Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Iranian Health Transformation Plan In Physiotherapy Services: Comparison Of Household Based Financial Outcomes, Seyedeh Mitra Hosseini Malekroudi, Zahra Mohtasham-Amiri, Enayatollah Homaie Rad

Journal of Health Research

Background: Physiotherapy services are important because they help disabled patients to return to work and other social activities. High out-of-pocket payments of physiotherapy services are one of the major barriers to the utilization of these services. In 2014 a reform was implemented in Iran named as Health Transformation Plan aimed to improve Universal Health Coverage of Iranians. We tried to find the effects of HTP on the financial outcomes of physiotherapy services.

Method: Data of Iranian Household Income and Expenditures Survey (IHIES) before and after HTP was used in this study. Out of Pocket payments and utilization of physiotherapy services …

The Impact Of Ehealth Applications In Healthcare Intervention: A Systematic Review, Fadly Syah Arsad, Sharifah Saffinas Syed Soffian, Puteri Sofia Nadira Megat Kamaruddin, Nor Rumaizah Nordin, Mohd Hafiz Baharudin, Ummi Mirza Baharudin, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Azmawati Mohamed Nawi, Norfazilah Ahmad

Journal of Health Research

Background: Electronic health (eHealth) is the application of information communication technologies across all ranges of functions involved in the practice and delivery of health care. The rapid development of informatics and the Internet do not parallel eHealth interventions, and the knowledge gap needs to be explored. We aimed to identify and review the impact of eHealth applications (apps) on healthcare interventions.

Method: We used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) review protocol and formulated the research question based on PICO (Population or Problem, Interest, Context). The selected databases were Ovid, Web Of Science, PubMed, SAGE and …

Rethinking Tourism And Public Health Policies In International Travel Megahubs For The Post-Covid-19 Era, Jeconiah Louis Dreisbach, Sharon Mendoza-Dreisbach

Journal of Health Research

Background: This article rethinks current public health policies to transdisciplinarily reorient the countries’ tourism policies as a preparation to future pandemics. This adds to the public health discourse that West Asian international travel megahubs could be susceptible spaces to high risks of transnational viral transmissions.

Method: This is a letter to the editor.

Results: The United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar are the world’s leading international travel megahubs, with Saudi Arabia catching up following its efforts in establishing a new national airline to increase international passenger traffic. Collectively, they are connected to more than half of the world’s leading international …

The Effect Of Positively Framed And Negatively Framed Messages On Televised Smoking Cessation Advertisement Success: A Systematic Review, Michelle H. James, Joanne E. Porter, Vaughan Reimers, Valerie Prokopiv

Journal of Health Research

Background: Smoking cessation campaigns aim to decrease the prevalence of smoking in the community. However, smoking cessation campaigns can be expensive to develop and implement, therefore is it essential that campaigns have high impact and broad reach to ensure the most efficient use of resources.

Method: A systematic review was conducted in October 2020 to assess the efficacy of positively framed and negatively framed messages used in televised smoking cessation advertisements. The search was restricted to quantitative primary research published between 2010-2020, yielding 4640 results. Study selection was performed using the PRISMA method. Population was inclusive of all ages and …

The Covid-19 Pandemic In South Asia: A Comprehensive Review Of The Genomic Variations, Epidemiological Features, Diagnosis, Treatment And Preventive Schemes, Abdullah Al Noman, Jannatul Efte Ekra, Rima Islam Meem, Sujan Islam, Fariha Sharzana, Shofiqul Islam, Samiron Sana, Masnoon Kabir, Niaz Mahmud, Abdullah Al Mahedi, Taufique Joarder

Journal of Health Research

Background: The purpose of the study was to outline the genomic and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in South Asian countries as well as the diagnosis, treatments, and prevention approaches undertaken by these countries to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We searched electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus as well as various national and international COVID-19 websites, WHO databases, and electronic media. 63 articles were included from databases and 34 articles from various other sources.

Results: Scientists observed genomic variations including common mutations in ORF1ab, ORF1a, ORF3a, and S genes, while several unique mutations exist in most isolates …

Situational Analysis Of The Extending National Health Insurance Coverage To Informal Sector In Indonesia: A Case Study Among Palms Sugar Farmers, Budi Aji, Siti Masfiah, Siti Harwanti, Nur Ulfah, Hoang Van Minh

Journal of Health Research

Background: To explore the situation of national health insurance coverage among informal workers and to identify the enrollment strategy for such workers.

Method: This is a qualitative research with a case study approach. Participants are eight palm sugar farmers and fifteen major and minor stakeholders of national health insurance in the district of Banyumas, Indonesia. This study includes semi-structured informant interview and open-ended questions. A thematic framework analysis is applied to guide the interpretation of the data. Data analysis is facilitated by using a qualitative data analysis software package MAXQDA 12.

Results: This study has highlighted several interesting issues regarding …

Predictors Of Intention To Stay As Perceived By Nurses Working At Community Hospitals, Ministry Of Public Health, Thailand, Rata Srisa-Art, Jintana Yunibhand, Chanokporn Jitpanya, Areewan Oumtanee

Journal of Health Research

Background: To understand how nurses perceive the intention to stay in the profession (ITSP) is a priority concern to combat the nursing shortage crisis. In Thailand, few studies have investigated and clarified ITSP in community hospitals (CHs). The purpose of this study is to examine and identify the predictors of ITSP at CHs functioning under the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 47 CHs in 8 different provinces, utilizing multi-stage sampling. A total of 955 participants completed a set of e-questionnaires to measure personal factors, managerial characteristics (MCs), work characteristics (WCs), and the relationship …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (Ptsd) Among The Military In A Low-Income Country, Shehu Usman Ibrahim, Mukadas Oyeniran Akindele, Ushotanefe Useh

Journal of Health Research

Background: This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its risks among the military in a low-income country.

Method: All participants answered self-administered questionnaires that measured PTSD, combat exposure, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), perceived social support, and depression in addition to a socio-demographic form in this cross-sectional study. Chi-square test of independence and Fisher exact test were employed to compute PTSD prevalence and its difference among the services. Correlation and binary logistic regression were used to explore relationships and the impact of the predictor variables on PTSD.

Results: PTSD prevalence among participants on routine military duties …

Menstrual Irregularities, Hormonal Imbalance And Obesity In Adolescent Girls In Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan: An Observational Study, Meharunnissa Khaskheli, Ramsha Zafar Durrani, Shahla Baloch, Aneela Sheeba Baloch, Syed Ghulam Sarwar Shah

Journal of Health Research

Background: Obesity in young girls adversely affects reproductive health later in life and it is a serious public health issue. The objective was to study the association of obesity with menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalance in teenage and adolescent girls.

Method: Participants comprised a convenience sample of 12-19 years old girls (N=83). The study was conducted in outpatient clinics at a university hospital. Data were collected through medical history by interview, physical examination and blood tests. Data were analysed using frequencies, descriptive statistics, Chi Squared tests of Independence and Binary Logistic Regression.

Results: The median age was 16 years (mean …

Health Risk Assessment From Organophosphate Insecticides Residues In Commonly Consumed Vegetables Of Local Markets, Northern Thailand, Warangkana Naksen, Surat Hongsibsong, Zhen-Lin Xu, Natthapol Kosashunhanan, Tanyaporn Kerdnoi, Tippawan Prapamontol, Vanvimol Patarasiriwong

Journal of Health Research

Background: Commonly consumed vegetables from local markets are considered at a higher risk for organophosphate insecticides (OPs) contamination. This study aimed to investigate the contamination of OP residues in commonly consumed vegetable samples from local markets in 5 provinces, i.e., Nan, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Chiang Mai provinces located in Northern Thailand. A risk assessment of OPs among adult Thai population was also evaluated by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the acceptable daily intake (ADI).

Method: The multi cross-sectional studies were conducted in 5 provinces. Twelve vegetables were sampled from main local markets in every district of …

Improving Knowledge, Attitude, And Compliance Of Hand Hygiene Of Iranian Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study Using Reminder Card, Zahra Chegini, Ifeoluwapo Kolawole, Prashant Singh, Farzaneh Alikhah, Yalda Rasti, Zahra Motazedi

Journal of Health Research

Background: Compliance rate of hand hygiene practice by healthcare workers has been observed to be universally low despite its importance, simplicity and cost-effectiveness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the healthcare settings. This study aimed to improve healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with hand hygiene by using reminder cards displayed by patients.

Method: This before-after interventional study was carried out in 2019 among healthcare workers of a hospital in Tabriz, Iran. The intervention was a ‘Reminder Card’ showed by patients to remind healthcare workers to clean their hands. Participants' knowledge and attitude about hand hygiene and …

How Area Health Management Leads To Improved Equity In Health: A Scoping Review, Methinee Intarates, Teerapon Dhippayom, Nilawan Upakdee, Vinai Leesmidt, Jain Weraphong, Mukdarut Bangpan

Journal of Health Research

Background: The scoping review of published studies aims to explore what practices and processes can improve equity (horizontal and vertical) in countries that adopted Area Health Management (AHM) utilizing the “Six Building Blocks Plus” (SBBP) concept.

Method: An electronic search was conducted from the inception to January 27, 2021, from 6 databases (Embase, Social Sciences, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and WHO) and the gray literature. The inclusion criteria were AH, SBBP, and equity. Data extraction was using a standardized data collection form.

Results: This scoping review includes 63 full-text studies. SBBP are identical in the horizontal and vertical equity. …

Factors That Influence Individual And Community Behavioural Change Regarding Environmental Health, Obadia Kyetuza Bishoge, Ademola Kabir Aremu, Dickson Dare Ajayi, Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga

Journal of Health Research

Background: Increased environmental health problems have led to a rise in concern among individuals, as well as government and non-governmental organizations to tackle them. To achieve this, there is a need for behavioural change among individuals and the community on environmental health at local to international levels. The purpose of this paper is to critically explore the factors that influence personal and community behavioural change regarding environmental health.

Method: The study is a systematic review of the literature on the factors that influence personal behavioural change regarding environmental health based on the relevant studies published between 2005 and 2020. We …

Factors Influencing Sexuality, Gender And Norms Of Adolescent: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adolescent In Indonesia, Tantut Susanto, Tirta Amerta Isworo, Dewi Rokhmah

Journal of Health Research

Background: The current study explored the factors related to the sexuality, gender, and norms among Indonesian adolescents via structural equation modelling.

Method: A cross-sectional design was performed among 394 adolescents from August to October 2020 in East Java of Indonesia. A self-administered questionnaire measured factors that influenced sexuality, gender, and norms of adolescents. We used smart PLS (Partial Least Squares) to analyze the data.

Results: Two correlations emerge among independent variables, namely sociodemographic of adolescent and knowledge of reproductive health (RH) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (p< 0.001) and sociodemographic of parents and family structure and function of RH (p< 0.001). Sociodemographic of parents (p= 0.003), knowledge of RH and HIV (p= 0.012), and family structure and function of RH (p= 0.006) were directly related to sexuality, gender, and norms of adolescent. Sociodemographic of adolescents (p= 0.031) and parents (p= 0.024) were indirectly related to the sexuality, gender, and norms of adolescent through knowledge of RH and HIV. Our model explains 39.9% of the variance in sexuality, gender, and norms of adolescents.

Conclusion: Factors that influence sexuality, gender, and norms of the adolescent …

Depression And Related Factors Among Health Science Students In Da Nang, Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ngoc Thi Nhu Hoang, Ann Jirapongsuwan, Sukhontha Siri

Journal of Health Research

Background: This paper aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression and related factors among health science students in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 401 undergraduate students. Depression was measured using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Short Depression Scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify any associations.

Results: Findings indicated that the prevalence of depression among students was 41.6%. Factors associated with the depression were studying in second year (aOR=3.15, 95%CI: 1.24-7.99), studying in third year (aOR=2.60, 95%CI: 1.056-6.42), poor health status (aOR= 2.57, 95%CI: 1.54-4.29), low and moderate parents’ relationships (aOR=12.41, 95%CI: …

Delayed Pre-Hospital Time In Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients And Associated Factors In A Hospital In Southern Thailand, Thareerat Ananchaisarp, Siriwimon Tantarattanapong, Supakit Satayukun, Kamonluk Thepuatrakul, Nuteua Techapattanakorn, Noppawit Limwattanalert, Nitchada Mettraiyasakul, Siwa Rattanakitkoson, Abhisit Chuaboon

Journal of Health Research

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is currently the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prognosis of ACS treatment outcome depends on the speed of reperfusion after a heart attack; wherein, one of the associated factors is pre-hospital time.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted in ACS patients, who visited the emergency room of a tertiary hospital; from 1^st January to 31^st December 2020. The primary outcome was pre-hospital time; and secondary outcome was factors associated with delayed pre-hospital time (≥ 2 hours) that were analyzed by using logistic regression.

Results: The Median age of …

Development Of Wefit Screening Tool For Assessing Pre-Exercise Fitness Level For Older Adults In Peninsular Malaysia, Divya Vanoh, Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin, Suzana Shahar, Shahrul Azman Mohd Noah, Zahara Abdul Manaf, Noorlaili Mohd Tohit

Journal of Health Research

Background: Pre-exercise screening is important to identify the fitness level of older adults prior to performing exercise. This study aimed to develop a screening tool for identifying older adults with poor physical fitness prior to exercising.

Method: Participants involved 2315 older adults from four states in Peninsular Malaysia. Several social and health parameters were investigated, and fitness level was assessed using hand grip strength. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was chosen to determine the cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and Youden`s Index of the screening tool.

Results: Age, sex, waist circumference, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and fasting blood …

Administrative Data Improves Quality Of Cervical Pre-Cancer Surveillance In Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, Sheelah Blankenship, Manideepthi Pemmaraju, Edward Mitchel, Tiffanie M. Markus, Marie R. Griffin, Jessica L. Castilho

Journal of Health Research

Background: Accurate data are critical for public health surveillance yet can be challenging to ensure. The Tennessee (TN) HPV Vaccine IMPACT Project aims to assess the effectiveness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in prevention of cervical cancer and high-grade dysplasia through laboratory reporting of pathology results among Davidson County women. This project assessed feasibility and value of use of administrative sources for improved data quality and completeness of high-grade cervical events in TN HPV-IMPACT between 2013-2017.

Method: We queried three administrative data systems (Hospital Discharge Data System, Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center, and Tennessee Medicaid [TennCare]) for eligible women with …

An Overlooked Problem: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis From Experience Of Men With Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction, Junjira Seesawang, Pulawit Thongtaeng

Journal of Health Research

Background: ED is negatively associated with men’s sexual function capacity, emotional, intimate relationship and particularly psychological well-being. The purpose of this study was to synthesize qualitative findings which explain the experiences of men with diabetes who have erectile dysfunction.

Method: A meta-synthesis was performed. A search for qualitative studies published in English from 2010 to 2020 was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Science Direct databases. The main key words included: experience, men/male patient, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, diabetic erectile dysfunction, and qualitative research. Inductive and interpretative technique was used to analyze and synthesize findings from qualitative studies and reviewed by …

A Systematic Review Of The Use Of Simulated Client Method In Examining Medicine Price, Kah Seng Lee, Yaman Walid Kassab, Nur Akmar Taha, Zainol Akbar Zainal

Journal of Health Research

Background: Simulated patient method has been frequently utilised to explore the healthcare provider’s behaviour, services information, and its quality of services. This study was aimed to systematically identify and review studies conducted using simulated client/patients that examine medicine selling prices in various healthcare settings.

Method: We searched Pubmed, OVID, Scopus, Ebsco (Medline) and ProQuest for papers reporting on simulated patient studies, specifying drug or pharmaceutical pricings. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, cohort or case–control studies, and descriptive studies were included.

Results: A total of 19 papers from 13 countries from all regions of the world were included …

Acculturation Strategies Of The Recent Wave Of Indonesian Migrants In Thailand, Muhammad Zamal Nasution, Rosalia Sciortino, Sakkarin Niyomsilpa, Sureeporn Punpuing

Journal of Health Research

Background: The rapid increase of Indonesian migrants to Thailand in the last two decades due to greater regional integration, transport connectivity, and internationalization of education. Different religion, socio-culture, and other sociodemographic factors might affect their adaptation to the Thai society.

Method: A mixed-method design was employed for data collection. The quantitative data were derived from an online survey of 268 respondents, while the qualitative data came from literature review, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and direct observation.

Results: Indonesian migrants tended to opt for an integration strategy and to a lesser extent a separation strategy, with assimilation and marginalization ranking …