Socio-demographic Characteristics Of Respondents Research Articles

The determinants of travel mode choice: the case of Łódź, Poland

Abstract In this study, potential factors influencing the decisions made by citizens of the city of Łódź, Poland, regarding the choice of transportation mode used in their daily travel activities were examined. In addition to a brief literature review, an empirical study was performed. Data from a previous quality-of-life study were used to enhance the scope of explanatory variables in a regression model. In order to identify the determinants of travel behaviour, binary logistic regression models were used. The results show that socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and household access to a car most influenced transport mode choices. Also, the relationship between geographic distances and subjective opinions regarding public transport were found to be statistically significant. The determinants for choosing either public or private transportation varied.

Are attitudes determined by location? Differences in perceptions of asylum seekers between residents of two Zagreb neighbourhoods

Based on two theoretical approaches—contact theory and threat perception theory—in combination with meaningful encounter and media perspective and using the example of two neighbourhoods in Zagreb, this paper aims to explore several issues related to asylum seekers: (1) the definition and perceptions of asylum seekers expressed by locals; (2) attitudes towards asylum seekers in relation to vicinity to an asylum seeker centre and contact with asylum seekers on the neighbourhood level; and (3) the relationship between attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. The survey was conducted in the period of November 2015 to January 2016, using a systematic random sample (N = 299) in two selected neighbourhoods of the City of Zagreb: Dugave and Trnje. Each neighbourhood represents a specific surrounding in relation to the proximity of asylum seekers. In terms of location and contact with the asylum seekers, significant differences were found in all obtained latent dimensions of attitudes towards asylum seekers and attitudes based on locational attributes regarding asylum seeker reception: Dugave residents (located closer to the reception and accommodation centre) expressed, in general, more negative attitudes towards asylum seekers and their reception in Croatia than their counterparts in Trnje. The specific timeframe (the 2015–2016 sequence usually referred to as “European Migration Crisis”) and the spatial context chosen for conducting the survey allows for spatialised and comparative findings. The discussion further develops the perceptive role played by media in a context of highly-mediatised migration, and the nature of contact in shaping more positive or negative attitudes towards refugees and migrants.

Perceptions and intentions toward medical assistance in dying among Canadian medical students

BackgroundMedical assistance in dying (MAID) was legalized in Canada in 2016. As of July 2017, approximately 2149 patients have accessed MAID. There remains no national-level data on the perspectives of future physicians about MAID or its changing legal status. We provide evidence from a national survey of Canadian medical students about their opinions, intentions, and concerns about MAID.MethodsFrom October 2016 to July 2017, we distributed an anonymous online survey to all students at 15 of Canada’s 17 medical schools. The survey collected data on respondent socio-demographic characteristics, features of their medical education, intentions for medical practice, and perspectives on MAID. We analyzed responses using univariate descriptive and stepwise multivariate logistic regression.ResultsIn 1210 completed surveys, 71% of respondents reported being willing to provide MAID under a legal framework that permits it. Non-religious respondents reported greater willingness to participate in MAID than respondents of any religious affiliation (p < 0.001). Frequency of religious attendance was inversely associated with willingness to provide MAID (p < 0.001). Medical students born in Québec were more willing to provide MAID than respondents from other provinces (OR 2.21; p < 0.001). Age, sex, socioeconomic status, year of medical study, previous academic major, and rural/urban city of birth were not associated with willingness to provide MAID.ConclusionAs the current class of medical students becomes the first cohort of new physicians to enter Canada’s changing medical and legal landscape around MAID, our findings inform the public debate by examining attributes associated with support or opposition to the practice.

Attitudes Toward Smoke-Free Casino Policies Among US Adults, 2017.

Research shows that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and that eliminating smoking indoors fully protects nonsmokers from indoor SHS exposure. Casinos often allow smoking indoors and can be a source of involuntary SHS exposure for employees and visitors. We examined attitudes toward smoke-free casino policies among US adults. During June and July 2017, we used a web-based survey to ask a nationally representative sample of 4107 adults aged ≥18 about their attitudes toward smoke-free casinos. Among 4048 respondents aged ≥18, a weighted 75.0% favored smoke-free casino policies, including respondents who visited casinos about once per year (74.1%), several times per year (75.3%), and at least once per month (74.2%). Although the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents who favored smoke-free casino policies varied, the majority in each group, except current smokers (45.4%), supported smoke-free policies. Allowing smoking inside casinos involuntarily exposes casino employees and visitors to SHS, a known and preventable health risk. Further assessment of public knowledge and attitudes toward smoke-free casinos at state and local levels may help inform tobacco control policy, planning, and practice.

Effect of Nursing Intervention on Knowledge about Genital Hygienic Practices Regarding Vaginal Infection among Intrauterine Device Users and Non-Users

Background: Vaginal infection is a part of reproductive tract infection recognized as a major problem for women's health. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of nursing intervention on knowledge about genital hygienic practices regarding vaginal infection among intrauterine device users and non-users. Methods: A quasi experimental interventional research design with pre/post-tests. The study was conducted at the family planning outpatient clinics in Zagazig university hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of a total of 90 women who was recruited according certain inclusion criteria. The study sample was divided into two groups; first group women who used intrauterine device (48) and the second group women who used other contraceptive methods (non IUD users (42). Two tools were used: Tool I: A structured interview schedule; it consisted of three parts: First part: deals with socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, the second part: current contraceptive data while the third Part: To assess women’s knowledge regarding genital hygienic practices. Tool II: High vaginal swab specimen. Results: The study finding revealed that 79.1% of IUD users complain from vaginal discharge as compared to 54.7% in other methods and Escherichia coli was the most common organism in both groups with a higher percentage in IUD users group than non IUD users (37.5% & 16.6% respectively). Additionally, statistically significant improvements were detected in total knowledge score among the studied sample regarding to their genital hygienic practices through the intervention phase's dimensions as well as in total at the post-intervention phase .p<0.001 Conclusion: Implementation of planned educational intervention was effective as a method to improve the knowledge of studied women as regards genital hygienic practices. Recommendations: Health education and training intervention about genital hygienic behavior should be provided to all nurses worked in primary health care services to improve women’s knowledge.

The importance of understanding the connection between the characteristics and motivation of visitors

The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics and motivations of event visitors. The goals are to systematically identify socio-demographic characteristics of visitors to tourist events and identify key motivation for visiting tourist events. In addition, the research aims to investigate the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics of visitors and their motivations for visiting a tourist event. The research was conducted among the visitors of a tourist event (103 respondents), using the survey method and a pre-designed structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted in April 2017, during the duration of an event which is held every year in the city of Zagreb in the Republic of Croatia. The results of the conducted research have shown significant differences between the different socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and their motivations. Thus, women are more highly motivated by a desire for cultural experiences (34%), while men are motivated the most by curiosity/desire for new experiences (45%). Furthermore, correlation analysis has led to the conclusion that there is a significant correlation between motivation domains and the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents (gender, age and education). Understanding the visitors’ characteristics and event motivations could serve as a useful tool for event managers. It could help them to develop and manage events, with the aim of improving the event offering to meet the needs and demands of different visitors. Given the growing importance of events as an enrichment element of the tourism offering, this research can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

АНАЛІЗ ДЕЯКИХ ПРОБЛЕМ ПІДГОТОВКИ ОФІЦЕРІВ ЗАПАСУ У ВІЙСЬКОВОМУ ІНСТИТУТІ: ПІДСУМКИ СОЦІОЛОГІЧНОГО ОПИТУВАННЯ

The article identifies the problems of completing the Armed Forces of Ukraine with officers. The problems have been identified in the light ofthe tasks that the armed forces are facing at this time. Recent studies and publications related to the training of reserve officers have beenanalyzed. Sources of staffing of foreign countries' military officers are briefly discussed. We used the system of the general scientific methods of theoretical and empirical research, in particular, the theoretical-methodological analysis of the problem and the relevant scholarly resources, systematization and generalization of the scientific information pertaining to the essence and content of the set objectives, monitoring of the existing system of military specialists training in the Armed Forces of the republic of Belarus, cientific generalisation, the general scientific methods of logical and comparative analysis, systems approach, peer review, analysis andinterpretation of the obtained theoretical and empirical data.According to the results of a sociological survey of a group of students of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev studying under thereserve officers training program, some problems of organization of military training were considered. In planning the sociological survey, all questions were summarized in six main blocks: Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents; Student motivation to make the decision to study under the Reserve Officers program and the main factors that influenced this decision; The correspondence of the specialty in which the student studies, the military specialty in which he undergoes military training; Military formations and other power structures of Ukraine, in which students plan to go to military or civil service after graduation; Conditions under which students agree to go to military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine after graduation; Measures to be taken to improve the quality of student training in the Reserve Officers Training Program. The main indicators that characterize these blocks are identified.The military training of students is an important component for staffing military units and creating a mobilization reserve for the armed forces, both in foreign countries and in Ukraine. Taking into account the results of the sociological survey and the experience of foreign countries, the following proposals have been made to build a two-tier system of training of reserve officers in Ukraine: The first level is the military-wide training of the NCO during the first year of training and the three-week training course. Students who have successfully mastered the first-level program are awarded the military rank of "junior reserve sergeant" and are certified as a platoon commander. Second level - training of reserve officers during the second year of training and 30 days of military training. Continuation of military training may be applied on a competitive basis by students who have a higher rating based on the results of the first stage of preparation.

Contraceptive use and associated factors among sexually active female adolescents in Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ashanti region-Ghana.

IntroductionUnintended pregnancies and adolescent childbearing are on the increase in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, 14% of adolescents aged 15-19 are already mothers or pregnant with their first child. Most of these pregnancies are associated with poor outcomes such as miscarriages, stillbirths, unsafe abortions and other complications that might result in infant or mortality. In addition, sexually-active adolescents (16-19 years) are at higher risk of contracting STIs. Evidence suggest that contraceptive use help reduce fertility rate and adolescent reproductive health. This study therefore sought to understand the magnitude and associated factors that influence female adolescents' use of contraceptive in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ghana.MethodsA descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study design was used for this study. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from randomly sampled 200 sexually active female adolescents; aged 16-19 for a three month period; June to September 2017. The questionnaire elicited data on the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, their knowledge and perception, use of contraceptives and factors influencing their contraceptive use. Data were analyzed using STATA version 12.1 software.ResultsNinety-five percent of the respondents exhibited some knowledge about contraceptives, but this high knowledge did not translate into its use as the prevalence rate was 18%. Condom was the most widely used contraceptive (33%) and perceived side effects of contraceptives was found to be the main reason for not using the contraceptives (53.66%). Marital status and the participants who were staying with both parents were found to be associated with contraceptive use with their p-values of 0.023 and 0.002 respectively.ConclusionConsidering the fact that contraceptive knowledge does not necessarily translate into use, further studies (qualitative), are needed to understand why high knowledge levels are not associated with high usage patterns.

Pharmaceutical Care Practice in Community and Institutional Drug Retail Outlets of Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia.

BackgroundPharmaceutical care (PC) practice in Ethiopia is not well developed and is at its infant stage. As a result, very little is known about the level of involvement of pharmacy professionals in PC activities.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess PC practice at drug retail outlets (DROs) of Gondar town and to identify factors associated with it.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 pharmacy professionals working in 55 DROs located in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Data on sociodemographic characteristics of respondents, their involvement in PC activities, handling of drug-related problems (DRPs), and consultation with colleagues and other health-care providers were collected and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.ResultsMajority of study participants were degree holders in pharmacy (68.7%) and work in community DROs (78%). Over half of the respondents (56.5%) were found to practice good PC, asking at least 3 of their last 5 patients what the goal of their drug therapy was. Nearly a quarter (24%) of pharmacy professionals did not document the desired therapeutic objectives for all the 5 patients they served. Handling of DRPs is poor for majority (76%) of the pharmacy professionals. Respondents working in the community DROs and diploma holders are poorly involved in PC activities. Age < 30 years, male sex, and working in the community DROs are significantly associated with poorer relation with colleague and other health-care providers.ConclusionsPharmacy professionals working in DROs of Gondar town have little involvement in the provision of PC. Especially, their handling of DRPs is very poor. The level of involvement of pharmacy professionals on some types of PC services was significantly associated with their sex, age, working site, and level of education.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Assessment of Women Attending a Religious Program in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

The burden of cardiovascular diseases in developing countries is alarming and needs urgent attention. The study assessed the prevalence of Cardio Vascular Disease risk factor among women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study design was a descriptive cross sectional survey conducted in Ado - Ekiti, Nigeria. Participants recruited for the study through simple random sampling were 426 women who were in a religious outreach program. Interviewer administered semi – structured questionnaires were used to collect information on respondents socio-demographic characteristics, past medical history, nutritional status (using dietary recall), and behaviors related to lifestyle. A general physical examination was done and anthropometric measurements taken from each respondent. The examinations collected data on, blood pressure, weight and height. Blood specimen (5 ml whole blood) was collected from each respondent for laboratory tests such as random blood sugar (RBS) and serum cholesterol levels. Data from the clinical examinations and laboratory tests were then used to categorize respondents as hypertensive, diabetic, obese and hyperlipidemic. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and level of significance was set at p values < 0.5. A total of 426 respondents participated in the survey of which 64.8% were between 40 -59 years with a mean age of 51.7 ± 11.9 years. A high proportion (81.7%) of respondents had formal education. Most of the respondents (95%) claimed to be employed. About 51.4% of the respondents reported history of substance use. The most commonly consumed by respondents were “bitter kola” (31.7%) and “kolanut” (9.9%). About 5% of respondents either smoked or took substances containing nicotine e.g. “snuff “. Nearly a quarter, 23.2% of respondents claimed that they have ever used herbal (traditional) medicine (23.2%) to take care of health issues as the need arises. About 9.2% of respondents claimed that they occasionally consumed alcoholic drinks. About 49.5% of the respondents were found to have poor medical history. While majority (73.9%) of the respondents had normal blood pressure (BP), 12.0% and 14% were either pre-hypertensive or hypertensive. Majority of the respondents, 61.2%, were reported obese with a BMI exceeding 25. About 63.4% of respondents had high serum cholesterol while 2.1% reported smoking habit. There were significant cardiovascular risk factors found among women studied.

Relationship between Type D personality and dropout from dental treatment in middle-aged adults.

Type D personality-the tendency toward combined negative affectivity and social inhibition-is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Although Type D personality has been linked to low adherence to diabetic care, it is unclear whether it is related to adherence to dental therapy. Thus, study examined the relationship between Type D personality and withdrawal from dental therapy. A web-based questionnaire was used to compare a treatment dropout group (n = 225) and maintenance group(n = 236). The questionnaire was designed to assess Type D personality traits, reasons for dropout, and respondent sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes. There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of the two groups. However, the proportion of respondents with a Type D personality was significantly larger in the dropout group than in the maintenance group (P = 0.04). The most common reasons for dental therapy dropout were "improvement of symptoms" (46.2%) and "busy with business or study" (30.7%). The most frequent attitude reported in the dropout group was negative feelings toward dental practice. In conclusion, Type D personality might be related to dropout from dental therapy.

Assessing Knowledge of Hypoglycemia Symptoms among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Using Insulin, Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Hypoglycemia is a traumatic dilemma that has a critical impact on not only the patient’s quality of life but also their families and communities. Improving Patient’s awareness and knowledge regarding hypoglycemia symptoms is crucial to avoid serious implications like loss of consciousness and even death. Objective: This study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge of hypoglycemia symptoms and source of diabetes information among insulin users type 2 diabetes. Methods: A single centre, hospital-based, analytical, and cross-sectional study was carried out among diabetic patients using insulin attended to Ribat University Hospital Diabetes Clinic (RUHDC), Khartoum State, Sudan during a period of study. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and the patients’ knowledge regarding hypoglycemia symptoms was assessed whether good, medium or poor. Data were analyzed, using (SPSS). Descriptive (frequencies) and inferential statistics (association used chi-square) were used at a level of confidence p ≤ 0.05. Results: A majority of patients (52%) had poor knowledge of hypoglycemia symptoms and the common symptoms known to patients were hands tremor (67.2%), blurred vision (52.8%) and sweating (65.6%). No associations were found among hypoglycemia symptoms knowledge, socio-demographic and diabetes duration. Only (25.6%) had regular visiting to educating center and physicians were the major source of diabetes knowledge (74.4%). Conclusion: This study proved low patients hypoglycemia symptoms knowledge and physician were the main sources of information about diabetes at RUHDC. Further ideas are required in collaboration and integrated approach to filling the gap of patients’ awareness and multidisciplinary team in diabetes management.

Factors Affecting Effective Dissemination of Peace and Order Ordinances to Punong Barangays in Maria

The study measured the factors affecting effective dissemination of peace and order ordinances to punong barangays in the Municipality of Maria Aurora, Aurora Province, Philippines. The study used predesigned survey questionnaires and key informants in the gathering of data. The questionnaire distribution was based on purposive sampling. The participants are thirty-four (34) punong barangays. The barangay is the smallest political unit in the Philippines. The data gathered are treated with frequency distribution and weighted mean. The factors of dissemination are: a) socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, b) information sources, c) strategies and channels of communication are measured. In general, participants’ level of interest towards new legislation is positive. However, a slight divergence is noticed in the case of upland barangays as they manifested little awareness on the existing peace and order ordinances. Thus, it is recommended that effective dissemination strategies be adopted and information materials be developed to improve dissemination of new ordinances. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in information dissemination is highly recommended.

Knowledge and attitude of essential newborn care among postnatal mothers in Bangladesh

Purpose Neonatal mortality rate is 24 deaths per 1,000 live births in Bangladesh and most of them die during early neonatal period. The purpose of this paper is to assess the knowledge and attitude of neonatal care practices among postnatal mothers in a tertiary care hospital in order to provide a basis for the development of strategies to improve further. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh using a convenient sampling technique. In total 211 postnatal mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and χ2 test was used to analyze the data. Findings Among mothers, 37.9 percent were aged between 16–20 years; 16.1 percent had no institutional education; 55 percent were primipara and only 26.5 percent had attended antenatal visit for more than four times. Mothers had apparently good knowledge and attitude about thermoregulation, early initiation of breast-feeding, importance of providing colostrum to the newborn, exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) up to six months of age and immunization at birth. However, this study identified knowledge gap about cord care, eye care, first bathing and hygiene practices. Overall, only a small proportion of respondents had good level of knowledge (37 percent) and attitude (47.4 percent) on newborn care. Highly significant statistical association was found between the knowledge, attitude level and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Knowledge and attitude were strongly associated as well. Research limitations/implications There is scope for improvement by providing health education to antenatal and postnatal mothers. Therefore, implementation of the guidelines outlined in the Maternal and Child Handbook (MCH) is highly recommended. Originality/value There is scope for improvement by providing health education to antenatal and postnatal mothers. Therefore, implementation of the guidelines outlined in the MCH is highly recommended to enhance the knowledge and attitude on newborn care among postnatal mothers.

Qualitative Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Services: The Stakeholders’ Point of View in Support of Landscape Planning

In the last decades, the ecosystem services (ES) concept has become one of the main challenges of study and discussion in the scientific community. The quantitative and qualitative assessment of ES is as a tool to address forest management planning on a local scale. Forest landscape management planning is the most suitable level for integrating social needs and demands in the enhancement of different forest ES. Some regions in Italy have developed forest landscape management plans taking into account the social preferences for the different ES. In this paper, we refer to five case studies in three pilot areas in Italy. A survey collected and analyzed the opinions and preferences, from 362 stakeholders, for ten ES included in three categories (provisioning, regulating and cultural services). The main aim of this study is to understand what type of variables (study area, the groups of interest and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents) most influence stakeholder preferences for ES. The results show that for the sample of stakeholders involved in the survey, the most important ES category is regulating services followed by cultural services. In addition, the results show that the group of stakeholders’ interest is the most important variable influencing their preferences for ES.

Folk taxonomy and traditional uses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces by the sociolinguistic groups in the central region of the Republic of Benin

BackgroundCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume crop grown in the central region of the Republic of Benin. However, its production declined in recent years to the extent that its diversity is being threatened with extinction. Understanding the folk nomenclature and taxonomy, as well as use values that allow its maintenance in Beninese agricultural system, is a prerequisite to develop efficient strategies for its conservation. Knowing that each sociolinguistic group develop various uses and traditional knowledge for their crop genetic resources, we hypothesized that enhancement of farmers’ livelihood, thanks to the use values of common bean landraces, differ from one sociolinguistic group to another and contribute to their conservation in the traditional agriculture of central Benin.MethodsHundred and one common bean producers belonging to seven sociolinguistic groups selected through 23 villages of the region under study were surveyed. Data were collected through participatory research appraisal tools and techniques (individual interviews and direct observation) using a semi-structured questionnaire. Folk nomenclature and taxonomy of common bean, local uses, and factors affecting them were investigated.ResultsAcross the seven sociolinguistic groups surveyed in the study area, five common bean generic names and 26 folk varieties corresponding to 12 landraces have been recorded. Folk nomenclature and taxonomy were mainly based on seeds’ coat color. The present study has revealed five common bean use values in the study area (food, medicinal, commercial, fodder, and mystic-religious), which are influenced by sociolinguistic groups. Leaves, roots, and seeds of three common bean folk varieties are used by surveyed farmers for disease treatment. Nine common bean folk varieties are considered by farmers as magical plants which have supernatural properties while several taboos for deities’ followers regarding Séssé landrace are inventoried across sociolinguistic groups. Level of education and age of respondents influence positively and significantly medicine and mystical-religious uses of common bean respectively while commercial use is positively influenced by age and negatively by gender.ConclusionsTraditional values associated with common bean landraces in the central region of the Republic of Benin increase their chance of survival in the farming systems. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents which influence common bean use values must be taken into account in future programs of conservation. However, an assessment of diversity and analysis of distribution of extend of common bean landraces in the study area is a necessity for the development of an efficient strategy of conservation of this genetic resource.

Factors associated with the consumption of traditional foods in central Mexico

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors associated with the consumption of traditional foods (TFs) in central Mexico.Design/methodology/approachA total of 512 surveys were applied to consumers in central Mexico. The survey included a free word association with TF and an example, the food choice questionnaire, and the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. A binary logistic regression was carried out comparing regular TF consumers with non-regular TF consumers.FindingsMen tend to eat TFs in more regular way than women. People with heavier consumption habits associate TF with “authenticity/way of doing”, “origin” and “habit”, which are reinforced both by TF examples and the FCQ variables. Foods considered traditional were classified as cooked (elaborated under specific recipes of gastronomic heritage) and uncooked. Both groups comprise central foods, basic in the Mexican diet, in which maize, chili and beans are outstanding.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not comprehend the whole country and not consider specific food categories.Practical implicationsProvides important information on the factors that drive consumption of TFs in Mexico, information that may be useful in valorisation processes.Social implicationsResults may support the commercialisation of these foods, and lead to an improvement in the livelihoods of producers of TFs.Originality/valueIn Mexico, the study of consumers has not been addressed. Therefore, this is a pioneer study that documents the factors associated with the consumption of TFs.

Correlation between workplace stressogenic factors and sociodemographic characteristics of employees in primary and secondary health care in Doboj region

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Introduction. This paper is concerned with a comparative analysis of sociodemographic characteristics of the employees and workplace stressogenic factors in both primary and secondary health care. The assessment of the connection of stress factors, as well as subjective feelings of health workers, to their workplace was carried out. Methods. The study included 300 respondents, out of which 42.33% worked in primary and 57.67% in secondary health care. The data were collected from May to June 2016 by means of the survey conducted in the health care institutions in Doboj region. Results. The comparison of employees in primary and secundary health care, respectively, showed that there was no statistically significant difference in gender, age and total work experience in the health care institutions, while the differences in levels of education (p=0.044); the sector in which the working status is based (p&amp;amp;lt;0.000); total work experience (p=0.002) and job positions (p=0.020) were statistically significant. The analysis of answers provided by the respondents showed a statistically significant difference in the distribution of respondents working in primary and secondary health care according to the answers to 76% of questions related to workplace stressors, 86% of questions related to the impact of workplace on the health status, and 40% of questions related to workplace position issues. The correlational analysis between sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and their answers concerning workplace stressogenic factors demonstrated that the employment sector (public/private sector jobs) correlated highly with the majority of stressogenic factors, followed by total work experience, total work experience in the current health care institution, age and marital status. There was the highest correlation between employment sector, as well as work experience, and the answers to the questions concerning the effect of workplace on the health status. Conclusion. Workplace stressors have varying intensity and influence on the employees in primary and secondary health care. Secondary health care respondents experience a higher degree of stress and estimate that the job has a greater negative impact on their health in comparison with primary health care respondents.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Metadata Correction: Mobile Phone Ownership Is Not a Serious Barrier to Participation in Studies: Descriptive Study

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.8123.].

Cost of malaria treatment and health seeking behaviour of children under-five years in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

BackgroundThere is limited knowledge on cost of treating malaria in children under-five years in northern Ghana which poses a challenge in determining whether interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) have reduced the economic burden of malaria to households or not. This study examined the malaria care seeking and cost of treatment in children under-five years in the Upper West Region of Ghana.MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional, quantitative design and data were collected between July and August 2016 in three districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A total of 574 women who had under-five children were interviewed. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, malaria seeking patterns for under-five children with malaria as well as direct medical and non-medical costs associated with treating under-five children with malaria were collected from the patient perspective. Analysis was performed using STATA 12.ResultsOut of 574 women visited, about 63% (360) had children who had malaria and sought treatment. Most treatment was done at formal health facilities such as the health centres (37%) and the CHPS (35%) while 3% had self-treatment at home. The main reason for choice of place of treatment outside home was nearness to home (53%). The average direct medical and non-medical costs associated with treating an under-five child with malaria were US$4.13 and US$3.04 respectively. The average cost on transportation alone was US$2.64. Overall, the average direct medical and non-medical cost associated with treating an under-five child with malaria was US$4.91(range: minimum = US$0.13 –maximum = US$46.75). Children who were enrolled into the NHIS paid an average amount of US$4.76 compared with US$5.88 for those not enrolled, though the difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.15).ConclusionsThe average cost to households in treating an under-five child with malaria was US$4.91. This amount is considerably high given the poverty level in the area. Children not insured paid a little over one US dollar for malaria treatment compared to those insured. Efforts to improve enrolment into the NHIS may be needed to reduce the cost of malaria treatment to households. Construction of more health facilities near to community members and at hard to reach areas will improve access to health care and reduce direct non-medical cost such as transportation costs.