WHO Standard Questionnaire Research Articles

The Risk Factors for Workplace Violence Against Nurses and the Prevention Strategies in Public Health Facilities in Anambra State

Aim: This study determined the risk factors of workplace violence against nurses and the prevention strategies in public health facilities in Anambra State. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted in conducting the study among nurses working at public secondary and tertiary levels of care facilities in Anambra State. The multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 5 facilities and a sample size of two hundred and ninety-two nurses. The research instrument was adapted from the WHO standardized questionnaire on workplace violence and the Statistical Software Package version 16.0 was employed for the data analysis. Results: The results revealed that the highest risk factor for the nurses’ experience of workplace violence was staff shortage followed by prolonged waiting time and reporting workplace violence is the highest preventive strategy for workplace violence. Conclusion: The menace of workplace violence against nurses will be curtailed by mitigating the risk factors and implementing preventive strategies.

Assessment of Caries Prevalence and Related Risk Factors Among a Group of Lebanese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study

Objectives: The study aimed to assess dental caries prevalence and its associated risk factors for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among different age groups. Material and Methods: Forty-five children with autism aged between 3-16 years matched to 45 healthy children were selected. Children were recruited from autistic centers/schools in Saida, South Lebanon. Each child assessed for caries prevalence and risk factors using DMFT/dmft indices and the WHO standardized questionnaire. Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation test, and One Way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc tests were used. Statistical significance was set at 95%. Result: DMFT/dmft scores in non-ASD group were 0.85±1.53 and 2.15± 3.03 respectively and in ASD group were 0.72±1.34 and 1.87±3.09 respectively with no significant difference in both groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Preventive dental programs targeting autistic children and their parents/caregivers are needed to enhance their oral health status and general well-being.

Exclusive breastfeeding among beneficiaries of a nutrition enhancement programme and its associated factors in Ghana.

Despite the gains on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), recent nationwide surveys have consistently revealed a decline in EBF rates in Ghana. The World Food Programme implemented an intervention for Enhanced Nutrition and Value Chain (ENVAC) which was based on three pillars including pregnant women, lactating women, adolescent and children under two years old being beneficiaries of the third pillar since the first 1000 days are critical for averting malnutrition. The social behavior change communication (SBCC) interventions implemented as part of this project have a potential to increase EBF among beneficiaries but this has not been measured. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of EBF practice among mothers with children under two years old who were beneficiaries of the ENVAC project and its associated factors in northern Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study involving 339 mother-child pairs in two districts of the northern region of Ghana. Participants were mother-child pairs who benefitted from the ENVAC project, which used SBCC strategies to promote good feeding and care practices as well as address other causes of malnutrition during antenatal care and child welfare clinic services among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under two years. We used WHO standard questionnaire to assess breastfeeding practices. Factors associated with EBF were modelled using multivariable logistic regression. Exclusive breastfeeding was 74.6% (95%CI = 69.5% -79.2%) in the ENVAC project areas, a 31.7% points higher than recent national levels. Adjusted analyses showed that EBF practice was associated with increasing maternal education: moderately educated women [aOR = 4.1 (95% CI = 2.17-7.66), P<0.001], and high [aOR = 9.15, (95% CI = 3.3-25.36), P<0.001], and access to pipe-borne water in households [aOR = 2.87, (95% CI = 1.11-7.43), P = 0.029]. A social behaviour change communication strategy implemented by ENVAC to lactating mothers likely improved exclusive breastfeeding practice in two districts of northern Ghana. EBF practices were higher among beneficiaries with high education and households with access to pipe-borne water. A combination of SBCC strategies and maternal and household factors are likely the best way to increase EBF rates in impoverished communities and warrants further investigation through future research.

Knowledge and Practice of Healthcare Workers about Hand Hygiene in Khartoum Oncology Hospital, 2021

Background: Hand hygiene is widely recognized as a simple way to prevent infection transmission to patients or among health care providers and adherence to its measures is associated with a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity. Despite this, many studies conclude that hand hygiene compliance is suboptimal. This study aims to assess compliance of healthcare workers to hand hygiene measures in Khartoum oncology hospital. Method: A cross-sectional hospital-based descriptive study was conducted during the period from December 2021 to July 2022 on a sample of 109 health care workers [doctors and nurses]. Hand hygiene knowledge and practice of health care workers were measured using a structured, pretested, administered questionnaire, modified from the WHO standardized questionnaire for HH knowledge and observation technique with a checklist was used to collect data on the practice. The data is analyzed by frequency tables. The Chi-square test is used to determine associations among categorized variables. All statistical tests were considered significant when the p value was 0.005. Result: Of the 109 participants, 56% had not received formal hand hygiene training in the last three years. 18.3% did not use alcohol for hand hygiene in their practice. Regarding participants' knowledge of the importance of hand hygiene, 97.2% considered it an important tool for infection prevention. Practice wise, 60% of participants did not wash their hands before touching the patients, while 20% of them used the same glove for more than one patient. A significant statistical association was found between the routine use of alcohol and receiving formal training in hand hygiene in the last three years (p-value 0.004). Conclusion: The overall use of alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene was high, in spite of low training programs in the last three years. There is a huge shortage of soap and alcohol in working places. Developing a training program will help magnify the use of alcohol for hand hygiene

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension among Pregnant Women Attending Aldayat and Saad Abu Elela Teaching Hospital Khartoum State -2020

Background: Pregnancy induced Hypertensive are the major causes of severe acute morbidity, long-term disability and death among mothers and babies. The worldwide prevalence of pre-eclampsia is 5–10%.&#x0D; Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the prevalence and associated factors of pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women attending Aldayat and Saad Abu Elela Teaching Hospital Khartoum State-2020.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This descriptive hospital-based study was conducted in Aldayat and Saad Abu Elela Teaching Hospitals, the study covered all pregnant women in a period of two months from January to February 2020 to obtain a sample size of 239 pregnant women. Data were collected using WHO standardized questionnaire after modification to suit the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) version 23. The association between different variables was checked using the chi-square test, P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among pregnant women was 7.5%. The distribution of prevalence of hypertension associating to age group among those affected: 44.4% among age group 18-30 years old then 33.3% among age group less than 18 year old and 11.1% in both group 31-45 and &gt;45 years old , respectively. The study revealed that the associated factors of hypertension among pregnant women were: Family history and first relative relationship, number of pregnancies, follow-up blood pressure during pregnancy, with 39%, 100.0%, 44.3%,100.0% , respectively, socio-demographic characteristics such as education level illiterate 5.5% khalwa 27.7% primary/basic 5.5% intermediate/secondary 25.5% university/post-university 33.3%),employment status employed 41%, Not employed 59%,nature of work sitting 27.8% Stand22.2%, Moved33.3%, all mentioned 16.7%,no. of hours per shift4 hours 11.7% 5-8 hours 56.1% &gt; 8 hours 32.2%, family monthly income in SDG&lt; 1500 31.1%, 1500-3500 38.9%, &gt; 3500 29.7%. From the interview with Medical Director and the Metron the main factors associated with hypertension were: family history, nutrition status, the number of pregnancies and obesity. The statistics showed a strong association between blood pressure among pregnant women from a side and education level, the number of pregnancies, follow-up during the pregnancy and family history from another side with P-value = 0.01, 0.02, 0.01 , 0.026 , 0.02 , respectively. There was no association between employment status, nature of work, increase of blood pressure during and before pregnancy, knowledge and time of diagnosis from a side and hypertension among pregnant women from another side with P-values (0.4, 0.47, 0.38, 0.42, 0.35) , respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence of hypertension among pregnant women associated with many factors such as: family history, age group, and follow-up during pregnancy, level of education, so based on the findings the study recommended that the pregnant women should be sensitized on the preventive measures for managing high blood pressure, health and nutrition education including physical education for all pregnant women with particular emphasis on the most affected age group, and there must be continued follow-up.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension among Pregnant Women Attending Aldayat and Saad Abu Elela Teaching Hospital Khartoum State -2020

Background: Pregnancy induced Hypertensive are the major causes of severe acute morbidity, long-term disability and death among mothers and babies. The worldwide prevalence of pre-eclampsia is 5–10%.&#x0D; Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the prevalence and associated factors of pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women attending Aldayat and Saad Abu Elela Teaching Hospital Khartoum State-2020.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This descriptive hospital-based study was conducted in Aldayat and Saad Abu Elela Teaching Hospitals, the study covered all pregnant women in a period of two months from January to February 2020 to obtain a sample size of 239 pregnant women. Data were collected using WHO standardized questionnaire after modification to suit the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) version 23. The association between different variables was checked using the chi-square test, P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among pregnant women was 7.5%. The distribution of prevalence of hypertension associating to age group among those affected: 44.4% among age group 18-30 years old then 33.3% among age group less than 18 year old and 11.1% in both group 31-45 and &gt;45 years old , respectively. The study revealed that the associated factors of hypertension among pregnant women were: Family history and first relative relationship, number of pregnancies, follow-up blood pressure during pregnancy, with 39%, 100.0%, 44.3%,100.0% , respectively, socio-demographic characteristics such as education level illiterate 5.5% khalwa 27.7% primary/basic 5.5% intermediate/secondary 25.5% university/post-university 33.3%),employment status employed 41%, Not employed 59%,nature of work sitting 27.8% Stand22.2%, Moved33.3%, all mentioned 16.7%,no. of hours per shift4 hours 11.7% 5-8 hours 56.1% &gt; 8 hours 32.2%, family monthly income in SDG&lt; 1500 31.1%, 1500-3500 38.9%, &gt; 3500 29.7%. From the interview with Medical Director and the Metron the main factors associated with hypertension were: family history, nutrition status, the number of pregnancies and obesity. The statistics showed a strong association between blood pressure among pregnant women from a side and education level, the number of pregnancies, follow-up during the pregnancy and family history from another side with P-value = 0.01, 0.02, 0.01 , 0.026 , 0.02 , respectively. There was no association between employment status, nature of work, increase of blood pressure during and before pregnancy, knowledge and time of diagnosis from a side and hypertension among pregnant women from another side with P-values (0.4, 0.47, 0.38, 0.42, 0.35) , respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence of hypertension among pregnant women associated with many factors such as: family history, age group, and follow-up during pregnancy, level of education, so based on the findings the study recommended that the pregnant women should be sensitized on the preventive measures for managing high blood pressure, health and nutrition education including physical education for all pregnant women with particular emphasis on the most affected age group, and there must be continued follow-up.

Occupational Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospital Health Care Workers: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at a particular high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to direct and indirect exposure to COVID-19 patients and Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs). The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients, to evaluate the adherence and effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, to describe the clinical presentation for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs and to determine serological responses in HCWs. Methods: HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients during the previous 14 days with a confirmed case status were recruited as cases; HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients during the previous 14 days in the same ward without a suspected/probable/confirmed case status were recruited as controls. Serum samples were collected as soon as possible and after 21–28 days from all participants. Data were collected with a WHO standardized questionnaire as soon as possible and after 21–28 days. Results: All social, occupational and personal variables considered were not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Our study showed a high knowledge of IPC measures and very high PPE use among HCWs.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors (screen time and homework) among overweight or obese adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study in Yazd, Iran

BackgroundThe growing number of adolescents who are overweight or obese (OW / OB) is a public concern. The present study was aimed to evaluate physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) (screen time (ST) and homework time (HT)) among Yazd OW/OB adolescents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed among 510 students aged 12-16 in Yazd, Iran. The general information, PA, and SB (ST and HT) were collected by interview based on the WHO standard questionnaire. Anthropometric data were assessed by precise instruments. Daily energy intake (Energy) was obtained from a 7-day food record. Nutritionist 4 software (version I) was run to estimate the energy.ResultsThere was a high prevalence of SB > 2h/day (97.6), ST > 2h/day (70.3%), overweight or obesity (40%), abdominal obesity (36.9%), physical inactivity (29.8%) among the students. The younger age (p = 0.014), energy (p < 0.001), no access to the yard (p < 0.001), family size ≤ 2 (p = 0.023), passive transportation, (p = 0.001), the highest school days’ HT (p = 0.033) and SB (p = 0.021), and the highest weekends’ HT among the students were the risk factors for OW/OB. The highest PA level was associated with a lower risk of OW/OB (p < 0.001). The findings were not the same in both sexes. Compared to the normal weight students, OW / OB spent more time on school days and weekdays for ST (P <0.001), HT (P <0.001, P = 0.005) and SB (P <0.001), respectively. OW/OB students showed a higher weekends’ ST (p < 0.001) and lower HT (p = 0.048) than normal-weight students.ConclusionThe prevalence of SB, ST, OW/OB, and physical inactivity were common. The school days and weekends’ HT, the school days’ SB and HT, age, energy, PA, and access to the yard, family size, and passive transportation were related to the greater chances of OW/OB students. Given that the expansion of online education and self-isolation in a new situation with COVID-19, it seems we will meet the worrying results.

Smoking intervention programme for male secondary-school students in south-western Saudi Arabia

A one-day antismoking programme was conducted for 289 students in a male secondary school in Abha, Saudi Arabia. The one-group pretest/post-test design to evaluate the programme was based on an Arabic version of the WHO standard questionnaire for young people. The results showed that the prevalence rate of regular smoking was 14.5%. The students showed marked variability in correct responses to various factual items. The programme had a significant impact on nonsmokers [P &lt; 0.01] and prespecialty students [P &lt; 0.01]. With the exception of smokers, the students showed an overall positive attitude towards public action, but the impact of the one-day programme was less than satisfactory

Pattern of Tobacco consumption among urban slum population in Jammu region: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction:Consumption of tobacco leads to a myriad of ill effects among the smokers as well as those in their proximity. The study related to tobacco consumption was conducted among individuals over 15 years of age, residing in urban slums.Objective:To assess the pattern of tobacco consumption in urban slum population, using WHO standardized questionnaire which is Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS); questions related to tobacco from the surveys, which are the subset of GATS 2nd Edition key questions.Materials and Methods:The present study was observational cross-sectional in nature which was conducted over a period of 6 months i.e., from September 2019 to February 2020 in urban slums of Trikuta Nagar, urban health training centre which is a field practice area of Postgraduate Department of Community Medicine, GMC Jammu. The information about the tobacco consumption was gathered by interview sessions after taking consent from all the participants. Totally, 718 individuals were met, out of which, 539 were over 15 years of age and 510 agreed to participate in the study.Results:36% (maximum) belonged to 36-45 year age group and lowest (3%) among individuals >66 years. 48% prevalence of active smoking; maximum indulgence (53%) observed in 36-55 year group. Highest exposure to passive smoking seen in 56-65 year group (75%). 45% prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption, highest in 56-65 year group (72%), lowest in 15-25 year age group (17%).Conclusion:Regular conducting of IEC activities for generating awareness with the strict implementation of tobacco control measures by the government needs to be carried out as urban slum population is a vulnerable group and most susceptible to the vicious cycle of disease and poverty.

Correlation of the Dimensions of Organizational Justice and Responsibility in Hospitals

Background and Objectives: organizational justice is employees’ perceptions of fairness and equity in their behaviors and relationships so this perception can be effective in responding to patients. Accordingly, this study aimed to decide the correlation between the dimensions of organizational justice and responsibility at affiliated hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2015. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study performed on 342 patients and staff with direct relation to patients. Niehoff and Moorman’s questionnaire and WHO standard questionnaire used to measure justice and responsibility. Data analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (t-test, ANOVA and Pearson) with SPSS software. Results: The mean and standard deviation of justice and responsibility was obtained 62.70±15.23 and 105.16 ± 18.75. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between justice dimensions and responsibility so that the weakest and strongest relationship was obtained between distributive justice and Quality of Basic Amenities and interactional justice and dignity. In addition, there was no significant relationship between demographic variables and justice, and only type of insurance and academic degree had a significant relationship with responsibility. Conclusion: The results showed that the level of responsibility could be improved by improving employees' perceptions of justice. This will lead to a better vision of the hospital in the minds of patients, which will increase the ability to attract customers. Therefore, it is recommended to managers to enhance the responsibility by organizational justice, especially equity in resource distribution.

Utilization of Closed Circuit Television in Improving Nurse's Compliance on Hand Hygiene in Budhi Asih Hospital Jakarta

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Health-care associated infections (HAIs) &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="SV"&gt;are infections&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;occur&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;r&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;ing &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;in&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;hospitalized patients.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="SV"&gt;The most effective way to prevent &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;HAIs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="SV"&gt;is &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;through&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="SV"&gt;hand hygiene. However, hand hygiene compliance in health workers is still low. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;This research aimed to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;u&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;nderstand&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;the&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;association between CCTV&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;utilization&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;as &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;reminder tool &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;in&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;improving the nurses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;'&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;hand hygiene compliance&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;in Budhi Asih&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;Hospital&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Jakarta. The study &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;used a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;quantitative&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;method by&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;a quas&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;i-&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;experimen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;tal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;approach. The 60 subjects &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;were&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;divided into two groups:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;T&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;reatment and Control Groups based on their workplace. Quantitative data w&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;ere&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;obtained by filling&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;-&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;in a WHO-standardized questionnaire and observing each group before and after an intervention. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;Data were &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;analyzed by univariate and bivariate analyses with chi&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-ID"&gt;-&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;square test and multivariate analysis with logistic&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;regression test&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nurses' hand hygiene compliance through CCTV observation in Budhi Asih Hospital was 57%. The use of CCTV as reminder media significantly improved hand hygiene compliance (p = 0.002), compliance to 6 steps (p = 0.002) and compliance to the standard time of hand hygiene (p = 0.003). There was no significant correlation between individual characteristics (sex, age, education, working experience, and infection control training participation) with nurses' compliance on hand hygiene. The use of CCTV as reminder media significantly improved nurses' compliance to do hand hygiene.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;CCTV, Reminder, Hand Hygiene, Complience. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors Among Infants and Young Children 6–23 Months in Fort Portal Kabarole District Uganda (P11-049-19)

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practices and associated factors among infants and young children 6–23 months in Fort Portal municipality Kabarole Uganda MethodsA community based cross sectional study was conducted among 206 mothers/caregivers of infants and young children 6–23 months using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Probability proportionate to population size technique was used to select study subjects. A pretested WHO standard questionnaire for measuring infant and young child feeding practices was adopted for assessing complementary feeding practices. Appropriate complementary feeding was defined as attaining both minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity in the last 24 hours. Prevalence ratios and there 95% confidence intervals were generated. Modified poisson regression analysis method was used to generate factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding. Five focus group discussions were conducted to capture participants perceptions on appropriate complementary feeding practices. ResultsThe prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding was 21.4%. Formal employment (PR: 7.05; CI:1.69-29.36), cohabiting (PR: 2.15; CI: 1.10-4.18) and having no child illness (PR: 1.85; CI: 0.88-4.35) were associated with appropriate complementary feeding. Qualitative results showed that inadequate information and low income as major challenges towards appropriate complementary feeding practices. ConclusionsAppropriate complementary feeding practices were low. unless interventions such as; health services access and women entrepreneurship are put in place, the inappropriate complementary feeding practices are unlikely to change. Funding SourcesMinistry of Health Uganda. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪▪▪

Can Shahindezh be an age-friendly city? A case study

Background: Population aging is one of the challenges of the 21st century in the world, and in Iran. Elderly people should be able to participate in social activities befitting their age and be respected. In the last ten years, following the efforts of the WHO to develop the age-friendly Program, the age-friendly community s movements have attracted the attention of policymakers. So, this study was carried out with the aim to investigate the comparison of Shahindezh city with the standard indices of Elderly-friendly City. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was implemented in 100 elders (above 60 years) referring to health centers of Shahindezh city, Nov-Dec 2018. Samples were selected through multi-stage sampling from 3 health centers of the city. Inclusion criteria were age over 60 years and living in Shahindezh. The WHO standard questionnaire was used; its validity has been confirmed. SPSS software was used to analyze the data and T-test was used to compare the mean of the indices. Results: A total of 100 elderly people participated in this study. Their average age was 72.41 ± 9.81, with the most (35%) at 65 years old. 46% of them were male. The results show that among the social, communicational, cultural-health and health indices, the highest percentage of dissatisfaction was related to the lack of computer and Internet educational facilities for the elderly, the inadequacy of urban furniture for the elderly. Also, the necessary training is not given to families for the care of the elderly. Findings also show that the average of all the criteria (social, communicative, cultural-psychological, and health) is lower than the standards. Conclusion: It is suggested that policymakers plan to increase the indices with the least average compared to the standard and thus provide welfare and health to the elderly.

The survey of quality of life, perceived stress, and its relationship with marital satisfaction in married women working at health centers.

INTRODUCTION:Employed women experience a wide range of stresses that will potentially impact on their quality of life, mental status, and marital satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the above components in employed women.METHODS:The statistical population of this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was 124 married employed women of Khorramabad Health Center. The WHO Standard Questionnaire (SF-36), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (COHEN questionnaire), Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (ENRICH questionnaire 47), and Demographic Information Questionnaire were used to collect data. Information was analyzed by SPSS software.RESULTS:Most of the participants in the research had a good (45/2%) and very good (34/7%) quality of life. Most of them reported high (57/1%) and very high (15/3%) levels of marital satisfaction. Furthermore, the majority of women participating in the study had a low level (64/5%) of perceived stress. There was a significant inverse correlation between perceived stress and marital satisfaction (r = −0/446, P < 0.001) and quality of life (r = −0/612, P < 0.05). There was a direct correlation between marital satisfaction and quality of life (r = −0/449, P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the importance of quality of life and perceived stress scores, respectively, were significant predictors of marital satisfaction score. There was no statistically significant correlation between the total score of quality of life and marital satisfaction with demographic variables; only a weak relationship was found between perceived stress and family monthly income (r = −0/184, P = 0/04).CONCLUSION:The findings of this study indicate that quality of life and perceived stress can be significant predictors of marital satisfaction in married employed women.

Estimates of the quality of complementary feeding among Vietnamese infants aged 6-23 months varied by how commercial baby cereals were classified in 24-h recalls.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) standardized questionnaire for assessing infant and young child feeding practices does not include commercial baby cereals (CBC), which are derived from several food groups and are fortified with micronutrients. We examined how different scenarios for classifying CBC affect estimates of the quality of complementary feeding in children ages 6-23 months in Vietnam in 2014 (n = 4811). In addition to the WHO standardized 24-h recall questionnaire for infant and young child feeding, we asked mothers about the consumption of CBC. The five resulting scenarios were S1 - omitted CBC; S2 - CBC classified as grains; S3 - as grains and dairy; S4 - as grains, dairy and fruit/vegetables; and S5 - as grains, dairy, fruit/vegetables and any others. Including CBC resulted in 4-11 percentage points higher in the prevalence of children who were fed each of the six food groups compared with what was reported in the WHO standardized questionnaire. Minimum dietary diversity (% fed ≥ 4 out of the 7 food groups) was higher in S5 (90%) than in S1 (84%), S2 (84%), S3 (85%) and S4 (86%). Minimum acceptable diet was also higher in scenarios S5 (80%) than in S1 (74%), S2 (75%), S3 (75%) and S4 (77%). Consumption of iron-rich foods was 94% when CBC was accounted, which was higher than the alternative scenario (89%). In summary, when CBC were included, population-level estimates of dietary quality were higher than when CBC were omitted. Guidance is required from the WHO about how to account for the consumption of CBC when estimating the quality of complementary feeding.

Estimates of the quality of complementary feeding among Vietnamese 6‐23 month olds varied by how commercial baby cereals were classified in 24‐hour recalls

The World Health Organization's (WHO) indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices do not include commercial baby cereals (CBC), which are derived from several food groups and fortified with micronutrients. We examined how different scenarios for classifying CBC affect estimates of the quality of complementary feeding in 6‐23‐month‐old children in Vietnam (n=4,767; in 2014). In addition to the standardized questionnaire from the WHO, we asked mothers about the consumption of CBC manufactured by Heinz, Hipp, Nestlé, Gerber, or Vinamilk. Five scenarios were: S1‐ omitted CBC; S2‐ classified CBC as grains; S3‐ as grains and legumes; S4‐ as grains, legumes and vegetables; S5‐ as grains, legumes, vegetables and dairy. The proportion of children fed CBC in the previous day was 16.5%. Including CBC results in a 5‐10‐percentage‐point increase in the percent of children fed each of the 7 food groups in the WHO standard questionnaire. Minimum dietary diversity (percent fed 蠅 4 out of the 7 food groups) was statistically higher in S4 (88%) and S5 (90%) than in S1 (84%) and S2 (84%). The percent who consumed a minimum acceptable diet was also statistically higher in S4 (78%) and S5 (80%) than in S1 (74%) and S2 (75%). The percent who consumed iron‐rich foods was 94% when CBC were accounted for, statistically higher than the alternative scenario (89%). To sum, when CBC were included in the 24‐hour recall and classified as grains, legumes and any other food group, population level estimates of dietary quality were higher than when they were omitted. This suggests that clearer guidance is required from WHO about how to account for consumption of baby cereals when estimating quality of complementary feeding.Funding: Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive &amp; Thrive, managed by FHI 360

Doctors’ attitudes towards the use of herbal medicine in Lagos, Nigeria

This paper is the second of a two part study looking at the integration of herbal medicine into the Nigerian Healthcare System. This study continues by establishing doctors’ attitudes towards the use of herbal medicine in Lagos and elucidating the possible factors that may limit their interest in the use of herbal medicine. A descriptive survey was carried out using a WHO standardized questionnaire to obtain the opinion of 300 resident doctors in various specialties at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The results showed that 60.0% (n=181) of the respondents were disposed towards the use of herbal medicine, 40.7% (n=122) said however that they would discourage their patients from using it. The results further showed that 62.0% (n=186) of the respondents felt herbal medicine had a positive role in patients care; should be recognized by the government 28% (n-84) and that it is generally safe for consumption by patients 60.3% (n=181). Although 41.0% (n=123) of the respondents thought herbal medicine was effective in treating chronic diseases, none of the respondents thought herbal medicine alone could completely treat a patient. None of the respondents thought the level of research into herbal medicine was adequate and the level of education for herbal medicine practitioners was thought in the main to be inadequate. Extensive research into the ethnomedicinal preparations in common use to ensure patient safety and minimize risk and an improvement of educational standards in the training of herbal medicine practitioners may be needed before total integration into the Healthcare System can be contemplated.

Towards integrating traditional medicine (TM) into National Health Care Scheme (NHCS): Assessment of TM practitioners’ disposition in Lagos, Nigeria

The WHO has proposed the organisation and training of practitioners of TM for PHC (primary health care) services to enable the use of traditional systems of medicine with appropriate regulations based on national health systems. Thus, the traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) are presently employing a series of strategies to ensure integration of their practices into the National Health Care Scheme (NHCS). This study determined the knowledge of TMPs about their practices. It also assessed their disposition towards ensuring safety measures in their practices towards subsequent integration into NHCS. A descriptive survey was carried out using a WHO standardized questionnaire to obtain the opinion of 170 volunteer TMPs knowledge about their practice in Awolowo market, Odi-Olowo, Lagos, Nigeria. A few (18%) of the respondents believed that herbal preparations have adverse effects. The results further showed that the respondents (64%) were disposed to scientists investigating their herbal preparations. The majority (54%) have the intention to collaborate with orthodox medical practitioners if they have the opportunity. The respondents (76%) believed that levels of education may have roles to play in their practices, while 59% of them have intention to improve their educational status. The Government should ideally constitute a body that will facilitate the integration of TM into NHCS as proposed by the WHO, in order to make health care much more effective in the near future. Traditional and Western medicine are individual valid treatment options, yet each has its limitations and neither of them has all the treatment answers. This integration may enhance safety use of herbal remedies and appropriate practice of TM.

Health and functional status among older people with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the health and functional status of older people who either themselves are HIV infected or are affected by HIV and AIDS in the family. This aim of this study was to describe health among older people in association with the HIV epidemic.MethodsThe cross-sectional survey consisted of 510 participants aged 50 years and older, equally divided into five study groups including; 1) HIV infected and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 1 year; 2) HIV infected and not yet eligible for ART; 3) older people who had lost a child due to HIV/AIDS; 4) older people who have an adult child with HIV/AIDS; 5) older people not known to be infected or affected by HIV in the family. The participants were randomly selected from ongoing studies in a rural and peri-urban area in Uganda. Data were collected using a WHO standard questionnaire and performance tests. Eight indicators of health and functioning were examined in an age-adjusted bivariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsIn total, 198 men and 312 women participated. The overall mean age was 65.8 and 64.5 years for men and women respectively. Men had better self-reported health and functional status than women, as well as lower self-reported prevalence of chronic diseases. In general, health problems were common: 35% of respondents were diagnosed with at least one of the five chronic conditions, including 15% with depression, based on algorithms; 31% of men and 35% of women had measured hypertension; 25% of men and 21% of women had poor vision test results. HIV-positive older people, irrespective of being on ART, and HIV-negative older people in the other study groups had very similar results for most health status and functioning indicators. The main difference was a significantly lower BMI among HIV-infected older people.ConclusionThe systematic exploration of health and well being among older people, using eight self-reported and objective health indicators, showed that basic health problems are very common at older ages and poorly addressed by existing health services. HIV-infected older people, however, whether on ART or not yet on ART, had a similar health and functional status as other older people.