Public Primary Health Care Centers Research Articles

Development, validation and reliability of a questionnaire for assessment of physician's knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) regarding foodborne diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background:The burden of foodborne illnessisconsidered to behigh across the world.Basedonthe Knowledge-Attitude-Practice(KAP) model, physician's awareness is essentialforconductingindividualized treatments, thus reducingtheburdenof foodborne illness. However, there have been no validated questionnaires specific to the awareness of physicians with foodborne diseases.This study aims to develop and validateaKAPquestionnaire for physiciansto assess their awarenessaboutthediagnosis and managementof foodborneillness. MethodsThe questionnaire was developed in three phases: a comprehensive literature review, face and content validity, followed by a reliability test by internal consistency. A cross-sectional study was designed in Abha,Saudi Arabia. Physicians (n=125) wereopportunisticallyrecruited from both public and private primary healthcarecenters.The questionnaire'scontent and validity were confirmed by experts in their corresponding fields. After signing the informed consent, the study participants received the questionnaire to evaluate theirKAPson foodborne diseases. Results:A totalof160 physicians from both public and private primary health carecenterswere approached to enrol125study participantsintothe survey(response rate78.13%). Of the 31itemsdesigned for assessing theKAPof physicians on foodborne illnesses, threeitems were excluded afterCronbach'sα analysis. In total, 29 items wereincluded inthe final set of the questionnaire.Results of different validity and reliability analyses suggestthe questionnaire hasahigh faceandcontent validity as well as good reliability in internal consistencyand stability. Conclusions:This study introduces a newly developed questionnaire with good reliability and validity values that can assess physician's awarenessof foodborne disease.The awareness questionnaire,as a study instrument,hadafavourable acceptanceamong physicians. It is a sound method for evaluating and measuring levels of foodborne disease-related awareness among physicians in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

The relationship between residential proximity to outdoor play spaces and children's mental and behavioral health: The importance of neighborhood socio-economic characteristics

Urban outdoor play spaces are reported to improve children's health. However, there is little empirical evidence on the impact of outdoor play spaces on childhood mental and behavioral health. To fill this gap, we investigated the associations between residential proximity to outdoor play spaces and the prevalence of diagnosed mental and behavioral disorders. We explored whether these associations differ by individual and area-level socio-economic status (SES). This cross-sectional study included 151 110 children who were 0–12 years old in 2014 and were visited in public primary health care centers in Barcelona (Spain). Each child's demographic and mental and behavioral disorders information was extracted for 2005–2014, including diagnoses on disorders of psychological development together with other four types of mental and behavioral disorders. The pediatrician diagnosed mental and behavioral disorders we explored in this study were: mood/affective; neurotic, stress-related and somatoform; psychological development; behavioral and emotional; and overall mental and behavioral disorders. We assessed 300 m network buffer residential proximity to overall outdoor play spaces (i.e., the overall sum of play spaces of any type), outdoor green play spaces, and to a diversity of outdoor play spaces. We used robust Poisson regression models to investigate the association between proximity to outdoor play spaces indicators and each health outcome. We tested interaction terms for indicators of proximity to outdoor play spaces and individual and area SES. For measures with significant interaction terms, we conducted stratified models. We found residential proximity to outdoor play spaces to be protective of disorders of psychological development. Proximity to overall outdoor play spaces, proximity to outdoor green play spaces and proximity to a greater diversity of outdoor play spaces were associated with a 4% (95% CI: 1,7), 4% (95% CI: 1,7) and 5% (95% CI: 2,9) lower prevalence rates of disorders of psychological development respectively. Most of the associations were found to be in the same direction-although more pronounced-in low SES areas, but in the opposite direction for children living in high SES areas. No differences in these associations were found by individual SES. Residential proximity to outdoor play spaces is protective of children's mental and behavioral health living in low SES areas.

Dependence in instrumental activities of daily living and its implications for older adults' oral health.

We aimed to assess the association between dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and oral health in older adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 280 people aged ≥60 years served at public primary health care centers in Northeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic, oral discomfort and general health data were collected. The Lawton and Brody scale were used to assess IADL. This research adheres to the STROBE checklist. Most participants were married (n = 139; 49.6%), women (n = 182; 65.0%) and retired (n = 212; 75.7%). A total of 37 (13.2%) older adults had some degree of dependence in IADL. Dependence in IADL was associated with: retirement (p<0.040), poor general health (p = 0.002), speech problems (p = 0.014), use of medications (p = 0.021), difficulty chewing and swallowing food (p = 0.011), voice changes (p = 0.044), edentulism (p = 0.011), use of toothbrush (p<0.001), use of toothpaste (p<0.001), and visit to the dentist in the previous year (p = 0.020). Functional disability was associated with older age, cardiovascular diseases, speech problems, chewing and swallowing difficulties, use of medication and brushing deficiency. The functional dependence in IADL can be considered an indicator of oral health status in older adults.

Causes of attrition among frontline health workers in rural areas of Bauchi and Cross River States of Nigeria.

The situation of frontline health workers in the rural areas of Bauchi and Cross River States has been classified as critical regarding the shortages due to attrition. This affects health service delivery and outcomes. We targeted 402 participants, and 389 frontline health workers (nurses, midwives, nurse/midwives, community health officers and community health extension workers) responded. They were drawn from 42 public primary healthcare centers: 23 from Cross River and 19 from Bauchi States. Five focused-group discussions were conducted with 42 facilities in-charges to identify what they perceived as the main causes of attrition in the rural areas. Our findings indicate that the reasons that had potential to cause attrition of the frontline health workers were either voluntary or involuntary. Out of the 81 nurses in the study, 66 (81 percent) would voluntarily exit the workforce while 15 (19 percent) would leave involuntarily. From a total number of 81 nurses, midwives and nurse/midwives from the two states, 75% would exit due to resignations in search of better prospects in the urban areas. Ninety-nine percent of the community health worker's attrition had very low intentions of exit, and it would mainly be due to retirements and deaths. Implementation of tailor-made strategies that reflect their needs is imperative in the two states to reduce attrition among frontline health workers and improve health service outcomes.

Gender Inequalities in Diagnostic Inertia around the Three Most Prevalent Cardiovascular Risk Studies: Protocol for a Population-Based Cohort Study.

Evidence shows that objectives for detecting and controlling cardiovascular risk factors are not being effectively met, and moreover, outcomes differ between men and women. This study will assess the gender-related differences in diagnostic inertia around the three most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors: dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, and to evaluate the consequences on cardiovascular disease incidence. This is an epidemiological and cohort study. Eligible patients will be adults who presented to public primary health care centers in a Spanish region from 2008 to 2011, with hypertension, dyslipidemia, or/and diabetes and without cardiovascular disease. Participants’ electronic health records will be used to collect the study variables in a window of six months from inclusion. Diagnostic inertia of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or diabetes is defined as the registry of abnormal diagnostic parameters—but no diagnosis—on the person’s health record. The cohort will be followed from the date of inclusion until the end of 2019. Outcomes will be cardiovascular events, defined as hospital admission due to ischemic cardiopathy, stroke, and death from any cause. The results of this study could inform actions to rectify the structure, organization and training of health care teams in order to correct the inequality.

Capacity and site readiness for hypertension control program implementation in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNigeria faces an increase in the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), leading to an estimated 29% of all deaths in the country. Nigeria has an estimated hypertension prevalence ranging from 25 to 40% of her adult population. Despite this high burden, awareness (14–30%), treatment (< 20%), and control (9%) rates of hypertension are low in Nigeria. Against this backdrop, we sought to perform capacity and readiness assessments of public Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) to inform Nigeria’s system-level hypertension control program’s implementation and adaptation strategies.MethodsThe study employed a multi-stage sampling to select 60 from the 243 PHCs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment was adapted to focus on hypertension diagnosis and treatment and was administered to PHC staff from May 2019 – October 2019. Indicator scores for general and cardiovascular service readiness were calculated based on the proportion of sites with available amenities, equipment, diagnostic tests, and medications.ResultsMedian (interquartile range [IQR]) number of full-time staff was 5 (3–8), and were predominantly community health extension workers (median = 3 [IQR 2–5]). Few sites (n = 8; 15%) received cardiovascular disease diagnosis and management training within the previous 2 years, though most had sufficient capacity for screening (n = 58; 97%), diagnosis (n = 56; 93%), and confirmation (n = 50; 83%) of hypertension. Few PHCs had guidelines (n = 7; 13%), treatment algorithms (n = 3; 5%), or information materials (n = 1; 2%) for hypertension. Most sites (n = 55; 92%) had one or more functional blood pressure apparatus. All sites relied on paper records, and few had a functional computer (n = 10; 17%) or access to internet (n = 5; 8%). Despite inclusion on Nigeria’s essential medicines list, 35 (59%) PHCs had zero 30-day treatment regimens of any blood pressure-lowering medications in stock.ConclusionsThis first systematic assessment of capacity and readiness for a system-level hypertension control program within the FCT of Nigeria demonstrated implementation feasibility based on the workforce, equipment, and paper-based information systems, but a critical need for essential medicine supply strengthening, health-worker training, and protocols for hypertension treatment and control in Nigeria.

Willingness to pay for primary health care at public facilities in the Western Cape Province, Cape Town, South Africa

Background and objectives As facilities are being prepared for the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Africa, there is a pressing need to understand how the public equates the provision of health services at Primary Health Care (PHC) centres with monetary value. Accordingly, this exploratory study was designed to ascertain the willingness to pay (WTP) for public primary healthcare services in South Africa and to identify factors that influence the WTP. Methods The study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa, among 453 persons presenting at two public primary health care centres, namely Bothasig Community Day Centre (CDC) and Goodwood CDC. The study used the contingent valuation range methodology. Descriptive statistics, multiple logistic and tobit regression analyses were conducted to assess demographics, socio-economic, and health access factors that influence WTP. Results Overall, 60% of participants were willing to pay for services offered at the PHC facilities. The average willingness to pay for all participants was 49.44 ZAR, with a median of 25 ZAR. The multiple logistic regression for grouped facilities showed unemployment, public transport, and the facility attended to be significant while public transport, facility visits, and facility attended were the only significant variables in the tobit model. There was less willingness to pay for those unemployed in comparison with students, those using public transport rather than walking, those frequenting the facilities more than first-time visitors and those attending Goodwood facility in comparison with Bothasig. Conclusion This study revealed factors related to the participants’ WTP and to their willingness to contribute towards the health service, though at very low amounts. Understanding the economic value placed upon a service provided in a facility is essential in decision-making for quality care improvements, especially as the South African health system is making the facilities ready for NHI.

The prevalence of diagnosed specific back pain in primary health care in Region Västra Götaland: a register study of 1.7 million inhabitants.

To evaluate the one-year prevalence of diagnosed specific back pain in Region Västra Götaland, inhabiting 1.7 million people. A retrospective register study. Data from 2014 to 2019 were extracted from the VEGA register, which holds all health data from all publicly funded health care establishments in Region Västra Götaland. Aggregated data are presented as the one-year prevalence of unique individuals diagnosed with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - Tenth Revision codes representing specific back pain. All inhabitants in Region Västra Götaland. The one-year prevalence of diagnosed specific back pain stratified by age, sex, and health care level. In 2019, the one-year prevalence of diagnosed specific back pain in public primary health care centres was 0.82%, rehabilitation care 0.35%, and the combined increase was 156% from 2014. In specialized health care, the diagnosed prevalence during 2014-2019 has remained relatively unchanged. The prevalence was significantly higher among women in primary health care and rehabilitation care. M48.0 (spinal stenosis) and M51.1K (lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy) were the most common sub-classifications. For M48.0, prevalence increased by age, whereas M51.1K peaked within the 45-64 years category. The one-year prevalence of diagnosed specific back pain in primary health care was 1.17% in 2019 and has increased since 2014. Women were diagnosed considerably more frequently than men, which is not reflected in surgical treatment prevalence.

Knowledge, attitude and perception on cervical cancer screening among women attending ante-natal clinic in Owerri west L.G.A, South-Eastern Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundCancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women globally, and it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in developing countries such as Nigeria. The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception on cervical cancer screening among women attending ante-natal clinic in Owerri West, south eastern Nigeria. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sampling technique among 231 respondents attending ante-natal clinic in a cluster of 4 selected public primary healthcare centres. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and data obtained was analysed using a descriptive technique, while the chi-square test was used to test for the influence of age and education level on cervical cancer screening. ResultsThe result showed that there was a high level of awareness (68.8%) of cervical cancer screening. The majority of women (122 (52.8%)) received this information from friends. Although the majority of the participants had heard about the screening, few of them had basic information on the cause of the disease 44 (19%), prevention 32 (13.9%), risk factors 48 (20.8%) and treatment (23.4%) of the disease. Of the 231 women, 59 (25.5%) strongly agreed they were too young to have cervical cancer and hence there was no need for the screening, while a greater proportion (53 (22.9%)) agreed that the screening is only meant for older women (30–45 years). Expensive cost of screening (68 (29.4%)) and invasion of privacy by male doctors (34.6%) were also strong reasons for avoiding screening. The study revealed strong influence of age (χ2 = 104.37; DF = 10; P<0.001) and level of education (χ2=31.63; DF = 6; P<0.001) on awareness of cervical cancer screening. Moreover, educational status had a significant positive influence (χ2= 54.71; P<0.001) on the cause of cervical cancer, with a higher proportion of participants with post-secondary education. ConclusionAwareness of cervical cancer is high, but the perception that it can be treated is quite low, along with fear of the screening outcome. Age and level of education are significant factors of screening for cervical cancer. Educational programmes encouraging participation in cervical cancer screening should consider involving the use of close peers and friends to educate the women on the importance of screening program.

Cost of illness of type 2 diabetes mellitus from the patient’s perspective: a study from several primary healthcare centres and a hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem that had a consequence of high cost related to treatment and disease impact. This study aimed to estimate the cost of illness related T2DM from the perspective of patients. This study applied a prevalence-based cost of illness study from the perspective of patients. Data of direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs were collected by interviewing patients. The study involved patients covered by the national health insurance scheme as study respondents, which consisted of 96 patients visiting three public primary healthcare centres and 35 patients visiting a private secondary hospital in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. From the perspective of patients in Yogyakarta-Indonesia, the total cost of illness of T2DM within three months period was IDR 95,458 (USD 6.58) for patients at PHCs and IDR 340,159 (USD 23.46) for patients at the hospital, which were about 2% to 7% of the minimum wage rate. Indirect cost was the highest contribution of cost of illness (IDR 40,436/USD 2.79) to IDR 398,836/USD 17.63) and followed by direct medical cost (IDR 32,349/USD 2.23 to IDR 44,157/USD 3.05) and direct non-medical cost (IDR 22,673/USD 1.56 to IDR 40,334/USD 2.78). Cost of illness from out of pocket patients in this study was led by visits to other health facilities (the health facilities outside of study site) for obtaining health service related to T2DM disease. This study anticipated that T2DM had a consequence to out of the pocket cost of treatment and further productivity lost of patients and their caregivers.

Urban-suburban differences in the demographics and clinical profiles of type 2 diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centres in Malta.

Social factors might bring about health inequities. Vulnerable population groups, including those suffering from non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and depression, might be more prone to suffering the effects of such inequities. This study aimed to identify patients with type 2 diabetes with depression in a primary care setting, with the objective of describing health inequities among urban and suburban dwellers. A quantitative, retrospective and descriptive study was carried out among patients with diabetes attending public primary healthcare centres in different regions of Malta. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to identify patient and disease characteristics. Convenience sampling was used. The logistic regression model predicting the likelihood of different factors occurring with suburban patients with diabetes as opposed to those residing in urban areas contained five independent variables (severity of depression, monthly income, blood capillary glucose readings, weight and nationality). The full model containing all predictors was statistically significant, c2 (5, n=400), p<0.001, indicating that the model was able to distinguish between urban and suburban areas. The model as a whole explained between 10% (Cox and Snell R2) and 20% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in urban and suburban areas, and correctly classified 73.8% of cases. All five of the independent variables made a unique, statistically significant contribution to the model. Elevated blood glucose and obesity tended to be more prevalent in suburban respondents than in urban participants. Conversely, participants with diabetes living in urban areas were more likely to be depressed, non-Maltese and have a higher income. Despite the small size of the Maltese islands and the expected social homogeneity, health inequities still exist, highlighting the importance of social factors in the epidemiology of disease. This study provides information for healthcare professionals and policy-makers to mitigate the effects of social inequities on vulnerable population groups.

Perceptions of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Towards Diabetes Management Visits at Public Primary Health Care Centers with Diverse Opinions Towards Nurse-led Clinics in Muscat, Oman: A Pilot Qualitative Study.

ObjectivesThe literature has described several positive outcomes related to diabetes management via nurse-led clinics. This is especially true where a shortage of physicians is recorded within a team-based approach. We sought to explore the perceptions of patients with type 2 diabetes towards the current diabetes management visits at public primary health care centers in Muscat, Oman and their opinions towards nurse-led diabetes management clinics.MethodsThis pilot qualitative study included seven semi-structured interviews with type 2 diabetes patients from four purposely selected public primary health care centers in Muscat. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied.ResultsPatients with type 2 diabetes expressed their satisfaction with the present diabetes management visits at public primary health care. Their opinions towards nurse-led clinic were diverse and divided patients into three categories: those who totally refused the nurse-led clinics, those who accepted the clinics but with reservations, and patients that totally accepted the nurse-led clinics. The patients’ main concern was the nurses’ abilities to handle and understand the disease and its management.ConclusionsOur pilot study revealed type 2 diabetes patients’ satisfaction with the current diabetes management clinics. However, transformation to nurse-led clinics within team-based approach requires further studies with a bigger sample size. Further studies on requirements related to the Omani health care system and a better understanding of patients’ worries and their readiness to accept the concept of nurse-led clinics and their outcomes are also recommended.

How ready is the system to deliver primary healthcare? Results of a primary health facility assessment in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Primary health centres are an effective means of achieving access to primary healthcare (PHC) in low- and middle-income countries. We assessed service availability, service readiness and factors influencing service delivery at public PHC centres in Enugu State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 60 randomly selected public health centres in Enugu using the World Health Organization’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) survey. The most senior health worker available was interviewed using the SARA questionnaire, and an observational checklist was used for the facility assessment. None of the PHC centres surveyed had all the recommended service domains, but 52 (87%) offered at least half of the recommended service domains. Newborn care and immunization (98.3%) were the most available services across facilities, while mental health was the least available service (36.7%). None of the surveyed facilities had a functional ambulance or access to a computer on the day of the assessment. The specific-service readiness score was lowest in the non-communicable disease (NCD) area (33% in the rural health centres and 29% in the urban health centres) and NCD medicines and supplies. Availability of medicine and supplies was also low in rural PHC centres for the communicable disease area (36%) and maternal health services (38%). Basic equipment was significantly more available in urban health centres (P = 0.02). Urban location of facilities and the presence of a medical officer were found to be associated with having at least 50% of the recommended infrastructure / basic amenities and equipment. Continuing medical education, funding and security were identified by the health workers as key enablers of service delivery. In conclusion, despite a focus on expanding primary care in Enugu State, significant gaps exist that need to be closed for PHC to make significant contributions towards achieving universal healthcare, core to achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goal agenda.

Interventions for prudent antibiotic use in primary healthcare: an econometric analysis

BackgroundRational antibiotic prescribing is crucial to combat antibiotic resistance. Optimal strategies to improve antibiotic use are not known. Strama, the Swedish strategic program against antibiotic resistance, has been successful in reducing antibiotic prescription rates. This study investigates whether two specific interventions directed toward healthcare centers, an informational visit and a self-evaluation meeting, played a role in observed reduction in rates of antibiotic prescriptions in primary healthcare.MethodsThe study was a retrospective, observational, empirical analysis exploiting the variation in the timing of the interventions and considering past prescriptions through use of estimations from dynamic panel data models. Primary healthcare data from 2011 to 2014 were examined. Data were from public and private primary healthcare centers in western Sweden. The key variables were prescription of antibiotics and indicator variables for the two interventions.ResultsThe first intervention, an educational information intervention, decreased the number of prescriptions among public healthcare centers, but this effect was only temporary. We found no proof that the second intervention, a self-evaluation meeting at the healthcare center, had an impact on the reduction of prescriptions.ConclusionsSingle educational interventions aimed at influencing rates of antibiotic prescriptions have limited impact. A multifaceted approach is needed in efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in primary health care.

Facility readiness for basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care at PHC centres in Nigeria

Abstract Background Functionality of essential delivery services at primary health care (PHC) centres is crucial to achieving targeted improvements in maternal and neonatal outcomes in Nigeria. However, evidence suggests that PHC centres are often unable to adequately render basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care (BEmONC) services. This study assessed BEmONC availability and facility readiness at PHC centres in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods This facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Edo State, Nigeria among 36 public primary health care centres selected by multistage sampling. The WHO service availability and readiness assessment tool was adapted to obtain data from PHC centres. BEmONC availability index was derived using 6 indicators (intravenous oxytotics, intravenous anticonvulsants, intravenous antibiotics, assisted deliveries, removal of retained products of conception and neonatal resuscitation). A composite readiness index was developed based on 26 indicators across five domains (trained staff, basic amenities, basic equipment, diagnostic tests and essential medicines). Indices were summarized as mean percentages and 95% confidence intervals. Results Among 36 facilities assessed, the mean BEmONC availability index score was 48.6% (CI = 41.7 - 55.5%) while the mean composite readiness index score was 58.9% (CI = 54.5 - 63.2%). Domain specific readiness indices showed marked variations with low mean scores for basic amenities (45.8%, CI = 38.4 - 55.3%) and trained staff (43.5%, CI = 33.1 - 53.9%), moderate score for basic equipment (53.5%, CI = 48.6 - 58.5%) and high scores for diagnostic tests (71.2%, CI = 60.5 - 82.1%) and essential medicines (80.1%, CI = 72.4 - 87.8%). Conclusions BEmONC availability and readiness at PHC centres in Edo State was suboptimal. Current efforts to improve services at PHC centres should strategically target availability of emergency obstetric functions, enhancing staff capacity and upgrading basic amenities. Key messages There are crucial gaps in the provision of BEmONC at primary health care level in Edo State, Nigeria that may negatively impact the quality of maternal and neonatal care. This study highlights the need for stakeholders to intensify PHC strengthening initiatives geared towards better pregnancy outcomes.

Facing a blind alley - Experiences of stress-related exhaustion: a qualitative study

IntroductionMental illness is a major concern in many countries. In Sweden, stress-related mental illness is currently the most frequent reason for sick leave.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of...

Effects of terrorist attacks on access to maternal healthcare services: a national longitudinal study in Burkina Faso

IntroductionMost of the literature on terrorist attacks’ health impacts has focused on direct victims rather than on distal consequences in the overall population. There is limited knowledge on how terrorist...

Understanding patient satisfaction and loyalty in public and private primary health care.

Background: The quality of health centers, patient satisfaction, and loyalty are three key factors that enable health care providers to improve their services and cost-effectiveness. This study, therefore, aims to determine patient satisfaction and loyalty in public and private primary health care centers.Design and Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional design of 1470 self-administered questionnaires and analyzed based on mean, standard deviation, and correlation coefficients.Results: The results showed respectively a strong and moderate correlation between patient satisfaction and loyalty in private (r=0.767) and public (r=0.54) primary health care centers, respectively. In addition, in both centers patients received adequate medical services, with social aspects as the least important factors affecting patient satisfaction.Conclusions: In conclusion, primary health care practices need to recognize the needs that influence patients’ satisfaction and loyalty, to improve the quality of their services.Significance for public healthPatient satisfaction affects all dimensions of healthcare services, including patient retention, which is the key factor that determines their return to the same center. The provision of high standard health services, staff motivation, and showing appreciation help to retain patients. It is important to determine the driving forces that influence patients’ choice to return for more services in order to implement effective strategies for maintaining their loyalty. This paper describes the correlation between patient satisfaction and loyalty in public and private primary health care.

Examination of WHO/INRUD Core Drug Use Indicators at Public Primary Healthcare Centers in Kisii County, Kenya.

Background Irrational drug use is a global problem. However, the extent of the problem is higher in low-income countries. This study sets out to assess and characterize drug use at the public primary healthcare centers (PPHCCs) in a rural county in Kenya, using the World Health Organization/International Network for the Rational Use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD) core drug use indicators methodology. Methods Ten PPHCCs were randomly selected. From each PPHCC, ninety prescriptions from October to December 2018 were sampled and data extracted. Three hundred (30 per PPHCC) patients and ten (1 per PPHCC) dispensers were also observed and interviewed. The WHO/INRUD core drug use indicators were used to assess the patterns of drug use. Results The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.9 (SD 0.5) (recommended: 1.6–1.8), and the percentage of drugs prescribed by generic names was 27.7% (recommended: 100%); the percentage of prescriptions with an antibiotic was 84.8% (recommended: 20.0–26.8%), and with an injection prescribed was 24.9% (recommended: 13.4–24.1%). The percentage of prescribed drugs from the Kenya Essential Medicines List was 96.7% (recommended: 100%). The average consultation time was 4.1 min (SD 1.7) (recommended: ≥10 min), the average dispensing time was 131.5 sec (SD 41.5) (recommended: ≥90 sec), the percentage of drugs actually dispensed was 76.3% (recommended: 100%), the percentage of drugs adequately labeled was 22.6% (recommended: 100%), and the percentage of patients with correct knowledge of dispensed drugs was 54.7% (recommended: 100%). Only 20% of the PPHCCs had a copy of KEML available, and 80% of the selected essential drugs assessed were available. Conclusion The survey shows irrational drug use practices, particularly polypharmacy, nongeneric prescribing, overuse of antibiotics, short consultation time, and inadequacy of drug labeling. Effective programs and activities promoting the rational use of drugs are the key interventions suggested at all the health facilities.

Portraits of HIV: a pilot photovoice study of adolescent experiences with HIV treatment in South Africa

Background Adolescents are one of the fastest growing groups of people living with HIV (PLWH) in South Africa. They are also more likely than PLWH in other age groups to report poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This trend is likely due to a confluence of factors including life stage and transition from child to adult care. Solutions are urgently needed to support adolescent adherence, since ART can improve the lives of PLWH and limit HIV transmission. We explored adolescents’ facilitators and barriers to ART adherence via photovoice, to pilot the method with South African youth and gain information to inform future interventions. Methods The pilot study included three Photovoice groups, with 10 adolescents, who were enrolled in ART at two urban public primary health care centres in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Groups were organized by age and sex (group 1: 10-14 years, girls; group 2: 15-19 years, girls; group 3: 15-19 years, boys). Participants were given cell phones with cameras, and instructed to take pictures representing their experiences with HIV and treatment. Results Youth’s pictures and discussions focused on four key themes related to treatment and ART adherence. These themes included motivations for taking medicine, forming an identity with HIV, managing disclosure and treatment, and relationships between living conditions and HIV treatment. Treatment motivation was informed by familial support. Themes shed light on participants’ challenges and resilience in the face of HIV. Conclusion Adolescents found expressing their views through photos ‘exciting’ and were encouraged to share personal meanings in discussion with peers and researchers. Older adolescents needed less direction and encouragement than younger adolescents, to fully participate in photo-taking and discussions. Findings pave the way for future, larger Photovoice studies. Themes reiterate the importance of personal motivation including aspects of positive identity with HIV in helping youth adhere to medicine, as well as the need to address relational (e.g. family, disclosure) and structural (e.g. living conditions) factors in adherence interventions for this age group. Despite challenges, youth also have strengths (e.g. desire to commit to treatment) that interventionists can capitalize on to support adolescent treatment outcomes.