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Liu S, Wang F, Sha S, Cai H, Ng CH, Feng Y, Xiang YT. A comparison of quality of life between older adults living in high and low altitude areas. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1184967. [PMID: 38074716 PMCID: PMC10699141 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1184967] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High altitude is known to have a significant impact on human physiology and health, therefore, understanding its relationship with quality of life is an important research area. This study compared the quality of life (QOL) in older adults living in high and low altitude areas, and examined the independent correlates of QOL in those living in a high altitude area. Methods Older adults living in three public nursing homes in Xining (high altitude area) and one public nursing home in Guangzhou (low altitude area) were recruited. The WHOQOL-BREF was used to measure the QOL. Results 644 older adults (male: 39.1%) were included, with 207 living in high altitude and 437 living in low altitude areas. After controlling for the covariates, older adults living in the high altitude area had higher QOL in terms of physical (P = 0.035) and social domains (P = 0.002), but had lower QOL in psychological (P = 0.009) domain compared to their counterparts living in the low altitude area. For older adults living in the high altitude area, smoking status was associated with higher social QOL (P = 0.021), good financial status was associated with higher physical QOL (P = 0.035), and fair or good health status was associated with higher physical (p < 0.001) and psychological QOL (P = 0.046), while more severe depressive symptoms were associated with lower QOL. Conclusion Appropriate interventions and support to improve depressive symptoms and both financial and health status should be developed for older adults living in high altitude areas to improve their QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou Liu
- Department of Public Health, Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sha Sha
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Cai
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Chee H. Ng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Melbourne Clinic and St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Richmond, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuan Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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Thi Ngoc PN, My NN, Rasheed S, Khatun F, Van Nuil J, Thanh DN, Mạnh HL, Rahman M. Public healthcare system utilization for chronic hepatitis C infection in Vietnam. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:802. [PMID: 37974105 PMCID: PMC10652521 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08726-7] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare utilization is typically adversely affected when the treatment is expensive and requires multiple visits. We examined the determinants of healthcare-seeking for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is asymptomatic, chronic, and requires costly treatment in an urban tertiary care referral hospital in Vietnam. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of hospital data for patients attending the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between 2017 and 2020 specifically for HCV infection treatment. Poisson regression was used to determine the effect of personal factors (age, sex, comorbidities) and structural factors (health insurance, proximity to the facility, seasonality, year of visit) on the number of hospital visits. RESULTS From 2017 to 2020 a total of 22,052 eligible patients sought treatment in the hospital. Among the patients, 50.4% were males and 58.7% were > 50 years of age. The mean number of visits per person was 2.17. In the multivariate analysis compared to 2017, the number of hospital visits increased by 4% in 2018 and then significantly decreased in 2019 and 2020. Visit numbers were significantly lower (6%) among South East region residents compared to those from Central Highlands and for those who lived further away from the hospital. The visit numbers were significantly higher among older age groups (5-11%), those with health insurance (6%), and those with comorbidities (5%) compared to others. Although the number of hospital visits by females was higher (7%) than males in 2017, it significantly decreased in subsequent years. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that there are both structural and individual factors affecting the number of visits for HCV treatment. To meet the global strategy for elimination of HCV, Vietnam Government needs to address the structural and personal barriers to healthcare seeking, with a special focus on women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Nguyen Thi Ngoc
- Wellcome Asia Africa Programme, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Nghiem My
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sabrina Rasheed
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Khatun
- International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jennifer Van Nuil
- Wellcome Asia Africa Programme, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Hung Le Mạnh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Motiur Rahman
- Wellcome Asia Africa Programme, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.
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Teo AKJ, Morishita F, Islam T, Viney K, Ong CW, Kato S, Kim H, Liu Y, Oh KH, Yoshiyama T, Ohkado A, Rahevar K, Kawatsu L, Yanagawa M, Prem K, Yi S, Tran HTG, Marais BJ. Tuberculosis in older adults: challenges and best practices in the Western Pacific Region. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 36:100770. [PMID: 37547037 PMCID: PMC10398605 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The Western Pacific has one of the fastest-growing older adult populations globally, and tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the foremost infectious causes of disease and death in the region. Older adults are at higher risk of TB due to immunosenescence, comorbidities, and increased institutionalisation. Atypical symptoms and reduced access to health services may delay care-seeking and TB diagnosis, while co-morbidity and increased risk of adverse drug reactions complicate TB treatment. Post-TB sequelae and socioeconomic challenges may decrease the quality of life after TB treatment completion. Despite their high disease burden and special challenges, there is a lack of regionally coordinated policies and guidelines to manage TB among older adults. Routine TB screening at aged-care facilities, age-friendly infrastructure and services, awareness of atypical TB features, integration of TB and non-communicable diseases services, and person-centred approaches to treatment support could improve TB management among older adults. Addressing these challenges and adopting the best practices identified should inform policy formulation and implementation. Funding This project was funded by 1) the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, with financial contributions from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and 2) NUS Start-up Grant. The funders had no role in the paper design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases (Sydney ID) and the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis (TB-CRE), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fukushi Morishita
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Tauhid Islam
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kerri Viney
- World Health Organization, Global Tuberculosis Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Catherine W.M. Ong
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seiya Kato
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - HeeJin Kim
- Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuhong Liu
- Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kyung Hyun Oh
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Takashi Yoshiyama
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohkado
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kalpeshsinh Rahevar
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lisa Kawatsu
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manami Yanagawa
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kiesha Prem
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Center for Global Health Research, Public Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Huong Thi Giang Tran
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ben J. Marais
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases (Sydney ID) and the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis (TB-CRE), Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Braimah JA, Agyemang-Duah W, Amoak D, Sano Y, Antabe R, Dassah E. Healthcare seeking behaviour during illness among older adults in Ghana: does food security status matter? BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:327. [PMID: 37231374 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04023-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghana's growing older adult population raises critical questions regarding healthcare for these older adults. At the same time, food insecurity is high among older adults in Ghana. This underscores the need to investigate the issues of food security and healthcare seeking behaviour among older adults. However, research on the association between food security status and healthcare seeking behaviour among older adults is scant in the Ghanaian context. In this study, we advance the social gerontology literature by examining the association between food security status and healthcare seeking behaviors among older adults. METHODS Using a multi-stage sampling framework, we collected data from a representative sample of older adults across three regions in Ghana. Data were analyzed using logistic regression technique. We determined the significance of the test at a probability value of 0.05 or less. RESULTS Over two-thirds (69%) of respondents did not seek care during their last illness. Additionally, 36% of respondents were severely food insecure, 21% were moderately food insecure, 7% were mildly food insecure, and 36% were food secure. After controlling for theoretically relevant variables, our multivariable analysis revealed a statistically significant association between food security status and healthcare seeking behaviors with older people who are food secure (OR = 1.80, p < 0.01) and mildly food insecure (OR = 1.89, p < 0.05) being more likely to seek healthcare compared with their counterparts who are food insecure. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need for sustainable intervention programs to improve food access and health service use among older adults in Ghana and similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Asumah Braimah
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Amoak
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Yujiro Sano
- Department of Sociology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Canada
| | - Roger Antabe
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ebenezer Dassah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
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Jones A, Nnadi I, Centeno K, Molina G, Nasir R, Granger GG, Mercado NR, Ault-Brutus AA, Hackett M, Karaye IM. Investigating the Spatial Relationship between Social Vulnerability and Healthcare Facility Distribution in Nassau County, New York. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4353. [PMID: 36901363 PMCID: PMC10001444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Health is a fundamental human right, yet healthcare facilities are not distributed equitably across all communities. This study aims to investigate the distribution of healthcare facilities in Nassau County, New York, and examine whether the distribution is equitable across different social vulnerability levels. An optimized hotspot analysis was conducted on a dataset of 1695 healthcare facilities-dental, dialysis, ophthalmic, and urgent care-in Nassau County, and social vulnerability was measured using the FPIS codes. The study found that healthcare facilities were disproportionately distributed in the county, with a higher concentration in areas of low social vulnerability compared to areas of high social vulnerability. The majority of healthcare facilities were found to be clustered in two ZIP codes-11020 and 11030-that rank among the top ten wealthiest in the county. The results of this study suggest that socially vulnerable residents in Nassau County are at a disadvantage when it comes to attaining equitable access to healthcare facilities. The distribution pattern highlights the need for interventions to improve access to care for marginalized communities and to address the underlying determinants of healthcare facility segregation in the county.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alea Jones
- Pipeline Programs, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Ijeoma Nnadi
- Pipeline Programs, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Kelly Centeno
- Pipeline Programs, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Giselle Molina
- Pipeline Programs, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Rida Nasir
- Department of Population Health, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Gina G. Granger
- Pipeline Programs, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Nicholas R. Mercado
- Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | - Martine Hackett
- Department of Population Health, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Ibraheem M. Karaye
- Department of Population Health, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
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Hamiduzzaman M, De Bellis A, Abigail W, Harrington A, Fletcher A. "When I suffer from fever, I eat mangos." Determinants of health-seeking beliefs and behaviors of rural older women in Sylhet, Bangladesh. J Women Aging 2023; 35:4-21. [PMID: 34724877 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2021.1996195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Poverty, poor living conditions, religious values and norms, lack of education, and gender discrimination influence the beliefs and behaviors of rural older women in many low-income countries. This paper aims to report the socio-ecological determinants of health-seeking beliefs and behaviors of rural older women in North-eastern Bangladesh and how these behaviors impact their recognition within the setting. It involved semi-structured interviews with 25 older women and 11 healthcare professionals. The findings revealed various determinants at the personal level (awareness of illness, mistrust toward medical treatment, self-treatment, and religious values and norms), the interpersonal level (isolation in family and communication with clinicians), community level (community perception of aging, neighboring and community organizations), and in the sphere of human rights (care affordability, social safety-net coverage and national policy). Four core determinants (poverty, education, gender and religiosity) were intertwined in shaping beliefs and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hamiduzzaman
- College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Taree, New South Wales, 2430, Australia
| | - Anita De Bellis
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wendy Abigail
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ann Harrington
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia.,Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre, Australian Centre for Christianity & Culture, Charles Sturt University, Barton, Australia
| | - Amber Fletcher
- Department of Sociology & Social Studies, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Health Services Utilization Barriers for Rural Elderly Women in Bangladesh: Narratives of Clinicians, Pharmacists and Public Health Assistants. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2022; 37:407-426. [PMID: 36469229 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-022-09465-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] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bangladesh has the third largest population of poor older adults in the world and 73% of them live in rural areas. Disparity in the country's health services is evident that creates a substantial pressure, especially on rural elderly women who live in a compromised socio-cultural atmosphere. This is true that we know about rural elderly women's self-reported health and service use barriers, but no studies captured the views of health staff. This study presents a qualitative exploration of the views held by rural health staff whose role is to provide care to local elderly women. We conducted 11 interviews with clinicians, pharmacists and public health assistants in Sylhet district, Bangladesh. A critical thematic discourse analysis, using the critical social constructs of Habermas and Honneth, of the data informed the women's inadequate healthcare access and associated barriers that were complex and overlapping but had explicit institutional, subjective and material consequences. Five major themes emerged including: unequal distribution of health services; marginalization in patient-staff relationships; living with poverty; social relegation; and mistrust of clinical treatment. Rural areas were viewed with inequitably distributed health services and traditionally a large proportion of elderly women living in poverty who lacked social support and demonstrated a mistrust towards healthcare system. No recognition of the women and power differences were underpinned by economic factors and cultural societal values. The findings suggest a need for health policy solutions and education of healthcare staff and elderly women regarding accessing healthcare.
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8
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Fausto MCR, Giovanella L, Lima JG, Cabral LMDS, Seidl H. Primary Health Care sustainability in rural remote territories at the fluvial Amazon: organization, strategies, and challenges. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:1605-1618. [PMID: 35475839 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232022274.01112021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The article analyzes singularities of the Primary Health Care (PHC) organization in rural remote municipalities (RRM) in the Amazon under the influence of rivers and discusses challenges for comprehensive care in the Unified Health System (SUS). This is a qualitative and quantitative study of multiple cases in seven RRM through the analysis of interviews with managers, visits to services and secondary data. The RRM of the fluvial Amazon are small, with a sparse, dispersed population living in conditions of social vulnerability. Long distances, rivers and transport irregularities interfere with access to PHC services. The Family Health Strategy is implemented in the municipal system, however areas without assistance coverage, unavailability of PHC services and adaptations to the Strategy imposed by the characteristics of the context remain. The challenges are related to the financing, provision and fixation of the workforce and barriers of geographic access compromise the PHC response capacity in SUS. PHC sustainability requires strategic measures, resources and actions from multiple sectors and public agents; national support policies with feasibility for local execution, so that PHC services are established and make sense in such unique spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Cristina Rodrigues Fausto
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480 Manguinhos, 21041-210. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Ligia Giovanella
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480 Manguinhos, 21041-210. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Juliana Gagno Lima
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará. Santarém PA Brasil
| | | | - Helena Seidl
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480 Manguinhos, 21041-210. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
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Beks H, Walsh SM, Binder MJ, Jones M, Versace VL. Contribution of nurse leaders to rural and remote health research in Australia: A non-systematic scoping review. Collegian 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Hamiduzzaman M, De-Bellis A, Abigail W, Fletcher A. Critical social framework on the determinants of primary healthcare access and utilisation. Fam Med Community Health 2021; 9:fmch-2021-001031. [PMID: 34799432 PMCID: PMC8606761 DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2021-001031] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to contextualise ‘healthcare access and utilisation’ within its wider social circumstances, including structural factors that shape primary healthcare for marginalised groups. Mainstream theories often neglect complexities among the broader social, institutional and cultural milieus that shape primary healthcare utilisation in reality. A blended critical social framework is presented to highlight the recognition and emancipatory intents surrounding person, family, healthcare practice and society. Using the theoretical contributions of Habermas and Honneth, the framework focuses on power relationships, misrecognition/recognition strategies, as well as disempowerment/empowerment dynamics. To enable causal and structural analysis, we draw on the depth ontology of critical realism. The framework is then applied to the case of rural elderly women’s primary healthcare use in Bangladesh. Drawing on the literature, this article illustrates how a blended critical social perspective reveals the overlapping and complex determinants that affect primary healthcare utilisation, before concluding with the importance of situating healthcare access in sociocultural structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hamiduzzaman
- College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Taree, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anita De-Bellis
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Wendy Abigail
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amber Fletcher
- Department of Sociology & Social Studies, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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11
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Bastani P, Mohammadpour M, Samadbeik M, Bastani M, Rossi-Fedele G, Balasubramanian M. Factors influencing access and utilization of health services among older people during the COVID - 19 pandemic: a scoping review. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:190. [PMID: 34743747 PMCID: PMC8572573 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to healthcare and service utilization are both considered essential factors for improving the general health and wellbeing of older people, especially at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to explore factors affecting healthcare access and health service utilization for older people during the pandemic. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were systematically searched for relevant articles. Access, utilization, health, elderly and COVID-19 were used as keywords in the search strategy. A total of 4308 articles were identified through the initial database search; 50 articles were included in the review as passing the eligibility criteria. The searches were conducted up to August 2021. Data extraction was performed, and evidence was descriptively illustrated. Thematic analysis was used to explore factors influencing the elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services, using Max QDA10, a qualitative analysis software. Results Among articles included in the review (n = 50), a majority of the studies were from the United States (36%), followed by India (8%). According to the main healthcare services, a large number of articles (18%) were related to mental health services, followed by digital health services (16%). Factors were identified at an individual, provider and systems level. Seven main themes emerged from the thematic analysis, as determinants of elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services during COVID-19 pandemic. These included: access to non-COVID related services, access to COVID-related services, literacy and education, accommodation challenges, perceived attitudes of aging, and policies and structures, and social determinants. Conclusion Mental health and digital health services were identified as major issues influencing or contributing to or influencing older people’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also argue on the importance of a rounded view, as attention to a range of factors is vital for policy decisions towards sustainable care and equitable interventions for improving the health of older people. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-021-00719-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peivand Bastani
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mahnaz Samadbeik
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Misagh Bastani
- Anesthesiologist, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Madhan Balasubramanian
- Research Fellow and Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Asante D, Twumasi MA, Sakyi ASK, Gyamerah S, Asante B. A socio-geographic perspective of health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on poor households in ghana. GEOJOURNAL 2021; 87:4113-4125. [PMID: 34421184 PMCID: PMC8371292 DOI: 10.1007/s10708-021-10487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak has had multidimensional effects on human lives. The impacts are expected to be more severe on poor households, especially in resource-constraint economies such as Ghana. The Country has a higher poverty rate [24.2%] and this is likely to upsurge in the coming years due to this pandemic. We aimed to document the pandemic-related health and socioeconomic hazards in Ghana. A content analysis of relevant literature, and a qualitative survey using a socioecological lens were conducted. Based on the Ghana Living Standard Survey report (GLSS 7), twenty interviewees were recruited from 3 most poverty-stricken regions in the country to verify the findings of the content review. The findings indicate a significant health burden and a large-scale socioeconomic negative outcome among the Ghanaian poor households. The disproportionate health access by the poor and the rural inhabitants has and will continue to exacerbate. The social hazards are mainly circumscribed relating to poor economic conditions due to job losses, lack of access to income/savings, food insecurity, and lack of welfare support. At the national level, the economy is particularly vulnerable due to low levels of economic diversification. The ultimate manifestation of the pandemic impacts are higher risk of morbidity and mortality rates, and deteriorating wellbeing and livelihoods. These highlights are beneficial to policymakers, development partners, and human rights advocates to make collaborative efforts in helping the poor households during and the post-pandemic periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Asante
- College of Medicine & Public Health, GPO BOX 852, Flinders University Rural Health SA, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5341 Australia
| | | | | | - Samuel Gyamerah
- School of Management and Economics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 2006, Xiyuan Ave, West Hi-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 611731 Sichuan China
| | - Bismark Asante
- School of Economics and Education, University of Education Winneba, PMB 25, Winneba, Ghana
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13
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Exploring the System Determinants Associated with Senior Women's Access to Medical Care in Rural Bangladesh. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2021; 47:578-595. [PMID: 34366506 PMCID: PMC8326310 DOI: 10.1007/s12126-021-09444-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Senior women's access to medical care in rural Bangladesh is a major public health concern. This study aims to explore the system determinants that impact on rural senior women's utilization of healthcare. Following a qualitative critical social research design, healthcare staff and senior women living in three rural villages of Bangladesh were approached to participate in face-to-face audio-recorded interviews. A total of 11 staff and 25 senior women were interviewed with questions about health policy, healthcare services and management of aged care. Data was analyzed using a blend of critical discourse and thematic analysis methods. Several healthcare system determinants were identified that were complex and cross-sectional. Three major themes emerged from the system determinants: legal framework of aged care; inadequate healthcare support; and professional knowledge and skills of healthcare staff that led the rural senior women to avoid or delay access to hospitals and clinics. The findings revealed that a lack of health focus and professional skills among healthcare staff can be considered as critical. This study recommends that policy and organizational changes are made to improve the women's access to rural hospitals and clinics in Bangladesh.
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Hamiduzzaman M, Torres S, Fletcher A, Islam MR, Siddiquee NA, Greenhill J. Aging, care and dependency in multimorbidity: how do relationships affect older Bangladeshi women's use of homecare and health services? J Women Aging 2021; 34:731-744. [PMID: 34255615 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2021.1951115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Gender issues can create major barriers to healthcare utilization for older women with multimorbidity, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Elderly rural women in Bangladesh, are the poorest of the poor, and the women with multimorbidity live in a regulated family atmosphere. This study explored the relationship dimensions of older women with multimorbidity in homecare and their utilization of health services. To gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues, a qualitative case study was conducted. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 health staff and 22 older women with multimorbidity, living in three residential communities of the Sylhet District, Bangladesh. Our analysis used critical thematic discourse, a technique developed from Axel Honneth's recognition-and-misrecognition theory. Seven relationship dimensions have been identified, and grouped under three major themes: intimate affairs [marital marginalization and parent-children-in law dynamics]; alienation in community relationships [patriarchal sibling relationships, neighborhood challenges, and gender inequality in interactions]; and legal disconnections [ignorance of rights and missed communication]. Our findings revealed a lack of understanding of the women's multimorbid care needs and patriarchal marginalization in family. This lack of understanding together with poor peer-supports in healthcare is perpetuated by misrecognition of needs from service providers, resulting in a lack of quality and poor utilization of homecare and health services. Understanding the high needs of multimorbidity and complexities of older women's relationships can assist in policy decisions. This study deepens our understanding of the ways gender inequality intersects with cultural devaluation to reduce the well-being of older women in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hamiduzzaman
- College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stacy Torres
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amber Fletcher
- Department of Sociology & Social Studies, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - M Rezaul Islam
- Institute of Social Welfare & Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Noore Alam Siddiquee
- College of Business, Government & Law, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennene Greenhill
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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15
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Hamiduzzaman M, De Bellis A, Abigail W, Kalaitzidis E, Harrington A. The World Is Not Mine - Barriers to Healthcare Access for Bangladeshi Rural Elderly Women. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2021; 36:69-89. [PMID: 33449242 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-020-09420-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Social determinants of health is a core cross-cutting approach of the World Health Organization to reduce health inequalities, and places an emphasis on aged care planning in rural areas of low- and lower-middle income countries including Bangladesh. The complex correlated health and social factors in Bangladesh interplay to shape the healthcare access of rural people. This impact is significant for rural elderly women in particular who have been shown to access healthcare in ways that are described as 'socially determined'. This study aimed to explore how this cohort related their healthcare access to their living circumstances and provided insight into how their healthcare access needs can be addressed. This study was a critical social theoretical exploration from conversational interviews held over three months with 25 elderly women in rural Bangladesh. Two critical social constructs, 'emancipation' of Habermas and 'recognition' of Honneth, were used in the exploration and explanation of the influence of personal circumstances, society and system on rural elderly women's healthcare access. The concept of 'social determinants of healthcare access' is defined from the physical, emotive, symbolic and imaginative experiences of these women. Interviewing the women provided information for exploration of the determinants that characterized their experiences into an overall construct of 'The World is Not Mine'. This construct represented four themes focusing on the exclusion from healthcare, oppressive socioeconomic condition, marginalization in social relationships and personal characteristics that led the women to avoid or delay access to modern healthcare. This study confirms that the rural elderly women require adequate policy responses from the government, and also need multiple support systems to secure adequate access to healthcare. As healthcare services are often a reflection of community values and human rights concerns for the elderly, there is a need of recognition and respect of their voice by the family members, society and the healthcare system in planning and implementation of a prudent aged care policy for rural elderly women in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hamiduzzaman
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia. .,College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University Rural Health SA, Flinders University, GPO BOX 852, Renmark, South Australia, 5341, Australia.
| | - Anita De Bellis
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Wendy Abigail
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Evdokia Kalaitzidis
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ann Harrington
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Patra M, Bandyopadhyay S. Health seeking behaviour and its determinants in urban areas of developing countries: A primary survey in Kolkata city, India. Int J Health Plann Manage 2020; 35:1438-1452. [DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mahua Patra
- Department of Sociology Maulana Azad College, University of Calcutta Kolkata India
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17
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Self-reported Seasonal Symptoms and Diseases and Primary Healthcare Utilization Among Rural Elderly Women in Sylhet District, Bangladesh. J UOEH 2020; 42:175-185. [PMID: 32507841 DOI: 10.7888/juoeh.42.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The physical health and conditions of elderly people are challenged by the adverse effects of seasonal variations in sub-tropical countries, including Bangladesh. Research to date does not feature the risk of seasonal changes for primary healthcare infrastructures and practices in supporting elderly women's care, especially in rural areas. This study aims to identify the health effects of seasonal variations that place increased risk of symptoms and diseases on rural elderly women, and to explore the determinants associated with the women's use of healthcare locally. Using a mixed-methods approach, audio-recorded semi-structured interviews including a short survey with sixty-five rural elderly women and eleven healthcare professionals were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS, and a thematic analysis of the qualitative data was facilitated by NVivo. Self-reported health history by rural elderly women identified the prevalence of three major seasonal symptoms: headache (28/43.1%), digestive disorder (27/41.5%), and physical pain (27/41.5%). The prevalence of three symptoms such as nausea, headache and digestive disorder varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the study villages. Of the women, the age group (60-70 years) recorded the highest number of cases (20), followed by age group (71-80 years/15), where the number of cases significantly varied across three seasons (p = 0.021). While 78.5% and 55.4% reported one and two symptoms/diseases respectively, the community clinic visits differed significantly (p = 0.011) among the seasons. The utilization of primary healthcare was low, and marginalization in using healthcare was underpinned by the health system, the poor living conditions of the women, and their reluctance to seek treatment. The findings suggest a need for policy solutions in promoting preventive measures and treatments by strengthening local clinics and on-going health education and training of staff and elderly women.
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Verulava T, Jorbenadze R, Dangadze B, Eliava E. Access to Ambulatory Medicines for the Elderly in Georgia. HOME HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1084822318806316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pensioners in Republic of Georgia are covered by the Universal Healthcare Program. In addition, socially vulnerable chronic patients additionally benefit from the Program for Providing Medicine for the Chronic Diseases (PPMCD). The research aims to assess the financial accessibility to outpatient medicines for the elderly in Georgia. Totally, 700 pensioners were surveyed within the quantitative research. The study showed that PPMCD (launched in 2017) has facilitated the affordability of medicines for elderly, especially the socially vulnerable chronic patients. However, the out-of-pocket spending on medicine is still high for most respondents. The main problem for the family is the high unaffordable price (26%). Nearly a third of respondents (31%) could not fully purchase all the outpatient medicine prescribed by the doctor, and 15% could not purchase them at all due to the high costs. Most of the respondents (57%) buy outpatient medicine without visiting family doctor and 37% self-medicate. This shows the irrational choice of elderly people during their health problems. In this regard, the pharmacy and self-treatment play an important role in the informal network of medical service. A significant part of the respondents (36%) does not know about PPMDC. The low level of awareness of the PPMCD among pensioners increases the risk of impoverishment. It is necessary to increase pensioners’ awareness about PPMCD. It is recommended to include not only socially vulnerable people in the PPMDC, but also chronic patients of pension age, because the expenses may often be catastrophic for them.
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