Management Of Health Problems Research Articles

Parent–child conflict and adolescent health literacy in Mexico: Results from a nationwide dyad study in Mexico

ABSTRACT Research suggests that health literacy (HL) is critical in preventing and managing health problems. However, over half of adults in Mexico report having inadequate health literacy. Research suggests the parent–child relationship can be a key predictor of developmental competencies; however, little research has examined how dyadic family interactions relate to HL. This study examined whether parent–child relationship conflict was associated with adolescent health literacy among families living in Mexico. Data from a parent–child dyads in Mexico were gathered using online surveys (N = 746, 373 parent–child dyads). Our findings suggested that child-reported family conflict–but not parent-reported family conflict – was associated with lower adolescent health literacy. Researchers and practitioners should consider how parent–child conflict may impact adolescent health outcomes, and prioritise child reports in data collection.

Catadoras de materiais recicláveis: estratégias de resistência e medicamentos durante a pandemia de covid-19

Abstract The collection of recyclable materials is an occupation with an increasing number of workers, who find in it a livelihood in a context of socioeconomic inequalities and unemployment. This article describes resistance strategies of women collectors who are part of an association in Northeast Brazil, in addition to describing how they managed health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding medicines. A quantitative and an ethnographic approach were used by collecting data on sociodemographic and medicines present in the homes of 13 participants and conducting participant observation and in-depth interviews. Amid the health crisis, the participants mentioned problems such as unemployment, gender relations, violence, and work stigmas. If, on the one hand, the pandemic has further increased vulnerability for certain population segments, on the other hand, it has enhanced collective resistance strategies. The collectors of the association organized to obtain various materials and benefits both for their headquarters and their neighborhood. We identified 58 units of medicines, prescribed and obtained mainly at the Basic Health Unit. Of these, 27.6% had action on the nervous system (analgesics, psycholeptics, and psychoanaleptics) and 17.2% on the cardiovascular system and on the alimentary tract and metabolism. The collectors developed self-attention practices with the medicines highlighting their central role in facing health problems.

BARRIERS TO DISEASE SELF-CARE AMONG OLDER NON-HISPANIC BLACK AND HISPANIC MEN WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Abstract Disease self-care is multi-faceted and influenced by physical, mental, social, and environmental factors. Because males traditionally underutilize preventive healthcare services, self-care is increasingly important to manage disease symptomatology and slow disease progression. This study examines factors associated with barriers to disease self-care among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black men ages ≥65 years with ≥1 chronic condition. Data were analyzed from a national sample of 470 Hispanic (43.2%) and non-Hispanic Black (56.8%) men and collected with an internet-delivered questionnaire. The 5-item Barriers to Self-Care Scale served as the dependent variable (range=5-20). A least squares regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with barriers to disease self-care. The model adjusted for sociodemographics, disease characteristics, health status, and social engagement and support. On average, participants were age 70.1 (±4.5) years and reported 3.9 (±2.6) chronic conditions. Men with higher body mass index (β=0.13, P=0.001), more depressive symptomatology (β=0.09, P=0.046), and lower self-rated quality of life (β=-0.23, P< 0.001) reported higher barriers to disease self-care. Further, men with poorer access to healthcare (β=-0.17, P< 0.001) and higher healthcare frustrations (β=0.17, P< 0.001) reported higher barriers to disease self-care. Barriers to self-care were positively associated with being more socially disconnected (β=0.09, P=0.049) and higher reliance on others to manage health problems (β=0.14, P< 0.001). Findings reinforce the importance of mental health, healthcare access, and social support for disease self-management among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black men. Efforts are needed in clinical and community-based settings to reduce self-care barriers through culturally appropriate self-management education, interventions, and services.

INCIDENT AND RECURRENT FALLS AMONG NON-HISPANIC BLACK AND HISPANIC MEN WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Abstract While much is known about the complexities of fall-related risks among older adults, less is known about the risk for falls among men, and especially older non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions. This study examined factors associated with incident falls (1 fall) and recurrent falling (2+ falls) among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men ages ≥60 years with ≥1 chronic condition. Collected with a web-delivered questionnaire, data were analyzed from a national sample of 779 non-Hispanic Black (58.8%) and Hispanic (41.2%) men. To assess incident and recurrent falls, the number of self-reported falls in the past year was trichotomized (0 falls vs. 1 fall vs. 2+ falls) and used as the dependent variable. A multinomial logistic regression was fitted to assess factors associated with incident and recurrent falls. The model adjusted for sociodemographics, disease characteristics, health status, and social support. On average, participants were age 66.8 (±5.4) years and reported 3.8 (±2.7) chronic conditions. Seventy-three percent of men reported 0 falls, 12.6% reported 1 fall, and 14.4% reported 2+ falls in the past year. Relative to men reporting 0 falls, Hispanic men (P< 0.05), men with worse general health status (P< 0.05), and those with clinical depression (P< 0.05) were more likely to report incident and recurrent falls, respectively. Men with more comorbidities (P< 0.05) and those with less help/support to manage health problems (P< 0.05) were more likely to report recurrent falling. Findings highlight the importance of multi-component interventions to prevent falls by strengthening disease self-management, addressing mental health, and introducing social supports.

Sophomore nursing students’ perception of their Professional Behavior toward Rehabilitation patients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRehabilitation is considered one of the elements of universal health coverage, emphasizing its importance for every person in need throughout the life course. Nurses play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation team as they possess the competencies to help individuals manage health problems and maximize potential well-being. Yet, little is known regarding knowledge of this subject among nursing students, as well as regarding their attitudes, thoughts, and professional behavior. This study aimed to explore: (a) Sophomore students’ attitudes, feelings, thoughts, and professional behavior toward rehabilitation patients; and (b) Differences in the research variables as affected by students’ previous exposure to rehabilitation patients.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design among sophomore nursing students. A questionnaire was distributed through a commercial internet survey provider (Qualtrics.com) before the beginning of a mandatory course on “nursing rehabilitation”, introduced for the first time in 2022 in all Israeli universities. Students were divided into three groups according to their previous exposure to rehabilitation patients: no professional or personal previous exposure to rehabilitation patients; previous professional or personal exposure to rehabilitation patients; and previous exposure to rehabilitation patients both in one’s professional and personal life. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.ResultsThe sample consisted of 122 participants. Significant differences were found between the groups by their previous exposure to rehabilitation patients. Participants with no previous exposure to rehabilitation patients were found to have lower self-perceived capability to care for rehabilitation patients and more negative professional behavior toward rehabilitation patients and their families compared to the other two groups (H = 22.06, p = 0.006, H = 23.86, p = 0.03, respectively). No other statistical differences were observed between the groups.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the importance of exposing students to the field of nursing rehabilitation and to the care of rehabilitation patients. Exposure to nursing rehabilitation specifically during one’s studies, through theoretical learning and clinical experience, can promote positive attitudes, professional values, and positive professional behavior toward these patients and their families.

Personal Agency and Social Supports to Manage Health Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men With Diabetes.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic communities, especially among men who develop this chronic condition at earlier ages. Personal agency and social support are vital aspects to diabetes management. However, less is known about the relationship between these variables among men living with diabetes. The purposes of this study were to identify (1) levels of personal agency to manage health, (2) sources of social supports to manage health based on personal agency levels, and (3) factors associated with lower personal agency to manage health. Cross-sectional data from non-Hispanic Black (n = 381) and Hispanic (n = 292) men aged 40 years or older with T2D were collected using an internet-delivered questionnaire. Three binary logistic regression models were fitted to assess sociodemographics, health indicators, and support sources associated with weaker personal agency to manage health. About 68% of participants reported having the strongest personal agency relative to 32.1% reporting weaker personal agency. Men who relied more on their spouse/partner (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, p = .025), coworkers (OR = 1.59, p = .008), or faith-based organizations (OR = 1.29, p = .029) for ongoing help/support to improve their health and manage health problems were more likely to have weaker personal agency. Conversely, men who relied more on their health care providers for ongoing help/support to improve their health and manage health problems were less likely to have weaker personal agency to manage health (OR = 0.74, p < .001). Findings suggest personal agency may influence men's support needs to manage T2D, which may also be influenced by cultural, socioeconomics, and the composition of social networks.

Health literacy and health behaviors 3E 2S of Medical Profession

Abstract Background Health literacy (HL) and health behaviors (HB) include skills needed to make appropriate health decisions and successfully navigate the health care system. However, the survey of HL and health behaviors of medical professionals is limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of HL and health behaviors 3E 2S of the medical profession, Rajavithi hospital, and their association. Methods Two hundred and eighty-eight medical doctors were recruited and completed three parts of a self-administered questionnaire: demographics, HL, and health behavior 3E 2S scale of Thai adults (2018-revised edition). This HL questionnaire has six components with scoring criteria, and interpretation is designed by the Health Education Section, Health Service Support Department, and Ministry of Public Health. Pearson correlation coefficient was performed. The ethics committee Rajavithi Hospital approved this study. Results Of 288 medical doctors, 59% were female, and the mean age was 30.11±5.77 years. Most had overall HL at good and upper level 54.7%: cognitive skills 70.8%, access to health information 76.7%, health decision making 61.3%, media literacy 66%, and self-management 55.9%. A moderate level of health communication was 35.4%. Most subjects had a poor level of health behavior at 60.8%. HL was positively associated with health behavior (r = 0.483, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Single status significantly related to HL (p = 0.002) and HB (p = 0.011). Conclusions Health literacy was at a good level. Health communication requires improvement. Health behaviors 3E 2S were poor. The organization should formulate a policy. A role model and health program should be proposed to develop health literacy skills best suited for the target group. Key messages • Health literacy can help us prevent health problems, protect our health, and better manage health problems when they arise. • Improved health literacy skills are something that anyone can benefit from, especially if you are dealing with a chronic condition or illness.

Medicial Education Strategy In The Era of Digitalization and Disruption

Background: This article aims to (1) examine the current condition of education in the digitalization and disruption era and (2) examine medical education strategies in the digitalization and disruption era. Writing scientific papers is based on library research, whose object of study uses library data in the form of books as a data source.Content: Based on the literature review, it was found that: (1) global medical education currently uses the SPICES strategy (student-centered learning, problem-based, integrated, community-based, elective, and systematic), accompanied by nine educational trends; (2) SPICES is a medical education strategy that will produce graduate profiles that refer to World Health Organization (WHO) and World Organization of Family Doctor (WONCA) conference agreements. A doctor must have six-star doctor characteristics, namely: care provider, decision makers, communicators, community leaders, managers as well as creators and innovators; (2) the minimum standard of competence for doctors in Indonesia, constitute of seven areas of graduate competency namely; has noble professionalism, is always aware and develops himself, can communicate effectively, is reliable in managing information, always has a scientific basis in medical science, has clinical skills and can manage health problems well.Conclusion: A special strategy for medical education is required in the era of digitalization and disruption by applying a lifelong education approach. Indonesian medical education uses the SPICES strategy to create six-star doctors and master the seven defined competency areas. 

Are older people worse off in 2040 regarding health and resources to deal with it? - Future developments in complex health problems and in the availability of resources to manage health problems in the Netherlands.

Developing sustainable health policy requires an understanding of the future demand for health and social care. We explored the characteristics of the 65+ population in the Netherlands in 2020 and 2040, focusing on two factors that determine care needs: (1) the occurrence of complex health problems and (2) the availability of resources to manage health and care (e.g., health literacy, social support). Estimations of the occurrence of complex health problems and the availability of resources for 2020 were based on registry data and patient-reported data. Estimations for 2040 were based on (a) expected demographic developments, and (b) expert opinions using a two-stage Delphi study with 26 experts from policy making, practice and research in the field of health and social care. The proportion of people aged 65+ with complex health problems and limited resources is expected to increase from 10% in 2020 to 12% in 2040 based on demographic developments, and to 22% in 2040 based on expert opinions. There was high consensus (>80%) that the proportion with complex health problems would be greater in 2040, and lower consensus (50%) on an increase of the proportion of those with limited resources. Developments that are expected to drive the future changes refer to changes in multimorbidity and in psychosocial status (e.g., more loneliness). The expected increased proportion of people aged 65+ with complex health problems and limited resources together with the expected health and social care workforce shortages represent large challenges for public health and social care policy.

Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Health Literacy Scale Short-Form in the Chinese population

BackgroundHealth literacy is closely related to health status. Measuring public health literacy levels helps to warn of health status and manage health problems through timely interventions. The items of relevant evaluation tools are complex and numerous in China, and there is no recognized health literacy brief scale for the whole population. To translate the 12-item short-form health literacy scale (HLS-SF12) and test the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the HLS-SF12 in the Chinese population.MethodsThe HLS-SF12 was translated into Chinese using the procedures of translation, back translation, and cultural debugging. 10,951 residents were selected by quota sampling method to test the validity and reliability of the scale, and 33 people were selected to retest after 2 weeks. The reliability was tested by using internal consistency coefficient and test-retest reliability. The validity was tested by using confirmatory factor analysis, content validity, convergent validity and discriminant validity.ResultsThe Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.94, and the test-retest reliability was 0.89. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients for the three subscales of health care, disease prevention, and health promotion respectively were 0.86, 0.86, 0.87, and the test-retest reliability respectively were 0.91, 0.79, 0.63. The confirmatory factor analysis identified a three factors model and showed nice goodness of fit indices for Chinese HLS-SF12 (GFI = 0.96, CFI = 0.97, IFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, and RMSEA = 0.07).ConclusionThe Chinese version of the HLS-SF12 has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a tool to evaluate the health literacy of Chinese people.

Impact of a smart‐clothes home nursing program in Taiwan during heightened COVID‐19 restrictions

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has required restrictions of daily activities, which has been found to impact the lives of persons with dementia and their family caregivers, who have multiple care demands. The lack of relevant studies in Taiwan emphasized the need to explore the experiences of family caregivers of older persons with dementia faced with the intensified restrictions to control COVID‐19, and the impact of the availability of a smart‐clothes home nursing program.MethodThis qualitative study used semi‐structured interviews with family caregivers of older persons with dementia. Participants were recruited from dementia clinics of a medical center in northern Taiwan from a subset sample of a larger study on smart clothes assisted home nursing care. A total of 12 family caregivers who participated in the original study were interviewed during the follow‐up period; seven were caregivers of a person with dementia wearing a smart vest, which transmitted information to a home care nurse. Interviews were conducted by telephone because the conditions of the pandemic prevented face‐to‐face interviews. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.ResultInterview data showed family caregivers’ felt the care recipient’s health was compromised and functional conditions intensified as Covid‐19‐related pandemic restrictions increased. Specific concerns included a lack social interactions, decreased daily activity levels, loss of interest and lack of motivation for activities, increased mood and behavioral problems, a decline in physical function and an increase in health problems. Family caregivers were also impacted by these restrictions, with significant increases in severity of caregiver role strain, including feeling trapped, a lack of in‐home support, profound powerlessness, and worries about the person with dementia contracting the coronavirus. The smart‐clothes assisted home nursing care program offered supplementary support to family caregivers by providing on‐time interactions, helping them manage health problems, enhancing predictability of the care recipient’s behaviors, and providing caregivers with emotional support.ConclusionThe findings of this study support alternative care such as implementation of technology‐assisted home health services to meet caregiver needs to facilitate family caregiving of persons with dementia during the necessary restrictions in activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Experiences of family caregivers of persons living with dementia with and without a smart- clothes assisted home nursing program during the heightened COVID-19 alert

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has required restrictions of daily activities, which has been found to impact the lives of persons living with dementia (PLWDs) and their family caregivers, who have multiple care demands. The lack of relevant studies in Taiwan emphasized the need to explore the experiences of family caregivers of older PLWDs faced with the intensified restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19, and the impact of the availability of a smart-clothes home nursing program.MethodsThis qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of older PLWDs. Participants were recruited from dementia clinics of a medical center in northern Taiwan from a subset of a sample from a larger study on smart-clothes assisted home nursing care. A total of 12 family caregivers who participated in the original study were interviewed during the follow-up period; seven family caregivers of a PLWD wearing a smart-vest, which transmitted information to a home care nurse; five caregivers of a PLWD not wearing a smart-vest. Interviews were conducted by telephone because the conditions of the pandemic prevented face-to-face interviews. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsInterview data showed family caregivers’ felt the care recipient’s health was compromised and functional conditions intensified as Covid-19-related pandemic restrictions increased. Specific concerns included a lack social interactions, decreased daily activity levels, loss of interest and lack of motivation for activities, increased mood and behavioral problems, a decline in physical function and an increase in health problems. Family caregivers were also impacted by these restrictions, with significant increases in severity of caregiver role strain, including feeling trapped, a lack of in-home support, profound powerlessness, and worries about the PLWD contracting the coronavirus. The smart-clothes assisted home nursing care program offered supplementary support to family caregivers by providing on-time interactions, helping them manage health problems, enhancing predictability of the care recipient’s behaviors, and providing caregivers with emotional support.ConclusionsThe findings of this study support alternative care such as implementation of technology-assisted home health services to meet caregiver needs to facilitate family caregiving of PLWDs during the necessary restrictions in activities implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record NCT05063045.

Orchids - discoverers and firsts

When Dr. Paromik Bhattacharyya first asked me to write for this special issue of the South African Journal of Botany, I refused for several good reasons: Retired for 20 years, not having done research for 21 years, 89 1/2 years old, no longer reading as extensively as before my retirement, recovering from surgeries, trying to manage health problems, which even if not severe are vexing, and being lazy. However, Dr. Bhattacharyya would not take no for an answer. After exchanging several (too many) emails I agreed to think about it. I did think and decided that since this issue deals with orchid biotechnology it may be a good idea to clear the air.By “stealing” from my previous/other writings, using my extensive library, accessing literature on line, and utilizing knowledge accumulated since about 1956, I decided to write an article, which establishes beyond any doubt who were first to make several orchid discoveries, formulate a number of procedures and develop some methods. At my age, I have the necessary perspective and knowledge. And, most importantly, antagonizing people (so, what is new?) and making enemies (again, what is new?) will not be damaging.I decided to write about who:•Was the first to recognize orchid seeds as such and describe and illustrate them? There are no arguments or claims and counterclaims about it, but the information is buried in old, rare and not very well-known books in languages other than English.•Invented mass rapid clonal propagation of orchids and how to free plants from virus infections. Believe or not these two are tied to each other, there are unjustified claims of priority, and a widely admired “sole discoverer” did not discover them.•Used serology (now an outdated method) first to detect an orchid virus. There was an unwarranted claim at one time.•Inserted genes into orchids first. It becomes clear if one reads the literature, but what if another claim was repeated several times in writing and talks?•First studied control of flowering in mature orchid plants. There are no claims and counterclaims, but the information is not easy to find.•Managed to induce plantlets or seedlings in vitro to flower. The truth may have been late to come out due to political upheavals.

First insight on ethnobotanical appraisal of plants used traditionally as medicine by Berber community (Amazigh-speaking), living in Driouch province (North-eastern Morocco)

Background: Most ethnobotanical studies carried out in different regions of Morocco revolved around documentation of medicinal plants and their medical uses. However, little is known about ethnobotanical knowledge coupled to Berber community living in “Driouch province” (Northeastern region of Morocco). This study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants used traditionally by local people to manage health problems while investigating and comparing ethnobotanical patterns obtained in this region with other findings reported elsewhere. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out between January 2017 and August 2019 in several regions within Driouch province. Ethnobotanical data were collected using standard methods and with prior informed consent. Quantitative analyses were performed by using some indexes and formulas, including Use Value (UV), Family Use Value (FUV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: A total of 997 local inhabitants (415 male and 582 female) were interviewed. The plants listed (158) were reflected by a high number of families (60) and genera (137). Regarding the number of species/Family, Lamiaceae was the leading family with 15 species. Among diseases treated, respiratory diseases were ranked first with a rate of 26.46%. The high ICF (0.97) was calculated for respiratory diseases and the most important medicinal plant recorded were Origanum compactum Benth with UV=0.55. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the people living in Driouch province holds significant knowledge about medicinal plant resources. Despite the development of medical technology, local people still rely on using these herbs for healthcare. Keywords: Ethnobotanical, Medicinal plants, Driouch province, Morocco.

The feasibility and acceptability of a virtual six-week psychoeducational intervention for carers of patients with heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Queen"s University Belfast Background Globally, the number of individuals living with heart failure (HF) is increasing, with many living with additional comorbidities and complex health needs. Carers play an invaluable role in helping the patient with self-care at home, taking on the key responsibility for tasks critical in the management and monitoring of HF symptoms. As a result, carers can frequently experience poor quality of life attributed to this caring role, whilst simultaneously managing health problems of their own. Evidence has shown that many of these carers have unmet educational, social and emotional needs, that require urgent support and information. Purpose To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a six-week psychoeducational intervention tailored towards carers of patients with HF. Methods   The psychoeducational intervention was co-produced with involvement of carers, HF professionals and researchers. It was delivered over six weeks, with four support group sessions and an information booklet tailored specifically to the needs of carers. Carers were identified by the clinical HF team or through social media, with informed consent obtained before inclusion. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the support group sessions were delivered virtually via a secure online app (Zoom). Each session involved a member of the interdisciplinary research team and covered topics including: 1. Understanding HF, 2. Personal wellbeing, 3. Communication and Support, and 4. Practical skills to help manage HF. Validated questionnaires (SF-12, HADS,ZBI,PSS,MSPSS,CPS) measuring carer related outcomes were completed at baseline, at 6 weeks and 3 months post intervention. Qualitative data from focus group post-intervention explored the acceptability of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 27) and NVivo (version 11). Results  Nine participants consented to participate, six of which were recruited from heart failure clinics, and three volunteered in response to social media advertisements. Two participants, due to personal health reasons, withdrew consent and did not attend the support group sessions. All carers were female, mean age 61 years, four spouses and three adult children. Preliminary qualitative findings show carers recalled information and advice included in the intervention as useful and easy to understand. With the intervention being described as, "a dimension that doesn’t already exist". The majority of participants (n = 5) preferred the convenience and flexibility of the online approach to the intervention, however some participants (n = 2) felt that they would have benefitted more from an in-person approach. A second  support group is currently underway.  Conclusions Preliminary results are promising and indicate that carers responded well to an online psychoeducational intervention.

Migrants and Growing Global Health Security Challenges after COVID-19 Outbreak

Migrants and prevailing infectious diseases have become a more complex global challenge in the twenty-first century. Migration is a multi-faceted socio cultural phenomenon that impact has increased dramatically in the field of health and epidemic diseases. The global mobility of a person is a fundamental dynamic in the emergence of infectious diseases such as Coronavirus, TB, HIV /AIDS, Malaria, SARS and Ebola. Population mobility and growing circulatation of migrats poses global health security challenges. The comprehensive health policy is a base for combating infectious diseases at global level. The prime aim of this paper is to capture the gaps to manage health problems which are associated with migrants. So, this study shows, how surveillance, monitoring, early warning can combat the serious health threats of migrants. The preparedness, planning and coordination policies, can tackle the emergency in large occurrence of infectious diseases mainly COVID-19.

Managing Health at District Level: A Framework for Enhancing Programme Implementation in India

COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the need for a strong health system for the social protection of people and to improve health programme implementation in the coming years. India has made great progress in health over the past 50 years; however, despite the progress made, it is faced with several challenges. While infectious diseases remain an unfinished agenda, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising and are now the leading cause of mortality in the country. This is further compounded by the prevailing inequalities in access to quality health care among population groups including those living in remote rural areas. To achieve Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, India in 2017 revised its National Health Policy and committed itself to attain the highest possible level of good health and well-being, through preventive and promotive health interventions. While policies are enunciated and plans are formulated, the implementation at ground level is at best tardy and lack lustre As an administrative unit for programme implementation, a district has a key role to play in implementing national programmes and in delivery of basic health services to the people. They are strategically placed to plan, organise and lead efforts meant to deliver primary health care services through better management of existing resources and by fully engaging all relevant stakeholders in contributing towards achievement of national health goals and in responding to a public health emergency such as Covid-19. Planning and managing health problems need an improved and responsive health governance. Strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation require integration and coordination of various health programmes including dealing with health crises, fostering inter-sectoral involvement and engagement of the community as a key actor. Efforts are needed to ensure that services reach the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society. Adequate governance support at district level through a whole-of-society approach is essential to bridge the health inequities and ensure equitable access to health services.

Formulation and Standardization of Polyherbal Antihyperlipidemic Formulation

Hyperlipidemia is a very common medical condition. A fairly less invasive, more effective and efficient method with lower or no side effects to treat Hyperlipidemia are to be developed. Thus, use of traditional herbal medication can be a relevant solution to it. Development of highly standardized Polyherbal formulation with respect to chemical content and therapeutic activity is considered as a valuable approach in the field of herbal industry. Traditional medicine is known for its Polyherbal contents and multicomponent therapeutics for managing health problems. Thus, the present research is focused on to formulate, standardize a polyherbal medicine to treat hyperlipidemia and also compared its chemical contents based on, geographical, seasonal variations using standard physio-chemical parameters such as Ash values, Extractive values, pH, and loss on drying, Particle size analysis and physical analysis of powder formulation. HPTLC fingerprinting, with markers such as Gallic acid, Quercetin, Gymnemic acid, and Mahanine were carried out. In addition, residue analysis such as heavy metal content, microbial load, pesticide analysis, aflotoxin determination were also carried out to strengthen the standardization process and to ensure safety.

Choosing a Pediatrician

Patient Education| 2021 Choosing a Pediatrician Connected Content Translation: Elección de un pediatra Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Choosing a Pediatrician. Pediatric Patient Education 2021; 10.1542/peo_document114 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All AAP SitesAll PublicationsPediatric Patient Education Search Advanced Search Topics: child health, vaccines, well child visit, immunization, emotions, schools, medical Are you expecting a baby or do you have children? If the answer is yes and you don’t have a doctor, there are many reasons why you should consider choosing a pediatrician. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about the benefits of choosing a pediatrician and how to choose a pediatrician and about why regular well-child visits are important. Children’s health care needs are different from those of adults. Pediatricians are trained to care for the special health care needs of children and to prevent and manage health problems in newborns, infants, children, teens, and young adults. A special bond is often developed over the years between the child, parents, and pediatrician. To become a pediatrician, a doctor must take special courses for 3 or more years after medical school. This is called residency. After... © 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. You do not currently have access to this content.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants and Conservation Status Used to Treat Human and Livestock Ailments in Fadis District, Eastern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to document medicinal plants, and indigenous knowledge, used to treat human and animal ailments. Eighteen key informants were selected purposely and eighty one informants were selected randomly. Ethnobotanical data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Ethnomedicinal use of forty plant species was recorded distributed as twenty one families. Solanaceae were the highest number of medicinal plants consisting of 6 (28.57%) species followed by Fabaceae (14.29) species. 18 plant species were used to treat humans, 2 species used to treat livestock and 20 were used for both human and livestock disease. The growth habits of medicinal plants shrubs were highly constituted (47.5%) followed by herbs (32.5%). Poundings is the highest method of preparation constituted (29.41%) followed by crushing (16.80%). The most common used plant parts were the leaves (36.36%) followed by roots (19.69%). The most commonly used route of administration was oral followed by dermal. Stomachache, Malaria, evil eye, headache, and intestinal parasite the highest ICF value > 93. People in the study area have their own ways of managing health problems of humans and livestock. The study indicated that the Fedis district possesses rich indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and it’s used to treat animal and livestock diseases. The major threats to MPs and associated knowledge are lost due to agricultural expansion, charcoal productions, and unsustainable use of medicinal values.