Care-seeking Behavior Research Articles

Psychosocial, emotional and behavioral problems, quality of life, and mental health care seeking behaviors among children and adolescents in Jordan: a national school-based survey

ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral problems and their symptoms among children and adolescents in Jordan, assess their quality of life, and examine mental health help-seeking behavior.MethodsA large-scale school-based national survey was conducted in Jordan among children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years (grades 3 to 12) from the host and refugee populations, utilizing a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select a nationally representative sample. Two versions of structured questionnaires were used: proxy parent version for students in grades 3 to 6 (8–11 years) and self-report version for students in grades 7 to 12 (12–18 years). The study questionnaires employed internationally recognized and validated tools in English, which were translated into Arabic.ResultsA total of 8,000 (3,433 (42.9%) boys, 4,567 (57.1%) girls) and (3,593 (44.9%) children, 4,407 (55.1%) adolescents) were included. About 24.5% of children had anxiety symptoms (18.0% of Jordanians, 34.5% of Syrian camp refugees, 33.7% of Syrian urban refugees, and 24.7% of Palestinian camp refugees) and 16.6% of children had major depressive disorder symptoms (11.0% of Jordanians, 25.4% of Syrian camp refugees, 25.0% of Syrian urban refugees, and 14.0% of Palestinian camp refugees). Almost 13.9% of children and 19.7% of adolescents had abnormal levels of total emotional and behavioral difficulties. Nearly 16.5% of children and 35.0% of adolescents had poor overall health-related quality of life. When experiencing a personal or emotional problem, only 28.1% of children’s parents would seek help for their children and 19.7% of adolescents would seek help for themselves.ConclusionThe study revealed a high prevalence of various mental health issues’ symptoms, particularly among refugees and female adolescents. Intention to seek help is relatively low, suggesting that children and adolescents’ mental health needs are not being widely met. It is crucial to implement integrated and coordinated plans and programs that effectively target multiple factors that impact children and adolescents’ mental health, while also respecting the prevailing cultural context. A key aspect of promoting the mental well-being of children and adolescents in Jordan is the inclusive involvement of refugees and individuals from other nationalities.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Rural Tanzania During the First 6 Months of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the first 6 months of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, limited testing clouded understanding of the extent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in Africa. In particular, Tanzania halted all testing and reporting of SARS-CoV-2 cases after May 2020, not resuming until June 2021. In July-August 2020, we performed a seroprevalence survey in rural Bagamoyo district, 40 km outside Dar es Salaam. Among 347 asymptomatic children and adults, 64/347 (18.0%) demonstrated seroreactivity to SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain by ELISA. Given significant antibody cross-reactivity in malaria-endemic regions, seropositivity was additionally confirmed via a multitarget Luminex immunoassay. Thirty-seven, or 58% of initially seroreactive persons, were Luminex positive, leading to an estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 10.7% (37/347, 95% CI 7.6-14.4%). Working in health care appeared to be associated with seropositivity. Reporting of viral symptoms or health care-seeking behavior in the previous 3 months was not more frequent in seropositive individuals.

Exploring the Health Care Seeking Behavior of Rohingya Community during COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a 'pandemic,' and it was the most horrific diseases the world. Objective: The study aimed to explore the healthcare-seeking behavior of Rohingya people during the COVID-19. Materials and methods: It was conducted as a cross-sectional study involving a sample size of 200 participants. Respondents were chosen through convenience sampling methods. The study population was the Rohingya population residing in Cox’s Bazar. A well-designed and pretested set of structured questionnaires was used to collect the information. The total study duration was for 3 months. Informed consent was taken from the participants, and Ethical clearance was taken from the IRB of AIUB. Data were analyzed using IBM STATA 16. Place and period of study: The study was conducted at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Camp in Bangladesh. Results Majority (40%) of the respondents was aged between 30 to 49 years and 51% of them were female. A significant majority, 88%, expressed a preference for treatment at a Refugee health camp, while 9% opted for a Pharmacy and 3% chose a Traditional healer. Overall, 88% of respondents demonstrated positive behavior, in contrast to 12% who exhibited negative behavior. The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that factors such as low educational attainment, fear of visiting health facilities, and a lack of awareness regarding COVID-19 prevention were significantly associated with negative health-seeking behavior. Conclusion: The healthcare-seeking behavior exhibited by the Rohingya community in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic has been observed to be commendable.

Culture, community, and cancer: understandings of breast cancer from a non-lived experience among women living in Soweto

BackgroundIndividual perceptions, socio-cultural beliefs and health system factors are key determinants of people’s health seeking behavior and are widely cited as the causes of delayed breast cancer diagnosis among women from structurally vulnerable settings. Asking: “how do women with a non-lived experience of cancer understand the disease and, what informs their health seeking behaviors?”, we qualitatively explored, individual, sociocultural and health system elements from a conceptual model derived from the Socioecological, Health Belief and Cancer Stigma Frameworks, to understand perspectives of breast cancer in a South African urban community setting.MethodsUsing a deductive approach and allowing new themes to emerge inductively, we investigated phenomenologically, breast cancer perceptions among 34 women from Soweto, Johannesburg (aged 35–74 years) in 6 Focus Group Discussions. We then conducted 20 follow-up semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore novel themes and suggestions for increasing breast cancer screening.ResultsFindings revealed some awareness of breast and other cancers, but confusion and gaps in understanding of the disease, resulting in socio-culturally influenced misperceptions of risks, causes, and outcomes following treatment of breast cancer. This fueled perceptions of profound fear and stigma against people with breast and other cancers. These findings together with participant perceptions of primary healthcare providers being unwelcoming, under-resourced, and insufficiently trained to deal with breast cancer, resulted in women reporting being reluctant to participating in screening/early detection care seeking behavior. Women only accessed primary care when experiencing extreme pain or ill-health. Participants suggested as solutions for future interventions, the need for sustained community engagement, harnessing existing clinic and community stakeholders and resources to provide clear and understandable breast cancer information and encouragement for screening uptake.ConclusionsHealth literacy gaps surrounding breast cancer fuels socio-culturally influenced misperceptions, fear, stigma, and fatalism among women from Soweto. Women perceive primary care providers of having insufficient knowledge, skills, and resources to provide effective breast cancer screening services. Participants suggested the need for greater community engagement involving primary clinics and existing community stakeholders working collaboratively. Clear, understandable, and consistent information about breast cancer must be regularly disseminated and communities must be regularly encouraged to utilize breast cancer screening services.

Addressing data quality issues to assess clinical and epidemiological risk factors for COVID-19 among documented cases in Liberia: a single-centre, retrospective, observational study

IntroductionIdentification of risk factors for severe COVID-19 can help to inform case management in resource-constrained settings. We aimed to rigorously but retroactively address data issues to identify risk factors for...

A Study On The Health Seeking Behavior Among Caregivers Of Under-Five Children In A Rural Area Of West Bengal

Background- Children are most vulnerable and dependent groups on others in the society other than geriatric person .So appropriate healthcare seeking behavior of their caregivers are very much important to reduce morbidity & mortality and improve healthy life . Materials & Methods-This was a cross-sectional study was conducted at rural area of West Bengal among 180 caregivers of under 5 yr children with the help of predesigned pretested semistructured schedule. Study subject selected by systematic random sampling and data compilation were done MS Office Excel-2010 and data analysis were done by chi sq test in IBM SPSS version 2019 Results: Among 180 caregivers majority were 20-30yrs age gr(65%), joint family(64.4%), OBC(39.4%), Hindu(86.1%),Literate(71.1%), Homemaker(82.8%), having health insurance(76.1%),lower middle socio economic class(45%). Among children majority were 3-5yrs age gr(47.8%),female(50.6%), vaccinated not at par age (60.6%), second or more order child(59.4%). 20.6% caregivers had in appropriate healthcare seeking behavior for their children.Appropriate health seeking behavior among caregivers significantly associated with≤30yrs (ꭕ2=20.33,,df=1,p=.000007 ),nuclear family(ꭕ2=4.74, df=1,p=.029, )literate(ꭕ2=71.72,df=1,p=<.000001), homemaker(ꭕ2=28.19,df=1, p=.0000012), upper middle & upper lower SES(ꭕ2=4.44,df=1, p=.035),having insurance(ꭕ2=34.91,df=1, p=<.00001) but not significantly associate with religion(ꭕ2=1.58 ,df=1,p=.2) & gender of children(ꭕ2=.0058, df=1, p=.939). The majority of caregivers for children (71.7%) were depending generally on Govt health facility and a sizeable portion of caregivers(42.2%) collected medicine over the counter without consultation of medical professional and 35% caregivers generally approached AYUSH system of medicine. Conclusion- From this study it was concluded that appropriate health care seeking behavior among caregivers are significantly influenced by with ≤30yrs age gr , joint family ,occupation ,education , socio economic scale, health insurance In rural bengal primarily dependent on Govt health facility and a sizeable population still collected medicine over the counter with consultation of medical supervision

Parental Ability to Detect Visual or Ocular Anomalies in Their Children

INTRODUCTION: Children typically depend on their parents to seek eyecare. Visual and ocular disorders can be challenging for parents to identify with the absence of apparent symptoms. This may hinder timely clinical diagnosis for children who need treatment. Parental awareness regarding common paediatric eye and vision anomalies along with eye care seeking behaviour has been reported, but there is a lack of studies that demonstrate parental ability to identify a presenting eye or vision disorder in their own children. AIM: This study aimed to determine parental ability to recognise a significant eye problem in their children. METHODS: The study population consisted of beneficiaries of Jaber Al Ahmad Armed Forces Hospital in Kuwait. Structured history and symptoms were taken from parents and comprehensive eye examinations were conducted for their children. Parental responses were compared to the eye test results to attain the study purpose. RESULTS: A total of 188 parental interviews and 188 eye test results data were collected from 137 parents and their children. Only a few parents (18.1%) were able to detect significant visual or ocular anomalies in their children. One-third of the parents (33%) were under the assumption that the visual or ocular status of their children was within the norm, while the eye test results showed that the children had clinically significant issues. Overall, 41.5% of the entire group of parents were wrong in their assumption about the children’s visual or ocular status. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a large proportion of parents may not be able to identify a presenting eye disorder in their children. This emphasises the significance of routine eye examinations at an early age.

Healthcare Seeking Behaviour and Associated Factor Among Community Based Health Insurance Members and Non-Members in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Community based health insurance (CBHI) is voluntary, non-profit health insurance. It helps to mobilize additional resource to the health sector. Community Based Health Insurance uses principles of insurance, members pay fees to the insurance scheme and in return their health service cost is covered by the scheme. This way risks can be shared among individuals and financial inputs pooled between individuals who need health service but are not able because they cannot afford it and those who are well but pay premium. Objective: To assess health Care seeking behavior and Community based health insurance among members and non-members in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2023. Methodology: A community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 580 households included in this study. Data was collected by data collectors using a standardized questionnaire through interviews. Associated factors for healthcare seeking behavior is identified by binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis and expressed by adjusted odds ratio (AOR). Multivariate analysis also used to control the effect of confounders. Result: Healthcare-Seeking Behavior of the Study Participants Factors Associated with Healthcare-Seeking Behavior participants the study indicated that the decision-making to visit a health facility for illnesses, disease severity, and CBHI membership had a statistically significant association with HSB. Conclusion: The overall household Health Seeking Behavior was 56.3% for Community Based Health Insurance members and 43.7% for non-Community Based Health Insurance members. Membership status has significant positive effect on healthcare seeking behavior. Decision- making process to visit a health facility for illnesses, disease severity was positively associated with membership status.

How have respiratory tract infections changed in the post-covid era for children under 5 years?

Abstract Background Social distancing measures introduced in response to the covid-19 pandemic reduced transmission of all respiratory pathogens. Exposure to respiratory pathogens in early life affects future lung health. We aimed to describe changes in the incidence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children <5 years in England in the post-pandemic era. Methods Population-based retrospective cohort study using electronic health records. We included all children aged <5 years registered with a primary care practice from April 2016 to March 2023. We compared monthly GP consultation rates for RTIs in the two post-pandemic years (April 2021 - March 2022 and April 2022 - March 2023) with corresponding months during pre-pandemic years (April 2016 - February 2020). Results There were 3 045 701 respiratory tract infections among 2 894 539 children <5 years registered with a GP practice during the study period. Pre-pandemic, monthly RTI rates varied from lows of 29.1 per 100 child-years in August to highs of 108.8 per 100 child-years in November. In 2021/22, monthly RTI rates were bimodal peaking in June and October, although the winter peak was lower than pre-pandemic years and mean monthly RTI rates were ∼15% lower overall. In 2022/23 mean monthly RTI rates remained ∼15% lower than pre-pandemic years, but there was a single peak in December 2022 of 117.6 RTIs per 100 child-years, exceeding the pre-pandemic winter peaks by 8.1%. Conclusions Overall, monthly RTIs in post-pandemic years were 15% lower than pre-pandemic years. However, there was a concerning peak in December 2022 that exceeded the winter peaks from previous years. Comparisons with national surveillance data suggest this peak reflects changes in RTI incidence, particularly among group A streptococcal infections, but this peak may also reflect changes in access to care or healthcare seeking behaviour. Continued monitoring of post-pandemic seasonal patterns will assist in planning for health service use. Key messages • Respiratory tract infections in children <5 years in post-pandemic years were 15% lower than pre-pandemic years, but winter peaks in incidence may be of greater magnitude in the post pandemic era. • Ongoing monitoring of patterns of respiratory tract infections in young children is important for future health service planning and delivery.

Barriers to Delivering Concussion Education: Identifying Opportunities for Change Through the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) Model.

This study aimed to describe barriers athletic trainers (ATs) face to implementing expert recommendations for improving athletes' concussion care-seeking behavior. We distributed an electronic survey through the National Athletic Trainers' Association to 9,997 ATs working in secondary schools or collegiate institutions and received 365 complete responses. We quantitatively measured their barriers using a validated survey based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) behavior system containing six Likert-type items with a scale of 0 to 10 (labeled Strongly Disagree-Strongly Agree). We performed three analyses: (a) descriptive analysis of COM-B responses, (b) separate ordinal regression analyses to determine if gender, years certified, percent of employment hours spent at their school, or setting (e.g., secondary school or college/university) predict COM-B responses, and (c) group comparisons within types of secondary schools and collegiate institutions. Athletic trainers reported the highest barriers in the opportunity-related constructs followed by capability-related and motivation-related constructs. Practicing in a secondary school, rather than college/university, setting predicted stronger barriers in psychological capability, social opportunity, physical opportunity, and automatic motivation. Athletic trainers at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) affiliated colleges/universities had higher physical and psychological capability, compared to ATs at non-NCAA-affiliated colleges/universities. Athletic trainers feel motivated and capable of employing practices to improve athlete care-seeking after a concussion, but they face barriers. Organizations should support ATs by providing opportunities to deliver concussion education. Secondary schools and non-NCAA institutions may benefit from resources to reduce barriers to providing concussion education, like toolkits to help deliver concussion education and protected time to providing this education.

Impact of low back pain and care-seeking behavior in an Indigenous community in Suriname: a qualitative approach.

Low back pain is a significant global public health issue affecting over half a billion people and contributing to disability worldwide. The impact of disability related to low back pain is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In contrast with previous research, current evidence shows Indigenous Peoples also experience low back pain's disabling effects. A clinical ethnographic can contribute by attempting to understand the data through the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. A clinical ethnographic study was conducted in Galibi, a Kalinya rural Indigenous village in Suriname, with support of the local traditional authority. The main objective was to explore the impact of low back pain and care-seeking behavior from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples with low back pain. The findings were that low back pain had a significant physical and emotional impact. Despite aggravating their low back pain, participants continued many of their activities of daily life since these were essential for their (economic) survival. Furthermore, participants expressed anxiousness, financial worries, and concerns about the cause and future of their low back pain. To address their low back pain, the Kalinya Indigenous Peoples used both western and traditional care. Visits to western healthcare practitioners were limited due to logistical challenges and travel costs, and the experience was often negative. The study highlights the experiences of Kalinya Indigenous Peoples dealing with low back pain. Low back pain is a burden within Indigenous Peoples of Galibi but accepted as an integral part of their life. When in pain, Indigenous Peoples face many barriers to access western health care and visits to healthcare practitioners were often unhelpful. This contributed to a long-lasting negative impact on the Indigenous people with low back pain. Further research is needed to develop strategies that improve health outcomes related to low back pain while reducing its associated disability in Indigenous Peoples.

Perceptions of surgery in Nicaragua: A cross-sectional survey study within the surgery for the people project.

Barriers to medical care include lack of proper infrastructure and equipment; however, cultural barriers to care and poorly perceived quality of care, especially surgical care, can also negatively impact a patient's utilization of healthcare services. This study used patient-survey data from three unique municipalities in Nicaragua to examine pre-hospital barriers to care, including previous experience with healthcare, and how those experiences impact patient perceptions of surgery and care-seeking behavior. Surveys were administered in Siuna, Rosita, and Bonanza, Nicaragua between July 2019 and September 2020. Survey participants were aged 18-years or older that live in communities served by the Ministry of Health. The surveys were open response and multiple-choice format. Surveys included questions about structural/cultural/financial barriers to care, communication barriers, and knowledge of healthcare services. Data was managed using REDCap tools and analysis was completed using R. Individuals that previously visited a health post were significantly more likely to have a positive perception of surgery compared to those who had not (OR = 1.4) (p = 0.019). This finding remained significant after adjustment for education, age, and municipality. However, previous hospital visits did not have a significant impact on perception of surgery. Individuals with higher transportation costs reported a negative perception of surgery (40.4%), as well as those who used private transportation (29.1%) (p<0.001). Participants that reported travel obstacles were 2.64 times as likely to have a positive perception of surgery (p<0.001), even when adjusted for all demographics except site. These findings suggest that individuals who previously interacted with only lower-level healthcare environments were significantly more likely to have a positive perception of surgery. Counterintuitive findings show that access to public transport, transportation costs >2USD, and cell-phone usage increased negative perception of surgery. This study demonstrates the complexity of variables that impact perceptions of healthcare services while highlighting areas of focus for future targeted investments.

Health care seeking behaviour of patients reporting to a dental health Institution- A cross sectional study

This study aimed to assess the factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour among patients presenting to a dental institution. Oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases are prevalent global health concerns, particularly in developed countries, whereas oral cancers are more common in developing countries. In India, there is observed lower utilization of dental care services and higher rates of dental problems. This descriptive study involved 220 patients who visited a dental college and hospital in India. Patients were interviewed to gather information on their chief complaint, history of previous treatment for the complaint, and reasons for delaying dental treatment. The study identified several key factors contributing to delays in seeking dental treatment. Negligence was cited by 27.1% of patients, absence of symptoms by 14.5%, and financial constraints by 9%. Gender, occupation, and education level of patients also showed varying impacts on healthcare-seeking behaviour. Negligence, lack of symptom awareness, and financial constraints, particularly in rural and suburban areas were the significant barriers to timely dental treatment among patients in a dental institution in India.

Differential associations between experiences of contraceptive care and subsequent contraceptive access and preferences among family planning patients by racial and ethnic identity: Evidence from Arizona, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

While many frameworks exist for building person-centered and equitable systems of contraceptive care, evidence indicates that the reality of patients' experiences of care is often not in alignment with these ideals. Historical and current contexts of racism in the healthcare system contribute to negative perceptions and experiences of care, as well as reduced care-seeking behavior, for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Our objective in this analysis is to examine whether people's past experiences of contraceptive care are a driver of subsequent barriers to contraceptive access, and whether this relationship differs across racial and ethnic identity. We draw on panel data from five waves of surveys collected between 2018-2023 among patients ages fifteen and older seeking family planning care at sites that receive public funding for these services in Arizona, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Overall and stratified by race/ethnicity, we examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between patients' experiences of high-quality, person-centered contraceptive care and three contraceptive access outcomes: use of preferred contraception, satisfaction with contraceptive method, and experience of no barriers to accessing preferred contraception. We find longitudinal associations between patients experiencing higher-quality, more person-centered contraceptive care and subsequent satisfaction with contraceptive methods. Among non-Hispanic white-identifying patients, we find similar associations between shifting to higher-quality contraceptive care and use of preferred contraception, but we find no statistical relationship between experiencing higher-quality care and subsequent contraceptive outcomes for patients who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC). Highlighting the dissonance between clinical guidance for quality contraceptive care and patient experiences of care, and especially whether similar experiences across racial and ethnic identity lead to differential outcomes, is a crucial step toward bringing contraceptive care systems into alignment with principles of sexual and reproductive health equity.

Exploring cultural competence barriers in the primary care sexual and reproductive health centres in Catalonia, Spain: perspectives from immigrant women and healthcare providers

BackgroundImmigrant populations, especially women, continue facing challenges in accessing quality healthcare, particularly sexual and reproductive health services (SRH). Poor cultural competent health systems contribute to communication challenges between immigrant women and healthcare providers perpetuating health disparities. This exploratory study describes these communication barriers from the perspective of Moroccan and Pakistani immigrant women and healthcare providers within the Catalan health system and its implications to ensure an equitable provision of SRH services.MethodsAn exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was conducted in various municipalities of Barcelona with high concentration of immigrants. Eight focus groups (N = 51) and semi-structured interviews (N = 22) with Moroccan and Pakistani immigrant women were combined with key informant interviews (N = 13) with healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis and data triangulation were performed primarily using an inductive approach.ResultsLanguage barriers and cultural differences in health needs, expectations, care-seeking behaviours and understanding of quality healthcare provision hindered the ability of immigrant women and providers to interact effectively. Limited availability of intercultural mediators and inadequate cultural competence training opportunities for health staff were also identified. Findings suggest a lack of minority representation in the Catalan health workforce and leadership roles.ConclusionThis study reinforces the evidence of persistent inequities in accessing healthcare among immigrant populations by focusing on the cultural competence barriers of the Catalan health system in the provision and access to SRH services. The regularization of adequately trained intercultural mediators, quality training in cultural competence for health staff and a commitment to increase workforce diversity would contribute to improve intercultural communication between immigrant patients and providers. An urgent call to action in this direction is needed to ensure an equitable access to SRH services among immigrant women.

Factors Affecting Health Seeking Behavior of Elderly People in a Community of Pokhara, Nepal

Introduction: Individuals have different opinion regarding willingness to seek help from health care services. Thus, a study aimed to find out the health care seeking behaviour, factors affecting health care seeking behaviour and association between health seeking and those factors among elderly people. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 197 elderly people of 65 years and above in Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward No.28. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected by face to face interview technique using self-developed structured interview schedule. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Inferential statistics (Chi-square test) was used to reveal the association between the selected factors and health seeking behaviour.. Results: Finding showed 77.66% of respondents sought appropriate health care where as only 22.34 % of respondents sought inappropriate health care. Among those who sought care from appropriate health care, 65.48% of respondents sought care from governmental hospital. Among those who sought inappropriate health care still 22.72 % of respondents had belief in traditional healer. Accompany for the treatment of elderly was found statistically significant and other factors was not found statistically significant Conclusion: Based on the findings more than two third of the respondents reported that they seek appropriate health care. Among those respondents nearly half of respondents’ reason for seeking appropriate health care was good experience of medical treatment in the past. Among those whose health seeking behaviour is inappropriate, still one fourth of respondents had belief on traditional healer. Key words: Health seeking behavior; Elderly people; Nepal

Health care-seeking behavior for childhood illnesses in western Kenya: Qualitative findings from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Study

Health care-seeking behavior for childhood illnesses in western Kenya: Qualitative findings from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Study

Determininants of Diarrhea-Related Health Care Seeking Behavior among Indonesian Mothers with Under-five Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigated factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviours of Indonesian mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic when their children had diarrhea. The 117 participants completed a self-report which measured the socio-demographic condition, knowledge about diarrhea, illness perception, anxiety, and health care seeking behavior for diarrhea. The data were analyzed with the descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic multinomial regression analysis. Analysis revealed critical determinants including child age, maternal occupation, education, transportation, knowledge of diarrhea, and illness perception. The model accurately predicted 84.6% of healthcare-seeking behaviours, with mothers favoring formal care for younger children and education positively influencing formal healthcare utilization. The type of public transportation significantly influenced healthcare-seeking behavior. While accurate knowledge of diarrhea increased professional care seeking, the model explained only 5.61% of behavior variation, suggesting unexplored factors. Addressing these factors could improve child health outcomes during pandemics. Policy enhancements and cultural sensitivity in health education are vital for efficacy. Deepening understanding and developing effective interventions amidst pandemics require further research.

Barriers and enablers to breast cancer screening in rural South Africa

Background: The breast cancer burden on the South African healthcare system is severe, with rural South African women often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. South Africa’s rural areas are classified as low-resource settings with limited medical services and infrastructure. The impact of breast cancer on rural communities in South Africa requires ongoing research to better understand the severity of this disease among one of the most vulnerable populations.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers of breast cancer screening among rural South African women.Method: An exploratory qualitative study was utilised. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 22 rural South African women. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. This study utilised the care-seeking behaviour theory as its theoretical framework.Results: Participants identified many barriers to breast cancer screening, including individual affordability, transportation, rural services, infrastructure, health professional behaviour, and the lack of educational materials. Several factors are suggested to enable the screening of breast cancer in rural South Africa, including breast cancer campaigns, health education, the involvement of key stakeholders, and promotional materials.Conclusion: Despite the many barriers to breast cancer screening among rural South African women, there is still hope in implementing the various promotional tools outlined in this study and ensuring that breast self-examination is an alternative, affordable screening method.Contribution: The purpose of this article is to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focusses reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cancer.

A Qualitative Exploration of Women With Cystic Fibrosis and Urinary Incontinence.

Women with cystic fibrosis (CF) historically experience a high prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI). However, this area is understudied, especially in the modern era of highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT). This study aimed to explore the UI experiences, knowledge, care-seeking behavior, and treatment preferences of women with CF. We recruited women aged ≥18 years through the CF Foundation's Community Voice national registry if they had a diagnosis of CF and reported UI. Participants underwent individual, semistructured interviews exploring their experiences, attitudes, and preferences toward UI that were audiorecorded and transcribed. Two coders performed thematic analysis using deductive and inductive coding approaches. Twenty-six participants completed interviews (average age, 45.1 years; range, 24-61 years). Key themes included the following: (1) most women with CF and UI report low bother from symptoms likely related to stress UI, and HEMT has greatly improved UI symptoms and decreased bother; (2) most women with CF and UI had previously discussed UI symptoms with family and/or peers but had not sought care due to stigma or low priority; (3) women with CF and UI had minimal knowledge about UI in general and how it relates to CF; (4) most desired broad screening for UI from their CF team and improved multidisciplinary care; and (5) highly effective UI treatment options with low-time commitment and easily accessible resources are desired. Women with CF and UI report low knowledge and care-seeking behavior related to this condition and desire improved care provision. Importantly, HEMT may improve UI symptoms among people with CF.