Comprehensive Health Information Research Articles

Evaluating knowledge management practices in a hospital pharmacy: A comprehensive investigation

Background: Knowledge management practices in healthcare settings play a crucial role in improving patient care quality and operational efficiency. However, the understanding and implementation of these practices in Oshakati Hospital pharmacy, Namibia, remain unclear. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 26 participants, including pharmacists, pharmacist interns, and pharmacist assistants, to assess knowledge-sharing frequency, documentation practices, technology effectiveness, and the overall knowledge management effectiveness. Results: The study found no significant relationship between work experience and knowledge management practices, indicating potential gaps in understanding and implementation of knowledge management strategies. Participants showed moderate attitudes towards knowledge sharing, with technology perceived as moderately effective in facilitating knowledge management. Conclusion: Enhancing knowledge management practices at Oshakati Hospital pharmacy is crucial to address existing gaps, improve collaboration, and elevate pharmaceutical care standards in the region. Implementing a comprehensive health information system and integrating innovative technologies can enhance knowledge extraction and patient interactions, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications

Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications is associated with uncontrolled blood pressure, higher mortality rates, and increased health care costs, and food insecurity is one of the modifiable medication nonadherence risk factors. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a social intervention program for addressing food insecurity, may help improve adherence to antihypertensive medications. To evaluate whether receipt of SNAP benefits can modify the consequences of food insecurity on nonadherence to antihypertensive medications. A retrospective cohort study design was used to assemble a cohort of antihypertensive medication users from the linked Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)-National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) dataset for 2016 to 2017. The MEPS is a national longitudinal survey on verified self-reported prescribed medication use and health care access measures, and the NHIS is an annual cross-sectional survey of US households that collects comprehensive health information, health behavior, and sociodemographic data, including receipt of SNAP benefits. Receipt of SNAP benefits in the past 12 months and food insecurity status in the past 30 days were assessed through standard questionnaires during the study period. Data analysis was performed from March to December 2021. Status of SNAP benefit receipt. The main outcome, nonadherence to antihypertensive medication refill adherence (MRA), was defined using the MEPS data as the total days' supply divided by 365 days for each antihypertensive medication class. Patients were considered nonadherent if their overall MRA was less than 80%. Food insecurity status in the 30 days prior to the survey was modeled as the effect modifier. Inverse probability of treatment (IPT) weighting was used to control for measured confounding effects of baseline covariates. A probit model was used, weighted by the product of the computed IPT weights and MEPS weights, to estimate the population average treatment effects (PATEs) of SNAP benefit receipt on nonadherence. A stratified analysis approach was used to assess for potential effect modification by food insecurity status. This analysis involved 6692 antihypertensive medication users, of whom 1203 (12.8%) reported receiving SNAP benefits and 1338 (14.8%) were considered as food insecure. The mean (SD) age was 63.0 (13.3) years; 3632 (51.3%) of the participants were women and 3060 (45.7%) were men. Although SNAP was not associated with nonadherence to antihypertensive medications in the overall population, it was associated with a 13.6-percentage point reduction in nonadherence (PATE, -13.6 [95% CI, -25.0 to -2.3]) among the food-insecure subgroup but not among their food-secure counterparts. This analysis of a national observational dataset suggests that patients with hypertension who receive SNAP benefits may be less likely to become nonadherent to antihypertensive medication, especially if they are experiencing food insecurity. Further examination of the role of SNAP as a potential intervention for preventing nonadherence to antihypertensive medications through prospectively designed interventional studies or natural experiment study designs is needed.

Perceptions of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among men living with HIV in the context of reproductive goals in South Africa: a qualitative study

BackgroundPre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Treatment as Prevention (TasP) are effective strategies to prevent HIV transmission within serodifferent couples. However, limited usage of PrEP, knowledge and interest has been amongst the barriers for men, alongside testing and treatment adherence. We explored the perceptions of PreP for HIV prevention with Men living with HIV (MWH) who have reproductive goals, to understand awareness and experiences related to PrEP use in the context of HIV prevention with their partners.MethodsWe undertook a qualitative study with 25 MWH aged 18 to 65 between April and September 2021 in South Africa. Potential participants were screened for eligibility and scheduled to participate in telephonic interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, translated and thematically analysed.ResultsThemes were organized into opportunities and barriers that men with HIV articulate as important for using PrEP to meet individual, couple, and community reproductive goals. At the individual level, some men were willing to discuss PrEP with their partners to protect their partners and babies from acquiring HIV. Lack of knowledge about PrEP among men was a potential barrier to promoting PrEP among their female partners. At the couple level, PrEP use was seen as a way to strengthen relationships between partners, signifying care, trust, and protection and was seen as a tool to help serodifferent couples meet their reproductive goals safely. At the community level, PrEP was viewed as a tool to promote HIV testing and prevention efforts, especially among men, but participants emphasized the need for more education and awareness.ConclusionDespite PrEP implementation in South Africa, awareness of PrEP among men with HIV in rural areas remains low. Engaging MWH to support their partners in accessing PrEP could be an innovative strategy to promote HIV prevention. Additionally, providing men with comprehensive reproductive health information can empower them to make more informed decisions, adopt safer sexual practices, and challenge societal norms and stigmas around HIV.

Optimizing Postpartum Care in Rural Communities: Insights from Women in Arizona and Implications for Policy.

Optimal postpartum care promotes healthcare utilization and outcomes. This qualitative study investigated the experiences and perceived needs for postpartum care among women in rural communities in Arizona, United States. We conducted in-depth interviews with thirty childbearing women and analyzed the transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis to gauge their experiences, needs, and factors affecting postpartum healthcare utilization. Experiences during childbirth and multiple structural factors, including transportation, childcare services, financial constraints, and social support, played crucial roles in postpartum care utilization for childbearing people in rural communities. Access to comprehensive health information and community-level support systems were perceived as critical for optimizing postpartum care and utilization. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders in enhancing postpartum care services for individuals in rural communities in the United States.

Association of hysterectomy with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among US women

BackgroundA postmenopausal rise in the rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in women. This study thus sought to further probe the association of hysterectomy with NAFLD.MethodsThe data utilized in this investigation were attained from the 2017-March 2020 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), reflecting a strategic utilization of comprehensive health and nutrition information in the US population, to conduct a cross-sectional examination of the relationship between self-reported hysterectomy and NAFLD. Subjects included in this study were women aged 20 years or older. The multivariable logistic regression methodologies were utilized to determine the pertinent odds ratios (ORs) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf the 2,868 subjects enrolled in this study (mean age: 51.3 years, 95%CI: 50.0-52.6 years), 22.1% (95%CI: 19.7–24.7%) reported having undergone a hysterectomy, while 31.1% (95%CI: 28.1–34.1%) exhibited elastographic evidence of NAFLD, and 3.8% (95%CI: 2.6–5.6%) exhibited clinically significant fibrosis (CSF). Relative to women with no history of hysterectomy, those that had undergone hysterectomy exhibited a higher odd of NAFLD (OR:1.66, 95%CI: 1.24–2.21) in a multivariable model fully adjusted for age, ethnicity, body mass index, female hormone use, oophorectomy, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking status. Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association among women who were not obese (OR:2.23, 95%CI:1.61–3.11), women who were not affected by diabetes (OR:1.76, 95%CI: 1.25–2.46), and without hyperlipidemia (OR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.10–3.16). No significant association of hysterectomy with NAFLD encompassing CSF was identified.ConclusionsThe results of the present nationally representative analysis suggested an association between hysterectomy and increased NAFLD prevalence among US women. Knowledge of this relationship may better aid clinical efforts to screen for and manage NAFLD.

Readability of Spanish-Language Online Patient Educational Materials for Peripheral Artery Disease Do Not Meet Recommended Standards and Represent a Literacy Barrier to Care

Online resources are a valuable source of information for patients and have been reported to improve engagement and adherence to medical care. However, readability of online patient educational materials (OPEMs) is crucial for them to serve their intended purpose. The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends that OPEM be written at or below the sixth grade reading level. To avoid disparities in access to comprehensible health information on peripheral artery disease (PAD), it is imperative that the readability of PAD OPEM is appropriate for both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readability of PAD OPEM in Spanish and compare to English-language OPEM. We conducted a Google search in English and Spanish using "peripheral arterial disease" and "enfermedad arterial periferica", respectively, and the top 25 patient-accessible articles were collected for each. Articles were categorized by source type: hospital, professional society, or other. Readability of English-language OPEM was measured using the Flesch Reading Ease Readability Formula, Automated Readability Index, Coleman-Liau Index, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog, Linsear Write Formula, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index. Readability of Spanish OPEM was measured using the Fernández-Huerta Index and Índice Flesch-Szigriszt Scale. Readability of the articles was compared to the AMA recommendation, between English- and Spanish-language, and across sources using statistical tests appropriate to the data. OPEM from professional societies represented the fewest number of English- (n=7, 28%) and Spanish-language (n=6, 24%) articles. Most English-speaking (n=18, 72%) and Spanish-language (n=20, 80%) OPEM were considered difficult as measured by the Flesch Reading Ease Readability Formula and Fernández-Huerta Index, respectively, but did not significantly differ between languages (P=0.59). There were no significant differences in the average readability of all readability measurements across sources (hospital, professional society, or other). All the average readability grade levels for English-speaking and Spanish-language OPEM was significantly higher than the sixth grade reading level (P<0.01). Only 3 (6%) OPEM met the AMA recommended reading level and there was no significant difference between English-language and Spanish-language OPEM (P=1.0). Nearly all Spanish-language and English-language PAD OPEM assessed were written at a reading grade level higher than recommended by the AMA. There was no significant difference in the readability of materials from hospitals or professional societies. To prevent further widening of health disparities related to literacy, health content creators, particularly hospitals and professional societies, should prioritize, develop, and ensure that English-language and Spanish-language patient education materials are written at a level appropriate for the public.

Letting people flourish: defining and suggesting skills for maintaining and improving positive health.

The concept of "positive health" emerged from the need for a holistic and more dynamic perspective on health, emphasising the ability of individuals to adapt and self-manage. The positive health conversation tool helps understand how people score on six positive health dimensions. However, skills within these dimensions to maintain or improve health have not yet been described. This is important for enabling individuals to put health advice into practise. Therefore, this paper aims to define and suggest skills for maintaining and improving positive health. Suggestions for definitions of skills within the positive health dimensions are described using the functional, interactive, and critical health literacy framework. Additionally, executive functions and life skills were incorporated. Moreover, the environment's role in these individual skills was noted, mentioning organisational health literacy that emphasises organisations' responsibility to provide comprehensible health information to all individuals. We propose that health promotion interventions can incorporate the proposed skills in practical exercises while aligning intervention materials and implementation tools with end-users and implementers. The suggested skills for maintaining and improving positive health are a first step towards a more comprehensive understanding and open to discussion. These skills may also be applied to other practical conversation tools for maintaining or improving health. Increasing positive health through the defined skills may be especially relevant to those with a lower socioeconomic position who also have limited health literacy and thereby may contribute to reducing health inequalities. Taken together, strengthening the defined skills may hopefully contribute to allowing people to flourish in life.

Helpful elements in a brief work-oriented intervention targeting musculoskeletal and mental health literacy.

Musculoskeletal and mental health complaints are common in the general population and frequent reasons for healthcare utilization and work absence. Illness perceptions, coping expectancies, rumination and self-stigma are important factors in the management of these health complaints and factors closely linked to health literacy (HL). The aims of the study were to identify helpful elements in a brief intervention (BI) targeting HL regarding common musculoskeletal and mental health complaints and to identify patient perceptions of how the intervention was helpful and whether it affected their subsequent coping. Three focus group interviews with 14 patients were conducted. Systematic text condensation was used for the analysis, supported by the health literacy skill (HLS) framework to sharpen the focus on intervention elements related to the acquisition and utilization of HLSs. Results revealed the importance of receiving comprehensible health information and guidance, the use of metaphors to create recognizable narratives and the use of practical examples and exercises. Normalizing the experienced health complaints, together with a safe and accommodating clinical environment, facilitated the change process. The BI initiated processes that contributed to acceptance, resilience and empowerment, aiding work-life balance and return to work. The study presents authentic narratives of value for future focus in BI.

A qualitative exploration of how to support PrEP adherence among young men who have sex with men

ABSTRACT New HIV infections disproportionately affect young men who have sex with men (YMSM). PrEP is effective in preventing HIV acquisition; however, adherence is critical and is often suboptimal among YMSM. Interventions addressing the unique PrEP adherence challenges faced by YMSM are needed. We conducted qualitative interviews with 20 HIV-negative, YMSM (ages 15-24) with a PrEP indication and 11 healthcare professionals to inform adaption of a PrEP adherence intervention (Life-Steps for PrEP) for YMSM. We explored environmental, healthcare, and individual factors influencing uptake, adherence, attitudes, and perspectives (including desired modifications) on the Life-Steps intervention. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Of YMSM study participants (mean age 21.6) 55% were White, 15% Hispanic, and 5% Black. Most YMSM were PrEP-experienced (70%). Healthcare professionals (6 prescribers, 1 nurse, 2 health educators, 2 other/unspecified) averaged 6.9 years of experience caring for YMSM. All described stigma as a barrier to PrEP; YMSM expressed concern around being perceived as “risky” and concern about inadvertent PrEP disclosure if family/friends found their medication, or if parental insurance was used. Difficulty with planning for potential adherence challenges were identified by both groups. YMSM highlighted benefits of a nurse-led intervention (i.e., adding “legitimacy”), but stressed need for nonjudgmental, “savvy” interventionists. YMSM expressed a desire for comprehensive YMSM-specific sexual health information. These findings informed modification and expansion of Life-Steps content. Results highlight key potential barriers, many of which center around privacy. Content that addresses PrEP stigma, disclosing PrEP use, navigating insurance, and planning ahead in a nonjudgmental environment by trusted providers emerged as important components of a YMSM-focused delivery of Life-Steps for PrEP.

Let's talk about Sex!: AI and relational factors in the adoption of a chatbot conveying sexual and reproductive health information

This study addresses the adoption intention of ANA Chatbot, developed as part of the "Chup! Jom Sembang Seks" (translated as "Wait a minute! Let's Talk about Sex") campaign in Malaysia. ANA Chatbot provides youths with comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, empowering them in this vital aspect of their lives. Despite the emerging interest in chatbots conveying SRH information, research on the factors affecting the technology's adoption remains scarce. This paper proposes an adoption model straddling AI attributes (perceived intelligence and anthropomorphism), relational elements (perceived risk and trust), and the UTAUT's factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions). We empirically analyzed the model using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling based on 243 valid responses from participants engaging with ANA Chatbot. The results indicate that perceived intelligence positively relates to anthropomorphism, functional elements (performance expectancy and effort expectancy), trust, and SRH chatbot adoption intention. Anthropomorphism enhances performance expectancy but does not affect effort expectancy, trust, and SRH chatbot adoption intention. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence are antecedents to ANA Chatbot adoption intention, thus affirming the UTAUT model. Contrary to predictions, perceived risk and trust do not influence the intention to adopt ANA Chatbot. Overall, this study contributes theoretical knowledge concerning AI-centric technology adoption models with a unique and novel focus on an SRH chatbot while providing pragmatic recommendations for promoting SRH chatbot adoption intention.

Yapay Zekâ Destekli Dil İşleme Teknolojisi Olan ChatGPT’nin Sağlık Hizmetlerinde Kullanımı

Doğal dil işleme teknolojisinin bir ürünü olan ChatGPT sağlık eğitimi, bilimsel araştırmalar ve sağlık hizmetleri gibi çeşitli alanlarda gündeme gelmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, bu uygulamanın sağlık hizmetlerinde sağladığı imkânları ve kullanımıyla ilgili potansiyel sınırlamaları ve endişeleri incelemektir. ChatGPT sağlık alanında görev yapan profesyonellere bilimsel yayın hazırlama aşamalarında, eğitim süreçlerinin planlanmasında ve sağlık hizmetleri uygulamalarında çeşitli imkânlar sunmaktadır. Sağlık hizmeti alanlarında kişiselleştirilmiş tıbbi tedaviyi, halka kolay erişilebilirliği ve anlaşılır sağlık bilgileri sağlayarak sağlık okuryazarlığını geliştirme potansiyeline sahiptir. Klinik karar destek sistemlerinden tele-sağlık hizmetlerinin geliştirilmesine, literatür taramalarından büyük veri analizlerine kadar geniş bir yelpazede etkin bir araç olarak kullanılabilir. Ancak, ChatGPT'nin sağlık hizmetlerindeki geniş çaplı kullanımı bazı etik ve hukuki sorunları beraberinde getirebilmektedir. Bilimsel araştırma süreçlerinde, hasta mahremiyeti ve veri güvenliği konularında, teknoloji geliştiricileri ve sağlık hizmeti sağlayıcıları arasında işbirliği yapılarak uygun düzenlemelerin planlanması gerekebilir. Sonuç olarak, ChatGPT ve benzeri yapay zekâ teknolojilerinden, ilerleyen süreçlerde daha etkin sonuçlar elde etmek ve bu teknolojilerin potansiyelini tam olarak kullanmak için, daha fazla veri ve iyileştirme sağlamak gerekmektedir. Ayrıca, ChatGPT'nin sağlık hizmetlerindeki kullanımını inceleyen ve bu alandaki yenilikleri teşvik eden araştırmaların yapılmasına ihtiyaç vardır.

Queer Mediated Practices as a Method to Center and Sustain Critical Health and Media Literacies

Abstract Queer communities experience challenges when accessing accurate and comprehensive health information. These challenges span across media and information environments and threaten queer health promotion. This paper explored how 11 queer community health workers (chw s) in a Southeastern US state respond to, subvert, and resist these challenges when creating digital health information resources for their queer communities. This longitudinal action research occurred over two years and included multiple qualitative data types. We analyzed these data using qualitative coding, following deductive and inductive strategies. Findings demonstrate how queer chw s: 1) identified risks and barriers to health promotion their communities experienced; 2) created health information resources that proactively guarded against risks and reactively resisted barriers; 3) borrowed content, format, and logic from other digital media sources, remixing and repurposing them in ways relevant to their communities. Findings denote implications for decentering deficit-based approaches to framing the health and media literacies of queer populations.

Using the Johns Hopkins ACG Case-Mix System for population segmentation in a hospital-based adult patient population in Singapore

ObjectivePopulation health management involves risk characterisation and patient segmentation. Almost all population segmentation tools require comprehensive health information spanning the full care continuum. We assessed the utility of applying the...

Receiving or not deemed necessary healthcare services

BackgroundAvoiding deemed necessary healthcare needs may worsen prognosis and treatment options, and damage people’s ability to perform their roles in society. Our study investigates why people avoid healthcare services in an upper-middle-income country, Türkiye.MethodsWe apply TurkStat’s 2012 Health Survey Data that includes a comprehensive health and social-demographic information of 28,055 survey participants who were 15 + aged. We use bivariate probit model to analyze the avoidance behavior in inpatient level in accordance with outpatient level because of the observed significant correlation between people’s avoidance behavior under tertiary and lower level health care.ResultsThe findings show that 2.6% of 15 + aged population avoided deemed necessary hospital services. Furthermore, we found that high cost (31%), organizational factors (21%) and fear (12%) are prominent reasons of avoiding tertiary care. Thereafter, in our bivariate probit model findings, we figure out that being covered by social security schemes decreases the probability of avoiding both outpatient and inpatient health services by 6.9%. Moreover, being female, living in rural area, having lower income increase the chance of being avoider in both stages of healthcare.ConclusionWe conclude that social inequalities are the main underlying determinants of the avoiding behavior.

Exploring mHealth design opportunities for blind and visually impaired older users.

Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are crucial in delivering health information and services to older adults. Despite their importance, blind and visually impaired (BVI) older individuals often face significant challenges in app accessibility and usability. This study delves into the design preferences and expectations of BVI older users and underscores the necessity of user-centered design for inclusive mHealth apps. Conducted in September 2023, the study comprised six focus group interviews. Each session involved two to four participants who began with self-introductions, followed by discussions centered on three open-ended interview questions. The study involved 14 participants: four with severe low vision and 10 totally blind. The primary design principles highlighted were "customizability" and "simplicity". The participants stressed the importance of intuitively designed main pages aligning with user patterns. Further, the participants articulated the following mHealth app feature or menu recommendations: editable profiles, emergency contact access, adaptable data presentation, data exportation, audible color details, customizable colors for varying visual needs, audible error feedback, feasible data input methods, toolbars, and habit-establishing reminders. Discussions also touched on the vital role of clear health data visualizations and comprehensible app-based health information. The findings illuminate paths for software developers and health scientists working towards more inclusive mHealth solutions. It is essential during the development phase to prioritize app learnability to accommodate a broad range of users, ensuring that even those with disabilities can effectively use technological innovations to address health disparities.

Artificial intelligence as an educational media to improve adolescent reproductive health: Research and development studies

Background: Cognitive accessibility, psychosocial accessibility, and geographic accessibility are all barriers to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. Cognitive accessibility, as an educational medium, provides access to comprehensive adolescent reproductive health information. This study aimed to turn a textbook into a learning module for adolescent reproductive health using artificial intelligence. Methods: The study used the Borg and Gall Research and Development design. Purposive sampling was used to select the trial sample of students, teachers, and media experts at Muhammadiyah Junior High School 4 Margahayu, Bandung Regency. Interviews, validation sheets, and questionnaires were used to collect data. The data analysis technique was carried out based on the validation analysis results of media and material experts, as well as the module's feasibility according to students. Results: At the research and information gathering stages, the research results were obtained by incorporating material from the previous module on menstruation and sexually deviant behavior, particularly LGBT. The planning stage included application aspects, materials, and usage instructions. With the addition of revised trial results in practice questions and adapted religious materials, the development results show that the module is ready for use.Conclusions: According to the results of the study, the adolescent reproductive health learning module using Artificial Intelligence was appropriate as an educational medium. It is suggested that the press be improved in terms of media display and comprehensive material.

Readability assessment of online peripheral artery disease education materials.

Online resources can be a valuable source of information for patients and have been shown to result in more inquiry during medical office visits, following physician medical recommendation more closely, and making self-directed lifestyle changes. The accessibility to these resources is limited by the readability level of the article and the literacy level of the population. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is estimated to affect between 8 and 12 million people in the United States with greater disease severity among under insured or uninsured populations. As PAD continues to increase in prevalence, it is imperative that patients have access to comprehensible patient-centered health information. This study aims to evaluate the readability of online PAD patient education materials. The search engine Google was used to collect the first 25 patient-accessible online articles pertaining to the search term "peripheral artery disease." Articles were then categorized by source type: hospital, professional society, or other. Readability was measured using the following tests: Automated Readability Index, Coleman-Liau Index, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog, Linsear Write Formula, and the SMOG Index. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Analysis Software, with P values less than .05 being statistically significant. Twenty-five articles were categorized by source and statistically analyzed. The average readability of PAD patient education materials was 10.8 and significantly above the American Medical Association, National Institutes of Health, and US Department of Health and Human Services recommended reading level of sixth grade. Readability scores among source categories were not significantly different. Commonly available online PAD resources are written at a grade level above that currently recommended by medical societies. Hospitals, professional societies, and other stakeholders in PAD patient education should take into consideration the readability of their materials to make medicine more accessible. Readable articles may combat the historic and structural racism often found in our health care system that marginalizes those with lower health literacy. It is imperative to develop patient education at an appropriate level to enrich patient autonomy.

Análisis de interacciones de actores de la red de gestión del conocimiento en malaria de Colombia

Analizar las interacciones de la Red de Gestión del Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Malaria de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis de redes sociales que permitió identificar la proximidad entre los actores y el grado de conocimiento entre ellos; se observaron indicadores de densidad, diámetro, distancia media y centralidad de grado. El corpus documental para el estudio estuvo constituido por 193 documentos técnicos publicados entre el 2016 y el 2021, que fueron analizados empleando técnicas de procesamiento de texto mediante el lenguaje de programación R. La categorización de la red se realizó a partir de cinco variables: atención integral a pacientes, diagnóstico, epidemiología y sistemas de análisis de información en salud, política pública, y promoción y prevención. El análisis de las interacciones indicó que la red la conformaban 99 actores, de los cuales 97 (98 %), mostraron más interés en la producción de conocimientos en epidemiología y sistemas de análisis de información en salud, seguido de la categoría de atención integral a pacientes con 79 (80 %). El 54 % de los actores llevó a cabo estudios de promoción y prevención, siendo esta la categoría de menor abordaje. Este estudio contribuye al fortalecimiento de estrategias clave en la divulgación del conocimiento sobre la malaria en Colombia.

Parents behavior for delivering adolescent reproductive health education

&lt;p&gt;Adolescence is a period of searching for identity that requires information on reproductive health and sexuality so as not to fall into premarital sexual behavior. Parents play an important role in providing reproductive health information to adolescents. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between partner support, perceived barriers, and self-confidence with parents behavior for giving adolescent reproductive health education. The research employed a cross sectional approach which was conducted online in June-August 2020 to 300 parents of teenagers aged 15-19 years. The sampling technique is double sampling using self-administered questionnaire that has been tested for validity. Bivariate analysis was performed using Chi square and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression test. The results showed that parents' self-confidence was the most influential factor in reproductive health education for adolescents (OR=3.052, CI=1.534-6.071). Parents who have low self-confidence tend not to provide comprehensive reproductive health information to adolescents. Lack of skills to explain the topic of sexuality, lack of knowledge of the material that will be given, and the shame when conveying sexuality material is something that affects parents' self-confidence. Training is needed for parents on how to provide information on reproductive health to adolescents.&lt;/p&gt;

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Variants in Hospital Wastewater in a Developing Country

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a beneficial tool for comprehensive health information on communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In developing countries, including Thailand, the application of WBE is limited. Few SARS-CoV-2 detections and variants have been monitored in wastewater in these countries. This is because of the time-consuming, low recovery of viruses in the concentration techniques and difficulties in finding the proper primers and amplification kits. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration using a commercial clinical kit. We identified the SARS-CoV-2 variants and estimated the detection costs in the wastewater samples. One hundred and fifty hospital wastewater samples were filtered with commercial ultrafiltration (UF) and then detected for the SARS-CoV-2 concentration using a Sansure Biotech SARS-CoV-2 kit. The recovery of the virus concentration technique in UF was studied using a surrogate (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus). The virus detection in wastewater was quantified by RT-qPCR. In addition, the mutation sites in the partial spike glycoprotein (S) gene of SARS-CoV-2 were verified using short nested RT-PCR. The results showed a high recovery of the commercial UF (80.53%), and 24.6% of hospital wastewater contained SARS-CoV-2. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater cost USD 35.43 per sample. The virus variants revealed V70del, H69del, and V144del mutations in the partial S gene of SARS-CoV-2 in B.1.1.7 (SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant), and T95I and G142D mutations in B.1.617.2 (Delta variant).