Use Of Mobile Clinics Research Articles

Utilization of Adolescent-Friendly Health Services in Mathare Informal Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya: Cross-sectional Study

Adolescent-friendly health services are essential for addressing the unique health needs of young people, particularly in informal settlements where access to quality healthcare is often limited. This study examined the utilization of AFHS among adolescents in the Mathare informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on socio-demographic characteristics, health system factors, and adolescents' perceptions of service quality. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of adolescents aged 15-19 years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while logistic regression identified factors associated with AFHS utilization. Results showed significant associations between adolescent education level (χ2 = 4.54, p=0.033), type of school attended (χ2 = 24.05, p=0.001), religion (χ2 = 16.32, p=0.001), parent’s living status (χ2 = 28.71, p=0.001), and parent’s occupation (χ2 = 24.76, p=0.0001), as well as father’s (Fisher's exact p=0.001) and mother’s education levels (Fisher's exact p=0.001) with AFHS utilization. Health system factors, including waiting time (Fisher's exact p=0.049) and staff communication (χ2 = 63.22, p=0.0001), were also significantly associated with AFHS use. Additionally, the opportunity to ask questions in nearby health facilities was linked to higher utilization (χ2 = 20.42, p=0.0001). Perceived health risks among adolescents were significantly associated with AFHS use (Fisher's exact = 0.004). Key barriers identified included limited accessibility, insufficient healthcare worker training, and concerns about confidentiality. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, comprehensive policies by the MOH, improved resource allocation, and specialized training for healthcare workers. The study recommends the use of mobile clinics, awareness campaigns, and peer education programs to enhance service utilization. Collaborative efforts between AFHS centers, community leaders, schools, and youth organizations are essential for improving access and addressing socio-economic barriers in informal settlement

The Effect of Commuting Patterns on HIV Care Attendance Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in Atlanta, Georgia.

BackgroundTravel-related barriers to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care, such as commute time and mode of transportation, have been reported in the United States.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to investigate the association between public transportation use and HIV care attendance among a convenience sample of Atlanta-based, HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), evaluate differences across regions of residence, and estimate the relationship between travel distance and time by mode of transportation taken to attend appointments.MethodsWe used Poisson regression to estimate the association between use of public transportation to attend HIV-related medical visits and frequency of care attendance over the previous 12 months. The relationship between travel distance and commute time was estimated using linear regression. Kriging was used to interpolate commute time to visually examine geographic differences in commuting patterns in relation to access to public transportation and population-based estimates of household vehicle ownership.ResultsUsing public transportation was associated with lower rates of HIV care attendance compared to using private transportation, but only in south Atlanta (south: aRR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.56, 1.0, north: aRR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.71, 1.1). Participants living in south Atlanta were more likely to have longer commute times associated with attending HIV visits, have greater access to public transportation, and may live in areas with low vehicle ownership. A majority of attended HIV providers were located in north and central Atlanta, despite there being participants living all across the city. Estimated commute times per mile traveled were three times as high among public transit users compared to private transportation users.ConclusionsImproving local public transit and implementing use of mobile clinics could help address travel-related barriers to HIV care.

Panel 3: Speaker 2

Panel 3: Speaker 2

Rehabilitation Facilities in Ontario

Rehabilitation centres in Ontario were surveyed and categorized as in-patient and outpatient services, specialized centres for particular diseases, and vocational retraining centres. It is evident that many gaps exist in the pattern of rehabilitation facilities and services in the province. In some areas the facilities are grouped too closely together, necessitating transport of patients from great distances. The serious shortage of trained personnel is noted. There is little provision for mentally ill patients in existing rehabilitation centres. The use of mobile clinics is discussed. There is no evidence of duplication of services among those at present available.