Healthcare in Low-resource Settings

Sociodemographic correlates of dietary habits among university students of health sciences in Kosovo

Naim Jerliu — 2024-09-26

We aimed to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of selected dietary habits among students of health sciences in Kosovo. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2024, including 470 students of health sciences (≈86% females; mean age: 20.7±2.7 years; response rate: 70%). Information on selected dietary habits and sociodemographic factors of the students was gathered. Independent positive correlates of a lower fruit intake (<1 time/day) included male gender (OR=2.3, 95% CI =1.3-4.2) and a lower economic level (OR=1.5, 95% CI =1.0-2.3). Furthermore, positive independent correlates of a higher frequency of consumption of fried foods (≥1 time/day) included male gender (OR=2.2, 95% CI =1.2-4.1), urban residence (OR=1.6, 95% CI =1.0-2.6) and a lower economic level (OR=1.7, 95% CI =1.0- 2.7). Conversely, excessive salt intake was positively and strongly correlated to a lower economic level (OR=3.5, 95% CI =2.1-6.0), but inversely related to students’ age (OR=0.4, 95% CI =0.2-0.9). Male gender and particularly a lower economic level were strong correlates of poor dietary habits among university students in Kosovo. Targeted interventions are needed to address dietary habits among youths, with a focus on providing support and resources to economically disadvantaged individuals.

Distribution of the pattern, incidence, and determinants of sexually transmitted infections among patients attending Adari Hospital, Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Melese Birmeka — 2024-09-27

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) cause serious medical and psychological health problems in Ethiopia and vary in different localities. Thus, this study aimed to investigate patterns, status, and the association of sexually transmitted infections and local risk factors in the patients attending Adari Hospital. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2021 to June 2022. Systematic simple random sampling was used to select a total of 385 patients. In addition, five years of retrospective data were collected. Data were collected through blood tests, urethral and vaginal discharge swabs, structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Variables with p-values less than 5% are considered as significant. The overall prevalence of sexually transmitted infections was 74.4%. The odds of STIs in patients who were urban, single, presence of two and above sexual partners, illiterate, sexual intercourse without using a condom, and sex after drinking alcohol and chewing khat were more likely to be infected with STIs as compared with their counterparts. STIs were highly prevalent and one of the health challenges of Hawassa city.

Anxiety among nurses in caring for COVID-19 patients: a qualitative study

Sri Eka Wahyuni — 2024-07-25

This study aimed to explore anxiety among nurses in caring for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. A qualitative descriptive design was used and the number of participants was 13 nurse managers selected using the purposive sampling method. Data collection was conducted using in-depth interviews coupled with a tape recorder and camera following the consent of participants, while framework analysis was used to analyze data. The results showed that participants, comprising 12 females and one male, had work duration in the range of 1-10 years. The identified five major themes included: i) anxiety response, ii) risk factor, iii) protective factor, iv) interventions, and v) anticipated support from nurses. Nurses were found to experience anxiety when caring for COVID-19 patients, underscoring the need for mental health and psychosocial support to reduce risk factors, increase protective factors, and improve coping mechanisms, fostering resilience. The results provided data to help nurses overcome anxiety when facing cases of infection such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study offered valuable insights for the government and hospitals in establishing policies regarding the importance of mental and psychological health support to maintain the well-being of nurses.

Self-efficacy in older adults with depression: a qualitative study

Tri Nurhidayati — 2024-07-25

Older people suffering from depression often exhibit low selfefficacy, which causes them to quickly give up on challenges caused by various problems related to ageing, such as physical, social and mental aspects, including depression, which ultimately impact their quality of life and productivity. Depression in the elderly is caused by physical, psychological, and social interactions with other people, especially caregivers in nursing homes. This study employed a phenomenological approach to analyse self-efficacy among older adults suffering from depression through qualitative inquiries. The participants who met the inclusion criteria lived in nursing homes for more than one year and experienced depression. In-depth interviews were conducted using a structured guide with a general self-efficacy scale (GSES), Indonesian version. The study was conducted in an older adult nursing home in 2022 with 14 older adults. The results were divided into four themes – accompanying performance, vicarious learning, verbal encouragement and emotional states – and indicated that older adults with depression experienced poor self-efficacy and described how to cope with poor self-efficacy.

Risks associated with laser radiation reflections in a healthcare environment: a surface reflectance study in the range 250 nm – 25 μm

Giacomo Insero — 2024-07-25

Biomedical applications relying on optical radiation, particularly with the advent of lasers, have experienced exponential growth in the last 20 years. Powerful optical sources are now found not only in universities, hospitals, and industries but also in beauty centers, used for tasks such as tattoo removal, and even in our homes. Despite their widespread use, managing the risks associated with lasers, particularly in non-research contexts, has not kept pace with their proliferation. While the risks associated with direct exposure to radiation to the eye and skin are relatively well understood, the hazards posed by reflected and diffuse radiation remain less characterized and monitored. Therefore, there is a critical need to assess potential eye and skin hazards in spaces where lasers and non-coherent light sources are used. This necessitates a detailed analysis of reflective surfaces, with particular emphasis on evaluating their reflectance characteristics at relevant wavelength ranges. This study investigates the reflectance and transmittance (where relevant) properties of commonly used materials in biomedical settings, including fabrics, plastics, and metals, across a broad spectrum from 250 nm (UVA) to visible light and into the infrared (IR) region up to 25 μm. Both specular (at 45° incidence) and diffuse reflectance spectra were measured using spectrophotometric techniques and used to provide a straightforward parameter to classify the specular/diffusive behavior of the different surfaces. Besides, small-angle reflectance measurements in the IR range were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The knowledge of the material optical properties used in environments where optical radiation is employed allows for accurate assessment of associated risks. This facilitates the determination of appropriate preventive measures and the establishment of safer protocols, for both operators and, where applicable, patients and the general public. For this scope, the creation of a database of material reflective properties has been initiated.

Health impact of security agents’ COVID-19 lockdown control tactics on citizens of north-central Nigeria: evidence and policy options

Chukwuka Eugene Ugwu — 2024-07-25

The COVID-19 lockdown control tactics used by security agents on the citizens of north-central Nigeria were studied for their effects on health The convenience sampling method was employed to select six states of the study area. Due to the nature of the data collected, quantitative data analysis was limited to percentages, while state-by-state evaluation was used to summarize qualitative data sources. Additionally, hospital records from five privately owned and two government-owned hospitals in each of the study area’s states were generated, for a total of 42 hospitals sampled for the research. The obtained medical records demonstrate that the COVID-19 lockdown control actions by security agents have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of the citizens in the study area. Amputation (0.27%), bacterial vaginosis (3.43%), coughing (11.16%), cataracts in the eyes (7.69%), etc., were reported. There was an association found between victims’ health issues and security agents’ use of force. Proposed were reforms and least invasive methods of managing public health, including social marketing, education, democratic policing tactics, and facilitation engagement.

Application of foot massage therapy to reduce pain scale of elderly with rheumatoid arthritis

Nadi Aprilyadi — 2024-07-31

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by systemic inflammation, joint damage, and persistent pain, particularly in older adults. The debilitating nature of RA significantly impairs individuals' quality of life, leading to diminished independence and increased reliance on pharmacological interventions. While pharmaceutical treatments play a crucial role in managing RA symptoms, complementary and alternative therapies, such as massage, have garnered attention for their potential to alleviate pain and improve overall well-being. This study adopts a descriptive approach to examine the efficacy of foot massage as an intervention for RA-related pain in older adults. Two participants diagnosed with RA were selected for the case study. Family nursing care principles were integrated into the intervention to provide holistic support. Pain scale assessments were conducted before and after each foot massage session to measure changes in pain intensity. Analysis of the data revealed a significant reduction in pain intensity among participants following the foot massage sessions. Pain levels decreased from moderate to mild, indicating the efficacy of foot massage in alleviating RA-associated pain in older adults.The findings of this study support the notion that foot massage can serve as a viable intervention for managing RA-related pain in older adults. The mechanisms underlying the efficacy of foot massage, including its ability to stimulate vasodilation and enhance endorphin production, highlight its potential therapeutic benefits for individuals grappling with RA. Foot massage emerges as a promising adjunctive therapy for alleviating pain and improving the well-being of older adults living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Integrating foot massage into holistic care approaches can enhance pain management strategies and contribute to the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this debilitating condition. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and optimal frequency of foot massage in RA management.

The effect of spiritual emotional freedom technique impact to pain in cervical cancer post-chemoradiation: a review article

Hamidah Hamidah — 2024-07-22

Chronic pain that is subjective is experienced by patients with advanced cervical cancer. Simple movements are used in spiritual emotional freedom technique (SEFT) therapy, a therapeutic approach that improves performance and achievement, addresses psychological and physical pain issues, and promotes happiness and serenity in life. In this systematic review study, we evaluate how SEFT affects patients with cervical cancer who have had chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Using databases from 2003 to 2023, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, and Ovid, this study employs a systematic review methodology. The keywords “spiritual emotional freedom technique (SEFT)”, “emotional freedom technique (EFT)”, and “cervical cancer” form the basis of the search strategy. Experiments and observational studies with a minimum sample size of two participants involving patients with cervical cancer meet the inclusion criteria. The results show that among patients with post-chemoradiation cervical cancer, SEFT therapy is beneficial in lowering pain, stress, and depression. Cancer patients who experience pain may see a reduction in their quality of life as well as physical health issues. Cervical cancer patients can experience marked improvements in their pain, stress, and depression when the SEFT therapy theory is applied.