Determinants of Satisfaction With Hospital Online Appointment Service Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Association between residential proximity to major roadways and chronic multimorbidity among Chinese older adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Multiple negative health outcomes were linked to residential proximity to major roadways. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the association between residential proximity to major roadways and chronic multimorbidity.

METHODS

We used data from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which included 12,214 individuals aged ≥ 60. We derived the residential proximity to major roadways from self-reported data, defining chronic multimorbidity as the presence of two or more concurrent chronic diseases. A binary logistic regression model was utilized to investigate the association between residential proximity to major roadways and chronic multimorbidity. The model accounted for some demographic features, socioeconomic conditions, social participation, and health conditions. Subsequently, we conducted subgroup analyses to examine potential interaction effects.

RESULTS

Residential proximity to major roadways was associated with chronic multimorbidity, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Compared with those living > 300 m from major roadways, the OR for those living 201-300 m, 101-200 m, 50-100 m, and < 50 m were increased. When subgroup analyses were conducted using a cutoff point of 200 m, the risk of chronic multimorbidity associated with residential proximity to major roadways was stronger in participants with education levels > 6 years (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide important implications for improving residential area siting, transportation policies, and environmental regulations to reduce the risk of chronic multimorbidity caused by traffic-related exposure.

Factors affecting the willingness of patients with type 2 diabetes to use digital disease management applications: a cross-sectional study

Background

The global burden of type 2 diabetes has significantly increased, leading to a considerable impact on healthcare systems worldwide. While the advent of mobile healthcare has provided some relief by addressing the shortage of certain medical resources, its adoption among the Chinese population remains relatively low. To extend the benefits of mHealth to a greater number of Chinese diabetic patients, it is essential to investigate the factors that influence their willingness to utilize it and implement targeted interventions based on these influencing factors. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is widely employed to examine users' ultimate usage behaviors, and previous studies have indicated the potential relevance of the Perceived Risk (PR) theory and the eHealth Literacy Theory to users' usage behaviors.

Objective

Our objective was to investigate the determinants that affect the willingness of Chinese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes patients to utilize digital disease management applications (DDMAs).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes in three tertiary general hospitals in Chengdu using questionnaires designed by the investigators. Participants were sampled using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire comprised three sections: socio-demographic profile and medical history; current awareness and willingness to use digital disease management applications; and the current level of e-health literacy. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the impact of patient awareness of DDMAs and e-health literacy on the willingness to use such DDMAs.

Results

(1) Patients' attitudes toward using DDMAs were significantly influenced by perceived ease of use (β = 0.380, P < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.546, P < 0.001); (2) Electronic health literacy exerted a significant impact on patients' perceived usefulness (β = 0.115, P = 0.018) and perceived ease of use (β = 0.659, P < 0.001); (3) Patients' willingness to use was significantly influenced by perceived usefulness (β = 0.137, P < 0.001) and use attitude (β = 0.825, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present research findings hold both theoretical and practical significance, and can serve as a guide for healthcare practitioners and researchers to gain a deeper comprehension of the acceptance of digital disease management applications (DDMAs) among type 2 diabetes patients.

Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction With the New Web-Based Medical Appointment Systems "Mawid" at Primary Health Care Level in Southwest Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Patient satisfaction has become an influential corner in the health services process. Web-based appointment scheduling has been expanded for its benefits and has become a popular research topic. This study's objectives were to assess patients' satisfaction and perception with the new Web-Based Medical Appointment System "Mawid" program and determine the associated factors at the Primary Health Care Centers level in Jazan Southwest Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional survey was implemented among 424 adults aged 18 years and above, attending a randomly selected 12 primary health care centers in the Jizan region, Southwest Saudi Arabia. The study instrument included socio-demographic background information, perception, and level of satisfaction with the new appointment system. Responses were analyzed using the SPSS program by applying descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results The overall level of satisfaction was very high at 94.3% with 95% C.I. (91.7-96.1). A large proportion of study participants were highly satisfied with the new Web-Based Medical appointment System "Mawid" as nine satisfaction items scored a level of satisfaction of 90% and above. Regarding the perception, 89.1% of the participants agreed that the appointment booking system regulates the number of patients, while 87.7% of participants considered that the appointment system reduces clinic crowding. More than half of respondents (61.8%) agreed that the community culture might limit the scheduling system's use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that male patients were more likely to have a higher level of satisfaction as compared with female (COR= 2.95, 95% C.I.:1.15-7.60, p = 0.025) and (AOR= 3.12, 95% C.I:1.14-8.52, p = 0.026), respectively. Conclusions In conclusion, this study revealed a high level of satisfaction among study the participants with the new Web-Based Medical Appointment System "Mawid." The system effectively improved patients' satisfaction with registration and reduced waiting times. Patients' satisfaction can be assessed regularly and used systematically as a quality and benchmarking instrument in primary health care.