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Oh J, Kim S, Lee M, Rhee SY, Kim MS, Shin JY, Lim H, Lee SW, Rahmati M, Kim S, Yon DK. National and regional trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and associated risk factors among Korean adults, 2009-2021. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16727. [PMID: 37794087 PMCID: PMC10551027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on socioeconomic and behavioral variables may have impacted the prevalence of diabetes. We utilized nationwide long-term serial study from the 2009 to 2021 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS). We explored national and regional prevalence and trends of diabetes according to the socioeconomic and behavioral factors before and during the pandemic. Also, we interpreted which groups became more vulnerable to the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes during the pandemic. A total of 2,971,349 adults aged (19 to 39, 40 to 59, and ≥ 60 years) were included in the analysis. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased slowly during the pandemic (11.6% [95% CI 11.5-11.7] in 2020 and 12.4% [95% CI 12.3-12.6] in 2021), compared to the pre-pandemic era (7.9% [95% CI 7.8-7.9] in 2009-2011 and 11.3% [95% CI 11.3-11.4] in 2018-2019). Also, women, low-income group, low-educational group, and infrequent walking group showed less prevalence of diagnosed diabetes than the others. The diabetic population increased slowly than expected during the pandemic. The pandemic seems to contribute to an unanticipated increase in under-diagnosis of diabetes among the already minority. This study may suggest reinforcing access to healthcare services among the minority during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Oh
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soeun Kim
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeongcheol Lee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Youl Rhee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ju-Young Shin
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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Man REK, Ho AXY, Lee EPX, Fenwick EKD, Aravindhan A, Ho KC, Wei Tan GS, Wei Ting DS, Wong TY, Yeo KK, Goh SY, Gupta P, Lamoureux EL. Awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asian adults towards telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Singapore Med J 2023:384056. [PMID: 37675683 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2022-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to understand the awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asians towards telehealth services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in this study. Methods In this qualitative study, 78 individuals from Singapore (51.3% female, mean age 73.0 ± 7.6 years) were interviewed via telephone between 13 May 2020 and 9 June 2020 during Singapore's first COVID-19 'circuit breaker'. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of telehealth, their experience of and willingness to utilise these services, and the barriers and facilitators underlying their decision. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the United Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology framework. Results Of the 78 participants, 24 (30.8%) were able to describe the range of telehealth services available and 15 (19.2%) had previously utilised these services. Conversely, 14 (17.9%) participants thought that telehealth comprised solely home medication delivery and 50 (51.3%) participants did not know about telehealth. Despite the advantages offered by telehealth services, participants preferred in-person consultations due to a perceived lack of human interaction and accuracy of diagnoses, poor digital literacy and a lack of access to telehealth-capable devices. Conclusion Our results showed poor overall awareness of the range of telehealth services available among elderly Asian individuals, with many harbouring erroneous views regarding their use. These data suggest that public health education campaigns are needed to improve awareness of and correct negative perceptions towards telehealth services in elderly Asians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Eyn Kidd Man
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aricia Xin Yi Ho
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Ester Pei Xuan Lee
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Eva Katie Diana Fenwick
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amudha Aravindhan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Kam Chun Ho
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney; Discipline of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gavin Siew Wei Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Shu Wei Ting
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Discipline of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Khung Keong Yeo
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre, Singapore
| | - Su-Yen Goh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore; Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Preeti Gupta
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ecosse Luc Lamoureux
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre; Duke-NUS Medical School; Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Surgery and Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Benis A, Haghi M, Deserno TM, Tamburis O. One Digital Health Intervention for Monitoring Human and Animal Welfare in Smart Cities: Viewpoint and Use Case. JMIR Med Inform 2023; 11:e43871. [PMID: 36305540 DOI: 10.2196/43871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Smart cities and digital public health are closely related. Managing digital transformation in urbanization and living spaces is challenging. It is critical to prioritize the emotional and physical health and well-being of humans and their animals in the dynamic and ever-changing environment they share. Human-animal bonds are continuous as they live together or share urban spaces and have a mutual impact on each other's health as well as the surrounding environment. In addition, sensors embedded in the Internet of Things are everywhere in smart cities. They monitor events and provide appropriate responses. In this regard, accident and emergency informatics (A&EI) offers tools to identify and manage overtime hazards and disruptive events. Such manifold focuses fit with One Digital Health (ODH), which aims to transform health ecosystems with digital technology by proposing a comprehensive framework to manage data and support health-oriented policies. We showed and discussed how, by developing the concept of ODH intervention, the ODH framework can support the comprehensive monitoring and analysis of daily life events of humans and animals in technologically integrated environments such as smart homes and smart cities. We developed an ODH intervention use case in which A&EI mechanisms run in the background. The ODH framework structures the related data collection and analysis to enhance the understanding of human, animal, and environment interactions and associated outcomes. The use case looks at the daily journey of Tracy, a healthy woman aged 27 years, and her dog Mego. Using medical Internet of Things, their activities are continuously monitored and analyzed to prevent or manage any kind of health-related abnormality. We reported and commented on an ODH intervention as an example of a real-life ODH implementation. We gave the reader examples of a "how-to" analysis of Tracy and Mego's daily life activities as part of a timely implementation of the ODH framework. For each activity, relationships to the ODH dimensions were scored, and relevant technical fields were evaluated in light of the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable principles. This "how-to" can be used as a template for further analyses. An ODH intervention is based on Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data and real-time processing for global health monitoring, emergency management, and research. The data should be collected and analyzed continuously in a spatial-temporal domain to detect changes in behavior, trends, and emergencies. The information periodically gathered should serve human, animal, and environmental health interventions by providing professionals and caregivers with inputs and "how-to's" to improve health, welfare, and risk prevention at the individual and population levels. Thus, ODH complementarily combined with A&EI is meant to enhance policies and systems and modernize emergency management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arriel Benis
- Department of Digital Medical Technologies, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
- Working Group "One Digital Health", European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI), Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
- Working Group "One Digital Health", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mostafa Haghi
- Ubiquitous Computing Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, HTWG Konstanz - University of Applied Sciences, Konstanz, Germany
- Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Braunschweig, Germany
- Working Group "Accident & Emergency Informatics", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas M Deserno
- Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Braunschweig, Germany
- Working Group "Accident & Emergency Informatics", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Tamburis
- Working Group "One Digital Health", European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI), Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
- Working Group "One Digital Health", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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Liu LS, Jia X, Zhu A, Ran GJ, Johnston D, Siegert R, Gong Y, French N, Lu J. Measuring the missing: Knowledge, risk perceptions and self-protection practices of COVID-19 among the Asian population in New Zealand: An online survey. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37361274 PMCID: PMC10193356 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Aim Asians are the second largest and fastest growing non-European population in New Zealand but are under-researched in terms of their COVID-19 pandemic response. The paper aims to illustrates Asians' risk perceptions and knowledge of COVID-19, and self-protection practices to avoid infection and prevent community transmission. Subject and methods An online survey was used to collect data and received 402 valid responses. Data analyses included: 1) a descriptive analysis by using Chi-square tests and a Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests to explore associations between responses and the four demographic variables (i.e. age, gender, country of origin/ethnicity, and region); and 2) a correlation analysis between different survey objectives. Results The descriptive analysis of the survey found that while ethnicity (within the Asian category) was the most influential variable that resulted in varying responses to many questions, gender and age were other two important variables in influencing the answering patterns. The correlation analysis found a positive correlation between the perceived 'dangerousness' of COVID-19 and respondents' overall compliance behaviour to New Zealand authorities' recommendations to prevent spread of COVID-19. Conclusion The majority of the respondents provided correct answers to the questions about the vulnerable populations, symptoms, asymptomatic transmission and potential sequelae of COVID-19; however, their understanding of the availability of a cure for, and the incubation period of COVID-19 was not consistent with the official information. The research also found that the higher perceived dangerousness of COVID-19, the better compliance to self-protection practices among the surveyed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangni Sally Liu
- School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- Institute of Governance & School of Politics and Public Administration, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Andrew Zhu
- Trace Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Guanyu Jason Ran
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Johnston
- Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Siegert
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yuan Gong
- School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel French
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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5
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Chan YK, Tang YM, Teng L. A comparative analysis of digital health usage intentions towards the adoption of virtual reality in telerehabilitation. Int J Med Inform 2023; 174:105042. [PMID: 36965405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid development of the metaverse and the problem of non-attendance in traditional rehabilitation, virtual reality in telerehabilitation has become increasingly vital in modern medicine. However, research on determining predictors that influence the public's behavioral intention to adopt VR-based telerehabilitation has not been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE This study aims to propose a new research model with a comparative analysis on understanding factors affecting the public's behavioral intention to adopt VR in telerehabilitation for different user groups. METHODS A total of 215 respondents from the general public completed an online questionnaire to validate the proposed research model. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. The proposed model was additionally validated using CFA and multiple linear regression. RESULTS This study found that effort expectancy, threat appraisals, and trust had a positive significant influence on the public's behavioral intention to adopt VR in telerehabilitation. However, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions had no significant relationship with behavioral intention. Notably, the average of the primary factors for older adults was generally higher than for younger adults. CONCLUSIONS The present study confirms the applicability of the proposed research model. Our findings contribute up-to-date insights for related stakeholders to minimize implementation failures and develop successful adoption strategies for the future expansion of telerehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Kiu Chan
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yuk Ming Tang
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Faculty of Business, City University of Macau, Macau.
| | - Long Teng
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Teo SH, Chew EAL, Ng DWL, Tang WE, Koh GCH, Teo VHY. Implementation and use of technology-enabled blood pressure monitoring and teleconsultation in Singapore's primary care: a qualitative evaluation using the socio-technical systems approach. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:71. [PMID: 36927496 PMCID: PMC10018584 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine is becoming integral in primary care hypertension management, and is associated with improved blood pressure control, self-management and cost-effectiveness. This study explored the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals and their perceived barriers and facilitators in implementing and using a technology-enabled blood pressure monitoring intervention with teleconsultation in the Singapore primary care setting. METHODS This was a qualitative study embedded within the Primary Technology-Enhanced Care Hypertension pilot trial. Patients were selected purposively and invited to participate by telephone; healthcare professionals involved in the trial were invited to participate by email. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in English or Mandarin with thirteen patients and eight healthcare professionals. Each interview was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed inductively to identify emergent themes which were then grouped into the dimensions of the socio-technical systems model to study the interactions between the technical, individual and organizational factors involved in the process. RESULTS Several emergent themes were identified. The factors involved in the implementation and use of the intervention are complex and interdependent. Patients and healthcare professionals liked the convenience resulting from the intervention and saw an improvement in the patient-provider relationship. Patients appreciated that the intervention helped form a habit of regular blood pressure monitoring, improved their self-management, and provided reassurance that they were being monitored by the care team. Healthcare professionals found that the intervention helped to manage workload by freeing up time for other urgent matters. Nevertheless, participants highlighted challenges with usability of the equipment and management portal, data access, and some expressed technology anxiety. Participants suggested patient segmentation for the intervention to be more targeted, wished for a more user-friendly equipment and proposed allocating more resources to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The implementation and use of telemedicine for hypertension management can engender various benefits and challenges to patients, healthcare professionals and the healthcare system. Stakeholder feedback gathered on the sociotechnical aspects of the technology should be taken into consideration to guide the design, implementation and evaluation of future telemedicine interventions in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on October 9, 2018. ID: NCT03698890.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sok Huang Teo
- grid.466910.c0000 0004 0451 6215National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelyn Ai Ling Chew
- grid.466910.c0000 0004 0451 6215National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Wei Liang Ng
- grid.466910.c0000 0004 0451 6215National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wern Ee Tang
- grid.466910.c0000 0004 0451 6215National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gerald Choon Huat Koh
- grid.415698.70000 0004 0622 8735Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Hui Ying Teo
- grid.466910.c0000 0004 0451 6215National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
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Aaditya B, Rahul TM. Long-term impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on travel behaviour. TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR & SOCIETY 2023; 30:262-270. [PMID: 36247804 PMCID: PMC9554327 DOI: 10.1016/j.tbs.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The need to understand the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the long-term travel behaviour of people has never been higher as a consequence of the second wave of pandemic. In this context, the current study aims to understand the willingness of people to use sustainable modes of transportation including shared modes of transport, and non-motorized transport, against non- shared modes of transport such as personal 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers in a post-vaccinated scenario. The study further models the willingness to choose public transportation under various COVID-19 preventive measures representing the perception of safety among people. An Integrated Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) framework a employed in the modelling. The fear of contracting COVID-19 and the belief in remedial measures significantly influenced the mode choice of individuals. This highlighted a significant long-term impact of the pandemic on the travel behaviour of individuals. The study concludes by presenting different strategies that could be adopted to make the existing sustainable modes safer, and hence, more attractive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bh Aaditya
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Nangal Road, Rupnagar, Punjab 140001, India
| | - T M Rahul
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Nangal Road, Rupnagar, Punjab 140001, India
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8
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Scanzera AC, Thermozier S, Chang AY, Kim SJ, Chan RP. Adherence to Urgent Eye Visits during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population Characteristics Study. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2022; 29:613-620. [PMID: 34895007 PMCID: PMC9189247 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.2015785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore individual and community factors associated with adherence to physician recommended urgent eye visits via a tele-triage system during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD We retrospectively reviewed acute visit requests and medical exam data between April 6, 2020 and June 6, 2020. Patient demographics and adherence to visit were examined. Census tract level community characteristics from the U.S. Census Bureau and zip code level COVID-19 related death data from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office were appended to each geocoded patient address. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of individual and community variables on adherence to visit. RESULTS Of 229 patients recommended an urgent visit, 216 had matching criteria on chart review, and 192 (88.9%) adhered to their visit. No difference in adherence was found based on individual characteristics including: age (p = .24), gender (p = .94), race (p = .56), insurance (p = .28), nor new versus established patient status (p = .20). However, individuals who did not adhere were more likely to reside in neighborhoods with a greater proportion of Blacks (59.4% vs. 33.4%; p = .03), greater unemployment rates (17.5% vs. 10.7%; p < .01), and greater cumulative deaths from COVID-19 (56 vs. 31; p = .01). Unemployment rate continued to be statistically significant after controlling for race and cumulative deaths from COVID-19 (p = .04). CONCLUSION We found that as community unemployment rate increases, adherence to urgent eye visits decreases, after controlling for relevant neighborhood characteristics. Unemployment rates were highest in predominantly Black neighborhoods early in the pandemic, which may have contributed to existing racial disparities in eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica C. Scanzera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Stephanie Thermozier
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Arthur Y. Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Sage J. Kim
- Division of Health Policy & Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - R.V. Paul Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
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Murshidi R, Hammouri M, Taha H, Kitaneh R, Alshneikat M, Al-Qawasmeh A, Al-Oleimat A, Al-Huneidy L, Al-Huneidy Y, Al-Ani A. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Jordanians Toward Adopting and Using Telemedicine: National Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e41499. [DOI: 10.2196/41499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Due to the upsurge of COVID-19, nations are increasingly adopting telemedicine programs in anticipation of similar crises. Similar to all nations worldwide, Jordan is implementing efforts to adopt such technologies, yet it is far from complete.
Objective
This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Jordanians toward telemedicine, to identify key factors predisposing individuals to its use or acting as barriers to its implementation.
Methods
We implemented a cross-sectional design using an online, self-administered questionnaire executed in Google Forms and distributed through social media. Differences in knowledge and attitude scores were examined using independent sample t tests and ANOVA. A multivariate linear regression model was computed to assess predictors of awareness toward telemedicine.
Results
A total of 1201 participants fully completed the questionnaire. Participants were characterized by a mean age of 36.3 (SD 14.4) years and a male-to-female ratio of nearly 1:1. About 50% (619/1201, 51.5%) of our studied population were aware of telemedicine, while nearly 25% (299/1201, 24.9%) declared they had observed it in action. Approximatively 68% (814/1201, 67.8%) of respondents were willing to use telemedicine. The majority of the sample portrayed favorable and positive views toward telemedicine. Higher educational degrees, living in urban districts, and having a higher perception of electronic usage ability were associated with higher knowledge and better attitudes toward telemedicine (all P<.05). The multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that perceived ability to use electronics was associated with positive attitudes (β=0.394; 95% CI 0.224 to 0.563), while living in Southern Jordan predicted poor attitudes toward telemedicine (β=–2.896; 95% CI –4.873 to –0.919).
Conclusions
Jordanians portray favorable perceptions of telemedicine. Nonetheless, concerns with regards to privacy, medical errors, and capacity for accurate diagnoses are prevalent. Furthermore, Jordanians believe that integrating telemedicine within the health care system is not applicable due to limited resources.
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Al Mamun A, Hayat N, Dieu HTM, Zainol NR, Salameh AA. COVID-19 preventive behavior among university students in Southeast Asia: Effects of knowledge, concern, awareness, and perceived risk. Front Public Health 2022; 10:958021. [PMID: 36159302 PMCID: PMC9500200 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.958021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistent rise of pandemics across the globe in recent times has led to the prescription of several collaborative preventive strategies to reduce the effect that the pandemic has on public health. Consistent monitoring and surveillance appear to be the only available approach to detecting and classifying the issues of public health threats. Global pandemic threats demand public co-operation to take preventive actions at a personal level so that the risk of infectious diseases can be contained. Said that, this study explored the influence of awareness of precaution measures (APM), concerns about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CAC), knowledge of COVID-19 (KOC), and perceived risk (PRK) on preventive behavior (PRB), as well as the effect of age and gender on the relationships among the studied variables. Quantitative data were collected from 551 university students across Malaysia and Vietnam through field survey and online survey, respectively. The data collection was performed from 13 March to 23 March 2020. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis. The multiple group analysis (MGA) technique was applied to compare the data retrieved from the respondents based on age and gender. The results revealed that APM, CAC, KOC, and PRK on PRB significantly influenced PRB toward COVID-19. In light of the two personal factors, age and gender, significant variances were noted for age and KOC, while PRK on PRB on the PRB toward COVID-19. Based on the study outcomes, APM emerged as the most significant predictor of PRB, followed by PRK on PRB, and CAC. Since a large fraction of the world reside in rural areas and have high-level interaction with animals, the provision of education at all level can harness the attitude to adopt PRB toward COVID-19. As such, policymakers need to work with the young generation so that the latter may serve as change agents to spread the message of taking precautions and adopting effective PRB toward COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- UKM - Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Naeem Hayat
- Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Huynh Thi My Dieu
- UFM Graduate School, University of Finance and Marketing, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Noor R. Zainol
- Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Anas A. Salameh
- College of Business Administration, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Özer Ö, Özkan O, Büyükşirin B. Examination of Pandemic Awareness, Death Anxiety, and Spiritual Well-Being in Elderly Individuals. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221120122. [PMID: 35968726 PMCID: PMC9379591 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221120122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationships between the variables of pandemic awareness, death anxiety, and spiritual well-being and reveal whether the participants' perceptions of pandemic awareness, death anxiety, and spiritual well-being differed according to various sociodemographic characteristics. The study population is comprised of individuals aged 65 years and over in Edirne, Turkey. The data obtained from 449 people in the study were analyzed using various statistical methods. According to the results of the regression analysis performed in the study, the increase in the participants' pandemic awareness was found to reduce their death anxiety and increase their spiritual well-being statistically. Moreover, the increase in the participants' death anxiety statistically reduced their spiritual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Özer
- Department of Healthcare
Management, University of Health Sciences
Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Okan Özkan
- Department of Healthcare
Management, University of Health Sciences
Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bilge Büyükşirin
- Department of Healthcare
Management, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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12
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Patil AD, Kasabe PJ, Dandge PB. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential of natural bioactive pigment: astaxanthin. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2022; 12:25. [PMID: 35794254 PMCID: PMC9259778 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-022-00347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione) is an orange-red, lipophilic keto-carotenoid pigment. It is majorly found in marine ecosystems particularly in aquatic animals such as salmon, shrimp, trout, krill, crayfish, and so on. It is also synthesized in microalgae Heamatococcus pluvialis, Chlorococcum, Chlorella zofingiensis, red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma and bacterium Paracoccus carotinifaciens. Some aquatic and terrestrial creatures regarded as a primary and secondary sources of the astaxanthin producing and accumulating it through their metabolic pathways. Astaxanthin is the powerful antioxidant, nutritional supplement as well as promising therapeutic compound, observed to have activities against different ravaging diseases and disorders. Researchers have reported remarkable bioactivities of astaxanthin against major non-communicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and immune disorders. The current review discusses some structural aspects of astaxanthin. It further elaborates its multiple potencies such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, anti-obese, anti-diabetic, anti-ageing, anti-TB, anti-viral, anti-COVID 19, neuro-protective, nephro-protective, and fertility-enhancing properties. These potencies make it a more precious entity in the preventions as well as treatments of prevalent systematic diseases and/or disorders. Also, the review is acknowledging and documenting its powerful bioactivities in relation with the pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva D. Patil
- Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004 Maharashtra India
| | - Pramod J. Kasabe
- School of Nanoscience and Biotechnology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra India
| | - Padma B. Dandge
- Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004 Maharashtra India
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13
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Aldosari N, Ahmed S, McDermott J, Stanmore E. Title: The use of digital health by South Asian communities: a scoping review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022. [DOI: 10.2196/40425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
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14
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Ping Y, Visaria A, Suppiah SD, Tan YW, Malhotra R. Prevalence and correlates of medication reminder app ‘use and use intention’ among older adults. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2022; 6:100150. [PMID: 35755719 PMCID: PMC9218158 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2022.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medication adherence is relatively poor among older adults. Although there exist medication reminder apps, data on the prevalence and correlates of their ‘use and use intention’ by older adults are limited. Objective To examine the prevalence, and socio-demographic and health correlates of medication reminder app use and use intention among older adults in Singapore. Methods Data from a nationally representative survey of 2228 adults aged 62 years and above, who were taking at least one prescription medication, were analysed. Medication reminder app use (in the past one month) and use intention (in the next one month) were self-reported. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the correlates of medication reminder app use and use intention. Results The prevalence of medication reminder app use and use intention was low at 2.6% (comprising 0.5% for use and 2.1% for use intention). Age, ethnicity, education level, previous participation in information technology/computer-related courses, comorbidity, health literacy, medication adherence and polypharmacy were correlated with app use and use intention in multivariable analyses. Conclusion The very low prevalence of medication reminder app use and use intention among older adults in Singapore and identified correlates point to opportunities to increase the use of such apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjing Ping
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Abhijit Visaria
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Yi Wen Tan
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Rahul Malhotra
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Corresponding author at: Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 8 College Road, Level 4, 169857, Singapore.
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15
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Linking COVID-19-Related Awareness and Anxiety as Determinants of Coping Strategies’ Utilization among Senior High School Teachers in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral coping among teachers is an important issue of investigation due to the reported high prevalence of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas several studies have assessed COVID-19 awareness of individuals as a predictor of anxiety, the moderating role of awareness in anxiety and coping mechanisms remains unclear. The study primarily examined the nexus between awareness of COVID-19 and (a) anxiety and (b) coping strategies, including the interaction effect of COVID-19-related awareness in the link between anxiety and coping strategies among senior high school teachers. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted to conveniently select 184 teachers from senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Questionnaires were administered to the participants and data were analyzed with means, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and linear regression statistical procedures. Summarily, the results revealed a negative relationship between COVID-19 awareness and anxiety levels of teachers. COVID-19-related anxiety significantly predicted coping mechanisms of teachers. Further, COVID-19 awareness significantly moderated the relationship between anxiety and coping strategies adopted. These findings imply that the public health education and mass awareness campaign programs on COVID-19 could act as buffers against the spread of COVID-19, its associated comorbidities, and help improve the mental health of teachers. Promoting adaptation to COVID-19 through the use of functional management strategies such as active coping and emotional support should be encouraged in the Cape Coast Metropolis among teachers.
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16
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Low R, Lee JM, Lai SS, Rousselot A, Agarwal M, Agrawal R. Eye Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report on Patients' Perceptions and Experiences, an Asian Perspective. Ophthalmol Ther 2022; 11:403-419. [PMID: 34936062 PMCID: PMC8692826 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-021-00444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To elucidate the perceptions on eye care of patients affected by the disruption of outpatient and surgical ophthalmological services during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted during the reopening of outpatient services at two tertiary eye care centres in Singapore and North India. Consecutive patients were recruited from general and specialist eye clinics in June 2020. RESULTS A total of 326 patients were recruited, 200 patients from Singapore and 126 patients from New Delhi, India. The most common eye conditions were diabetic retinopathy and uveitis or ocular inflammatory conditions in the Indian centre, whereas the most common in the Singaporean centre were cataract in the pre- or postoperative stage and glaucoma. For patients from the Indian centre, 61.9% felt that COVID-19 had negatively impacted their eye disease, 58.7% were more distressed by their eye disease, 70.8% could not access appropriate eye care, 66.6% were afraid of contracting COVID-19 in the clinic, and 61.9% were accepting of teleconsultations. For patients from the Singaporean centre, 13.5% felt that COVID-19 had negatively impacted their eye disease, 19.5% were more distressed by their eye disease, 21.5% could not access appropriate eye care, 35% were afraid of contracting COVID-19 in the clinic, and only 31% were accepting of teleconsultations. CONCLUSION Patients from India appear to have been more negatively affected by the pandemic compared to patients from Singapore. This study highlights patients' perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on eye care, perceived risks, ease of access to care and attitudes towards eye care during the pandemic. Patients' perceptions are integral in developing strategies for the best care possible. There were heterogeneous responses amongst our patients; hence, there may be a role for more individualized healthcare strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Low
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Jia Min Lee
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Ser Sei Lai
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Andrés Rousselot
- Consultorios Oftalmologicos Benisek Ascarza, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Rupesh Agrawal
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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17
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Developing Machine Learning and Statistical Tools to Evaluate the Accessibility of Public Health Advice on Infectious Diseases among Vulnerable People. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 2021:1916690. [PMID: 34925484 PMCID: PMC8683224 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1916690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background From Ebola, Zika, to the latest COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of highly infectious diseases continue to reveal severe consequences of social and health inequalities. People from low socioeconomic and educational backgrounds as well as low health literacy tend to be affected by the uncertainty, complexity, volatility, and progressiveness of public health crises and emergencies. A key lesson that governments have taken from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is the importance of developing and disseminating highly accessible, actionable, inclusive, coherent public health advice, which represent a critical tool to help people with diverse cultural, educational backgrounds and varying abilities to effectively implement health policies at the grassroots level. Objective We aimed to translate the best practices of accessible, inclusive public health advice (purposefully designed for people with low socioeconomic and educational background, health literacy levels, limited English proficiency, and cognitive/functional impairments) on COVID-19 from health authorities in English-speaking multicultural countries (USA, Australia, and UK) to adaptive tools for the evaluation of the accessibility of public health advice in other languages. Methods We developed an optimised Bayesian classifier to produce probabilistic prediction of the accessibility of official health advice among vulnerable people including migrants and foreigners living in China. We developed an adaptive statistical formula for the rapid evaluation of the accessibility of health advice among vulnerable people in China. Results Our study provides needed research tools to fill in a persistent gap in Chinese public health research on accessible, inclusive communication of infectious diseases' prevention and management. For the probabilistic prediction, using the optimised Bayesian machine learning classifier (GNB), the largest positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 16.685 (95% confidence interval: 4.35, 64.04) was identified when the probability threshold was set at 0.2 (sensitivity: 0.98; specificity: 0.94). Conclusion Effective communication of health risks through accessible, inclusive, actionable public advice represents a powerful tool to reduce health inequalities amidst health crises and emergencies. Our study translated the best-practice public health advice developed during the pandemic into intuitive machine learning classifiers for health authorities to develop evidence-based guidelines of accessible health advice. In addition, we developed adaptive statistical tools for frontline health professionals to assess accessibility of public health advice for people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
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18
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Alhodaib H, Alanzi TM. Understanding the Impact of Digital Health Strategies During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4581-4594. [PMID: 34803411 PMCID: PMC8595062 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s331084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of COVID-19 has been analyzed from various aspects on the health care services management, accessibility and delivery of health care services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in health care services, which led to the increase in adoption of digital health technologies, mostly arising out of need and necessity. OBJECTIVE Focusing on the prevailing situations (increasing reliance on digital health services), this study investigates the impact of digital health technologies from the perspectives of policymakers and citizens. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Twenty-seven semi-structured online interviews were conducted with experts and policymakers for assessing the impact from policymakers' perspectives. An online survey questionnaire instrument was used to collect the responses from 1698 Saudi Arabian citizens in relation to the various aspects of digital health applications. RESULTS Health care expenditures increased during the COVID-19 outbreak, resulting in launch of various digital health applications. While policymakers defended their stand in improving health care services and accessibility; citizens reflected inability to book medicines/personal medical equipment online (Mean=2.4) and suffered a lack of personalized care (Mean=2.9) through digital health applications. Moreover, disparities exist between the population groups with respect to the accessibility, utilization, and perceptions of digital health technologies. CONCLUSION Policymakers have to consider and address these differences in formulating digital health policies and implementing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Alhodaib
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyad, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki M Alanzi
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Alakeely M, Almutari A, Masud N, Altulaihi B. Preparedness of Primary Health Care Leaders During COVID-19 Outbreak, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4339-4351. [PMID: 34703343 PMCID: PMC8541794 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s331903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our study aims to explore the preparedness of the frontline leaders of the primary health care (PHC) centres in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand their experiences in implementing preventive interventions necessary to routinise health care service delivery. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using in-depth interviews with the participants in English. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and inductive coding followed by thematic analysis was performed using NVivo version 12. Participants Six participants in charge of managing their respective primary health care settings were included in the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants until saturation was reached. After agreement, the interviews were scheduled as per availability. Results The results were grouped into three major themes and nine subthemes. Most leaders reported that they were trained in pandemic preparedness, but there was a lack of focused readiness to handle a massive-scale, infectious disease outbreak or pandemic. The initial lack of guidelines specific to COVID-19 was a barrier in making decisions related to staff and patient care. Services were interrupted initially and there was lack of staff since many acquired COVID-19 and were isolated. The shortage of the staff was delt by repurposing staff from other departments to the essential care services. Fears related to pandemic was one of the main concerns reported among staff and patients. Several initiatives were taken to ensure staff safety and uninterrupted service delivery to patients. The use of technology was an effective mechanism in preparing for the pandemic. Conclusion This qualitative study helped in understanding the experiences of primary health care leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The facilities lacked overall preparedness at the beginning of the pandemic; however, many initiatives were taken in course of time to ensure smooth operations and continued service delivery to the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alakeely
- Department of Family Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Almutari
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Radiology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nazish Masud
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Research Unit, Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud BIN Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Altulaihi
- Department of Family Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Kortuem FC, Ziemssen F, Kortuem KU, Kortuem C. The Role and Views of Ophthalmologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:3947-3956. [PMID: 34616139 PMCID: PMC8488052 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s327745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic forced ophthalmologists to adjust their working conditions to ensure patient and staff safety, while still providing effective and timely treatment. This international survey among ophthalmologists was initiated to capture what actions ophthalmologists were taking and what their opinions were on the risks of infection in their workplace, the delay in treatment, the use of telemedicine and telephone for appointments, and the regional specifications and measures implemented by the respective authorities. Methods An open-source web tool was used to develop an online survey, to which ophthalmologists worldwide were invited via e-mail using international mailing lists (Media Mice, Singapore; Texere Publishing Inc, USA; CGO Gerling) and incentivized using a lottery. The physicians provided their level of agreement relating to the offered statements and gave free answers to the questions regarding the actions taken (conducted November 5th 2020 to December 20th 2020). Results After 91,000 invitations, responses were collected from 1122 ophthalmologists. Despite the use of large international mailing lists, mainly doctors from Europe participated. Half of the participants expressed great concern about possible SARS-CoV-2 infection in their patients. A significant number of younger ophthalmologists (≤50 years: 76.9%, n = 313; >50 years: 69.6%, n = 181) feared the delays that COVID-19 could cause to treatment. Reductions in patient numbers were broadly observed, with more ophthalmologists of younger age reporting greater declines. Nearly all ophthalmologists indicated that they provided disinfectant and the majority also used masks and questionnaires for screening. For 60.3% (n = 412) of ophthalmologists, telephone calls reduced the risk of ‘no-shows’; 71.6% (n = 497) disagreed that telemedical evaluation is possible without slit lamp findings and fundus photos; and 57.0% of participants felt content with the governmental measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the work of ophthalmologists. Based on the limited response rate, certain statements were only possible to evaluate for the European Union: with a noticeable reduction in patient numbers, delay in treatment was a major worry. Measures to protect and reassure patients should be undertaken, especially regarding those with vision-threatening diseases requiring treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike C Kortuem
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Focke Ziemssen
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Constanze Kortuem
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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