Significant Increase In Attendance Research Articles

Influence of state bus services on school attendance in under-privileged remote areas: reflections from a case analysis in estate areas of Haputale, Sri Lanka

Free education for all in Sri Lanka has enabled significant improvements in educational performance and living standards. However, there are still some issues unresolved; one being the difficulties in accessing education facilities in the townships, owing to mobility constraints. Students residing in plantation areas, for instance, become inconvenienced when public bus services are absent or unreliable.The present research quantitatively examined the significance of SLTB bus service availability, inter-alia, in determining the school attendance rate of students residing in remote estate areas. The Haputale Education Division was examined as a case study. Results indicated that, among factors that could significantly affect the level of school attendance of estate children, the availability of SLTB service on estate routes would be very crucial; a significant increase in attendance being realisable if SLTB’s scheduled school bus trips operated with greater reliability. The importance of affordable mobility services for school attendance in remote areas, is thus examined.The study enabled inference that the policy priority should be assigned to further strengthen and expand bus services. This intervention is likely to be more beneficial than focusing on other apparently influential determinants. However, the generalisability of these findings to other estate areas and geographically remote localities of the country needs to be confirmed through further research.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Surgical Scientific Formats: An ERNICA Survey on Challenges and Future Directions.

The aims of this survey were to assess the experiences of the transition from in-person to virtual meetings among European pediatric surgeons since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to identify preferences for future formats. An online questionnaire was circulated among members of the European Reference Network for rare Inherited and Congenital Anomalies Network (ERNICA) in 2022. Two time periods were compared (3 years before the COVID-19 pandemic vs. the year 2021). A total of 87 pediatric surgeons from 16 countries completed the survey. In addition, 27% of respondents were trainees/residents and 73% consultants/lead surgeons. Consultants participated in significantly more in-person congresses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic compared with trainees (5.2 vs. 1.9; p < 0.001). A significant increase in attendance of virtual meeting was reported during 2021 compared with pre-COVID-19 (1.4 vs. 6.7; p < 0.001). Consultants had experienced significantly less absenteeism thanks to virtual meetings compared with trainees (42/61 vs. 8/23; p < 0.05). Most surgeons considered virtual meetings more economic (82%), practical (78%), and family-friendly (66%). However, a majority reported missing social events (78%). The communication among attendees or between attendees and speakers or scientific faculty was deemed worse. A minority (14%) experienced equalized representation of trainees and consultants at virtual meetings. Most respondents (58%) agreed that future meeting strategies should focus on offering virtual formats. Regarding future congresses, respondents prefer hybrid (62%) over in-person (33%) or virtual (6%) formats. According to European pediatric surgeons, virtual learning formats hold multiple advantages and should be continued. Improved technology must meet the challenges, particularly to enhance communication, equal representation, and networking between attendees.

Increased Attention Through Kinetic Life Aith A Level Of Concentration On Physical Education Learning: A Study In Elementary School Students

This research examines the effect of the learning model using life kinetics on increasing learning attention as seen from the concentration level of students in one of the elementary schools in Kab. Bandung. The research method used in this research is an experimental method adapted to the research objectives of wanting to know the truth of hypotheses regarding causal relationships with a Quasi-Experimental Design research design. The analysis technique in this study uses multiple classification analyses of variance, using two ways (two-way ANOVA). Two-way analysis of variance to analyze the effect of the two independent variables, namely learning models using life kinetics and conventional learning models (not using life kinetics) with attribute variables of concentration levels (high and low). Through two-way analysis of variance and statistical data analysis techniques of IBM SPSS Version 25 software, a significant increase in attendance was found in student study groups using the life kinetic learning model.

Home advantage in football after moving to a new stadium: evidence from European professional teams

ABSTRACT Familiarity with local conditions is considered one of the main causes of home advantage (HA) in sport, yet it has received little attention from the sports science community. This study aimed to establish whether moving to play in newly built stadiums influences the HA of European professional football teams. The sample comprised 98 teams from 25 different leagues affiliated with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). For each team, the analysis was done with six full seasons, three before and after the stadium relocation. A general linear model was fitted to the data including team ability as a covariate to calculate the HA. Tukey’s pairwise comparisons revealed that the adjusted HA did not differ between any pairs of seasons, demonstrating that moving to a new stadium did not change the HA. A complementary repeated-measure analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between HA and stadium attendance over the six seasons. Although there was a large-sized and significant increase in attendance after relocation (51.6%), a negligible correlation (rs = −0.02, p = 0.85) between the size of the increase and the change in HA was found. It was concluded that there is no consistent evidence that a change of stadium significantly affects the HA of professional football teams; nevertheless, there is likely to be a positive impact on revenue because of increased crowd support and interest from the local community. Building a new and modern stadium is a positive strategy that can be adopted by football clubs without the expectation of change in HA.

Retention And Adherence Rates In Cancer Survivors And Partners To Virtual Exercise During Covid-19

PURPOSE: The EXERCISING TOGETHER© trial is studying a partnered exercise program to improve the physical, emotional, and relationship health of cancer survivors and their partners (NCT03630354). During COVID-19, the exercise program delivery format transitioned from supervised, facility-based group exercise to supervised, group exercise delivered by video conference. Here we will assess feasibility of remote supervised exercise by comparing exercise adherence and study retention rates between participants attending in-person and remote programs. METHODS: Data from 3 groups of couples coping with breast cancer were used for analyses: 1 in-person group (n = 46 participants), 1 hybrid group that transitioned to remote classes at week 8 (n = 64 participants), and 1 group recruited into remote classes (n = 66 participants). Couples exercise twice weekly for 6 months after randomization into 1 of 3 groups: partnered group exercise, separate survivor/spouse group exercise, or unsupervised home exercise. Adherence is defined by exercise session completion. Retention is defined by active participation through the intervention. Comparisons between study arms and delivery format were assessed using linear mixed-effects models with a group by training interaction. RESULTS: The home group showed significantly lower adherence during remote training compared to in-person (p < 0.01). The separate group showed a significant increase in attendance to remote classes compared to in-person (p < 0.01). The partnered group showed similar attendance rates in both delivery formats. Four couples from the hybrid wave (9.5% of wave) withdrew in the transition to remote classes. Attrition rates of in-person, hybrid, and remote waves were 19.5%, 15.6%, and 12.5% respectively, and did not differ across delivery formats. CONCLUSIONS: After transitioning to remote classes, home group adherence decreased while supervised remote class adherence remained similar (partnered group) or increased (separate group). Our preliminary data suggest that couples coping with breast cancer may adhere to remote exercise classes just as well, or better than in-person classes and that attrition is not impacted by delivery format. Remote delivery of supervised exercise could increase program accessibility but efficacy remains to be determined.

Improving PAI Online Learning Outcomes with Bookwidgets as a Media during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning that conducted online during the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on low learning outcomes. Organizing effective learning online was a challenge for Islamic Education teachers. After Islamic Education teachers learn and use Book widgets as a learning medium, the attendance and learning outcomes of students increase significantly. This study aims to determine the increase in attendance and learning outcomes of students in online Islamic Education learning specifically about fasting topic with the Book widgets learning media. The subjects in this study were 47 students of Islamic education and class VII-a and VII-e students, consisting of 22 male students and 25 female students. The classroom action research method was carried out in two cycles. Data collection techniques were carried out by writing techniques and interviews. The collected data were then analysed using descriptive analysis techniques by comparing the results between the initial data, cycle I and cycle II. The results of this study indicated a significant increase in attendance and learning outcomes of students. The attendance of students was 84% initially, to 96% in cycle I, and 100% in cycle II. The average learning outcomes of students in pre-cycle 76 became 87 in cycle I, and 96 in cycle II.

Impact of m Health to Improve Postnatal Visits among Postpartum Mothers in a Rural Community in Kakamega County, Kenya

Background: There is an increase of mobile phone use globally with Kenya being among countries withincreased usage both in rural and urban areas. Despite the widespread use of mobile phone, its use in healthdelivery services such as enhancing postnatal clinic (PNC) attendance is quite low. Countries such Kenyaare exploring various interventions such as use of m health to improve the uptake of postnatal care. Postnatalvisits have been reported in many studies to be low in many countries, and this has eventually affected theutilization of postnatal services. During the postnatal period the health care providers get opportunity todetect maternal and neonatal health problems in order to curb morbidities and mortalities.Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of mobile phone in enhancing postnatal visits amongpostnatal mothers in Kakamega County, KenyaMethods: This was an experimental longitudinal and a facility based randomized control trial with aquantitative data. It was carried among 284 eligible postnatal mothers. Systematic sampling technique wasused to recruit the study subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21.Results: There was a significant increase in attendance between control arm and intervention arm 3(combination of SMS and voice call) by 40% in second PN, third 14% and 23% in fourth postnatal visit.There was a significant difference in adherence to second and third postnatal visit between control andintervention arms. We concluded that combination of voice call and SMS is 3.37 times more effectivethan voice call or SMS alone. The Kakamega County government should integrate use of mobile phone indelivery of health care services.

Healthcare worker attendance during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal analysis of fingerprint-verified data from all public-sector secondary and tertiary care facilities in Bangladesh.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed hospitals in several areas in high-income countries. An effective response to this pandemic requires health care workers (HCWs) to be present at work, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they are already in critically low supply. To inform whether and to what degree policymakers in Bangladesh, and LMICs more broadly, should expect a drop in HCW attendance as COVID-19 continues to spread, this study aims to determine how HCW attendance has changed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.MethodsThis study analyzed daily fingerprint-verified attendance data from all 527 public-sector secondary and tertiary care facilities in Bangladesh to describe HCW attendance from January 26, 2019 to March 22, 2020, by cadre, hospital type, and geographic division. We then regressed HCW attendance onto fixed effects for day-of-week, month, and hospital, as well as indicators for each of three pandemic periods: a China-focused period (January 11, 2020 (first confirmed COVID-19 death in China) until January 29, 2020), international-spread period (January 30, 2020 (World Health Organization’s declaration of a global emergency) until March 6, 2020), and local-spread period (March 7, 2020 (first confirmed COVID-19 case in Bangladesh) until the end of the study period).FindingsOn average between January 26, 2019 and March 22, 2020, 34.1% of doctors, 64.6% of nurses, and 70.6% of other health care staff were present for their scheduled shift. HCWs’ attendance rate increased with time in 2019 among all cadres. Nurses’ attendance level dropped by 2.5% points (95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.2% to -1.8%) and 3.5% points (95% CI = -4.5% to -2.5%) during the international-spread and the local-spread periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to the China-focused period. Similarly, the attendance level of other health care staff declined by 0.3% points (95% CI = -0.8% to 0.2%) and 2.3% points (95% CI = -3.0% to -1.6%) during the international-spread and local-spread periods, respectively. Among doctors, however, the international-spread and local-spread periods were associated with a statistically significant increase in attendance by 3.7% points (95% CI = 2.5% to 4.8%) and 4.9% points (95% CI = 3.5% to 6.4%), respectively. The reduction in attendance levels across all HCWs during the local-spread period was much greater at large hospitals, where the majority of COVID-19 testing and treatment took place, than that at small hospitals.ConclusionsAfter a year of significant improvements, HCWs’ attendance levels among nurses and other health care staff (who form the majority of Bangladesh’s health care workforce) have declined during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding may portend an even greater decrease in attendance if COVID-19 continues to spread in Bangladesh. Policymakers in Bangladesh and similar LMICs should undertake major efforts to achieve high attendance levels among HCWs, particularly nurses, such as by providing sufficient personal protective equipment as well as monetary and non-monetary incentives.

The Private Benefit of Public Funding: The FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Attendance at Host Country League Soccer

This article examines attendance at league soccer matches before and after hosting an international soccer competition (the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championships). We find significant increases in attendance at clubs that host games in these tournaments. We find smaller but often significant increases in attendance at other league clubs, suggesting that these events may drive fan interest. However, these results are patchy, and for some recent tournaments, they are negative. Our estimates of the private economic value of hosting, even in the most optimistic cases, are smaller than the cost of hosting as reported for recent tournaments.

745-P: Novel Interventions in Children’s Healthcare (NICH): Attending to the Social Determinants of Health

Objective: Novel Interventions in Children’s Healthcare (NICH) is a community-based, family-focused intervention for youth with T1D and is associated with improved glycemic control and lower rates of acute care utilization. This study examines whether NICH is associated with changes in preventative outpatient attendance, with specific attention to the role of social determinants of health (SDoH) as potential moderators. Methods: Youth in NICH with T1D were included if they had SDoH and electronic health record (EHR) data available (n=52). Retrospective EHR review included outpatient attendance (endocrinology, primary care) for the years prior to and following NICH initiation and social risk endorsement (e.g., food and housing security). Youth mean age was 14.5 years; 59% were female; and 77% were non-Hispanic Caucasian. Results: More than half of NICH families (52%) endorsed food insecurity, with 49% and 40% reporting housing insecurity and unreliable transportation, respectively. Prior to NICH services, minority youth and those experiencing food insecurity attended significantly fewer preventative outpatient appointments (p&amp;lt;.05). There were no significant differences in total number of outpatient visits attended while in NICH for the overall sample; however, following NICH initiation, minority youth demonstrated a significant increase in attendance, from 2.4 to 4.9 per year, and a significantly larger increase in attendance when compared to youth of majority race (p=.01). Conclusions: This is the first study to examine the impact of NICH on preventative care access. There were no significant differences in total number of appointments attended while in NICH, which is unsurprising given that families are already attending additional weekly home sessions during program participation. However, minority youth seem to particularly benefit from NICH services, demonstrating more equitable access to preventative outpatient care during program involvement. Disclosure A. Cantu: None. D.V. Wagner: None. C. Jenisch: None. H. Luzod: None. H. Gottfried-Lee: None. M.A. Harris: None. Funding JDRF; The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust

Организация оказания медицинской помощи при хронической почечной недостаточности в Республиканской клинической урологической больнице имени академика М. Д. Джавад-заде

The high incidence of chronic kidney disease worldwide is the most pressing medical and social problem due to progressive growth with the transition to chronic renal failure. Currently, in the general structure of chronic renal failure, up to 40% is due to terminal chronic renal failure requiring replacement renal therapy, particularly hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. At the same time, the general structure of dialysis therapy is sharply dominated by hemodialysis (93%). Therefore, the problem of health systems in various countries is the availability of specialized medical care in connection with the development of the latest high-tech scientific and innovative technologies, the increase in the age of patients, as well as the restriction of state financial resources. The Republican Clinical Urological Hospital named after Academician M. D. Javad-zade revealed in dynamics a significant increase in attendance in 2017 by 13.0%, 2018 by 9.9% and 2016 by 5.5%. The trend of increasing hospital hospitalizations was observed in 2017 and 2019 by 42.6% and 16.8%, respectively. Among the hospitalized renal disease in dynamics had a trend of increase, from 2016 to 2019 by 17.3%, 11.7% and 34.7%, respectively. A sharp jump in the incidence of chronic inflammatory kidney diseases was observed in 2016 by 112.5%, bladder and prostate diseases in 2017 by 23.9% and 2018 by 14.0%. The trend of increase of patients receiving dialysis was observed in 2016, 2017 and 2019 by 10.9%, 11.0% and 3.3%, respectively. The increase in the availability of dialysis devices by year was noted by 15.4%, 10.0%, 6.0% and 1.4%, respectively, the frequency of dialysis sessions in 2018 and 2019 by 8.1% and 0.6%. Prevention, early detection, as well as timely treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases will reduce the number of neglected forms of diseases, delay the dialysis period of treatment of these patients and thus reduce not only the percentage of temporary disability and disability of the population, but also the financial costs of treatment of patients in the future by means of replacement renal therapy.

Migração e atenção primária à saúde no estado de Roraima

Migration is not a recent phenomenon and much less restricted to one part of the world. This article is about the significant increase in demand for the right to health in the state of Roraima and how public policies are of paramount importance in helping to overcome a humanitarian crisis. The study was developed within a theoretical qualitative research approach, based on a bibliographic review regarding migration and the right to health of this population and analysis of public and published through the Ministry of Health website, were obtained directly through active search and requested through the Access to Information Act. Primary care data have evolved over the last few years. It can be inferred from the data presented by UNHCR, as well as the significant increase in attendance, that the migratory flow had an important impact on this first level of care of the state health system. Despite the complexity of this type of public policy, data increasingly point to the need for a close look at internal and international migratory flows, from the perspective of intersectoral actions to ensure human rights, the dignity of life. , the right to health, education, work and freedom of expression.

88th Annual Georgia Public Health Association Meeting &amp; Conference Report

The 86th annual meeting of the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) and joint conference with the Southern Health Association was held in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 13-14, 2015, with pre-conference (April 12th) and post-conference (April 14th) Executive Board meetings. As Georgia's leading forum for public health researchers, practitioners, and students, the annual meeting of the GPHA brings together participants from across the state to explore recent developments in the field and to exchange techniques, tools, and experiences. Historically, the GPHA conference has been held in Savannah (n=24); Jekyll Island (n=20); Atlanta (n=16); Augusta (n=4); and Gainesville (n=1). There was no annual meeting during the early years (1929-1936); during World War II (1941-1943 and 1945); and for four years during the 1980s. Between 2006 and 2010, GPHA held one-day annual meetings and business sessions with educational workshops. Several new initiatives were highlighted as part of this year's conference. These included a "move and groove" physical activity lounge, registration scholarships for students with a dedicated meet-and-greet reception, an expanded exhibit hall, presentation and approval of three resolutions (related to healthy foods at official activities and events; weapons at official activities and events; and memorials), and approval of the 2015 legislative policy positions and amended association bylaws. The theme for the conference was Advocacy in Action for Public Health. Specifically, the program addressed ensuring access to care; protecting funding for core programs, services, and infrastructure; eliminating health disparities; and addressing key public health issues important to the state of Georgia. One hundred and nine (109) abstracts were submitted for peer review; 36 were accepted for poster and 40 for workshop presentations. Four plenary sessions with keynote speakers covered the intersection between advocacy and policy, Georgia's response to the Ebola crisis, palliative care, and essentials of advocacy in action for public health. Concurrent workshops focused on Board of Health training, public health accreditation, capacity building, collaboration, patient-centered outcomes, synthetic cannabinoid use, the HIV care continuum, use of data for informed decision making, environmental threats, organizational development, epidemiology, policy, and regulation. Thirty-two (32) awards were presented, including Lawmaker of the Year Award to Governor Nathan and First Lady Sandra Deal for their active and engaged role in promoting public health in Georgia; and the Sellers-McCroan Award to Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) State Health Officer, for her leadership of the Georgia Ebola Response Team and leadership of the newly formed department. The conference attracted 569 registrants primarily through pre-registration (n=561) with limited onsite registration (n=8). For this year's conference, there was a significant increase in attendance (36%) and exhibitors (33%) relative to 2014. Of registrants reporting GPHA section participation, representation included: academic (5%); administration (10%); boards of health (13%); career development (15%); emergency preparedness (2%); epidemiology (5%); health education and promotion (2%); information technology (2%); maternal and child health (3%); medical/dental (3%); nursing (10%); nutrition (<1%); and other/no record (15%). There was 100% participation in the conference from the state's 18 public health districts. The conference evaluation completed by a representative sample of registrants indicated areas of potential improvement as: starting sessions on time, using electronic and social media for the conference agenda/syllabus, and decreasing workshop sessions to 45 minutes. Most rated the conference as "good" or "excellent."

Clinical impact of a structured secondary cardiovascular prevention program following acute coronary syndromes: A prospective multicenter healthcare intervention.

BackgroundStructured secondary cardiovascular prevention programs (SSCP) following acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) through better adherence to post-ACS recommendations.MethodsThrough a prospective multicenter cohort study, we compared the outcomes of two sequential post-ACS patient cohorts, the initial one receiving standard care (SC) followed by one receiving additional interventions (SSCP) aimed at improving patient education as well as healthcare provider and hospital systems. The primary endpoint was MACE at one year. Secondary endpoints included adherence to recommended therapies, attendance to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and successful achievement of cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) targets.ResultsIn total, 2498 post-ACS patients from 4 Swiss university hospitals were included: 1210 vs 1288 in the SC and SSCP groups, respectively. The SSCP group demonstrated a significant increase in attendance to CR programs (RR 1.08, 95%CI 1.02–1.14, P = 0.006), despite not achieving the primary MACE endpoint (HR 0.97, 95%CI 0.77–1.22, P = 0.79). After age-stratification, significant reductions in cardiac death, MI and stroke events (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.30–0.93, P for interaction = 0.016) were observed for SSCP patients ≤ 65 years old. The SSCP group also scored significantly better for the LDL cholesterol target (RR 1.07, 95%CI 1.02–1.13, P = 0.012), systolic blood pressure target (RR 1.06, 95%CI 1.01–1.13, P = 0.029) and physical activity (RR 1.10, 95%CI 1.01–1.20, P = 0.021).ConclusionsThe implementation of an SSCP post ACS was associated with an improvement in the control of CVRF and attendance to CR programs, and was also associated with significant reductions in cardiac death, MI and stroke at one year for patients ≤65years old.

Individual invitation letters lead to significant increase in attendance for screening colonoscopies: Results of a pilot study in Northern Hesse, Germany.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Germany. Screening colonoscopies are considered an effective tool for early detection and prevention of CRC and are recommended in Germany for citizens over the age of 55. To increase the participation rate for screening colonoscopies, an invitation procedure was initiated in parts of Germany for patients between the ages of 55 and 75 who had never undergone a screening colonoscopy before. We examined the number of participating patients before, during, and after the invitation procedure and compared the number of the participating patients who received a cover letter with the participating patients from the control group. Additionally, we classified the findings of the colonoscopies including CRC, advanced adenomas, and polyps. During the invitation period, the participation rate of the invitation group increased from 220 patients to 531 patients compared to 1256 to 1693 in the control group. The increase was significantly greater in patients with cover letters (+141% vs.+35%, p < 0.0001). Also, significantly more polyps and adenomas were found in patients from the invitation letter group (254 (+102%) vs. 679 (-9%), p < 0.0001). Our study clearly indicates that personal invitation letters are an effective measure to increase overall participation rates in screening colonoscopies.

86TH Annual Georgia Public Health Association Meeting &amp; Conference Report

The 86th annual meeting of the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) and joint conference with the Southern Health Association was held in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 13-14, 2015, with pre-conference (April 12th) and post-conference (April 14th) Executive Board meetings. As Georgia's leading forum for public health researchers, practitioners, and students, the annual meeting of the GPHA brings together participants from across the state to explore recent developments in the field and to exchange techniques, tools, and experiences. Historically, the GPHA conference has been held in Savannah (n=24); Jekyll Island (n=20); Atlanta (n=16); Augusta (n=4); and Gainesville (n=1). There was no annual meeting during the early years (1929-1936); during World War II (1941-1943 and 1945); and for four years during the 1980s. Between 2006 and 2010, GPHA held one-day annual meetings and business sessions with educational workshops. Several new initiatives were highlighted as part of this year's conference. These included a "move and groove" physical activity lounge, registration scholarships for students with a dedicated meet-and-greet reception, an expanded exhibit hall, presentation and approval of three resolutions (related to healthy foods at official activities and events; weapons at official activities and events; and memorials), and approval of the 2015 legislative policy positions and amended association bylaws. The theme for the conference was Advocacy in Action for Public Health. Specifically, the program addressed ensuring access to care; protecting funding for core programs, services, and infrastructure; eliminating health disparities; and addressing key public health issues important to the state of Georgia. One hundred and nine (109) abstracts were submitted for peer review; 36 were accepted for poster and 40 for workshop presentations. Four plenary sessions with keynote speakers covered the intersection between advocacy and policy, Georgia's response to the Ebola crisis, palliative care, and essentials of advocacy in action for public health. Concurrent workshops focused on Board of Health training, public health accreditation, capacity building, collaboration, patient-centered outcomes, synthetic cannabinoid use, the HIV care continuum, use of data for informed decision making, environmental threats, organizational development, epidemiology, policy, and regulation. Thirty-two (32) awards were presented, including Lawmaker of the Year Award to Governor Nathan and First Lady Sandra Deal for their active and engaged role in promoting public health in Georgia; and the Sellers-McCroan Award to Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) State Health Officer, for her leadership of the Georgia Ebola Response Team and leadership of the newly formed department. The conference attracted 569 registrants primarily through pre-registration (n=561) with limited onsite registration (n=8). For this year's conference, there was a significant increase in attendance (36%) and exhibitors (33%) relative to 2014. Of registrants reporting GPHA section participation, representation included: academic (5%); administration (10%); boards of health (13%); career development (15%); emergency preparedness (2%); epidemiology (5%); health education and promotion (2%); information technology (2%); maternal and child health (3%); medical/dental (3%); nursing (10%); nutrition (<1%); and other/no record (15%). There was 100% participation in the conference from the state's 18 public health districts. The conference evaluation completed by a representative sample of registrants indicated areas of potential improvement as: starting sessions on time, using electronic and social media for the conference agenda/syllabus, and decreasing workshop sessions to 45 minutes. Most rated the conference as "good" or "excellent."

A School-wide Three-tiered Program of Social Skills Intervention: Results of a Three-year Cohort Study

The purpose of this paper was to summarize the implementation of a school-wide tiered intervention program in three Midwestern U.S. elementary schools over a period of three years. The program, Social Skills Training and Aggression Reduction Techniques plus Time-Away (START Plus ) includes components of social skills training at the universal primary level, small group instruction at the targeted level, and individualized, intensive intervention in problem-solving and conflict resolution at the tertiary level. The effectiveness of the tiered program was assessed through measures of attendance, frequency of Time-Away referrals, frequency of disciplinary referrals, and levels of academic achievement. Results indicated significant increases in attendance, reductions in Time-Away and disciplinary referrals, and mixed results in academic achievement scores. Informal survey and anecdotal data indicated changes in the climate of the school. Implications for future research and limitations are included.

The Novelty and Nostalgia Effects of a New Major League Baseball Stadium as Measured by Its Impact on Attendance, the Corresponding Costs of Attending, and Ticket Revenue

Using secondary data, the novelty effect of the opening of 15 new Major League Baseball stadiums was determined. Using a seven-year period looking both before and after each stadium’s inaugural season, a meaningful novelty effect was documented. There were significant increases in attendance and the average ticket price for each of the 15 teams under scrutiny. As a consequence, there was a significant increase in the revenue generated through ticket sales. While the anticipated spike was in evidence for the year a new stadium opened, meaningful increases were also documented for the years subsequent to the opening of the new stadium and the final year of the old stadium. Thus it might reasonably be argued that the opening of a new stadium offers two opportunities on which the team might capitalize – the novelty effect of the new stadium and the nostalgia effect of the old stadium.

Efficacy of a Chronic Disease Management Model for Patients With Chronic Liver Failure

Despite the economic impacts of chronic liver failure (CLF) and the success of chronic disease management (CDM) programs in routine clinical practice, there have been no randomized controlled trials of CDM for CLF. We investigated the efficacy of CDM programs for CLF patients in a prospective, controlled trial. Sixty consecutive patients with cirrhosis and complications from CLF were assigned randomly to groups given intervention (n = 40) or usual care (n = 20), from 2009 to 2010. The 12-month intervention comprised 4 CDM components: delivery system redesign, self-management support, decision support, and clinical information systems. The primary outcome was the number of days spent in a hospital bed for liver-related reasons. Secondary outcomes were rates of other hospital use measures, rate of attendance at planned outpatient care, disease severity, quality of life, and quality of care. The intervention did not reduce the number of days patients spent in hospital beds for liver-related reasons, compared with usual care (17.8 vs 11.0 bed days/person/y, respectively; incidence rate ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-4.8; P = .39), or affect other measures of hospitalization. Patients given the intervention had a 30% higher rate of attendance at outpatient care (incidence rate ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.5; P = .004) and significant increases in quality of care, based on adherence to hepatoma screening, osteoporosis and vaccination guidelines, and referral to transplant centers (P < .05 for all). In a pilot study to determine the efficacy of CDM for patients with CLF, patients receiving CDM had significant increases in attendance at outpatient centers and quality of care, compared with patients who did not receive CDM. However, CDM did not appear to reduce hospital admission rates or disease severity or improve patient quality of life. Larger trials with longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings and assess cost effectiveness.

Daily immunization services: A moral duty, not an empty slogan

BackgroundImmunization services in Armed Forces hospitals are provided once or twice a week leading to children missing important vaccines. Vaccines offered are restricted to vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This system is inadequate to meet the challenge of providing 100% immunization to children in a station. Two large service hospitals were selected for provision of daily immunizations under the ‘CHOICE’ banner (Comprehensive child Healthcare, OPD services and Immunization Clinic Everyday), which was conducted under the supervision of the Pediatrician. The immunization delivery before and after institution of the daily immunization program was compared. MethodThis retrospective study compares the vaccine delivery rate of two systems, namely a restricted approach providing UIP vaccines on a weekly basis and a comprehensive approach providing both UIP as well as optional vaccines on a daily basis. ResultsThere was a significant increase in attendance at the immunization clinic, which was progressive over the years with the comprehensive approach. The delivery rates of all vaccines increased, in particular the combination vaccines. The workload per immunization session showed a concomitant decrease. ConclusionDaily immunization is a better method of vaccine delivery to children, leading to a marked increase in attendance at the immunization clinic and utilization of hospital services.