Public Health Care Centers Research Articles

Inequity in access to digital public primary healthcare in Sweden: a cross-sectional study of the effects of urbanicity and socioeconomic status on utilization.

Social and geographical inequity in access to primary healthcare is an ongoing concern in Sweden. Digital care can potentially decrease geographical inequity. This study aimed to evaluate how urbanicity affects the utilization of a public digital primary healthcare service - PHC Online. We performed an ecological cross-sectional study of 4,482 PHC Online visits grouped by 83 public primary healthcare centers. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with PHC Online visits per 1,000 registered patients as the dependent variable and urbanicity (municipalities grouped by number of inhabitants), socioeconomic status (Care Need Index), and morbidity (Adjusted Clinical Groups) per primary healthcare center as independent variables. Utilization of PHC Online was more common among those of a younger age (median 32 years) and among women (65%). Urbanicity did not affect utilization. Lower socioeconomic status and higher morbidity had negative effects on utilization (B -3.289, p = 0.001, B -7.728, p = 0.045). Geographical differences based on urbanicity do not seem to affect the utilization of PHC Online. Further studies are needed to clarify a possible association to geographical barriers in access to primary healthcare, specifically accounting for factors associated with urbanicity and distance to physical clinics, and how age and sex affect such an association. Lower utilization of PHC Online in low socioeconomic status and high morbidity populations raises questions on the effect of digital primary care on equitable access to primary healthcare.

Bodyweight and obesity perceptions among adults in Bahrain

Background: One-third of the Bahraini population is classified as obese; however, research on the public perceptions of obesity in the country is limited. Aim: This study evaluated perceptions of obesity among adults attending public healthcare clinics in Bahrain. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study combined questionnaires from 2 previously published obesity surveys to obtain data on the anthropometric measurements of weight and height from 356 participants in Bahrain. The combined questionnaire was administered to adults attending 8 randomly selected, geographically distributed public healthcare centres from the 4 governorates of Bahrain. The data was then analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: Overall obesity prevalence among the participants was 41.4%. Participants with normal or higher body mass index more often believed that obesity was a lifestyle choice and a risk factor rather than a disease. Conversely, underweight respondents more often perceived obesity as a disease. Of the obese participants, only 49% perceived themselves as obese and 49% perceived themselves as slightly overweight. Sixty-five percent thought that their overall health was good to very good. The older the overweight participants were, the less likely were they to perceive themselves as overweight. Of all the respondents, 45.8% perceived obesity as a disease. Conclusion: Despite public acknowledgement of obesity as a health risk, many (46.4%) of our study participants did not perceive it as a disease. There is a need for targeted national programmes to educate the older and younger populations in Bahrain about the implications for health of overweight and obesity and how to prevent or control them early.

Analyzing Korean Public Health Centers' Infectious Disease Disaster Response Experiences with a Focus on Business Continuity.

This study aims to provide basic data for establishing strategies to maintain the core functions of health centers, and enable an effective response to emergency tasks in the event of future infectious disease disasters. The participants were 41 workers from two public health centers in Seoul. They all had prior experience in responding to the early and middle stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions, and then analyzed using the deductive method of content analysis. The participants' experiences during the infectious disease disaster crisis were examined through ten categories: governance and coordination, information management, human resources, essential medical supplies and equipment, infrastructure, administration, finance and logistics, community engagement and risk communication, delivery of essential services, security, and additional considerations for vulnerable populations. The analysis of the results made it apparent that new systems and policies were imperative for responding appropriately to the concerns and experiences of the public healthcare center staff, and for improving the response to future epidemics. We found that to prepare for infectious disaster situations in the future, it is necessary for health centers to establish a mid- to long-term business continuity plan to ensure the continuation and stability of their operations. Additionally, it was found that health professionals in public health centers also believe in the necessity of education and training programs on disaster preparedness, based on Business Continuity Planning proposed by the World Health Organization. They deem these essential to sustain routine tasks for the management of the health of local community residents during outbreaks of novel infectious diseases in the future.

Comparison of the Effect of Cumin Cyminum and Nettle Oral Drops on the Breast Milk Sufficiency Indicators in New Mothers.

This study aimed to compare the effects of green cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) oral drops on the indicators of breast milk adequacy in lactating mothers. Due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the combinations of cumin and nettle, it is stipulated that they may have milk-increasing properties. A triple-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 117 lactating mothers who had given birth to healthy infants aged 10-15 days and who received cumin oral drops (n = 39), nettle oral drops (n = 39) or placebo (n = 39) from August 2020 to March 2021. The participants were recruited from a regional public health care centre affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. The 3 study groups received 15 drops thrice a day for 4 weeks. Infant weight, breastfeeding frequency, number of wet diapers, diaper weight and frequency of infant defecation were evaluated before and after the intervention. At the beginning of the trial, no statistically significant differences were observed between the 3 groups for infant weight (P = 0.891), breastfeeding frequency (P = 0.921), number of wet diapers (P = 0.783), diaper weight (P = 0.841) and frequency of infant defecation (P = 0.898). However, following the intervention, the mean scores of all indicators were significantly higher in the experimental groups than in the placebo group (P <0.001). In addition, all the indicators in the cumin group increased significantly compared to those in the nettle group (P <0.001). Considering the effectiveness of cumin and nettle drops in increasing milk and the availability of these native plants in Iran, it is suggested that they, especially cumin, be used postpartum to increase breast milk production.

The Correlation Between Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Elderly Outpatients with Hypertension at Sokaraja I Public Health Care Center, Banyumas Regency

Background: Physical activity is one effort that can control blood pressure in people with hypertension. Physical activity that is carried out excessively will result in a person experiencing fatigue easily so that it will have an impact on the quality of his sleep. Objective: This study was to determine the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in elderly outpatients with hypertension at the Sokaraja 1 Public Health Center, Banyumas Regency. Method: This type of search used correlational analysis with a cross-sectional design approach. The time of the study was from February to March 2023. The population in this study were elderly outpatients with hypertension at the Sokaraja 1 Health Center, Banyumas Regency. The sampling technique used a non-probability sampling technique with purposive sampling, namely as many as 59 respondents. Results: The results showed that most respondents did heavy physical activity as much as 23 (39.0%), and respondents who had good sleep quality as many as 39 (66.1%). of statistical tests using the Chi-Square test obtained the results of calculating p-value = 0.00 &lt;? = 0.05 so that Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in the elderly in Sokaraja I public health care center, Banyumas Regency. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in elderly outpatients with hypertension at the Sokaraja 1 Public Health Center, Banyumas Regency. The heavier the activity, the better the quality of sleep so that blood pressure can be controlled and can reduce the risk of complications.

Age-Related Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Influencing Factors

Background:Hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure, with systolic pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg, and it commonly affects the elderly population. There are two types of risk factors for hypertension, namely modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Method: This research employed a quantitative method with an analytical survey design using a case-control method. The sample size consists of 60 respondent, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Results: Statistical tests indicated a significant correlation for variables such us family history (?-value 0.0001), salt consumtion (?-value 0.0001), stress/anxiety (?-value 0.005), and compliance with a healthy lifestyle (?-value 0.003), with the occurrence of hypertension. On the other hand, age (?-value 0.278), gender (?-value 0.091), obesity status (? value 0.390), smoking status (?-value 0.243), and caffeine/coffee consumtion habits (?-value 0.196) did not show any significant correlation with hypertension occurrence. Conclusion: Family history, salt consumtion, stress/anxiety, and compliance with a healthy lifestyle are factors affecting the occurrence of hypertension in the elderly at Sokaraja 1 Public Health Care Center. However, age, gender, obesity status, smoking status, and caffeine/coffe consumtion habits do not contribute to hypertension.

Access to healthcare by undocumented Zimbabwean migrants in post-apartheid South Africa.

Zimbabwean undocumented migrants rely on the South African public health care system for treatment of non-communicable and communicable diseases, surgery and medical emergency services. A gap remains to understand undocumented migrant experiences at a time when accessing public healthcare has been topical in South Africa. This article aimed to describe and understand the experiences, challenges and health-seeking alternatives of undocumented Zimbabwean migrants in accessing healthcare services in Nellmapius in Pretoria. The study was conducted at Nellmapius in Pretoria. A qualitative descriptive research design was used. Structured interviews with 13 undocumented migrants were conducted by applying purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. The data were thematically analysed. Migrants reported that the attitudes by healthcare officials suggest unwillingness to provide services to undocumented migrants, aggravating their vulnerability and perennial illness. Migrants faced challenges of discrimination, a lack of professional service delivery, a lack of financial capacity to pay for services and a lack of documentation evoking health-seeking alternatives. Migrants continue to face challenges while accessing subsidised health care. This study confirms that medical xenophobia is generally present in the public health care centres, at least for the sampled undocumented Zimbabwean migrants. The majority of undocumented migrants cannot afford to pay for private healthcare.Contribution:The findings of this study inform national, provincial and local healthcare facilities to be ethical and provide dignified quality healthcare to undocumented migrants in line with international practices.

Implications of absenteeism of health workers on achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria: exploring lived experiences in primary healthcare.

Primary healthcare facilities are the bedrock for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) because of their closeness to the grassroots and provision of healthcare at low cost. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the access and quality of health services in public primary healthcare centres (PHCs) are suboptimal, linked with persistent occurrence of absenteeism of health workers. We used a UHC framework developed by the World Health Organization-African Region to examine the link between absenteeism and the possible achievement of UHC in Nigeria. We undertook a qualitative study to elicit lived experiences of healthcare providers, service users, chairpersons of committees of the health facilities, and policymakers across six PHCs from six local government areas in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. One hundred and fifty participants sourced from the four groups were either interviewed or participated in group discussions. The World Health Organization-African Region UHC framework and phenomenological approach were used to frame data analysis. Absenteeism was very prevalent in the PHCs, where it constrained the possible contribution of PHCs to the achievement of UHC. The four indicators toward achievement of UHC, which are demand, access, quality, and resilience of health services, were all grossly affected by absenteeism. Absenteeism also weakened public trust in PHCs, resulting in an increase in patronage of both informal and private health providers, with negative effects on quality and cost of care. It is important that great attention is paid to both availability and productivity of human resources for health at the PHC level. These factors would help in reversing the dangers of absenteeism in primary healthcare and strengthening Nigeria's aspirations of achieving UHC.

Gambaran Tingkat Pengetahuan Ibu tentang Tahapan Pemberian MPASI Usia 6-11 Bulan di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Cilongok 1

The intake from complementary feeding (MPASI) acquired by a child plays a significant role in determining the child's nutritional status. The administration of MPASI continues with breastfeeding from 6 months to 2 years. The adequacy of MPASI refers to food that can meet the nutritional needs of the child. The majority of developmental delay cases are attributed to poor-quality MPASI. The purpose of this study was to describe the level of knowledge of mothers about the stages of giving complementary feeding (MPASI) aged 6-11 months in the working area of ​​Cilongok 1 Public Health Center.This study aims to determine maternal knowledge regarding the stages of complementary feeding (MPASI) for infants aged 6-11 months in the Public Health Care Center Cilongok 1 operational area. This research was a quantitative study with a descriptive design. A total of 196 respondents were used for the sample, chosen through purposive sampling. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire. From two respondent groups, namely the group of mothers with infants aged 6-8 months, 70 (59%) had good knowledge, 37 (31%) had sufficient knowledge, and 12 (10%) had inadequate knowledge. For the group of mothers with infants aged 9-11 months, 35 (46%) had good knowledge, 24 (31%) had sufficient knowledge, and 18 (23%) had inadequate knowledge. The description of maternal knowledge concerning MPASI for infants aged 6-11 months in the operational area of the Puskesmas Cilongok 1 is deemed satisfactory.

THE CHALLENGE OF ABSENTEEISM OF PUBLIC HEALTHCARE CENTERS WORKER IN THE RURAL AREA: A STUDY ON SYLHET DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Absenteeism has been linked to ineffective healthcare delivery in several studies. This research looks at absenteeism in Bangladesh's public healthcare centers (PHCs), a health system level recognized as vulnerable to absenteeism. Front-line health workers, administrators, service consumers, and health propensity committee chairpersons were interviewed in detail and participated in focus groups. Absenteeism was shown to be quite common among healthcare employees, and it is much more of a problem in PHCs when lateness is included. Absenteeism influences the pair service consumers and associates, although it is not necessarily intentional. Even though there are measures to prevent absenteeism in PHCs, our results reveal that they are readily evaded and ineffectual due to utilization and formative difficulties. The Anti-Corruption Evidence (ACE) strategy, which aims to include and improve the stimulations of significant players in the system to support efficiency-renovating measures and, in turn, ensure efficient service delivery, might be relevant in this case. In this research, we will look at the issues of a lack of health workers in Bangladesh's PHCs, patient satisfaction and the quality of services at PHCs, and the effect of a lack of health workers in Bangladesh's rural public healthcare centers (PHCs).

Relationship of Third Trimester Primigravida Mothers’ Anxiety With Psychosocial Preparedness In Facing Delivery At Kombos Public Health Center at Manado City, North Sulawesi Province

Anxiety is a type of feeling felt by pregnant mothers, especially in the third trimester of primigravida, due to lack of pregnancy and delivery experience. If it was not intervened, that anxiety could affect the psychosocial preparedness of third-trimester primigravida mothers in facing delivery. This research aimed to determine the relationship of third-trimester primigravida mothers' anxiety with psychosocial preparedness in facing delivery at Kombos Public Health Center, Manado City, North Sulawesi Province. This research was quantitative with a correlational descriptive design by cross-sectional approach. This research was conducted at Kombos Public Health Care Center, Manado City, North Sulawesi Province; the sample was collected using a purposive sampling technique with n = 33 samples based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. This research used a non-parametric statistical test, the Spearman correlation test. There was a significant relationship between third-trimester primigravida mothers’ anxiety with psychosocial preparedness in facing delivery with obtained r-coefficient value of 0.493, which showed a reasonably strong relationship correlation with a p-value of 0.004 that was lesser than alpha significant value &lt; 0.05. There was a significant relationship between third-trimester primigravida mothers’ anxiety and psychosocial preparedness in facing delivery at Kombos Public Health Center, Manado City, North Sulawesi Province.

Impact of Skills for Change Program on metabolic control, diet and physical activity levels in adults with type 2 diabetes: A cluster randomized trial.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the Arab Gulf countries. Despite this, limited culturally-adapted lifestyle intervention studies have been conducted in this region. In this culturally adapted 12-month cluster randomized trial, 382 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 20-70 years were recruited from 6 public healthcare centers (3 interventions and 3 controls) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The primary outcome of this study was a change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The secondary outcomes were Body Mass Index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, dietary intake, and physical activity levels. A diet and physical activity intervention, guided by the social cognitive theory, was delivered individually and in group format to the intervention group. The control group continued receiving only their usual diabetes management care. The data were collected at baseline and 1 year after participation. The mean baseline HbA1c levels of the control and the intervention groups were 7.45 ± 0.11% and 7.81 ± 0.11%, respectively. At the end of the 12-month intervention, there was no significant difference in the changes of mean HbA1c between the intervention and the control groups. On the other hand, BMI and daily caloric intake were significantly decreased in the intervention compared to the control group by 1.18 kg/m2 (95% CI: -1.78 - -0.60) and 246 kcal (95% CI: -419.52 - -77.21), respectively, after controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, duration since diabetes diagnosis, diabetes treatment, treatment clinic, and baseline values. Sitting time during the week-end was significantly lower, difference 52.53 minutes (95% CI: 93.93 - -11.14). This community-based lifestyle intervention for patients with baseline HbA1c <8% did not result in a significant decrease of HbA1c but reduced caloric intake, body weight, and weekend inactivity after controlling for the covariates. This trial was registered on February 11, 2020 with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04264793).

Model for managing scientific research in a public hospital: case study: Chilean National Cancer Institute, from 2015-2022.

Research is an essential element in the practice of healthcare, and hospitals play a fundamental role in its promotion. Research in hospitals can improve the quality of care, knowledge of diseases and the discovery of new therapies. Hospitals can conduct research in various fields, including basic research, clinical research, population-based research and even hospital management research. The findings of hospital research can be directly applied to clinical practice and management, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care, a central paradigm in translational health. This article details the experience of the National Cancer Institute of Chile over the past 8 years in its role as a high-complexity public hospital, specialised institute, healthcare centre, teaching institution, and research facility. It reviews the work of generating and strengthening its institutional research model since its redesign in 2018, the key elements that underpin it, and discusses the challenges the institute faces in its growth amidst the increasing cancer epidemiology in Chile, the recent enactment of a National Cancer Law, the post-pandemic scenario that has left a significant waiting list of oncology patients, and the initiation of the design and construction process for the new institute building.

French National Trends in Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health-Related Healthcare Center Visits among Youth, 2014-2022: Towards Sex Specificities in the Care Pathway

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and mental health (MH)-related conditions among children and adolescents, represent a global public health burden, that was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in access to healthcare, support services, and increased stressors exacerbating symptoms and challenges. However, few studies have examined in France, NDD and MH’s diagnoses and care pathway in youth attending public healthcare center (HCC) services. Methods: An annual cross-sectional analysis was performed in youth aged 0 to 17 years on health information, that were extracted from the French PMSI database (DIAMANT database) between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2022, using the MH-related ICD-10 diagnosis codes, including NDD, mood-, behavior-, anxiety-, and other-disorders (sleep and eating). Trends in healthcare center visits for NDD and MH-related conditions, were evaluated according to age, sex, diagnoses, and care pathway over the 10-year period using ANOVAs. Findings: Out of the 17,707,806 total HCC-visits across a 10-year period, 289,382 visits (1,6%) were related to youth with diagnoses for NDD or MH disorders of the study interest. Among them, 57% were girls and 43% boys. The total number of pediatric HCC-visits related to NDD and MH has remained stable from 2014 to 2022. However, the proportion of visits has doubled for adolescent girls with internalizing disorders (anxiety and mood) while a 5-fold decrease in the proportion of visits for NDD, was observed for boys aged 0 to 12 years. The HCC-admission mainstream for internalizing disorders was the emergency department and was “home” for the NDD. While the HCC-discharge accounted for 9% of patients being hospitalized, most of them were sent home (90.7%) with a strong age- and sex-specificities. Interpretation: Over the last 10 years, the proportion of HCC visits for NDD and MH remained stable, but strong age- and sex-effects were found on diagnoses visits and care pathway. These findings are essential to improve emergency and outpatient service capacity dedicated to youth. They could help European and national policies to patient-tailor care pathway depending on sex and diagnosis from screening, interventions, and monitoring during this sensitive period of development.

Dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms in a sample of pregnant women in Malaysia

Introduction: Nutritional requirements of pregnant women differ considerably from those of non-pregnant women. Nutritional status during pregnancy is critical to maintain health, including oral health, and to promote growth and development of the baby. This study assessed dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms among pregnant women. Methods: Seventy-one women with singleton pregnancy attending a public healthcare centre in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary pattern and nutrient intake of the women were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and 3-day 24-hour diet recall, respectively. Information on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, and oral symptoms were obtained from self-administered questionnaire. Results: White rice, chicken, green leafy vegetables, granulated sugar, and salt were foods most consumed. Intakes of iron, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, zinc, and fluoride for most respondents were below Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). Cavitated tooth (46.5%), bleeding gums (35.2%), pain upon eating and drinking (23.9%), and bad breath (23.9%) were common oral symptoms reported. Significant association was found between complaint of brown, yellow, and white spots on tooth surface with vitamin A intake, and between complaint of bleeding gums with zinc intake. Conclusion: Intake of most nutrients by most respondents in this study was below the RNI. Oral symptoms were common and a few were associated with nutrient intakes.

Self-care behavior among adult patients with hypertension in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia: A cross-sectional study.

Self-care behavior is crucial in preventing chronic diseases, such as hypertension, which has become highly prevalent in Indonesia. Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer" due to its asymptomatic nature, can easily go unnoticed. Neglecting its treatment can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Despite adults with hypertension feeling well, embracing self-care behavior, including making healthy lifestyle choices, disease management, and enhancing life quality, remains essential. This study aimed to describe the self-care behavior of adult patients with hypertension in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 270 participants selected through consecutive sampling. Data were collected between 15 March and 4 April 2023, using the Hypertension Blood Pressure Self Care Profile (HBP-SCP) questionnaire in six public healthcare centers in Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The self-care behavior among adult patients with hypertension was at a moderate level (Mean = 49.78, SD = 6.64), and it had significant differences according to ethnicity (p = 0.041), marital status (p = 0.017), and body mass index (p = 0.008). The findings highlight the influence of diverse ethnic backgrounds, various marital statuses, and differing body mass index levels, which may lead to distinct approaches to managing hypertension. These results offer valuable insights for nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive strategies to enhance self-care among adult patients with hypertension.

The more diverse the better: Identifying with a diverse neighbourhood mother community predicts greater intergroup contact

AbstractAlthough it has been shown that identification with a neighbourhood community can support intergroup relations within the community by providing resources to cope with intergroup contact, previous research has not investigated how the perceived diversity of the neighbourhood identity influences this process. This study extends research on neighbourhood identification by focusing on a specific group (mothers of small children), examining how and when identification with other mothers living in the same neighbourhood is related to intergroup contact with local outgroup mothers. We examined this in a survey study, for which we collected data from both Finnish majority and immigrant mothers at public maternal and child healthcare centres (N = 733). Our study showed that identification with the neighbourhood mother community was positively associated with intergroup contact, partly via perceived social support from other neighbourhood mothers for both Finnish majority and immigrant mothers. Our study additionally revealed that the perceived proportion of outgroup mothers in the local mother community moderated the relationship between identification and intergroup contact for both groups. Our findings highlight the significance of considering perceived diversity for determining when identification will support intergroup contact. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among Non-Diabetic Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Introduction: given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah, this study aims to understand the dietary and lifestyle-related risk factors among Jeddah's non-diabetic adults. (2) Material and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, non-diabetic adults were sourced from public healthcare centers. Demographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits were surveyed. Blood pressure, anthropometrics, and fasting blood samples measuring plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were collected. The age cut-off for MetS was ascertained using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variables influencing MetS were evaluated using univariate logistic regression, and consequential factors underwent multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex. (3) Results: Among 1339 participants, 16% had MetS, with age being the strongest predictor (p < 0.001). The optimal age cut-off was 32 years. For those <32, elevated BP in men and waist circumference (WC) in women were most prevalent. For those >32, elevated WC was dominant in both sexes. Univariate logistic regression revealed that higher income and education correlated with lower MetS prevalence, while marriage and smoking were risk factors. Adjusting for age and sex, only very high income had a significant low-risk association (p = 0.034). (4) Conclusion: MetS is notable in the studied group, with age as the pivotal predictor. High income reduces MetS risk, while marital status and smoking could increase it. Since this was a cross-sectional study, cohort studies are needed to validate our findings.

A Survey of the Side Effects of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine among Vaccinated Adults in Iraq

Background: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was one of the first vaccines developed for COVID-19 to be used in Iraq. While the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks, potential side effects remain major concerns for people and can increase vaccine hesitancy despite usually being short-lasting and mild. This study aimed to evaluate the side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination among vaccinated adults in Erbil city, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a convenience sample of 401 subjects who received the Pfizer vaccine in nine public healthcare centres in Erbil, Iraq, on February 20th, 2022, and April 17th 2022. Data was collected through interviews with the patients using a questionnaire designed by the researchers; a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of side effects was 84.4%. Among participants who experienced side effects, the most common was pain at the injection site (93.1% for the first dose and 88% for the second dose). For the first dose, the onset of side effects on the vaccination day (day zero) was reported by 78.9% of those experiencing side effects, and the duration was one day for 45.4% of participants. Severity was rated as mild by 54.3%, and similar results were found for the second dose. Analgesics were used following the first dose by 47% of participants, which resulted in good relief for 96.6% of patients using them, and similar results were found for the second dose. Conclusions: Most participants who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine experienced side effects, the most common of which was pain at the injection site, which was reported for both the first and second doses.

ASSESSMENT OF WHO/INRUD CORE DRUG USE INDICATORS AT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE CENTRES IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN: A MULTICENTRE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: A key element of the pharmaceutical care plan is the appropriate use of medications. Objectives: Using the WHO/INRUD core drug use indicators, this study sought to evaluate medication usage trends at both public and private healthcare centres in the Lahore district of the Punjab province of Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional and descriptive study design was adopted. For data collection, 399 prescriptions (199 prescriptions from public and 200 prescriptions from private healthcare facilities) were systematically sampled written from February to July 2022. To evaluate the prescription indicator, patient-care and facility-specific indicators, patients randomly selected from both public and private hospitals were examined and interviewed. For each of the WHO/INRUD indicators, we considered ideal criteria that have been published. Results: The average number of medicines prescribed each encounter was reported to be 6.26% in public hospitals and 4.14% in private hospitals among the prescribing indicators, generic medication, antibiotics, and the number of times patients received injections were prescribed, respectively, in 54%, 84%, and 89% of public hospitals and 19%, 61.7%, and 78% of private hospitals. In the public and private sectors, respectively, 71% and 97% of prescription drugs were from the list of essential drugs. The average consultation time was found to be 2.1 minutes in public hospitals and 3.2 minutes in private hospitals, while the average dispensing time was reported to be 37 seconds in public hospitals and 39 seconds in private hospitals. Of the total prescribed medicines, 84% and 97 % were dispensed in public and private hospitals respectively and the percent medicine adequately labelled was 100% in both healthcare facilities. Regarding patient awareness, 69% of patients in private hospitals and 42.5% of patients in public hospitals were aware of the proper dosage, frequency, and duration of the medications that were prescribed. In terms of facility-specific data, both public and private hospitals had 100% availability of the EDL copy and 82% stock of the important medications, respectively. Conclusion: Irrational use of drugs was observed in both public and private healthcare facilities. WHO/INRUD proposed 12 key initiatives to encourage rational use of medications must be put into practice as a result of present study.