (OR=1.96; 95% CI=1.43-2.68; OR=2.73; 95% CI=1.88-3.97 respectively); richest wealth status (OR=2.64; 95% CI=1.81-3.86); protestant religion (OR=1.27; 95% CI=1.05-1.54) and age of woman (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95-0.99). In addition, PPFP was associated with number of surviving children (OR=1.09; 95 % CI=1.03-1.16); exposure to media (OR=1.30; 95% CI=1.05-1.61); skilled birth attendance (OR=1.39; 95% CI=1.12-1.17); and 1-2 days timing of post-delivery care (OR=1.68; 95% CI=1.14-2.47). CONCLUSIONS Increasing reproductive health education and information among postpartum women especially those who are disadvantaged, those with no education and the poor would significantly improve PPFP in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Rutaremwa
- Centre for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Allen Kabagenyi
- Centre for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Tapiwa Jhamba
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Uganda Country Office, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Edith Akiror
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Uganda Country Office, Kampala, Uganda.
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Shah R, Mullany LC, Darmstadt GL, Talukder RR, Rahman SM, Mannan I, El Arifeen S, Baqui AH. Determinants and pattern of care seeking for preterm newborns in a rural Bangladeshi cohort. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:417. [PMID: 25242278 PMCID: PMC4261985 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increased burden of preterm birth and its complications, the dearth of care seeking data for preterm newborns remains a significant knowledge gap. Among preterm babies in rural Bangladesh, we examined: 1) determinants and patterns of care seeking, and 2) risk analysis for care-seeking from qualified and unqualified providers. METHOD Trained community health workers collected data prospectively from 27,460 mother-liveborn baby pairs, including 6,090 preterm babies, between June 2007 and September 2009. Statistical analyses included binomial and multinomial logistic regressions. RESULTS Only one-fifth (19.7%) of preterm newborns were taken to seek either preventive or curative health care. Among care-seeker preterm newborns, preferred providers included homeopathic practitioners (50.0%), and less than a third (30.9%) sought care from qualified providers. Care-seeking from either unqualified or qualified providers was significantly lower for female preterm babies, compared to male babies [Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) for unqualified care: 0.68; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.58, 0.80; RRR for qualified care: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.66]. Among preterm babies, care-seeking was significantly higher among caregivers who recognized symptoms of illness [RR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.93, 2.38] or signs of local infection (RR: 2.53; 95% CI: 2.23, 2.87), had a history of child death [RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.37], any antenatal care (ANC) visit [RR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.59]. Birth preparedness (RRR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.68) and any ANC visit (RRR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.50, 2.49) were also associated with increased likelihood of care seeking for preterm babies from qualified providers. CONCLUSION To improve care seeking practices for preterm babies and referral of sick newborns to qualified providers/facilities, we recommend: 1) involving community-preferred health care providers in community-based health education and awareness raising programs; 2) integrating postnatal care seeking messages into antenatal counselling; and 3) further research on care seeking practices for preterm babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashed Shah
- />Department of International Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health (ICMNH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
- />Department of Health and Nutrition, Save the Children-USA, Washington, DC USA
| | - Luke C Mullany
- />Department of International Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health (ICMNH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Gary L Darmstadt
- />Global Development Division, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Radwanur Rahman Talukder
- />International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Syed Moshfiqur Rahman
- />International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ishtiaq Mannan
- />Ma-Moni Project, MCHIP/Save the Children, Bangladesh Country office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shams El Arifeen
- />International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah H Baqui
- />Department of International Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health (ICMNH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
- />International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - on behalf of the ProjAHNMo Study Group in Bangladesh
- />Department of International Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health (ICMNH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland USA
- />Department of Health and Nutrition, Save the Children-USA, Washington, DC USA
- />Global Development Division, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA USA
- />International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- />Ma-Moni Project, MCHIP/Save the Children, Bangladesh Country office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Zhang L, Wang Z, Qian D, Ni J. Effects of changes in health insurance reimbursement level on outpatient service utilization of rural diabetics: evidence from Jiangsu Province, China. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:185. [PMID: 24758602 PMCID: PMC3999731 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Outpatient reimbursement levels of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme have changed in recent years in China, and those changes may have a greater impact on patients with chronic diseases due to their higher outpatient expenses. This study represents the first attempt to identify the effects of reimbursement level on outpatient service utilization for chronic patients in rural China and it also gives strong estimation results by conducting a tracer illness study in order to control for possible biases associated with studying several diseases together. Methods This study used difference-in-differences models to examine how changes in yearly maximum reimbursement amount and outpatient reimbursement rates affected rural residents with type 2 diabetes in three counties in Jiangsu Province, China. Other factors, such as sex, age and severity of illness, were also included in the model estimations. To make sure the treated group and control group are comparable, Propensity Score Match (PSM) was used to analysis the gender, age and severity of illness of the two groups. Results The results indicate that an increase in yearly maximum reimbursement amount for outpatient visits could cause an increase in yearly total outpatient expenses for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, changes in outpatient reimbursement rates between 2010 and 2011 did not significantly affect the utilization of different types of health institution. Conclusions The reimbursement rates of village clinics should be substantially increased from the existing basis and the gap of reimbursement rates among different institutions should be further widened. It is also important for village clinics to improve their services. Moreover, measures to improve the quality of care and scope of services at lower-level healthcare institutions, and promote the health service utilization of rural women should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dongfu Qian
- School of Health Policy & Management, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road 140, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, P,R China.
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Rassekh BM, Shu W, Santosham M, Burnham G, Doocy S. An evaluation of public, private, and mobile health clinic usage for children under age 5 in Aceh after the tsunami: implications for future disasters. Health Psychol Behav Med 2014; 2:359-378. [PMID: 25750788 PMCID: PMC4346058 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2014.896744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aceh, Indonesia, was the hardest-hit area in the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, with more than 500,000 people displaced, 120,000 people dead, and total damages and losses estimated at $4.5 billion. The relief effort following the tsunami was also immense. Objectives: This study aimed to determine and assess utilization patterns of formal public versus private and mobile health services for children under age 5 with diarrhea, cough and difficulty breathing, fever, or skin disease and to identify determinants of care usage. Methods: A household survey of 962 households was administered to caretakers of children aged 1–5 years. A sample of clusters within Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar were selected and those caretakers within the cluster who fit the inclusion criteria were interviewed. Results: Of those caretakers who utilized formal health services as the first line of care for their sick child, 62% used a public health facility, 30% used a private health facility, and 8% used a mobile clinic. In terms of significant factors associated with public, private, and mobile care utilization, mobile clinics were at one side of the spectrum and private clinics were at the other side overall, with public care somewhere in between. This was true for several variables. Mobile clinic users reported the lowest cost of services and medicine and the highest perceived level of accessibility, and private care users reported the highest perceived level of satisfaction. Conclusions: Utilization of formal health services for children was quite high after the tsunami. The caretaker's perceived satisfaction with public health services could have been improved. Mobile clinics were an accessible source of health care and could be used in future disaster relief efforts to target those populations that seek less care for their sick children, including displaced populations, and those children whose parents have died.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahie Mary Rassekh
- johns Hopkins University, Department of International Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Winnie Shu
- University of California at Los Angeles, Department of Social Sciences , USA
| | - Mathuram Santosham
- johns Hopkins University, Department of International Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Gilbert Burnham
- johns Hopkins University, Department of International Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Shannon Doocy
- johns Hopkins University, Department of International Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
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George M. Heterogeneity in Private Sector Health Care and its Implications on Urban Poor. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0972063413518685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Private sector health care attains more attention in the current context due to its changing nature and characteristics. One such characteristic is the heterogeneity in terms of care prevalent within the private sector. Heterogeneity within private sector has been a challenge not only in terms of its understanding but also the way it interacts with the policies on the regulation of the health services system. The present study examines the nature of this heterogeneity based on the care rendered for an acute illness, namely, fever. The study was carried out in an urban setting and the severity of illness examined using duration of illness as a proxy. The results reveal that the cost of treatment in secondary level hospitals is higher than those at the primary level hospitals irrespective of the severity. The higher cost is contributed not only by the quantum of investigations and procedures, but also due to higher cost per procedure. It was found that the poor utilize more services at the primary level, whereas the secondary level hospital was mostly utilized by the better off. On the contrary, the policies of the government have been beneficial mostly for the secondary level hospitals.
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Rassekh BM, Santosham M. Utilization of formal health services for children aged 1-5 in Aceh after the 2004 tsunami: Which children did not receive the health care they needed? Implications for other natural disaster relief efforts. Health Psychol Behav Med 2014; 2:111-131. [PMID: 25750772 PMCID: PMC4346077 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2013.878658] [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] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aceh, Indonesia, was the hardest-hit area in the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, with more than 500,000 people displaced, 120,000 people dead, and total damages and losses estimated at $4.5 billion. The relief effort following the tsunami was also immense, with billions of dollars of aid pledged to this province alone. Since then, there have been several natural disasters, including Typhoon Haiyan, which have caused great loss of life and displacement and for which these results are applicable. This study aimed to determine and assess utilization patterns of health services for children under the age of five with diarrhea, cough and difficulty breathing, fever, or skin disease and to identify determinants of formal and non-formal healthcare usage. A household survey of 1439 households was administered to caretakers of children aged 1–5 years. A sample of clusters within Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar were selected and those caretakers within the cluster who fit the inclusion criteria were interviewed. In the two weeks prior to the survey, 78.3% of respondents utilized formal health services as the first line of care for their child's illness episode. Factors significantly associated with decreased formal healthcare usage for the sick children were if the children were living in a displaced household, if the children's mother or father were not living, and if the children's caretaker was not the mother. Although utilization of formal health services for children was quite high after the tsunami, there were certain children who received significantly less care, including those who were displaced, those who were being cared for by someone other than their mother, and those for whom one or both parents had died. Among the recommendations are suggestions to target these children to ensure that they receive the health care they need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathuram Santosham
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore , MD 21205 , USA
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Mugambi ML, Deo S, Kekitiinwa A, Kiyaga C, Singer ME. Do diagnosis delays impact receipt of test results? Evidence from the HIV early infant diagnosis program in Uganda. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78891. [PMID: 24282502 PMCID: PMC3837021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is scant evidence on the association between diagnosis delays and the receipt of test results in HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) programs. We determine the association between diagnosis delays and other health care system and patient factors on result receipt. Methods We reviewed 703 infant HIV test records for tests performed between January 2008 and February 2009 at a regional referral hospital and level four health center in Uganda. The main outcome was caregiver receipt of the test result. The primary study variable was turnaround time (time between sample collection and result availability at the health facility). Additional variables included clinic entry point, infant age at sample collection, reported HIV status and receipt of antiretroviral prophylaxis for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. We conducted a pooled analysis in addition to separate analyses for each facility. We estimated the relative risk of result receipt using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Results Overall, the median result turnaround time, was 38 days. 59% of caregivers received infant test results. Caregivers were less likely to receive results at turnaround times greater than 49 days compared to 28 days or fewer (ARR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70–0.98). Caregivers were more likely to receive results at the PMTCT clinic (ARR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.40–2.33) and less likely at the pediatric ward (ARR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.37–0.81) compared to the immunization clinic. At the level four health center, result receipt was half as likely among infants older than 9 months compared to 3 months and younger (ARR= 0.47; 95% CI = 0.25–0.93). Conclusion In this study setting, we find evidence that longer turnaround times, clinic entry point and age at sample collection may be associated with receipt of infant HIV test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Latigo Mugambi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarang Deo
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India
| | - Adeodata Kekitiinwa
- Baylor College of Medicine Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Clinical Center of Excellence at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Kiyaga
- AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mendel E. Singer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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Pre-hospital care seeking behaviour for childhood acute respiratory infections in south-western Nigeria. Int Health 2013; 4:289-94. [PMID: 24029675 DOI: 10.1016/j.inhe.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
WHO/UNICEF currently recommend that childhood malaria and pneumonia be managed together in the community; most African countries are in the process of developing this policy. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine maternal awareness of general danger signs of childhood illnesses and the prevalence, determinants and sources of pre-hospital treatment by mothers during their child's acute respiratory illness in a poor urban community in south-western Nigeria. A total of 226 mothers were interviewed. Only 4.9% of the mothers were aware of the two pneumonia symptoms: difficult breathing and fast breathing. About 75% of the children were given pre-hospital medication at home and only 16.5% of them received the drugs within 24 hour of symptom recognition. Drug shops/patent medicine vendors (PMVs; 70.6%) were the most common source of care. Wishing to try home management first (46.6%); waiting for the child to improve (14.4%) and lack of money (31.6%) delayed care-seeking. Older maternal age (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.4) and having a child with cough and difficult and/or fast breathing (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-5.2) were positive predictors of pre-hospital treatment. Maternal education and adequately equipping PMVs could improve prompt access to integrated community-based child health services in Nigeria.
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Savitha S, Kiran KB. Health seeking behavior in karnataka: does micro-health insurance matter? Indian J Community Med 2013; 38:217-22. [PMID: 24302822 PMCID: PMC3831691 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0218.120156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health seeking behaviour in the event of illness is influenced by the availability of good health care facilities and health care financing mechanisms. Micro health insurance not only promotes formal health care utilization at private providers but also reduces the cost of care by providing the insurance coverage. OBJECTIVES This paper explores the impact of Sampoorna Suraksha Programme, a micro health insurance scheme on the health seeking behaviour of households during illness in Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in three randomly selected districts in Karnataka, India in the first half of the year 2011. The hypothesis was tested using binary logistic regression analysis on the data collected from randomly selected 1146 households consisting of 4961 individuals. RESULTS Insured individuals were seeking care at private hospitals than public hospitals due to the reduction in financial barrier. Moreover, equity in health seeking behaviour among insured individuals was observed. CONCLUSION Our finding does represent a desirable result for health policy makers and micro finance institutions to advocate for the inclusion of health insurance in their portfolio, at least from the HSB perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Savitha
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Karnataka, India
| | - KB Kiran
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Karnataka, India
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Sreeramareddy CT, Sathyanarayana TN, Kumar HNH. Utilization of health care services for childhood morbidity and associated factors in India: a national cross-sectional household survey. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51904. [PMID: 23284810 PMCID: PMC3526528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information about utilization of health services and associated factors are useful for improving service delivery to achieve universal health coverage. Methods Data on a sample of ever-married women from India Demographic and Health survey 2005–06 was used. Mothers of children aged 0–59 months were asked about child’s illnesses and type of health facilities where treatment was given during 15 days prior to the survey date. Type of health facilities were grouped as informal provider, public provider and private provider. Factors associated with utilization of health services for diarrhea and fever/cough was assessed according to Andersen’s health behavior model. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were done considering sampling weights for complex sampling design. Results A total of 48,679 of ever-married women reported that 9.1% 14.8% and 17.67% of their children had diarrhea, fever and cough respectively. Nearly one-third of the children with diarrhea and fever/cough did not receive any treatment. Two-thirds of children who received treatment were from private health care providers (HCPs). Among predisposing factors, children aged 1–2 years and those born at health facility (public/private) were more likely to be taken to any type of HCP during illness. Among enabling factors, as compared to poorer household, wealthier households were 2.5 times more likely to choose private HCPs for any illness. Children in rural areas were likely to be taken to any type of HCP for diarrhea but rural children were less likely to utilize private HCP for fever/cough. ‘Need’ factors i.e. children having severe symptoms were 2–3 times more likely to be taken to any type of HCP. Conclusion Private HCPs were preferred for treatment of childhood illnesses. Involvement of private HCPs may be considered while planning child health programs. Health insurance scheme for childhood illnesses may to protect economically weaker sections from out-of-pocket health expenditure during child illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekhar T. Sreeramareddy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - T. N. Sathyanarayana
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Bangalore Campus, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
| | - H. N. Harsha Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
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Abstract
The phenomenon of consistent male dominance in typhoid ileal perforation (TIP) is not well understood. It cannot be explained on the basis of microbial virulence, Peyer’s patch anatomy, ileal wall thickness, gastric acidity, host genetic factors, or sex-linked bias in hospital attendance. The cytokine response to an intestinal infection in males is predominantly proinflammatory as compared with that in females, presumably due to differences in the sex hormonal milieu. Sex hormone receptors have been detected on lymphocytes and macrophages, including on Peyer’s patches, inflammation of which (probably similar to the Shwartzman reaction/Koch phenomenon) is the forerunner of TIP, and is not excluded from the regulatory effects of sex hormones. Hormonal control of host-pathogen interaction may override genetic control. Environmental exposure to Salmonella typhi may be more frequent in males, presumably due to sex-linked differences in hygiene practices and dining-out behavior. A plausible explanation of male dominance in TIP could include sex-linked differences in the degree of natural exposure of Peyer’s patches to S. typhi. An alternative explanation may include sexual dimorphism in host inflammatory response patterns in Peyer’s patches that have been induced by S. typhi. Both hypotheses are testable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
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Malhotra C, Malhotra R, Østbye T, Subramanian SV. Maternal autonomy and child health care utilization in India: results from the National Family Health Survey. Asia Pac J Public Health 2012; 26:401-13. [PMID: 22652247 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511420418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the association of maternal autonomy with preventive and curative child health care utilization in India. Data from the National Family Health Survey 2005-2006 were used to ascertain association of maternal autonomy (in 3 dimensions: decision making, access to financial resources, freedom of movement) with child's primary immunization status (indicative of preventive health care use) and treatment seeking for child's acute respiratory infection (indicative of curative health care use). Low maternal freedom of movement was associated with higher odds of incomplete primary immunization of the child and for not seeking treatment for the child's acute respiratory infection. Low maternal financial access was associated with increased odds for incomplete primary immunization of the child. The findings show that improvement in autonomy of Indian mothers, especially their freedom of movement, may help improve utilization of health care for their children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Truls Østbye
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Sankarapandian V, Friberg IK, John SM, Bhattacharji S, Steinhoff MC. Reported healthcare utilisation for childhood respiratory illnesses in Vellore, South India. Int Health 2011; 3:199-205. [PMID: 24038371 DOI: 10.1016/j.inhe.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A 30-cluster survey using a modified WHO method was performed to assess the healthcare utilisation patterns for respiratory illnesses in Indian children < 5 years of age. Families of 600 children were interviewed to assess respiratory illness and healthcare utilisation during the previous month as well as hypothetical healthcare-seeking behaviour in the future. Based on parental report, 381 children (63.5%) had experienced a respiratory illness 1 month prior to the interview; 10 children were reported to have had severe pneumonia, 49 non-severe pneumonia and 322 upper respiratory illnesses (URI), extrapolating to 0.20 (95% CI 0.1-0.4), 0.98 (0.7-1.3) and 6.44 (6.0-6.9) cases per child-year, respectively. Five severe pneumonia cases (50%) were reported to have directly accessed care at a secondary or tertiary care centre, whilst 18 children (36.7%) with non-severe pneumonia and 56 children (17.4%) with URI were reported to have been seen at secondary or tertiary centres. The remaining respiratory illnesses were reported to have been seen by primary care physicians, pharmacists, traditional healers and friends or were not seen by a healthcare professional. This community-based Indian study suggests that, in this community, tertiary care surveillance alone may not accurately sample community disease, even for severe illnesses.
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Acute respiratory infection and pneumonia in India: a systematic review of literature for advocacy and action: UNICEF-PHFI series on newborn and child health, India. Indian Pediatr 2011; 48:191-218. [PMID: 21478555 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-011-0051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scaling up of evidence based management of childhood acute respiratory infection/pneumonia, is a public health priority in India, and necessitates robust literature review, for advocacy and action. OBJECTIVE To identify, synthesize and summarize current evidence to guide scaling up of management of childhood acute respiratory infection/pneumonia in India, and identify existing knowledge gaps. METHODS A set of ten questions pertaining to the management (prevention, treatment, and control) of childhood ARI/pneumonia was identified through a consultative process. A modified systematic review process developed a priori was used to identify, synthesize and summarize, research evidence and operational information, pertaining to the problem in India. Areas with limited or no evidence were identified as knowledge gaps. RESULTS Childhood ARI/pneumonia is a significant public health problem in India, although robust epidemiological data is not available on its incidence. Mortality due to pneumonia accounts for approximately one-fourth of the total deaths in under five children, in India. Pneumonia affects children irrespective of socioeconomic status; with higher risk among young infants, malnourished children, non-exclusively breastfed children and those with exposure to solid fuel use. There is lack of robust nation-wide data on etiology; bacteria (including Pneumococcus, H. influenzae, S. aureus and Gram negative bacilli), viruses (especially RSV) and Mycoplasma, are the common organisms identified. In-vitro resistance to cotrimoxazole is high. Wheezing is commonly associated with ARI/pneumonia in children, but difficult to appreciate without auscultation. The current WHO guidelines as modified by IndiaCLEN Task force on Penumonia (2010), are sufficient for case-management of childhood pneumonia. Other important interventions to prevent mortality are oxygen therapy for those with severe or very severe pneumonia and measles vaccination for all infants. There is insufficient evidence for protective or curative effect of vitamin A; zinc supplementation could be beneficial to prevent pneumonia, although it has no therapeutic benefit. There is insufficient evidence on potential effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Hib and Pneumococcal vaccines on reduction of ARI specific mortality. Case-finding and community-based management are effective management strategies, but have low coverage in India due to policy and programmatic barriers. There is a significant gap in the utilization of existing services, provider practices as well as family practices in seeking care. CONCLUSION The systematic review summarizes current evidence on childhood ARI and pneumonia management and provides evidence to inform child health programs in India.
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Aremu O, Lawoko S, Moradi T, Dalal K. Socio-economic determinants in selecting childhood diarrhoea treatment options in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel model. Ital J Pediatr 2011; 37:13. [PMID: 21429217 PMCID: PMC3071781 DOI: 10.1186/1824-7288-37-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diarrhoea disease which has been attributed to poverty constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children aged five and below in most low-and-middle income countries. This study sought to examine the contribution of individual and neighbourhood socio-economic characteristics to caregiver's treatment choices for managing childhood diarrhoea at household level in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to Demographic and Health Survey data conducted in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The unit of analysis were the 12,988 caregivers of children who were reported to have had diarrhoea two weeks prior to the survey period. Results There were variability in selecting treatment options based on several socioeconomic characteristics. Multilevel-multinomial regression analysis indicated that higher level of education of both the caregiver and that of the partner, as well as caregivers occupation were associated with selection of medical centre, pharmacies and home care as compared to no treatment. In contrast, caregiver's partners' occupation was negatively associated with selection medical centre and home care for managing diarrhoea. In addition, a low-level of neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage was significantly associated with selection of both medical centre and pharmacy stores and medicine vendors. Conclusion In the light of the findings from this study, intervention aimed at improving on care seeking for managing diarrhoea episode and other childhood infectious disease should jointly consider the influence of both individual SEP and the level of economic development of the communities in which caregivers of these children resides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunde Aremu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Bhakhri BK, Jain V. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: as viewed by parents of affected children in India--a pilot study. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2011; 24:959-63. [PMID: 22308848 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2011.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A spectrum of myths and misconceptions about congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is prevalent among the parents of affected children in India. The perceptions of parents may affect several aspects of these children's management, and to explore these perceptions we carried out a cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive study during May 2010. Twenty-eight individuals (17 males and 11 females), parents of 22 affected children aged < 5 years, completed the questionnaire. Their responses showed the prevalence among the parents of misconceptions about CAH. These misconceptions were resulting in potentially harmful practices, and in addition there was immense societal pressure on the families as a result of ignorance and myths about the disorder. There is a need for regular CAH education and interaction programs to provide an acceptable platform for the parents and patients, where their concerns can be expressed and shared and their requirements addressed appropriately by a multidisciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Kiran Bhakhri
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Qian D, Lucas H, Chen J, Xu L, Zhang Y. Determinants of the use of different types of health care provider in urban China: a tracer illness study of URTI. Health Policy 2010; 98:227-35. [PMID: 20650539 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2010.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Revised: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
With the reform of urban health delivery systems in China, concern has been growing about the effect of these changes on health care demand and utilization at basic-level health institutions, especially Community Health Services Centers (CHC). Using data from the fourth China National Health Services Survey (NHSS) that was conducted in 2008, the authors conducted a tracer illness study of urban people with acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) to examine the factors that affect their use of different outpatient health care providers. The study addresses the observed demand for both public and private providers and is believed to be the first to attempt this for urban China. The findings indicate that overall private clinics are important sources of medical care for low consumption households, that insured patients are less likely to use private clinics and more likely to use CHC and that children are more likely to see a high-level provider. A number of other factors, including city size and severity of illness were found to play a role in determining provider utilization. We discuss the policy implications of the results in terms of meeting the health care needs of the urban population in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfu Qian
- School of Health Policy & Management, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road 140, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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Fujino Y, Sasaki S, Igarashi K, Tanabe N, Muleya CM, Tambatamba B, Suzuki H. Improvement in mothers' immediate care-seeking behaviors for children's danger signs through a community-based intervention in Lusaka, Zambia. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2009; 217:73-85. [PMID: 19155611 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.217.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The large number of child deaths in developing countries is associated with delays in care-seeking by families, but the community-based efforts of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses developed by WHO/UNICEF has remained ineffectual. To improve caregivers' ability to recognise potentially life-threatening symptoms of major childhood illnesses, we provided education about the importance of danger signs and immediate care-seeking practices through a community-based intervention of 'the Growth Monitoring Programme Plus (GMP+)' in low-income areas of Lusaka, Zambia. Using repeated cross-sectional data from interviews, we compared attendance and non-attendance groups to assess the impacts of intervention on mothers' care-seeking. Of 1717 and 1546 attendance mothers in the baseline and the final survey, 1097 and 1035, respectively, sought care from a health centre after perceiving the danger signs. The proportion of mothers with immediate response increased from 35.7% (392/1097) to 51.5% (533/1035) (p < 0.01). In the final survey, the attendance mothers became more likely to respond immediately to the danger signs than the non-attendance mothers (adjusted odds ratio: 2.140, 95% confidence interval: [1.408-3.252]), and the higher educational level the attendance mothers had, the more likely they were to respond immediately to the danger signs (primary level: 2.067 [1.050-4.068], secondary level and above: 2.174 [1.098-4.306]). In conclusion, GMP+ with danger sign education can improve mothers' care-seeking for severely sick children. Therefore, GMP+ has the potential to reduce child death in developing countries, i.e., contribute to the Millennium Development Goal 4 aiming at reducing child mortality by two-thirds by 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Fujino
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Division of Public Health, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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