Preventive Health Care Measures Research Articles

Enhancement of single-lead dry-electrode ECG through wavelet denoising

Neonatal electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is an important diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac issues in infants at birth. Long-term remote neonatal dry-electrode ECG monitoring solutions can be an additional step for preventive healthcare measures. In these solutions, power and computationally efficient embedded signal processing techniques for denoising newborn ECGs can assist in increasing neonatal medical wearable time. Wavelet denoising is an appropriate denoising mechanism with low computational complexity that can be implemented on embedded microcontrollers for long-term remote ECG monitoring. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) denoising for neonatal dry-electrode ECG using different wavelet families is investigated. The wavelet families and mother wavelets used include Daubechies (db1, db2, db3, db4, and db6), symlets (sym5), and coiflets (coif5). Different levels of added white Gaussian noise (AWGN) were added to 19 newborn ECG signals, and denoising was performed to select the appropriate wavelets for neonatal dry-electrode ECG. The selected wavelets then undergo real noise additions of baseline wander and electrode motion to determine their robustness and accuracy. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), mean squared error (MSE), and power spectral density (PSD) are used to examine denoising performance. db1, db2, and db3 wavelets are eliminated from analysis where the 30 dB AWGN led to negative SNR improvement for at least one newborn ECG, removing important ECG information. db4 and sym5 are eliminated from selection due to their different waveform morphology compared to the dry-electrode newborn ECG’s QRS complex. db6 and coif5 are selected due to their highest SNR improvement and lowest MSE of 6.26 × 10−6 and 1.65 × 10−7 compared to other wavelets, respectively. Their wavelet shapes are more like a newborn ECG’s QRS morphology, validating their selection. db6 and coif5 showed similar denoising performance, decreasing electrode motion and baseline wander noisy ECG signals by 10 dB and 14 dB, respectively. Further denoising of inherent dry-electrode noise is observed. DWT with coif5 or db6 wavelets is appropriate for denoising newborn dry-electrode ECGs for long-term neonatal dry-electrode ECG monitoring solutions under different noise types. Their similarity to newborn dry-electrode ECGs yields accurate and robust reconstructed denoised newborn dry-electrode ECG signals.

Seroprevalence of Protective Antibodies Against Influenza and the Reduction of the Influenza Incidence Rate: An Annual Repeated Cross-Sectional Study From 2014 to 2019.

Seroepidemiological studies provide estimates of population-level immunity, prevalence/incidence of infections, and evaluation of vaccination programs. We assessed the seroprevalence of protective antibodies against influenza and evaluated the correlation of seroprevalence with the cumulative annual influenza incidence rate. We conducted an annual repeated cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey, during June-August, from 2014 to 2019, in Portugal. A total of 4326 sera from all age groups, sex, and regions was tested by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Seroprevalence and geometric mean titers (GMT) of protective antibodies against influenza were assessed by age group, sex, and vaccine status (65+ years old). The association between summer annual seroprevalence and the difference of influenza incidence rates between one season and the previous one was measured by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Significant differences in seroprevalence of protective antibodies against influenza were observed in the population. Higher seroprevalence and GMT for A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were observed in children (5-14); influenza B seroprevalence in adults 65+ was 1.6-4.4 times than in children (0-4). Vaccinated participants (65+) showed significant higher seroprevalence/GMT for influenza. A strong negative and significant correlation was found between seroprevalence and ILI incidence rate for A(H1N1)pdm09 in children between 5 and 14 (r = -0.84; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.07); a weak negative correlation was observed for A(H3N2) and B/Yamagata (r ≤ -0.1). The study provides new insight into the anti-influenza antibodies seroprevalence measured in summer on the ILI incidence rate in the next season and the need for adjusted preventive health care measures to prevent influenza infection and transmission.

The Metabolic Insight into Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evaluating Adiponectin's Impact on Severity and Therapy

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has suggested a significant link between metabolic alterations and ASD pathology, particularly focusing on adiponectin, a hormone related to glucose regulation and fatty acid breakdown. Anomalies in adiponectin levels have been associated with cognitive impairment and the severity of ASD. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the potential of the ADIPOQ gene as a biomarker for dementia in individuals with ASD, exploring its correlation with cognitive decline and metabolic dysregulation. Methods: A total of 108 EDTA blood samples from ASD patients and 32 from healthy controls were collected after obtaining written informed consent. The inclusion criteria included individuals aged over 40 with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and confirmed cases of diabetes and dementia. Exclusion criteria comprised the absence of clinical history, refusal of consent, and secondary autism. Adiponectin levels were quantified using ELISA, and cognitive function was assessed via MMSE scores over a six-month follow-up period. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 9.0 with ANOVA for statistical significance. Results: The study found a significant decrease in adiponectin levels among ASD patients (5.17±1.04 µg/mL) compared to healthy controls (11.37±4.14 µg/mL, p=0.014). MMSE scores were notably lower in the ASD group (10.26±2.56) than in controls (23.1±3.12, p=0.006). A marked underexpression of ADIPOQ gene (fold change of 4.9) was observed in patients with dementia. Conclusion: The ADIPOQ gene shows potential as a biomarker for the early detection of dementia in ASD, offering avenues for personalized medical interventions and preventative healthcare measures. Recognizing its role could lead to improved therapeutic strategies and a reduction in the healthcare burden due to neurodegenerative diseases associated with ASD.

Population Health Management: Leveraging it for Better Patient Outcome’s

Purpose: The primary aim is to investigate how IT integration within PHM frameworks significantly improves patient care by enabling proactive health interventions and fostering a comprehensive understanding of population health trends.
 Methodology: Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study evaluates various IT tools and technologies ranging from EHRs to AI-driven analytics within PHM contexts. The research methodology includes data analysis through Python’s scikit-learn and pandas libraries, emphasizing model training, evaluation, and application areas in real healthcare settings.
 Findings: Results indicate that IT advancements, particularly EHRs, telehealth, and AI predictive analytics, markedly enhance the effectiveness of PHM. Key outcomes include improved chronic disease management, more effective preventive healthcare measures, and heightened patient engagement. Moreover, IT facilitates optimal resource allocation and operational efficiency within healthcare systems.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This study contributes to healthcare literature by providing empirical evidence on the transformative role of IT in PHM. It offers a theoretical framework for integrating IT solutions in healthcare strategies, informing policy by highlighting the necessity for interoperability standards, and suggesting practical guidelines for healthcare practitioners to implement technology-driven PHM effectively.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage among People with Self-Reported Cardiovascular Diseases-Findings from the Hungarian Implementation of the European Health Interview Survey.

Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality. This has significant implications for public health. Influenza, a common infectious disease, poses an increased risk for individuals with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about influenza vaccination coverage in this group. This study utilized data from the Hungarian implementation of the European Health Interview Survey to assess influenza vaccination coverage and its determinants among cardiovascular respondents from 2009 to 2019. The findings reveal a downward trend in the vaccination rates over the years (from 24% to 21%), despite the availability of free vaccination in Hungary for this high-risk population. The main factors influencing low influenza vaccine uptake were identified, as follows: young age, a lower level of education, good self-perceived health status, smoking, a lower frequency of medical visits, and not suffering from respiratory diseases. Addressing these disparities necessitates targeted vaccination strategies supported by enhanced education, better access to healthcare services, and the promotion of preventive healthcare measures. Improving vaccination coverage among patients with cardiovascular diseases is imperative for reducing influenza-related morbidity and mortality. This highlights the importance of comprehensive public health interventions and healthcare provider engagement in promoting vaccination among groups at increased risk.

Preventing zoonotic and zooanthroponotic disease transmission at wild great ape sites: Recommendations from qualitative research at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Employees at wild great ape sites are at high risk of transmitting infectious diseases to endangered great apes. Because of the significant amount of time employees spend near great apes, they are a priority population for the prevention and treatment of zoonotic and zooanthroponotic spillover and need adequate preventive and curative healthcare. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 46 staff (rangers and porters) at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (BINP) and key informants from five other wild great ape sites around the world were performed. The objectives of the study were to 1) evaluate health-seeking behavior and health resources used by staff in contact with great apes at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; 2) evaluate existing occupational health programs for employees working with great apes in other parts of the world; and 3) make recommendations for improvement of occupational health at BINP. Results show that BINP employees do not frequently access preventive healthcare measures, nor do they have easy access to diagnostic testing for infectious diseases of spillover concern. Recommendations include assigning a dedicated healthcare provider for great ape site staff, providing free annual physical exams, and stocking rapid malaria tests and deworming medication in first aid kits at each site.

Incidence of Opportunistic Infections in HIV Patients at Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Unit, Islamabad Pakistan

Background: Opportunistic infections (OIs) pose a considerable threat to HIV-infected individuals, especially in regions with varied environmental exposures and healthcare resources. The prevalence and severity of these infections are influenced by factors such as local pathogen profiles, host genetics, and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of opportunistic infections among male HIV-positive patients at an ART adherence unit in Islamabad, Pakistan, and to compare these with regional trends. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was utilized, encompassing a review of medical records from 533 male HIV-positive patients over a seven-month period. Data collection focused on demographic details, infection types, and treatment regimens. Exclusion criteria included incomplete files and unspecified OIs. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with frequencies and percentages calculated to assess the prevalence of each infection type. Results: Out of 533 patients, 149 (27.95%) developed at least one opportunistic infection. Respiratory infections were most common, with tuberculosis (TB) found in 25 (16.77%) patients. Skin-related infections were observed in 37 (24.83%) patients, primarily associated with intravenous drug use. Oral thrush was present in 11 (7.38%) patients. Other infections included urinary tract infections in 5 (3.35%) patients and various less common OIs. Conclusion: The study revealed that OIs remain a significant health challenge for HIV-positive individuals, with a notable prevalence of respiratory and skin infections. Early and sustained ART, along with preventive healthcare measures, are crucial in managing and reducing OIs.

Heart Disease Prediction using Machine Learning

This study explores the application of machine learning algorithms for heart disease prediction. Leveraging a dataset comprising various health parameters, we employ classification models to analyze and predict the likelihood of heart disease. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showcasing its potential in early detection and preventive healthcare measures

The Role of Community-Based Health Insurance in Empowerment of Women’s Health and Economic Rights in Ethiopia

The guarantee of fundamental health and economic rights and the role of gender equality are still relevant and quotidian topics, especially in developing countries. Despite the constitutional guarantees within the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, women’s status remains significantly lower than men’s, primarily due to lower income, limited access to education, and various social constraints. Due to the absence of social security, health insurance and lack of financial autonomy and self-sufficiency, females often could not access healthcare independently. This situation is changing for women and their families in Ethiopia. The study aims to assess the role of community-based health insurance (CBHI) in fostering the health and economic empowerment of women’s rights. The CBHI proves to be an effective means of social security that boosts the provision of health services to members of susceptible peoples, which can improve health knowledge, preventative healthcare measures, and maternal and child mortality rates. This initiative can considerably increase women’s access to healthcare services while also providing them with chances for economic empowerment. Those women who are CBHI members spend less on healthcare (reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures), allowing them to increase household income and allocate more resources towards other household expenses or savings. Due to the enrolment, women and other parts of their families have the opportunity for decision-making power and freedom to decide about their health because of financial constraints. Increasing access to the CBHI programs and ensuring that these are accessible to all women and other marginalised communities can help address gender disparities in healthcare access and economic opportunities, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Colorectal Cancer Secondary Preventive Healthcare Measures.

This study aims to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on a population enrolled in a pilot colorectal screening program started by a family doctor in Romania. This observational retrospective study was spread over 43 months, respectively, from October 2019 to April 2023, and included 169 patients. The primary objective was to compare the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods to observe significant changes. The secondary objective was to study the correlation between vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and participation in the study, especially in the age range class of interest-50-74 years. These data are important because Romanian Healthcare policymakers can use them to estimate the participation rate in a future national colorectal cancer screening and how to adjust and facilitate their communications with the targeted population. The rise of COVID-19 significantly negatively impacted the number of patients adhering to the pilot colorectal cancer screening and the number of test results during the pandemic period. However, in the post-pandemic period, the number of patients who joined the study, and the number of fecal occult blood tests was greater than expected (128.74%). We observed that screening participation was associated with vaccination (78.11% of patients had a complete COVID-19 vaccine scheme).

(041) Vulvovaginal Pain Experiences: pain type, pelvic exam, and condom use

Abstract Introduction Research suggests that chronic vulvovaginal pain (CVVP), including conditions like vaginismus and vulvodynia, has a lifelong prevalence of at least 9% and affects approximately 13 million women or higher. [1] Despite this high prevalence, average diagnostic delay of 24 months and negative healthcare experiences are frequently reported in the literature. [2-3] For non-white CVVP suffers, diagnostic delay may be larger problem—Harlow & Steward (2003) found that among women who sought treatment for chronic vulvar pain, 63.1% of white women, 46.2% of Black women, and 50% of Hispanic women obtained a diagnosis. Diagnostic delay, negative healthcare experiences, and racial disparities in seeking a diagnosis all may impact access to quality healthcare for this population. Depending on pain severity, CVVP sufferers may also experience disruptions in sexual and reproductive healthcare, as CVVP can inhibit preventative measures for certain STIs and cancers. [1] Harlow, B. L., & Stewart, E. G. (2003). A population-based assessment of chronic unexplained vulvar pain: have we underestimated the prevalence of vulvodynia? Journal of the American Medical Women’s Association (1972), 58(2), 82–88. [2] Buchan, A., Munday, P., Ravenhill, G., Wiggs, A., & Brooks, F. (2007). A Qualitative Study of Women with Vulvodynia: I. The Journey into Treatment. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 52(1), 15–18. [3] Ogden, J., & Ward, E. (1995). Help seeking behaviour in sufferers of vaginismus. Journal of Sexual and Marital Therapy, 10, 23–30. Objectives This pilot study aimed to explore how women of different racial identities experienced chronic or acute vulvovaginal pain, with a particular focus on whether pain severity or type (e.g. burning, stinging, aching, throbbing, stabbing) affected access to and behavior towards pelvic exams or Pap smears and condom use. Methods Participants (N=295) were recruited via social media and online forums focused on sexual health. Only participants who were between age 18 and 50 and who had no history of perimenopause or menopause were eligible. Participants completed a 99-item questionnaire that combined researcher-designed items and validated scales and covered topics like pain type and severity, pelvic exam and Pap smear experiences, condom use experiences, and healthcare and health information seeking experiences, among others. Results 60% of participants reported avoiding a pelvic exam or Pap smear at least once due to anticipated pain, and 46% reported being unable to complete one due to actual pain. Similarly, 52.1% reported avoiding condom use at least once due to pain. In addition, participants reported significant racial differences in which pain descriptors they endorsed, with non-white women endorsing “throbbing” and “stinging” more often than white women. Conclusions This pilot study indicates that women with chronic or acute vulvovaginal pain may be missing out on important preventative healthcare measures like condom use and Pap smear. Furthermore, significant racial differences in how women describe their pain also suggests that diagnostic guidelines should be sensitive to these differences to ensure that all women receive accurate and timely diagnoses for their pain. Disclosure No.

Nutritional Status and Frailty Improvement through Senior-Friendly Diet among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea

Considering that Korea's aging population is rapidly increasing, health serves as an indicator of older adults' quality of life, and dietary life directly affects their health. For health maintenance and improvement, preventive healthcare measures including safe food selection and nutritional supply are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of senior-friendly diet on nutrition and health status improvement in older adults receiving community care. A total of 180 older adults were analyzed, with 154 and 26 in the senior-friendly diet intervention group and the general diet group, respectively. Surveys, blood tests, and frailty evaluations were conducted before and after the study. After 5 months of intervention, the blood status, nutrient intake, and frailty level were evaluated. The participants' mean age was 82.7 years, and 89.4% of them were living alone. In both groups, energy, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium intake were insufficient initially but generally improved after the intervention. Especially in the intervention group, energy, protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, and folic acid intake significantly increased. The frailty level also slightly improved, and the malnutrition rate was reduced. Even after the passage of time, the improvement effect size significantly differed between the groups. Therefore, resolving and supporting meals corresponding to the physiological needs of the older adults has a great impact on improving their quality of life, and such special consideration is a reasonable way to respond to a super-aged society.

Periodontal diseases of seafarers, their prevention and treatment during long voyages: prospective study

INTRODUCTION: For seafarers are characteristic a number of ecopathic factors that might provoke the emergence and progression of periodontal disease. Pre-voyage oral rehabilitation is an important component, aimed at timely detection, treatment and recurrence prevention of periodontal disease on long voyage.OBJECTIVES: The study focused on detecting periodontal disease among seafarers, determining the cause, contributing to its emergence and progression, assessment of preventive health care measures and treatment effectiveness on long voyage.MATERIALS AND METHODS: There was the study of periodontal tissues, occurrence and intensity of the periodontal pathology course, also oral hygiene and conditions of items for individual dental care among 169 men, aged 22–52 on long voyage. The first group included 57 seamen, who were part of the crew. The second group included 112 people, who were studying and a long voyage was the first one for them. While detecting periodontal pathology, treatment was carried out, and after its completion there were relapse-prevention measures, that were consistent given the people on the ship on long voyage. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the International Academy of Ecological Science, Human and Nature Security (protocol № 3 of 10.05.2022). Statistics. Parametric Student’s criterion under normal distribution law and Mann-Whitney non-parametric criterion as distinct from normal indicator distribution were used for the evaluation of reliability of differences compared averages.RESULTS: Found that pre-voyage rehabilitation of the oral cavity among seafarers is not always properly carried out as there were 26,3–31,3% cases of periodontal disease, identified on long voyage. Despite adequate individual oral hygiene in 24,6–27,7% seafarers, there were inappropriate oral care items that provoked inadequate individual oral hygiene.DISCUSSION: The most frequent kinds of periodontal disease were catarrhal gingivitis and localized periodontitis of mild severity. Issues of periodontal disease treatment in seafarers on long voyage are being discussed.CONCLUSION: To improve dental health in seafarers, it is necessary to treat periodontal diseases before voyage. On long voyage seamen should use only the items, habitable for individual oral hygiene, and make their timely replacement. In all cases of periodontal disease treatment it was possible to achieve directly good therapeutic results and to avoid the relapse of inflammatory periodontal pathology, typical for seafarers, during 9-month voyage.

Application of a wireless apnea monitoring device for crisis alertness and sleep diagnosis

Over the past five decades, obstructive sleep apnea has been noted as a prevalent symptom in adults with escalated health conditions like stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular complications and chronic kidney diseases; to mention but a few. Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) is the average number of apnea or hypopnea events which occur during a complete sleep cycle per hour. It is a measure of determining the severity of sleep apnea, where an index range of 5 to 15 indicates mild, 15 to 30, moderate and above 30 denotes severe sleep apnea. In a bid to perform this diagnosis, several approaches have been considered. In this study vibrating sensor module and an Arduino Uno Rev3 microcontroller which retrieve breathing status data during sleep and identifies apnea events is proposed. The developed monitoring device displays the apnea count, effectively, which can be used to determine AHI. It also incorporates a Bluetooth module for wireless, real-time data monitoring which allows for more comfortable usability. The result is the successful implementation of an efficient, cost-effective system which can be used for sleep apnea diagnosis and provides preventive health care measures.

Contributions of Trustworthiness, Health Literacy, and Self-Efficacy in Communicating With COVID-19 Vaccine-Hesitant Audiences: Web-Based Survey Study.

BackgroundLarge-scale health communication challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as widespread misinformation and distrust in health care professionals, have influenced reluctance to take the COVID-19 vaccine, also known as vaccine hesitancy. Trust in health professionals, adequate health literacy, and high self-efficacy are key components of actively pursuing preventative and protective health care measures. These factors may be associated with intentions to seek and complete a COVID-19 vaccine dosing.ObjectiveThe objective of this analysis was to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.MethodsIn February 2021, US adults (N=5872) responded to a web-based survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and components of health communication (trust in sources of health information, health literacy, and self-efficacy). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore associations between these factors and vaccine hesitancy while adjusting for key demographics. We hypothesized that low levels of trust, health literacy, and self-efficacy would be associated with increased vaccine hesitancy.ResultsThe adjusted odds of vaccine hesitancy was greater among those who placed little to no trust in health professionals compared to those who held a lot of trust (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 8.54, 95% CI 6.52-11.19). The odds of vaccine hesitancy was also greater among those who felt frustrated about finding health information compared to those who did not (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.62-2.70). Participants who had little to no confidence in receiving health advice or information had greater odds of vaccine hesitancy compared to those who had a lot of confidence (AOR 3.05, 95% CI 2.34-3.97).ConclusionsThis study underscores the importance of trust between health professionals and their patients, and a need for improving health literacy regarding vaccines. Perceptions of mistrust and low levels of health literacy were associated with high levels of vaccine hesitancy, providing empirical support of framing these factors as perceived barriers to vaccine uptake.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Pakistani construction workers: Prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors.

Worldwide, approximately 350 million people are currently employed in the construction industry. To determine the prevalence, pain characteristics, and associated risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among construction workers in Pakistan. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted from February to August 2019 among 666 construction workers. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 4 sections: demographic information, a numerical pain intensity rating scale, a Nordic questionnaire to report prevalence, and pain characteristics. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis. The mean age of the construction workers was 34.49 years. Participants who reported pain were 397 out of 666 and 269 were those who reported no pain. The 12-month prevalence of pain among construction workers in more than one body area was 89% (n = 591) and the 7-day prevalence was 52% (n = 343); lower back pain was the most common type of pain with a 12-month prevalence of 27% (n = 180) and a 7-day prevalence of 17% (n = 112). Regarding the characteristics of the pain, 26% (173) of the workers suffered pain occasionally, 27% (180) participants had pain for≤2 hours per day, and 32.9% (219) had dull pain. Moreover, a significant relationship was found (p < 0.05) between MSDs and age, lifestyle, work experience, smoking habits, and absence from work. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent, with lower back pain being the most commonly reported type. Absence from work and disability in performing normal daily activities have been reported as consequences of musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of targeted preventive healthcare measures for construction workers.

Breaking down barriers for hepatitis B screening in the Bronx West African community through education in collaboration with faith-based organizations: A cohort study

Many residents of the Bronx are from West Africa where chronic hepatitis B is endemic. Hepatitis B screening is low in West African immigrant communities due to multiple possible cultural and socioeconomic factors. A culturally sensitive educational program on hepatitis B with a special emphasis on the relevance for the West African community was developed. Arrangements were made with leaders of West African faith-based organizations to conduct educational programs following religious services after which a survey was completed to assess changes in attitudes towards the infection and motivation for testing. Arrangements were then made for serologic testing at which time hypertension screening was also performed. Nine events in which a total of 550 people attended were held. Among the 339 (61.6%) participants who completed the questionnaire, 325 of the participants (95.1%) reported improved understanding, and 236 (67.0%) indicated greater comfort in sharing a meal and talking with an infected individual. Two hundred seventy-four participants (82.7%) indicated an intention to undergo testing, and 339 (97.8%) indicated that they would encourage family and friends to undergo screening. Three hundred thirty-two of the 550 participants (60.3%) requested serologic testing. Among those requesting testing, 224 (67.5%) underwent testing. A culturally sensitive educational program in collaboration with faith-based organizations is effective in motivating people from West Africa to undergo screening for hepatitis B at which time other preventative health care measures such as hypertension screening can be performed. Check Hep B Navigation Program funded by the New York Council, Gilead Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Global Health Center and generous donations by Friends and Family of Jason Marks and the 41-74 Club of NY. XXX. Yawancin mazauna Bronx sun fito ne daga Yammacin Afirka inda cutar hepatitis B ke ci gaba da yaduwa. Binciken hepatitis B yana da karanci a cikin al'ummomin baƙi na Yammacin Afirka saboda yuwuwar abubuwan al'adu da na tattalin arziƙi. An haɓaka wani shirin ilmantarwa na al'adu kan cutar hepatitis B tare da ba da fifiko na musamman ga dacewa ga al'ummar Yammacin Afirka. An yi shiri tare da shugabannin ƙungiyoyin addinan Afirka ta Yamma don gudanar da shirye-shiryen ilimi bayan ayyukan addini bayan haka aka kammala bincike don tantance halaye game da kamuwa da cutar da himma don gwaji. Sannan an yi shirye -shirye don gwajin serologic wanda a lokacin ne kuma aka yi gwajin hawan jini. An gudanar da abubuwa tara wanda jimlar mutane 550 suka halarta. Daga cikin mahalarta 339 (61.6%) da suka kammala tambayoyin, 325 daga cikin mahalarta (95.1%) sun ba da rahoton ingantacciyar fahimta, kuma 236 (67.0%) sun nuna ƙarin ta'aziyya wajen raba abinci da yin magana da mai cutar. Mahalarta ɗari biyu da saba'in da huɗu (82.7%) sun nuna niyyar yin gwaji, kuma 339 (97.8%) sun nuna cewa za su ƙarfafa dangi da abokai don yin gwajin. Dari uku da talatin da biyu daga cikin mahalarta 550 (60.3%) sun buƙaci gwajin serologic. Daga cikin wadanda ke neman gwaji, 224 (67.5%) sun yi gwaji. shirin ilmantarwa mai mahimmanci na al'adu tare da haɗin gwiwar ƙungiyoyi masu imani suna da tasiri wajen motsa mutane daga Yammacin Afirka don yin gwajin cutar hepatitis B a lokacin da za a iya yin wasu matakan kula da lafiya kamar rigakafin hawan jini. Shirin Hep B Navigation Programme wanda Majalisar New York, Kimiyya ta Gilead, Cibiyar Kiwon Lafiya ta Duniya ta Albert Einstein da Cibiyar Kyauta ta Abokai da Iyalan Jason Marks da 41-74 Club na NY suka bayar.

Adherence to STIKO recommendations in patients with pulmonary disease in southeast Germany.

Vaccinations are among the most effective preventative healthcare measures. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the adherence of adults with pre-existing pulmonary conditions to the national vaccination schedule and to identify reasons for poor adherence. All patients with an appointment at Donaustauf hospital between October 2019 and April 2020 were asked to bring their vaccination certificates for evaluation and to compete a questionnaire. To determine the adherence vaccination certificates and patients' comorbidities were correlated with the national recommendations of the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). 571 (65.6%) of all patients believed that their vaccination status was up-to-date. An appropriate vaccination status according to national recommendations (STIKO) was documented as follows: tetanus 56.4% (375/665), diphtheria 43.2% (292/676), poliomyelitis 28.5% (189/662), tick-borne encephalitis 45.4% (300/659), hepatitis A 31.0% (18/58), hepatitis B 34.6% (27/78), shingles 1.2% (6/489), influenza 21.0% (125/596, season 2019/2020), measles 38.3% (31/81), rubella 33.3% (7/21), pneumococcal disease 29.5% (175/593), pertussis 54.2% (365/674) and haemophilus influenza type b 100% (1/1). Adherence to rabies (0/2), varicella (0/28), meningococcal type ACWY (0/36) and type b (0/36) was 0%. 72% of patients would follow a physician's recommendation to get vaccinated. Adherence to STIKO recommendations was poor. However, patients are willing to follow a physician's recommendation for vaccination.

Sexual knowledge and behaviour in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a complex care condition.

There is limited information about sexual knowledge and behaviours in adults with complex care needs, including those with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q) which represents a group predisposed to intellectual disabilities. We conducted sexual health assessments with 67 adults with 22q, examining whether those with knowledge deficits and a history of engaging in sexual activities with others would be more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours. The majority (65.7%) of adults with 22q were sexually active with others; most (70.1%) had sexual knowledge deficits. Those with intellectual disabilities were more likely (p=.0012) to have deficits in certain topics. In the sexually active subgroup, most (81.8%) engaged in high-risk sexual behaviours, regardless of intellectual disability or knowledge deficits. The results suggest a need for increased dialogue, repeated education, genetic counselling and preventive healthcare measures related to sexuality in 22q and potentially in other complex care conditions.

Эпидемия COVID-19. Стресс-связанные последствия

World Health Organization declared COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Fear of illness, self-isolation/quarantine, and reduced quality of life dramatically increased the prevalence of stress-related disorders in the population. Therefore, it is necessary to implement the preventive health-care measures aimed at short-term and long-term COVID-19 pandemic consequences reduction and promotion of social stability.