Utilization Patterns Research Articles

A voltage-decoupled Zn-Br2 flow battery for large-scale energy storage

The flow battery represents a highly promising energy storage technology for the large-scale utilization of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. However, the increasing discharge power of rechargeable battery results in a higher charge voltage due to its coupling relationship in charge-discharge processes, intensifying the burden of renewable energy power systems. Herein, we proposed a voltage-decoupled Na+-conducting Zn-Br2 flow battery (Ud-Na-ZBFB). Within a pH-regulation strategy, both neutral Zn/Zn2+ and alkaline Zn/Zn(OH)42− negative redox couples are integrated into one device, so as to increase discharge voltage a 0.5 V theoretical increase while remains a low charge voltage. The proof-of-concept Ud-Na-ZBFB demonstrates an unprecedented voltage characteristic, achieving a discharge voltage of up to 2.18 V while maintaining a remarkably low charge voltage of 1.78 V at a current density of 20 mA cm−2. Benefiting from the high discharge voltage, the peak power density of Ud-Na-ZBFB reaches 580 mW cm−2, nearly twice higher than the traditional ZBFB. Besides, the Ud-Na-ZBFB cycling operates for 45 h with excellent stability and resilience. With the “cycle-to-stage” operational mode, battery state of Ud-Na-ZBFB can be completely recovered after a long-term operation stage with several cycles, which electrolyte utilization efficiency of one stage is up to 41 %. This work offers a brand-new utilization pattern for high-power rechargeable battery that possesses a great potential in energy storage application scenes.

Transcriptomic analyses of bacterial growth on fungal necromass reveal different microbial community niches during degradation.

Bacteria are major drivers of organic matter decomposition and play crucial roles in global nutrient cycling. Although the degradation of dead fungal biomass (necromass) is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling, the genes and metabolic pathways involved in necromass degradation are less characterized. In particular, how bacteria degrade necromass containing different quantities of melanin, which largely control rates of necromass decomposition in situ, is largely unknown. To address this gap, we conducted a multi-timepoint transcriptomic analysis using three Gram-negative, bacterial species grown on low or high melanin necromass of Hyaloscypha bicolor. The bacterial species, Cellvibrio japonicus, Chitinophaga pinensis, and Serratia marcescens, belong to genera known to degrade necromass in situ. We found that while bacterial growth was consistently higher on low than high melanin necromass, the CAZyme-encoding gene expression response of the three species was similar between the two necromass types. Interestingly, this trend was not shared for genes encoding nitrogen utilization, which varied in C. pinensis and S. marcescens during growth on high vs low melanin necromass. Additionally, this study tested the metabolic capabilities of these bacterial species to grow on a diversity of C and N sources and found that the three bacteria have substantially different utilization patterns. Collectively, our data suggest that as necromass changes chemically over the course of degradation, certain bacterial species are favored based on their differential metabolic capacities.IMPORTANCEFungal necromass is a major component of the carbon (C) in soils as well as an important source of nitrogen (N) for plant and microbial growth. Bacteria associated with necromass represent a distinct subset of the soil microbiome and characterizing their functional capacities is the critical next step toward understanding how they influence necromass turnover. This is particularly important for necromass varying in melanin content, which has been observed to control the rate of necromass decomposition across a variety of ecosystems. Here we assessed the gene expression of three necromass-degrading bacteria grown on low or high melanin necromass and characterized their metabolic capacities to grow on different C and N substrates. These transcriptomic and metabolic studies provide the first steps toward assessing the physiological relevance of up-regulated CAZyme-encoding genes in necromass decomposition and provide foundational data for generating a predictive model of the molecular mechanisms underpinning necromass decomposition by soil bacteria.

Racial and ethnic differences in the receipt of continuous positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveTo examine the pattern of health services access and utilization that may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a national sample from the All of Us Research Program, which included over 80 % of participants from underrepresented populations in biomedical research. Study participants included adults aged 18 years and older diagnosed with OSA (N = 8518). Diagnosis of OSA and CPAP treatment were ascertained by diagnostic and procedural codes from the electronic health records. Sociodemographic characteristics and health service utilization factors were identified using self-reported survey data. ResultsWith this national survey, the overall diagnosed prevalence of OSA was 8.8 %, with rates of 8.12 % in non-Hispanic (NH) Black adults, 5.99 % in Hispanic adults, and 10.35 % in NH White adults. When comparing to NH White adults, Hispanic adults were less likely to receive CPAP treatment for OSA after adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, access to and utilization of health services, and comorbidities such as obesity and having multiple chronic conditions (OR = 0.73, 95 % CI = 0.59,0.90), p < 0.01. ConclusionsThe rates of CPAP treatment among OSA patients are not consistent across racial and ethnic groups. Unequal access to health services based on residence may contribute to these differences. Interventions that target disparities in OSA diagnosis, access to treatment, and barriers in insurance coverage could potentially help reduce racial and ethnic differences in OSA diagnosis and management.

Spatial variation of healthcare resource use in Wales following the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to healthcare services and changed patterns of healthcare resource utilisation in Wales, but the geographic variation of this disruption is not known. Objective/Approach We aimed to examine geo-spatial variation in the impact of the pandemic on healthcare service use, and identify socio-demographic and environmental factors associated with the geographical differences. We accessed and linked individual electronic healthcare records within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. We calculated age-sex standardised rates of interactions across 1909 small areas in Wales, from January 2017 to December 2022. We compared rates in the 3 years pre-COVID (2017-2019) to the following 3 years (2020-2022) and investigated if spatial autocorrelation of results existed, using the Moran’s I test. We linked area-level characteristics and carried out Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) analysis to understand the socio-demographic and environmental characteristics associated with ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ spots of healthcare resource use. Results We included 1,277,532 individuals with 7,502,485 healthcare service interactions related to a long-term condition. Across the 1909 small areas in Wales, we observed large variations in age-sex standardised rates of healthcare interactions. Area-level general practice and hospital admission rates decreased by a median of 22%, and 13.1% respectively, from 2017-2019 to 2020-2022. The change in general practice rates were more significantly spatially autocorrelated than the change in hospital admission rates. Spatially varying relationships between healthcare resource use and area-level characteristics such as income deprivation, travel time to general practice/hospital, have been analysed using GWR (results to be finalised). Conclusions/Implications We have found that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted population level healthcare resource use in some areas of Wales more than others. Identifying the underlying characteristics causing these differences will help inform policy to provide targeted services to areas and subgroups of the population.

Understanding Patterns of Care for Older Adults: Data to Action

ObjectiveOlder adult population is growing rapidly, the current system is not adequately designed to meet the needs of individuals to live safely and independently in the place of their choice. To understand the variations in care and identify where to intervene, we examined the transitions in care of community-dwelling older adults (COA) leading up to 24-hour assisted living at special care homes (SCH). ApproachWe conducted a retrospective-cohort study using health administrative data from a Canadian province with a long history of comprehensive, longitudinal data. Using process mining techniques, health service utilization of COA, 65 and older, was mapped as a journey rather than independent care events. We examined the common patterns experienced leading up to SCH admission by sequencing transitions between care settings. Consideration was given to geography that the individual resides in and their health status to understand variations. ResultsOverall health utilization patterns revealed predominant reliance on acute care and SCH admissions. However, geographic variations were identified (regions and urban/rural). More than 2000 transition patterns between emergency department, hospital, community, and SCH were observed. ConclusionThe ability for COA to age in place is dependent on the individual, where they live, and the availability of and access to services to meet their needs. To minimize undesirable and early admissions to SCH, a multifaceted, collaborative approach to align community-based supports for COA is required. The results of these analyses will help inform areas in which to focus interventions and serve as a baseline while evaluating impact.

Utilization of Outpatient Mental Health Services During and After The COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective and ApproachThis study examines the impact of COVID-19 on outpatient mental health (OP-MH) service use and assesses the role of telehealth on OP-MH service patterns. Using the 5% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries, the intervention group was defined as those newly diagnosed with a MH condition in 2019 (no MH diagnosis 2 years prior) with a 2-year study period of 2020-2021. The comparison group included non-overlapping individuals newly diagnosed in 2017 with a study period of 2018-2019. The OP utilization patterns were examined over the 2 years post-diagnosis and compared across MH diagnostic categories, including schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, anxiety, trauma-related, and substance-use disorders. ResultsThe intervention group observed a significant reduction in MH utilization in March-April 2020 compared to the matched sample. While patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders saw a return to normal patterns by May 2020, those with depression, anxiety, trauma-related, and substance-use disorders continued to exhibit significant reductions in MH utilization post-COVID-19. The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in telehealth usage, transitioning from 1% pre-COVID-19 to a peak of ~60% during the pandemic. This trend gradually decreased, reaching an average of 30% by the end of 2021 across all conditions. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study underscores the impact of the pandemic on OP-MH utilization and emphasizes the potential of telehealth in improving access to care to meet OP-MH needs. Further, the results highlight the differences in OP-MH utilization across diagnostic categories and the relative benefit of telehealth options for these conditions.

Telemedicine's Hesitant Reception Among Digital Natives: A Cluster Analysis of Polish Students' Attitudes.

Objective: As digital natives appear to be the most suitable target group for technological innovations, we tested this notion by analyzing their attitude toward the implementation of telemedicine in Poland. Methods: An online survey was conducted from April to October 2021, yielding responses from 475 university students on their experience with teleconsultations, which are an essential part of telemedicine. Satisfaction-related questions were used to perform cluster analysis, and subsequently, clusters were compared based on significant differences in responses including sociodemographic and utilization patterns. Open-ended questions were analyzed to further gauge the rationale behind the demonstrated attitude. Results: The responses were polarized. In the cluster analysis, on one side were the "Skeptics" and "Enemies," who shared negative opinions on professionalism and convenience, differing only in their assessment of intangible skills. On the other side were the "Enthusiasts," who were satisfied in all categories; the "Indifferent," who lacked strong opinions; and the "Time-pressed," who, while openly admitting its drawbacks, were highly likely to continue using it due to its time-saving potential. Recurring concerns in open-ended questions focused on unreliable diagnoses and uncooperative administrative personnel. Conclusions: The reception was polarized. The split in answers suggests that administrative problems were limited to some providers, indicating they should be possible to overcome. There is a clear pattern that telemedicine is seen as an incomplete service. However, many would happily continue to use it due to its convenience and time-saving benefits.

Progression of Marketing and Utilization Pattern of Fresh Water Molluscan in Bihar

Progression of Marketing and Utilization Pattern of Fresh Water Molluscan in Bihar

Decentralized planning for non-communicable diseases: protocol for an explanatory study of local self-government projects in Kerala, India

Background: Priority setting and resource allocation in decentralised planning is often not in line with the social and economic burden associated with non-communicable diseases (NCD). This is a protocol developed for the purpose of analysing the pattern of budgetary allocation and utilisation of funds for health sector projects on non-communicable diseases by the local self-government (LSG) institutions in Kerala. It is also proposed to document the processes along with the stakeholders’ role in planning. Methods: Following explanatory design, first we will do secondary data analysis of health sector projects on NCD fund allocation and utilisation, followed by document analysis and key informant interviews in LSGs at selected districts of Kerala. Following policy framework used in public health related policy processes, will perform descriptive analysis, based on stages heuristic in decentralised planning. Multiple dimensions of priority setting and allocation process will be studied. Explanatory analysis for resource allocation process will be studied using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework. Conclusions: The study will help in understanding the decision-making process for fund allocation with the specific focus on NCD. It will also help in building an evidenced based framework for decentralized health planning. Trial Registration: No: SCT/IEC/1849/FEBRUARY/2022.

Oral health among refugees and asylum seekers utilizing Médecins du Monde clinics in mainland Greece, 2016–2017

BackgroundThe oral health of refugees and asylum seekers is understudied. However, oral health has important implications for overall health and wellbeing. This study addresses this gap by characterizing oral health care utilization in Médecins du Monde (MdM) clinics across mainland Greece from 2016 – 2017.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to estimate proportional morbidities for caries, extraction, developmental, periodontal disease, preventive, and other oral health outcomes. The association between physical health conditions and consultations of interest – upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and reproductive health consultations – and oral health were compared using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Oral health outcomes between Afghans and Syrians were compared using odds ratios and 95% CIs.ResultsCaries (39.44%) and extractions (28.99%) were highly prevalent in our study population. The utilization of preventive dental consultations (37.10%) was high, particularly among males. Individuals with at least one upper respiratory tract infection (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.30 – 1.77; Or = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.53 – 2.36) and women and girls with reproductive health consultations (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03 – 1.66; OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.49 – 2.76) were more likely to have any dental or caries specific consultations. The observed patterns in oral health needs differed between Afghans and Syrians, with Afghans more likely to have preventive screenings and less likely to have caries, extractions, or other conditions.ConclusionsDisplaced populations utilizing MdM dental clinics had high levels of oral health needs, particularly for caries and extractions. The connection between oral and overall health was seen in the study population, and these findings reinforce the public health importance of oral health for improving health and wellbeing of displaced populations. Evidence-informed policy, practice, and programming inclusive of oral health are needed to address both oral and overall health of refugees and asylum seekers in Greece. Future research should investigate not only oral health care needs but also knowledge and beliefs that inform utilization patterns among displaced populations.

Impact of post-COVID-19 changes in outpatient chronic patients’ healthcare-seeking behaviors on medical utilization and health outcomes

IntroductionThis study comprehensively investigates the changes in healthcare utilization among chronic patients with regular outpatient visits to hospitals after the occurrence of Covid-19. The research examines whether patients altered their originally regular medical attendance frequencies due to the pandemic and explores potential negative impacts on the health conditions of those irregular attendees post-pandemic.MethodsData for this study were sourced from a database at a medical center in Taiwan. The subjects were chronic patients with regular hospital outpatient visits before the Covid-19 outbreak. The study tracked medical utilization patterns from 2017 to 2022 for different patient characteristics and outpatient behaviors, employing statistical methods such as Repeated Measures ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equation to analyze changes in healthcare utilization and health status during the post-pandemic period.ResultsThe results reveal that, compared to the regular group, chronic patients with irregular outpatient visits during the post-pandemic period exhibited a decrease of 5.85 annual outpatient visits, a reduction of NT$20,290.1 in annual medical expenses, and a significantly higher abnormality rate in average biochemical test results by 0.9%.ConclusionsThe findings contribute to understanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare utilization and health conditions among outpatient chronic disease populations. In response to the new medical landscape in the post-pandemic era, proactive suggestions are made, including providing telemedicine outpatient services and referral-based medical care to meet the needs of the target population, ensuring a continuous and reassuring healthcare model for chronic patients, and mitigating the operational impacts of public health emergencies on hospitals.

Exploring Drivers of Healthcare Utilization among the Working and Non-Working Elderly Population: Insights from LASI

Background The elderly population of India has been growing exponentially over the past few decades, caused by a decline in fertility and an increase in life expectancy. The growth eventually has transcended the disease burden on the public healthcare system. This calls for a need to evaluate the healthcare utilization pattern of the elderly based on their socioeconomic and working condition. Methods Study used access to public and private healthcare services to measure healthcare utilization. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to understand utilization patterns by working status and some selected sociodemographic parameters. All the results were reported at a 95% confidence interval. Results Using the data from the first wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) with a sample of 22,680 older persons 60 years and above. The study identified that 50% of the working elderly access private services; however, 26% access public healthcare services. It was found that the working status of the elderly alone did not influence access to healthcare services, but education is also an essential indicator for utilizing healthcare services. Further, factors such as gender, marital status, religion, wealth, tobacco usage, self-rated health, ADL and IADL were significant predictors of healthcare services’ utilization for the elderly. Conclusion This study suggests that there are not many differences found among working and non-working status with healthcare utilization, although some sociodemographic indicators are associated with the utilization of healthcare services, highlighting that increasing health needs among the elderly requires strengthening the quality and appropriate public investment in health.

Utility of pelvic examination in assessing women with bleeding in early pregnancy: a multicenter Canadian emergency department study

BackgroundBleeding in early pregnancy is a common emergency department (ED) presentation. Although variability in approaches has been demonstrated, research is relatively uncommon on practices and outcomes. This study investigated the influence of clinical pattern of care, utility, and contribution of pelvic examination aimed at diagnosing and managing bleeding in early pregnancy at three Canadian EDs.MethodsAfter obtaining informed consent, data were collected from adult women who were pregnant and from treating ED physicians using a structured questionnaire. We defined the change in management based on the initial clinical plan at the time of the initial physician assessment in the ED and any subsequent changes made after the pelvic examination was performed. Patient telephone follow-up was supplemented by linking with provincial administrative data for births. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a change in patient management following pelvic examination in the ED.ResultsOverall, 200 women were enrolled. The mean age was 31 years, patients had been bleeding for a median of 1 day and stayed in the ED for a median of 5 h. Of these, 166 (83.0%) received a pelvic examination, including speculum examination and/or bimanual palpation. Pregnancy outcome data were available for 192 pregnancies; 107 (56%) experienced a miscarriage. Factors significantly associated with a change in management after pelvic examination in the univariate logistic regression analysis were brown/dark-red bleeding per vaginam (physician determined), tachycardia, right lower quadrant tenderness, and bimanual palpation. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, brown/dark-red bleeding per vaginam was independently associated with a reduced likelihood of a change in management after pelvic examination (aOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14–0.98).ConclusionAmong women presenting to the ED with bleeding in early pregnancy prior to 20 weeks gestation, only brown/dark-red vaginal bleeding, potentially indicative of bleeding resolution, significantly independently influenced the baseline odds of a change in management after pelvic examination. Until the debate on the utility of pelvic examination in the ED for this presentation is resolved, physician preferences and shared decision making with patients should guide practice regarding speculum examination/bimanual palpation for the management of bleeding in early pregnancy.

Health and socioeconomic well-being of women with endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia: Longitudinal insights from Swedish registry data.

Endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) are prevalent pain conditions among women of reproductive age, significantly impacting their quality of life and psychological well-being. However, comprehensive evidence regarding the lifelong health and socioeconomic outcomes for these individuals remains scarce. Additionally, many prior studies rely on limited and sometimes unrepresentative samples. This study aims to inform on the long-term consequences of these disorders by examining health, fertility, and employment outcomes in a cohort of women diagnosed with endometriosis and/or PVD, tracing their experiences from childhood to their 40s. Leveraging nationwide administrative data from Sweden and employing a matched case-control design, we investigate both similarities and differences between women with these diagnoses and those without. Our findings indicate that women diagnosed with endometriosis and/or PVD demonstrate elevated healthcare utilization patterns, commencing in their early teenage years and progressively increasing over time. Notably, disparities in labor market outcomes emerge in their 20s, showcasing lower labor earnings and a rise in sickness benefit receipt. Moreover, our results show a higher likelihood among these women to experience mental health disorders and concurrent chronic pain diseases, as well as infertility. While the association between endometriosis and infertility is well-documented, this study offers novel insights into a potential similar link between PVD and infertility. Our study informs healthcare professionals and policymakers about the considerable burden of compromised health, adverse psychosocial well-being, and reduced productivity in the labor market faced by young women with these common pain conditions. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered by individuals diagnosed with endometriosis and PVD across their lifespan.

Patient-Centric Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study on the Impact of Multifaceted Interventions in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health

This longitudinal study investigates the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions in improving patient outcomes in diabetes and cardiovascular health. With an increasing prevalence of these conditions worldwide, there is a pressing need for holistic approaches that address multiple facets of patient care. Our study follows a cohort of individuals diagnosed with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases over five years, examining the impact of comprehensive interventions on various patient-centric outcomes. These interventions encompassed a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication adherence programs, dietary counseling, physical activity promotion, and psychological support. Through rigorous data collection and analysis, we assessed changes in key clinical indicators such as HbA1c levels, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and body mass index, alongside patient-reported outcomes including quality of life, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with care. Additionally, we explored healthcare utilization patterns and economic implications associated with the interventions. Our findings reveal significant improvements in both clinical and patient-reported outcomes among participants engaged in multifaceted interventions compared to those receiving standard care. The interventions demonstrated sustained benefits over the follow-up period, suggesting their long-term efficacy in managing chronic conditions and enhancing overall well-being. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of personalized, patient-centered approaches in chronic disease management, emphasizing the need for integrated care models that prioritize individual needs and preferences. These insights have profound implications for healthcare policymakers, providers, and stakeholders seeking to optimize outcomes and reduce the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases on patients and healthcare systems.

Frequency of ABO and Rhesus (D) blood group among blood donors and blood requisition and utilization patterns: An insight towards optimal blood usage in a tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To determine the distribution and frequency of blood groups among the blood donors and assess the blood requisition and utilization patterns in order to strategize optimal blood utilization. Study Design: Cross-sectional Descriptive study. Setting: Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: January 2021 to January 2024. Methods: Blood bank data including blood donor name, gender, blood groups, blood requisitions, blood issuance and blood utilization was retrieved from Fauji Foundation hospital’s management information system and blood requisition and collection forms. The quality indicators of blood utilization i.e. crossmatch/transfusion ratio and transfusion probability was calculated and analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: 22483 blood donors donated blood at our blood bank facility from January 2021-january 2024. Mean age 31±10.2 years (range: 18–56 years). Majority of the blood donors were males 96.4% (n=21682) while 3.5% (n=801) were females. A total of 21733 were replacement donors while 750 were voluntary donors. The highest blood requests were from obstetrics/gynecology department while the highest blood utilization was by the medicine department. The overall cross match to transfusion ratio was 1.3. The highest cross match to transfusion ratio of 2.5 was from obstetrics/gynecology department while the lowest was from pediatrics and oncology departments. Conclusion: The blood group O positive was the commonest blood group. Although, blood transfusion quality indicators show effective utilization however the pattern varies among different departments. Evidence-based blood utilization strategies need to be implemented for optimal utilization of blood.

Utilization Patterns of Milk and Milk Products among Various End Users in Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

The utilization patterns of milk and milk products in Karnataka were investigated through a study of 100 farmers and 50 consumers. The focus was on how milk was retained, consumed and transformed into various products. It was found that significant variation existed in milk production and consumption across different herd sizes. Small, medium, and large farmers were reported to produce an average of 33.80, 45.18 and 66.26 liters of milk per day, respectively, with family consumption accounting for 19.23 per cent, 17.37 per cent and 15.84 per cent of their production. Larger herds were associated with increased milk production, which allowed for a greater surplus to be sold. Utilization patterns showed that small farmers retained 6.5 liters of milk daily, consuming 32.94 per cent as liquid milk and converting 64.23 per cent into curd, with minimal ghee production. In contrast, large farmers retained 10.5 liters daily, consuming 43.80 per cent as liquid milk and converting 53.12 per cent into curd. This indicated a trend towards higher liquid milk consumption and varying product transformation depending on herd size. Consumer data indicated that rural households spent an average of ₹141.18 on 2.41 kg of milk products daily, while urban households spent ₹142.10 on 2.25 kg. Despite higher costs, urban consumers spent more on liquid milk, whereas rural consumers allocated more to curd and ghee. These findings reflected regional price differences and consumption preferences. Overall, the study highlighted the complex dynamics of milk utilization, with varying consumption patterns and product transformations observed across different farmer categories and consumer demographics. This information was deemed crucial for optimizing milk production and distribution strategies in Karnataka.

Pattern of Utilization of Antenatal Care Services and Adherence Among Females Following Up at Primary Healthcare Centers in Al-Ahsa.

Background Antenatal care (ANC) is a crucial component of maternal and child health, yet disparities in utilization persist globally. This study aimed to assess the patterns of ANC service utilization and adherence among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 women attending PHCCs in Al-Ahsa. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, assessing demographic characteristics, ANC follow-up patterns, structural and personal barriers, and mental health conditions using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results Significant regional variations in ANC follow-up patterns were observed, with higher proportions of pregnant women attending ANC in the Middle and Eastern regions. Prominent structural barriers included transportation challenges (structural barrier 3, 61.0%) and limited service availability (structural barrier 6, 56.0%), while personal barriers encompassed transportation problems (personal barrier 6, 36.8%) and forgetfulness regarding appointments (personal barrier 4, 19.9%). Mental health assessments revealed predominantly normal levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with some regional variations in distress levels. Conclusions The study highlights regional disparities in ANC service utilization and adherence, influenced by structural barriers, personal barriers, and mental health conditions. Tailored interventions addressing these barriers, improving access to care, and providing targeted support are crucial for enhancing ANC service utilization and promoting maternal and child health in Al-Ahsa.

37 the Management of Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in Ontario: A Population-Based Study of Practice Patterns of Care and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy Utilization from 2010-2019

37 the Management of Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in Ontario: A Population-Based Study of Practice Patterns of Care and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy Utilization from 2010-2019

IDcare – a longitudinal register study of pre-pandemic and pandemic health care utilization and diagnostic profiles among people with intellectual disabilities in southern Sweden

The aim of the creation of this cohort was to investigate patterns of health and health care utilisation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall and in relation to specific diagnoses, among people with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to the general population. People living in Skåne, the southernmost region of Sweden, on 1st of January 2014 with at least one diagnosis of ID (ICD-10 codes F70-F79) or Down syndrome (DS; Q90), or support and/or services according to the LSS act comprised the ID cohort (n = 14 716). People living in the same family and/or household as a person in the ID cohort constituted the ID family cohort (n = 31 688), and those remaining comprised the general population cohort (gPop; n = 1 226 955). Data has been collected for all three cohorts from several national and regional registers. These include registers for health care (2014–2021), deaths (2014–2021), COVID-19-related health care (vaccinations, intensive care, palliative care, 2020–2021). The prevalence of ID was 1.2%. In the ID cohort, 77.9% had at least one measure of support, 5.8% at least one Q90-diagnosis and 63.8% had at least one F7-diagnosis (26.9% mild (F70), 7.4% moderate (F71), 2.8% severe (F72), 1.4% profound (F73), and 25.4% other/unknown (F78/F79)). Compared to the gPop there were more people in the younger age groups in the ID cohort. At this point, no additional collection of data will be carried out. However, there is a possibility to add data from the registers to include years after 2021 or from additional registers. Future publications will explore relevant research questions and report key findings in relation to health among people with ID. Future results will be used to inform policy and practice on people with ID.