Diseases In Rural Areas Research Articles

Empty nest but better off? Association between empty nest status and cognitive function among older adults with chronic diseases in rural China

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment poses substantial risks to older adults, particularly those with chronic diseases. While existing studies have examined the connection between the empty nest phenomenon and cognitive function, few have attempted to consider endogeneity issues within this relationship, with limited attention given to older adults with chronic diseases. This study investigates the impact of empty nest status on cognitive function among rural Chinese older adults with chronic diseases and explores the possible mechanisms underlying this effect.MethodsA cross-sectional study involved 365 older adults aged 60 or above with chronic diseases in rural areas of Shaanxi province, northwest China. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Multiple regression models and the instrumental variable (IV) method were employed to examine the association between empty nest and cognitive function.ResultsAmong the 365 older adults aged 60 or above with chronic diseases, 43% experienced cognitive impairment. Results from both multiple regression and IV analyses consistently demonstrate a significant association between empty nest status and higher cognitive function scores (β = 1.757, p = 0.007; β = 3.682, p = 0.034, respectively). Mechanism analysis further supports that the positive association may arise from empty nesters receiving more social support from children and friends, and perceiving loneliness experiences as inadequate. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the association between empty nest status and cognitive function is more pronounced among male adults with chronic diseases.ConclusionsThis study challenges the notion that empty nest status is a risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults with chronic diseases in rural China. The positive impact is attributed to the robust social relationships of empty nesters, encompassing sustained support from their social network, and the absence of an increase in loneliness. Therefore, future interventions aimed at improving cognitive function in older adults may benefit from promoting the development of social relationships.

Preferences of patients with multiple chronic diseases for medication in rural areas of an Eastern Province China: a discrete choice experiment.

Multiple Chronic Diseases (MCD) are the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions within an individual. Compared to patients with a single chronic disease, those with MCD face challenges related to polypharmacy, which increases the risk of adverse drug events, side effects, and drug-drug interactions. Understanding the specific medication preferences of patients with MCD is crucial to optimize treatment plans and enhance treatment safety. This study aims to evaluate the medication preferences among patients with multiple chronic diseases in rural areas of an eastern province of China. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to measure patients' medication preferences. According to literature research, expert panel discussions, and in-depth patient interviews, we identified six attributes: monthly out-of-pocket cost, onset speed of action, adverse effects, whether it is covered by health insurance, origin of medications, and types of medications. The conditional logit models (CLM) and mixed logit models (MIXL) were used to evaluate the choice data. Willingness to pay (WTP) was used to reflect the monetary value that patients were willing to pay or receive reimbursement after changes in different attribute levels. A total of 956 respondents were included in the analysis. Of which, 68.62% were female, with an average age of 68 years, and 65.89% had a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 24. Statistical significance was observed for all attributes (p < 0.001). The preferred medication for patients encompassed low monthly out-of-pocket costs, rapid onset of action, rare adverse effects, and a preference for Western medicine, health insurance-covered medication and domestic medication. The onset speed of action was a primary consideration for patients, who demonstrated a willingness to pay an additional CNY151.37 per month for a medication with a rapid onset of action. Rural patients with multiple chronic diseases preferred medications with rapid onset, rare adverse, Western medications, domestic medication, and health insurance-covered medication. Medical staff can effectively combine the Health Belief Model (HBM) to help patients with multiple chronic diseases improve their confidence and understanding of medication selection, to improve their health management.

Healthcare service utilisation among adults with coronary artery disease in rural Aluva, South India: a community-based cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess the pattern and determinants of healthcare service utilisation among adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a rural setting in Kerala, India.DesignA community-based cross-sectional analysis conducted within a...

The impact of artificial intelligence on early diagnosis of chronic diseases in rural areas

The impact of artificial intelligence on early diagnosis of chronic diseases in rural areas

Short-term associations between ambient PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 and hospital admissions, length of hospital stays, and hospital expenses for patients with cardiovascular diseases in rural areas of Fuyang, East China

ABSTRACT Evidence on the impacts of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 on the hospital admissions, length of hospital stays (LOS), and hospital expenses among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still limited in China, especially in rural areas. This study was performed in eight counties of Fuyang from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2017. We use a three-stage time-series analysis to explore the effects of short-term exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 on hospital admissions, LOS, and hospital expenses for CVDs. An increment of 10 ug/m3 in PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 corresponded to an increment of 1.82% (95% CI: 1.34, 2.30), 0.96% (95% CI: 0.44, 1.48), and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.63%, 0.95%) in CVD hospital admissions, respectively. We observed that daily concentrations of PMs were associated with an increase in hospital admissions, LOS, and expenses for CVDs. Sustained endeavors are required to reduce air pollution so as to attenuate disease burdens from CVDs.

Pattern of Eye Disease in Nenwe Rural Eye Clinic, Nigeria: A Seven Year Review

Background: The establishment of eye clinics in the form of rural outreach centers as a means of educating and providing eye care to rural residents was made necessary by the lack of eye care services in rural areas within Nigeria and the need to increase the cataract surgical rate among ophthalmologists in training. Understanding patterns of eye diseases in rural areas and eye health-seeking behaviors is crucial to achieving the goals of Vision 2020 especially for aspiring ophthalmologists. Aim and objectives: To examine the types of eye conditions observed at Nenwe, a rural outreach post of a tertiary hospital, and to evaluate their distribution. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of all patients who were seen at the community eye clinic during seven years was carried out. Records of patients at the Nenwe outreach eye clinic dating from November 2016 to August 2023 were examined, yielding information on patients examined during the period of study. Results: Glaucoma was the most common eye condition to be diagnosed. Cataracts were the second most common eye condition accounting for 20.8%. Other common eye illnesses were refractive error (9%), pterygium (7%), and allergic eye disease (6%) with 129, 101, and 95 cases, respectively. Retinal detachment (51 cases), prebyopia (47 cases), corneal lesion (58 cases), and dry eye condition (47 cases) were less common. Conclusion: The results show the burden of eye disorders in the Nenwe rural community and the importance of community-based eye care services.

Predictor Variables in the Spread of Chagas Disease in Rural Areas.

Over a hundred years ago after the discovery of Chagas disease (CD) in Brazil, the World Health Organization estimates a number of 6 to 7 million people infected by Trypanosoma cruzi worldwide. Therefore, the goal of this work was to identify variables related to the spread of infection by T. cruzi in humans living in rural areas, seeking predictor variables. A systematic review of the literature has been conducted, with a search in the Scopus platform, using the search string "Chagas disease" and "rural", resulting in 85 valid and analyzed scientific studies (1977 and 2022). Twenty-seven predictor variables have been acquired, and 19 of them have been grouped, such as: socioeconomic and educational, housing, environmental, sanitary, and cultural; and 8 variables related to T. cruzi seropositive individuals. The predictor variables yielded significant results (p-value < 0.05) in 59.5% of the cases (195/328), with a median of 66.7%. In other words, studies relating to 50% of the 27 variables showed significance equal to or greater than 66.7% of the time. The independent variables with the highest proportion of significant data (p-value < 0.05) were Education (87.6%), Intradomicile building (70%), Domestic animals (69.6%), and Triatomines (69.2%) in the households. Some variables reached 100%; however, few articles were found, indicating the need for further research, especially for Sanitation and Culture. It has been concluded that, in the several contexts found, the social vulnerability and lack of information led the individual to living in environments where inhabitability is inadequate, to perform limited work activity and develop habits and behaviors which impair them in an environmental insalubrity situation, favorable to the access of vectors and pathogens of anthropozoonoses such as CD.

Enhancing Neonatal Care: The Vital Role of Pulse Oximetry in the Early Screening of Critical Congenital Heart Diseases and Respiratory Diseases in Rural Areas.

Background Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is acknowledged globally as a noninvasive method to detect critical congenital heart diseases (CCHDs) and respiratory illnesses. However, its value for early diagnosis and treatment remains unrecognized in many hospitals with limited resources around the world. This study aimed to evaluate POS's application in CCHDs, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) for early diagnosis and its influence on clinical procedures in rural areas. Methods This prospective observational study included all eligible newborn infants in the regional neonatal unit of a community healthcare center. Their peripheral oxygen saturation was assessed at <24 hours and >24 hours after birth, in the right upper limb and either lower limb. An oxygen saturation of <95% or >3% difference between pre-ductal and post-ductal circulations was considered abnormal. All neonates with abnormal oxygen saturations at >24 hours after birth were subjected to another POS test within two hours of the last test. If the oxygen saturation was still abnormal, it was considered a positive POS test. The POS results were classified as oxygen saturation abnormal (<90%), abnormal (90-94%), and normal (≥95%). All neonates with a positive POS test were referred for echocardiography. Results Overall, 440 infants had documented POS results. A total of 65 (14.77%) infants had a positive POS test result, out of which 39 (8.86%) cases were diagnosed on further evaluation. Four neonates had CCHD (positive predictive value (PPV) = 6.15%), 26 had RDS (PPV = 40%), and nine had PPHN (PPV = 13.85%). Without any further delay, the doctor directed them all to a more advanced facility. Conclusion Our research showed that, in large-scale clinical settings, the addition of pulse oximetry to routine cardiac auscultation could be a reliable and feasible method to screen newborns for CCHD, PPHN, and RDS early on. Our research underscores the importance of implementing routine POS to detect CCHD, RDS, and PPHN in clinical practice.

Population-based assessment of awareness of diabetes and diabetes related eye diseases in rural areas in Telangana, India – implications for eye health promotion

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Understanding the awareness level of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases will help in developing better eye health education programmes and improve health-seeking behaviour in the community. Background Diabetes and diabetes related eye diseases are increasing in numbers both in urban and rural areas in India. There are limited data on awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye disease in rural communities of India. This study reports on awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases in people aged ≥40 years from two rural districts of Telangana, India. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to determine the awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases among participants aged ≥40 years in the Khammam and Warangal districts of Telangana, India. Social investigators visited the participant’s households and conducted the interviews. A positive response to a question on having heard about diabetes was considered as ‘awareness’. For those aware, follow-up questions were asked about the effect of diabetes on vision, frequency of eye examination and source of information. A positive response on a question that diabetes could cause loss of vision was considered as awareness of diabetic eye disease. Results A total of 3273 participants were interviewed. Among them, 56.2% (n = 1840) were women, 60.6% (n = 1985) had no formal education, and 50.2% (n = 1645) were from the Khammam district. The mean age of the participants was 55.3 years (standard deviation: 11.7 years). Awareness of diabetes was 52.5% (n = 1719). Among them, 1056 participants (61.4%) were aware that diabetes could affect vision. Conclusion Only half of the participants were aware of diabetes and of this substantial proportion of individuals was unaware of potential vision loss due to diabetes. Improving awareness about diabetes and its impact on vision is recommended to prevent potential vision loss in this population.

Divorce is a social problem study

According to the World Health Organization, health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. The real meaning of being healthy is focusing on yourself and adopting healthy ways of living. After independence in India, health has been one of the main goals facing the country. There have always been obstacles in bringing health facilities to the rural people of the country. Health problems are especially acute in rural areas. For all these situations there is a lack of expertise in primary health centers created to deal with diseases in rural areas. A factor responsible for the poor health status of rural women is their lack of nutrition. Due to the lack of nutrition, conditions like malnutrition have arisen and due to this many types of diseases are prevalent. More than half of India's villages suffer from anomie due to lack of essential nutrients. About 22 thousand women especially pregnant women die of anomia in India. A number of social, economic and personal factors are responsible for the poor health status of rural women. Sanitation, education, lack of awareness, poor economic status, traditions, customs, husbandry, heavy physical labor, irregular diet, feticide, frequent births etc. are considered responsible for many factors.

Behavior to Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the Elderly with Non-Communicable Disease in Rural Northeastern Thailand

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the preventive behaviors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to identify factors influencing these behaviors. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from September 2021 to January 2022 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study population comprised 320 early-onset elderly individuals with non-communicable diseases residing in rural northeastern Thailand. A simple random sampling technique was utilized to select participants. Data collection was facilitated through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The analysis indicated that 69.1% of participants were female, with a mean age of 63.7 years. Diabetes mellitus represented 43.1% of the underlying conditions. A significant majority (54.4%) exhibited a high level of preventive behavior against COVID-19. Notably, 76.3% of the participants consistently engaged in hand hygiene with alcohol gel in public settings. Age and educational background were significant personal factors correlated with preventive behaviors (p-value&lt;0.05). Participants with very high preventive behaviors were predominantly in the 60-65 age bracket (62.3% vs. 37.7%, p-value=0.027) and had completed late elementary education (46.0% vs. 30.1%, p-value=0.018). Conclusion: Elderly individuals with underlying diseases in rural areas of northeastern Thailand displayed commendable preventive behaviors against COVID-19. These findings suggest a heightened awareness and proactive engagement in mitigating the transmission of this infectious disease.

The Burden of Chagas Disease in the Contemporary World: The RAISE Study.

Chagas disease (ChD), a Neglected Tropical Disease, has witnessed a transformative epidemiological landscape characterized by a trend of reduction in prevalence, shifting modes of transmission, urbanization, and globalization. Historically a vector-borne disease in rural areas of Latin America, effective control measures have reduced the incidence in many countries, leading to a demographic shift where most affected individuals are now adults. However, challenges persist in regions like the Gran Chaco, and emerging oral transmission in the Amazon basin adds complexity. Urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas and to non-endemic countries, especially in Europe and the US, have redefined the disease's reach. These changing patterns contribute to uncertainties in estimating ChD prevalence, exacerbated by the lack of recent data, scarcity of surveys, and reliance on outdated models. Besides, ChD's lifelong natural history, marked by acute and chronic phases, introduces complexities in diagnosis, particularly in non-endemic regions where healthcare provider awareness is low. The temporal dissociation of infection and clinical manifestations, coupled with underreporting, has rendered ChD invisible in health statistics. Deaths attributed to ChD cardiomyopathy often go unrecognized, camouflaged under alternative causes. Understanding these challenges, the RAISE project aims to reassess the burden of ChD and ChD cardiomyopathy. The project is a collaborative effort of the World Heart Federation, Novartis Global Health, the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and a team of specialists coordinated by Brazil's Federal University of Minas Gerais. Employing a multidimensional strategy, the project seeks to refine estimates of ChD-related deaths, conduct systematic reviews on seroprevalence and prevalence of clinical forms, enhance existing modeling frameworks, and calculate the global economic burden, considering healthcare expenditures and service access. The RAISE project aspires to bridge knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and inform evidence-based health policies and research initiatives, positioning ChD prominently on the global health agenda.

Effectiveness of peer-led intervention in control of non-communicable diseases in rural areas of Khordha district: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe main contributors to death and disability from chronic illnesses in developing nations are elevated blood pressure (hypertension), blood sugar (diabetes mellitus), and blood cholesterol (dyslipidaemia). Even though there are affordable treatments, the treatment gap for these conditions is still significant. Few pilot studies from industrialized nations discuss the value of peer-led interventions for achieving community-level management of blood pressure and blood sugar. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led intervention compared to standard care in achieving control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indian context at 1 year of intervention among people of 30–60 years with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidaemia.MethodsA cluster-randomized controlled trial will be conducted in villages of two rural blocks of the Khordha district of Odisha from August 2023 to December 2024. A total of 720 eligible participants (360 in the intervention group and 360 in the control group) will be recruited and randomized into two study arms. The participants in the intervention arm will receive a peer-led intervention model for 6 months in addition to standard care. The sessions will be based on the six domains of NCDs — self-care, follow-up care, medication, physical activity, diet, limiting substance use, mental health and co-morbidities. The mean reduction in blood pressure, HbA1C, and blood cholesterol in the intervention arm compared to the standard care arm will be the main outcome.DiscussionThe increasing burden of NCDs demands for newer strategies for management. Peer-led interventions have proven to be useful at the international level. Incorporating it in India will have remarkable results in controlling NCDs.Trial registrationClinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) CTRI/2023/02/050022. Registered on 23 February 2023.

Quality of primary health care for chronic diseases in low-resource settings: Evidence from a comprehensive study in rural China.

There is a paucity of evidence regarding the definition of the quality of primary health care (PHC) in China. This study aims to evaluate the PHC quality for chronic diseases in rural areas based on a modified conceptual framework tailored to the context of rural China. This comprehensive study, involving a patient survey, a provider survey and chart abstraction, and second-hand registered data, was set in three low-resource counties in rural China from 2021 to 2022. Rural patients with hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and health care workers providing care on hypertension or diabetes were involved. The modified PHC quality framework encompasses three core domains: a competent PHC system (comprehensiveness, accessibility, continuity, and coordination), effective clinical care (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, disease management, and provider competence), and positive user experience (information sharing, shared decision-making, respect for patient's preferences, and family-centeredness). Standardized PHC quality score was generated by arithmetic means or Rasch models of Item Response Theory. This study included 1355 patients, 333 health care providers and 2203 medical records. Ranging from 0 (the worst) to 1 (the best), the average quality score for the PHC system was 0.718, with 0.887 for comprehensiveness, 0.781 for accessibility, 0.489 for continuity, and 0.714 for coordination. For clinical care, average quality was 0.773 for disease assessment, 0.768 for diagnosis, 0.677 for treatment, 0.777 for disease management, and 0.314 for provider competence. The average quality for user experience was 0.727, with 0.933 for information sharing, 0.657 for shared decision-making, 0.936 for respect for patients' preferences, and 0.382 for family-centeredness. The differences in quality among population subgroups, although statistically significant, were small. The PHC quality in rural China has shown strengths and limitations. We identified large gaps in continuity of care, treatment, provider competence, family-centeredness, and shared decision-making. Policymakers should invest more effort in addressing these gaps to improve PHC quality.

Epidemiological Impact of Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Rural Spanish-Portuguese Cross-Border Region

Introduction: Epidemiological data indicate that neurodegenerative diseases show a high prevalence with a progressive increasing trend, especially in aging populations, as is the case in rural areas. The objective of this study was to assess the quantitative impact of neurodegenerative diseases in rural areas of the Spanish-Portuguese border region and to describe the epidemiological profile of the most prevalent disorders in one of the most depopulated and aged regions of Europe. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to estimate the prevalence of subjects diagnosed with the most common neurodegenerative disorders: dementia (Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias), Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism, and multiple sclerosis in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border border region in 2020. It includes Bragança and Guarda Districts (Portugal) and Salamanca (Castilla y León, Spain). Results: Neurodegenerative diseases accounted for 1.85% in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region in 2020; a total of 5,819 records were reported: 987 (prevalence, 2.51%) in Salamanca (Spain); 2,332 (prevalence, 1.87%) in Bragança; and 2,500 (prevalence, 1.66%) in Guarda. Female population suffered from them in higher proportion (2.35 vs. 1.32%). Dementia represented 1.19% (3,744), Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism 0.58% (1,823), and multiple sclerosis 0.08% (252). These disorders impacted older age groups. In the rural border region of Spain, 1 out of 4 cases were institutionalized. Conclusion: The findings reveal the health impact of neurodegenerative diseases in the Spanish-Portuguese cross-border region. The epidemiological data emphasize the region’s circumstances and highlight research priorities. Intervention strategies must be implemented in the region to ensure quality healthcare in rural areas.

Do the New Rural Pension Scheme promote the health status of chronic patients in old age? —Evidence from CHARLS 2018 in China

BackgroundMany researchers have examined the impact of social insurance on health in elderly. However, in most cases, they have only demonstrated correlational results and have not been able to determine causal effects, possibly because confounding biases have not been fully addressed. In this study, we investigated the health effects of the New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS) on the elderly (age≥60 years old) with chronic diseases in rural areas, and to explore the causal relationship and effects of NRPS and health status.MethodsThis paper used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and applied Bayesian networks and fuzzy regression discontinuity design to conduct causal analysis. Bayesian networks were used to explore the causal directed acyclic graphs of factors related to NRPS and health status. Based on the results of Bayesian network, a fuzzy regression discontinuity design was employed to estimate the causal effect of NRPS on health status.ResultsAmong rural elderly with chronic diseases, Bayesian network mapping of causal relationships among NRPS, health status and covariates showed that age was a common cause of NRPS receipt and satisfaction with health. The results of the fuzzy regression discontinuity analysis showed that the effect of receiving NRPS on the health status was positive, but there was no statistically significant difference concerning the interval estimates. The results of the subgroup analysis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma indicated that the effect of NRPS receipt on the health status of elderly people with COPD was positive. There was a statistically significant effect of receiving NRPS on self-rated health description (β1=3.653,P=0.032\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\beta }_{1}=3.653,P=0.032$$\\end{document}) and health satisfaction (β1=4.204,P=0.033\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\beta }_{1}=4.204,P=0.033$$\\end{document}) in COPD population and a statistically significant effect of receiving NRPS on health satisfaction in asthma population (β1=9.844,P=0.008\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\beta }_{1}=9.844,P=0.008$$\\end{document}).ConclusionThis paper has confirmed the contribution and positive causal effect of NRPS on health status in a subgroup of older adults with COPD and asthma, using the CHARLS database as evidence. Thus, Chinese government should increase the take-up rate of the NRPS to enhance their positive impact on health status of elderly people with chronic diseases in rural areas.

Diet-Related Disease Prevention in a Rural Australian Setting: Understanding Barriers, Enablers, and the Role of Rural Health Services in Supporting Changes in Local Rural Food Environments

Bold and comprehensive action is needed to prevent diet-related diseases in rural areas, which includes improving food environments to enable healthier dietary practices. Rural health services are integral to the health of rural populations, yet their role in community disease prevention is not swell understood. This study sought to understand health service, local government, and food outlet stakeholders’ perspectives on (1) the drivers of unhealthy retail environments in a rural setting; (2) the role of rural health services in supporting changes in local food environments; and to (3) identify characteristics of potential interventions. Two Group Model Building workshops were held with health service and local government leaders (n = 9), and interviews were conducted with local food outlet participants (n = 13). Key themes included ‘enablers to healthier food environments’, ‘barriers to healthier food environments’, ‘Rural health services are a leading broker of knowledge for healthy food environments’, and ‘characteristics of desirable healthy food environment interventions.’. Rural health services can play a key role in addressing the current barriers to healthy food environments in rural areas. Effective promotion of healthier diets in rural populations will require consideration of key stakeholder perspectives and the development of further evidence on the role that rural health services can play in improving the healthiness of food environments.

A Study on the Current Situation of Education of Rural Children with Serious Illnesses Who Go to the City for Medical Treatment A Case Study of WuJiaNong in Hefei City

This study analyzes the current situation of family education and school education of special children with major illnesses such as leukemia and malignant tumor who travel to the city specifically for medical treatment in rural areas, taking WujiaNong in Hefei as an example. After understanding the economic pressure, mental pressure, and social support of these special groups, and taking into account the situation of local voluntary organizations, the current situation of family education and schooling of children with leukemia in WuJiaNong, Hefei City is clarified, and the causes of their education problems are analyzed in the light of various factors, to draw the attention of the society and improve the current situation of the lack of family education and schooling of children with major diseases in rural areas.

Enhancing Income as a Starting Point for Designing Sustainable Health Product-Service Systems for Chronically Ill Elderly in Rural Areas

Insufficient income, inadequate healthcare resources, and insufficient chronic disease management awareness pose a fundamental obstacle to the sustained health maintenance of elderly individuals with chronic diseases in rural areas. In response to these challenges, this study adopted a research-through-design approach and introduced system design thinking by incorporating new stakeholders, experiential insights, and services. Initially, during the background research stage, a semi-structured interview was conducted to gain an understanding of the pains, needs, and potential opportunities of the target users. Subsequently, in the design model construction stage, desk research was carried out to refine and integrate the common components identified in various design models. In a focus group, these components were then incorporated into the development of a Sustainable Health Product-Service System Design Model tailored for rural elderly with chronic diseases after refining the pains, needs, and potential opportunities defined in the first stage. This design model encompassed elements including a background layer, a stakeholder layer, a funding layer, a product layer, a service layer, and an information layer. In the system design and design model validation stage, a design project aimed at health maintenance was launched within Liyang Town, with the design thinking method following a process of empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. Throughout the project, the established model guided the design process and facilitated the conceptualization and implementation of a Product-Service system. In conclusion, an investigation encompassing 15 elderly individuals was undertaken to analyze their income balance, health condition, health awareness, and their satisfaction with the health system. This analysis spanned the period both before and after their involvement in the project. The outcomes of this examination revealed notable enhancements across all three dimensions evaluated, highlighting the positive impact of the project on the elderly participants. Furthermore, the project’s social benefits were also comprehensively established.

A Case of Hookworm Infection in a Child Causing Severe Anemia Diagnosed by Endoscopy: A Neglected Tropical Disease

Hookworm (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale) infection are common in tropical and subtropical countries. These are still an neglected tropical disease in rural areas,leading to severe iron deficiency anemia and even mortality. Here we present a case from a tertiary care center in northern India of a 3 year old child with progressive complaint of pallor and generalised body swelling. On upper gastrointestinal gastroscopy hookworms were visualised and recovered. Patients stool sample was sent to lab in which egg of hookworm was also seen on microscopy. The child was treated with albendazole and anemia was also cured