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The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system is designed to continuously identify and review all maternal deaths. It aims to help countries understand the scale and distribution of maternal deaths, identify their causes, and inform corrective measures to address the challenge. Despite the growing adoption of the MDSR by numerous low- or middle-income countries, its implementation faces various challenges, including legal ones. This scoping review was conducted to map legal issues and challenges that arise during the implementation of the MDSR. It adapted the Bain and Kongnyuy framework, categorizing legal issues into data, people, use of findings, and legal regulation. Literature was retrieved from seven databases, complemented by additional online searches. We included studies published in English between 2010 and November 2022 that report on legal issues arising during the implementation of MDSR. Out of 1174 studies screened, 31 were selected for review. The review highlighted the limited attention given to the legal dimension of the MDSR by the research community. It also documented the lack of adequate legal framework essential for the system's effective implementation. Inadequate safeguards for informational privacy and the lack of confidentiality reinforce a prevalent sense of being blamed, mainly among health workers. Consequently, widespread under-reporting and intentional misattribution of causes of maternal death, defensive referrals, and disengagement from the MDSR process were reported. We recommend that implementing countries regulate the gathering and use of MDSR data through appropriate laws and legally ensure that the MDSR data are only used for the intended purpose. Appropriate complaint-handling mechanisms are needed in health systems to prevent the misuse of the MDSR. Future studies on MDSR implementation would benefit from involving legal experts, considering the multifaceted legal dimensions of the MDSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Search Strategy Selection Criteria Data Collection and Analysis Main Results Conclusions Training health workers might facilitate respectful maternity care (RMC); however, the content and design of RMC training remain unclear.To explore the content and design of RMC training packages for health workers in sub‐Saharan Africa.MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science Core Collections, SCOPUS, and grey literature sources (including websites of RMC‐focused key organizations and Ministries of Health) were searched for journal papers, reports, and training guides from January 2006 up to August 2022.There were no restrictions on study designs, language, or health‐worker cadre. Two reviewers independently screened results.Key data, including training content and methods used, were extracted and summarized.Thirty‐two citations from 26 studies/programs were identified (24 journal papers, 5 manuals/guides, 2 reports and 1 PhD thesis), with 27 citations from 22 studies informing the review findings. About half of all conducted studies were from East Africa. The most common topics in RMC trainings were communication, privacy and confidentiality, and human resources. Most trainings were multicomponent and appear to be largely in‐service training. Health workers providing direct care to women, compared with non‐clinical staff such as receptionists and cleaners, were the only recipients of training in most studies (81.8%). Two broad categories of training methods/tools were identified: workshop‐based and action‐based. Over 90% of the studies assessed impact of the training, with a majority focused on impacts on maternal health and care; however, half of the latter studies did not appear to have feedback mechanisms in place for implementing change.The content and design of RMC training in sub‐Saharan Africa are multifaceted, suggesting the complexity of implementing/promoting RMC. Some progress has been made; however, missed opportunities in training remain with respect to study populations, training topics, cadres, and feedback mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare providers (HCPs) practice and correct management of suspected malaria (CMSM) are central components of malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment (POR) in countries in the elimination phase. However, knowledge of malaria surveillance systems and HCPs practices often wanes in countries aiming to eliminate malaria due to the low numbers of cases. The study aimed to implement a valid Simulated Malaria Online Tool (SMOT) for assessment HCP performance in CMSM and POR in a malaria-free area. Methods: HCPs were evaluated using SMOT tool based on four criteria including presenting a suspected malaria case for detection of HCPs' failures in recognition (a), diagnosis (b), appropriate treatment (c), and urgent reporting (d); and compared with simulated patients (SP). Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of HCPs failures. Results: The overall failure proportion was 237 (83%), and the majority of failures were in recognition (a). There was no significant difference between the SMOT and SP based on all failure criteria (P > 0.05). The private clinic (93%) and the public specialized clinic (70%) had the highest and lowest failure proportions. After passing the recognition stage (a), the overall failure proportions decreased to 47.8% and 25.0% for total HCPs and infectious disease specialists, respectively. In the final analysis, private sector (AOR = 4.36: 1.25–15.2), not-specialist providers (AOR = 2.84: 1.29–6.25) and HCPs with ≥ 5 years' experience (AOR = 2.03: 1.01–6.25) increased the risk of failure. Conclusion: Findings confirmed the implementation of SMOT tool in settings where malaria transmission is low or interrupted. The tool is able to identify sub-groups of providers needing strengthening, and contributes to the prevention of malaria re-establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study is to explore how socioenvironmental factors may potentially impact health outcomes across different groups of health workers (HWs). Method: Data from the California Healthy Places Index (HPI) and administrative dataset including 12,715 HWs were analyzed using analysis of variance and two-step cluster analysis to evaluate variations in socioenvironmental factors across 11 HW job categories. Results: While physicians had the highest average HPI percentiles (69th percentile) across almost all HPI components, the lower-wage HWs consistently ranked below the state average (50th percentile). Overall, the HPI percentile was lowest for environmental living conditions and pollution for all HCWs (30th percentile). The education (52nd percentile) and economic components (59th percentile) were higher than the state average. Conclusions: The findings from this highlight the importance of socioenvironmental determinants of health-informed employee wellness programs and research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious, the number of conirmed cases and death rates has increased dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world, as well as major social, educational and economic disruptions. Studies conducted in other low- and middle-income countries showed that health workers perceived the vaccine as beneicial; the beneits include preventing infection and limiting the severity of the disease. Despite myths and misconceptions which are reported to contribute significantly towards vaccine hesitancy in several African countries, there is a scarcity of systematic documentation of health workers and community perceptions on how the COVID-19 vaccine impacted the delivery and uptake of other services in Tanzania. Objective: This study assessed and documented health workers' and community perceived uptake and impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the delivery of other services in Tanzania. Methods: A phenomenological cross-sectional study among 632 healthcare workers at all levels and community leaders was conducted using interview guides for key informants, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions. The collected data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: In this study, six themes emerged, namely COVID-19 vaccine uptake, hesitation and awareness, COVID-19 transmission and prevention, and the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the delivery and uptake of other services. Most study participants indicated that they were aware of COVID-19 and could understand the mode of COVID-19 transmission. Participants identified several factors that contribute to vaccine hesitation in the country. Such factors included receiving mixed information on the COVID-19 vaccine, family influence and secretive manner of vaccine delivery. Participants indicated that a shortage of resources affected the delivery of other services. Nevertheless, other participants indicated that the COVID-19 vaccination program did not affect the delivery of other health services. Based on the participants' views, the country was unprepared to respond effectively to the pandemic. Conclusion: The Ministry of Health, under the communication section, should raise awareness of COVID-19 and its means of transmission. Using community leaders and champions to deliver appropriate information on COVID-19 vaccination may increase vaccine uptake and prevent misconceptions among community members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: This study investigated workplace violence (WPV) toward frontline health workers under comprehensive interventions to improve the occupational safety and health management system in a Chinese infectious disease hospital. Methods: The risk assessment of WPV using an international questionnaire was conducted in 2018 and 2021 to compare the perceived levels of exposure to WPV and intervention measures before and after the intensification of anti-violence measures in the hospital context. Additionally, qualitative data were collected in 2021 through semi-structured and unstructured interviews, providing complementary information about WPV toward frontline health workers (HWs). Results: After establishing the occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS), the total incidence rate of WPV decreased from 60.90% in 2018 to 34.44% in 2021. Psychological violence declined significantly from 60.90% in 2018 to 33.89% in 2021. The endorsement of precautionary measures increased significantly from 2018 to 2021, including patient screening recognition, patient protocol, shift or rota changes, etc. A thematic analysis of several subthemes shows that HWs had an in-depth understanding of WPV, recognizing its multifaceted consequences in the context of complex risk factors. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant decrease in WPV, psychological violence, verbal abuse, bullying/mobbing, and ethnic discrimination after implementing the comprehensive OSHMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While studies have explored various aspects of menstruation, an evident gap remains in the literature concerning the perspectives of young women and female health workers. By shedding light on this unexplored terrain, the study provides novel insights that can inform targeted interventions and foster a more inclusive understanding of menstrual health. As such, this investigation stands at the forefront of academic endeavour in menstrual health research, making an original and valuable impact in the field. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of reproductive-aged women during menstruation in Malawi. The specific objectives were to examine the experiences of reproductive-age women related to menstrual preparation, identify factors influencing the choice of menstrual products for women in Malawi, and identify the public health implications of menstrual products. Design: This cross-sectional study employed qualitative research methods to explore the acceptance and implementation of menstrual cups as a feminine hygienic product for women in Malawi. Methods: The study involved focus group discussions and interviews with reproductive-age women aged 18–54 years and health providers at Bwaila and Mitundu family clinics and Lighthouse HIV management centres. Thematic content analysis was performed using NVivo 12. Ethical approval was obtained from the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (P.08/21/3379). Results: Education on menstruation is provided as early as 10 years before menarche by sisters, friends, mothers, aunties and grandmothers. Parents remain silent on menstrual issues. Commonly used menstrual products include disposable pads, cloths, reusable pads and cotton wool. While a few mentioned using tampons, pieces of blankets and flex foam, the majority demonstrated widespread ignorance about menstrual cups. Mentors or counsellors, affordability, accessibility, comfort and disposal issues influence women's choice of products being used. Conclusion: Parents need to break the silence on menstrual issues. Messages on menstruation and menstrual products are explicit in forming female adolescents what to expect with menarche, how to manage menses including health-related impacts, and ways of mitigating menses-related misconceptions, discrimination and stigma, and could be incorporated into the primary school curriculum. Safe menstrual products are accessible free of charge or at a subsidised cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health workers (HWs) faced considerable psychosocial hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly affected their occupational health and job performance. The potential indirect relationship between workplace violence (WPV) and burnout among HWs needs to be further explored. The purpose of this study is to examine the chain mediating effects of sleep disturbance and work ability in the relationship between WPV and burnout among HWs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary hospital two years after the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. A sample of 571 HWs was recruited using a cluster sampling method, achieving a response rate of 80.06%. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that included demographic information and measures of WPV, burnout, sleep disturbance, and work ability. Results: The prevalence rates of burnout and WPV among HWs two years after the COVID-19 outbreak were 37.30% and 31.52%, respectively. WPV was significantly associated with burnout (β = 0.446, p < 0.001). Sleep disturbance was identified as a mediator in the relationship between WPV and burnout (β = 0.063, 95% CI: 0.027–0.105), accounting for 14.13% of the total effect. Similarly, work ability also played a mediating role in this relationship (β = 0.142, 95% CI: 0.065–0.225), accounting for 31.84%. Additionally, both sleep disturbance and work ability exhibited a chain mediation effect on the association between WPV and burnout (β = 0.020, 95% CI: 0.008–0.036), and the total indirect effect accounted for 50.67%. Conclusions: Among Chinese HWs, WPV exerts significant direct and indirect effects on burnout symptoms, mediated by sleep disturbance and work ability. This finding provides valuable empirical insights for designing interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of psychosocial factors such as WPV and burnout among HWs. After exposure to WPV, measures focused on reducing sleep disturbance and enhancing work ability may prove effective in alleviating burnout in subsequent interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the association between menopausal symptoms and job satisfaction, and ascertained whether three psychosomatic factors (e.g., anxiety, depression, and sleep quality) interact with menopausal symptoms on job satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional design with sensitivity analysis was adopted. The participants of the study were clinical health workers in England. Data from 154 health workers were analyzed with the hierarchical linear regression (HLR) analysis. Results: There was a negative association between menopausal symptoms and job satisfaction (β = −0.38; t = −4.81, p < 0.001), but this relationship became non-significant after adjusting for work stress, self-reported health, job tenure, and resilience at work. An interaction between menopausal symptoms and the psychosomatic factors was found. The strength of the negative association between menopausal symptoms and job satisfaction was weakened by sleep quality (β = 0.05; t = 0.48; p > 0.05) but was strengthened by anxiety (β = −0.22; t = −2.28; p < 0.05) and depression (β = −0.24; t = −2.16; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms can be directly associated with lower job satisfaction and indirectly associated with lower job satisfaction through its interaction with depression and anxiety. Menopausal symptoms can weaken the positive association between sleep quality and job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Developmental outcomes for children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are optimised if their needs are identified early. Yet, health workers miss vital opportunities to identify and respond to FASD due to a lack of support, knowledge and skills. Methods: Through surveys and interviews, our study investigated what child and family health workers in an Australian metropolitan local health district understand, already do and want to learn about FASD. Results: The study provided evidence of low FASD knowledge and confidence and a lack of referral options with some workers 'patching together' care planning in a 'referral black hole'. Qualitative data provided insight into how skilled clinicians engage families in FASD assessment and negotiate gaps in clinical knowledge. Discussion and Conclusions: Health workers in this study requested high‐quality training and the development of FASD practice guidelines to improve role clarity and clinical impact when working with FASD populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of violence against healthcare workers in emergency departments and identify solution approaches. The research, utilizing a descriptive design, was conducted with 149 health workers employed in the emergency units of a research hospital. Data were collected using a survey form constructed based on the literature. Participants' 92.6% experienced some form of violence, with 92.8% of these individuals subjected to verbal abuse. The main causes of violence were identified as the perpetrator justifying their behaviour (42.0%), refusal of requests such as prescriptions or reports (50.0%), and dissatisfaction with treatment (41.3%). 40.6% of health workers filed a code white report, and 36.2% stated that no action was taken against the aggressor.83.9% of health workers indicated that legislation, 70.5% code white, and 55.0% reported inadequate security measures. Health workers suggested implementing deterrent penalties (18.1%) and increasing security measures (17.4%) to reduce violence. A significant difference was found between professional experience and exposure to violence, as well as the types of violence encountered. Additionally, an important significant difference was identified between the profession and the gender of the perpetrator of violence. While physicians and other professional groups are generally subjected to violence by men, nurses and midwives experience violence from both women and men, as well as both genders together (p<0.05). The study found that emergency department health workers face high rates of violence and existing measures are inadequate. In this context, it is recommended to review existing legal regulations, ensure continuous and visible security, and enhance the effectiveness of code white protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of health professionals' morale and motivation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic sparked an interest in understanding what drives workers to choose and remain motivated in the health sector. This study contributes to a better understanding of this phenomenon by specifically analyzing the sociodemographic underpinnings of health professionals' public service motivation (PSM) in Portugal. The rationale is to analyze whether PSM varies among health professionals according to gender, age, education, and managerial position in an unexplored area (health) and context (Portugal). A shorter version of the PSM scale was applied to health professionals (doctors and nurses) (n = 413). The results suggest that there are differences regarding gender and age, specifically with female and older participants presenting higher levels of PSM. The same is true for those who hold a managerial position. Our results align with patterns found in studies conducted within other cultural contexts. Most importantly, however, by exploring higher and lower PSM levels according to different sociodemographics, we provide relevant clues for future qualitative studies and formulate practical measures to tackle these issues, thereby strengthening evidence-based policy formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Healthcare providers (HCPs) practice and correct management of suspected malaria (CMSM) are central components of malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment (POR) in countries in the elimination phase. However, knowledge of malaria surveillance systems and HCPs practices often wanes in countries aiming to eliminate malaria due to the low numbers of cases. The study aimed to implement a valid Simulated Malaria Online Tool (SMOT) for assessment HCP performance in CMSM and POR in a malaria-free area. Methods HCPs were evaluated using SMOT tool based on four criteria including presenting a suspected malaria case for detection of HCPs’ failures in recognition (a), diagnosis (b), appropriate treatment (c), and urgent reporting (d); and compared with simulated patients (SP). Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of HCPs failures. Results The overall failure proportion was 237 (83%), and the majority of failures were in recognition (a). There was no significant difference between the SMOT and SP based on all failure criteria (P > 0.05). The private clinic (93%) and the public specialized clinic (70%) had the highest and lowest failure proportions. After passing the recognition stage (a), the overall failure proportions decreased to 47.8% and 25.0% for total HCPs and infectious disease specialists, respectively. In the final analysis, private sector (AOR = 4.36: 1.25–15.2), not-specialist providers (AOR = 2.84: 1.29–6.25) and HCPs with ≥ 5 years’ experience (AOR = 2.03: 1.01–6.25) increased the risk of failure. Conclusion Findings confirmed the implementation of SMOT tool in settings where malaria transmission is low or interrupted. The tool is able to identify sub-groups of providers needing strengthening, and contributes to the prevention of malaria re-establishment.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of associations between knowledge, professional ethics, institutional support, perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS-related stigma among health workers in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving health workers at public hospitals and health centers in West Sumatra in June 2022. The Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale was employed to assess the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. To estimate and evaluate the model’s ability to explain the proposed constructs, we utilized the standardized partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Results: In total, 283 individuals participated in this study (average age, 39 years). The majority were female (91.2%), nearly half were nurses (49.5%), and 59.4% had been working for more than 10 years. The study revealed that HIV/AIDS-related stigma persisted among health workers. The PLS-SEM results indicated that all latent variables had variance inflation factors below 5, confirming that they could be retained in the model. Knowledge and professional ethics significantly contributed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma, with an effect size (f2) of 0.15 or greater. In contrast, perceived and institutional support had a smaller impact on HIV-related stigma, with an effect size (f2) of at least 0.02. The R2 value for health worker stigma was 0.408, suggesting that knowledge, professional ethics, institutional support, and perceived support collectively explain 40.8% of the variance in stigma. Conclusions: Improving health workers’ understanding of HIV, fostering professional ethics, and strengthening institutional support are essential for reducing HIV-related stigma in this population.

Background. The article reviews the problem of testing the in-person version of the burnout reduction program "OsNOVA" for health workers.The aim of the work. To present the results of the program immediately after its completion and to study the sustainability of the effect.Materials and methods. As part of the program testing, 49 doctors and nurses were interviewed. The following methods were used: Maslach Burnout Inventory; Lazarus and Folkman Inventory of Coping Strategies; Beck Depression Inventory; Perceived Stress Scale 10; Short Form 12 questionnaire; mindfulness questionnaires.Results. It was found that when implementing a program to reduce the level of professional burnout in medical workers, held in-person, there is a statistically significant decrease in those subjects whose burnout was initially high. This is accompanied by an increase in mindfulness (primarily such components as Non-judgmentalism, Observation and Awareness of Actions), productive coping strategies. Health workers with a relatively low level of burnout had an improvement in a number of indicators reflecting the burnout level, as well as an increase in the quality of life. The effect achieved by the program persisted for at least three months after the end of its active part.Conclusion. The "OsNOVA" program in an in-person format can be used to prevent professional burnout of health workers. Additional work is planned for its further improvement.

Abstract Background This study examined the association between menopausal symptoms and job satisfaction, and ascertained whether three psychosomatic factors (e.g., anxiety, depression, and sleep quality) interact with menopausal symptoms on job satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional design with sensitivity analysis was adopted. The participants of the study were clinical health workers in England. Data from 154 health workers were analyzed with the hierarchical linear regression (HLR) analysis. Results There was a negative association between menopausal symptoms and job satisfaction (β = −0.38; t = −4.81, p 0.05) but was strengthened by anxiety (β = −0.22; t = −2.28; p

Background: Advancements in the medical field have made organ transplantation an attractive treatment option for patients when indicated. Shortage of organs and commodification of organs are major challenges encountered in organ donation and transplantation. These could potentially breed unethical practices, if the process is not well regulated. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers (HCWs) on the legal provisions regulating organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst physicians and nurses across Nigeria. Knowledge of legal provisions on organ donation and transplantation was assessed using a validated questionnaire that had 21 questions derived from the National Health Act. Each correctly answered question was given 1 point with a total obtainable score of 21 points. A score of ≥14 points was classified as good knowledge. P

The Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), introduced by United Nations and supported by World Health Organization to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for individuals of all ages, has become increasingly challenging to achieve. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems and overwhelmed medical resources, intensifying health inequalities worldwide. As a result, achieving SDG 3 has become more complex and difficult than ever before.1 The current state of global health reflects significant issues and gaps in achieving the SDG 3 targets. For instance, the global maternal mortality ratio, which only slightly decreased from 227 to 223 per 100,000 live births between 2015 and 2020, indicates insufficient progress towards the target of 70 per 100,000 by 2030. Additionally, while the under-five mortality rate dropped to 37 per 1,000 live births in 2022, and neonatal mortality decreased to 17 per 1,000 live births, significant disparities remain. The high rates of communicable diseases, with 1.3 million new HIV infections and 249 million malaria cases in 2022, highlight persistent global health threats. Drug treatment coverage fell from 11% in 2015 to under 9% in 2022, and vaccination rates for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles remain below pre-pandemic levels.2 These figures emphasize the need for intensified global efforts, increased investment, and focused interventions to address these disparities and achieve the SDG 3 targets. Despite significant efforts and advancements by developed nations, the overall state and dynamics of global health are suboptimal. The focus on specific health-related challenges in these countries often overshadows critical issues in developing regions, such as the lack of new treatments for tuberculosis.3 This phenomenon impedes the collective effort required to address the global health inequities and delays progress toward achieving SDG 3 targets. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the interconnectedness of the world and shown that without active and robust participation from developing countries, achieving global health targets is extremely difficult.4,5 However, involving low- and lower-middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs) in building a more resilient global health framework is a gigantic task that requires addressing the unique challenges these nations face in achieving SDG 3.6 These countries are struggling with a range of health-related challenges, including poverty, inadequate access to clean water, maternal and child health issues, and increasing prevalence of infectious and non-communicable diseases.7 Additionally, access to healthcare is uneven, leading to significant disparities among different population groups, particularly in rural areas.8,9 A major hurdle in these countries is poor governance, which obstructs effective health management and appropriate resource allocation.10 This issue is further aggravated by the inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including insufficient facilities, outdated equipment, and a significant shortage of skilled health workers, resulting in compromised quality of care.11,12 A key factor exacerbating the situation is brain drain, driven by low salaries, poor working conditions, and limited career advancement opportunities, which compel healthcare workers to leave their home countries.13 Financial constraints exacerbate these problems, limiting the capacity to invest in and sustain essential health services.14 Additionally, despite facing significant challenges in achieving the SDGs, LICs and LMICs contribute minimally to research on local issues related to achieving the SDG 3 targets, highlighting a global misalignment.11 The existing health data from local research in LMICs often raises concerns about quality and accuracy, making it risky to rely on outdated or unreliable information for aggregation, estimation, and modeling.12,15-18 Addressing these complex challenges requires a coordinated strategy that leverages local strengths and fosters international cooperation. Advancing global health in developing countries demands a comprehensive approach, incorporating innovation, local research, and effective collaboration. The post-pandemic era calls for systematic solutions through reclassifying SDG priorities, coordinating resources, and promoting collaboration across economic, technological, cultural, and political sectors.19 Prioritizing local research and development is essential for tailoring interventions to the specific health needs of LICs and LMICs, where health issues may differ significantly from those in higher-income countries.11 Local research can provide valuable insights into the unique health challenges faced by communities. While, regional and multinational collaboration can strengthen the disease control, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote collective solutions to common problems.20 Innovative financing mechanisms and broader access to affordable health insurance can significantly improve service delivery.21 Additionally, strengthening health information systems, and supporting local innovations tailored to specific needs can drive further progress.5 Tackling health inequities and investing in preventive care are crucial for reducing disparities and enhancing overall health outcomes.22 Such comprehensive efforts not only benefit local health systems but also make meaningful contributions to global health. No doubt, the journey toward achieving SDG 3 is loaded with challenges, particularly for developing countries. However, by strengthening healthcare systems, implementing good governance, fostering local research, and embracing international cooperation, these nations can overcome their own health challenges and make substantial contributions to the global health progress. The global community must recognize that the health of the world is interconnected, and the success of SDG 3 hinges on our collective efforts to support and uplift the most vulnerable populations.

Background: Violence toward health-care workers is a global health problem, usually associated with decreased job satisfaction, and poor patient care outcomes, with serious consequences for the patients. Its extent is difficult to measure due to under-reporting. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the opinion of some influential community members about violence against health workers with respect to its types, reasons, mechanisms in place, and suggestions to de-escalate it. Methods: A qualitative in-depth study was conducted with 10 key informants (including people working in judicial premises, police and military services, teachers, municipality members, and religious leaders). The discussion was conducted through a direct face-to-face interview, using a semi-structured interview guide that included open-ended questions. Results: Almost all the interviewees agreed that the main reasons for violence were the general security instability in the whole country, the poor quality of health services, weakness of laws and regulations for the punishment of the perpetrators, irresponsible behaviors of some doctors, in addition to the unexplained negative role of media toward doctors. Conclusion: workplace violence is a common, frequently happening practice in most health-care facilities in Iraq, probably attributed to the long-suffering of wars and conflicts. Shortage of staff and equipment is the base for this malpractice.

Objective (s): Considering the role of self-care in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and in order to properly increase the importance of health to society, paying attention to the self-care is a priority. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of an educational intervention in the context of social messengers on the awareness of the health workers regarding the self-care program. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 705 employees (doctors, nurses, midwives, health care workers) of health centers in Ilam province, Iran during 2020 and 2021. To collect data, a self-designed questionnaire containing 330 questions related to the 22 educational packages of the national self-care program provided by the Ministry of Health was used. The questionnaire was completed before an educational intervention and 9-months follow-up. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 24 software and through paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: The results indicated a significant increase in the awareness of health workers in the field of self-care program during a period of nine months after the educational intervention using the virtual educational method. A statistically significant relationship was observed between increasing the level of awareness of health workers with variables such as age (0.01), education level (0.05), gender (0.01) and organizational position (0.01). Conclusion: Considering the important and fundamental role of health workers in improving the level of health literacy of the society and on the other hand the growing trend of access to social messengers, it is suggested with a cascade approach and based on social accountability, suitable educational programs to improve the awareness of health workers and subsequently health ambassadors at the household level should be prioritized.

Abstract The use of jewelry among healthcare professionals poses a risk of cross contamination due to potential bacterial accumulation and spread. Through a mixed-method design, this study first analyzed the implications of healthcare professionals wearing jewelry on patient care biosafety as well as on the residual bacterial load of hands and rings after hand hygiene. Firstly, an observational prevalence study to verify whether nursing professionals wear personal accessories during healthcare assistance was carried out. Second, an experimental design involving intentional contamination and hygiene of the hands, with and without a ring, was conducted. The bacterial load of both hands and rings was measured by counting colony forming units. The observational study showed that nursing workers frequently wear jewelry during healthcare assistance. Nonetheless, the experimental study did not indicate differences in bacterial contamination between hands with and without a ring, despite the hand hygiene procedure applied. In conclusion, many nursing workers wear jewelry in the workplace. Although hands with and without a ring exhibited similar microbial load, rings appeared as a potential source of bacterial contamination, reinforcing the need to remove jewelry during working hours. Hand hygiene using alcohol, or soap and water significantly decreased the bacterial load on the participants’ hands, with handwashing proving to be the most efficient method for removing intentional contamination.

Hsiang-Yu Ma, Nein-Tsu Chiang, Rui-Hsin Kao, Chih-Ying Lee Department of Ocean and Border Management, National Quemoy University, Kinmen, TaiwanCorrespondence: Rui-Hsin Kao, Department of Ocean and Border Management, National Quemoy University, 1 University Road Jinning Township, Kinmen, 892, Taiwan, Email toptop074@yahoo.com.twBackground: Research indicates that a significant number of healthcare workers accounted for all confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and many of the infected healthcare workers were asymptomatic. During the COVID-19 outbreak, a considerable number of people in Taiwan contracted the disease. Therefore, health workers in Taiwan often experienced lack of medical resources, and this problem is worse for outer island areas. In terms of stress and mental health, this study investigated the effect of poor healthcare capacity and high workload on health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also explored mindfulness-based stress reduction and resilience in health workers.Methods: This study conducted an in-depth interview to investigate stress perceived by health workers in a hospital located on an outer island of Taiwan as well as their mental health and stress relieving strategies.Results: It was found that during the COVID-19 outbreak, some common sources of stress for health workers included exposure to infectious diseases, heavy workloads, facing ethical dilemma in clinical decision-making, and unfamiliar problems from the pandemic. These types of stress cause worries, anxiety, and depression in health workers, which affects their mental and physical health as well as their patient-care performance.Conclusion: This study proposed that mindfulness-based stress reduction and protecting mental health are important for health workers.Keywords: health workers, stress and mental health, mindfulness-based stress reduction and resilience, COVID-19 pandemic

Background: There is a growing awareness and demand for quality health care across the world; hence the need to describe the level of health care and services provided to meet the patient centered care by the frontline stakeholders. Aim of study: To determine the current level of care provided in a tertiary hospital in a developing country setting. Study design: prospective, descriptive and questionnaire based survey. Methods: The study was conducted at the National Hospital Abuja, a tertiary care setting in Nigeria. 157 health workers were enrolled, who responded to questions on the clinical, support and corporate services of the hospital. Response were either yes, no or do not know. The result were analyzed and presented in tables and charts. Results: Of 157 respondents, 66 males (42.0%) 91 females (58.0%). Doctors and nurses formed 64.3% of the study population. 114 (72.6%) of the health staff agreed that patients received appropriate medical needs and treatments, 118 (75.2%) that care was planned with patient involvement, 107(68.2%) that patients were informed of results and final care processes, 127 (80.9%) that patient were aware of consent processes and 112 (71.3%) that patients at discharge were aware of their ongoing and subsequent care. 90 (57.3%) of the respondents agreed that the patients records were accurate with patients’ participation and medications well managed to prevent errors and adverse reactions (75.2%). Infection control and routine surveillance were low. Safe blood sample collection measures (74.5%), measures to reduce break in skin integrity (77.7%), and bed sores rare and effectively managed (38.9%).Some agreed that patient received appropriate nutrition (58.0%). Information on patients’ rights and responsibilities, and continuous quality control measures rates were low. Others were adverse incidences reported and treated (50.3%), feedbacks mechanism (66.9%) and complaints management rates (54.8%). Hand washing practice rates were low among doctors and nurses and patient relatives. Staff rated that both workforces planning that supported needs and recruitment and appointment systems low.Records were not updated to meet with international standards (ICD- 10); (22.9%) and had low rates for use in future purposes. Also low were the level of medical and environmental research, informal relationship and security, but the management had a high level of social responsibility in form of emergency and disaster management to the immediate community; (83.4%). Conclusion: Health workers agreed that some of the patients’ needs were met.

Abstract Background When caring for critically ill patients, health workers often need to ‘call-for-help’ to get assistance from colleagues in the hospital. Systems are required to facilitate calling-for-help and enable the timely provision of care for critically ill patients. Evidence around calling-for-help systems is mostly from high income countries and the state of calling-for-help in hospitals in Tanzania and Kenya has not been formally studied. This study aims to describe health workers’ experiences about calling-for-help when taking care of critically ill patients in hospitals in Tanzania and Kenya. Methods Ten hospitals across Kenya and Tanzania were visited and in-depth interviews conducted with 30 health workers who had experience of caring for critically ill patients. The interviews were transcribed, translated and the data thematically analyzed. Results The study identified three thematic areas concerning the systems for calling-for-help when taking care of critically ill patients: 1) Calling-for-help structures: there is lack of functioning structures for calling-for-help; 2) Calling-for-help processes: the calling-for-help processes are innovative and improvised; and 3) Calling-for-help outcomes: the help that is provided is not as requested. Conclusion Calling-for-help when taking care of a critically ill patient is a necessary life-saving part of care, but health workers in Tanzanian and Kenyan hospitals experience a range of significant challenges. Hospitals lack functioning structures, processes for calling-for-help are improvised and help that is provided is not as requested. These challenges likely cause delays and decrease the quality of care, potentially resulting in unnecessary mortality and morbidity.

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers face the stigmatization of those caring for COVID-19 patients, creating a significant social problem. Therefore, this study investigated the stigmatization of healthcare workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In this scoping review study, searches were conducted from December 2019 to August 2023 in Persian and English using various databases and search engines including PubMed (Medline), Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, Springer, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and national databases. The study used English keywords such as Social Stigma, Health Personnel, Healthcare Worker, Medical Staff, Medical Personal, Physicians, doctors, Nurses, nursing staff, COVID-19, and coronavirus disease 2019, and their Persian equivalents, and their Persian equivalents to explore healthcare workers’ experiences of COVID-19-related stigma. Results From a total of 12,200 search results, 77 eligible studies were included in this study. stigmatization of healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients was evident from the literature because of fear, misinformation, and negative self-image. Manifestations were violence and deprivation of social rights, resulting in adverse biopsychosocial, occupational, and economic consequences. This condition can affect negatively health staff themselves, their families, and society as well. Anti-stigmatization measures include informing society about the realities faced by healthcare workers, presenting an accurate and empathetic image of health workers, providing psychosocial support to health workers, and encouraging them to turn to spirituality as a coping mechanism. There are notable research gaps in comprehending the phenomenon, exploring its variations across diverse healthcare roles and cultural contexts, examining its long-term effects, and monitoring shifts in stigma perceptions over time. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the stigmatization of healthcare workers, causing mistreatment and rights violations. This stigma persists even post-pandemic, posing a psychological dilemma for caregivers. Addressing this requires comprehensive strategies, including tailored stigma prevention programs and research to understand its psychological impact.

Since the pre-colonial period to the post-colonial era, public health administration has been intertwined with several issues ranging from the inadequacy of public health facilities and health workers, improper settlement planning, insanitary conditions, inadequate laws, their implementation and enforcement of same. Using a qualitative approach of research, the study focused on the historical interpretation of the challenges and effects of public health administration on health workers and patients in Ghana. This empirical study focused on responses from workers in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana. The study teased out information from expert informants to make useful generalizations to shape public health administration in relation to similar facilities in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. Among other things, it also studies how reported sicknesses and or medical cases such as COVID-19 and the management of same at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in contemporary times. Again, based on the empirical responses, the study provided empirical prescriptions to help improve public health administration in health facilities in Ghana, which has wider ramifications for related facilities on the African continent. Attention and resources should not only be given to clinical care, to the neglect of public health. Efforts should cut across every sector of healthcare and fully equip the office of public health administration to do a more efficient work. There is also the need to make inferences from the various past challenges and effects of public health administration in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ghana at large to know how to deal with similar challenges emanating from the day to day running of Ghana’s health institutions including the required preparednes to deal with epidemics and pandemics at the local and national levels.

Abstract To examine nurses' and physicians' assessments of pain in children with cancer, and to identify the methods in use to diagnose, evaluate, and treat pain. In addition, to examine whether/how the healthcare professionals' assessment and management of pain has changed compared to 1995 and identify the needs for training. The study has a descriptive and comparative design. 363 nurses and physicians working with children with cancer in Sweden were invited to participate in April 2017. Participants answered an updated version of a questionnaire used in 1995 by Ljungman et al. focusing on the healthcare professionals’ experience of pain among their patients, their pain treatment strategies, and need for training. 120 nurses and 65 physicians participated. Fifty percent of nurses and 55% of physicians answered that moderate‐to‐severe pain was experienced often or very often by children with cancer. Methods recommended in international guidelines to diagnose, evaluate, and treat pain were generally followed. Compared with findings from 1995 by Ljungman et al., nurses, and physicians assessed that moderate‐to‐severe pain was seen more often. The greatest need for training was reported for pharmacology, different routes for administration of opioids, treatment with nitrous oxide, and nonpharmacological interventions. Nurses and physicians assessed that moderate‐to‐severe pain is often present in children with cancer. More time to treat pain in the department and training in certain areas seem to be needed to improve pain management.

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? What this paper adds to existing knowledge? What are the implications for practice? Introduction Aims Methods Results Discussion Implication for Practice In the past 2 years, the COVID‐19 pandemic had a robust negative impact on the mental health of healthcare providers, with increasing rates of depression, anxiety, acute stress and burnout. Healthcare workers experiencing poor mental health are reluctant to seek help and treatment because they are afraid of being stigmatized and excluded by their colleagues and employers. During the pandemic positive emotions, resilience and psychological well‐being buffered distress and burnout in healthcare workers. This paper describes positive mental health, depression, anxiety and burnout in healthcare workers during the second wave of the pandemic. Forty‐eight per cent of healthcare workers were flourishing (high levels of positive emotions and well‐being), 10% languishing (absence of well‐being and positivity). Flourishing individuals reported lower levels of depression, anxiety and burnout. These findings documented a relevant number of resilient healthcare workers, who restored/maintained their well‐being also under stressful conditions. Vulnerable healthcare workers were less than 20%, and they reported severe anxiety, depression and burnout. No differences emerged between languishing and moderate mental health groups in their levels of anxiety, depression and burnout. The condition of flourishing is the only one that provides protection from depression and anxiety and burnout, while moderate mental health does not differ substantially from the languishing state. The study confirms the importance of maintaining and/or promoting the well‐being of healthcare workers. Interventions for promoting positive mental health of vulnerable workers are needed. Mental health nurses can have the skills and expertise for evaluating early symptoms of psychological distress and for implementing interventions for promoting and restoring well‐being. These interventions may include informational campaign (i.e. preparing and distributing pamphlets and guidelines) and emotional support programmes (psychoeducation and training, mental health support team, peer support and counselling) that can be delivered also via digital platforms. Few studies focused on healthcare workers' positive mental health (i.e. high levels of psychological well‐being) and its association with anxiety, depression and burnout in the second wave of the pandemic.To evaluate the protective role of well‐being in buffering burnout and psychological distress.We evaluated 173 Italian healthcare workers with indicators of psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS]‐21), burnout (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory [CBI]) and positive mental health (Mental Health Continuum) and we cross‐classified them according to their levels of mental health (flourishing, languishing and moderate mental health) and their levels of anxiety, depression and burnout.Forty‐eight per cent of health workers were classified as flourishing, 10% as languishing and 42% as moderate mental health. Flourishing individuals presented lower scores on DASS and CBI scales, whereas no differences emerged between languishing and moderate mental health groups. More than 80% of health workers with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and risk of burnout were classified as not flourishing.This investigation documented the presence of flourishing mental health in almost half of the sample of Italian healthcare workers. However, those with moderate or languishing mental health manifested higher levels of anxiety, depression and higher risks of burnout.The study confirms the importance of maintaining and/or promoting the well‐being of this population, with a crucial role of mental health nurses who can easily approach other healthcare workers and provide them informational (training, guidelines) and emotional support programmes (psychoeducation, mental health support team, peer support and counselling) when facing adverse working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of jewelry among healthcare professionals poses a risk of cross contamination due to potential bacterial accumulation and spread. Through a mixed-method design, this study first analyzed the implications of healthcare professionals wearing jewelry on patient care biosafety as well as on the residual bacterial load of hands and rings after hand hygiene. Firstly, an observational prevalence study to verify whether nursing professionals wear personal accessories during healthcare assistance was carried out. Second, an experimental design involving intentional contamination and hygiene of the hands, with and without a ring, was conducted. The bacterial load of both hands and rings was measured by counting colony forming units. The observational study showed that nursing workers frequently wear jewelry during healthcare assistance. Nonetheless, the experimental study did not indicate differences in bacterial contamination between hands with and without a ring, despite the hand hygiene procedure applied. In conclusion, many nursing workers wear jewelry in the workplace. Although hands with and without a ring exhibited similar microbial load, rings appeared as a potential source of bacterial contamination, reinforcing the need to remove jewelry during working hours. Hand hygiene using alcohol, or soap and water significantly decreased the bacterial load on the participants’ hands, with handwashing proving to be the most efficient method for removing intentional contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) was launched in 2011 to provide quality medical care for identified specialty services requiring hospitalization for surgeries and medical procedure. For these schemes to be successful, one of the important strategies is to create awareness among all the beneficiaries especially among health care providers as they would sensitize the public about the benefits, eventually reducing the out of pocket expenses. Objective: To find the awareness about CMCHIS among health care providers Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 95 Health care providers of a Sree Mookambika Institute of medical sciences, kulasekaram kanyakumari district in the month of August 2023. Data were collected using a Pre-tested questionnaire after Ethics Committee clearance and entered in MS Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Out of the total participants (63.2%) have enrolled in TNCMCHIS, out of which (45.6%) have enrolled due to free access to medical care. (36.8%) have not enrolled. (46.7%) had delay in issuing cards. (26.4) have seen or heard any information about the scheme through mass media. (43.7) participants think the amount should be hiked for surgeries Conclusion: Among the study population, we can infer that a larger proportion of the health workers have enrolled in CMCHIS and have awareness about it. The majority of those who have not enrolled were not aware about the ways to enroll in the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at determining whether there is an influence of public service motivation on the performance of health workers' duties, the influence of work pleasure on the work pleasure of health employees, and the influence on work pleasure through the mediation of work satisfaction. The study is in the form of an observational causative study with a cross sectional design, which aims to determine the influence between variables based on measurement results without intervention. The data were collected through an online questionnaire in April 2024 and analyzed using the PLS-SEM technique to estimate the degree of relationship between variables in the structural model. The results of the analysis of the measurement component (outer model) shows good measurability of all indicators marked by outer loading which is high, as well as the validity of discrimination is quite good. The model has a good degree of accuracy because it is able to account for about two-thirds of all variables. For the management of the hospital, it is recommended to add the criteria of high publicly service motivation as a requirement in employee recruitment. Further research is suggested to complement the model by including factors such as work environment, organizational culture, workload, and superior leadership style as covariates. This could help in identifying unique challenges or opportunities for improving task performance and job satisfaction in different healthcare environments, ultimately leading to more tailored and effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:Although fertility preservation for patients with childhood and adolescent cancer is considered standard of care in the high-resource settings, it is rarely offered in low-resource settings. This study explores the experiences and perspectives of oncology health care professionals in Uganda to identify contextual barriers and facilitators to addressing oncofertility in low-resource settings. Methods: Using ground theory, we conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews of health care professionals managing pediatric patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Using a systematic, semi-structured interview guide, participants were asked open-ended questions about their understanding of fertility preservation and their perspectives on implementing this care at their institution. Although all the eligible health care providers were interviewed, interview transcripts were uploaded into NVivo version 12 and openly coded as per theoretical requirements. Codes were refined into categories and later into structured themes. Results: Twelve health care professionals were interviewed. Most participants identified as female (n = 9). Their role in the medical team varied from nurses (n = 6), medical officers (n = 3), pediatric oncologists (n = 2), and pediatric oncology fellow (n = 1). Six themes were noted as follows: (1) importance of information, (2) importance of future fertility, (3) inadequate consideration to future fertility, (4) communication barriers, (5) inadequate knowledge, and (6) resource barriers. Conclusion: Although health care providers at the UCI face contextual barriers to addressing future fertility among patients with pediatric cancer, they value preserving fertility in this population. Future initiatives that aim to introduce oncofertility care in low-resource settings should prioritize educating providers and building capacity to meet the oncofertility needs in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. The issue of restraint has long been considered a difficult political and social situation, affecting both healthcare workers and facilities. The practice of restraint is still widespread in many public and private care settings, but there is a lack of systemic studies capable of monitoring the phenomenon. The framing of the question essentially concerns the right to personal freedom, guaranteed by the Italian Constitution. Materials and Methods. An anonymous questionnaire was developed containing questions on knowledge of the regulations on restraints, how, ways, and when they are implemented, and general information such as age, gender, educational qualification, qualification, O.Us. to which they belong. The collected data were statistically processed (Chi-square test) with the Epi Info 7.1.5 program (CDC-Atlanta- USA). A total of 1002 questionnaires were completed. The stratification of the sample by structure shows that 73.9% were public facilities. The indicative figure is represented by the 23.8% of respondents who say that "the restraint is not noted in the medical record". Conclusions. Restraint could be a real risk for the healthcare worker, encroaching on the issue of health liability. It is therefore important to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and top management of the need to structure, at company level, procedures that comply with the "Recommendations on physical restraint" to overcome the use of restraint through the improvement of care pathways in compliance with organizational and risk management standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Myanmar between 2016 and 2019, we explore the performance of a maternal cash transfer program across villages assigned to different models of delivery (by government health workers vs loan agents of a non-governmental organization) and identify key factors of success. Measures include enrolment inclusion and exclusion errors, failures in payment delivery to enrolled beneficiaries (whether beneficiaries received any transfer, fraction of benefits received and whether there were delays and underpayment of benefit amounts) and whether beneficiaries remained in the program beyond eligibility. We find that women in villages where government health workers delivered cash transfers received on average two additional monthly transfers, were 19.7% more likely to receive payments on time and in-full and were 14.6% less likely to stay in the program beyond eligibility. With respect to the primary health objective of the program—child nutrition—we find that children whose mother received cash by government health workers were less likely to be chronically malnourished compared to those whose mother received cash by loan agents. Overall, the delivery of cash transfers to mothers of young children by government health workers outperforms the delivery by loan agents in rural Myanmar. Qualitative evidence suggests two key factors of success: (1) trusted presence and past interactions with targeted beneficiaries and complementarities between government health workers' expertise and the program; and (2) performance incentives based on specific health objectives along with top-down monitoring. We cannot exclude that other incentives or intrinsic motivation also played a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the shortage of health workers is posing challenges to healthcare delivery and the attainment of SDG 3. This study analyzes how career satisfaction influences health workers' intention to leave. The study further argues that the effect of career satisfaction on intention to leave is moderated by burnout and this moderation is dependent on gender. Drawing on a theoretical framework underpinned by the conservation of resource (COR) theory, the relationships in this study are tested with primary data from self-administered questionnaires collected from 230 health workers using multi-stage sampling techniques. SPSS with Hayes Process Macro was employed to analyze the direct relationship, moderation, and moderated-moderation mechanisms. Consistent with expectations, findings indicate that career satisfaction negatively affects health workers' intention to leave. Also, this study extends the COR theory by establishing that high levels of burnout exacerbate the negative relationship between career satisfaction and intention to leave. However, gender did not moderate the moderating role of burnout in the relationship between career satisfaction and intention to leave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When caring for critically ill patients, health workers often need to 'call-for-help' to get assistance from colleagues in the hospital. Systems are required to facilitate calling-for-help and enable the timely provision of care for critically ill patients. Evidence around calling-for-help systems is mostly from high income countries and the state of calling-for-help in hospitals in Tanzania and Kenya has not been formally studied. This study aims to describe health workers' experiences about calling-for-help when taking care of critically ill patients in hospitals in Tanzania and Kenya. Methods: Ten hospitals across Kenya and Tanzania were visited and in-depth interviews conducted with 30 health workers who had experience of caring for critically ill patients. The interviews were transcribed, translated and the data thematically analyzed. Results: The study identified three thematic areas concerning the systems for calling-for-help when taking care of critically ill patients: 1) Calling-for-help structures: there is lack of functioning structures for calling-for-help; 2) Calling-for-help processes: the calling-for-help processes are innovative and improvised; and 3) Calling-for-help outcomes: the help that is provided is not as requested. Conclusion: Calling-for-help when taking care of a critically ill patient is a necessary life-saving part of care, but health workers in Tanzanian and Kenyan hospitals experience a range of significant challenges. Hospitals lack functioning structures, processes for calling-for-help are improvised and help that is provided is not as requested. These challenges likely cause delays and decrease the quality of care, potentially resulting in unnecessary mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a growing body of evidence that asserts community engagement approaches can improve the quality of reproductive health services. Family planning (FP) programs in Togo are implementing such approaches, which aim to mobilize both health workers and communities to improve FP service quality and FP uptake. However, there is not enough known about the enabling factors and challenges associated with implementation, or the extent to which the programs improve outcomes leading to contraceptive uptake. Methods: We qualitatively explored how a community engagement approach influenced health worker and community perceptions related to FP service delivery in and around the city of Lomé, Togo, within the context of the broader integration of social and behavior change and service delivery. We conducted 18 in-depth interviews with health workers and 9 focus group discussions with community members. Results: We found the approach, which included community dialogues, site walkthrough visits and the development of community action plans, worked synergistically together to support collaborative action between communities and health workers to increase mutual understanding of their collective needs related to FP services. Community members cited improved reception at the health facilities by health workers and indicated that the site walkthrough visits created a greater sense of empathy towards the providers and the challenges faced in their work environment. Health workers acknowledged a greater understanding of barriers at the community level following community dialogues, particularly among community members that are not routinely encountered at the health facility for reproductive health services such as men and youth. We found limited implementation of health facility improvements included in community action plans because they were dependent on commitment from community leadership and the need to mobilize additional support or financial resources. Conclusion: Community engagement approaches are a promising mechanism to support collaboration and enhance mutual understanding between health workers and communities to achieve improved FP service quality. Future programs should consider incorporating additional mechanisms to monitor community action plans and provide support to address structural challenges at the facility level particularly those that require financial resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's digital era, maintaining the confidentiality and security of information systems is a challenge in itself. The industry, especially healthcare, is currently making large investments in information technology. There are still many cases that occur in the field, especially related to the behavior of health information users. Medical personnel are one of the major factors in security incidents that occur in health services. Currently, there is not much discussion about individual factors that affect information system security awareness behavior, especially in health services. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a review of information system security awareness behavior in health human resources (HR) in health services, collect methods and determinants that can improve awareness behavior. The quantitative research method presented in the form of a Narrative Litterature Review, was taken from scientific journals for review. The results of the study show the influence of the training that has been given to medical personnel, the length of work experience and the applicable rules and penalties in health services on the security behavior of information systems in health human resources in health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the application of the health belief model (HBM) in the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among health workers in 2021. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 3600 health workers from February to March 2021. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that included the intention to receive vaccines based on the health belief model constructs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics indicators, Chi-square, ANOVA test, and logistic regression model at a 95% confidence level. More than 62% of the participants intended to receive the vaccine. The odds of intention to receive the vaccine among people who worked in the health center and did not have a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19 disease were 1.50 and 2.10 units more than the others. Intention to receive the vaccine in individuals with high perceived sensitivity was 1.10 units. Furthermore, in terms of perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and cue-to-action constructs were 1.15, 1.34, and 1.65 units respectively. The rate of vaccine acceptance among Iranian health care workers was relatively good and the constructs of HBM in predicting the rate of intention to receive the vaccine had good applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine changes in energy and nutrient intakes over three consecutive days, including the day of the shift, and the days before and after the shift, in healthcare workers working in a 24 h shift system. This study is an observational follow-up study conducted with a total of 500 volunteer healthcare professionals. Food consumption records were taken over 3 consecutive days: pre-shift (off day), shift day (24 h shift), and post-shift (off day). Mean daily intakes of energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, saturated fat, caffeine, vitamins B1 , B2 , niacin, B6 , folate, and B12, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc are listed from highest to lowest as shift day > pre-shift > post-shift (p < 0.05 for all pairwise comparisons). While fiber, vitamin C, and calcium intakes were similar on the shift day and pre-shift day, they were significantly lower on the post-shift day (p < 0.05). The lowest dietary reference intake percentages on the post-shift day were calcium, fiber, and folate, respectively. In the present study, significant differences were detected in the energy, micronutrient-intake, and macronutrient-intake levels between the pre-shift day, shift day, and post-shift day of healthcare workers. Awareness should be increased regarding the decreased nutrient intake seen especially on the first day after a 24 h shift, and appropriate precautions should be taken to increase calcium, fiber, and folate intake levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective (s): Considering the role of self-care in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and in order to properly increase the importance of health to society, paying attention to the self-care is a priority. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of an educational intervention in the context of social messengers on the awareness of the health workers regarding the self-care program. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 705 employees (doctors, nurses, midwives, health care workers) of health centers in Ilam province, Iran during 2020 and 2021. To collect data, a self-designed questionnaire containing 330 questions related to the 22 educational packages of the national self-care program provided by the Ministry of Health was used. The questionnaire was completed before an educational intervention and 9-months follow-up. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 24 software and through paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: The results indicated a significant increase in the awareness of health workers in the field of self-care program during a period of nine months after the educational intervention using the virtual educational method. A statistically significant relationship was observed between increasing the level of awareness of health workers with variables such as age (0.01), education level (0.05), gender (0.01) and organizational position (0.01). Conclusion: Considering the important and fundamental role of health workers in improving the level of health literacy of the society and on the other hand the growing trend of access to social messengers, it is suggested with a cascade approach and based on social accountability, suitable educational programs to improve the awareness of health workers and subsequently health ambassadors at the household level should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Community & Physician / Toplum ve Hekim is the property of Turk Tabipleri Birligi / Turkish Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The investigation evaluates the expertise of healthcare personnel regarding the contamination of hospital ambient air with bacteria. The objective of the investigation is to establish a correlation between participant knowledge and both independent and dependent factors. Cross-sectional analytical research was conducted by three institutions in Najaf City from mid-December 2023 to May 10, 2024. Data from 515 health professionals who completed a random self-reporting questionnaire were analyzed using a statistical instrument. The primary findings suggest that the majority of participants are women, with 51.8% of them falling within the 20-29 age range. Of these women, half have bachelor's degrees (54.6%), and 44.5% have less than five years of experience. 27.0% of the professions were in a laboratory setting, and 30.1% had received training. The data indicates that 13.4% of individuals possessed a high level of general knowledge. We discovered substantial correlations between all sociodemographic factors and knowledge, with the exception of sex, which did not exhibit a significant correlation with knowledge. The survey revealed that the majority of health professionals (68.0%) possessed only middling levels of knowledge. Consequently, it is imperative that local authorities provide ongoing training to health personnel regarding bacterial indoor air pollution in order to elevate these levels. We arrived at the conclusion that there is a substantial correlation between knowledge and training programs. Additionally, we identified a statistically significant correlation between the educational attainment of the preponderance of youthful healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the topic of health-orientated leadership has often been investigated in relation to health-related outcomes such as general health, tension, depression and anxiety symptoms. In contrast, there is a paucity of research that considers employee well-being in relation to healthoriented leadership, as well as a paucity of studies examining the relationship between healthoriented leadership and job satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect between health-oriented leadership and job satisfaction as evaluated by employees, and to analyse the effect of work engagement on the effect between health-oriented leadership and job satisfaction. The study was carried out with quantitative research design and descriptive survey model. Convenience sampling method was used in the sample of the study. The data sample included 383 health workers. Variance-based structural equation modelling technique was used in the study and the process was carried out in SmartPLS (v 4.0) programme. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used in the study. According to the results of the research, it was found that there is an effect between health-oriented leadership, job satisfaction and passion for work variables. At the same time, it was concluded that there is a mediating and regular effect of passion for work in the effect of health-oriented leadership and job satisfaction. When the findings obtained in the research are evaluated in general, it is seen that it is important for managers to exhibit health-oriented attitudes and behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of rural healthcare workers regarding health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 15 health workers actively serving in Goora village of Utter Pradesh during the pandemic was chosen for this research. Interviews which were semi-structured were used to collect the data. Dominant themes of the data were derived using Thematic analysis. Health workers perceived health as an absence of illness and the ability of the individual to carry out everyday routine. Additionally, emotional well-being is acknowledged as an important determinant of health. The health workers attributed the differences in their perceptions and those of lay persons to a lack of education and social/cultural factors. Stigmas and myths are reported as being deeply embedded in perceptions regarding mental health. The relevance of context and background for implementing health schemes and incentives is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to confirm the current unproven correlation between COVID-19 infection and prior Dengue fever infection. The possible overlapping immunity between COVID-19 infection and Dengue fever infection on the health care workers (HCW) in Taiz City, Yemen was investigated. This study is designed as a cross-sectional study. The number of subjected HCWs to this study was 180 individuals, and they were tested for COVID-19 infection by RT-PCR, and blood specimens of HCWs were tested for prior Dengue fever infection by ELIZA. The total positive results were 87 positive results to COVID-19 infection and the total positive results were 121 positive results to Dengue infection, but the total COVID-19 with pervious Dengue infection were 60. The aim is achieved by studying the impact of some factors including blood group typing, clotting time, platelets count, gender, as well as the impact of DF IgG levels on the severity of COVID-19 infection .This study finds that there was a relationship between COVID-19 and Dengue infection. The most important findings of this study was the relationship between the type of Dengue infection (primary or secondary) and severity of COVID-19. The study shows that secondary infection with dengue reduces the severity of COVID-19 infection by 92%, and the COVID-19 is light, P-value = 0.021, While at 8%, COVID-19 is more severe. While in the primary infection of Dengue, COVID-19 was 55% light COVID-19, and COVID-19 was 45% more severe. The study reveals that there is a relationship between dengue IgG levels and the type of dengue infection with the severity of COVID-19 infection, meaning that high levels of dengue IgG with a new primary or secondary infection were non-severe infection with COVID-19 or no infection with COVID-19, with P-value=0.014 .The study also shows that blood grouping A was the most blood grouping that was infected with severity of COVID-19 P-Values(0.040) and the blood grouping O was the most blood grouping that was infected with Dengue infection P-Values(0.000), and that was answered why blood grouping O when was infected with COVID-19, the infection was light. The blood coagulation time was high in dengue patients by 84% and the odds value=5.25, CI=(0.24857- 1.272), P-value=0.001 while in COVID-19 patients were low . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most family planning acceptors in Indonesia are dominated by injectable family planning acceptors at 62.77%. This research is very important to do because based on preliminary studies in the Pmb Kita work area conducted on 10 respondents of active family planning acceptors, 3 others use Non-hormonal because they do not get support from their husbands, receive a lot of hoax news about 3-month injections, and lack of information from health workers. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge, husband support and the role of health workers on the decision to choose the type of 3-month injectable birth control in pmb kita pandeglang in 2023. This research is a quantitative study with a cross sectional design, using primary data with a sample size of 50 birth control acceptors. The results showed that there was a relationship between knowledge and decision making on the use of injectable contraceptives for 3 months with a p value of 0.000<0,05. There is a relationship between husband support and decision making on the use of 3-month injectable contraceptives with a p value of 0.000<0,05. There is a relationship between the role of health workers and decision making on the use of 3- month injectable contraceptives with a p value of 0.000<0,05. Suggestions that can be given from this study are expected respondens to be more active in obtaining information related to the use of 3-month contraception and for health institutions are expected to improve health promotion movement strategies for researchers to be able to add other variables that are considered influential in the decision to use 3-month contraceptives, and for authors are expected to be able to add interviews and observations in fulfilling research data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]