Preventive Check-ups Research Articles

An observational study on menstrual hygiene practices among adolescents girls attending zilla parishad high school at Kommadi village in Visakhapatnam

Under RMNCH+A strategy, adolescent health program is relatively a new concept, particularly for female gender, and has been considered to be a continuum of health services up to adolescent age. The priority interventions among adolescent girls are, nutrition, Adolescent Friendly Health clinics (AFHCs), Counselling, Menstrual hygiene and preventive health checkups. Menstrual hygiene component has been taken for the present study among the adolescent girls in a Zilla Parishad High School aged 10 to 19 years. Rastriya Kishora Swastya Karyakram (RKSK) is broader one including both gender for distinct health services in India. : To study the association of various socio- economic and cultural practices influencing the usage of sanitary napkins by menstruating adolescent school girls. : Cross sectional study among menstruating adolescent girls in a Zilla Parishad High School at Kommadi village. 198 adolescent girls were randomly selected for study using semi structured questionnaire. Each menstruating girl is questioned categorically (yes/no) as per the structured questionnaire covering socio economic status, literacy of mother, awareness about ASHA etc. Appropriate statistical tests like frequencies, percentages and chi-square tests are applied to analyse and interpret the collected data.Socio-demographic factors of the target population in the community from where the adolescent girls attending zilla Parishad High school were subjected to study and found that 19(22%) adolescent girls having white ration card are using sanitary napkin. 46% of sanitary napkin users in our study are aware of using cloth available in the house during menstruation. 39 (52%) adolescent girls using sanitary napkin are aware of ASHA worker visiting their colony. One of the family members, either mother or elder sister being a member in Self Help Group in the colony is influencing the usage of sanitary napkin 46 (50.5%). Habit of Over-the-Counter drugs usage in the family has significantly (55%) influenced the adolescent school girls in using sanitary napkin. School drop-outs 51(62.9%) are also observed among sanitary napkin users during menstruation.: The usage of sanitary napkin replacing the traditional home-made cloth is highly essential for proper menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls attending the school regularly without drop out. The role of ASHA workers and other paramedical staff in the community cannot be undermined.

Potential of Chest Radiography in Primary Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostics for non-small cell lung cancer (LC) based on chest radiography/fluorography data for LC screening diagnostics during preventive medical examination and check-ups.Material and methods. The work was organized as a retrospective cohort study. The starting point of the study was chest radiography, the final point was the diagnosis of LC based on the results of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and tumor morphological examination. The patient sample was composed using inclusion and exclusion criteria and initially included 800 patients, then narrowed down to 788. Patients were divided into groups according to LC stage and depending on whether radiography during preventive measures made it possible to suspect LC verified within 3 months via LDCT for any reasons not related to the suspicion of a tumor process. The diagnostic coefficient and informative value of radiography were calculated for each stage of the established LC diagnosis.Results. The study showed that chest radiography does not allow establishing stage I LC diagnosis (J=0.00; p<0.05), it is low informative for stage II LC (J=0.25; p<0.05), and medium informative for stage III LC (J=0.80; p<0.05). Chest radiography does not reliably detect LC signs at early stages in 84.3% of cases.Conclusion. The obtained results indicate an insufficient sensitivity of radiography as a screening method, primarily for early LC diagnosis. The introduction of chest LDCT instead of radiography into the procedure for preventive medical examination and check-ups of the adult population approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation will increase LC detection at early stages by 5.37 times (95% confidence interval 3,77–7,64).

Better together? Group incentives and the demand for prevention

In a field experiment with 400 groups of informal entrepreneurs in El Salvador, we compare the impact of group incentives (linked to compliance of all members) to equivalent individual ones to encourage cardiovascular check-ups. We test two incentive designs: small rewards and lotteries. Group incentives are as effective as individual ones at increasing demand for prevention, but, unlike individual incentives, they fail to target those with potentially higher health risks. The equal effectiveness of group incentives is linked to more communication, coordination between members and, to some extent, peer pressure. These social dynamics contribute to reduce uncertainty about other group members’ decisions and enhance the perceived net benefit of prevention. Although the preventive check-ups do not induce short-term lifestyle changes, they substantially increase the detection of new risk factors, making all incentives highly cost-effective interventions in this population.

Hohes Niveau asbestassoziierter Todesfälle: Früherkennungsprogramme und ihre ambivalente Wirkung

High levels of asbestos-related deaths: Early detection programs and their ambivalent effects (Interview) The number of asbestos-related deaths due to occupational diseases remains high. the German Social Accident Insurance (DGuV) reported 1520, 1623, and 1328 fatalities in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. To address this, occupational associations offer early detection programs. Since 1973, preventive medical check-ups have been carried out for employees formerly exposed to asbestos as part of secondary prevention. however, anxiety and uncertainty about the disease can deter individuals from participating, impacting the program’s effectiveness.

Athletes’ medical preventive behaviors: the case of oral health and ultraendurance trail runners

Ultra-endurance runners are particularly exposed to caries risk factors due to the continuous intake of sugars in liquid or sticky forms during long-distance exercise. The risk of caries increases due to a failure to perform oral hygiene during races. Ultra-endurance runners had good oral health status despite these particularities. Our hypothesis is that high compliance with preventive oral health recommendations (toothbrushing and preventive or regular dental visits) counterbalance the risks associated with their exposure to caries. We aimed to gain a better understanding of preventive dental behaviors in ultra-endurance runners. We then studied the determinants of two major recommendations: (1) visiting a dentist for preventive check-ups and (2) visiting a dentist during the year. 37% of the total sample reported patterns of both preventive dental visits and recent visits. Early visits (ORa = 4.8***), good oral health (ORa = 8.8**) and tooth brushing (ORa = 2.2**) were associated with preventive dental visits, but there was no significant influence of snacking or weekly work hours. The ultra-endurance race frequency was associated with early dental visits despite equal needs. Most risk-control behaviors were associated with each other, indicating that they are all-or-nothing behaviors. Individual prevention strategies implemented at the dental office may not be as effective as they predominantly target individuals who are already aware of and interested in preventive care. Instead, developing targeted primary prevention strategies that are accessible at race venues, such as stands, villages, or food supply points, could be more effective.

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder and Paediatric Dentistry

Aim: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) restlessness one of the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders in children, with a higher incidence observed in boys compared to girls. The fundamental characteristics of ADHD include three main symptoms: pronounced lack of attention, excessive hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. Materials and Methods: The diagnostic process for ADHD is complex and multidimensional, involving a thorough analysis of behaviour, collection of extensive and detailed information, comprehensive evaluation of the child’s developmental history, and intensive collaboration between various specialists, including educators, psychologists, paediatricians, dentists as well as active participation of parents or guardians. With the increasing number of diagnosed cases of ADHD globally, it becomes increasingly important to timely recognize the symptoms and symptomatology of the disorder and to apply appropriate therapeutic strategies and treatment methods tailored to the individual needs of each child. Results: Dental care requires special attention in the context of ADHD. Children with ADHD face greater challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, leading to an increased risk of dental caries, more frequent oral traumas, and generally poorer oral health conditions. Conclusion: It is crucial to ensure a tailored approach during dental treatment, which may include establishing special communication and techniques adapted to the child, as well as increasing the frequency of preventive check-ups and interventions to preserve and enhance oral health.

“I Do Not Have the Time of Being sick”: Para-Occupational Exposure and Women’s Health Risk Perception in an Agricultural Community

ABSTRACT Introduction Few studies have explored the relationship between para-occupational exposure and risk perception in farmers’ families. Women are indirectly involved in agricultural activities, even though their roles most of the time are hidden. Women’s para-occupational exposure and risk perceptions are important to describe, since women have a key gender role in the family’s health care and possibly in the impact of acting regarding pesticide safety education. Furthermore, in farmer families, the impact of para-occupational pesticide exposure on women’s health has been neglected. Aim Analyze pesticide para-occupational exposure scenario, knowledge, and health risk perception among women living in a farmer community. Methods A mixed methodology was used. Two groups of women were identified to screen the exposure scenario: Women living in a farming family and women not living in a farming family. Data on para-occupational pesticide exposure and intradomicile practices were collected by questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to identify health risk perception and risk practices. Results We observed a complex pesticide exposure scenario. All women were potentially exposed to pesticides through several pathways. One-third of the participants lived near a farming family or in proximity to neighbors that used pesticides at home, and one of every three women referred to spending time in a farmer’s home. Among the group of women in a farming family (n = 18) stored pesticides inside the home was common; having the “safety practice” of storing pesticides in high places to avoid children being exposed. Women not living in farmimg families (n = 11) felt overexposed due to living in an agricultural community and agricultural drift exposure. Women from this group also mentioned feeling fear of developing cancerous diseases as well as fertility problems. Conclusions Knowledge and risk perception of pesticide exposure are similar between groups; however, women living in farming families were less willing to attend preventive health check-ups or educational programs than women not living in a farming family.

Lateral Epicondylalgia and Thoracic Kyphosis: A Study on Young Athletes.

The etiology of lateral epicondylalgia (LE) remains unclear, although it has been linked to various factors. Recent theories suggest a potential connection between LE and impairments in the kinetic chain. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between another factor influencing kinetic chain impairment, specifically an increased angle of thoracic kyphosis, and the presence of initial signs of LE in young athletes. This study employed an observational, case-control design. The participants underwent examination during a routine preventive checkup conducted by a sports physician at Novi Sad Healthcare Center, Sports Medicine Center. One hundred young athletes aged 10 to 15 years were included in the study. Half of the participants reported pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow during maximal hand grip, while the remaining athletes served as controls and did not experience any pain. Thoracic kyphosis inclination angles were measured using a digital inclinometer. Pain was assessed using the pressure pain threshold at a specific point associated with lateral epicondylalgia, measured by a digital algometer. Participants exhibiting initial signs of LE displayed significantly different angles of anteroposterior curvatures of the spine compared with the control group. Moreover, the angle of thoracic kyphosis was significantly associated with pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow. Our findings confirm an association between initial signs of lateral epicondylalgia and the grade of thoracic kyphosis in young athletes.

Temperature exposure and health inequality

This paper analyzes the relationship among temperature exposure, health inequality, and adaptive behavior in China, a country with diverse climate zones ranging from the cold, arid northwest to the warm, humid south. Utilizing follow-up survey data spanning from 2000 to 2015, this paper constructs a measure of health inequality at the community level. Our findings reveal that extremely cold or hot days increase the health inequality at the community level. Specifically, with each incremental rise in the day’s extreme temperature, the Gini coefficient of community health rises by 0.0032, which constitutes approximately 0.4% of the community average. Furthermore, vulnerable communities, which are characterized by low average income, education levels, per capita electricity consumption, and urbanization, are highly susceptible to the effects of extreme temperatures on health equality. From the perspective of adaptive behavior, residents in high-income communities exhibit elevated electricity consumption and engage in frequent preventive health check-ups during extreme temperature exposure. This phenomenon may exacerbate social polarization because well-resourced individuals and communities are better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events compared with impoverished ones. Addressing this disparity requires local managers to implement comprehensive policies and interventions that can enhance the adaptability of low-income communities, improve public health facilities, and promote social equity.

Preliminary study of urine analysis in pregnant cows: insights for improved herd management

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish a standard urine profile for pregnant cows, commonly seen patients in veterinary clinics. Urine samples from 15 pregnant cows (6 Belgian Blue and 9 Holstein) of various ages were analysed, all showing no clinical signs of urinary tract disease. Samples were collected during preventive check-ups, either by spontaneous micturition or catheterisation. Macroscopic evaluation and urine dipstick tests revealed a mean pH of 8.17 ± 0.49. Moderate glycosuria and proteinuria were detected in two animals. No urobilinogen, ketone bodies, haemoglobin, or traces of blood were found. Laboratory urinalysis provided values (with 95% confidence intervals): osmolarity 493–1110.00 mOsm/l, sodium 52.00–122.00 mmol/l, calcium 1.28–3.98 mmol/l, potassium 76–144.00 mmol/l, magnesium 5.00–8.00 mmol/l, chlorine 40.00–80.00 mmol/l, protein 35.00–104.00 mg/l, glucose 0.40–1.27 mmol/l, creatinine 34.00–76.00 mmol/l, and urea 681.00–2086 mmol/l. These findings present the initial descriptive values of urine biochemical parameters in pregnant cows, emphasising their significance in assessing animal health. This research underscores its relevance by providing fundamental insights into animal health, offering a pathway to enhance agricultural sustainability and address food security, echoing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 8 and 12.

LDCT screening results among eligible and ineligible screening candidates in preventive health check-ups population: a real world study in West China

To compare the LDCT screening results between eligible and ineligible screening candidates in preventive health check-ups population. Using a real-world LDCT screening results among people who took yearly health check-up in health management center of West China Hospital between 2006 and 2017. Objects were classified according to the China National Lung Cancer Screening Guideline with Low-dose Computed Tomography (2018 version) eligibility criteria. Descriptive analysis were performed between eligible and ineligible screening candidates. The proportion of ineligible screening candidates was 64.13% (10,259), and among them there were 4005 (39.04%) subjects with positive screenings, 80 cases had a surgical lung biopsy. Pathology results from lung biopsy revealed 154 cancers (true-positive) and 26 benign results (false-positive), the surgical false-positive biopsy rate was 4.17%, and ineligible group (7.69%) was higher than eligible group (2.47%), P < 0.05. Further, in ineligible screening candidates, the proportion of current smokers was higher among males compared to females (53.85% vs. 4.88%, P < 0.05). Of the 69 lung cancer patients detected in ineligible screening candidates, lung adenocarcinoma accounts for a high proportion of lung cancers both in male (75.00%) and female (85.00%). The proportion of ineligible screening candidates and the surgical false-positive biopsy rate in ineligible candidates were both high in health check-ups population.

Аналіз частоти маніфестації деяких ізольованих та поєднаних вад розвитку опорно-рухового апарату в дітей молодшого шкільного віку

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant decrease in the number of healthy children, while the number of children with chronic illnesses, developmental disorders, various forms of postural issues, and scoliosis has significantly increased. Purpose - to determine the frequency of manifestation of developmental abnormalities in the spine, chest, foot, and lower jaw, as well as detection of variations and characteristics of their combinations in younger school children to develop new and improve existing criteria for early diagnosis of musculoskeletal development disorders and the correct selection of methods for their correction. Materials and methods. In order to conduct the study as part of preventive check-ups with parental informed consent, 200 children (100 boys and 100 girls) aged 6-9 years were examined. The working group was formed using the randomization method. The groups of boys and girls were further divided into 4 age groups, (6 years, 7 years, 8 years and 9 years) each consisting of 25 children. We determined the shape of the chest , the symmetry of processus mastoideus, claviculae and fossa supraclaviculare, scapulae, cristae illiacae, maleolus medialis, the condition of the foot arch and the lower jaw development. Results. Among the total number of examined children, isolated or combined variations of the following developmental abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system were found in 21.5% of cases. Isolated developmental abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system were found in 10% of examined boys and 8% of examined girls. Various combinations of detected abnormalities were found to manifest in 13% of boys and 12% of girls. Thoracic scoliosis is present in 16% of boys and 14% of girls; developmental issues of the lower jaw affect 9% of boys and 8% of girls, scoliosis of the cervical spine affects 4% of boys and 3% of girls; 6% of boys and 5% of girls have chest deformities and lumbar spine scoliosis. Conclusions. Developmental musculoskeletal abnormalities were found in 21.5% of children of. The frequency of combined developmental abnormalities increases with age. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Uptake of dental hygienist services by the Israeli 65+ age group.

To learn about the use patterns of dental hygienist services, by the 65+ age group in Israel and to identify the main barriers facing different population groups. Telephone interviews with a representative sample of 512 older adults aged 65 and over were conducted from February to April 2020. About 50% of the older adults aged 65 and over visited a dentist (2.9 visits on average) and 35% visited a dental hygienist in the year preceding the interviews. 17% reported never visiting a dentist and 45% never received care from a dental hygienist. Dental care use rates are lower in the outlying areas of the country, among non-Jews and among those who find it difficult to cover monthly household expenses. Those who regularly visit a dental hygienist maintain a preventive oral health routine, including tooth brushing and visits to the dentist for periodic preventive check-ups. They are aware of the harmful effects of eating sweets in between meals. Most of the older adults aged 65 and over are unaware of the reform under which hygienist' care was included in the basket of services provided by health plans. There is underutilization of dental hygienist services and lack of awareness of proper oral health behaviour in the lower socioeconomic group. As less than 50% of older adults are aware of the legal rights for dental care, there is a need to raise awareness of the reform and the services provided under it.

Exploring women's strong preference for women surgeons in breast healthcare.

This study challenges the prevalent belief that surgical roles demand masculine traits, potentially limiting women's suitability for such positions. Contrary to this stereotype, we explored the hypothesis that in sensitive surgical procedures, where communal traits are valued, women patients might favor women surgeons. Two experimental studies investigated women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon in a breast exam and breast surgery. In two studies we experimentally tested women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon for a breast exam (a noninvasive and non-complicated procedure), and breast surgery (an invasive and more complicated procedure). Study 2 delved into factors influencing these preferences, including patients' age, stereotypical perceptions of women surgeons as communal/warm, past negative experiences with men and women doctors, and previous body-related trauma. Women consistently preferred a woman surgeon for both procedures and expressed increased willingness to wait for an appointment with a woman surgeon. However, this preference was less pronounced for surgery than for an exam. Study 2 identified the stereotypical perception of women surgeons as communal/warm as the strongestpredictor for this preference, along with previous negative experiences with men doctors and age. While some gender bias persists, this study underscores a notable preference for women surgeons in intimate medical services like breast exams or surgery. This preference holds practical implications for healthcare providers encouraging women's preventive checkups and offers insights for women medical students making residency choices.

Examining the roles of travel distance, medical mistrust, and cancer fatalism in the uptake of clinical cancer prevention among women in rural and urban US communities: A secondary data analysis

IntroductionRural adults are less likely to receive cancer screening than urban adults, likely due to systematic differences in community- and individual-level factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relative contributions of rurality, travel time, medical mistrust, and cancer fatalism in explaining uptake of clinical cancer prevention services. MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of 2019–2020 survey data from women, ages 45–65, in rural and urban counties in central Pennsylvania, examining rurality, travel time to a primary care provider, medical mistrust, and cancer fatalism, as well as uptake of guideline-recommended colorectal cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, and preventive check-up. Final models used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationships among study variables, controlling for participant demographics. ResultsAmong 474 participants, 48.9 % resided in rural counties. Most participants had received clinical cancer prevention services (colorectal cancer screening: 55.4 %; cervical cancer screening: 82.8 %; preventive check-up in the last year: 75.4 %). Uptake of services was less common among participants with higher medical mistrust (colorectal cancer screening: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.87, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.76–1.00; cervical cancer screening: aOR = 0.79, 95 % CI = 0.63–1.00; last-year check-up: aOR = 0.74, 95 % CI = 0.63–0.88). ConclusionsPatient attitudes, particularly medical mistrust, may contribute to rural/urban disparities in clinical cancer prevention among women. Community- and individual-level interventions are needed to improve cancer outcomes in rural areas.

Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among medical students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region).

Being overweight and obese is associated with an elevated risk of developing noncommunicable diseases, which are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is a warning that global prevalence of overweight among university students ranges from 20 to 40%, which presents a significant public health problem. To date, there was no research conducted on medical students regarding the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in the countries of the Western Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related behavioral factors associated with overweight and obesity of medical students from Western Balkans. A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 2452 students from 14 medical faculties from 5 countries in the region. The prevalence of overweight was 12% and obesity was 2.3% among medical students from Western Balkans. Male gender and smoking status are significant positive predictors of overweight and obesity. Daily level of physical activity up to 1h per day, going to preventive check-ups once a year or as a part of annual dormitory check-ups are associated with lower odds of being overweight and obese. By creating adequate public health educational programs, students can be influenced to acquire proper health-related lifestyle habits, which would lead to reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the student population, as well as risk of developing noncommunicable diseases and improving the overall health of the population.

Measuring and Improving Adherence in Primary Health Care – best practices from Medical and Diagnostic Center in Siedlce, Poland

Adherence is defined as patient compliance with agreed treatment recommendation in order to achieve a therapeutic result. It could be described as combination of three behaviors: compliance, persistence and concordance. “Compliance” is the extent to which a person’s behavior is consistent with the medical advice. In practice, this means following the doctor’s recommendations. “Persistence” means systematic and persistent application of therapy. Finally, “Concordance” is the collaboration between the patient and the doctor in the choice of therapy. Adherence is therefore based on: acceptance of the agreed therapy, adherence to its principles and systematic adherence to the recommendations.&#x0D; In order to reproduce all three of those components, Medical and Diagnostic Center (MDC) in Siedlce, Poland has developed four dimensions to measure adherence in:&#x0D; -intake of medication,&#x0D; -registration for and appearance on compulsory medical visits,&#x0D; -degree to which patient evaluates the importance of taking medication for their health,&#x0D; -patient’s active participation in caring for their health. &#x0D; First two dimensions measure patient’s compliance and persistence. The issues therefore concern both the fact that certain measures are taken and their regularity. Two other domains consider patient’s concordance. Importantly, fourth dimension focuses on patient role in their health. It assumes that the patient, who is responsible for his or her health, should not only follow the rules of adherence by participating passively in the treatment process, but should also play an active role: they should maintain adequate nutrition, exercise regularly, restrict the use of stimulants or quit smoking. Patients should also be transparent with their doctors about the medicines they are taking. &#x0D; Adherence of patients in MDC is evaluated by means of patient interview with open-ended questions, but also by verifying data on patient’s weight, filling out prescriptions and registration for compulsory medical visits, including carrying out of preventive check-ups. This is thanks to connected IT system between primary care facilities and pharmacies. &#x0D; Studies in European countries show that about half of chronically ill patients have problems adhering to prescribed treatment. Encouraging patients to monitor their behaviors, empowering them in making informed decisions around their heath and holding them accountable are key strategies to minimize non-adherence and ensure effectiveness of therapy. &#x0D;

Vaikų profilaktiniai patikrinimai pirminėje asmens sveikatos priežiūroje: literatūros apžvalga

Summary. The purpose of the preventive health check-up of children and adolescents is to assess the harmonious development of patients, identify health disorders, and prevent the occurrence of future diseases. In Lithuania, health checks of children and adolescents are carried out periodically. Family doctors or pediatricians, who suspect health disorders in a child during a preventive health check-up, can prescribe all the necessary instrumental or laboratory tests and send the necessary specialists for consultation. In foreign countries, the culture of preventive health check-ups for children and adolescents is somewhat different, as check-ups are not carried out every year.&#x0D; A literature review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, in the MEDLINE electronic database. The search was carried out from 01.11.2022 to 01.02.2023. The systematic review included 16 articles on the topic. After analyzing the scientific articles, it can be stated that preventive health screening of children and adolescents is carried out in many countries, but with the help of different healthcare professionals and also at different time intervals. Preventive examinations in PSP are carried out by a family doctor, a pediatrician, a nurse, an ophthalmologist, a dentist, and in some countries also a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor and a psychologist.

Some methodological aspects of conducting and evaluating adult health check-up: a systematic review of regulatory public health documentation in the Russian Federation

Background. The Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws define the main postulates of the methodology for preventive measures as a priority in the field of public health. Sectoral regulatory legal acts, namely, orders of the Ministry of Health of Russia present the methodology as a system of principles and methods for organizing preventive activities, including health check-ups of the adult population. The effectiveness of the largest preventive measure of the Russian health care system — health check-ups of certain groups of the adult population — depends on the quality and validity of the methodological provisions of the regulatory legal act.Objective. To assess the completeness and objectivity of methodological approaches to conducting and evaluating medical check-ups of certain groups of the adult population, reflected in regulatory legal acts.Methods. The research methodology involved a systematic review of the regulatory documentation of the Russian Federation in the field of health care from January 2012 to December 2022 to verify the basics of the methodology for conducting and evaluating preventive measures for certain groups of the adult population. The information was searched in the database of the ConsultantPlus legal reference system and on the official website of the Ministry of Health (Russian Federation), as well as in the electronic databases of the CyberLeninka and eLIBRARY.RU scientific electronic libraries. The study involved the methods of content analysis, analytical generalization, analogies, and formalization. Data analysis was focused on the organization of the health check-up of the adult population, the evaluation of its performance and effectiveness in accordance with regulatory legal acts, as well as the assessment of the quality of data obtained during the check-up.Results. A dynamic retrospective study of the regulatory framework, including the orders of the Ministry of Health of Russia, both those that have expired and those that are currently in force, identified methodological shortcomings in conducting and evaluating medical check-ups. The methodology for health check-ups of the adult population is reflected in regulatory acts. However, their number exceeds one or several documents, thereby creating a certain complexity in their interpretation and use in practice. The methodology for assessing and monitoring the implementation of health check-ups appears to be poorly defined, since it is based on a single indicator — coverage of the population with preventive check-ups and clinical examinations, thereby failing to reflect the real effect of the largest preventive measure of the state health care system. The issue requires new methodological approaches to conducting and evaluating health check-ups as a whole. The study and evaluation of check-up results is based on the statistical data analysis with imperfect methodology for collecting the data. This negatively affects the quality of statistical data, thereby leading to inadequate interpretation of the data and, as a result, to erroneous management decisions made at all levels of the executive branch.Conclusion. It is advisable to develop general methodology for conducting medical check-ups, and to consider the feasibility of creating an integral indicator for evaluating them. Specialists in the field of health care, as well as in related fields, should be involved for this purpose. A medical health officer should be assigned to coordinate the development of a methodology for organizing, conducting and evaluating health check-ups.

Occupational Aspects of Alpine Helicopter Rescue Operations: Recommendation of the Medical Commission of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme

Helicopter rescue operations in the mountains or at high altitude are well-known as strenuous tasks often associated with some risk. However, there is no standardized procedure for preventive checkups of rescue personnel by occupational care professionals. Therefore, the Medical Commission of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA MedCom) suggests the procedure presented in this study. This comprehensive recommendation is based on more than 2 decades of research of MedCom members and extensive literature search. A total of 248 references were selected by the committee as relevant for the topic. To keep the recommendation handy, the complete list is available as supplemental material (see online Supplemental Material). This article recommends standardized procedures for occupational screening and better health of search and rescue personnel.