Community Outreach Programs Research Articles

Pemanfaatan minyak jelantah menjadi sabun batang pada masyarakat kelurahan Air Hitam Pekanbaru

Every cooking activity in households inevitably generates waste commonly known as waste or garbage, whether in solid or liquid form. One of these wastes is used cooking oil, commonly referred to as used cooking oil or "Minyak Jelantah". Environmental awareness plays a crucial role in promoting community consciousness toward the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, improper waste disposal, including used cooking oil, is a common practice among the public, leading to environmental pollution and adverse effects on human health. Used cooking oil results from repeated use in cooking, causing an increase in acid and peroxide levels and containing carcinogenic compounds. This community outreach program aims to educate and train the residents of Air Hitam Village, Pekanbaru, on the proper utilization of used cooking oil by transforming it into solid soap. The implementation of the program involves preparatory measures, practical soap-making sessions, and ongoing mentoring and support. The program's outcomes reveal an increased understanding among the community regarding the beneficial utilization of used cooking oil and a heightened awareness of the importance of preserving both the environment and personal health. Moreover, the production of solid soap from used cooking oil is expected to create an additional source of income for the local community and the Waste Bank group. This outreach initiative has successfully fostered a greater sense of environmental and health consciousness among the residents of Air Hitam Village

Taking Control of the Breath: Prioritizing Childhood Asthma in Pakistan's Healthcare Agenda

Childhood asthma has emerged as a significant health concern in Pakistan, affecting the lives of many children and their families. Addressing this pressing issue requires prioritizing childhood asthma within the healthcare agenda of the country. This editorial aims to shed light on the importance of prioritizing childhood asthma, highlight the challenges faced, and propose strategies to enhance awareness, prevention, and management of this chronic respiratory condition. Childhood asthma imposes a substantial burden on affected children, their families, and the healthcare system in Pakistan. The prevalence of childhood asthma has risen significantly in recent years, with various factors such as environmental pollution, allergens, and urbanization contributing to its increasing incidence. Recognizing the burden and impact of childhood asthma is vital for developing targeted interventions and improving health outcomes. One of the key steps in tackling childhood asthma is raising awareness and promoting education about the condition. Empowering parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and communities with knowledge about asthma triggers, symptoms, and proper management techniques is crucial. Public awareness campaigns, school-based initiatives, and community outreach programs can play a pivotal role in promoting asthma education and dispelling misconceptions surrounding the condition. Prevention plays a vital role in reducing the burden of childhood asthma. Implementing measures to minimize exposure to environmental triggers, such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, and indoor allergens, is essential. Collaborative efforts between the government, environmental agencies, and healthcare institutions can help establish policies and regulations aimed at reducing asthma triggers and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for children. Access to quality healthcare services is crucial for effective management of childhood asthma. However, barriers such as limited availability of specialized care, high medication costs, and lack of trained healthcare professionals pose significant challenges. It is imperative to prioritize the development of pediatric asthma clinics, ensure the availability of affordable medications, and enhance the training of healthcare providers in asthma management. Additionally, telemedicine and digital health solutions can bridge the gap in access to care, particularly in remote areas. Collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and international organizations is essential to address the complexities of childhood asthma. Robust research efforts should be encouraged to understand the epidemiology, risk factors, and genetic determinants of asthma in the Pakistani population. These research findings can guide the development of targeted interventions, personalized treatment approaches, and prevention strategies. Taking control of childhood asthma requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prioritizing awareness, prevention, and access to quality care. By incorporating childhood asthma into Pakistan's healthcare agenda, we can empower children and their families to manage the condition effectively, reduce asthma-related complications, and enhance their overall quality of life. Together, let us work towards a future where every child in Pakistan breathes easy and thrives despite the challenges posed by asthma. How to Cite This: Rai VR. Taking Control of the Breath: Prioritizing Childhood Asthma in Pakistan's Healthcare Agenda. Isra Med J. 2022; 14(4): 167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55282/imj.ltr.34

Exploring the Role of NGOs in Addressing Gender-Based Violence Against Women

This research explores the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in addressing Gender-based Violence (GBV) against women through a case study of NGO Shakti Shalini located in Delhi, India. There are four aspects of the NGO's operation that are examined: 'Pehchaan' - the shelter home, Crisis Intervention and Counseling services, Community Outreach Programs, and 'Kushalta Vikas Kendra' (Skill Development Centre). This research argues that NGOs can become grassroots agents of peace as they develop a sense of familiarity and closeness with the residents in the locality in which they operate. Due to this, a relationship of trust develops between the NGO and the residents, and this makes them better equipped to work on issues related to gender discrimination through direct interaction with the residents in its Community Outreach Programs. Women who came in contact with the NGO have shared their personal journeys of transformation into more confident and strong beings; this demonstrates the positive impact of NGOs in addressing the issue of violence against women. The NGO’s informed and well planned intervention not just in the aftermath of a case but also at a preventive stage has been studied. This research employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the role of NGOs in addressing gender-based violence against women. The primary research is based on a case study of NGO Shakti Shalini in Delhi, India. Multiple methods of data collection were utilized, including participation observation, structured open-ended interviews, and unstructured interviews. The use of multiple methods allowed for data triangulation, enhancing the validity and reliability of the findings. This approach facilitated a comprehensive exploration of the research topic, providing different perspectives and increasing overall knowledge about the phenomena under investigation. In addition to primary research, secondary research in the form of literature review was conducted. A primary focus of this research is to understand how structural violence that manifests itself in uneven development affects women differently than men. It also explores ways that the government and civil society can collaborate in preventing GBV.

Developing a University Extension Programs Gateway Services Information System: A Baseline Survey

Universities are increasingly adopting and engaging in social responsibility awareness activities. University Social Responsibility (Hollister, R. 2016) are manifested in universities through implementing extension programs that enable them to associate with different beneficiaries. With the help of technology, people are able to access enormous amounts of information in a more convenient way. Thus, the use of technology would be able to address the need for social responses of the university to be more effective. The main objective of the study is to develop a system gateway for universities, beneficiaries, and sponsors of extension services. The research design used in the study is quasi-experimental design. The proponent conducted this study among the faculty members of Quezon City University totalling to 50 respondents. Whereas the proponent applied the Agile Development Model in building the prototype of the Gateway Services Information System, and used PHP and MySQL to develop the software. Based on the findings, the study concluded that: the respondents agreed that the continuous engagement of social responsibility programs provide a positive impact on both the university and the beneficiaries, and recommended that such usage of a gateway system will bring more ease and effectively of the process, resulting to a more positive impact. Overall, the respondents find the extension programs as effective. The findings suggest that respondents perceive capability training program, community outreach program, and high-impact, long-term integrated community-based development program as effective for the beneficiary, and it is recommended that such programs should be expanded to a more sets of program options and types. The respondents also agreed that strategies in implementing extension service programs are successful, and it is suggested that the gateway information system should have a more complex communication capable of catering such preparation activities for implementation. The respondents also strongly agreed that the key factors are critical and important for sustainability and is recommended that such complex planning and management of an extension program should be catered by the system. Overall, the assessment of the respondents agreed that the gateway software is capable of addressing the needs of both universities and beneficiaries, and it is recommended that the gateway information system will be accessible to all possible educational institutions which seek to give aid to beneficiaries.

GENERAL SURVEY ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE, SANITATION PRACTICES, AND COMMON ILLNESSES OF SITIO SAN ROQUE: A BASELINE BASIS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE INTERVENTION

This descriptive quantitative study described the socio-economic profile, sanitation practices, and common illnesses among the 78 households in Sitio San Roque of Barangay Ipil, Surigao City. Using the existing and established survey instrument of St. Paul University Surigao, pertinent pieces of information were gathered from the residents. This would then serve as the basis of St. Paul University Surigao in making or improving its Community Development Services Programs and Interventions. The data were then arranged using Frequency Count and Percentage Distribution. It was shown that the greater proportion of respondents is between 9-17 years old, practicing Roman Catholicism, female, and single. In terms of housing information, 20.50% of the households were constructed using strong materials such as galvanized iron, aluminum, tile, concrete, brick, stone, wood, or asbestos. 52.60% of the households reported owning both house and lot, having electricity through a main connection, using LPG for cooking, and having at most 2 bedrooms. As to sanitation practices and common illnesses, most of the households and residents have water-sealed toilets and rely on their own faucet as a primary water source, Moreover, backache and hypertension are the most common illnesses of residents in the sitio. Most of the residents also were observed to have their own chickens, have practiced proper waste segregation, and have burned garbage as their way of disposal. Lastly, most of the population is unemployed and has a monthly income of around 3,499 pesos only. It was recommended that the primary focus of the Sitio and their donors or community servers will be on health and sanitation practices and community-based economic education when coming up with community outreach programs.

Availability of adequate iodized salt at household level in rural communities in Farta district, Northwest, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionIodine is a crucial trace element for thyroid hormone synthesis. All age groups are affected by iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), especially pregnant women, young women, and children. Iodine deficiency disorder has been recognized as a serious public health issue in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the availability of iodized salt and associated factors at the household (HH) level in the Farta district, northwest, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 704 participants in Farta District, Northwest Ethiopia, between February and March 2021. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires administered by face-to-face interviewers. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software and exported into Stata version 14 for the purpose of analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the availability of iodized salt. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value ≤ 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe availability of adequately iodized salt in the study area was 26.6% (CI = 23.8%, 29.4%) of households. Good knowledge about iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) and iodized salt (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI: 3.65, 6.11); short-term storage of salt at the HH [AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.98, 3.23); and stored in covered containers (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.78) were significantly associated with the outcome variable.ConclusionThe availability of adequate iodized salt at the HH level was far below the WHO target (more than 90%) in the study area. Knowledge about IDD and iodized salt, stored in covered containers, and short-term storage of salt at the HH were significantly associated with the availability of iodized salt. Hence, at the household level, increasing awareness and disseminating information about the benefits of using iodized salt could be effective. Moreover, education about the proper storage and handling of iodized salt, as well as the recommended storage duration of salt in the home, should be provided as part of our community outreach programs.

Sexual and reproductive health services use among adolescents in pastoralist settings, northeastern Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescents have special sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) needs and are susceptible to poor health outcomes. The global burden of ill sexual health includes a significant proportion of Adolescents. The existing ASRH services in Ethiopia and particularly in the Afar region are currently not well suited to meet the needs of pastoralist adolescents. This study assesses the level of ASRH service utilization among pastoralists in Afar regional state, Ethiopia.MethodA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021 in four randomly chosen pastoralist villages or kebeles of Afar, Ethiopia. A multistage cluster sampling procedure was used to select 766 volunteer adolescents aged 10–19. SRH services uptake was measured asking whether they had used any SRH service components during the last year. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire; data entry was done with Epi info 3.5.1. Logistic regression analyses was used to assess associations with SRH service uptake. SPSS version 23 statistical software package was used for advanced logistic regression analyses to assess the associations between dependent and predictor variables.ResultsThe study revealed that two-thirds or 513 (67%) of the respondents are aware of ASRH services. However, only one-fourth (24.5%) of the enrolled adolescents used at least one ASRH service in the past twelve months. ASRH services utilization was significantly associated with gender (being female [AOR = 1.87 (CI 1.29–2.70)], being in school [AOR = 2.38(CI: 1.05–5.41), better family income [AOR = 10.92 (CI; 7.10–16.80)], prior discussions of ASRH issues [AOR = 4.53(CI: 2.52, 8.16)], prior sexual exposure [AOR = 4.75(CI: 1.35–16.70)], and being aware of ASRH services [AOR = 1.96 (CI: 1.02–3.822)]. Being pastoralist, religious and cultural restrictions, fear of it becoming known by parents, services not being available, income, and lack of knowledge were found to deter ASRH service uptake.ConclusionAddressing ASRH needs of pastoralist adolescents is more urgent than ever, sexual health problems are increasing where these groups face broad hurdles to SRH service uptake. Although Ethiopian national policy has created an enabling environment for ASRH, multiple implementation issues require special attention to such neglected groups. “Gender-culture-context-appropriate” interventions are favorable to identify and meet the diverse needs of Afar pastoralist adolescents. Afar regional education bureau and concerned stakeholders need to improve adolescent education to overcome social barriers (e.g. humiliation, disgrace, and deterring gender norms) against ASRH services through community outreach programs. In addition, economic empowerment, peer education, adolescent counseling, and parent-youth communication will help address sensitive ASRH issues.

“Because it is a rare disease…it needs to be brought to attention that there are things out of the norm”: a qualitative study of patient and physician experiences of Wilson disease diagnosis and management in the US

BackgroundWilson disease (WD) is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism that leads to copper accumulation in various organs, primarily the liver and brain, resulting in heterogenous hepatic, neurologic, and psychiatric symptoms. Diagnosis can occur at any age, requiring lifelong treatment, which can involve liver transplantation. This qualitative study aims to understand the wider patient and physician experience of the diagnosis and management of WD in the US.MethodsPrimary data were collected from 1:1 semi structured interviews with US-based patients and physicians and thematically analyzed with NVivo.ResultsTwelve WD patients and 7 specialist WD physicians (hepatologists and neurologists) were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews revealed 18 themes, which were organized into 5 overarching categories: (1) Diagnosis journey, (2) Multidisciplinary approach, (3) Medication, (4) The role of insurance, and (5) Education, awareness, and support. Patients who presented with psychiatric or neurological symptoms reported longer diagnostic journeys (range 1 to 16 years) than those presenting with hepatic symptoms or through genetic screening (range 2 weeks to 3 years). All were also affected by geographical proximity to WD specialists and access to comprehensive insurance. Exploratory testing was often burdensome for patients, but receipt of a definitive diagnosis led to relief for some. Physicians emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary teams beyond hepatology, neurology, and psychiatry and recommended a combination of chelation, zinc, and a low-copper diet; however, only half the patients in this sample were on a chelator, and some struggled to access prescription zinc due to insurance issues. Caregivers often advocated for and supported adolescents with their medication and dietary regimen. Patients and physicians recommended more education and awareness for the healthcare community.ConclusionsWD requires the coordination of care and medication among several specialists due to its complex nature, but many patients do not have access to multiple specialties due to geographical or insurance barriers. Because some patients cannot be treated in Centers of Excellence, easy access to reliable and up-to-date information is important to empower physicians, patients, and their caregivers in managing the condition, along with general community outreach programs.

Citizen satisfaction with the police and college-based informal social controls: An unexpected finding

PurposeLaw enforcement enforcers depend heavily upon favorable citizen satisfaction with the police in order to effectively perform their job. While numerous studies have researched antecedents to public satisfaction with the police, to date, few have examined whether variation in this outcome is the result of college-based informal social controls. MethodsQuestionnaire data were collected in digital format from a convenience sample of college students (N = 1480) enrolled in a mid-size university located in the southeastern United States. ResultsA series of linear regression equations found how attachment and involvement positively predicted citizen satisfaction. Unexpectedly though, and contrary to original hypotheses, both beliefs and commitment shared negative correlations with our outcome of interest. ConclusionsTo ease tensions between the police and young adult community, police officers are encouraged to engage in community outreach programs with this population.

Surviving the COVID-19 pandemic: navigating the recovery of breast imaging services in a safety-net hospital.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on county safety-net breast imaging services and describe the steps taken to actively manage and mitigate delays. This was an IRB exempt retrospective review of our county safety-net breast imaging practice analyzed for 4 distinct time periods: (1) "Shut-down period": March 17, 2020 to May 17, 2020; (2) "Phased re-opening": May 18, 2020 to June 30, 2020; (3) "Ramp-up": July 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020; and (4) "Current state": October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. These time periods were compared to identical time periods 1year prior. For "Current state," given that the 1-year prior comparison encompassed the first 3 periods of the pandemic, the identical time period 2 years prior was also compared. Our safety-net practice sustained significant volume losses during the first 3 time periods with a 99% reduction in screening mammography in the shut-down period. Cancers diagnosed decreased by 17% in 2020 (n = 229) compared to 2019 (n = 276). By implementing multiple initiatives that targeted improved access to care, including building community-hospital partnerships and engagement through outreach events and a community education roadshow, we were able to recover and significantly exceed our pandemic screening volumes by 48.1% (27,279 vs 18,419) from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 compared to the identical time period 1 year prior, and exceed our pre-pandemic screening volume by 17.4% (27,279 vs 23,234) compared to the identical time period 2 years prior. Through specific community outreach programs and optimized navigation, our safety-net breast imaging practice was able to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our patient population by increasing patient engagement and breast imaging services.

A study establishing sensitivity and accuracy of smartphone photography in ophthalmologic community outreach programs: Review of a smart eye camera.

Diseases affecting the cornea are a major cause of corneal blindness globally. The pressing issue we are facing today is the lack of diagnostic devices in rural areas to diagnose these conditions. The aim of the study is to establish sensitivity and accuracy of smartphone photography using a smart eye camera (SEC) in ophthalmologic community outreach programs. In this pilot study, a prospective non-randomized comparative analysis of inter-observer variability of anterior segment imaging recorded using an SEC was performed. Consecutive 100 patients with corneal pathologies, who visited the cornea specialty outpatient clinic, were enrolled. They were examined with a conventional non-portable slit lamp by a cornea consultant, and the diagnoses were recorded. This was compared with the diagnoses made by two other consultants based on SEC videos of the anterior segment of the same 100 patients. The accuracy of SEC was accessed using sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV. Kappa statistics was used to find the agreement between two consultants by using STATA 17.0 (Texas, USA). There was agreement between the two consultants to diagnosing by using SEC. Above 90% agreements were found in all the diagnoses, which were statistically significant (P-value < 0.001). More than 90% sensitivity and a negative predictive value were found. SEC can be used successfully in the community outreach programs like field visits, eye camps, teleophthalmology, and community centers, where either a clinical setup is lacking or ophthalmologists are not available.

Clinical programs for cardiometabolic health for South Asian patients in the United States: A review of key program components.

Medical literature shows that South Asians have approximately a 2-fold higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with other populations. Given this high prevalence, clinical programs to promote cardiovascular health have emerged in the United States that are dedicated to clinical care for South Asian individuals. In this review, we have summarized the key characteristics of clinical programs in the U.S. dedicated to preventing and managing CVD in South Asian American patients. These clinical centers have many unique components in common that are catered to South Asian patient populations including ethnicity concordance of clinical providers, intensive cardiovascular screening protocols with laboratory studies and potentially genetic testing, dieticians and nutritionists who are familiar with South Asian-style dietary patterns, health coaches to support behavior change, community outreach programs, and involvement in clinical research to learn further about risk factors, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in South Asian populations. There are still many evidence and programmatic gaps left to uncover in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CVD in South Asian. This review provides guidance for important features, barriers, and facilitators for future cardiovascular centers to develop in the United States where they can serve South Asian populations.

Faith-based communities’ preferred interventions to improve the participation of black/African-American persons in medical research and clinical trials: A focus group study.

e18648 Background: A variety of interventions within faith-based and medically underserved communities have been utilized to increase racial/ethnic minorities’ participation in health programming and clinical trials. However, the literature lacks studies on which interventions are preferred by church members and leaders to address disparities in clinical trials. Methods: The study utilized focus groups to understand participants’ knowledge and attitudes about medical research/clinical trials and to develop and appraise interventions for and in collaboration with members and leaders of predominately Black/African American faith-based organizations. Participants were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling from organizations involved in the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center Community Outreach program’s faith based model called, Stopping Cancer In Its Tracks (SCIIT). Study personnel conducted 6 focus groups at 6 different churches from June through August 2022. Results: 30 participants joined the study. Conversations lasted 90-120 minutes and covered a range of topics. Each group included deep, cathartic sharing about disparities in accessing medical/cancer care and racism, particularly within medicine. Participants explained that low enrollment among Black/African-Americans in clinical trials is a result of everyday and structural racism. Also disparities are linked to the compounded, long-term lack of beneficence or human rights within research and health care for their communities. Accordingly, diversity in clinical trials may improve by creating interventions that address distrust, communication, and information and access gaps, and are tailored to each church. Preferred interventions should: 1) Embody a deep, long-term, relationship-building process. 2) Focus on creating trust by sharing in church services/activities/meals/two-way conversations/cancer screenings. 3) Leverage testimonials from cancer survivors who have participated in clinical trials. The focus groups themselves were felt by participants to be an example of the trust building and knowledge sharing necessary to address disparities. Participants expressed interest to develop interventions in partnership with the study personnel of health care workers. Conclusions: The study fills a gap in the literature by analyzing and amplifying the ideas of Black/African-American church members and leaders from medically underserved communities who generally have been excluded from research. Participants preferred interventions that feature long-term relationship building and engagement. Future research should implement and test the effectiveness of these interventions.

Preferred Mode of Delivery among Pregnant Women, A cross Sectional Survey

Back ground: Pregnancy is a time of utter excitement, joy, and anticipation. As expectant mothers prepare for the arrival of their little ones, one of the most significant decisions they will make is choosing a delivery method. This research paper was conducted to provide pregnant women with a comprehensive guide to support them in reaching an informed decision that suits their needs and preferences. Methodology: The study was conducted on 500 pregnant women admitted to various hospitals in Lahore from January 2022 to June 2022. The participants were given a thorough questionnaire that explored their obstetric history, medical conditions, birth preferences, and delivery methods. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize numerical data. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the associations between different categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the females 68% preferred vaginal births, while 32% chose cesarean sections. The most common reasons for choosing vaginal births were a faster recovery time 58%, less postoperative pain 22%, and a lower risk of complications 20%. Implication: This is done through various platforms, including social media campaigns, television adverts, and community outreach programs. By providing expectant mothers with accurate information and sufficient support, healthcare providers can enable them to make informed decisions. This will reduce the risk of unnecessary maternal and infant complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, awareness-raising is crucial to promote informed decision-making by expectant mothers and support safer and healthier childbirths. This research serves as a valuable tool for healthcare providers to provide expectant mothers with accurate information and support to make informed decisions. Keywords: C Section, Vaginal delivery, Mode of delivery, Preference

A Study on Recruitment and Selection in the Education Sector with Reference to the Vocational Coursesin Tribal Communities

This study aims to explore and analyze the recruitment and selection practices in the education sector, specifically focusing on vocational courses within tribal communities. The primary objective is to identify the key challenges, strategies, and potential improvements in the recruitment and selection process for vocational education in these marginalized communities. The education sector plays a crucial role in empowering tribal communities by providing them with access to vocational courses that enhance their employability and socioeconomic development. However, ensuring effective recruitment and selection processes tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of tribal communities remains a significant challenge. The research methodology employed in this study includes a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data is collected through interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions involving stakeholders such as educational institutions, tribal community members, educators, and policymakers. Secondary data is gathered from existing literature, reports, and case studies related to vocational education and tribal communities. The study investigates various aspects of recruitment and selection in the education sector, including the identification of potential candidates, assessment methods, cultural considerations, and community engagement. It examines the current practices and policies implemented by educational institutions in recruiting and selecting students for vocational courses within tribal communities. Findings from the study provide insights into the challenges faced by educational institutions, such as limited access to quality education, lack of awareness about vocational courses, cultural barriers, and geographical constraints. Additionally, the study explores innovative strategies employed by institutions to address these challenges, including community outreach programs, targeted recruitment campaigns, and inclusive selection criteria. Based on the analysis of the data, the study proposes recommendations and best practices to enhance recruitment and selection processes in the education sector for vocational courses in tribal communities. These recommendations aim to improve inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and community involvement in the selection process. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, policymakers, and tribal community leaders to ensure effective implementation of these recommendations. This study contributes to the existing literature on recruitment and selection in the education sector by specifically focusing on vocational courses within tribal communities. The findings and recommendations will be valuable to educational institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of vocational education programs for marginalized communities

Lack of Access to Primary Care Reduces Survival Following Aortic Dissection

Optimal medical management is critical for the long-term treatment of aortic dissections (AD) to prevent complications and improve survival. Medical management is known to be influenced by various social determinants of health (SDOH), including health insurance, social support, distance to the hospital, and primary care provider (PCP) access. This study was designed to determine the relative impact of these different geographic and SDOH factors on the long-term survival of patients after diagnosis and treatment for acute AD. We retrospectively analyzed patients presenting to a single academic tertiary medical center for surgical and medical management of acute AD (types A and B) from January 2010 to December 2020. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, perioperative hospital course, and SDOH factors such as home/social status, primary and secondary insurance status, PCP access following surgery, distance to the hospital, and 2020 Area Deprivation Ondex scores. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk-adjusted association between SDOH variables and mortality following acute AD. We identified 124 patients who presented with an acute AD during the study period (25% type A, 25% type B, and 50% with both type A and B components), who were predominantly male (68%) with a mean age of 60 years. Patients resided a median distance of 30.2 miles from the medical center, 18% lived alone, and 9% were uninsured. Roughly one-half of the cohort (52%) was documented to have access to a PCP, and patients with a PCP were significantly more likely to be maintained on antihypertensive (anti-HTN) medication therapy during follow-up (Fig 1). The most common anti-HTN agents were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (56%), followed by beta-blockers (44%), and calcium channel blockers (26%). Over a median follow-up of 14.6 months, 43 patients (35%) died, with reduced survival observed among patients with no PCP access (Fig 2). In risk-adjusted models, increasing age, no PCP access, and lack of insurance were all found to be independent predictors of mortality following acute AD. Further, uninsured patients with no-PCP access or medication use had the highest risk for mortality (hazard ratio, 27.6; 95% confidence interval, 8.95-85.23; P < .001). Lack of access to a PCP and anti-HTN therapy following acute AD significantly increases the risk of short- and long-term mortality. These findings are independent of how far patients live from the hospital or other SDOH factors, highlighting the importance of community outreach programs to maintain medical management for uninsured AD patients.Fig 2Kaplan-Meier survival curves following acute aortic dissection, stratified by whether patients had access to a primary care provider (PCP).View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Implementation of Community Outreach Program of the National Service Training Program: A Causal Model on Students’ Productivity

This study attempted to develop a causal model on students’ productivity in the implementation of community outreach program in San Agustin Institute of Technology. Specifically, this study aimed to: assess the level of implementation of San Agustin Institute of Technology Community Outreach Program; identify the attitudes of the San Agustin Institute of Technology students towards community outreach program; ascertain the level of students productivity of San Agustin Institute of Technology in terms of: knowledge and skills; determine the problems encountered on the implementation of San Agustin Institute of Technology Community Outreach Program; correlate students’ productivity and the following: a. extent of implementation, b. attitude of students towards community outreach program, and c. problems encountered on the implementation of community outreach program; identify the variables that best predict students’ productivity; and develop a causal model that best fits students’ productivity. A self-made questionnaire and an international study-based questionnaire was adopted to determine the attitude of the students towards community outreach program. Additional structured interview questionnaire was also considered. Descriptive statistics was used for the summary and analysis of the data including frequencies, percentage, means, and standard deviations. In addition, Weighted Mean was used to answer the first, second, third, and fourth objectives of the study, Pearson r coefficient correlation was used to correlate the fifth objective, Stepwise Regression Analysis was used for sixth objective, and lastly, it used path analysis, for studying patterns of causation. There is a positive attitude from the students towards community outreach program, there is a high productivity in terms of the level of students’ productivity in both knowledge and skills, sometimes there are problems encountered by the students in the implementation of community outreach program. Extent of implementation, and attitude of students towards community outreach program was found out to have significant relationship with the students’ productivity. Study further revealed that cleanliness and beautification, frequency of use, and attitude of the students towards community outreach program are the variables that best predict students’ productivity. Moreover, causal model 2 qualified as the best model based on the different test for goodness-of-fit used in this study.

Willingness to Pay for HPV Vaccine among Women Living with HIV in Nigeria.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancer cases globally, with women living with HIV having a higher risk of persistent HPV infection and HPV-associated disease. The HPV vaccine is a promising tool to reduce cervical cancer rates, but its uptake among women living with HIV in Nigeria is unknown. A facility-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1371 women living with HIV to assess their knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine as well as their willingness to pay for the vaccine at the HIV treatment clinic at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos. To identify factors associated with the willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine, multivariable logistic regression models were developed. This study found that 79.1% of participants had not heard of the vaccine, and only 29.0% knew its efficacy in preventing cervical cancer. In addition, 68.3% of participants were unwilling to pay for the vaccine, and the average amount they were willing to pay was low. Knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer and income were factors associated with the willingness to pay for the vaccine. Health workers were the primary source of information. This study highlights the lack of knowledge and low willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine among women living with HIV in Nigeria and emphasizes the importance of improving education and awareness. Factors associated with the willingness to pay, such as income and knowledge, were identified. Practical strategies, such as community outreach and school-based education programs, could be developed to increase vaccine uptake. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing the willingness to pay.

From Mystery to Clarity: Uncovering the Possible Cause of Hepatitis Outbreak in Children.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation and damage. Hepatitis A outbreaks in children are of particular concern due to the potential long-term health effects they can have. In recent years, several outbreaks of hepatitis A have been reported worldwide, affecting mainly children and young adults.Since 2016, hepatitis A outbreaks have been reported in 37 states of the United States alone, involving approximately 44,650 cases, 27,250 hospitalizations, and 415 deaths as of September 23, 2022. The epidemiology of hepatitis A outbreaks in children is complex and multifactorial, with various risk factors such as poor sanitation and hygiene practices, crowded living conditions, low socioeconomic status, lack of vaccination, and travel to endemic areas. Investigations of outbreaks involve identifying suspected cases, laboratory testing, contact tracing, and investigation of possible sources of infection. Contaminated food and water, poor sanitation and hygiene procedures, intimate contact with infected people, and environmental variables are all potential causes of outbreaks in children. Preventive measures include vaccination, improving sanitation and hygiene practices, food safety and inspection, and health education and community outreach programs. Understanding the epidemiology of hepatitis A outbreaks in children and the risk factors associated with infection is essential for developing effective preventive strategies and reducing the global burden of this disease.

COVID-19: Examining the Impact of the Global Pandemic on Violent Crime Rates in the Central Valley of California

This study focuses on how a global pandemic like COVID-19 affects violent crimes in the city of Stockton, California. The violent crimes that we will be examining are homicide, robbery, rape, simple assault, and aggravated assault. We obtained crime data from the LexisNexis Community Crime Map and obtained COVID-19 data from the San Joaquin County Health Department regarding the city of Stockton. We developed the results of this research by using time-series plots and interrupted time-series analysis. Our results demonstrate that COVID-19 caused a statistically significant change in the slope for rape, robbery, and simple assault violent crimes. Finally, we discuss in our policy implications section that the Stockton Police Department should establish more community outreach programs that could help prevent these types of violent crimes.