Health Management Department Research Articles

A study on the professional attention and career commitment of health management students.

The education process is based on leading the choice of profession in line with the interests and abilities of the individual and helping them with their career plans in these professions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the occupational interest levels of the Health Management Department students on their career commitment. In the study, descriptive findings were included by using a quantitative research design. In the research, data were collected from 282 students studying Department of Health Management. SPSS 26.0 package program was used for statistical analysis of research data. Parametric tests (t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, normal linear regression analysis) were utilized since the data fit the normal distribution. 57.1% of the individuals participating in the research are female, 47.8% have the age range of 21 to 22. There is a positive, moderate (r = 0.677 p < 0.01) significant relationship between professional interest and career commitment scales. The level of professional interest and career dedication varies according to gender, age, income status and the class of the student. It is very important that health management students have an interest in their profession. Because this interest will guide them in what kind of a career they should make in their business life after graduation.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and endothelial dysfunction.

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker for insulin resistance (IR), has been reported as an independent predictor of arterial structural damage and future cardiovascular events. The association between TyG index and endothelial dysfunction remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between TyG index and endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction was measured using flow-mediated dilation (FMD). A total of 840 subjects, who voluntarily accepted FMD measurement at the Health Management Department of Xuanwu Hospital from October 2016 to January 2020, were included in this study. TyG index was calculated as Ln [fasting triglyceride (TG)(mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dL)/2]. The mean age was 59.92 ± 10.28 years and 559 (66.55%) participants were male. The TyG index was correlated with FMD values (P = 0.022). Each unit increment in TyG index was associated with lower FMD values (β = -0.330, 95%CI -0.609 to -0.052, P = 0.020) after adjusting for covariates. Age (β = -0.069, 95%CI -0.088 to -0.051, P < 0.001), female (β = 0.592, 95%CI 0.172 to1.012, P = 0.006), smoking (β = -0.430, 95%CI -0.859 to -0.002, P = 0.049) and hypertension (β = -0.741, 95%CI -1.117 to -0.365, P < 0.001) were also independent predictors for endothelial dysfunction. A significant association between the TyG index and endothelial dysfunction was found only in populations younger than 60 years (β = -0.843, 95%CI -1.371 to -0.316, P = 0.002), females (β = -0.612, 95%CI -1.147 to -0.077, P = 0.025), and populations without diabetes mellitus (DM) (β = -0.594, 95%CI -1.042 to -0.147, P = 0.009). Subjects with an elevated TyG index are more likely to have endothelial dysfunction, particularly in populations without DM.

Policy implementation deviation of government purchase of old age care services in Jiangsu, China: based on empirical and policy analysis

BackgroundGovernment purchase of social forces to participate in old age care services can release the burden of social care. Current research on performance evaluation in this field mainly focussed on the establishment of appropriate evaluation indices. However, discussion on the policy implementation deviation is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of China’s local government purchase of old age care services, analyse the characteristics of related policies and explore their deviation.MethodsThe persons who participated in the Training of the Trainer (ToT) organized by the Red Cross Society were enrolled. The policy documents were obtained from the official websites. The K-means cluster was used to determine the project performance grades. We compared the project performance grades between service objects and undertakers with different characteristics utilizing the non-parametric test. Based on the framework of ‘Collaborative Participation – Project Performance Objective’, we analysed the content of relevant policy aiding by NVivo 12.ResultsData of project performance were collected from 306 participants. The standardized mean score of the efficiency dimension was the lowest (0.70 ± 0.24). The projects were divided into four grades: poor (17.0%), average (27.5%), good (12.4%) and excellent (43.1%). There were statistically significant differences in project performance grades only between advanced ageing groups (Z = 2.429, P = 0.015). As well, the policy also mentioned that the services focus should be tilted towards the oldest old. The purchasers mainly involved the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Health management departments in the policy. Respite services were less mentioned in the responsibilities of the undertakers. The requirement for efficiency and effectiveness was mentioned in less than half of the policy documents.ConclusionPolicy attention is needed for the responsibilities and functions of the intermediate purchasing force, as well as more precise directions and responsibilities of undertakers. The purchasers and undertakers should improve management abilities and capacity of old age care services and focus on associated factors to achieve the best marginal benefit. In addition, the embedded performance evaluation needs to be updated periodically to bridge the deviation between policy implementation and policy formulation.

Patient delay in chronic kidney disease: A qualitative study.

This study aimed to investigate the reasons for patient delay in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and provide a scientific basis for implementing effective interventions. With the adoption of the phenomenological method in qualitative research, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 cases, and the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to analyze the interview data and refine the themes. A total of 4 themes were obtained, namely, a cognitive explanation of illness, negative psychological emotions, socioeconomic levels, and limited medical resources. The current status of patient delay in chronic kidney disease is serious, and there are various reasons for it. Health management departments and healthcare providers at all levels should pay attention to this situation and provide targeted supportive interventions and health education to help patients establish the correct awareness of medical consultation and effectively improve their quality of survival.

Association between total cholesterol and lumbar bone density in Chinese: a study of physical examination data from 2018 to 2023

BackgroundThe impact of total cholesterol (TC) on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) is a topic of interest. However, empirical evidence on this association from demographic surveys conducted in China is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between serum TC and lumbar BMD in a sample of 20,544 Chinese adults between the ages of 20 and 80 years over a period of 5 years, from February 2018 to February 2023. Thus, we investigated the effect of serum TC level on lumbar BMD and its relationship with bone reduction in a Chinese adult population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data obtained from the Department of Health Management at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital between February 2018 and February 2023. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between serum TC and lumbar BMD in individuals of different sexes. The research methodology encompassed population description, analysis of stratification, single-factor and multiple-equation regression analyses, smooth curve fitting, and analysis of threshold and saturation effects. The R and EmpowerStats software packages were used for statistical analysis.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, a multiple linear regression model revealed a significant correlation between TC and lumbar BMD in men. In subgroup analysis, serum TC was found to have a positive association with lumbar BMD in men, specifically those aged 45 years or older, with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 24 to 28 kg/m2. A U-shaped correlation arose between serum TC and lumbar BMD was detected in women of different ages and BMI, the inflection point was 4.27 mmol/L for women aged ≥ 45 years and 4.35 mmol/L for women with a BMI of ≥ 28 kg/m2.ConclusionIn this study, Chinese adults aged 20–80 years displayed different effects of serum TC on lumbar BMD in sex-specific populations. Therefore, monitoring BMI and serum TC levels in women of different ages could prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia.Trial registrationThe research protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines (No. 2015-12-02). These data are part of the China Health Quantitative CT Big Data Research team, which has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (code: NCT03699228).

Strategies to Reduce Maternal Death Rate and Improve the Provision of Quality Healthcare Services in Selected Hospitals of Vhembe District Limpopo Province.

The maternal death rate remains high in South Africa despite the availability of many existing strategies to improve the quality of service. A 30% increase in the maternal mortality rate was reported between 2020 and 2021, with Limpopo ranking fourth highest out of nine provinces. The Vhembe district maintained its position as the third-ranked area with a notably elevated maternal mortality rate. This study aimed to explore the strategies used to reduce the maternal death rate and improve the provision of quality maternal healthcare services based on participant experiences in selected hospitals of the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. One hospital was purposively sampled from every four municipalities. A qualitative approach using a phenomenological design was employed. Twenty-eight participants were sampled using a convenience sampling method. The semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data, complemented by the use of an audio recorder, continuing until data saturation was reached. Data saturation was reached at the 20th participant; however, the researcher continued until 28 sampled participants were interviewed. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used following the analytical stages of interpretative data analysis. The study proposal was ethically cleared by the University of Venda Ethics Committee (FHS/22/PH/08/3108). The results indicate that, despite implementing strategies to improve maternal healthcare services and reduce the maternal death rate, several factors, such as the lack of material resources, shortage of staff, incompetent staff and poor infection control, affect the quality of maternal health services in the Vhembe district. The Limpopo Department of Health and hospital management should ensure that hospitals have all the necessary resources and support healthcare professionals through in-service training to ensure the functionality of existing strategies.

Prevalence of sleep disturbances and associated factors among Chinese residents: A web-based empirical survey of 2019.

To identify the prevalence of sleep disorders in China through a large sample study. To explore the relevant social determinants affecting residents' sleep status at both individual and provincial levels based on the theoretical framework of the Dahlgren-Whitehead model. A nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from January 20 to February 28, 2019 across 31 provinces of China. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate residents' sleep quality. Multilevel linear regression analysis was used to analyse the influencing factors of sleep disorder. A sample of 107 650 residents completed the survey, and 94 454 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. The crude incidence rate and the age-adjusted rate of sleep disorder in Chinese residents were 19.16% and 21.25%, respectively. Those who were older, female, smokers, drinkers, married, divorced, or widowed, retired, more educated (regression coefficient (b) = 0.172, P < 0.05), had worse self-perceived economic status, and lived far away from community health services (b = 0.758, P < 0.05) were more likely to have sleep problems. Physical exercise, social support (b = -1.705, P < 0.05), and greening coverage of residential areas (b = -1.769, P < 0.05) were protective factors for residents' sleep quality. Sleep disorders are prevalent in the Chinese population, with varying incidence rates across provinces. To improve sleep quality, the Chinese government and health management departments should pay more attention to vulnerable groups and promote healthy lifestyles through education. Additionally, the social network can be utilized to provide social support. Improving the ecological environment and daily living environment is also essential.

Efficiency of Turkish Health Management Departments through Data Envelopment Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine which of the input and output variables made a statistically significant difference in the efficiency status of undergraduate departments offering Health Management education in Turkey, to identify areas where inefficient departments could improve, and to determine which of the input and output variables made a statistically significant difference in the efficiency status of inefficient departments. The output-oriented data envelopment analysis model was employed in the efficiency analysis. As a decision-making unit, there were 43 Health Management departments. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyse whether or not there was a statistically significant difference between the efficiencies of the departments based on the input and output variables. In Turkey, 15 of 43 state universities providing formal undergraduate education in the field of Health Management are fully efficient. Also, there was a significant difference in terms of the “number of completed projects” and the “number of papers in journals screened within the scope of Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC)” variables. No study examining the efficiency of Health Management departments has been found in the literature. Department administrators are encouraged to increase their publications and look into ways to design more initiatives.

Reinventing Medical Hazardous Materials Response for Radiological Emergencies: Building Resiliency in Emergency Medical Response Systems Through a Novel Approach to Education and Training

Introduction:The past three years have included multiple Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and dramatically impacted all facets of Emergency Medical Response. During this time, simultaneous crises have demonstrated the value of the non-traditional responder in mitigating complex incidents. Current geopolitical climate has proliferated nuclear power and increases the necessity for readiness and awareness for radiological incidents. These are complex incidents a responder may face and requires even the lowest skilled practitioner to be fully engaged before special operations intervention.Limited research exists to determine whether current emergency medical services (EMS) training supplies the competency necessary to ensure safety of the prehospital provider during a radiological incident. Forthcoming research will investigate the effectiveness of this current training within the United States.Method:Survey data will be collected from multiple providers across the United States to evaluate their confidence level on two primary objectives during a radiological incident: competency of personal protective equipment donning and doffing, and management of contaminated patients.Data analyses of survey responses help drive future proposed educational activities that will be compliant with best practices set forth by organizations such as the United States Department of Health and Human Services Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM), the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), and Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/ Training Site (REAC/TS).Results:Data will be collected by survey responses to evaluate a diverse range of EMS services. Details such as skill level, type of EMS service, catchment of communities served, and their impressions upon the training will be analyzed.Conclusion:This is an ongoing project that will embrace the perspectives of the diverse group of delegates of WADEM throughout and become enriched through the organization's wealth of knowledge. Gaps highlighted during roll-out of this research can also be used to address logistics, doctrine, and policy shortfalls.

Association between triglyceride glucose-related markers and the risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study in healthy Chinese participants

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the performance of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and its related markers in predicting metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in healthy Chinese participants.DesignThis was a...

Characterization of Three Novel IMP Metallo-β-Lactamases, IMP-89, IMP-91, and IMP-96, and Diverse blaIMP-Carrying Accessory Genetic Elements from Chinese Clinical Isolates.

Three novel imipenemase (IMP)-type metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), referred to as IMP-89, IMP-91, and IMP-96, were detected in three clinical isolates from China. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests indicated these novel enzymes were resistant to most β-lactams, and IMP-96 with a Ser262Gly mutation had higher activity against meropenem than its point mutant. We then collected sequence data on all 91 available IMP variants for phylogenetic analysis. To further analyze the genetic environment of blaIMP, an extensive comparison was applied to nine accessory genetic elements (AGEs), including six sequenced blaIMP-carrying AGEs in this study and three others from GenBank. These nine AGEs were divided into three groups: three IncpJBCL41 plasmids, Tn6417 and its two derivatives, and three Tn6879-related integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). All blaIMP genes in this study were captured by class 1 integrons. In the integrons, blaIMP genes usually coexisted with other resistance genes, which further impeded clinical antibacterial treatment. The emergence of new IMP variants and the diversity and complexity of their genetic environment make the prevention and control of drug-resistant strains critical, requiring serious attention from clinical and public health management departments. IMPORTANCE The spread of IMP-type MBLs has increased dramatically in recent years. We discovered three novel IMP variants from three clinical isolates in China. We summarized the classification and evolutionary relationship of all available IMP variants. Moreover, we detailed the genetic characteristics of blaIMP-carrying accessory genetic elements in five clinical isolates. Given the risk of rapid and extensive spread of blaIMP genes, we suggest that continuous surveillance is crucial to combat the acquisition and transmission of blaIMP genes by bacteria, which can impede clinical therapy effectiveness.

An assessment of water quality and the locals' perception of coastal lagoon pollution in ghana: A case study of chemu lagoon in tema

The Chemu lagoon is not immune to pollution through chemical waste contamination, refuse disposals, and untreated household sewage, and hence has been chosen as a case study. This paper aims to assess the lagoon's level of pollution. Chemical analysis of water samples, field observations, and a structured survey questionnaire was used to assess the state of the lagoon. The study revealed that the Chemu lagoon has inferior water quality as most of the parameters evaluated were above the acceptable standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Significant differences in concentrations of water quality parameters were established between seasons. The study found that respondents were aware of the lagoon’s polluted state and attributed pollution to siltation and waste dumping. This leads to offensive odour, livelihood losses emphasising a reduction in fishing activities, and outbreaks of diseases in the area. Conclusively, stakeholders have not prioritised mitigating pollution of the lagoon. The study recommends that the Environmental Health and Waste Management Departments of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly intensify house-to-house hygiene education and sanitary inspection in the area. There should be education and sensitisation on proper waste management practices in the area.

Assessment of variables determining the health management departments' efficiency with analytical hierarchy process.

This study was conducted to determine the variables that play a role in the efficiency of Health Management departments in Turkey and the ranking of them in order of importance. These variables were determined by systematic analysis. The Prisma method was used in the systematic analysis approach. Input and output variables used in studies assessing the efficiency of higher education institutions in the literature were listed. The ranking of these variables was determined by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The questionnaire used for the AHP analysis and the judgments of 127 academicians working in Health Management Departments in universities in Turkey were assessed. The first three input variables found as a result of the AHP were "the number of registered undergraduate students per faculty member", "the number of faculty members", and "the number of other academic staff". The most important three output variables included "the number of articles searched on SCI, SSCI, SCI-E", "the number of papers presented in international congresses", and "the count of publications published in international peer-reviewed journals". To achieve positive developments in the efficiency of Health Management Departments, it is recommended to carry out studies to increase the number of qualified publications.

Movie analysis as an active learning method: A study with health management student

This study aims to determine the contribution of discussing movies as an active learning method on health management students' learning of health and management concepts. Students studying health management watched four movies containing many elements related to "health" and "management" in a month. After each movie, the analysis of the movie was carried out. In the study, four different student groups with similar qualifications were formed. The first group did not watch the movies, the second group only watched the movies, the third group watched the movies and discussed within the group, the fourth group watched the movies and discussed with the lecturer. The research population comprises the senior undergraduate Health Management Department students. At the end of the study, all participants took an exam containing the key concepts related to the movies. In addition, the satisfaction levels of students in relation to learning with movies were also measured. According to the results of the evaluation exam prepared for key concepts, a significant difference was found between the group means (p = 0.016). Accordingly, the mean (x = 71.32) of the fourth group, watching the movies and discussing with the lecturer, was found to be higher than the other groups. It was seen that watching movies containing key concepts in the field of health and management and discussing with the lecturer contributed to the cognitive and cultural levels of the students.

Tratamiento de lixiviados mezclados tipo I y tipo III mediante filtración y oxidación química

In Riobamba city from Ecuador, for more than thirty years solid urban waste was placed in an open dump, without gas and leachate control. In 2016, the landfill was technically closed and an emerging cell with the characteristics of a sanitary landfill was built nearby. The Environmental Health and Hygiene Management Department of the Riobamba Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Government monitors leachate generation, recording 19.24 m3/day of young leachate (Type I) from the emerging cell and 5.78 m3/day of mature leachate (Type III) from the old landfill. The two types of leachates are mixed in the main collection pipe that reaches a storage pool that receives 25.02 m3/day. The results of the physical-chemical analysis determine that the values of the parameters are outside the permissible limits. Turbidity is &gt;1000 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), and the concentration of suspended solids is 1200 mg. L-1 and iron 135.85 mg. L-1. Calcium (1223 mg. L-1) and manganese (356.15 mg. L-1) were also evaluated, as these minerals are related to the 16,000 mg. L-1 of hardness. For the treatment of the mixed leachate, two phases are proposed: a) physical treatment by downward filtration in a granular bed to reduce the concentrations of suspended solids, and b) chemical treatment by oxidation using sodium hypochlorite. Laboratory results showed a 96.40% decrease in the concentration of suspended solids. Turbidity stabilized at 65 UTN. Iron, calcium, and manganese concentrations decreased by 95.60%, 96.28%, and 50.60%, respectively.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health.

Fireside Chat on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Special Edition of the Health Equity Journal Featuring Authors.

Fireside Chat on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Special Edition of the Health Equity Journal Featuring Authors.

Risk factors for stroke in a population of central China: A cross-sectional study.

The incidence and mortality rates of stroke in China are higher than the world average, seriously endangering the public's health and quality of life. It is important to predict the incidence of stroke, identify the high-risk factors in the region, and raise the risk awareness of high-risk groups. This study sought to investigate and analyze the distribution of stroke population and the main risk factors for stroke occurrence in a Chinese population, and to predict the probability of stroke occurrence in high-risk groups with risk factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive prevention and treatment of stroke. A whole-group sampling method was used to investigate 1009 participants in Jingzhou city in central China, and a uniform questionnaire survey and related medical examinations were conducted. The risk factors for stroke in the area were analyzed by univariate analysis, and a multifactorial logistic regression prediction model was established based on the results of univariate analysis. The results of univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses suggested that gender, age, family history of stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle were significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke in the local population (all P < .05). The top 5 risk factors for stroke were atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.225, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.826-9.663), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 2.701, 95% CI: 1.667-4.376), age (≥65 years) (OR = 2.593, 95% CI: 1.680-4.004), hypertension (OR = 2.106, 95% CI: 1.380-3.216), and gender (male) (OR = 2.099, 95% CI: 1.270-3.471). This study effectively identifies the high risk factors for stroke and provides scientific insights for risk assessment, intervention of risk factors, and decision making of health management departments in the central region of China. The modifable risk factors for stroke such as smoking, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, and sedentary lifestyle were also observed. Our findings further highlight the significant of the primary and secondary prevention for stroke and reveal the potential targets to reduce the heavy stroke burden in China around the world.

The Relationship between Mushroom Management and Organizational Commitment in Research Assistants: A Study in the Field of Health Management

Mushroom management style is an approach that is based on the metaphor of mushroom cultivation, where employees are provided only with resources related to their jobs and no other information is shared. This management style affects employees in many ways such as performance, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The aim of this study is to determine the level of exposure of research assistants to the mushroom management style in their institution and to examine the relationship between mushroom management perceptions and organizational commitment. The population of the study consists of 152 research assistants working in the health management department of public and foundation universities in Turkey. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, and the analyses were conducted on the data of 103 research assistants who completed and returned the questionnaires. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the mushroom management perceptions and organizational commitments of the research assistants in the health management department were at a moderate level. In addition, a weak negative relationship was found between their mushroom management scores and organizational commitment scores. Thus, it was concluded that the more positive mushroom management perceptions are, the lower the organizational commitment is. The findings of the study are important for determining the potential effects of mushroom management perceptions at universities.

Digital Disruption and Big Data in Healthcare - Opportunities and Challenges.

BackgroundAs the amount of medical data in the electronic medical records system (EMR) is increasing tremendously, the required time to read it by health providers is growing by the exact proportionality. This means that physicians must increase the time spared for each patient again by the precise proportionality. This may lead to exposing the accuracy and quality of the course of action to be taken for the patients. Increasing the physician’s required time for one patient means that the physician can see fewer patients. This will create an issue with the medical management authority as more physicians are needed, and higher expenses will be required.PurposeThe two questions that arise here are 1. Identify the potential opportunities and challenges for extensive data analysis in the healthcare sector. 2. Evaluate different ways in which big medical data can be analyzed?MethodsThe authors identified the four concerned parties representing the four potential solutions dimensions to answer these two questions. These parties are 1. physicians, 2. health information systems management (HISM) departments, mainly the EMR system, and 3. Health management departments 4. Relevant Health Information Systems (HIS) parties. A literature review and 25 interviews were conducted. The interviews covered 1: Two global organizations: John Hopkins and Joint Commission International (JCI), 2: Three United Arab Emirates-based health organizations: Department of health in Abu Dhabi, SEHA in Abu Dhabi, Dubai health Authority (DHA) in Dubai, 3: 10 Physicians from different specialties, 4: Five EMR managers and 5: Five IT (Information Technology) professionals representing the HIS parties. Qualitative analysis is used as the approach for data analysis.ResultsIdentifying the managerial and the technical recommendations to be utilized mainly based on digital disruption technologies, tools, and processes.ConclusionHealthcare has been slow in embracing digital disruption and transformation. In most areas, it is still in the initial stages. Recommendations are based on the UAE cases, highlighting the specific technologies and their features.