Public Facilities Research Articles

Methodology for assessing the accessibility of buildings and structures to low-mobility groups of the population

The article has developed and presented a universal systematization of regulatory requirements regulating the accessibility of urban infrastructure facilities to low-mobility groups of the population. A methodology for assessing the accessibility of buildings and structures to low-mobility categories of citizens has been developed. Based on the monitoring data of public buildings and social facilities in the city of Orel and the Oryol region, a numerical implementation of the proposed accessibility assessment methodology was performed using the example of structural and functional zones of one of the health facilities – the Maloarkhangelsk clinic. The proposed systematization of regulatory requirements and methodology will allow to identify the most problematic places in ensuring the accessibility of urban infrastructure, to quantify the criteria for the adaptation of urban facilities for people with disabilities. The assessment results can serve as tools for increasing the effectiveness of strategic decisions made to improve the standard of living of the population in an urbanized area as a whole.

Considering patient-centred care and patient empowerment as essential to quality health care delivery in Ghana

Background: Rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), poor health choices, mistrust of the health system, self-medication, resistance of diseases to medication and dissatisfaction with the service experience serve as red flags on the path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).Aim: This study explored the importance of patient-centred care (PCC) and patient empowerment (PE) within the context of healthcare service delivery in Ghana.Setting: The study considered PCC and PE from the perspective of three public healthcare facilities within the Greater Accra region.Methods: The researcher adopted a qualitative exploratory research approach. The study employed purposive sampling for the selection of healthcare facilities and healthcare providers. Convenience sampling was applied to select patient participants. A total of 33 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted across the three sampled facilities as part of the data collection process.Results: Healthcare providers and patients unanimously view quality as essential for effective healthcare delivery. The application of the capacitating role of PE and PCC is inexact and largely left to subjective interpretation.Conclusion: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recognised that patient experiences, a key indicator of care quality, have often been suboptimal and is actively working to address these weaknesses.Contribution: This study supports the call for health systems to remain committed to efforts to achieve UHC, with a focus on PCC and PE.

Illustrations of Coping and Mental Well-Being of Adolescents Living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa During COVID: A Photovoice Study

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are the fastest-growing population living with HIV globally. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems, thereby negatively affecting the quality and availability of HIV care and support services. This study describes the challenges and treatment experiences of ALHIV on ART at a public primary healthcare facility in a low-socioeconomic community in Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative photovoice study was conducted with 21 adolescents (aged 14–19 years; 13 females and 8 males). Participants shared pictures illustrating their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in groups. Group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed in full and subjected to content analysis. Seven themes emerged describing ALHIV’s personal, social, and economic challenges, their means of coping, and feelings of vulnerability. Challenges included the loss of significant others, lack of social support and opportunities, experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the household, loneliness, and isolation. In spite of difficulties, some ALHIV displayed resilience by continuing their medication routines during lockdown periods. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for the restoration of the health system and services, including psychosocial support to re-engage ALHIV in care and treatment.

Cost analysis of adding hypertension and diabetes management into routine HIV care in Mbarara and Ibanda districts, Uganda.

In 2016, Uganda introduced services for hypertension and diabetes in selected HIV clinics. We evaluated the costs associated with scaling up these services in HIV clinics in Mbarara and Ibanda districts, Uganda. We estimated the annual costs of providing hypertension and diabetes services using an activity-based costing approach from the health system perspective in ten randomly selected HIV clinics in Mbarara and Ibanda districts. Cost inputs included 2023 data on costs of medications, health provider time, salaries, training costs, and monitoring costs. We determined the average annual cost and medication costs for hypertension and diabetes treatment per enrolled adult patient, stratified by type of health facility. The total annual cost of hypertension and diabetes management services in ten selected HIV clinics was estimated to be $413,850 (range: $8,386 - 186,973). The annual average clinic-level cost per enrolled patient was estimated at $14 (range: $7 - 31). Of the total annual cost, the cost of provider time for initial and follow-up visits represented the largest cost component in 5/10 clinics (mean: 37%, range [13-58%]). In 4/10 clinics, the major cost components were the costs of medication, diagnostic tests, and related supplies (mean: 37%, range [10-75%]). The average cost per enrolled adult patient was $11 at public facilities and $21 in private not-for-profit facilities. The average medication cost per patient for hypertension was $24 (range: $7 - 97) annually; $13 at public facilities and $50 at private not-for-profit facilities. For diabetes treatment, the average annual medication cost per patient was estimated at $14 (range: $6 - 35); $11 at public facilities and $22 at private not-for-profit facilities. Adding hypertension and diabetes management to routine HIV care might be feasible based on the estimated annual cost per patient. Hypertension and diabetes treatment was more costly in private not-for-profit facility-based clinics than at public facilities. This variation was primarily driven by higher medication procurement prices at private facilities, revealing a potential area for optimizing costs through improved procurement practices.

Exploring the strategies for upgrading public facilities in urban villages: A case study of Wuhan, China

Public facilities are essential components of urban villages in large cities in China, playing a key role in the quality of life for residents. However, our understanding of these public facilities is limited. There is an urgent need to upgrade them in the context of a new wave of urban redevelopment in China. To address this gap, we first identify Wuhan’s urban villages by correlating the proportion of construction land with the percentage of migrants. Next, we employ kernel density estimation and fishnet analysis methods to examine the characteristics of public facilities in urban villages. We then develop a new research framework, characterized by “upgrade sequence – upgrade mode”, for strategically arranging the upgrading of these facilities. Our findings indicate that: (1) the upgrade of public facilities in Wuhan’s urban villages should focus on the suburban districts; (2) it is essential to balance supply and demand when addressing issues related to public facilities, avoiding indiscriminate large-scale demolition and reconstruction, as in-situ upgrades may become the new trend; and (3) different upgrade approaches should be adopted based on the specific features of each urban village. Overall, this study fills a gap in the systematic examination of public facilities in urban villages and proposes a new strategy for in-situ upgrades. We contribute to a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of urban villages in China and the broader context of planetary urban redevelopment.

Cross sectional survey of maternal and newborn quality of care in Niger: Selected findings, lessons learned and recommendations.

Comprehensive assessments of quality of care (QoC) are essential for monitoring progress towards meeting global and national maternal and newborn health (MNH) targets. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Niger Ministry of Public Health adapted a 2014 WHO QoC tool to cover antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) and include client voices through exit interviews. The objectives of the study were to assess quality of MNH care in Niger and to document lessons learnt from implementing the LSTM QoC tool. Quality of Care (QoC) was assessed using five tools: health facility survey (using register and official record data), partograph reviews, healthcare provider knowledge assessment, exit interviews with clients, and observation of antenatal and postnatal care. A nationally representative sample of 110 public healthcare facilities at three levels (integrated health centres, district hospitals and mother-child hospitals) and 2153 women were included. Descriptive analysis with 95% confidence intervals was presented. The health facility survey showed variable access to electricity (63% [53-72]), water (72% [62-81]), and transportation (40% [31-50]). Tests and treatment for HIV, TB, and malaria were found in more than 90% of relevant facilities. During observation of first ANC visit, 62% [48-74] women were tested for HIV; 13% [5-30] for pre-eclampsia and 22% [12-36] for anaemia. Observation of PNC showed much lower rates of screening (15% [7-27] tested for HIV and 4% [0;11] for malaria). Partographs were used in 86% of deliveries with inconsistent completion. At client interviews, respectful care indicators were variable, with providers not always explaining results to clients (59% [50-67]). Targeted allocation of resources and training could impact on QoC and reduce missed opportunities for prevention, screening and management of diseases among pregnant women and babies. The QoC assessment tool proved capable of offering a comprehensive overview of priorities in MNH, while maintaining feasibility in the Nigerien context.

A Spatial Mapping for Profitability Consideration of Rental Houses in South Jakarta

Abstract: The population of South Jakarta reached 2.235.606 people as of 2023 (BPS, 2024), with a percentage of occupying owned residential buildings of 51,36% (BPS, 2022). Estimates indicate that only approximately 1,148,207 people currently reside in private assets. Rental prices need to be considered based on the strategic location to minimize the risk of rental house business owners suffering losses. The imbalance in the supply and demand of the residential market will cause the availability of land in productive areas to be increasingly limited. The existence of an imbalance in market supply and demand can be an opportunity for prospective property entrepreneurs in the field of rental houses. The analysis was carried out by calculating income predictions using multiple linear regression methods and spatial analysis between rental houses and the accessibility of public facilities in South Jakarta City. The results obtained indicate that the accessibility of public facilities in Setia Budi Sub-district provides an opportunity for high income. Keywords: Boarding House, Income Rediction, Multiple Linear Regression, Spatial Analysis

Quality of care in South Sudan and its associated factors, a facility-based cross-sectional study in public health facilities in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State.

The patient's experience of care is critical in determining how satisfied the client is with the quality of health services offered by the health facility. Understanding health needs aids in identifying gaps in service provision as well as potential avenues for planning and improving health care services. The primary goal of this study was to explore the attributes of quality healthcare in South Sudan from the perspective of healthcare recipients. Nonetheless, South Sudan's health system has remained inadequate since the country's independence in 2011, with 85% of deliveries performed by unskilled health personnel, high maternal and child death rates, and a lack of vital lifesaving drugs in health facilities. Political unrest, natural disasters, poor infrastructure, and budgetary limits are among the additional factors impeding the provision of high-quality care services to the population in need. However, the South Sudan government, with the support of international health partners, continues to work towards ensuring that basic health needs are met in accordance with SDG-3 recommendations. This was a facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in four selected health facilities in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, from July 1st to September 30th, 2023. A sample size of 422 was included, and a randomized sampling procedure was used, with 60% of public health facilities supported by non-governmental organizations utilizing the lottery method. Data were collected and entered into SPSS version 25 for descriptive and regression analysis. A total of 422 participants were solicited for the study, with a response rate of 99.81 percent. Of the 421 responders, 72% (303/421) were female and 28% (118/421) were male. The overall satisfaction with the experience of quality of health care delivered was 84.8%. A preliminary analysis found that the assumption of multicollinearity was met (Age, sex, feeling of having chance to fully explain a problem to care provider, physical examination, provider's technical capacity in diagnosis and treatment, provider attitude, client respect) among others, were all associated with the client's experience of care and satisfaction with the quality of health care. The clients who sought health care at the public health facilities in Western Equatorial State were quite satisfied with the quality of health services (84.8%). Provider's behaviors, attitudes, and technical skills, among other major factors, were found to be associated with the client's positive experience of care. To uphold health ethics, the study recommends including medical ethics training and client center care into continuing medical educations at health facilities.

Shaping Patient Loyalty through Quality Care: Analyzing Patient Satisfaction in Public Hospitals in Ghana

Public hospitals in Ghana face challenges such as limited resources and inconsistent care delivery, which impact patient satisfaction and loyalty. In this context, enhancing service quality is crucial for retaining patients and improving healthcare outcomes. This study investigates the role of service quality in shaping patient loyalty and explores patient satisfaction as a mediator in selected public hospitals in Ghana using the SERVQUAL model. A survey was conducted among 200 outpatients from five public health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana, between January and February 25, 2024. A quantitative methodology was applied to evaluate how patients' perceptions of service quality influence their loyalty toward public healthcare providers. In order to analyze the data, SPSS and the smart partial least square (PLS) software version 3.0 were used for structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that communication, the physical environment, and responsiveness significantly affect patient loyalty, whereas factors such as privacy, safety, and a customer-friendly atmosphere do not. Additionally, this study confirmed that patient satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and patient loyalty, underscoring the importance of service quality in enhancing both satisfaction and loyalty in health care. Based on these insights, this study recommends that health care institutions improve their service quality to strengthen public healthcare systems. The significance of this paper extends beyond regression analysis, as it also addresses the delayed effects of service quality on patient loyalty, considering both direct and indirect influences in the regression models.

Implementation outcomes of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy in public facilities (PFs): Aceh perspective, Indonesia

PurposeAceh province has established various infrastructure and regulations related to disaster risk and management after the Indian Ocean Tsunami (IOT) hit the province. Hence, this study investigates the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Public Facilities (PFs) in Banda Aceh municipality using implementation outcome variables (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, compliance, implementation cost, coverage and sustainability).Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and document reviews, were applied to collect data for this study. The data were then analysed thematically using NVivo 12 software.FindingsThe lack of public communication regarding DRR in PFs to all involved stakeholders resulted in poor acceptability, adoption, coverage and compliance with the policy implementation among public facilities’ chiefs, owners or managers. Additionally, they were reluctant to implement DRR plans and activities within their facilities due to limited DRR funds.Practical implicationsThis study’s results can contribute to reviewing the policy and practices of Aceh government authorities and other involved stakeholders to improve policy implementation of DRR activities comprehensively across eight groups of public facilities in Banda municipality, other districts in Aceh province, and local areas in Indonesia. Further, the methods used in this study to assess DRR regulations’ progress towards the eight implementation outcome variables can be applied widely to other settings.Originality/valueNo research was found on examining the policy implementation of DRR in PFs in Aceh province, which motivated the author to conduct this work.

Analyzing spatiotemporal features of Suzhou's old canal city: an optimized composite space syntax model based on multifaceted historical-modern data

AbstractRivers and road systems play crucial roles in urban development and in shaping the vitality of cities. The present study focuses on the spatiotemporal development patterns of canal cities. Taking Suzhou as an example, employing various spatial measurement methods combined with multidimensional spatiotemporal data, it clearly demonstrates the urban morphological patterns and societal characteristics related to the road and river network systems at different stages of urban development. Utilizing data extracted from historical and modern maps of Suzhou and employing the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm, this study establishes a spatiotemporal dataset for Suzhou's ancient city, a representative Chinese canal city. An optimized space syntax algorithm for public service facilities, utilizing Python library like Geopandas, Numpy, is proposed to analyze the river and road system's impact on historical development and urban morphology. With multiple spatial econometric models applied to maps from various periods, this research explores the following findings: (1) By controlling rivers as a variable, it quantitatively confirms that rivers were crucial components of urban systems in ancient cities, playing a significant role in urban development and activities, though gradually overlooked in modern times. (2) Public service facilities of different types demonstrate patterns of Accessibility and Integration within the river-road system across various periods. (3) Changes in the distribution of public service facilities correspond to phased shifts in the center of Suzhou’s ancient city, mutually validating the authenticity of realistic paintings, historical maps, and the methodologies used in this study. This study emphasizes a broader historical and spatiotemporal perspective, augmented by quantitative research methods. It investigates the distribution and developmental characteristics of various types of public service facilities across different periods. The research aim is to understand the impact of river and road systems on urban development, as well as the morphological and social changes in historical cities that arise from urban activities.

Modeling Of Mask Detection Systems, Distance Between Objects And Facial Recognition Using The Tiny-YOLOV4 Method, Convolutional Neural Network, And Viola Jones

The development of technology is currently increasing very rapidly, the latest technology such as Face Detection and Face Recognition in public facilities has been widely applied, such as cameras for attendance, facial detection devices as mobile phone security and various other new innovations in the field of technology. The purpose of creating this model is to determine the distance, and the use of masks in public places and to determine the performance when the two algorithms between Tiny-YOLOV4 and Viola Jones are combined. This method uses CPU testing with a clock speed of 2.9 GHz and GPU with a clock speed of 1590 MHz with an accuracy level of 92.6% for mask object detection and 90.67% for face recognition with a maximum distance in front of the camera for human detection is 830 centimeters, mask detection 730 centimeters, and face recognition 530 centimeters. The results of the study produced an accuracy of 92.6% for mask detection and an accuracy of 90.67% for face recognition at maximum distances of 730 cm and 530 cm respectively. The conclusion shows that this system is effective for detecting masks, faces, and distance, providing a significant tool for monitoring compliance in public spaces. Implementing this system can serve as a preventive measure for potential future pandemics

Keeping Clean: A Qualitative Analysis of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Among Residents of Recreational Vehicles in Seattle, WA US

The growing number of people living in vehicles in the urban United States in recent years makes their water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) an increasingly relevant public health issue. The WASH context of people living in recreational vehicles (RVs) presents unique challenges, especially as it relates to wastewater disposal. This study answers the question: How do RV residents typically manage their wastewater and meet their other WASH needs? We examined the experiences of RV residents in Seattle, Washington participating in Seattle Public Utilities’ mobile pump-out program, which has offered a free, typically monthly, door-to-door RV wastewater disposal service since 2020. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 clients and analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis. We found that RV resident water and hygiene experiences were similar to other urban unhoused populations, whereas their sanitation experiences were quite distinct, most notably with regard to open defecation prevalence and the relative risks of shared versus private sanitation. We proposed four WASH service delivery models that consider the possible implications of our findings for cities looking to engage with RV residents. The models included: mobile RV wastewater collection and water delivery, fixed RV dump stations and water resources, public WASH facilities available for all, and safe parking programs.

Maternal mortality in Panama from 1998 to 2022.

To examine maternal mortality in Panama, analyzing its direct obstetric deaths, indirect obstetric deaths, and contributory conditions. This cohort study used publicly available data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census to present a 25-year retrospective analysis of maternal deaths in the Republic of Panama from 1998 to 2022. Public data were sourced from the National Institute of Statistics and Census website of Panama. Relevant codes from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD) were used. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. Trendline reliability with R 2 was performed to analyze the data. A total of 1 026 maternal deaths occurred in Panama from 1998 through 2022, of which 61.2% were attributed to direct obstetric causes; 23.9%, indirect obstetric causes; 13.6%, contributory conditions; and 1.4% were unknown or undetermined. The average MMR was 60.1. The trendline reliability resulted in R 2 = 0.1 (y = -0.5147x + 1094.7), which is not statistically significant but meets the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The specific primary causes of direct obstetric deaths were: 12.9% due to postpartum hemorrhage (ICD O72); 9.2%, eclampsia (ICD O15); 6.7%, puerperal sepsis (ICD O85); and 6.3%, pre-eclampsia (ICD O14). For indirect obstetric deaths, the primary causes were: 14.9% due to other maternal diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (ICD O99); and 7.3%, maternal infectious and parasitic diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (ICD O98). The findings of this study confirmed that there were substantially more direct obstetric causes (61.2%) than indirect obstetric causes (23.9%), contributory causes (13.6%), or unknown/undetermined causes (1.4%) of maternal mortality, despite being highly preventable. Although Panama is right on track to fulfill the target of 70 MMR by 2030, these results highlight the lack of health care access due to the absence of obstetrician-gynecologists per 100 000 population in indigenous comarcas, where 30.8% of the maternal mortalities occur. Furthermore, the health system in Panama is not immune to pandemics and crises. From 1998 to 2022, there were 5 years when the MMR in Panama exceeded 70: 2001, 2002, 2006, 2011, and 2020. These findings also underscore the dichotomy between statistics and health policy. While the trendline reliability was insignificant (R 2 = 0.1), the MMR satisfies requirements for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Future studies should consider factors related to indirect obstetrics and contributory causes of deaths, health care access, COVID-19, cesarean section and natural birth, age, economic income, prenatal and postpartum care, as well as the quality of private and public health facilities in the Americas.

Onsite training-mentoring intervention improves data quality: an implementation research.

The quality of health data is not satisfactory in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Haramaya University, in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureau, conducted an implementation research in selected public health facilities and administrative units. This research was aimed to test the onsite training-mentoring (OTM) intervention and adaptation of the implementation strategy to improve the routine health information system (RHIS) data quality in the context of public health sector. An interrupted time series design with an onsite training-mentoring intervention was used to improve data quality in public health sector of Jigjiga Woreda, eastern Ethiopia from July 2021 to June 2022. Both the pre and post intervention assessments data were collected by experienced and trained public health professionals using interviewer guided self-administered interview, record review and observation data collection techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic models to identify predictors of data quality. The overall data accuracy was increased from 88.12% before to 95.0% after intervention; and it was above 90% in all the facilities. The overall data content completeness was increased from 75.75% to 89.9%, though it varied among the facilities. The timeliness and report completeness were 100% in all the facilities. The odds of those health workers who had poor knowledge were less likely to ensure data quality (AOR = 0.39; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.83) than their counterparts. The intervention was brought substantial changes of data quality in the study setting. Knowledge of the workers towards data quality is a crucial factor to ensure data quality in the sector. Thus, collective efforts is required to continue this tested intervention to ensure the quality of the routine health information system in the lower levels of the sector.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Distribution of Human Papillomavirus According to Age and HIV Status in Women of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection associated with the development of cervical cancer. This study investigated cervical HPV prevalence, characteristics, and distribution according to age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status among women attending a public community health facility in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A total of 325 participants (aged 18 to 60) visiting a community health facility for any reason were recruited. Cervical HPV infection was detected using the Seegene Anyplex™ II HPV28 assay (Seegene Inc., Seoul, South Korea). Overall HPV prevalence was 65.2% (95% CI: 59.9–70.2%), with the highest prevalence of 80.9% (95% CI: 67.2–89.8%) observed in the 18–25-year-old age group and the lowest prevalence of 46.3% (95% CI: 35.8–57.1%) in the 46–60-year-old age group. HR-HPV infection was found to decrease with increasing age (p < 0.001) in the overall population and according to HIV status. In contrast, LR-HPV infection was found to significantly decrease with age among HIV-negative women (p = 0.001) but not for the overall population and HIV-positive women. A proportion of 12.9% were infected with one or more HPV types covered by the Cervarix® HPV vaccine (HPV-16 and/or -18), 18.8% (by those covered by Gardasil®4 (HPV-6, -11, -16 and/or -18), and 42.2% by those covered by Gardasil®9 (HPV-6, -11, -16, -18, -31, -33, -45, -52 and/or -58). The alpha-9 HPV species was the most dominant species (40.6%), followed by the alpha-7 species (29.8%). High overall HPV, HR-HPV, and alpha-9 species prevalence were observed among the women attending the public health facility. These findings contribute to the limited HPV distribution data among the Eastern Cape women, which could be used to improve HPV-related policy and assess the effectiveness of the HPV vaccination.

The Development of Operational Model Integrating Digital Technologies into Public Mental Healthcare Services in Nigeria

The availability and utilization of digital technologies can leverage the challenges of the sharp-depleting workforce due to the consistent migration of healthcare professionals (HCPs), the alarming ratio of the number of patients to HCPs, discretional use of digital technologies among HCPs in providing effective therapeutic interventions and mental healthcare services. This study aimed to develop an operational model that integrates digital technologies in mental healthcare service delivery for public facilities in Nigeria. The practice-oriented theory guides the development of the model. A qualitative method assessed the digital technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique that employed the snowball method was used in selecting the sixteen (16) HCPs from four (4) neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed several challenges in providing adequate and efficient services in public mental healthcare facilities in Nigeria, such as human resource challenges, brain drain, lack of infrastructure, and strains on HCPs. Findings from this study indicated that digital technologies are sparingly utilized in public mental healthcare service delivery due to a lack of policy and framework. HCPs perceive digital technologies to be beneficial to themselves and their clients. The highlighted benefits to patients are reduced stigmatization levels, decreased financial burden, enhanced accessibility to therapists, strengthened adherence, mitigated relapse incidences and improved intervention. The transition from the traditional/conventional space of mental healthcare service delivery to digital space requires a collaborative approach with Computer scientists (software developers, database administrators), Data scientists, investors, stakeholders and mental HCPs. The proposed model serves as a contemporary framework that the Government, policymakers in the Ministry of Health and management of mental health facilities in Nigeria can adopt, providing the needed awareness of the benefit of technological intervention.

Fatigue, quality of life, and social support in Greek health staff: Public versus private kidney units

Healthcare professionals often experience fatigue and a diminished quality of life due to demanding hours and challenges in balancing work and personal life. Social support plays a critical role in influencing these factors. This study focused on nurses and healthcare workers in the artificial kidney unit, a specialized area requiring significant expertise to operate complex machinery for seriously ill patients. We assessed levels of fatigue, social support, and quality of life among 159 doctors and nurses in public and private facilities across Greece using the Fatigue Assessment Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and General Health Questionnaire-28. Participants reported moderate fatigue (mean = 2.63, standard deviation [SD] = 0.57 for doctors; mean = 2.42, SD = 0.49 for nurses) and moderate-to-high levels of social support (mean = 5.66, SD = 1.35). Factors negatively impacting quality of life, such as physical symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression, yielded low scores. Notably, fatigue and quality of life differed significantly between public and private sectors (p < 0.05), with public sector professionals reporting higher fatigue levels and lower quality of life. These findings highlight the need for healthcare authorities to address the unique challenges faced by staff in artificial kidney units, particularly in public hospitals, to improve working conditions and overall well-being.

Exploring harmful traditional practices and its associated factors among puerperal mothers who delivered in public health facilities in southwestern Ethiopia

Harmful traditional practices are deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviors within a society that significantly impact the well-being of mothers and children. In Ethiopia, there is limited awareness and comprehension concerning the prevalence of harmful traditional practices in the puerperal period. The underlying reasons for engaging in harmful cultural practices during this period at the community level remain inadequately studied. The main aim of this research is to investigate the prevalence of harmful traditional practices during the puerperal period and its associated factors in public health facilities of southwestern Ethiopia, 2023. A mixed-methods community-based cross-sectional approach was undertaken from June 1st to July 31st, 2023. The study utilized the 24 kebeles in the Ilubabor and Buno Bedele Zones of Southwest Ethiopia. Three hundred twenty puerperal mothers in selected kebeles found in Ilubabor and Buno Bedele zones met inclusion criteria during the data collection period. We used a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented by in-depth interviews and focused group discussions with purposively selected 18 mothers. We utilized backward multiple logistic regressions were utilized to evaluate the interplay between various factors, with statistical significance set at a P-value below 0.05. This finding disclosed that the prevalence of harmful traditional practices during the puerperal period was 76.3%. Factors such as educational status (AOR = 3.47, CI = 1.57–9.27), rural residency (AOR = 2, CI = 1.51–4.88), absence of antenatal care in the last pregnancy (AOR = 6.42, CI = 2.33–8.74), and the place of delivery for the most recent child (AOR = 1.7, CI = 1.15–4.07) were significantly associated with these practices. The findings underscore a substantial prevalence of harmful traditional practices among mothers during the puerperal period. It is imperative for the Zonal Health department, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to actively combat these practices within rural communities and healthcare facilities.

Mortality in people with mental disorders in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide, register-based cohort study.

People with mental disorders in Poland have increased standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). This is the first study to assess all-cause mortality in people with mental disorders in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. A nationwide, register-based cohort study utilizing data from the registry of healthcare services (2011-2020) and the all-cause death registry (2021) in Poland was conducted. Individuals who were consulted or hospitalized in public mental healthcare facilities and received at least one diagnosis of mental disorders (ICD-10) from 2011 to 2020 were identified. SMRs were compared between people with a history of mental disorder and the general population. SMRs for the pandemic period were also compared with prepandemic SMRs calculated for 2019.No significant differences in SMRs were observed overall between 2021 and 2019. A minor increase in SMR was observed in 2021 for people treated only in outpatient mental health clinics. In 2021, a significant decrease in SMRs was shown for individuals with diagnoses from groups F10-F19 and F20-F29, and a significant increase in SMRs was observed for those with diagnoses from group F40-F48. SMRs for people with any mental disorder in Poland in 2021 remained at comparable levels to those in 2019.