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Wan S, Wang M. Population mobility : spatial spillover effect of government health expenditure in China. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2319952. [PMID: 38465634 PMCID: PMC10930106 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2319952] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the 20th century, pursuing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has emerged as an important developmental objective in numerous countries and across the global health community. With the intricate ramifications of population mobility (PM), the government faces a mounting imperative to judiciously deploy health expenditure to realise UHC effectively. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to construct a comprehensive UHC index for China, assess the spatial effects of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) on UHC, and explore the moderating effects of PM on this association. METHOD A Dynamic Spatial Durbin Model (DSDM) was employed to investigate the influence of the GHE on UHC. Therefore, we tested the moderating effect of PM. RESULTS In the short-term, the GHE negatively impacted local UHC. However, it enhanced the UHC in neighbouring regions. Over the long term, GHE improved local UHC but decreased UHC in neighbouring regions. In the short-term, when the PM exceeded 1.42, the GHE increased the local UHC. Over the long term, when the PM exceeded 1.107, the GHE impeded local UHC. If the PM exceeded 0.91 in the long term, the GHE promoted UHC in neighbouring regions. The results of this study offer a partial explanation of GHE decisions and behaviours. CONCLUSIONS To enhance UHC, a viable strategy involves augmenting vertical transfer payments from the central government to local governments. Local governments should institute healthcare systems tailored to the urban scale and developmental stages, with due consideration for PM. Optimising the information disclosure mechanism is also a worthwhile endeavour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Wan
- School of Public Finance & Public Administration, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, China
| | - Mengying Wang
- School of Public Finance & Public Administration, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, China
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Prins TJ, Watthanaworawit W, Gilder ME, Tun NW, Min AM, Naing MP, Pateekhum C, Thitiphatsaranan W, Thinraow S, Nosten F, Rijken MJ, van Vugt M, Angkurawaranon C, McGready R. COVID-19 pandemic, pregnancy care, perinatal outcomes in Eastern Myanmar and North-Western Thailand: a retrospective marginalised population cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:637. [PMID: 39358743 PMCID: PMC11448279 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06841-0] [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: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine health care and antenatal and birth services globally. The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) based at the Thailand-Myanmar border provides cross border antenatal care (ANC) and birth services to marginalised pregnant women. The border between the countries entered lockdown in March 2020 preventing cross-border access for women from Myanmar to Thailand. SMRU adapted by opening a new clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on access to ANC and pregnancy outcomes for marginalised pregnant women in the border regions between Thailand and Myanmar. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records of all pregnancies delivered or followed at antenatal clinics of the SMRU from 2017 to the end of 2022. Logistic regression was done to compare the odds of maternal and neonatal outcomes between women who delivered pre-COVID (2017-2019) and women who delivered in the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), grouped by reported country of residence: Thailand or Myanmar. RESULTS Between 2017 and the end of 2022, there were 13,865 (5,576 resident in Thailand and 8,276 in Myanmar) marginalised pregnant women who followed ANC or gave birth at SMRU clinics. Outcomes of pregnancy were known for 9,748 women with an EGA ≥ 28 weeks. Unknown outcome of pregnancy among women living in Thailand did not increase during the pandemic. However, there was a high (60%) but transient increase in unknown outcome of pregnancy for women with Myanmar residence in March 2020 following border closure and decreasing back to the baseline of 20-30% after establishment of a new clinic. Non-literate women were more likely to have an unknown outcome during the pandemic. There was no statistically significant increase in known stillbirths or maternal deaths during the COVID pandemic in this population but homebirth was over represented in maternal and perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION Decreasing barriers to healthcare for marginalised pregnant women on the Thailand-Myanmar border by establishment of a new clinic was possible in response to sudden border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic and most likely preventing an increase in maternal and perinatal mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taco Jan Prins
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Research Groups: APH, GH and AII&I, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wanitda Watthanaworawit
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nay Win Tun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Aung Myat Min
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - May Phoo Naing
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Chanapat Pateekhum
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Woranit Thitiphatsaranan
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Suradet Thinraow
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Julius Global Health, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michele van Vugt
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Research Groups: APH, GH and AII&I, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Chaisiri Angkurawaranon
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Wong CK, Lassemillante AC, White C, Belski R. Understanding the Health Literacy Experiences and Practices of Australian-Resettled Myanmar Refugees: Relevance for Nutrition and Dietetics Practice. Nutrients 2024; 16:3109. [PMID: 39339709 PMCID: PMC11435108 DOI: 10.3390/nu16183109] [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: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Refugees typically experience poorer health compared with people from non-refugee backgrounds, and health literacy may play a part in this discrepancy. Using the WHO's revised health literacy definitions as a framework, this qualitative study sought to examine the health literacy experiences and practices of Australian resettled refugees from Myanmar from refugee and service provider perspectives. Methods: Four refugee participant focus groups (n = 27) along with one focus group and four interviews with service providers (n = 7) were conducted in Melbourne, Australia, and analysed using deductive content analysis. Results: Our study found that in addition to individual health literacy, community literacy was practiced by Myanmar refugees, thus highlighting the relevance of social support to health literacy. Furthermore, our study found gaps in healthcare service provision and resourcing related to health literacy development and responsiveness by the healthcare system. Conclusions: Our study confirms the relevance of WHO's revised health literacy definitions to Myanmar refugees while also discussing, in the context of nutrition and dietetics practice, the importance of understanding the different aspects of health literacy and how this relates to working with those who are most marginalised to improve their health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie K. Wong
- Sport, Performance and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.-C.L.); (R.B.)
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Annie-Claude Lassemillante
- Sport, Performance and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.-C.L.); (R.B.)
| | - Carolynne White
- Inclusion and Participation, Mind Australia, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia;
| | - Regina Belski
- Sport, Performance and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.-C.L.); (R.B.)
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Hu Y, Li Y, Brashear AM, Zeng W, Wu Z, Wang L, Wei H, Soe MT, Aung PL, Sattabongkot J, Kyaw MP, Yang Z, Zhao Y, Cui L, Cao Y. Plasmodium vivax populations in the western Greater Mekong Subregion evaluated using a genetic barcode. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012299. [PMID: 38959285 PMCID: PMC11251639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of the Plasmodium vivax populations in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS) is needed to monitor the progress of malaria elimination. This study aimed to use a P. vivax single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) barcode to evaluate the population dynamics and explore the gene flow among P. vivax parasite populations in the western GMS (China, Myanmar and Thailand). A total of 315 P. vivax patient samples collected in 2011 and 2018 from four regions of the western GMS were genotyped for 42 SNPs using the high-throughput MassARRAY SNP genotyping technology. Population genetic analysis was conducted to estimate the genetic diversity, effective population size, and population structure among the P. vivax populations. Overall, 291 samples were successfully genotyped at 39 SNPs. A significant difference was observed in the proportion of polyclonal infections among the five P. vivax populations (P = 0.0012, Pearson Chi-square test, χ2 = 18.1), with western Myanmar having the highest proportion (96.2%, 50/52) in 2018. Likewise, the average complexity of infection was also highest in western Myanmar (1.31) and lowest in northeast Myanmar (1.01) in 2018. The older samples from western China in 2011 had the highest pairwise nucleotide diversity (π, 0.388 ± 0.046), expected heterozygosity (He, 0.363 ± 0.02), and the largest effective population size. In comparison, in the neighboring northeast Myanmar, the more recent samples in 2018 showed the lowest values (π, 0.224 ± 0.036; He, 0.220 ± 0.026). Furthermore, the 2018 northeast Myanmar parasites showed high and moderate genetic differentiation from other populations with FST values of 0.162-0.252, whereas genetic differentiation among other populations was relatively low (FST ≤ 0.059). Principal component analysis, phylogeny, and STRUCTURE analysis showed that the P. vivax population in northeast Myanmar in 2018 substantially diverged from other populations. Although the 42 SNP barcode is a valuable tool for tracking parasite origins of worldwide parasite populations, a more extended barcode with additional SNPs is needed to distinguish the more related parasite populations in the western GMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Hu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuling Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Awtum M. Brashear
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Weilin Zeng
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zifang Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Haichao Wei
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Myat Thu Soe
- Myanmar Health Network Organization, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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de Haan F, Amaratunga C, Thi VAC, Orng LH, Vonglokham M, Quang TN, Lek D, Boon WPC, Dondorp AM, Moors EHM. Strategies for deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Malar J 2023; 22:261. [PMID: 37674172 PMCID: PMC10483751 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04666-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is a qualitative study to identify implementation challenges for deploying triple artemisinin-based combination therapy (TACT) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia and to explore strategies to overcome these challenges. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted in three countries that have repeatedly been confronted with ACT failures: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Lao PDR. Thirty-nine key stakeholders in the healthcare systems in these countries were interviewed. One participatory workshop was conducted in Cambodia, where scenarios for potential TACT deployment were discussed. RESULTS The results section is organized around four strategic themes that emerged from the data: policy support, data and evidence, logistics and operation, and downstream engagement. The study revealed that countries in the GMS currently rely on ACT to eliminate Plasmodium falciparum malaria by 2025. TACT is, however, considered to be a useful backup strategy in case of future treatment failures and to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. The study showed that a major challenge ahead is to engage decision makers and healthcare providers into deploying TACT, given the low case incidence of falciparum malaria in the GMS. Interview respondents were also skeptical whether healthcare providers would be willing to engage in new therapies for a disease they hardly encounter anymore. Hence, elaborate information dissemination strategies were considered appropriate and these strategies should especially target village malaria workers. Respondents proposed several regulatory and programmatic strategies to anticipate the formation of TACT markets in the GMS. These strategies include early dossier submission to streamline regulatory procedures, early stakeholder engagement strategies to shorten implementation timelines, and inclusion of TACT as second-line therapy to accelerate their introduction in case they are urgently needed. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents a qualitative study to identify implementation challenges for deploying TACT in the GMS and to explore strategies to overcome these challenges. The findings could benefit researchers and decision makers in strategizing towards potential future deployment of TACT in the GMS to combat artemisinin and partner drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Van Anh Cao Thi
- The University of North Carolina Project in Vietnam, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Long Heng Orng
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Epidemiology Department, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manithong Vonglokham
- Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
| | - Thieu Nguyen Quang
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dysoley Lek
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Wouter P C Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ellen H M Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Aydın Avci İ, Korkmaz M, Öz Yıldırım Ö, Çal A, Gülerce H, Atayoğlu AT, Kökrek Z, Ok G, Acarkan İ. Analysis of post-migration traumatic events influence on immigrants and their personality traits. Cent Eur J Public Health 2023; 31:204-209. [PMID: 37934484 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7651] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to analyse the way immigrants and their personality traits get affected by traumatic events in the post-migration process. METHODS This descriptive study was conducted through Google Forms with the involvement of 2,509 immigrants. A descriptive questionnaire, the "IFOMA Post-Migration Post-Traumatic Effect Scale" and the "GADOT Personality Types Determination Scale" were used to collect the research data. Independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and related sample Friedman's two-way analysis tests were used in data analysis. RESULTS Immigrants were exposed to significant effects in all sub-dimensions of the Post-Migration Post-Traumatic Effect Scale. Experiencing post-traumatic stress was found to be significantly related to the research parameters, which, respectively, are gender, age, marital status, educational background, legal status, years of living in the current country, employment status, ethnicity, Turkish language proficiency, and post-migration psychological problems (p < 0.05); 42.8% of the immigrants had the Type 9 personality, and all personality types were affected by the Psychological Affection, Physical Affection, Anxiety, and Social Adaptation sub-dimensions, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION By analysing the impact of migration-induced trauma on immigrants within their society, it can be recommended to implement initiatives specific to immigrants' personality traits and to carry out protective/preventive projects that will minimize immigrants' exposure to trauma and encourage their participation in social adaptation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Aydın Avci
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Health Science Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Korkmaz
- Akdagmadeni Health College, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Özge Öz Yıldırım
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Health Science Faculty, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Çal
- Health Science Faculty, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gülerce
- Department of Sociology, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Ali Timuçin Atayoğlu
- Department of Family Medicine, International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zekeriya Kökrek
- Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Ok
- Ministry of Interior Presidency of Migration Management, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İsmail Acarkan
- Enneagram Education and Consultancy Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
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Lim MY, Kamaruzaman HF, Wu O, Geue C. Health financing challenges in Southeast Asian countries for universal health coverage: a systematic review. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:148. [PMID: 37592326 PMCID: PMC10433621 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has received much attention and many countries are striving to achieve it. The Southeast Asian region, in particular, comprises many developing countries with limited resources, exacerbating challenges around attaining UHC. This paper aims to specifically explore the health financing challenges these countries face in achieving UHC via a systematic review approach and formulate recommendations that will be useful for policymakers. METHODS The systematic review followed the guidelines as recommended by PRISMA. The narrative synthesis approach was used for data synthesis, followed by identifying common themes. RESULTS The initial search returned 160 articles, and 32 articles were included after the screening process. The identified challenges in health financing towards achieving UHC in the Southeast Asian region are categorised into six main themes, namely (1) Unsustainability of revenue-raising methods, (2) Fragmented health insurance schemes, (3) Incongruity between insurance benefits and people's needs, (4) Political and legislative indifference, (5) Intractable and rapidly rising healthcare cost, (6) Morally reprehensible behaviours. CONCLUSIONS The challenges identified are diverse and therefore require a multifaceted approach. Regional collaborative efforts between countries will play an essential role in the progress towards UHC and in narrowing the inequity gap. At the national level, individual countries must work towards sustainable health financing strategies by leveraging innovative digital technologies and constantly adapting to dynamic health trends. REGISTRATION This study is registered with PROSPERO, under registration number CRD42022336624.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yao Lim
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Hanin Farhana Kamaruzaman
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Olivia Wu
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Claudia Geue
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Huo Y, Kang X, Zhong C, Shi L, Liu R, Hu R. The quality of migrant patients' primary healthcare experiences and patient-centered medical home achievement by community health centers: results from the China greater bay area study. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:114. [PMID: 37287015 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide primary healthcare (PHC); however, few studies have examined the quality of PHC services experienced by migrant patients. We examined the potential association between the quality of migrant patients' PHC experiences and the achievement of Patient-Centered Medical Home by CHCs in China. METHODS Between August 2019 and September 2021, 482 migrant patients were recruited from ten CHCs in China's Greater Bay Area. We evaluated CHC service quality using the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home (NCQA-PCMH) questionnaire. We additionally assessed the quality of migrant patients' PHC experiences using the Primary Care Assessment Tools (PCAT). General linear models (GLM) were used to examine the association between the quality of migrant patients' PHC experiences and the achievement of PCMH by CHCs, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS The recruited CHCs performed poorly on PCMH1, Patient-Centered Access (7.2 ± 2.0), and PCMH2, Team-Based Care (7.4 ± 2.5). Similarly, migrant patients assigned low scores to PCAT dimension C-First-contact care-which assesses access (2.98 ± 0.03), and D-Ongoing care (2.89 ± 0.03). On the other hand, higher-quality CHCs were significantly associated with higher total and dimensional PCAT scores, except for dimensions B and J. For example, the total PCAT score increased by 0.11 (95% CI: 0.07-0.16) with each increase of CHC PCMH level. We additionally identified associations between older migrant patients (> 60 years) and total PCAT and dimension scores, except for dimension E. For instance, the average PCAT score for dimension C among older migrant patients increased by 0.42 (95% CI: 0.27-0.57) with each increase of CHC PCMH level. Among younger migrant patients, this dimension only increased by 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.16). CONCLUSION Migrant patients treated at higher-quality CHCs reported better PHC experiences. All observed associations were stronger for older migrants. Our results may inform future healthcare quality improvement studies that focus on the PHC service needs of migrant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Huo
- Department of Health Management, Sun Yat-Sen University School of Public Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xun Kang
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan Mental Health Center, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenyang Zhong
- Sun Yat-Sen University School of Public Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Leiyu Shi
- John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruqing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ruwei Hu
- Department of Health Management, Sun Yat-Sen University School of Public Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Yanful B, Kirubarajan A, Bhatia D, Mishra S, Allin S, Di Ruggiero E. Quality of care in the context of universal health coverage: a scoping review. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:21. [PMID: 36959608 PMCID: PMC10035485 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00957-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Universal health coverage (UHC) is an emerging priority of health systems worldwide and central to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (target 3.8). Critical to the achievement of UHC, is quality of care. However, current evidence suggests that quality of care is suboptimal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The primary objective of this scoping review was to summarize the existing conceptual and empirical literature on quality of care within the context of UHC and identify knowledge gaps. METHODS We conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and further elaborated by Levac et al. and applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL-Plus, PAIS Index, ProQuest and PsycINFO for reviews published between 1 January 1995 and 27 September 2021. Reviews were eligible for inclusion if the article had a central focus on UHC and discussed quality of care. We did not apply any country-based restrictions. All screening, data extraction and analyses were completed by two reviewers. RESULTS Of the 4128 database results, we included 45 studies that met the eligibility criteria, spanning multiple geographic regions. We synthesized and analysed our findings according to Kruk et al.'s conceptual framework for high-quality systems, including foundations, processes of care and quality impacts. Discussions of governance in relation to quality of care were discussed in a high number of studies. Studies that explored the efficiency of health systems and services were also highly represented in the included reviews. In contrast, we found that limited information was reported on health outcomes in relation to quality of care within the context of UHC. In addition, there was a global lack of evidence on measures of quality of care related to UHC, particularly country-specific measures and measures related to equity. CONCLUSION There is growing evidence on the relationship between quality of care and UHC, especially related to the governance and efficiency of healthcare services and systems. However, several knowledge gaps remain, particularly related to monitoring and evaluation, including of equity. Further research, evaluation and monitoring frameworks are required to strengthen the existing evidence base to improve UHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernice Yanful
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Abirami Kirubarajan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dominika Bhatia
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sujata Mishra
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Allin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Erica Di Ruggiero
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Global Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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10
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Bhoi SR, Joshi SH, Joshi A. Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure Among Migrant Workers in India: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e30948. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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11
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Moonpanane K, Pitchalard K, Thepsaw J, Singkhorn O, Potjanamart C. Healthcare service utilization of hill tribe children in underserved communities in thailand: Barriers to access. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1114. [PMID: 36050759 PMCID: PMC9438234 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hill tribe children, an ethnic minority group in Thailand, experience wide-ranging social and health inequalities. Previous reports indicate that hill tribe children, especially age under 5 years, face social health disadvantages but little is known about the underlying causes. Exploring healthcare utilization among hill tribe children is therefore essential and it may well provide some insight. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling techniques to recruit participants based on our criteria. In-depth interviews and focus-group discussions were employed to explore the experiences of parents (n = 20), community leaders (n = 20), and healthcare providers (n = 20) when caring for children aged under 5 years. Interview transcripts were coded, and thematic analysis was then performed. RESULTS The participants shared their experiences with accessing healthcare services in underserved areas. Barriers to access was the central theme identified. Sub-themes included: (1) distance matters, (2) education and socioeconomic deprivation, (3) lack of cultural sensitivity, (4) communication problems, (5) tradition, beliefs, and differences in cultural practice, (6) lack of child health professionals, and (7) bureaucratic hurdles. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare services and environments must be transformed to provide healthcare services, education, and information appropriate to the cultures and beliefs prevalent in the hill tribe population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jintana Thepsaw
- School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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12
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Malaviya S, Bishai D, Soni MM, Suliman ED. Socioeconomic disparities in healthcare utilization under universal health coverage: evidence from Dubai household health survey. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:90. [PMID: 35752790 PMCID: PMC9233310 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01691-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2013, Dubai implemented the Insurance System of Advancing Health in Dubai (ISAHD) law which required mandatory health insurance for all residents of Dubai effective in 2016. This study compares the effect of the ISAHD on the utilization and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures for low and high socio-economic status sub-groups. METHODS The study used the 2014 and 2018 Dubai Household Health Survey (DHHS) a representative survey of Dubai stratified as: 1) Nationals; 2) Non-nationals in households; 3) Non-nationals in collective housing; and 4) Non-nationals in labor camps. The probability that each household would have expenditures was calculated, then multiplied by a weighted estimate of the average total OOP expenditure. RESULTS Overall Dubai's health spending rose from 12.8 billion AED (3.4 billion US $) in 2014 to 16.8 billion AED (4.6 billion US $) in 2017. Concurrently, the OOP share in total health spending in Dubai fell from 25% in 2014 to 13% in 2017. From 2014 to 2018, there were increases in the utilization of inpatient, outpatient and discretionary services for all groups except non-nationals living in camps. In 2018, nationals spent a total of 1064.65 AED, non-nationals in households spent 675.01 AED, collective households spent 82.35 AED, and labor camps spent 100.32 AED out-of-pocket per capita for healthcare expenditures. During and after the implementation of ISAHD, there was a substantial growth in the OOP expenditure per capita for nationals and non-nationals in households due to increased utilization. OOP spending did not rise for the lower-income non-National households. CONCLUSION Dubai has been successful in reducing the household share of OOP expenditures by shifting the financial burden to government and employers. Emiratis and expatriate households increased their health service utilization after ISAHD but blue-collar workers did not. Remaining non-financial barriers to care for Dubai's blue-collar workers must be identified and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreena Malaviya
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Bishai
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Meenu Mahak Soni
- Dubai Health Insurance Corporation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - El Daw Suliman
- Dubai Health Insurance Corporation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Tschirhart N, Jiraporncharoen W, Thongkhamcharoen R, Yoonut K, Ottersen T, Angkurawaranon C. Including undocumented migrants in universal health coverage: a maternal health case study from the Thailand-Myanmar border. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1315. [PMID: 34876107 PMCID: PMC8650330 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many countries aspiring to achieve universal health coverage struggle with how to ensure health coverage for undocumented migrants. Using a case study of maternal health care in a Thailand-Myanmar border region this article explores coverage for migrants, service provision challenges and the contribution of a voluntary health insurance program. Methods In 2018 we interviewed 18 key informants who provided, oversaw or contributed to maternal healthcare services for migrant women in the border region of Tak province, Thailand. Results In this region, we found that public and non-profit providers helped increase healthcare coverage beyond undocumented migrants’ official entitlements. Interview participants explained that Free and low-cost antenatal care (ANC) is provided to undocumented migrants through migrant specific clinics, outreach programs and health posts. Hospitals offer emergency birth care, although uninsured migrant patients are subsequently billed for the services. Care providers identified sustainability, institutional debt from unpaid obstetric hospital bills, cross border logistical difficulties and the late arrival of patients requiring emergency lifesaving interventions as challenges when providing care to undocumented migrants. An insurance fund was developed to provide coverage for costly emergency interventions at Thai government hospitals. The insurance fund, along with existing free and low-cost services, helped increase population coverage, range of services and financial protection for undocumented migrants. Conclusions This case study offers considerations for extending health coverage to undocumented populations. Non-profit insurance funds can help to improve healthcare entitlements, provide financial protection and reduce service providers’ debt. However, there are limits to programs that offer voluntary coverage for undocumented migrants. High costs associated with emergency interventions along with gaps in insurance coverage challenge the sustainability for NGO, non-profit and government health providers and may be financially disastrous for patients. Finally, in international border regions with high mobility, it may be valuable to implement and strengthen cross border referrals and health insurance for migrants. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07325-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Tschirhart
- Oslo Group on Global Health Policy, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health and Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. .,Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Family Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | | | | | - Kulyapa Yoonut
- Department of Family Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Trygve Ottersen
- Oslo Group on Global Health Policy, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health and Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Internal Migration as a Social Determinant of Occupational Health and WASH Access in Myanmar. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:108. [PMID: 34824989 PMCID: PMC8588907 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Migration is at an all-time high worldwide, and despite increased focus on international migrants, there is little evidence about internal migrants’ exposures to socioeconomic, occupational, and environmental risk factors in low-and middle-income countries. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine differences in occupational health and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) between internal migrants and non-migrants. Methods: A face-to-face survey (n = 937) was conducted in Mandalay, Myanmar. Bivariate and multivariate analysis included traditional social determinants such as education, income, occupation, gender, age, and location in addition to internal migration status. Findings: The majority of internal migrants (23% of the total sample) were labor migrants (67.3%), and while common social determinants (e.g., household income, education, and gender) were not statistically different between migrants and non-migrants, these groups reported different occupational profiles (p < 0.001). Migrants had higher odds of being street vendors (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI 1.33–3.85; p = 0.003) and were less likely to work labor jobs such as in factories or construction (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.19–1.00; p = 0.051) when controlling for age, gender, education, and location. Internal migrants had significantly greater probabilities of experiencing some injuries and illness symptoms, such as cuts, vomiting, coughing, heatstroke, and diarrhea at work (p < 0.001). Compared to non-migrants, migrants’ households were approximately three times more likely (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI 2.17–5.62; p < 0.001) to have an unimproved source of drinking water and twice as likely (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.10–3.58; p < 0.05) to have unimproved sanitation facilities in their homes. Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of considering internal migration as an aspect of social determinants analyses, and the need for targeting appropriate WASH interventions to address inequities.
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15
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Rawal LB, Kanda K, Biswas T, Tanim MI, Dahal PK, Islam MR, Huda TMN, Begum T, Sahle BW, Renzaho AMN, Anwar I. Health problems and utilization of health services among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Bangladesh. Glob Health Res Policy 2021; 6:39. [PMID: 34635184 PMCID: PMC8507131 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-021-00223-1] [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: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to and utilization of health services have remained major challenges for people living in low- and middle-income countries, especially for those living in impaired public health environment such as refugee camps and temporary settlements. This study presents health problems and utilization of health services among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) living in the southern part of Bangladesh. Methods A mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach was used. Altogether 999 household surveys were conducted among the FDMNs living in makeshift/temporary settlements and host communities. We used a grounded theory approach involving in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) including 24 IDIs, 10 FGDs, and 9 KIIs. The quantitative data were analysed with STATA. Results The common health problems among the women were pregnancy and childbirth-related complications and violence against women. Among the children, fever, diarrhoea, common cold and malaria were frequently observed health problems. Poor general health, HIV/AIDS, insecurity, discrimination, and lack of employment opportunity were common problems for men. Further, 61.2% women received two or more antenatal care (ANC) visits during their last pregnancy, while 28.9% did not receive any ANC visit. The majority of the last births took place at home (85.2%) assisted by traditional birth attendants (78.9%), a third (29.3%) of whom suffered pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications. The clinics run by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (76.9%) and private health facilities (86.0%) were the most accessible places for seeking healthcare for the FDMNs living in the makeshift settlements. All participants heard about HIV/AIDS. 78.0% of them were unaware about the means of HIV transmission, and family planning methods were poorly used (45.2%). Conclusions Overall, the health of FDMNs living in the southern part of Bangladesh is poor and they have inadequate access to and utilization of health services to address the health problems and associated factors. Existing essential health and nutrition support programs need to be culturally appropriate and adopt an integrated approach to encourage men’s participation to improve utilization of health and family planning services, address issues of gender inequity, gender-based violence, and improve women empowerment and overall health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lal B Rawal
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Collage of Science and Sustainability, Central Queensland University, Sydney Campus, Sydney, Australia. .,Physical Activity Research Group, Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, Wayville, Australia. .,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kie Kanda
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tuhin Biswas
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Padam Kanta Dahal
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Collage of Science and Sustainability, Central Queensland University, Sydney Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Md Rajibul Islam
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Tahmina Begum
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Health Systems and Population Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Berhe W Sahle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research (QPS), Alfred Health Partnership, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Iqbal Anwar
- Health Systems and Population Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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16
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Xu JZ, Foe M, Tanongsaksakul W, Suksangpleng T, Ekwattanakit S, Riolueang S, Telen MJ, Kaiser BN, Viprakasit V. Identification of optimal thalassemia screening strategies for migrant populations in Thailand using a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1796. [PMID: 34615515 PMCID: PMC8495975 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11831-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thalassemia is a common inherited hemoglobin disorder in Southeast Asia. Severe thalassemia can lead to significant morbidity for patients and economic strain for under-resourced health systems. Thailand’s thalassemia prevention and control program has successfully utilized prenatal screening and diagnosis to reduce the incidence of severe thalassemia in Thai populations, but migrant populations are excluded despite having high thalassemia prevalence. We sought to identify key barriers to and facilitators of thalassemia screening and to develop tailored recommendations for providing migrants with access to thalassemia prevention and control. Methods We conducted 28 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) in Chonburi, Thailand with Myanmar and Cambodian migrants, Thai healthcare providers, Thai parents of children affected by thalassemia, and migrant agents. Results Participant narratives revealed that migrants’ lack of knowledge about the prevalence, manifestations, severity, and inherited nature of thalassemia led to misconceptions, fear, or indifference toward thalassemia and screening. Negative perceptions of pregnancy termination were based in religious beliefs but compounded by other sociocultural factors, presenting a key obstacle to migrant uptake of prenatal screening. Additionally, structural barriers included legal status, competing work demands, lack of health insurance, and language barriers. Participants recommended delivering public thalassemia education in migrants’ native languages, implementing carrier screening, and offering thalassemia screening in convenient settings. Conclusions An effective thalassemia prevention and control program should offer migrants targeted thalassemia education and outreach, universal coverage for thalassemia screening and prenatal care, and options for carrier screening, providing a comprehensive strategy for reducing the incidence of severe thalassemia in Thailand and establishing an inclusive model for regional thalassemia prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Z Xu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, USA. .,National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive Room 6N240C, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Meghan Foe
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bonnie N Kaiser
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA.,Department of Anthropology and Global Health Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Siriraj-Thalassemia Center, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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17
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de Haan F, Moors EH, Dondorp AM, Boon WP. Market Formation in a Global Health Transition. ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS 2021; 40:40-59. [PMID: 35106274 PMCID: PMC7612298 DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Transition studies have started to focus on market formation in innovation systems. This article investigates market formation in a global health transition that was instigated by drug-resistant malaria. We explore how markets for Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACT) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) were formed at multiple geographical scales and locations. The study reveals the role of public institutes, academia and partnerships in early innovation system development. It demonstrates how transnational organizations created a supportive global landscape for ACT development and deployment. It then reveals how these advancements led to the formation of public-sector and private-sector ACT markets in the GMS. We illustrate how market formation activities took place on global, national and local scales and how structural couplings enabled the functioning of this global innovation system. The lessons learned are particularly relevant now that drug-resistant malaria has once more emerged in the GMS, urgently calling for new therapies and associated end-user markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. (F. de Haan), (E.H.M. Moors), (A.M. Dondorp), (W.P.C. Boon)
| | - Ellen H.M. Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 73170 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wouter P.C. Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 73170 Bangkok, Thailand
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18
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Christofferson RC, Parker DM, Overgaard HJ, Hii J, Devine G, Wilcox BA, Nam VS, Abubakar S, Boyer S, Boonnak K, Whitehead SS, Huy R, Rithea L, Sochantha T, Wellems TE, Valenzuela JG, Manning JE. Current vector research challenges in the greater Mekong subregion for dengue, Malaria, and Other Vector-Borne Diseases: A report from a multisectoral workshop March 2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008302. [PMID: 32730249 PMCID: PMC7392215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Christofferson
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Daniel M. Parker
- University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Gregor Devine
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bruce A. Wilcox
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Vu Sinh Nam
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sazaly Abubakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Kobporn Boonnak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stephen S. Whitehead
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rekol Huy
- National Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Leang Rithea
- National Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Tho Sochantha
- National Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Thomas E. Wellems
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jesus G. Valenzuela
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Manning
- US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Barua P, Bangpan M, Narattharaksa K, Suphanchaimat R, Chaiyakunapruk N. Healthcare Policies for Stateless Populations in ASEAN Countries: A Scoping Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 22:597-620. [PMID: 31741181 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00945-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at summarizing the existing health policies for stateless populations living in the 10 ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. We followed scoping review method recommended by Arksey and O'Malley. Our inclusion criteria were based on three concepts: populations (stateless and undocumented people), issues (healthcare policies and regulations), and settings (10 ASEAN countries). Our findings suggest that none of the ASEAN countries have explicit healthcare policies for stateless people except Thailand. We also observed that ratification of international human rights treaties relating to the right to health does not necessarily translate into the provision of healthcare policies for stateless population. Although Thailand seems like the only country among 10 ASIAN countries having health policies for stateless populations in the country, the question remains whether having a policy would lead to a proper implementation by ensuring right to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proloy Barua
- Health Systems Management, Graduate School, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
- Independent Evaluation and Research Cell (IERC), BRAC International, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mukdarut Bangpan
- Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre), Department of Social Science, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Kanida Narattharaksa
- Health Systems Management, Graduate School, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
- Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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20
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Pudpong N, Durier N, Julchoo S, Sainam P, Kuttiparambil B, Suphanchaimat R. Assessment of a Voluntary Non-Profit Health Insurance Scheme for Migrants along the Thai-Myanmar Border: A Case Study of the Migrant Fund in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2581. [PMID: 31330995 PMCID: PMC6678165 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Access to health care and financial protection for migrants can be promoted through diverse health insurance schemes, designed to suit migrants' needs within a specific context. The Migrant Fund (M-Fund) is a voluntary, non-profit health insurance scheme operating along the Thai-Myanmar border in Thailand since 2017 and aims to protect the health of migrants uncovered by existing government insurance schemes. A qualitative evaluation was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019 to determine M-Fund's operational impacts, provide recommendations for improvement, and draw suggestions about its role in protecting migrant health. In-depth interviews with 20 individuals and 5 groups were conducted in three categories: (1) International, national, and local partners; (2) M-Fund clients; and (3) M-Fund staff. Interview information was triangulated with findings from other informants, a document review, and researchers' observations. Despite covering a small number of 9131 migrants, the M-Fund has contributed to improving access to care for migrants, raised awareness about migrant health protection, and reduced the financial burden for public hospitals. The M-Fund acts as a safety-net initiative for those left behind due to unclear government policy to protect the health of undocumented/illegal migrants. Despite clear merits, the issue of adverse selection to the scheme is a critical challenge. Evidence from this evaluation is useful to inform the future design of government insurance schemes for migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nareerut Pudpong
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | | | - Sataporn Julchoo
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Pigunkaew Sainam
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | | | - Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
- Department of Disease Control, Bureau of Epidemiology, the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
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21
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Kaehler N, Adhikari B, Cheah PY, von Seidlein L, Day NPJ, Paris DH, Tanner M, Pell C. Prospects and strategies for malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Sub-region: a qualitative study. Malar J 2019; 18:203. [PMID: 31221145 PMCID: PMC6585139 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As malaria elimination becomes a goal in malaria-endemic nations, questions of feasibility become critical. This article explores the potential challenges associated with this goal and future strategies for malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. METHODS Thirty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with policy makers (n = 17) and principal investigators (n = 15) selected based on their involvement in malaria prevention, control and elimination in the GMS. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for qualitative content (thematic) analysis using QSR NVivo. RESULTS All respondents described current malaria control and elimination strategies, such as case detection and management, prevention and strengthening of surveillance systems as critical and of equal priority. Aware of the emergence of multi-drug resistance in the GMS, researchers and policy makers outlined the need for additional elimination tools. As opposed to a centralized strategy, more targeted and tailored approaches to elimination were recommended. These included targeting endemic areas, consideration for local epidemiology and malaria species, and strengthening the peripheral health system. A decline in malaria transmission could lead to complacency amongst funders and policy makers resulting in a reduction or discontinuation of support for malaria elimination. Strong commitment of policymakers combined with strict monitoring and supervision by funders were considered pivotal to successful elimination programmes. CONCLUSION Against a backdrop of increasing anti-malarial resistance and decreasing choices of anti-malarial regimens, policy makers and researchers stressed the urgency of finding new malaria elimination strategies. There was consensus that multi-pronged strategies and approaches are needed, that no single potential tool/strategy can be appropriate to all settings. Hence there is a need to customize malaria control and elimination strategies based on the better surveillance data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Kaehler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Daniel H Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Pell
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Health Inequality between Migrant and Non-Migrant Workers in an Industrial Zone of Vietnam. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091502. [PMID: 31035337 PMCID: PMC6539052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vietnam has experienced massive internal migration waves from rural to industrialized zones. However, little efforts have been made to understand differences in health conditions and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between local and migrant industrial workers. This study aimed to examine the inequality in health status and HRQOL between these workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 289 Vietnamese workers at three industrial areas in Hanoi and Bac Ninh. Self-reported health status and HRQOL were measured using the EuroQOL-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Sociodemographic, working, and environmental factors were also investigated. Overall, the mean EQ-5D index was 0.74 (SD = 0.21) and the average number of health problems in the last 12 months in our sample was 1.91 (SD = 1.63) problems. Migrant people had a lower EQ-5D index (β = −0.08, p < 0.01) and more health problems (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) compared to local workers. Those being male, working in the same posture more than 60 min, and exposed to more hazards at work were correlated with a lower EQ-5D index and higher number of health problems. The results highlighted inequalities in health status and HRQOL between migrant and local workers. Reinforcing regular health check-ups, ensuring sufficient protective equipment and working conditions may help improve the health outcomes of the workers.
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Abubakar I, Aldridge RW, Devakumar D, Orcutt M, Burns R, Barreto ML, Dhavan P, Fouad FM, Groce N, Guo Y, Hargreaves S, Knipper M, Miranda JJ, Madise N, Kumar B, Mosca D, McGovern T, Rubenstein L, Sammonds P, Sawyer SM, Sheikh K, Tollman S, Spiegel P, Zimmerman C. The UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health: the health of a world on the move. Lancet 2018; 392:2606-2654. [PMID: 30528486 PMCID: PMC7612863 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)32114-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
With one billion people on the move or having moved in 2018, migration is a global reality, which has also become a political lightning rod. Although estimates indicate that the majority of global migration occurs within low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), the most prominent dialogue focuses almost exclusively on migration from LMICs to high-income countries (HICs). Nowadays, populist discourse demonises the very same individuals who uphold economies, bolster social services, and contribute to health services in both origin and destination locations. Those in positions of political and economic power continue to restrict or publicly condemn migration to promote their own interests. Meanwhile nationalist movements assert so-called cultural sovereignty by delineating an us versus them rhetoric, creating a moral emergency. In response to these issues, the UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health was convened to articulate evidence-based approaches to inform public discourse and policy. The Commission undertook analyses and consulted widely, with diverse international evidence and expertise spanning sociology, politics, public health science, law, humanitarianism, and anthropology. The result of this work is a report that aims to be a call to action for civil society, health leaders, academics, and policy makers to maximise the benefits and reduce the costs of migration on health locally and globally. The outputs of our work relate to five overarching goals that we thread throughout the report. First, we provide the latest evidence on migration and health outcomes. This evidence challenges common myths and highlights the diversity, dynamics, and benefits of modern migration and how it relates to population and individual health. Migrants generally contribute more to the wealth of host societies than they cost. Our Article shows that international migrants in HICs have, on average, lower mortality than the host country population. However, increased morbidity was found for some conditions and among certain subgroups of migrants, (eg, increased rates of mental illness in victims of trafficking and people fleeing conflict) and in populations left behind in the location of origin. Currently, in 2018, the full range of migrants’ health needs are difficult to assess because of poor quality data. We know very little, for example, about the health of undocumented migrants, people with disabilities, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals who migrate or who are unable to move. Second, we examine multisector determinants of health and consider the implication of the current sector-siloed approaches. The health of people who migrate depends greatly on structural and political factors that determine the impetus for migration, the conditions of their journey, and their destination. Discrimination, gender inequalities, and exclusion from health and social services repeatedly emerge as negative health influences for migrants that require cross-sector responses. Third, we critically review key challenges to healthy migration. Population mobility provides economic, social, and cultural dividends for those who migrate and their host communities. Furthermore, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, regardless of location or migration status, is enshrined in numerous human rights instruments. However, national sovereignty concerns overshadow these benefits and legal norms. Attention to migration focuses largely on security concerns. When there is conjoining of the words health and migration, it is either focused on small subsets of society and policy, or negatively construed. International agreements, such as the UN Global Compact for Migration and the UN Global Compact on Refugees, represent an opportunity to ensure that international solidarity, unity of intent, and our shared humanity triumphs over nationalist and exclusionary policies, leading to concrete actions to protect the health of migrants. Fourth, we examine equity in access to health and health services and offer evidence-based solutions to improve the health of migrants. Migrants should be explicitly included in universal health coverage commitments. Ultimately, the cost of failing to be health-inclusive could be more expensive to national economies, health security, and global health than the modest investments required. Finally, we look ahead to outline how our evidence can contribute to synergistic and equitable health, social, and economic policies, and feasible strategies to inform and inspire action by migrants, policy makers, and civil society. We conclude that migration should be treated as a central feature of 21st century health and development. Commitments to the health of migrating populations should be considered across all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration and Global Compact on Refugees. This Commission offers recommendations that view population mobility as an asset to global health by showing the meaning and reality of good health for all. We present four key messages that provide a focus for future action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Robert W Aldridge
- Institute for Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Delan Devakumar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Miriam Orcutt
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mauricio L Barreto
- Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador-Bahia, Brazil
| | - Poonam Dhavan
- International Organization for Migration, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fouad M Fouad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nora Groce
- Leonard Cheshire Centre, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yan Guo
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK; International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Knipper
- Institute for the History of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nyovani Madise
- African Institute for Development Policy, Lilongwe, Malawi; Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Bernadette Kumar
- Norwegian Centre for Minority Health Research, Oslo, Norway; Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Davide Mosca
- International Organization for Migration, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Terry McGovern
- Program on Global Health Justice and Governance, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leonard Rubenstein
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Sammonds
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan M Sawyer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kabir Sheikh
- Public Health Foundation of India, Institutional Area Gurgaon, India; Nossal Institute of Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul Spiegel
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cathy Zimmerman
- Gender, Violence and Health Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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24
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Win AYN, Maung TM, Wai KT, Oo T, Thi A, Tipmontree R, Soonthornworasiri N, Kengganpanich M, Kaewkungwal J. Understanding malaria treatment-seeking preferences within the public sector amongst mobile/migrant workers in a malaria elimination scenario: a mixed-methods study. Malar J 2017; 16:462. [PMID: 29132373 PMCID: PMC5683526 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Migration flows and the emerging resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) create programmatic challenges to meeting the AD 2030 malaria elimination target in Myanmar. The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) targeted migrant workers based mainly on the stability of their worksites (categories 1: permanent work-setting; categories 2 and 3: less stable work-settings). This study aims to assess the migration patterns, malaria treatment-seeking preferences, and challenges encountered by mobile/migrant workers at remote sites in a malaria-elimination setting. Methods A mixed-methods explanatory sequential study retrospectively analysed the secondary data acquired through migrant mapping surveys (2013–2015) in six endemic regions (n = 9603). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to ascertain the contributing factors. A qualitative strand (2016–2017) was added by conducting five focus-group discussions (n = 50) and five in-depth interviews with migrant workers from less stable worksites in Shwegyin Township, Bago Region. The contiguous approach was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings. Results Among others, migrant workers from Bago Region were significantly more likely to report the duration of stay ≥ 12 months (63% vs. 49%) and high seasonal mobility (40% vs. 35%). Particularly in less stable settings, a very low proportion of migrant workers (17%) preferred to seek malaria treatment from the public sector and was significantly influenced by the worksite stability (adjusted OR = 1.4 and 2.3, respectively for categories 2 and 1); longer duration of stay (adjusted OR = 3.5); and adjusted OR < 2 for received malaria messages, knowledge of malaria symptoms and awareness of means of malaria diagnosis. Qualitative data further elucidated their preference for the informal healthcare sector, due to convenience, trust and good relations, and put migrant workers at risk of substandard care. Moreover, the availability of cheap anti-malarial in unregistered small groceries encouraged self-medication. Infrequent or no contact with rural health centres and voluntary health workers worsened the situation. Conclusions Mitigating key drivers that favour poor utilization of public-sector services among highly mobile migrant workers in less stable work-settings should be given priority in a malaria-elimination setting. These issues are challenging for the NMCP in Myanmar and might be generalized to other countries in the GMS to achieve malaria-elimination goals. Further innovative out-reach programmes designed and implemented specific to the nature of mobile/migrant workers is crucial. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2113-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aung Ye Naung Win
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Epidemiology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, No. 5 Ziwaka Road, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thae Maung Maung
- Medical Statistics Division, Department of Medical Research, No. 5 Ziwaka Road, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Thet Wai
- Department of Medical Research, No. 5 Ziwaka Road, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tin Oo
- Department of Medical Research, No. 5 Ziwaka Road, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Thi
- National Malaria Control Programme, Department of Public Health, NayPyiTaw, Myanmar
| | - Rungrawee Tipmontree
- Bureau of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Mondha Kengganpanich
- Department of Health Education and Behavior Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaranit Kaewkungwal
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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