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Belon AP, Yashadhana A, Kongats K, Atkey K, Glenn NM, Jaques K, Nieuwendyk L, Harris P, de Leeuw E, Nykiforuk CI. Australian and Canadian financial wellbeing policy landscape during COVID-19: An equity-informed policy scan. Health Policy Open 2024; 6:100114. [PMID: 38213762 PMCID: PMC10776654 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2023.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This targeted and comprehensive policy scan examined how different levels of governments in Australia and Canada responded to the financial crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We mapped the types of early policy responses addressing financial strain and promoting financial wellbeing. We also examined their equity considerations. Methods Through a systematic search, snowballing, and manual search, we identified Canadian and Australian policies at all government levels related to financial strain or financial wellbeing enacted or amended in 2019-2020. Using a deductive-inductive approach, policies were categorized by jurisdiction level, focal areas, and target population groups. Results In total, 213 and 97 policies in Canada and Australia, respectively, were included. Comparisons between Canadian and Australian policies indicated a more diversified and equity-targeted policy landscape in Canada. In both countries, most policies focused on individual and family finances, followed by housing and employment areas. Conclusions The policy scan identified gaps and missed opportunities in the early policies related to financial strain and financial wellbeing. While fast, temporary actions addressed individuals' immediate needs, we recommend governments develop a longer-term action plan to tackle the root causes of financial strain and poor financial wellbeing for better health and non-health crisis preparedness. Statement on Ethics and Informed Consent This research reported in this paper did not require ethical clearance or patient informed consent as the data sources were published policy documents. This study did not involve data collection with humans (or animals), nor any secondary datasets involving data provided by humans (or from animal studies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Belon
- Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-035 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Aryati Yashadhana
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Krystyna Kongats
- Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-035 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Kayla Atkey
- Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-035 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Glenn
- Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-035 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
- PolicyWise for Children & Families, 1000 – 9925, 109 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2J8, Canada
| | - Karla Jaques
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Laura Nieuwendyk
- Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-035 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Patrick Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Evelyne de Leeuw
- Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Healthy Urban Environments Collaboratory, Maridulu Budyari Gumal SPHERE, Sydney, Australia
| | - Candace I.J. Nykiforuk
- Centre for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-035 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
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Fallah R, Maleki M, Aryankhesal A, Haghdoost A. Reviewing the National Health Services Quality Policies and Strategies of the Iranian Health System: A Document Analysis. Int J Prev Med 2023; 14:107. [PMID: 37854999 PMCID: PMC10580188 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_1_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-quality health care is an important component of efforts to reach Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Given this pivotal fact, poor quality of care is a significant bottleneck in the endeavors of Iran to UHC. This study was part of a broader qualitative study and aimed to provide supplementary data about the documents related to the National Quality Policies and Strategies (NQPS) health services in the health system of Iran to determine the degree of alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) approach for NQPS, and to track change and development over time. Methods This document analysis was performed following the READ approach for systematic document analysis in health policy research. Furthermore, qualitative content analysis following parallel forms of the mixed analysis in which the textual material proceeded with different inductive and deductive content-analytical procedures simultaneously, applying the WHO practical approach for NQPS, was selected. Results The 15 included records that met the inclusion criteria were released in the post-Islamic Revolution period. The Ministry of Health was found as the most responsible authority for publishing the NQPS among the other authorities. Furthermore, 67% of NQPS was aligned with the goals and priorities of a broader national plan or policy. Contradictions, variations, and ambiguities were also found in the literature circumstances of the NQPS. There was no NQPS concentrated on the entire pathway of care in the Iranian health system, which developed according to the WHO approach for NQPS. Conclusions Qualitative analysis of the current NQPSs based on the eight inter-dependent elements and critical supplements, the technical perspective of broad stakeholders, community engagement, and steady commitment of policymakers are our recommendations for future efforts towards having NQPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Fallah
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Maleki
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aidin Aryankhesal
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Haghdoost
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public Health School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Kundu S, Ghosh AK, Dutta M, Kant R, Ghosh B, Jotdar A, Dutta M. Socio-demographic and Audiological Profile of the Board-Reviewed Applicants for Hearing Handicap Certification in a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute in Eastern India. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023;:1-10. [PMID: 36628335 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To analyze the socio-demographic and audiological profile of the applicants for hearing handicap certification in the Medical Board (henceforth, "Board") of a tertiary care teaching institute. This is a retrospective record review (March 2019-February 2020) from the archival computer database of the institutional Board. The procedure for audiological assessment prior to Board review and thereafter, the evaluation at the Board (computation of hearing impairment) for eligibility for certification was discussed. The socio-demographic profile of the applicants (age, gender, faith) and the types of hearing impairment [HI%; organic (sensorineural, mixed), non-organic (malingering)] were analyzed with relevant statistical parameters. A HI% scale was introduced to classify the severity of the hearing deficit. Of the 163 applicants, 148 had organic hearing loss (average age: 35.4 years; 1.9 times male preponderance) and 15 were malingerers (average age: 35.7 years; 14 times male preponderance). The left ear contributed more to the hearing handicap. Most applicants having sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL; n = 124) were within 10-19 years and 40-49 years (19.35% each), with 12% being ≧ 60 years (age-associated hearing loss). Of the 13 applicants of age ≦ 12 years, eight were diagnosed with brainstem evoked response audiometry, and 10 had HI score of ≥ 70%. Muslim population with SNHL tended to avail certification 1.34 times more than the Hindus. Most of the applicants with mixed hearing loss (MHL; n = 24) were in their fifth and sixth decades (29.2% each), with three times male preponderance. Among the malingerers, the average malingering impairment was 66% (median: 61%; range 44-100%). Among the SNHL population, ~ 30% had HI at 90-100% in contrast to the MHL population of whom 8% had HI at > 90% and 29% had HI at 40- < 55%. Ten applicants among the organic hearing loss group (6.76%) (two with SNHL; eight with MHL) had HI scores of < 40% and were considered ineligible for certification. The outcomes of the review provided a comprehensive account of the socio-demographic profile of the applicants for handicap certification and the type of hearing loss prevailing in a given population. These data, and the severity stratification of the hearing disability through the HI% scale would provide the policymakers and stakeholders with proper directions to work upon.
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Gupta M, Zwi AB, Jagnoor J. Opportunities for the development of drowning interventions in West Bengal, India: a review of policy and government programs. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:704. [PMID: 32414356 PMCID: PMC7229618 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Four million people living in the Indian Sundarbans region in the state of West Bengal face a particularly high risk of drowning due to rurality, presence of open water, lack of accessible health systems and poor infrastructure. Although the World Health Organization has identified several interventions that may prevent drowning in rural low-and middle-income country contexts, none are currently implemented in this region. This study aims to conduct contextual policy analysis for the development of a drowning program. Implementation of a drowning program should consider leveraging existing structures and resources, as interventions that build on policy targets or government programs are more likely to be sustainable and scalable. METHODS A detailed content review of national and state policy (West Bengal) was conducted to identify policy principles and/or specific government programs that may be leveraged for drowning interventions. The enablers and barriers of these programs as well as their implementation reach were assessed through a systematic literature review. Identified policies and programs were also assessed to understand how they catered for underserved groups and their implications for equity. RESULTS Three programs were identified that may be leveraged for the implementation of drowning interventions such as supervised childcare, provision of home-based barriers, swim and rescue skills training and community first responder training: the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Self-Help Group (SHG) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programs. All three had high coverage in West Bengal and considered underserved groups such as women and rural populations. Possible barriers to using these programs were poor government monitoring, inadequate resource provision and overburdening of community-based workers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic analysis of both policy content and execution of government programs to provide comprehensive insights into possible implementation strategies for a health intervention, in this case drowning. Programs targeting specific health outcomes should consider interventions outside of the health sector that address social determinants of health. This may enable the program to better align with relevant government agendas and increase sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gupta
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Level 5/1 King St, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
| | - A B Zwi
- Health, Rights and Development (HEARD@UNSW), School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UNSW Australia, Morven Brown Building, Kensington, 2052, Australia
| | - J Jagnoor
- Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, 110025, India
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Bernal OA, McClintock HF, Kurichi JE, Kwong PL, Xie D, Streim JE, Pezzin LE, Bogner HR. Patient Satisfaction and Perceived Quality of Care Among Younger Medicare Beneficiaries According to Activity Limitation Stages. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 100:289-299. [PMID: 30316959 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.09.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between activity limitation stages and patient satisfaction and perceived quality of medical care among younger Medicare beneficiaries. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) for calendar years 2001-2011. PARTICIPANTS A population-based sample (N=9323) of Medicare beneficiaries <65 years of age living in the community. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES MCBS questions were categorized under 5 patient satisfaction and perceived quality dimensions: care coordination and quality, access barriers, technical skills of primary care physician (PCP), interpersonal skills of PCP, and quality of information provided by PCP. Persons were classified into an activity limitation stage (0-IV) which was derived from self-reported difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). RESULTS Compared to beneficiaries with no limitations at ADL stage 0, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for stage I (mild) to stage IV (complete) for satisfaction with access barriers ranged from 0.62 (0.53-0.72) at stage I to a minimum of 0.31 (0.22-0.43) at stage IV. Similarly, compared to beneficiaries at IADL stage 0, satisfaction with access barriers ranged from 0.66 (0.55-0.79) at stage I to a minimum of 0.36 (0.26-0.51) at stage IV. Satisfaction with care coordination and quality and perceived quality of medical care were not associated with activity limitation stages. CONCLUSIONS Younger Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities reported decreased satisfaction with access to medical care, highlighting the need to improve access to health care and human services and to enhance workforce capacity to meet the needs of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Bernal
- Center for Public Health Initiatives, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Heather F McClintock
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
| | - Jibby E Kurichi
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pui L Kwong
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Dawei Xie
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joel E Streim
- Geriatric Psychiatry Section of the Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and VISN 4 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Liliana E Pezzin
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Hillary R Bogner
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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Kim MK, Lee YK, Kim TE, Kong I, Yang HJ, Suh ES. Surveillance and compensation claims for adverse events following immunization from 2011 to 2016 in the Republic of Korea. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2017; 6:146-155. [PMID: 28775979 PMCID: PMC5540963 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2017.6.2.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years, research on reported adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and claims filed for compensation has been lacking. We reviewed reported AEFIs and compensation claims in Korea from 2011 to 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS We listed all of the AEFI registered in the Integrated Management System of Disease and Public Health and reviewed the list of claims filed and serious AEFIs reported from 2011 to 2016. RESULTS An average of 278 AEFI cases was reported annually from 2011 to 2016. Of these, 31 deaths were reported. However, there was no association found between these deaths and vaccinations when evaluating vaccine lot, reviewing autopsies, and considering underlying diseases. AEFI reporting rate was as high as 20.8 cases for bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, 7.3 cases for 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23), and 5.4 cases for human papillomavirus vaccine per 100,000 vaccination doses in 2016. Of the 469 total cases that claimed vaccine injury compensation from 2011 to 2016, the BCG vaccine was most commonly involved, with 235 cases (50%), followed by influenza vaccine and PPV23, with 90 and 55 cases, respectively. Of these cases, 96% of BCG-related AEFI were compensated, while only 31% and 49% of AEFI following influenza and PPV23 vaccination, respectively, were compensated. Common characteristics of uncompensated cases included the elderly subjects, receiving influenza vaccine, having underlying disease, or a very short time interval between vaccination and symptoms. CONCLUSION We have maintained vaccine safety management system through both rapid response to serious AEFI and vaccine injury compensation in order to sustain public trust in the National Immunization Program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Kyung Kim
- Division of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Control and National Immunization Program, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Yeon Kyeong Lee
- Division of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Control and National Immunization Program, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Tae Eun Kim
- Division of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Control and National Immunization Program, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Insik Kong
- Division of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Control and National Immunization Program, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Sook Suh
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of lifestyle modification for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus but it was achieved at higher cost than can be sustained in routine health services. The first clinical trial to report was the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study. This paper describes how Australia worked with Finnish colleagues to adapt the findings of that study to achieve a statewide diabetes prevention program. Small evaluative, effectiveness trials have been conducted in a number of countries to see if the results of the clinical trials can be replicated in routine health services. The Australian evaluative trial, Greater Green Triangle Diabetes Prevention Program is described in detail to demonstrate the ingredients for success in moving a program from one country to another. Few countries have managed to scale up from evaluative trials to statewide or national programs. The Australian experience is described in detail including lessons learned about what reduced the effectiveness, particularly the need for policy makers in government, people from the implementing organisation and researchers to work together from the start of the evaluative trial and throughout the first 5 years of a national program.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Dunbar
- Centre for Population Health Research, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Wilkens J, Thulesius H, Schmidt I, Carlsson C. The 2015 National Cancer Program in Sweden: Introducing standardized care pathways in a decentralized system. Health Policy 2016; 120:1378-1382. [PMID: 27823827 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Starting in 2015, the Swedish government has initiated a national reform to standardize cancer patient pathways and thereby eventually speed up treatment of cancer. Cancer care in Sweden is characterized by high survival rates and a generally high quality albeit long waiting times. The objective with the new national program to standardize cancer care pathways is to reduce these waiting times, increase patient satisfaction with cancer care and reduce regional inequalities. A new time-point for measuring the start of a care process is introduced called well-founded suspicion, which is individually designed for each cancer diagnosis. While medical guidelines are well established earlier, the standardisation is achieved by defining time boundaries for each step in the process. The cancer reform program is a collaborative effort initiated and incentivized by the central government while multi-professional groups develop the time-bound standardized care pathways, which the regional authorities are responsible for implementing. The broad stakeholder engagement and time-bound guidelines are interesting approaches to study for other countries that need to streamline care processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Wilkens
- Department of Evaluation and Analysis, Systems Analysis Unit, The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Sweden.
| | - Hans Thulesius
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Sweden.
| | - Ingrid Schmidt
- Department of Evaluation and Analysis, Systems Analysis Unit, The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden.
| | - Christina Carlsson
- Department of Evaluation and Analysis, Systems Analysis Unit, The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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do Carmo AS, de Almeida LM, de Oliveira DR, Dos Santos LC. Influence of the Bolsa Família program on nutritional status and food frequency of schoolchildren. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2016; 92:381-7. [PMID: 27212134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the food frequency and nutritional status among students according to participation in the Bolsa Família program funded by the government. METHODS Cross-sectional study carried out with students from the fourth grade of elementary school in the municipal capital of the southeastern region of Brazil. Food consumption and anthropometry were investigated by a questionnaire administered in school, while participation in the Bolsa Família program and other socio-economic information was obtained through a protocol applied to mothers/guardians. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test, the chi-squared test, and Poisson regression with robust variance, and the 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS There were 319 children evaluated; 56.4% were male, with a median of 9.4 (8.6-11.9) years, and 37.0% were beneficiaries of Bolsa Família program. Between the two groups, there was high prevalence of regular soda consumption (34.3%), artificial juice (49.5%), and sweets (40.3%), while only 54.3% and 51.7% consumed fruits and vegetables regularly, respectively. Among participants of Bolsa Família program, a prevalence 1.24 times higher in the regular consumption of soft drinks (95% CI: 1.10-1.39) was identified compared to non-beneficiaries. The prevalence of overweight was higher in the sample (32.9%), with no difference according to participation in the program. CONCLUSION The study found increased consumption of soft drinks among BFP participants. The high rate of overweight and poor eating habits denote the need to develop actions to promote healthy eating, especially for the beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program, to promote improvements in nutritional status and prevent chronic diseases throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luana Caroline Dos Santos
- Department of Nutrition, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Bae J, Cho J, Cho SI, Kwak M, Lee T, Bae CA. Application and Developmental Strategies for Community-Based Injury Prevention Programs of the International Safe Communities Movement in Korea. J Korean Acad Nurs 2016; 45:910-8. [PMID: 26805503 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2015.45.6.910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Safety of humans is an important factor that affects health overall, and injuries are one of the major public-health problems in the world. The purposes of this study were to describe the International safe Community movement which contributes to the injury prevention and safety promotion all over the world, and to identify out the application and developmental strategies for Korea. METHODS A review was done of previous research, reviews, and reports on the history, concepts, basic principles, and recommendations for actions of the Safe Community. RESULTS For this study, the application strategies of the International Safe Community movement in Korea were examined to deduce the strengths of the safe Community program. Community-based injury prevention work according to the International Safe Community model is a successful and cost-effective way of reducing injuries in the community. CONCLUSION Through the International Safe Community program, communities are able to realize a healthy community and achieve improved quality of lives for the people, which is the ultimate objective of the Safe Community model. In addition, it will contribute to the economic vitalization and gain through energy and enhancement of productivity of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongyee Bae
- Department of Nursing, Inje University, Busan, Korea.
| | - Joonpil Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical School, Aju University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seong Il Cho
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | - Minyeong Kwak
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | - Taehyen Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Busan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Christina Aram Bae
- Department of English Language and Literature, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Hann SK, Kang HS. Infertile Women's Perception on the National Support Program for Infertile Couples. Korean J Women Health Nurs 2015; 21:171-183. [PMID: 37684822 DOI: 10.4069/kjwhn.2015.21.3.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of infertile women on the use of the national support program that provides medical expense aid to infertile couples. METHODS Thirty Korean infertile women participated in five focus groups. Data were collected from January to August 2014. After obtaining permission from the participants, each session of the focus group was audio-taped and transcribed. The responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The main themes identified from the sessions with the participants were "feeling thankful for the reliable support program," "feeling happy or unhappy," "enduring inconveniences," and "hoping for a more comprehensive support service." Although most of the participants perceived the benefits of the national support service positively, they stated that the service was not comprehensive because it did not cover all the medical expenses for tests and other medical treatments. CONCLUSION The benefits given to infertile couples by the program should be increased by covering all the medical expenses, expanding its criteria to include more eligible candidates, and by including special leave benefits for working women. Furthermore, it is essential to take measures for infertility prevention at the individual and national policy levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Kyoung Hann
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Sun Kang
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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Emmerick ICM, do Nascimento JM, Pereira MA, Luiza VL, Ross-Degnan D. Farmácia Popular Program: changes in geographic accessibility of medicines during ten years of a medicine subsidy policy in Brazil. J Pharm Policy Pract 2015; 8:10. [PMID: 25926990 PMCID: PMC4403833 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-015-0030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Brazilian constitution guarantees the right to health, including access to medicines. In May 2004, Brazil's government announced the "Farmácia Popular" Program (FPP) as a new mechanism to improve the Brazilian population's access to medicines. Under FPP, a selected list of medicines is subsidized by the government and provided in public and private pharmacies. The aim of this study is to describe the historical stages of the FPP and to identify associated changes in the geographical accessibility of medicines through the FPP over time. METHODS It was performed documentary review and an ecological study assessing program coverage in terms of number of facilities and a FPP Pharmacy Facilities Density (PFD) index at national and regional levels from 2004 to 2013, using the FPP database. We used geographic information system mapping to depict a pharmaceutical facilities density (PFD) index at the municipality level on thematic maps. RESULTS A growth of the PFD index coincident with the phases of the FPP was noticed. In the public sector, the program started in 2004; by 2006, there was a sharp increase in the numbers of participating pharmacies, stabilizing in 2009. In the private sector, the program started in 2006; by 2009 the PFD ratio had increased substantially and it continued to grow through 2011. There was an increase in FPP coverage in most regions between 2006, when the private pharmacy component started, and 2013, but participating pharmacies remain unequally distributed across geographical regions. Specifically, the wealthy areas in the South and Southeast have higher coverage, with lower coverage mostly in the North and Northeast, relatively poorer areas with greater need for access to medicines, health care, and other basic services such as potable water and sanitization. CONCLUSIONS There has been a substantial increase in the number of pharmacies participating in the FPP over time. This has led to greater program coverage and has potentially improved access to FPP medicines in the country. Nevertheless, disparities in pharmacy coverage remain among the regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cristina Martins Emmerick
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 133 Brookline Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02215 USA ; Nucleus for Pharmaceutical Policies, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 1480, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões # 624, Manguinhos, 21021-000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - José Miguel do Nascimento
- Departamento de Assistência Farmacêutica/Secretaria de Ciência Tecnologia e Insumos estratégicos - Ministério da Saúde - Brasil - DAF/SCTIE/MS Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco G, 8º andar, CEP: 70058-900 Brasília, DF Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Pereira
- Departamento de Assistência Farmacêutica/Secretaria de Ciência Tecnologia e Insumos estratégicos - Ministério da Saúde - Brasil - DAF/SCTIE/MS Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco G, 8º andar, CEP: 70058-900 Brasília, DF Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Luiza
- Nucleus for Pharmaceutical Policies, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 1480, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões # 624, Manguinhos, 21021-000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Dennis Ross-Degnan
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 133 Brookline Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02215 USA
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13
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Brucker DL, Houtenville AJ. People with disabilities in the United States. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2015; 96:771-4. [PMID: 25757791 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A recent compilation of published disability statistics available for the United States showcases the pervasive and persistent disparities that exist between people with and without disabilities across multiple fronts, including employment, earnings, poverty, and participation in safety net programs. Understanding the relevance of these statistics within the current policy environment can help guide further innovations to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra L Brucker
- University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability, Durham, NH.
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14
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Ciol MA, Rasch EK, Hoffman JM, Huynh M, Chan L. Transitions in mobility, ADLs, and IADLs among working-age Medicare beneficiaries. Disabil Health J 2014; 7:206-15. [PMID: 24680050 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disability is a dynamic process where functional status may change over time. Examination of the Medicare population suggests that, for those over age 65, disability status will fluctuate in 30% of beneficiaries each year. Less is known about those under age 65. The dynamic nature of disability is of relevance since it has important implications for social policies related to disability. OBJECTIVES To: (1) describe the characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries eligible due to disability; and (2) estimate the proportion of individuals with transitions in functional status over a one-year period stratified by baseline characteristics and diagnostic subgroups. METHODS We used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 1995 to 2005 to examine transitions in mobility and daily activities among individuals who were eligible for Medicare coverage due to disability. RESULTS From the standpoint of function in mobility and daily activities, the working-age Medicare population with disability is fairly stable. While 75%-90% of our sample reported no disability or stable disability from one year to the next, depending on the condition and disability metric, as many as 13-14% of individuals showed improvement or decline in their functional status. CONCLUSIONS In the working-age population with disability, a small percentage of individuals will improve or worsen from one year to the next. Since these transitions are associated with a variety of individual characteristics including health conditions, further research applied to larger samples is required to refine policy relevant models that might inform decisions related to ongoing eligibility for disability programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A Ciol
- University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1959 N.E. Pacific St., UW Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195-6490, USA.
| | - Elizabeth K Rasch
- National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, USA
| | - Jeanne M Hoffman
- University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1959 N.E. Pacific St., UW Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195-6490, USA
| | - Minh Huynh
- National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, USA
| | - Leighton Chan
- National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, USA
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15
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Reynolds HW, Atuahene K, Sutherland E, Amenyah R, Kwao ID, Larbi ET. Development of a Nationally Coordinated Evaluation Plan for the Ghana National Strategy for Key Populations. J AIDS Clin Res 2014; 5:389. [PMID: 26120495 PMCID: PMC4479146 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6113.1000389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective Just as HIV prevention programs need to be tailored to the local epidemic, so should evaluations be country-owned and country-led to ensure use of those results in decision making and policy. The objective of this paper is to describe the process undertaken in Ghana to develop a national evaluation plan for the Ghana national strategy for key populations. Methods This was a participatory process that involved meetings between the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), other partners in Ghana working to prevent HIV among key populations, and MEASURE Evaluation. The process included three two-day, highly structured yet participatory meetings over the course of 12 months during which participants shared information about on-going and planned data and identified research questions and methods. Results An evaluation plan was prepared to inform stakeholders about which data collection activities need to be prioritized for funding, who would implement the study, the timing of data collection, the research question the data will help answer, and the analysis methods. The plan discusses various methods that can be used including the recommendation for the study design using multiple data sources. It has an evaluation conceptual model, proposed analyses, proposed definition of independent variables, estimated costs for filling data gaps, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to carry out the plan, and considerations for ethics, data sharing and authorship. Conclusion The experience demonstrates that it is possible to design an evaluation responsive to national strategies and priorities with country leadership, regardless of stakeholders' experiences with evaluations. This process may be replicable elsewhere, where stakeholders want to plan and implement an evaluation of a large-scale program at the national or subnational level that is responsive to national priorities and part of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi W Reynolds
- MEASURE Evaluation, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, 3rd Floor, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Sutherland
- MEASURE Evaluation, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, 3rd Floor, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
| | - Richard Amenyah
- Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Manager, Technical Support Facility for West and Central Africa, UNAIDS, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Africa
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