Ministry Of Health Research Articles

Economic burden of acute coronary syndrome from payer perspective in a health system following the Beveridge Model.

Economic burden of acute coronary syndrome from payer perspective in a health system following the Beveridge Model.

Factors affecting implementation of the medicine redistribution guidelines in Western Uganda

BackgroundMedicine redistribution involves the movement of medicine commodities from facilities with surplus stock to areas with deficit to reduce medicine waste. Recognizing the immense potential of medicine redistribution, the Uganda Ministry of Health launched the “Uganda National Redistribution Strategy for the Prevention of Expiry and Management of Expired Medicines and Health Supplies” in 2012, revised in 2018. Despite this strategy, effective implementation of redistribution remains a challenge and information on factors affecting implementation of the guidelines is limited. Therefore, this research was conducted to bridge this gap.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 69 primary healthcare facilities in Hoima and Kabarole Districts in Western Uganda. Two data collection tools were utilized including a compliance checklist used to assess the compliance of primary healthcare facilities to the medicine redistribution guidelines. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to determine the factors affecting implementation of the guidelines as reported by the healthcare workers in the selected primary healthcare facilities. The compliance assessment focused on key procedural domains, including the triggers for redistribution, the roles and responsibilities players involved in the process, and the documentation required. Additionally, knowledge of the redistribution process was evaluated through aspects such as routine inventory checks, coordination within and across districts, and the formal authorization steps required for the process. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version-29. Facilities that achieved a compliance score of 75% or higher were deemed compliant. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors at 0.05 level of significance.ResultsCompliance of primary healthcare facilities to the medicine redistribution guidelines in Western Uganda was low, with only 29.5% of the facilities meeting the 75% compliance threshold. The main factors statistically associated with compliance to the redistribution guidelines included facility level of care (p = 0.002), awareness of the existence of guidelines (p = 0.003), knowledge of the triggers and steps of redistribution (p = 0.001), and availability of updated guideline documents (p = 0.018). In addition, respondents highlighted operational and logistical barriers faced during implementation including poor means of transportation of medicines 54 (51.4%), delays in authorization of redistribution 10 (9.5%) and presence of surplus stock in the receiving facilities 8 (7.6%).ConclusionLess than a third of the facilities complied with the medicine redistribution guidelines. The facility’s level, knowledge and awareness of the guidelines, and access to updated guidelines were key factors associated with compliance to the medicine redistribution guidelines. The Ministry of Health should intensify efforts to raise awareness and ensure easy access and dissemination of the latest guidelines.

Accessibility to Kidney Replacement Therapy in Latin America.

Accessibility to Kidney Replacement Therapy in Latin America.

Patient-centered care and satisfaction of patients with diabetes: insights from a survey among patients at primary healthcare centers in Saudi Arabia

Background and objectivePatient-centered care (PCC) and patient satisfaction are pivotal in healthcare provision for patients with diabetes. This study investigates the link between perceived PCC and satisfaction with care among patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at 47 primary healthcare centers affiliated with general hospitals, including King Abdullah Medical Complex, King Abdulaziz Hospital, East Jeddah Hospital, King Fahd General Hospital, and Al Thagr General Hospital, operated by the Ministry of Health in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, between July and August 2023. Over 800 patients with diabetes were approached through a random sampling technique at the reception areas of these centers. These patients were directed to designated private rooms for further engagement, where they completed a face-to-face questionnaire administered by an interviewer. Data analysis was conducted using the software package SPSS version 28 and AMOS version 28.ResultsOf the 594 patients who participated in the study (response rate 73.4%), the results indicated that the perceived level of PCC, including physical comfort (β = 0.200, p = 0.000), continuity in care transition (β = 0.114, p = 0.031), access to care (β = 0.203, p = 0.000), information and education (β = 0.169, p = 0.001), and family and friends involvement (β = 0.082, p = 0.023), were significantly related to patient satisfaction. However, other perceived PCC components, like patient preferences (β = 0.052, p = 0.233), care coordination (β = 0.078, p = 0.123), and emotional support (β=-0.080, p = 0.066), did not appear to have a significant relationship with patient satisfaction. Income and level of education substantially impacted the perception of PCC and satisfaction with care. One notable finding was that the perceived level of PCC had a strong positive relationship with patient satisfaction (β = 0.762, p = 0.002).ConclusionThis study highlights the significant positive relationship between PCC and patient satisfaction in diabetes care in Saudi Arabia. It emphasizes the need for healthcare tailored to individual needs and demographic factors. This provide advocates the broader integration of PCC principles in health systems, particularly in Saudi Arabia, to improve patient experience and satisfaction. Policymakers should integrate patient-centered care into healthcare policies to improve service quality and health outcomes.

Transition of yellow fever immunization environment in Japan.

Transition of yellow fever immunization environment in Japan.

Kidney Health Programs in Latin America: Results of the SLANH Survey 2024.

Kidney Health Programs in Latin America: Results of the SLANH Survey 2024.

An Assessment of Patient Satisfaction With Home Care Services in an Eastern City of Turkey.

The aim of this study was to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of patients who are receiving home care in an eastern city of Turkey, assess how satisfied they are with these services and determines the factors affecting their level of satisfaction. A quantitative descriptive and cross-sectional study design was used. From July to August 2022, a sample of 306 patients who were receivers of home care services participated in the research. The study comprised of a 'Personal Information Form' and the 'Home Health Care Services Patient Experience Questionnaire' supplied by the Turkish Ministry of Health, Department of Quality, Accreditation, and Employee Rights. The questionnaire evaluates the degree of satisfaction with home care services. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 22.0 software. A significance level of p < 0.05 was utilised to determine statistical significance. Out of all the participants, 51.3% were female and the average age was 74.1 ± 14.4 years. An impressive 92.8% of participants expressed their satisfaction with the home care services provided by the Ministry of Health, considering it highly effective. The mean satisfaction score of the participants in home care was determined to be 4.7 ± 0.3. The study found that participants who had completed at least a high school education, were part of large families, had a high monthly income and perceived their health as poor reported significantly greater levels of satisfaction with home care services (p < 0.05). The term patient satisfaction remains of significant importance in the professions of nursing and health services alike. The results of our study indicated that nearly all of the participants expressed that they were satisfied with their use of home care. Using regular satisfaction surveys is advised to determine the underlying reasons for dissatisfaction among patients who are unsatisfied with the service, and to conduct research with the goal of implementing improvements.

Concreción de la Política de Salud Migrante Internacional en el curriculum de Ciencias de la Salud

Highlights Three categories were identified based on the settings in which students develop during their training: Health Institution Setting, University Institution Setting, and Degree Program Setting. Various facilitators and hindrances to materializing the PSMI were identified across these settings. There are more hindrances than facilitators in health sciences professional education, resulting in an ethnocentric professional training validated by ethnocentric healthcare practices. The interrelationships between facilitators and hindrances gives rise to “cultural blinders” within the health structure, preventing the materialization of the PSMI in health sciences curricula. Introduction: In Chile, the International Migrant Health Policy (PSMI in Spanish) mandates the inclusion of topics such as migration, interculturality, human rights, social determinants of health, and gender in higher education curricula. However, it is unknown whether this effectively happens. Objective: To understand the materialization of the PSMI in health sciences curricula. Materials and Methods: This interpretative/hermeneutic study included semi-structured interviews with program directors, academic faculty, clinical professors, and students. It also involved a document analysis across different health sciences degree programs at three regional universities in Chile. Data analysis included open, axial, and selective coding with ATLAS.ti version 24. Results: A total of 179 informants participated. Three main categories emerged: Health Institution Setting, University Institution Setting, and Degree Program Setting, each comprising facilitating or hindering subcategories for materializing policy materialization. The hermeneutic analysis made it possible to interrelate these subcategories, producing a semantic network to understand the phenomenon. Facilitators were scarce and isolated from the network core, while hindrances were more numerous, cohesive, and robust, reinforcing an ethnocentric model of professional education validated by ethnocentric healthcare practices in clinical settings. Discussion: The concept of “cultural blinders” is proposed in place of “cultural blindness” as there is awareness of the cultural influences on healthcare that are nonetheless not integrated. Conclusions: Current curricula do not align with the PSMI. Coordinated policies between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health are imperative to reverse the existing healthcare status quo. How to cite this article: Álvarez-Cruces Debbie, Nocetti-de-la-Barra Alejandra, Mansilla-Sepúlveda Juan. Materializing the international migrant health policy in health sciences curricula in Chile. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(2):e4435. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4435

Prioritising research on marketing and consumption of No and Low (NoLo) alcoholic beverages in Ireland.

Prioritising research on marketing and consumption of No and Low (NoLo) alcoholic beverages in Ireland.

Epidemiology of Cataract-Related Blindness in Brazil: 30 Years of Public Policy Evolution: A Review Article.

Epidemiology of Cataract-Related Blindness in Brazil: 30 Years of Public Policy Evolution: A Review Article.

Assessing the adherence and acceptability to iron and folic acid versus multiple micronutrient supplements during pregnancy: A cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial in Cambodia.

Assessing the adherence and acceptability to iron and folic acid versus multiple micronutrient supplements during pregnancy: A cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial in Cambodia.

Hybrid and Vaccination Immunity Against Severe COVID-19 in the Post-Pandemic Era - a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Hybrid and Vaccination Immunity Against Severe COVID-19 in the Post-Pandemic Era - a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Epidemiological monitoring of testicular germ cell tumor incidence, mortality, and registration accuracy

This study analyzed the epidemiological trends of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) worldwide, as well as the potential factors influencing incidence, mortality, and registration accuracy between 2010 and 2020. Data sources included databases from the Russian Ministry of Health; biomedical research platforms such as PubMed, UpToDate, eLibrary, and Scopus; and systematic and semantic search methods for epidemiological data analysis. Historical epidemiological data show a continuous increase in TGCT incidence worldwide, with a tendency toward stabilization in high-incidence countries and a rising trend in historically low-incidence regions. Despite high TGCT incidence rates in Western and Northern Europe, mortality remains relatively low, demonstrating the effectiveness of early detection and treatment strategies. Geographical variations in TGCT incidence indicate a potential role of genetic and/or environmental factors in influencing the risk of this malignancy. Negative epidemiological trends may be associated with increase in etiological factors, the implementation of early detection programs, and population migration from high-incidence to low-incidence areas. Notably, historically high-TGCT-incidence regions (i.e., Western Europe, Northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand) have shown stabilization, whereas historically low-TGCT-incidence regions (Central Africa, Asia) have experienced a rising trend. The mechanisms underlying these geographic and temporal variations remain unclear. However, considering the increasing global incidence of TGCTs, further advancements in diagnostic methods and treatment strategies are warranted. Such improvements will contribute to mortality reduction and enhance early detection of this malignancy.

Identifying heterogeneity of treatment effect for antibiotic duration in bloodstream infection: an exploratory post-hoc analysis of the BALANCE randomised clinical trial.

Identifying heterogeneity of treatment effect for antibiotic duration in bloodstream infection: an exploratory post-hoc analysis of the BALANCE randomised clinical trial.

Economic and health implications of early COVID-19 lockdown exits: Evidence from a difference-in-differences analysis.

Economic and health implications of early COVID-19 lockdown exits: Evidence from a difference-in-differences analysis.

Prehospital application of remote ischaemic perconditioning in acute ischaemic stroke patients in Catalonia: the REMOTE-CAT clinical trial.

Prehospital application of remote ischaemic perconditioning in acute ischaemic stroke patients in Catalonia: the REMOTE-CAT clinical trial.

Early childhood height, weight, and BMI development in children with monogenic obesity: a European multicentre, retrospective, observational study.

Early childhood height, weight, and BMI development in children with monogenic obesity: a European multicentre, retrospective, observational study.

Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Distinct Ebola Sudan Outbreaks in Uganda

Background. Sudan virus (SUDV) has caused multiple outbreaks in Uganda over the past two decades, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2025 highlight the ongoing threat posed by SUDV and the challenges in its containment. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological patterns and phylogenomic evolution of SUDV outbreaks in Uganda, identifying key factors influencing transmission and disease severity. Methods. We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing epidemiological and genomic data from SUDV outbreaks in Uganda between 2000 and 2025. Epidemiological data were collected from official sources, including the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, supplemented with reports from public health organizations. Genomic sequences of SUDV were analyzed to investigate viral evolution and identify genetic variations associated with pathogenicity and transmissibility. Results. The 2022 outbreak involved 164 confirmed cases and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 33.5%, with significant geographic variation in case distribution. The 2025 outbreak, still ongoing, was first detected in Kampala, with evidence of both nosocomial and community transmission. Phylogenomic analysis revealed the presence of two main genetic groups, representing Sudan and Uganda, respectively. The genetic variability of the Ugandan cluster is higher than that observed in Sudan, suggesting a greater expansion potential, which aligns with the current outbreak. Epidemiological findings indicate that human mobility, weaknesses in the health system, and delays in detection contribute to the amplification of the outbreak. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the importance of integrated genomic and epidemiological surveillance in understanding SUDV transmission dynamics. The recurrent emergence of SUDV highlights the need for improved outbreak preparedness, rapid response mechanisms, and international collaboration. Strengthening real-time surveillance and enhancing healthcare system resilience are critical to mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.

Very low birth weight infant outcomes in a resource-limited setting: a five-year follow-up study

BackgroundPreterm birth and very low birth weight (VLBW) remain major contributors to neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income settings such as Indonesia, where healthcare resources are limited. In response, the Ministry of Health introduced mentoring programs in 2014, followed by intensive neonatal training initiatives in 2015. These interventions substantially improved survival rates for LBW infants however, they face significant growth and developmental challenges. This study aims to investigate the growth and development of VLBW infants in remote area at five years of age.MethodData were collected retrospectively between September 2021 and May 2022 from children born between 2016 and 2017 with VLBW (&amp;lt;1,500 grams) at Biak Regional Hospital, Indonesia. Growth parameters, including stunting and wasting and developmental outcomes such as cerebral palsy, blindness, and developmental impairment or delays were assessed after 5 years of age for follow up assessment.ResultsAmong 78 identified infants with VLBW, 54 infants (69.2%) with a gestational age of &amp;lt;34 weeks were discharged alive between 2016 and 2017. Their gestational ages ranged from 27 to 33 weeks, with birth weights between 625 and 1,400 grams. Overall, 12 infants died before reaching one year of age while five died after one year. The 1-year survival rate was 77.8%, while 5-year survival rate was 68.5%. The incidences of stunting, wasting, cerebral palsy, and blindness were 32.1%, 46.4%, 21.4%, and 10.7%, respectively.ConclusionThe high prevalence of growth and developmental impairments highlights the need for sustained multidisciplinary efforts to improve long-term outcomes for VLBW infants. In resource-limited settings, the focus should extend beyond survival to ensure optimal growth and development of the children.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose IL-2 as an add-on therapy to riluzole (MIROCALS): a phase 2b, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a life-threatening disease characterised by progressive loss of motor neurons with few therapeutic options. The MIROCALS study tested the hypothesis that low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2LD) improves survival and function in ALS. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, male and female riluzole-naive participants, with either a possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite ALS diagnosis (revised El Escorial criteria), aged 18-76 years, with symptom duration of 24 months or fewer, and slow vital capacity of 70% or more, underwent a riluzole-only 12-18 week run-in period before randomisation in a 1:1 ratio to either 2 million international units (MIU) IL-2LD or placebo by subcutaneous injection daily for 5 days every 28 days over 18 months. The primary endpoint was survival at 640 days (21 months). Secondary outcomes included safety, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, and biomarker measurements including regulatory T-cells (Tregs), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-phosphorylated-neurofilament heavy-chain (CSF-pNFH), and plasma and CSF-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). The primary endpoint analysis used unadjusted log-rank and Cox's model adjusted analyses using pre-defined prognostic covariates to control for the disease and treatment response heterogeneity. The study was 80% powered to detect a two-fold decrease in the risk of death by the log-rank test in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, including all randomly allocated participants. MIROCALS is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03039673) and is complete. From June 19, 2017, to Oct 16, 2019, 304 participants were screened, of whom 220 (72%) met all criteria for random allocation after the 12-to-18-week run-in period on riluzole. 136 (62%) of participants were male and 84 participants (38%) were female. 25 (11%) of the 220 randomly allocated participants were defined as having possible ALS under El Escorial criteria. At the cutoff date there was no loss to follow-up, and all 220 patients who were randomly allocated were documented as either deceased (90 [41%]) or alive (130 [59%]), so all participants were included in the ITT and safety populations. The primary endpoint unadjusted analysis showed a non-significant 19% decrease in risk of death with IL-2LD (hazard ratio 0·81 [95% CI 0·54-1·22], p=0·33), failing to demonstrate the expected two-fold decrease in risk of death. The analysis of the primary endpoint adjusted on prognostic covariates, all measured at time of random allocation, showed a significant decrease of the risk of death with IL-2LD (0·32 [0·14-0·73], p=0·007), with a significant treatment by CSF-pNFH interaction (1·0003 [1·0001-1·0005], p=0·001). IL-2LD was safe, and significantly increased Tregs and decreased plasma-CCL2 at all timepoints. Stratification on CSF-pNFH levels measured at random allocation showed that IL-2LD was associated with a significant 48% decrease in risk of death (0·52 [0·30-0·89], p=0·016) in the 70% of the population with low (750-3700 pg/mL) CSF-pNFH levels, while in the 21% with high levels (>3700 pg/mL), there was no significant difference (1·37 [0·68-2·75], p=0·38). With this treatment schedule, IL-2LD resulted in a non-significant reduction in mortality in the primary unadjusted analysis. However, the difference between the results of unadjusted and adjusted analyses of the primary endpoint emphasises the importance of controlling for disease heterogeneity in ALS randomised controlled trials. The decrease in risk of death achieved by IL-2LD therapy in the trial population with low CSF-pNFH levels requires further investigation of the potential benefit of this therapy in ALS. European Commission H2020 Programme; French Health Ministry PHRC2014; and Motor Neurone Disease Association.