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At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kenya Ministry of Health instituted movement cessation measures and limits on face-to-face meetings. We explore the ways in which female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi were affected by the COVID-19 control measures and the ways they coped with the hardships. Forty-seven women were randomly sampled from the Maisha Fiti study, a longitudinal study of 1003 FSWs accessing sexual reproductive health services in Nairobi for an in-depth qualitative interview 4–5 months into the pandemic. We sought to understand the effects of COVID-19 on their lives. Data were transcribed, translated, and coded inductively. The COVID-19 measures disenfranchised FSWs reducing access to healthcare, decreasing income and increasing sexual, physical, and financial abuse by clients and law enforcement. Due to the customer-facing nature of their work, sex workers were hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions. FSWs experienced poor mental health and strained interpersonal relationships. To cope they skipped meals, reduced alcohol use and smoking, started small businesses to supplement sex work or relocated to their rural homes. Interventions that ensure continuity of access to health services, prevent exploitation, and ensure the social and economic protection of FSWs during times of economic strain are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assessing nurses ’knowledge about non-pharmacological measures to control hypertension in Basra educational hospitals. Data were collected through a questionnaire of 50 samples that included two axes, The demographic information for nurses and the second their scientific knowledge through a group of questions amounting to 20 questions. The results showed that the nurses answers regarding weight reeducation in over weight individual is needed to reduce high blood pressure, 96% were correct, with highly significant mean of score 2.94, regular physical activity is need to reduce high blood pressure 88% with significant mean of score 2.76. Also, t relaxation techniques such as shopping, watching a movie, meditation and sitting on the beach can reduce high blood pressure were 80%, with significant mean of score 2.68. While the nurses had non correct answer regarding the person’s dependence on a diet Rich in saturated fats, found in animal products, does not affect his high blood pressure, by 70%, with non-significant mean of score 1.86 The study concluded that nurses' knowledge of non-pharmacological measures to control high blood pressure summarizes that the majority of nurses were aware of the importance of non-pharmacological measures to control high blood pressure, and despite this, more knowledge about this must appear through conducting educational courses, educational programs and publication Paying attention to diet in hospitals and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visit compliance and its relation with various parameters of Diabetes are less explored in developing countries like India. Present study aimed to assess visit compliance, its relationship with various predictors of diabetes. 180 patients with confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus were considered for this study from four town of Gujarat state. Through self-reporting, demographic information, compliance details and visit process was studied. Predictors were identified through assessing distribution pattern using Chi square test and logistic regression using EPI Info. P<0.05 and P<0.0001 were considered to be the criteria for significant and highly significant association. 180 patients consented to be the part of the study. Mean age for the study population was 55.47 ± 12.06 years. It was found that there was no correlation between glycemic goals and visit compliance. Drug intake, exercise and diet modification were found to be predictors for visit compliance. However, comprehensive information about the disease was shared in only 37% patients. The elaborated counselling at the time of visit about diabetes, its self-management and possible co-morbid conditions with investigating information needs from the subjects is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator‐associated pneumonia is common and associated with high mortality. Nurses play a fundamental role in preventing ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Evidence‐based guidelines and training interventions about preventing ventilator‐associated pneumonia do not ensure compliance with recommendations. Aims and objective: To evaluate the impact of nursing workload on compliance with non‐pharmacological measures to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Design A prospective observational study in two medical‐surgical adult ICUs in Spain. Methods: We measured nurses' knowledge about preventing ventilator‐associated pneumonia through a questionnaire and workload, categorized with the Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score. We directly observed nurses to measure compliance with non‐pharmacological measures to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Results: A total of 97 nurses were studied; 76 (79%) were observed. There were 327 observations (mean 4·30 observations per nurse). The questionnaire showed good baseline knowledge of preventive measures [mean score (92% ± 16%)]. Nurses complied with the preventive measures in 66% ± 15% of observations; compliance ranged from 11·9% for pre‐aspiration hand washing to 99·7% for using sterile aspiration probes. Mean Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score for each nurse observed was 50 ± 13, without differences between centres (49 ± 14 versus 51 ± 11, p = 0·4). Overall compliance was lower in the light workload group (p = 0·02), but no significant differences in compliance between workload groups were found when each measure was analysed separately. Compliance was higher in nurses aged 31–40 years than in those aged >51 years, although workload was similar in both groups. Conclusions: Compliance with non‐pharmacological measures to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia varies widely; non‐compliance is not because of increased workload. Relevance to clinical practice: Most critical care nurses have good baseline knowledge of non‐pharmacological measures to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Failure to comply with these measures is probably more related with behavioural, structural and organizational aspects than with nursing workload. Interventions to improve compliance might be more effective if they focus on factors such as work climate and professionals' attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delirium is a poor recognized and common disease where early identification is of great importance due to its accompanying morbidities. The main objective of this study was to prove implementation of an educational program to health care professionals as an effective strategy to reduce delirium incidence and to help in early detection. Material and methods: A preventive program was developed based on non-pharmacological measures and with support from patient relatives consisting in educational sessions, didactic material and questionnaires as well as specific strategies for all patients above 65 years old admitted to the hospital and within inclusion criteria. results: 189 patients were included in the study where just one developed delirium despite the non-pharmacological preventive measures. Two evaluations were made to physician and nursing personal before and after implementation of the program where an improvement in ability to identify disease was seen (initial 22% versus 94%; p=0.000). After a year of beginning implementation of the program the reduction in the incidence of delirium in the study group was statistically significant respect to previous incidence reported in the hospital (10% versus 0.5%; p= 0.0001) Conclusions: Implementation of a delirium preventive program was feasible. As the satisfactory results in our study it is recommended to be considered for implementation in all hospitals in order to reduce incidence of delirium and its morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in preventing cases of influenza requiring hospitalization. Methods: We performed a multicenter case-control study in 36 hospitals, in 2010 in Spain. Hospitalized influenza cases confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and three matched controls (two hospital and one community control) per case were selected. The use of non-pharmacological measures seven days before the onset of symptoms (frequency of hand washing, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and handwashing after touching contaminated surfaces) was collected. Results: We studied 813 cases hospitalized for influenza and 2274 controls. The frequency of hand washing 5-10 times (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.65) and >10 times (aOR=0.59) and handwashing after contact with contaminated surfaces (aOR=0.65) were protective factors and were dose-responsive (p<0.001). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers were associated with marginal benefits (aOR=0.82). Conclusions: Frequent handwashing should be recommended to prevent influenza cases requiring hospitalization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Guidelines on heart failure (HF) stress the importance of lifestyle advice, although there is little evidence that such recommendations improve symptoms or prognosis. Patients experience symptoms of different intensities which impair their daily activities and reduce the quality-of-life. To cope with their clinical condition, many patients seek advice about lifestyle and self-management strategies when in contact with medical care providers, particularly specialized HF services. Self-care management is an important part of HF treatment, thus health professionals working with patients with HF have recognized the need for more specific recommendations on lifestyle advice. The present paper summarizes the available evidence, promotes self-care management, and aims to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to HF patients. It also defines avenues of research to optimize self-care strategies in a number of key areas to derive further benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: There are limited data on recall and implementation of lifestyle advice in patients with heart failure (HF). Aim: To investigate what advice patients with HF recall being given, and whether they report following the advice they remember. Methods and results: 3261 patients with suspected HF participating in the EuroHeart Failure Survey were interviewed by a health professional 12 weeks after hospital discharge. Patients recalled receiving 46% of pre-specified items of advice and 67% reported that they followed these completely. Both recall (53%) and implementation (71%) was best in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). In multivariate analysis, younger age, male sex, patient awareness of the condition and patients reporting that they received a clear explanation of the diagnosis by a health professional, all factors associated with having LVSD, were the strongest predictors of recall. Conclusions: Recall of and adherence to advice by patients with HF in this large European cross-sectional survey was disappointing. Responsibility for patient education lies with health professionals who should ensure that patients receive and understand advice, and are able to recall and follow it. A greater awareness of the issues surrounding lifestyle advice and more evidence supporting its value could improve patient care. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]