Priority Groups Research Articles

PRIORITIES OF THE STATE POLICY OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE CONDITIONS OF RESOURCE LIMITATIONS

Ukraine’s economic growth is characterized by significant instability and excessive dependence on external factors, and the state’s economic policy is not based on an appropriate resource-based model of economic development. At the same time, the quality of Ukraine’s resource potential (labor, material and technical, natural, etc.) is deteriorating. All this significantly hinders further economic growth of the country and increases the urgency of substantiating goals and developing conceptual foundations of economic development based on a critical assessment and use of available limited resources. Factors that prevent sustainable economic growth of Ukraine include: constant and systematic politicization of the state’s actions in the field of economic policy, lack of heredity and alternative strategic planning of the state’s economic development; low level of economic security of entrepreneurship and lack of state guarantees of ownership rights; high level of monopolization of socio-economic life in the state; excessive administrative and financial centralization of power and rigid administrative hierarchy; inefficient use of state budget funds; lack of stable «rules of the game»; low culture and distorted nature of socio-economic morality; strengthening of structural deformations in the national economy. The existing inconsistency, non-systematic state economic policy and lack of modeling of economic growth of Ukraine are already a threat to the economic security of the state. State authorities are invited to implement measures aimed at ensuring a mandatory alternative to the strategic planning of the country’s economic development; formation in society of the ideology of «transition» to another quality of economic growth; creation of a system of incentives for social legitimization of shadow income and property, ensuring investments in innovative, scientific and technical development, education and the social sphere; recognition by all socio-political groups of common system-forming principles and priorities of economic growth; ensuring the liberalization of the state’s economic policy.

The correlates and reference values for the 6-minute walk distance in Taiwanese adults with schizophrenia

Purpose The study aimed to identify the factors associated with the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and to provide reference values for the 6MWD in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) in Taiwan. Methods A proportional stratified sampling method was utilized based on distribution of gender, age and body mass index (BMI) at the study hospital. The 6-minute walk test was conducted according to the American Thoracic Society protocol. Results A total of 237 patients with SCZ completed the 6-minute walk test. The 6MWD was significantly associated with age, height, weight, and length of the onset of SCZ. Stepwise linear regression revealed that height and age were significant determinants of 6MWD. The reference values for males and females at different age groups were determined. Notably, females over 60 walked substantially shorter than the age younger than 60. Conclusions Height and age were the main predictors for 6MWD among people with SCZ in Taiwan. The established reference values can be used to identify those at risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness and as a target outcome during exercise programs in psychiatric rehabilitation. Our results highlight that older females with SCZ may be a priority group to target with exercise interventions to mitigate the faster decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Height and age were predictors of 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in schizophrenia (SCZ). The established age- and gender reference values for the 6MWD can be used to identify those at risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness. Females with SCZ over age 60 may be a priority group to target with exercise interventions to mitigate the faster decline in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Inclusive Governance at Local Level: A Case Study of Local Policymaking Process in Kirtipur Municipality

Inclusive policies lead local governments to function in public service effectively. This study explored the process and inclusive practices during the formulation of policies at a local level. Taking the case of Kirtipur Municipality, one of the local governments in Kathmandu valley, the primary tools, and techniques for data collection were the Key Informant Interview (KII) with municipal executive members, Focused Group Discussions (FGD) with women network members, and Dalit network members, and reviews of policies formulated by the municipality. The finding has shown that inclusive policymaking is imperative in local government, which demonstrate uncovers a system of governance and creates inopportunity to deliver public services inclusively to people in general and priority groups. It concludes that a specific group of people developed local policies with legitimate authority but without comprehensive consultations and engagement with women and disadvantaged people. The participation and representation of women and Dalits in the policy-making process have been ignored and as a result, local policies failed to grasp the inclusive perspective due to the dominance of the patriarchal mindset among policymakers and weak policy-influencing capacities of women, Dalits, and disadvantaged communities. The failure further resulted in continued subordination of women, Dalit, and disadvantaged people, reinforcing existing patterns of exclusion and disengagement.

Integrative review to develop a holistic ecological framework exploring pathways to climate change impacts on mental health among priority groups

Integrative review to develop a holistic ecological framework exploring pathways to climate change impacts on mental health among priority groups

Time trends in tuberculosis mortality across the BRICS: an age-period-cohort analysis for the GBD 2019.

SummaryBackgroundTuberculosis is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent among the HIV-negative population and ranks first among the HIV-positive population. However, few studies have assessed tuberculosis trends in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) or with an emphasis on HIV status. This study assesses the time trends of tuberculosis mortality across the BRICS with an emphasis on HIV status from 1990 to 2019.MethodsWe obtained tuberculosis data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study (GBD 2019). We calculated the relative proportion of tuberculosis to all communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases by HIV status across the BRICS. We used age-period-cohort modelling to estimate cohort and period effects in tuberculosis from 1990 to 2019, and calculated net drift (overall annual percentage change), local drift (annual percentage change in each age group), longitudinal age curves (expected longitudinal age-specific rate), and period (cohort) relative risks.FindingsThere were 549,522 tuberculosis deaths across the BRICS in 2019, accounting for 39.3% of global deaths. Among HIV-negative populations, the age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) of tuberculosis in BRICS remained far higher than that of high-income Asia Pacific countries, especially in India (36.1 per 100 000 in 2019, 95% UI [30.7, 42.6]) and South Africa (40.1 per 100 000 in 2019, 95% UI [36.8, 43.7]). China had the fastest ASMR reduction across the BRICS, while India maintained the largest tuberculosis death numbers with an annual decrease much slower than China's (-4.1 vs -8.0%). Among HIV-positive populations, the ASMR in BRICS surged from 0.24 per 100 000 in 1990 to 5.63 per 100 000 in 2005, and then dropped quickly to 1.70 per 100 000 in 2019. Brazil was the first country to reverse the upward trend of HIV/AIDS-tuberculosis (HIV-TB) mortality in 1995, and achieved the most significant reduction (-3.32% per year). The HIV-TB mortality in South Africa has realised much progress since 2006, but still has the heaviest HIV-TB burden across the BRICS (ASMR: 70.0 per 100 000 in 2019). We also found unfavourable trends among HIV-negative middle-aged (35-55) adults of India, men over 50 in the HIV-negative population and whole HIV-positive population of South Africa, and women aged 45-55 years of Russia. China had little progress in its HIV-positive population with worsening period risks from 2010 to 2019, and higher risks in the younger cohorts born after 1980.InterpretationBRICS’ actions on controlling tuberculosis achieved positive results, but the overall improvements were less than those in high-income Asia Pacific countries. BRICS and other high-burden countries should strengthen specified public health approaches and policies targeted at different priority groups in each country.FundingNational Natural Science Foundation of China (82073573; 72074009), Peking University Global Health and Infectious Diseases Group.

Understanding and addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in low and middle income countries and in people with severe mental illness: Overview and recommendations for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Despite the speedy development of vaccines for COVID-19, their rollout has posed a major public health challenge, as vaccine hesitancy (VH) and refusal are high. Addressing vaccine hesitancy is a multifactorial and context-dependent challenge. This perspective focuses on VH in the world region of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and includes people suffering from severe mental illness, therefore covering populations and subpopulations often neglected in scientific literature. We present an overview of VH in LAC countries, discussing its global and historical context. Vaccine uptake has shown to widely vary across different subregions of LAC. Current data points to a possible correlation between societal polarization and vaccination, especially in countries going through political crises such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Poor accessibility remains an additional important factor decreasing vaccination rollout in LAC countries and even further, in the whole Global South. Regarding patients with severe mental illness in LAC, and worldwide, it is paramount to include them in priority groups for immunization and monitor their vaccination coverage through public health indicators.

Lessons from the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the Surgical Completion Rates between Priority Classes and Procedure Types.

In March of 2020, elective surgical procedures in New York State were suspended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Northwell Health, this lasted a total of 8 weeks, leaving plastic surgeons responsible for recording and rescheduling delayed procedures. Many plastic and reconstructive procedures are considered elective, but these procedures can be time sensitive, and delays can have a negative impact on patient care.1 Our goal was to compare the rates of completion and time to completion between different priority groups and procedure types in order to predict potential consequences for one’s practice if future suspensions in elective surgery were to occur. We hypothesized that procedures grouped in the reconstructive categories with higher priority levels would have a higher completion rate and lower time to completion compared to less urgent, aesthetic based procedures. Plastic surgeons working for our department were responsible for keeping track of their suspended cases between March 23, 2020, and May 19, 2020.2,3 Under the discretion of the attending plastic surgeon, cases were categorized into procedure type, priority level, and surgery setting. The procedure types included aesthetic, pediatrics/craniofacial, hand, general, and reconstructive. The priority classes were elective, nonurgent, semiurgent, urgent, and emergent. The surgery setting was classified into inpatient and outpatient. In total, we examined 135 surgical cases that were suspended (Table 1). The average patient age was 45.8 years, and 45.9 percent of the surgical procedures were completed by the end of August of 2020, more than 3 months after the suspension was lifted. Of those that were completed, the average time to completion from the original surgical date was 79.2 days. Surgery classifications are summarized in Table 1. We ran binary logistic regressions that showed no significant correlation between the surgery type, urgency, or priority class and whether or not the surgery was completed. In addition, linear regression analyses did not show a significant correlation between the surgery type, urgency, or priority class and the time it took to complete the surgery. All the models controlled for patient age and whether or not there was malignancy. Table 1. - Summary of Sample by Procedure Priority Procedure Classification No. of Patients Percent of Sample Priority Elective 8 5.93% Nonurgent 80 52.29% Semiurgent 22 16.30% Urgent 24 17.78% Emergent 1 0.01% Type Aesthetic 12 8.89% Pediatrics/craniofacial 10 7.41% Hand 9 6.67% General 35 25.93% Reconstructive 68 50.37% No type specified 1 0.74% Location Inpatient 34 25.19% Outpatient 66 48.89% No location specified 35 25.93% Our surprising results may be due to several factors, including differences in patients’ concerns with undergoing surgery during a pandemic, patients’ continuous desire to undergo aesthetic surgery, or a lack of prioritization of urgent cases when rescheduling surgery. With new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerging and the number of COVID-19 cases climbing rapidly in the United States,5 plastic surgeons must be prepared for another potential suspension of surgery.6 Plastic surgery departments and private practices can use our experience to guide their recovery from future surgical suspension. Prior studies have already shown the tremendous economic impact of surgery delays on plastic surgeons.4Additional research is needed, however, to evaluate the impact of delays on patient care and quality of life. A more systematic approach to rescheduling surgery, which prioritizes the most vulnerable patients, is needed. DISCLOSURE The authors have no relevant financial disclosures to report.

Compliance With Health-related Behaviors in Mothers of Hospitalized Children in Kashan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Compliance With Health-related Behaviors in Mothers of Hospitalized Children in Kashan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Covid‐19 vaccination uptake by Hapū Māmā – How are we progressing?

The Covid‐19 vaccine has been recommended for pregnant people (hapū māmā) in Aotearoa New Zealand since June 2021. We surveyed people birthing in a tertiary hospital regarding their vaccination status and reasons for this. There were 74% (142/191) of pregnant people who were fully vaccinated. Motivators for vaccination included protection against Covid‐19 and antibody transfer to the baby (pēpē). Unvaccinated participants worried about vaccine safety. Concerns were raised about the change in official advice without well‐communicated reasons for the change. Future vaccine and booster rollouts must be delivered equitably and hapū māmā must be a priority group.

Under-screened Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's perspectives on cervical screening.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have lower participation in Australia's National Cervical Screening Program than other Australian women. Under-screened (including never screened) women's voices are rarely heard in research evidence, despite being a priority group for interventions to increase cervical screening participation. This study aimed to describe under-screened Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's perspectives on cervical screening. Participants were 29 under-screened (women who had either never screened, had not screened in the previous five years or had recently screened in the past three months after more than five years) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from five communities across three states/territories. Female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers Yarned with women about why they did not participate in screening and how to improve screening. Yarning is an Indigenous qualitative research method in which relationships and trust facilitate culturally safe conversation. Transcripts were analysed thematically. The proportion of eligible women who screened within 30 days after the Yarn was calculated. We identified four themes describing how the harms outweighed the benefits of cervical screening for under-screened women. These were: 1) distress, discomfort, and trauma; 2) lack of privacy and control; 3) complicated relationships with health care providers (HCPs); and 4) pressured, insensitive, and/or culturally unsafe communication from HCPs. Under-screened women who had recently screened had maintained privacy and control through self-collection and had experienced trauma-informed and empathetic care from their HCPs. While we cannot unequivocally attribute women's subsequent participation in screening to their involvement in this study, it is notable that one third of eligible under-screened women were screened within 30 days after the Yarn. Enhancing privacy, implementing trauma-informed approaches to care and sensitivity to the clinician-client relationship dynamics could enhance women's sense of comfort in, and control over, the screening procedure. The opportunity to Yarn about cervical screening and self-collection may address these issues and support progress toward cervical cancer elimination in Australia.

Changes in health behaviours in adults at-risk of chronic disease: primary outcomes from the My health for life program

BackgroundChronic disease is the leading cause of premature death globally, and many of these deaths are preventable by modifying some key behavioural and metabolic risk factors. This study examines changes in health behaviours among men and women at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) who participated in a 6-month lifestyle intervention called the My health for life program.MethodsThe My health for life program is a Queensland Government-funded multi-component program designed to reduce chronic disease risk factors amongst at-risk adults in Queensland, Australia. The intervention comprises six sessions over a 6-month period, delivered by a trained facilitator or telephone health coach. The analysis presented in this paper stems from 9,372 participants who participated in the program between July 2017 and December 2019. Primary outcomes included fruit and vegetable intake, consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and take-away, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, and physical activity. Variables were summed to form a single Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) ranging from 0 to 13, with higher scores denoting healthier behaviours. Longitudinal associations between lifestyle indices, program characteristics and socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using Gaussian Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models with an identity link and robust standard errors.ResultsImprovements in HLI scores were noted between baseline (Md = 8.8; IQR = 7.0, 10.0) and 26-weeks (Md = 10.0; IQR = 9.0, 11.0) which corresponded with increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and decreases in takeaway frequency (p < .001 for all) but not risky alcohol intake. Modelling showed higher average HLI among those aged 45 or older (β = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.90, 1.10, p < .001) with vocational educational qualifications (certificate/diploma: β = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.50, p < .001; bachelor/post-graduate degree β = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.61, 0.98, p < .001) while being male, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or not currently working conferred lower average HLI scores (p < .001 for all).ConclusionsWhile participants showed improvements in dietary indicators, changes in alcohol consumption and physical activity were less amenable to the program. Additional research is needed to help understand the multi-level barriers and facilitators of behaviour change in this context to further tailor the intervention for priority groups.

A mathematical model for equitable in-country COVID-19 vaccine allocation

Given the scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines, equitable (fair) allocation of limited vaccines across the main administrative units of a country (e.g. municipalities) has been an important concern for public health authorities worldwide. In this study, we address the equitable allocation of the COVID-19 vaccines inside countries by developing a novel, evidence-based mathematical model that accounts for multiple priority groups (e.g. elderly, healthcare workers), multiple vaccine types, and regional characteristics (e.g. storage capacities, infection risk levels). Our research contributes to the literature by developing and validating a model that proposes equitable vaccine allocation alternatives in a very short time by (a) minimising deviations from the so-called ‘fair coverage’ levels that are computed based on weighted pro-rata rations, and (b) imposing minimum coverage thresholds to control the allocation of vaccines to higher priority groups and regions. To describe the merits of our model, we provide several equity and effectiveness metrics, and present insights on different allocation policies. We compare our methodology with similar models in the literature and show its better performance in achieving equity. To illustrate the performance of our model in practice, we perform a comprehensive numerical study based on actual data corresponding to the early vaccination period in Turkey.

Vaccination for Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans: A Review of Key Considerations.

Monkeypox virus infection in humans (MVIH) is currently an evolving public health concern given that >3000 MVIH cases have been reported in >50 countries globally, and the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency on 23 July 2022. Adults (≥16 years old) usually have mild disease in contemporary studies, with a pooled case fatality rate of 0.03% (1/2941 cases). In comparison, poorer outcomes have been reported in children <16 years old (pooled case fatality rate 19% (4/21 cases)), immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women, with high rates of fetal demise in this group. Monkeypox-specific treatments include oral or intravenous tecovirimat, intravenous or topical cidofovir, oral brincidofovir, and vaccinia immunoglobulin, but the overall risk–benefit balance of monkeypox-specific treatment is unclear. Two effective vaccines exist for the prevention of MVIH: modified vaccinia Ankara and ACAM2000. Most probably, vaccination will be a key strategy for mitigating MVIH given the current rapid global spread of monkeypox, the existence of efficacious vaccines, and the uncertain risk–benefit profile of current antivirals. Priority groups for vaccination should include healthcare workers at high risk for occupational exposure, immunocompromised patients, and children. Vaccination strategies include pre-exposure vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis, and ring vaccination of close contacts.

Причины ослабления научной составляющей бухгалтерского знания

The article examines the current stage of development of the accounting system and accounting (financial) reporting. The author, based on the analysis of the logical and methodological principles of cognition, comes to the conclusion that the classical, fundamental criteria accompanying the receipt of scientific results have been violated. The symbiosis of logic and imitative logic, against the background of the corresponding scientific justification, leads to the receipt of pseudo-results of research. However, the presence of priority groups of users of accounting (financial) statements allows for a further process of "modernization" of accounting knowledge.

Using the Implementation Research Logic Model as a Lens to View Experiences of Implementing HIV Prevention and Care Interventions with Adolescent Sexual Minority Men—A Global Perspective

Adolescents and sexual minority men (SMM) are high priority groups in the United Nations’ 2021 − 2016 goals for HIV prevention and viral load suppression. Interventions aimed at optimizing HIV prevention, testing and viral load suppression for adolescents must also attend to the intersectional realities influencing key sub-populations of SMM. Consequently, there is not a robust evidence-base to guide researchers and program partners on optimal approaches to implementing interventions with adolescent SMM. Using a multiple case study design, we integrated the Implementation Research Logic Model with components of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and applied it as a framework for a comparative description of ten HIV related interventions implemented across five countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and United States). Using self-reported qualitative survey data of project principal investigators, we identified 17 of the most influential implementation determinants as well as a range of 17 strategies that were used in 90 instances to support intervention implementation. We highlight lessons learned in the implementation research process and provide recommendations for researchers considering future HIV implementation science studies with adolescent SMM.

Acute Otitis Media in Children-Challenges of Antibiotic Resistance in the Post-Vaccination Era.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in children worldwide, even in the era of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. We aimed to assess the bacterial spectrum of AOM in children and to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile in culture-positive cases. We performed a retrospective, tympanocentesis-based analysis of antimicrobial resistance patterns in children with AOM hospitalized in “St Mary” Emergency Hospital for Children Iasi, Romania, between January 2013 and December 2021. A total of 147 samples have been assessed, 97 (65.98%) of which had positive cultures, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae as the most common microorganisms. A worrying proportion, 82.85% (58/70), of the Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were multidrug-resistant. The World Health Organization included Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae on the medium priority group due to penicillin non-susceptibility and ampicillin-resistant strains, respectively. Consequently, strategies to address the threats of antimicrobial resistance are needed to reduce the potential negative effects on hospitalization costs.

Redesigning culturally tailored intervention in the precision health era: Self-management science context

BackgroundNurse scientists have significantly contributed to health equity and ensuring cultural tailoring of interventions to meet unique needs of individuals. Methodologies for cultural tailoring of self-mangament interventions among marginalized populations have limitedly accommodated intersectionality and group heterogeneity when addressing health needs. PurposeIdentify methodological limitations in cultural tailoring of interventions among priority populations and issue recommendations on cultural elements that researchers can target to ensure valid cultural tailoring approaches. MethodsSynthesis of literature on health equity, self-management, and implementation and dissemination research. FindingsAmong priority populations, intersectionality and group heterogeneity has made group-based cultural tailoring approaches less effective in eliciting desirable health outcomes. Precision health methodology could be useful for cultural tailoring of interventions due to the methodology's focus on individual-level tailoring approaches. DiscussionWe offer ways to advance health equity research using precision health approaches in cultural tailoring through targeting unique elements of culture and relevant psychosocial phenotypes.

Anti-Spike Antibody Responses to Covid-19 Vaccine 3 Doses in Health Care Workers Working in Acute Care Hospital in Myanmar

Background The health care workers are prone to COVID-19 infection as they are working in front line; thus, they are in priority groups for vaccination. This study aimed to assess the level of anti-Spike antibody 2 weeks after 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers (HCW). Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in July 2022 among health care workers (HCW) who received COVID-19 vaccine 3 doses. Data were collected by using standardized forms and analysis was done. Results A total of 42 HCW were included; the mean anti-Spike antibody level was 3734.19 U/mL. Female had higher anti-Spike antibody level than male, 4857.67 U/mL and 3427.78 U/mL respectively. HCW with diabetes mellitus had significantly higher anti-Spike antibody level 6740.00 U/mL than those without diabetes mellitus 2884.00 U/mL. Anti-Spike antibody level in smokers (3376.42 U/mL) was lower than that of non-smoker (3845.99 U/mL). HCW with history of COVID-19 infection had higher anti-Spike antibody level (4013.79 U/mL) than that of those without infection (3524.48 U/mL); those with history of COVID-19 infection in fourth wave (The Omicron outbreak; 6 months ago) had higher antibody level (4013.79 U/mL) than that of those with history of infection in third wave only (The Delta outbreak; one year ago) (3524.48 U/mL). HCW who got vaccinated in the afternoon had higher antibody level (4350.77 U/mL) than who got in the morning (2912.07 U/mL). Negative relation was detected between time from last vaccination to anti-Spike protein antibody level though it was not statistically significant. Significant predictors for anti-Spike antibody level on univariable analysis were BMI and presence of diabetes. Conclusions Anti-Spike antibody level was significantly related with BMI and diabetes mellitus; those with high BMI and diabetes mellitus had higher level of antibody. Anti-Spike antibody level was relatively higher in female; non-smokers; those with COVID-19 infection particularly in fourth wave (The Omicron infection); those with shorter duration from last vaccination; and those who got vaccination in the afternoon although it was not significant statistically.

GROUPING OF SEWING TOOL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS USING K-MEANS CLUSTERING ANALYSIS

Aid programs for underprivileged communities need continuous data collection in overcoming welfare problems, what has happened so far is by providing direct assistance to very poor families in every village in Indonesia. Related to this, the problem that has occurred so far is that the direct assistance program is not right on target, because many deserving families should not receive the assistance. The data obtained from the village government is not accurate, it is found that data is considered invalid. This study aimed to determine the distribution of sewing equipment recipients in the best cluster, for sewing equipment recipients in Greged Village, Cirebon Regency. As one way to improve data accuracy, a computational method or model is needed in the form of a data mining algorithm using the k-means clustering method to generate priority groups among hundreds of citizens or the poor. The stages start from data collection, training data, and testing data that consider several criteria from household information, economic conditions, housing conditions, and the number of household members in Greged Village, Cirebon Regency. The results of the tests carried out using 155 data with the best level of accuracy were in the K3 cluster with the Davies Bouldin Index’s value o: - 0.584. With the K-Means method, it is very appropriate to determine the recipient of the sewing equipment program in Greged Village.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Arkansas public K-12 school teachers and staff

In December 2020, the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To strategically allocate the limited availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) developed a phased approach for eligibility that prioritized certain population groups that were more vulnerable to infection and severe outcomes. Public K-12 teachers and staff were included in Phase 1b. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) sought to evaluate the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines within this priority group. In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), ADH received a list of 66,076 certified staff, classified staff, and teachers within the public K-12 school system. This list was matched to the state immunization registry via deterministic methods across three identifiers: first name, last name and date of birth. Uptake was assessed and the population was characterized using descriptive analyses. After 13 weeks of availability, 34,783 (51.2 %) of public K-12 teachers and staff had received at least one dose and 29,870 (44.0 %) had completed the series. School districts with the least robust uptake of COVID-19 vaccines tended to be in more rural areas, with some districts having less than 10 % of teachers and staff with at least one dose. The proportion of public K-12 teachers and staff with at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine grew quickly between January 18th and February 14th (4 % to 43 %) but has plateaued in the most recent seven weeks (45 % to 51 %). Although not directly measured, it is possible that vaccine hesitancy could be a factor in the attenuated uptake of COVID-19 vaccines within certain factions of the Arkansas public K-12 teacher and staff population. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be critical in bringing an end to the pandemic.