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Balakrishnan AK, Otieno S, Dzombo M, Plaxico L, Ukoh E, Obara LM, Brown H, Musyimi C, Lincoln C, Yang LS, Witte SS, Winter SC. Socio-ecological impacts of extreme weather events in two informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1389054. [PMID: 38887261 PMCID: PMC11180900 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1389054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is expected to profoundly impact health and coping and widen social and environmental inequalities. People living in informal settlements are especially vulnerable to climate change as they are often located in ecologically sensitive areas more susceptible to extreme weather events (EWEs), such as floods, droughts, and heat waves. Women residing in informal settlements are especially vulnerable to climate change and related EWEs because they are more likely to experience worse health-related impacts than men but are less likely to have access to health-related services. Despite this inequality, there is a dearth of research that focuses on the impacts of EWEs on women in informal settlements. This study aims to explore the multidimensional impacts of EWEs on the daily lives of women in informal settlements through the lens of socio-ecological theory. Study data is from six monthly surveys (1 September 2022-28 February 2023) collected from a probability sample of 800 women living in two of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. This data is part of an ongoing longitudinal study that uses community participatory methods to investigate the effects of climate change on health and wellbeing in informal settlements by a team of 16 community health volunteers who lead data collection and provide expertise in ongoing analysis. Findings show profound impacts on women's health and wellbeing across individual, micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystems. These include physical and mental health, financial disruptions, property issues, social impacts, and impacts on their surrounding physical environment, such as disrupted food or water access, poor air quality, drainage issues, and safety concerns. In addition, findings highlight the critical importance of the chrono- and biosphere systems in research focused on the impacts of climate change and related EWEs among climate-vulnerable communities and marginalized populations within them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - LaNae Plaxico
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ebuka Ukoh
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lena Moraa Obara
- Rutgers, School of Social Work, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Haley Brown
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christine Musyimi
- African Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chloe Lincoln
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Susan S. Witte
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Zhang D, Sun X, Zhu H, Wang H, Sun X, Wang J. Help-seeking behavior for nonsevere stress urinary incontinence among elderly women in communities, Beijing, China. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2565-2572. [PMID: 37300566 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05544-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common health problem and influences women's quality of life significantly. In order to enhance health education according to a specific situation, it is essential to identify barriers to seeking help among elderly women with nonsevere SUI. The objectives were to investigate reasons for (not) seeking help for nonsevere SUI among women aged ≥60 years, and to analyze factors affecting help-seeking behavior. METHODS We enrolled 368 women aged ≥60 years with nonsevere SUI from communities. They were asked to filled out sociodemographic information, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL), and self-constructed questiones on help-seeking behavior. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the different factors between seeking group and nonseeking group. RESULTS Only 28 women (7.61%) had ever sought help from health professionals for SUI. The most frequent reason for seeking help was urine-soaked clothes (67.86%, 19 out of 28). The most frequent reason for not seeking help was that women thought it was normal (67.35%, 229 out of 340). Compared with the nonseeking group, the seeking group had higher total ICIQ-SF scores and lower total I-QOL scores. CONCLUSION Among elderly women with nonsevere SUI, the rate of seeking help was low. Lack of correct perception about the SUI kept women from doctor visits. Women who were bothered by more severe SUI and lower quality of life were more likely to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xi-Zhi-Men South Street, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
- The Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xi-Zhi-Men South Street, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
- The Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xi-Zhi-Men South Street, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
- The Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders of Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Sports medicine and rehabilitation, Beijing Sports University, No.48, Xin Xi Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xi-Zhi-Men South Street, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, Beijing, China.
- Research Center of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders of Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianliu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xi-Zhi-Men South Street, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
- The Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders of Peking University, Beijing, China
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Lacey H, Jain N, Sugimoto M, Shimato M, Reine I, Oria K. Combating malaria in Kenya through collaborative population health education: a systematic review and pilot case study. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023; 55:664-683. [PMID: 37424519 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2231082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to be a public health problem in Kenya, with an estimated 37.2 million people at high risk of the disease. The disease burden is compounded by inequalities in health service availability, housing, socioeconomic conditions, and access to education. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the status of community-based, health education interventions. Based on the findings, to develop an educational module for medical students to combat malaria in Kenya. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to identify different educational interventions, their successes and limitations, and legal challenges leading to low uptake and adherence to malaria prevention interventions from 2000-2023. Consequently, a 6-week online educational pilot was conducted with healthcare students from Kenya, Japan, the UK, and Cyprus. RESULTS Despite developing a national malaria strategy and monitoring and evaluation strategies, Kenya has not been able to meet the incidence reduction targets set by the World Health Organisation, underscoring the need for more work in identifying the barriers to implementing strategies and optimising the distribution of public health interventions. Student teams proposed innovative solutions, including two-tier malaria control strategies, maternal malaria clinical education, community awareness through schools and NGOs, and a 10-year health system strengthening and immunisation plan. CONCLUSIONS Public education regarding prevention strategies and increasing their adoption remains a key challenge in combating malaria in Kenya. In this regard, digital tools can facilitate international collaborative health education and exchange of best practices, allowing students and faculty to engage across boundaries and prepare them to be future-ready physicians connected to the global community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester Lacey
- Faculty of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Nityanand Jain
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Mai Sugimoto
- Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Masako Shimato
- Faculty of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ieva Reine
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kevin Oria
- Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Nairobi, Kenya
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Attafuah PYA, Everink IH, Lohrmann C, Abuosi A, Schols JM. Health and social needs of older adults in slum communities in Ghana: a phenomenological approach used in 2021. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:74. [PMID: 37106445 PMCID: PMC10134515 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01056-9] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Slum-dwellers lack several essential amenities (such as water, sanitation, and electricity) which make them more vulnerable than non-slum dwellers. As there is limited to no access to health and social care services in slums, the slum environment is expected to be an even more dangerous environment for older adults, negatively impacting their quality of life (QoL). To provide an overview of the perceived (unmet) health and social care needs and how it affects the QoL, this study aims to explore the self-perceived health and social needs of older adults in urban slums in Ghana. Using a phenomenological approach, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and June 2021, in the homes of older adults in two slums in Ghana. After coding and analysing the transcripts, five main themes emerged: (a) perception of health; (b) (de)motivators of health service use; (c) perception of social care, (d) social needs, and (e) influence of phenomena on QoL. It appeared that older adults believed that spiritual powers were causing illnesses and influenced their use of formal health services. Other factors such as expired insurance cards and the attitude of healthcare workers served as demotivators for using health services.Perceived health needs were mainly current disease conditions (arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, vision/hearing challenges), challenges with health insurance, the behaviour of some health professionals, the proximity of health facilities, and unnecessary queues at major health facilities. Unmet social needs identified by this study were a sense of neglect by family (need for companionship), requiring assistance with activities of daily living, and the need for financial support. Participants had more health needs than social needs. Health providers do not usually prioritize the care of slum-dwelling older adults. Most participants still have challenges with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Their social needs were mainly related to financial difficulties and help with some activities of daily living. Participants expressed that they desired companionship (especially the widowed or divorced ones) and the lack of it made them feel lonely and neglected. Home visits by health professionals to older adults should be encouraged to monitor their health condition and advocate for family members to keep older adults company. Healthcare providers should exhibit positive attitudes and educate older patients on the advantages of formal health services use, as well as the need to seek early treatment as this will influence their QoL to a large extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Yeye Adumoah Attafuah
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
- Department of Health Services Research and Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Irma Hj Everink
- Department of Health Services Research and Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christa Lohrmann
- Institute of Nursing Science, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Aaron Abuosi
- Health Services Management Department, University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Ghana
| | - Jos Mga Schols
- Department of Health Services Research and Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Family Medicine and Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Winter S, Musyimi C, Mutiso V, Ndetei D. Depressive symptoms and associated social and environmental factors among women living in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2200499. [PMID: 37054444 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2200499] [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: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 280 million people around the world suffer from depression, and the rates are higher among women than men. For women living in informal settlements in lower - and middle-income countries (LMICs) the prevalence and associated burden of depressive symptoms may be particularly high. The purpose of this paper was to explore factors associated with possible major depressive disorder (MDD) in a probability sample of women living in Mathare informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya and to identify potential points for intervention and/or support. Quantitative surveys were conducted with 552 women aged 18-75. Possible MDD was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire and regressed on individual, household/familial-, and community/interpersonal-level factors. Findings highlight the potential importance of factors such as physical health, economic stress, access to water and sanitation, household and family dynamics, and neighbourhood/village differences in possible MDD among women living in informal settlements. We identify potential points for research, intervention and policy including: providing appropriate tangible assistance or interventions to reduce economic stress/strain; expanding access to water and sanitation and, in doing so, reducing potential burdens to physical health; providing and expanding healthcare to include mental healthcare; and investigating family dynamics and bolstering support for families, particularly for those experiencing conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Winter
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine Musyimi
- African Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victoria Mutiso
- African Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Ndetei
- African Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
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Bosire EN, Cho A, Kamau LW, Bosire V, Mendenhall E. Views on COVID-19 vaccination among residents of Eldoret, Kenya during the 2021 vaccine rollout. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2278877. [PMID: 37967534 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2278877] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The Government of Kenya initiated COVID-19 vaccination program in March 2021. However, vaccine uptake remains low, especially in rural areas in Kenya. We interviewed 40 residents of Eldoret town to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and meanings they attach towards vaccines generally, and why they chose to vaccinate or not. Two-thirds of our participants perceived themselves to be at risk of COVID-19 infections. About half demonstrated willingness to be vaccinated and about a third had been vaccinated. All participants were knowledgeable about the broader benefits of vaccination. Yet, widespread beliefs that vaccination programmes target children and pregnant women decreased vaccine acceptance. Also, we found that concerns about vaccine safety, lack of knowledge, misinformation from social media, and conspiracy theories contributed to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Eldoret. Low COVID-19 vaccination rates and hesitancy - even when the vaccines are accessible and free in Kenya - cannot be ignored. The current COVID-19 vaccination prioritisation schedule (distinct from the usual structure where children, childbearing women are prioritised) and beliefs that older people are targeted to test vaccines efficacy must be addressed through improved communication and mass education. More research is needed to investigate the socio-economic, political, and historical factors that influence vaccine hesitancy in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna N Bosire
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Allie Cho
- Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Violet Bosire
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Emily Mendenhall
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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Zanganeh A, Ziapour A, Naderlou R, Teimouri R, Janjani P, Yenneti K. Evaluating the access of slum residents to healthcare centers in Kermanshah Metropolis, Iran (1996-2016): A spatial justice analysis. Heliyon 2022; 9:e12731. [PMID: 36685373 PMCID: PMC9849978 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proper access to health care centres and services is one of the key indicators of health justice, and it is more than ever important in slums. Objective This aim of this research is to evaluate the accessibility of health care centres to slum residents in the Kermanshah metropolis, Iran during the period 1996-2016. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data was obtained from the Census of Iran for the periods 1996, 2006 and 2016. Information on the number and location of health care centres was collected from the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Network Analysis modelling method in Arc/GIS10.6 software was used to evaluate the accessibility of people to health centres. Results The results show that the spatial pattern of health centres in Kermanshah was random during 1996, 2006 and 2016, but the spatial pattern of poverty in the metropolis was clustered. In addition, the distribution of health centres was not consistent with the population densities. However, the overall population with inappropriate access to health centres in the slums of Kermanshah metropolis decreased over the study period (1996-54.02%, 2006-51.09%, and 2016-34.71%). Conclusions The findings of the study reveal that access to health care services by the slum population is not consistent with the increase of health care centres. This means that health policymakers were unsuccessful to provide the required health care services for the slums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zanganeh
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Arash Ziapour
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Imam-Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran,Corresponding author.
| | | | - Raziyeh Teimouri
- UniSA Creative, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Parisa Janjani
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Imam-Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Komali Yenneti
- School of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, UK
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Winter SC, Sommer M, Obara LM, Nair D. “There is no place to dispose them. What would you have me do?’’: A qualitative study of menstruation in the unique physical and social environment in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Health Place 2022; 78:102932. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Palacios A, Gabosi J, Williams CR, Rojas-Roque C. Social vulnerability, exposure to environmental risk factors, and accessibility of healthcare services: Evidence from 2,000+ informal settlements in Argentina. Soc Sci Med 2022; 309:115290. [PMID: 35985244 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115290] [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: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Globally, the question of how to improve the living standards of the inhabitants of informal settlements is a key political concern. These neighborhoods are characterized by economic vulnerability, social marginalization, and inaccessibility of basic services. The aim of this study is to provide evidence about the environmental risk factors faced by these populations in Argentina, and to identify whether their greater exposure to risk factors is associated with greater accessibility of healthcare services. We analyzed an original database that provides information about basic characteristics of the neighborhood, environmental risk factors (proximity to garbage dumps, industrial waste, and high-voltage towers), and accessibility of basic healthcare services on over 2000 informal settlements in Argentina. We calculated descriptive statistics and developed multivariate econometric models to estimate the probability of accessibility of healthcare services. On average, 31% of informal settlements were close to a garbage dump, 19% were close to a high-voltage tower, and 10% were close to industrial waste. In addition, 39% of these neighborhoods do not have a healthcare center nearby, 65% do not have an accessible hospital, and 39% are not consistently served by ambulances in the event of an emergency. The econometric estimates suggest that the accessibility of hospital healthcare service and to an ambulance service is positively associated with the age of the neighborhood, and whether the neighborhood is a slum, but there is no evidence of association with the exposure to environmental risk factors. In short, the populations living in informal settlements in Argentina are exposed to harmful environmental risk factors. Access to basic healthcare services is limited and does not reflect the elevated exposure to environmental risks. Health, environmental, and economic dimensions should be considered when designing and implementing public policies for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Palacios
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani, 2024, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Economics, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Córdoba, 2122, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Julia Gabosi
- Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), Tucuman, 1966, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Caitlin R Williams
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani, 2024, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Carlos Rojas-Roque
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani, 2024, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Park JE, Kibe P, Yeboah G, Oyebode O, Harris B, Ajisola MM, Griffiths F, Aujla N, Gill P, Lilford RJ, Chen YF. Factors associated with accessing and utilisation of healthcare and provision of health services for residents of slums in low and middle-income countries: a scoping review of recent literature. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055415. [PMID: 35613790 PMCID: PMC9125718 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with accessing and utilisation of healthcare and provision of health services in slums. DESIGN A scoping review incorporating a conceptual framework for configuring reported factors. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to December 2021 using slum-related terms. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Empirical studies of all designs reporting relevant factors in slums in low and middle-income countries. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Studies were categorised and data were charted according to a preliminary conceptual framework refined by emerging findings. Results were tabulated and narratively summarised. RESULTS Of the 15 469 records retrieved from all years, 4368 records dated between 2016 and 2021 were screened by two independent reviewers and 111 studies were included. The majority (63 studies, 57%) were conducted in Asia, predominantly in India. In total, 104 studies examined healthcare access and utilisation from slum residents' perspective while only 10 studies explored provision of health services from providers/planners' perspective (three studies included both). A multitude of factors are associated with accessing, using and providing healthcare in slums, including recent migration to slums; knowledge, perception and past experience of illness, healthcare needs and health services; financial constraint and competing priorities between health and making a living; lacking social support; unfavourable physical environment and locality; sociocultural expectations and stigma; lack of official recognition; and existing problems in the health system. CONCLUSION The scoping review identified a significant body of recent literature reporting factors associated with accessing, utilisation and provision of healthcare services in slums. We classified the diverse factors under seven broad categories. The findings can inform a holistic approach to improving health services in slums by tackling barriers at different levels, taking into account local context and geospatial features of individual slums. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: https://osf.io/694t2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Park
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- KM Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Peter Kibe
- Health and Systems for Health, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Godwin Yeboah
- Information and Digital Group, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Bronwyn Harris
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Frances Griffiths
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Navneet Aujla
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paramjit Gill
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Bakibinga P, Kisia L, Atela M, Kibe PM, Kabaria C, Kisiangani I, Kyobutungi C. Demand and supply-side barriers and opportunities to enhance access to healthcare for urban poor populations in Kenya: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057484. [PMID: 35523490 PMCID: PMC9083429 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the barriers to and options for improving access to quality healthcare for the urban poor in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS This was a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews (n=12), focus group discussions with community members (n=12) and key informant interviews with health providers and policymakers (n=25) were conducted between August 2019 and September 2020. Four feedback and validation workshops were held in December 2019 and April-June 2021. SETTING Korogocho and Viwandani urban slums in Nairobi, Kenya. RESULTS The socioe-conomic status of individuals and their families, such as poverty and lack of health insurance, interact with community-level factors like poor infrastructure, limited availability of health facilities and insecurity; and health system factors such as limited facility opening hours, health providers' attitudes and skills and limited public health resources to limit healthcare access and perpetuate health inequities. Limited involvement in decision-making processes by service providers and other key stakeholders was identified as a major challenge with significant implications on how limited health system resources are managed. CONCLUSION Despite many targeted interventions to improve the health and well-being of the urban poor, slum residents are still unable to obtain quality healthcare because of persistent and new barriers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a devolved health system, paying attention to health services managers' abilities to assess and respond to population health needs is vital. The limited use of existing accountability mechanisms requires attention to ensure that the mechanisms enhance, rather than limit, access to health services for the urban slum residents. The uniqueness of poor urban settings also requires in-depth and focused attention to social determinants of health within these contexts. To address individual, community and system-level barriers to quality healthcare in this and related settings and expand access to health services for all, multisectoral strategies tailored to each population group are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lyagamula Kisia
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martin Atela
- Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Research & Policy Unit, Partnership for African Social and Governance Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter M Kibe
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Sekoni O, Mall S, Christofides N. The relationship between protective factors and common mental disorders among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263703. [PMID: 35134096 PMCID: PMC8824382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On the African continent, many people live in conditions of adversity known to be associated with the onset of mental disorders, yet not all develop a mental disorder. The prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety in the general population of Nigeria is comparatively low. Prevalence data of mental disorders in slum settings in Nigeria is sparse. There is a need to better understand the relationship between protective factors and the occurrence of common mental disorders in the Nigerian slum context. This study aimed to describe the relationship between protective factors and the occurrence of common mental disorders among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS AND FINDINGS A cross sectional household survey of 550 women was conducted in slum settlements in Ibadan, Nigeria. Interviewer administered questionnaires were completed to elicit information on protective factors (social connectedness, self-esteem, social support, resilience) and common mental disorders (depression, anxiety and stress). The DASS-21 was used to measure common mental disorders and protective factors were measured using the Social Connectedness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Resilience scale and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to examine associations while adjusting for relevant confounders. Common mental disorders were reported by 14.0% of the respondents. Resilience and social support were found to be protective against reporting symptoms of common mental disorders. Women who reported higher levels of social support and resilience were less likely to report common mental disorders (OR:0.96, 95% CI 0.93, 0.98) and (OR:0.95, 95% CI 0.91, 0.99) respectively. Women who were 65 years and older were also less likely to report the occurrence of common mental disorders (OR:0.38, 95% CI 0.15, 0.98) compared to those aged 18-34 years. CONCLUSION Social support and resilience appear to be protective against common mental disorders among these respondents. Further research should be conducted to explore the pathways through which protective factors reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of common mental disorders. This would be important in the development of mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutoyin Sekoni
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Guateng, South Africa
| | - Sumaya Mall
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Guateng, South Africa
| | - Nicola Christofides
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Guateng, South Africa
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13
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Tessema ZT, Worku MG, Tesema GA, Alamneh TS, Teshale AB, Yeshaw Y, Alem AZ, Ayalew HG, Liyew AM. Determinants of accessing healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed-effect analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys from 36 countries. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054397. [PMID: 35105635 PMCID: PMC8804632 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the determinants of accessing healthcare among reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). DESIGN, SETTING AND ANALYSIS Cross-sectional data were sourced from recent Demographic and Health Surveys in 36 SSA countries. We employed mixed-effect analysis to identify the determinants of accessing healthcare in SSA. OR and its 95% CI were reported for determinants associated with accessing healthcare. OUTCOME The outcome for this study was whether accessing healthcare was a 'big problem' or 'not a big problem'. Responses to these questions were categorised as a big problem and not a big problem. PARTICIPANTS A total weighted sample of 500 439 reproductive-age (15-49 years) women from each country's recent Demographic and Health Surveys from 2006 to 2018 were included in this study. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of healthcare access among reproductive-age women in SSA was 42.56% (95% CI 42.43% to 42.69%). The results of the mixed-effect analysis revealed that the determinants of accessing healthcare were urban residence (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.25, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.73), ability to read and write (AOR=1.15, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.28), primary education (AOR=1.08, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.12), secondary education and above (AOR=1.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.14), husband with primary education (AOR=1.06, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.1.12), husband with secondary education and above (AOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.27), middle wealth index (AOR=1.43, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.47), rich wealth index (AOR=2.19, 95% CI 2.13 to 2.24) and wanted pregnancy (AOR=1.27, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.29). CONCLUSION Healthcare access in SSA was found at 42.56%, which is very low even if Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 targeted universal health coverage for everyone so they can obtain the health services they need. The major determinants of healthcare access among reproductive-age women in SSA were urban residence, higher educational level, higher wealth index and wanted pregnancy. The findings of this study suggest and recommend strengthening and improving healthcare access for women who reside in the countryside, women with low level of education and women of low socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemenu Tadesse Tessema
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfa Sewunet Alamneh
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yigizie Yeshaw
- Medical Physiology, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adugnaw Zeleke Alem
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwotie Getaneh Ayalew
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Alemneh Mekuriaw Liyew
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Asiki G, Kadengye D, Calvert C, Wamukoya M, Mohamed SF, Ziraba A, Iddi S, Bangha M, Wekesah F, Chikozho C, Price A, Crampin M, Kyobutungi C. Trends and risk factors for non-communicable diseases mortality in Nairobi slums (2008-2017). GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 3:100049. [PMID: 34977550 PMCID: PMC8683743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gloepi.2021.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tracking progress in reaching global targets for reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) requires accurately collected population based longitudinal data. However, most African countries lack such data because of weak or non-existent civil registration systems. We used data from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NUDSS) to estimate NCD mortality trends over time and to explore the determinants of NCD mortality. METHODS Deaths identified in the NUHDSS were followed up with a verbal autopsy to determine the signs and symptoms preceding the death. Causes of death were then assigned using InSilicoVA algorithm. We calculated the rates of NCD mortality in the whole NUHDSS population between 2008 and 2017, looking at how these changed over time. We then merged NCD survey data collected in 2008, which contains information on potential determinants of NCD mortality in a sub-sample of the NUHDSS population, with follow up information from the full NUHDSS including whether any of the participants died of an NCD or non-NCD cause. Poisson regression models were used to identify independent risk factors (broadly categorized as socio-demographic, behavioural and physiological) for NCD mortality, as well as non-NCD mortality. RESULTS In the total NUHDSS population of adults age 18 and over, 23% were assigned an NCD as the most likely cause of death. There was evidence that NCD mortality decreased over the study period, with rates of NCD mortality dropping from 1.32 per 1000 person years in 2008-10 (95% CI: 1.13-1.54) to 0.93 per 1000 person years in 2014-17 (95% CI: 0.80-1.08). Of 5115 individuals who participated in the NCD survey in 2008, 421 died during the follow-up period of which 43% were attributed to NCDs. Increasing age, lower education levels, ever smoking and having high blood pressure were identified as independent determinants of NCD mortality in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION We found that NCDs account for one-quarter of mortality in Nairobi slums, although we document a reduction in the rate of NCD mortality over time. This may be attributed to increased surveillance and introduction of population-wide NCD interventions and health system improvements from research activities in the slums. To achieve further decline there is a need to strengthen health systems to respond to NCD care and prevention along with addressing social factors such as education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gershim Asiki
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of women's and children's health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Damazo Kadengye
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clara Calvert
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Abdhalah Ziraba
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel Iddi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martin Bangha
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Alison Price
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Crampin
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Ngere I, Dawa J, Hunsperger E, Otieno N, Masika M, Amoth P, Makayotto L, Nasimiyu C, Gunn BM, Nyawanda B, Oluga O, Ngunu C, Mirieri H, Gachohi J, Marwanga D, Munywoki PK, Odhiambo D, Alando MD, Breiman RF, Anzala O, Njenga MK, Bulterys M, Herman-Roloff A, Osoro E. High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 but low infection fatality ratio eight months after introduction in Nairobi, Kenya. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 112:25-34. [PMID: 34481966 PMCID: PMC8411609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lower than expected COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Africa has been attributed to multiple factors, including weak surveillance. This study estimated the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections eight months into the epidemic in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted using multi-stage random sampling to select households within Nairobi in November 2020. Sera from consenting household members were tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was estimated after adjusting for population structure and test performance. Infection fatality ratios (IFRs) were calculated by comparing study estimates with reported cases and deaths. RESULTS Among 1,164 individuals, the adjusted seroprevalence was 34.7% (95% CI 31.8-37.6). Half of the enrolled households had at least one positive participant. Seropositivity increased in more densely populated areas (spearman's r=0.63; p=0.009). Individuals aged 20-59 years had at least two-fold higher seropositivity than those aged 0-9 years. The IFR was 40 per 100,000 infections, with individuals ≥60 years old having higher IFRs. CONCLUSION Over one-third of Nairobi residents had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by November 2020, indicating extensive transmission. However, the IFR was >10-fold lower than that reported in Europe and the USA, supporting the perceived lower morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Ngere
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Jeanette Dawa
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hunsperger
- Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Otieno
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Moses Masika
- KAVI-Institute for Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Lyndah Makayotto
- Department of Health, Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carolyne Nasimiyu
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Bronwyn M Gunn
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Bryan Nyawanda
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ouma Oluga
- Department of Health, Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carolyne Ngunu
- Department of Health, Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Harriet Mirieri
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - John Gachohi
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA; School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kiambu, Kenya
| | - Doris Marwanga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Patrick K Munywoki
- Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Odhiambo
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Moshe D Alando
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Omu Anzala
- KAVI-Institute for Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA
| | - Marc Bulterys
- Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Amy Herman-Roloff
- Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric Osoro
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA.
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16
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Arize I, Ogbuabor D, Mbachu C, Etiaba E, Uzochukwu B, Onwujekwe O. Stakeholders' Perspectives on the Unmet Needs and Health Priorities of the Urban Poor in South-East Nigeria. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2021:272684X211033441. [PMID: 34264139 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x211033441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Relatively little is known about readiness of urban health systems to address health needs of the poor. This study explored stakeholders' perception of health needs and strategies for improving health of the urban poor using qualitative analysis. Focus group discussions (n = 5) were held with 26 stakeholders drawn from two Nigerian states during a workshop. Urban areas are characterised by double burden of diseases. Poor housing, lack of basic amenities, poverty, and poor access to information are determinants of health of the urban poor. Shortage of health workers, stock-out of medicines, high cost of care, lack of clinical practice guidelines, and dual practice constrain access to primary health services. An overarching strategy, that prioritises community-driven urban planning, health-in-all policies, structured linkages between informal and formal providers, financial protection schemes, and strengthening of primary health care system, is required to address health needs of the urban poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeyinwa Arize
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Ogbuabor
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere Mbachu
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - Enyi Etiaba
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Uzochukwu
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
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Teixeira de Siqueira-Filha N, Li J, Kibuchi E, Quayyum Z, Phillips-Howard P, Awal A, Mithu MIH, Manzoor F, Karuga R, Saidu S, Smith J, Sai V, Garimella S, Chumo I, Mberu B, Tolhurst R, Mazumdar S, Rao V, Farnaz N, Alam W, Elsey H. Economics of healthcare access in low-income and middle-income countries: a protocol for a scoping review of the economic impacts of seeking healthcare on slum-dwellers compared with other city residents. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045441. [PMID: 34244254 PMCID: PMC8273471 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living in slums face several challenges to access healthcare. Scarce and low-quality public health facilities are common problems in these communities. Costs and prevalence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) have also been reported as high in studies conducted in slums in developing countries and those suffering from chronic conditions and the poorest households seem to be more vulnerable to financial hardship. The COVID-19 pandemic may be aggravating the economic impact on the extremely vulnerable population living in slums due to the long-term consequences of the disease. The objective of this review is to report the economic impact of seeking healthcare on slum-dwellers in terms of costs and CHE. We will compare the economic impact on slum-dwellers with other city residents. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review adopts the framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley. The review is part of the accountability and responsiveness of slum-dwellers (ARISE) research consortium, which aims to enhance accountability to improve the health and well-being of marginalised populations living in slums in India, Bangladesh, Sierra Leone and Kenya. Costs of accessing healthcare will be updated to 2020 prices using the inflation rates reported by the International Monetary Fund. Costs will be presented in International Dollars by using purchase power parity. The prevalence of CHE will also be reported. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for scoping reviews. We will disseminate our results alongside the events organised by the ARISE consortium and international conferences. The final manuscript will be submitted to an open-access international journal. Registration number at the Research Registry: reviewregistry947.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinshuo Li
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Eliud Kibuchi
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Zahidul Quayyum
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abdul Awal
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Farzana Manzoor
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Varun Sai
- The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ivy Chumo
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Blessing Mberu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel Tolhurst
- Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sumit Mazumdar
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Vinodkumar Rao
- The Society for Promotion of Area Resource Center, Mumbai, India
| | - Nadia Farnaz
- School of Public Health, BRAC University James P Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Wafa Alam
- BRAC University James P Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Helen Elsey
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Hoseini-Esfidarjani SS, Negarandeh R, Delavar F, Janani L. Psychometric evaluation of the perceived access to health care questionnaire. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:638. [PMID: 34215250 PMCID: PMC8254360 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Access to health care is a universal concern. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a questionnaire to assess the Perceived Access to Health care based on Penchansky and Thomas's definition of access and the assessment of its psychometric properties. METHOD The initial questionnaire contains 31 items developed based on a deductive approach with an extensive review of the related literature. Content validity, face validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and instrument reliability were further examined. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 24, R software version 4, and lavaan package. RESULTS The initial questionnaire was examined using qualitative content validity, and the necessary modifications were applied to each item. The content validity ratio (CVR) was approved in 30 items with a value greater than 0.78, and one item with a CVR value lower than 0.78 was removed. In the case of the content validity index (CVI), 29 items were approved with a CVI value of greater than 0.79, and one item with a CVI value between 0.70 and 0.79 was revised. In qualitative face validity, all items were approved by a panel of experts and the participants. All 30 items with an impact score index higher than 1.5 were approved for the next steps. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the six-factor model of access to health care has an appropriate fit. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was calculated 0.86. The value of Cronbach's alpha for the dimensions of availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodation, acceptability, and awareness were 0.61, 0.76, 0.66, 0.60, 0.80, and 0.76, respectively. The Intraclass Correlation Index (ICC) value for reliability (test-retest) of the whole instrument was calculated 0.94 using the two-way mixed absolute agreement method. CONCLUSION The success of health programs depends on eliminating barriers to access to provided health care services. One of the most critical barriers to understanding access is a perception of limited access. This questionnaire might be used further to understand perceived health care access in different global contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara-Sadat Hoseini-Esfidarjani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Nosrat St., Tohid Sq, Tehran, 1419733171 Iran
| | - Reza Negarandeh
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Nosrat St., Tohid Sq, Tehran, 1419733171 Iran
- Department of Community Health & Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Delavar
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Nosrat St., Tohid Sq, Tehran, 1419733171 Iran
| | - Leila Janani
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535 Iran
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Macharia PM, Mumo E, Okiro EA. Modelling geographical accessibility to urban centres in Kenya in 2019. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251624. [PMID: 33989356 PMCID: PMC8127925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to major services, often located in urban centres, is key to the realisation of numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Kenya, there are no up-to-date and localised estimates of spatial access to urban centres. We estimate the travel time to urban centres and identify marginalised populations for prioritisation and targeting. METHODS Urban centres were mapped from the 2019 Kenya population census and combined with spatial databases of road networks, elevation, land use and travel barriers within a cost-friction algorithm to compute travel time. Seven travel scenarios were considered: i) walking only (least optimistic), ii) bicycle only, iii) motorcycle only, iv) vehicle only (most optimistic), v) walking followed by motorcycle transport, vi) walking followed by vehicle transport, and vii) walking followed by motorcycle and then vehicle transport (most pragmatic). Mean travel time, and proportion of the population within 1-hour and 2-hours of the urban centres were summarized at sub-national units (counties) used for devolved planning. Inequities were explored and correlations between the proportion of the population within 1-hour of an urban centre and ten SDG indicators were computed. RESULTS A total of 307 urban centres were digitised. Nationally, the mean travel time was 4.5-hours for the walking-only scenario, 1.0-hours for the vehicle only (most optimistic) scenario and 1.5-hours for the walking-motorcycle-vehicle (most pragmatic) scenario. Forty-five per cent (21.3 million people) and 87% (41.6 million people) of Kenya's population resided within 1-hour of the nearest urban centre for the least optimistic and most pragmatic scenarios respectively. Over 3.2 million people were considered marginalised or living outside the 2-hour threshold in the pragmatic scenario, 16.0 million Kenyans for walking only, and 2.2 million for the most optimistic scenario. County-level spatial access was highly heterogeneous ranging between 8%-100% and 32%-100% of people within the 1-hour threshold for the least and most optimistic scenarios, respectively. Counties in northern and eastern parts of Kenya were generally most marginalised. The correlation coefficients for nine SDG indicators ranged between 0.45 to 0.78 and were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Travel time to urban centres in Kenya is heterogeneous. Therefore, marginalised populations should be prioritised during resource allocation and policies should be formulated to enhance equitable access to public services and opportunities in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Macharia
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust
Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eda Mumo
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust
Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emelda A. Okiro
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust
Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of
Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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20
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Rashidi Fakari F, Hajian S, Darvish S, Alavi Majd H. Explaining factors affecting help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:60. [PMID: 33435931 PMCID: PMC7805109 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-06047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence is widely accepted to be among the most important issues in the global health system. However, only a limited number of women are referred for treatment because different factors complicate help-seeking behaviors. The aim of this study was to explain the factors affecting help-seeking behaviors in women suffering from urinary incontinence. METHODS This study was a qualitative study using the conventional content analysis approach. The study was conducted from December 2018 and August 2019 in Tehran, Iran. The participants were 34 women with urinary incontinence selected using a purposive sampling method. The content analysis approach was based on the Graneheim and Lundman method, and qualitative data management software was used for analysis. RESULTS Data analysis illustrates two themes; " facilitator " and " inhibitor "; the categories "not perceiving disease", "shame", " negative support of important others", and "non-optimal health care system" were among the inhibitors and the categories " reduced quality of life " and " positive support of important others" were found to be facilitators of help-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study highlight the need for understanding the underlying facilitators and inhibitors of help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence. We suggest that healthcare providers consider an open dialogue with patients and consider their subjective beliefs and life context during routine visits to facilitate early diagnosis of the disease and ultimately lead to an improvement in the woman's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Rashidi Fakari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Hajian
- Midwifery & Reproductive Health research centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soodabeh Darvish
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fellowship of Female Pelvic Floor Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Alavi Majd
- Department of Biostatistics,School of Paramedicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Behzadifar M, Saran M, Behzadifar M, Martini M, Bragazzi NL. The 'Health Transformation Plan' in Iran: A policy to achieve universal health coverage in slums and informal settlement areas. Int J Health Plann Manage 2020; 36:267-272. [PMID: 32996231 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Universal health coverage (UHC) is one of the strategies that health decision- and policy-makers worldwide are implementing to guarantee a good health status to everyone. Living in slums is characterized by several issues, including homelessness and malnutrition, environmental challenges, lack of sanitation and access to safe, healthy drinking water, waste disposal problems, widespread social disruptions, job insecurity, feelings of dissatisfaction and inadequacy. In Iran, the 'Health Transformation Plan' (HTP), despite its weaknesses, has had good effects on the health level of people living in slums, ensuring insurance coverage and reducing many economic, social and cultural problems, with a dramatic decline in out-of-pocket expenditures. Good governmental financial support and an adequate revision of the initial packages of health services and provisions have resulted in a higher access rate to healthcare. The HTP has been, indeed, a major step towards reaching UHC in Iran. If policy- and decision-makers can further improve the present situation and provide more and better-quality services to these people, it can be expected that health indicators in suburbs will be significantly improved. Researchers should monitor the impact of HTP and examine its effects on health indicators, specifically among particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women and the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Behzadifar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Maryam Saran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Meysam Behzadifar
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mariano Martini
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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