Healthier Nation Research Articles

Stress buster sessions for nursing students

Stress buster sessions for nursing students

Medical education governance based on strategic planning

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the medical education strategic planning to align with international best practices in university governance.Design/methodology/approachResearch methods used: content analysis, analysis of modern concepts of strategic planning in universities. The study used two main methodological approaches: analysis of medical education governance and analysis of strategic planning in universities.FindingsApplied models of educational governance at most universities are not always effective in achieving their goals. A strategy is a complex and potentially powerful tool, with the help of which a modern university can withstand the constantly changing environment. By using such a tool, the university can gain prestige, leading positions and recognition in international scientific and educational spheres. Therefore, strategy and strategic planning deserve close attention as a higher education governance tool, suitable not only for a medical college but also for a wide range of other types of social organizations.Originality/valueEducation is a policy priority of any state determining the state’s level of modern socio-economic development and building a productive workforce. The quality of human resources primarily depends on the system of higher education, which is carried out by universities. Foreign countries’ experience shows that prosperity of the state and society is impossible without a healthy nation. Improving the quality of people’s lives depends, in particular, on health education, so “medical education governance” is how we prepare personnel, which must be properly trained and qualified to provide high-quality health care services. Kazakhstan medical universities are increasingly becoming players in the medical education market, but the governance systems of universities are lagging behind. The success of universities largely depends on the results of their strategic planning, which is why special attention should be given to strategic planning analysis. Despite the importance of analyzing medical education governance, there has been insufficient research in this area in Kazakhstan.

Challenges of implementing nutrition policy in Papua New Guinea

Purpose: The national nutrition policy 1995 was reviewed to address the chronic nutrition problems that existed for decades. The problems revealed from National Nutrition Survey 2005-2006, showed that about 44% of the children from ages 6 -59 months in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are physically stunted, 5 % are wasted and 18% are underweight. It also showed that 48 % are anaemic, of which 28% have iron deficiency. The proportion of children with vitamin A deficiency accounted for 25.6% of the study population. Method: The multi-sectoral approach was applied to review Nutrition Policy 2016 in order improve nutrition for all Papua New Guineans through evidence-based, coordinated nutrition approaches that optimises resources and aligns actions and to improve nutrition for all Papua New Guineans through evidence-based, coordinated nutrition approaches that optimises resources and aligns actions enabling smart, fair, wise, healthy and happy nation through improved nutrition and health outcomes for all citizens of PNG. Results: Proportion of health workers to the population at lower level is inadequately distributed at the primary health care level and many times one staff is doing many things at the same time and there is often less focus to concentrate on one specific job to produce better expected results. Many managers are working in difficult working conditions with changing environment and poor infrastructure, Managers face challenges in the areas of personal, technical performance, environment changes and survival and growth (Shortell & Kaluncy 2000), many of the managers do not know what exactly they are supposed to do. “Many challenges await. There are no panaceas for fixing our healthcare system”(Shalala D1). In PNG, there are many reasons why very good policies that have clear goals and visions are not implemented successfully as expected at all levels especially at the lower level where many of the outcomes are measured. Many blame the poor health system as a result of political influences while others have different opinions about various contributing factors including the WHO six building blocks which may have affected the policy implementation resulting in favourable or bad outcomes. Conclusion: Strengthen M & E system by the use of latest IT Technology (telemedicine) to asses outcomes and also monitors progress of policy implementation ,capturing important indicators and or interventions measured against the policies indicators, thus user friendly.

Women’s Education at Meiji Jogakkō and Martial Arts

The topic of bushidō in education has recently been explored by Gainty (2013), Benesch (2014), and several Japanese historians in Japan, such as Sōgawa (2017). However, martial arts and bushidō, as found in the education for women, remains a largely untreated issue, despite the great attention women and their physical education received in the discourses regarding the creation of a healthy modern nation that took place during and after the Meiji period (1868–1912). By looking at numerous primary sources, this paper, building upon Lukminaitė (2018), focuses on Meiji Jogakkō’s instruction of budō as a modern means of physical education (PE). It aims to provide new insights into how budō was perceived, treated in writing, and functionally put into practice.

Health and nutritional status of children enrolled with a charitable trust school in rural service area of a medical college in coastal Karnataka

Background: Healthy children are the base for a healthy nation. Children are quite vulnerable at this growing age and hence are prone to fall victim to many diseases, thus affecting their normal growth and development. School health program was started as a total health care delivery system in our country with a purpose of addressing the health needs of children. This study was carried out in a selected school of rural Mangaluru, Karnataka to assess the health and nutritional status of the children.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July and August 2017 among all the school children of a charitable school in a rural area of coastal Karnataka. Data regarding anthropometric measurements, refractory error, medical problems and minor ailments were collected using a predesigned health card. Data was entered in Microsoft excel spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS version 23.Results: A total of 773 children were examined. Dental caries was the most common illness found in 29.6% of children followed by refractive errors in 10.7% of the children. About 13% were underweight and 2% were overweight for age.Conclusions: The most common morbidities found were dental caries, pallor, refractory error and anaemia. Overweight was also seen in the children and needs to be addressed. A well implemented school health programme has the potential to provide comprehensive preventive and curative health services to school children.

Mental health literacy levels

Globally, mental disorders affect 25% of the society. This discursive paper aims to illustrate the mental health literacy levels in the public. Mental health literacy (MHL) is the understanding of mental health conditions, which helps in their prevention, recognition and treatment. Unfortunately, the public has minimal understanding of mental disorders, leading to poor recognition and delay in treatment. There is a need to conduct good quality research to assess the MHL levels among public and tailor interventions to enhance MHL among the public. This will ensure early detection of mental disorders, leading to early recovery and greater quality of life among the society. Nurses have a great role to play in leading these public educations, and enhancing a healthy and happy nation.

A study of treatment outcome of paediatric tuberculosis patients in an urban city of central India

Background: It is an established fact that healthy children build healthy nation. Proper management of Paediatric Tuberculosis is very essential for the control of tuberculosis as children also act as a source of infection within a community. The objective of the study was to determine the treatment outcome of paediatric TB patients registered under RNTCP in Bhopal city and to determine the relationship of socio-demographic profile and other selected factors with treatment outcome in Paediatric TB patients registered under RNTCP in Bhopal city.Methods: In this longitudinal study, data of all the paediatric TB patients (0 to 14 years of age group) diagnosed as TB and registered under R.N.T.C.P and fulfilling inclusion criteria during January 2013 to June 2013 were collected after obtaining informed consent from parents/guardians by using a structured questionnaire during their visit to designated microscopic centre (DMC) cum DOTS centre. The data was analysed on statistical software SPSS VS.20.Results: In our study 93.33% of paediatric patients were treatment completed, 4.84% were declared cure and 0.60% patients each were transferred out, declared treatment failure and died respectively. Educational status of mothers of paediatric patients (X2=40.569 and p=0.019, df=24), BCG vaccination (X2=11.299 and p=0.023, df=4) and nutritional status of children (X2=26.342 and p=0.049, df=16) are significantly associated with treatment outcome.Conclusions: Majority of paediatric patients were declared cured or treatment completed depending upon the result of sputum examination. In our study educational status of mothers of paediatric patients, BCG vaccination and nutritional status of children are significantly associated with treatment outcome. No association of treatment outcome was found with other selected factors such as age, gender, religion, type of family and socio economic status of paediatric patients.

Dokter Lubis Program

.....The Indonesian government via a program called Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS) emphasizes the principle of healthy life style for community, family and individual to create healthy nation estimated number of children with special needs in Indonesia in 2015 is about 7-10% of the total number of children. In this regards, children with special needs should be assisted to achieve their better condition of health through healthy lifestyle. Handling of children with special needs aims at emphasizing the potential of the children rather than focusing on their barriers, and also maintaining an optimistic attitude to be able to provide medical, psychological, and prevention services. The various conditions of children with special needs are not an excuse to avoid them, but rather generate awareness on respect to the diversity of individuals and give attention and services as ideal as they need. One effort developed to handle children with special needs is the ‘Dokter Lubis’ program (school children as peer educator for children with special needs) which includes promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative activities......

Infant and young child feeding guidelines: awareness amongst mothers and practices followed

Background: Globally if the exclusive breast feeding is adopted there is up to 15% reduction in the mortality of under five children. At the same time proper “complementary feeding practices” leads to up to 10% more decrease in the mortality rates. The objective of this study was to study the infant and young child feeding practices among mothersMethods: This was an observational study, conducted at Aditya Hospital, Hyderabad in the period duration of 2012-2013. All children upto 24 months of life and their mothers were included in the study.Results: Most common reasons given by the mothers were pain in the stitches and discomfort and anesthesia effect due to lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) (70%). it was found that there was no significant correlation between education status of mother and time of initiation of breast feeding (P=0.6). it was found that there was no statistical significance between giving of pre-lacteals according to educational status of mothers. Almost 60% (n=64) of the mothers were appropriate in starting complementary foods at the age of 6 months. Conclusions: Women need to be educated separately with knowledge regarding of appropriate feeding practices so that both mothers and babies benefit from it; leading further to a healthy nation.

An Agenda for Growth and Metabolism Research in Farm Animals: Healthy Food for a Healthy Nation

The aim of this paper is to present a paradigm shift from meat demand to health driven understanding of the effects of livestock production and meat consumption in human. Included are comments on animal nutrition research with the purpose of getting more relevant health information. The growth and metabolism research covers the principles from feed intake regulation, nutrient digestion, absorption and growth. Meat preservation provides enough food for the urban population, and its major ingredient includes the combination of salt, sugar and fats, suspected to cause food addiction in man. The reported effect of processed red meat causing systemic inflammation is a major consideration in food preparation, diet selection and reasonable control for meat consumption. In livestock “Pharming” the danger of heavy metal contamination of commercial feed poses threat to human health aside from drug residues. It is proposed that the 50% of global greenhouse gas is due to the lifestyle of the rich and epidemic of obesity-related diseases are the effect of livestock “Pharming” and addiction to fast food and or processed meat.

A prospective study about prescribing trends and usage of nsaids among arthritis patients

Background: Pharmacists are the custodians of drugs thus their education, training, behaviors and experiences would affect the future drug use at community and hospital pharmacies. Arthritis is a common disease that causes substantial morbidity in most patients and premature mortality in many. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the disease condition, treatment practices and proper guidelines of the arthritis in hospitals (Government and Private). To overcome and proper management of the associated complications different medications may need to be used. Method: This study was done based on the survey of prescribed medication to find out the pattern and use of medication during arthritis. Prescriptions were collected from different private and government hospitals, Pakistan. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel. Results: After evaluation of the prescription it was seen that arthritis more prevalent in females and usually occur at age of above 30 years. NSAIDs, Supplements, Analgesics and PPIs were also abundant among other classes. Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the patients were treated with combination therapy and the most frequently prescribed class of arthritic drugs was NSAIDs and Supplements. Health practitioners as well as patient need to follow standard guideline or follow-up for medication to minimize further complication and to ensure a healthy nation.

Suicide Prevention in England: An Evaluation of Fifteen Years of Action

In his book 'History of Suicide: Voluntary death in Western culture', George Minois examines how a culture's attitudes about suicide reflect wider beliefs and values. Similarly, we too must examine our attitudes to suicide today in light of its prevalence and public health importance in contemporary Britain. Suicide is a major public health issue included as a public health indicator within England's Public Health Outcomes Framework to 'reflect the importance of sustained efforts to keep the suicide rate at or below current levels'. The first government policy paper on suicide prevention in England titled 'National Suicide prevention Strategy for England' appeared in 2002. This landmark policy was presented by the then Labour government as an on-going, coordinated set of activities which would evolve over several years and would support the target set out in 'Saving Lives: Our healthier Nation' to reduce suicide by at least 20% by 2010. The government described the strategy as comprehensive and evidence based and planned to deliver it as a core program of the National Institute for Mental health in England. Ten years later, the strategy was re-launched by the coalition government and branded 'Preventing Suicide in England: A cross-government outcome strategy to save lives'. Billed as a new strategy it focused on reducing suicide rates and supporting bereaved families. It identified six key areas for action including new suicide prevention research funding; measures to restrict access to harmful suicide promoting media outlets by young people; reducing opportunities for suicide (making prisons and mental health settings safer); better support for high risk groups; improving existing services for children and young people and providing better information and support to bereaved families. That policy is the focus of this paper.

An Environmental Study on Problems Faced by Healthcare Visitors of Kanchipuram District

India as a developing economy is healthier nation because of proper and well-developed healthcare infrastructure. This leads to improvement in the life years and happiness of the population. The high life style increases the unhealthy practices of eating culture, fast food, no exercise and other. Even children’s are facing serious health issues in early ages. Due to this, every individual’s visiting the hospitals at least once in a month. Many get diseases while visiting hospitals where there is poor maintenance of various wastes, which leads to air pollution, waste water pollution, bio medical waste pollution, and soil pollution. Tamil nadu serve as a hub of medical services in India which also spreads to major hospital accrued infections to human beings as well as to the environment. This research study highlights about the environmental problems which are posed by the health care centers to the humans and animals.

Vegetable production: A probable pathway for healthy nation and doubling farmers’ income

Indian economy is an agrarian economy. During the last 50 years India has achieved self-sufficiency in foodgrains production. The contribution of farming community is appreciable for achieving this giant goal. But the country is still lagging in combating agrarian crisis and nutritional insecurity. Unexpectedly low returns from agriculture on account of either occurrence of natural calamities or low farmer's share in consumer's price are compelling them to commit suicide. Variation of prices of vegetables and other horticultural prices affect the farmers’ income and also have impact on consumers’ pocket. Realizing these facts, the government has initiated steps to enhance the income of the cultivators. Operation Greens and Operation Blue are steps to provide sustainable prices and to stop the wastage of vegetables of the farmers and also to address the nutritional requirement of malnourished population of the country. If implemented in proper ways, it may help in augmenting the cultivators’ income and may save consumers from price variations.

Urinary Screening for Early Detection of Kidney Diseases

Urinary screening is a simple inexpensive tool to evaluate kidney functions. The authors carried out urinary screening of school children for early detection of kidney diseases. Children in the age group 5-15 y were screened for urinalysis. They were divided in 2 groups; group-1 included 5-10 y and group-2 included >10-15 y old children. Urine samples of 3340(78%) out of 4283 enrolled children were tested. Abnormal samples were found in 5.75%; with proteinuria in 4.59%, pyuria in 3.29% and hematuria in 4.31%. Males constituted 47.71% in group-1 and 54.64% in group-2. Low body mass index was found in 94.1% group-1 and 78.99% group-2 children. Mild proteinuria was found in 1.2% group-1 and 2.56% group-2 children. Severe proteinuria was more in group-2 (0.77% vs. 0.06%) with female preponderance. Glucosuria was found in 1 boy of group-2. Urobilinogen was more in group-2 (0.65% vs. 0.24%) with male preponderance. Nitrituria was found in 9 girls. Pyuria (2.02% vs. 1.27%) and hematuria were more in group-2 (3.04% vs. 1.87%) with female preponderance. Combined proteinuria and hematuria (0.42% vs. 0.24%) as well bacteruria and fungaluria were more in group-2 (4.11% vs. 1.39%). Six of 192 children with abnormal urinary findings were treated; 1 for urinary calculus and 5 for urinary tract infection. Abnormal urinary findings were more common in children >10 y of age. Thus urinary screening program of children can become useful for early detection of kidney diseases and contribute towards building up of a healthy nation.

The evolution of the Community Health Worker program in Papua New Guinea

New Guinea (PNG) has a special history in regard to the training of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and is currently preparing its frontline health workforce to serve the 85% of the total PNG population of 7.3 million people who live in rural and remote settings. This article identifies and explains the five major developmental stages in the current CHW training program, as well as the changes that have occurred over the past century. The developmental stages are: (1) traditional; (2) early contact; (3) innovation; (4) the 1980s; and (5) new millennium. These developmental stages are discussed in the context of the early literature and investigation by the primary author and examination of the lived experiences of early missionary health workers and local people. This paper documents the development of a CHW program in PNG from the colonisation period, which began in 1883, to the present day. As a developing nation, PNG has gone through many challenges and changes to its healthcare system and has gradually developed an effective program to train its frontline primary health care (PHC) workforce. This article contributes new information with regard to the past and current development of CHW programs in PNG as well as in other developing countries. The training of competent CHWs with the essential skills and knowledge may help deliver quality and cost-effective PHC services to the rural majority and the urban disadvantaged, thereby fulfilling the PNG government's National Health Plan for 2011-2020. Systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the CHW program will provide guidance for continued development of this frontline health workforce. Improving and introducing a competency-based curriculum is an essential step towards building a healthier nation.

“Conceptual Study On The Congenital And Genetic Anomalies W.S.R. To Shad Garbhakara Bhavas”

Despite the advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, medical science has failed to keep the incidence of congenital malformations under control. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system has given due emphasis on this and postulated various measures to minimize the risks. Ayurvedic Acharya’s has great knowledge about genetics. The conglomeration of the six procreative factors (Shad Garbhkara Bhavas) such as Matrija, Pitrija, Aatmaja, Rasaja, Satmyaja, and Sattvaja is must for healthy progeny. The physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of the person, proper nutrition of the mother during pregnancy, and practice of a wholesome regimen, play a prime role in achieving a healthy offspring, thus structuring a healthy family, society, and nation. Present article focuses on various congenital and genetic anomalies in Ayurveda on the basis of modern scientific knowledge.

Quantification of pregnant mothers’ intention towards infant and young child feeding: a clinic based study in rural West Bengal, India

Background: Malnutrition has become the biggest contributor to child mortality in recent years accounting for about half of all child deaths. The most important way to prevent this dismal status is by promoting optimal breastfeeding and infant feeding to all the babies. Intentions have been considered the strongest factor to influence one’s behaviour.Objectives: To assess the intention of pregnant women towards infants and young child feeding (IYCF) and the factors associated with it. Methods: A clinic based cross-sectional study was conducted in an antenatal unit of a primary health centre in Singur block of Hooghly district in West Bengal, India. A total of 137 pregnant women were interviewed using a questionnaire to assess their intention towards IYCF after taking their written informed consent. Descriptive characteristics, univariate and hierarchical logistic regression were used to analyse the data.Results: All the women (137) intended to breastfeed their future offspring. Only 88 (64.2%) intended to feed colostrum whereas 112 (81.75%) had intention to breastfeed exclusively. The majority (82.5%1) answered correctly when asked about the timing of initiation of complementary feeding. Overall 83 (60.58%) had favourable intention towards IYCF. The significant covariates of favourable intentions towards IYCF were higher socio-economic status [OR (CI); 4.4 (1.7-11.6)], working mothers [OR (CI); 4.3 (1.03-18.3)] and multigravida [OR(CI) ;9.7(2.2-42.7)].Conclusion: Focusing on developing favourable intention towards IYCF during every antenatal visit of every pregnant woman and counselling will be a cost-effective intervention to ensure excellent growth and development among children and it is a well-established that healthy children will give forth to a healthy nation.

Creating a Healthier Nation through Public Health Genetics

Creating a Healthier Nation through Public Health Genetics

CPEC and Healthcare Benefits

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a bond of bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan to enhance economic growth of both the countries. As far as Pakistan is concerned, CPEC is one of the supreme strategies to modernize Pakistani infrastructure and to empower Pakistani economic growth in terms of transportation, energy, and numerous industrial reforms. Economic growth is considered a determinant of population health. It has been noted, “Wealthier nations are healthier nations” as they spend more on preventive medicine and on healthcare delivery. Hence, economic gains from CPEC development can flow into health gains as well.