{"title":"COVID-19 Health Literacy Scale Development","authors":"Sevil Alkan Çeviker, B. Akkaya, Şebnem Şenol Akar","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1509","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1509","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a COVID-19 Health Literacy (HL) scale. Material and Methods: Data were obtained from three samples of medical students (n=628) having different demographic characteristics in different regions of Turkey. A pilot study was conducted to assess language validity. Several psychometric tests were conducted to assess the tools’ reliability and validity. Results: A .963 Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was obtained, in addition to a 72.26% variance score. The scale also demonstrated reliability values (internal consistency; α=.94). Two dimensions consisting of 20 items were identified to represent and the COVID-19 HL. Conclusion: The COVID-19 HL scale demonstrated robust psychometric properties. It was also deemed to be reliable and valid in assessing health literacy of COVID-19 among the medical students and will also be useful in increasing COVID-19 awareness among individuals.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127201494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W. Al-Chetachi, Agafya Krivova, Hana’a Badran, S. Azam, E. Radwan, Yasmine Shalaby, Mithila Orin, E. Quintanilla, S. Bhuiyan
{"title":"Women’s empowerment under the lens of global health equity: Literature review of challenges, best practices, and societal impact","authors":"W. Al-Chetachi, Agafya Krivova, Hana’a Badran, S. Azam, E. Radwan, Yasmine Shalaby, Mithila Orin, E. Quintanilla, S. Bhuiyan","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1625","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1625","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Women’s empowerment refers to strengthening the social, economic, and educational powers of women. Numerous global initiatives have been implemented to enable women to make decisions about their health and lives. The purpose of this literature review was to review women’s health barriers, related best practices, and their impacts on women's empowerment in the global context. Methods: We comprehensively searched databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar and key program websites. To expand our review, we used a snowball strategy to scan articles, documents, reports, and research outputs of global programs and best practices to overcome barriers. Also, we screened publications posted on websites of organizations working on women’s empowerment and monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals progress. Results: Findings suggest significant advancements have been made in the status of women's health over the past two decades. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated health barriers, impeding, and even reversing progress, which has resulted in widening women’s inequity in access to health care services worldwide. Conclusions: Findings suggest that successful and sustainable programs should have a multisectoral, multilevel and multistakeholder, diversified interventions approach with social empowerment, as well as the need for legislative enforcement against discrimination and harmful practices towards women.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121050965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Witte, Rogério M. Pinto, Prema L Filippone, C. J. Choi, M. Wall
{"title":"Engaging patients in the HIV care continuum through referral-making behaviours and patterns: A descriptive cross-sectional study","authors":"S. Witte, Rogério M. Pinto, Prema L Filippone, C. J. Choi, M. Wall","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1546","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: HIV continuum of care consists of five steps needed to effectively treat and prevent the spread of HIV. Linkage to and retention of patients to this Continuum of Care is a global priority. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the quality of this Continuum, as people living with HIV, have had to shelter reducing their access to services. As well, HIV agencies have had to close, reduce hours, and shift personnel. Purpose and Methods: The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine the person-centered referral-making behaviors and patterns used by providers to engage patients in the care continuum. Three classes of linkage behaviors among 285 providers in 34 community agencies in New York City were identified using latent class analysis. Results: These linkage behaviors include High (48%); Moderate (34%); and Low (18%). Both High and Moderate consisted of a blend of active and passive strategies and tracking systems. The High included more active strategies such as escorting patients to appointments. Linkage class membership was significantly associated with frequency of linkages to primary care (p=.020). COVID-19 disruptions demonstrate how the Care Continuum has been undermined by insufficient organizational resources. Conclusion: Findings suggest, addresses gaps in linkages should enhance the overall Continuum of Care provided to individuals diagnosed and living with HIV.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130719063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding the Health and Well-being of Canadian Black Children and Youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Review","authors":"Janet Kemei, B. Salami","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1622","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1622","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequities and vulnerabilities in our society, with the Black population being disproportionately affected. As previous pandemics have resulted in an increase in adverse events to children and youth, we reviewed the literature to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black children and youth. We found Black children and youth experience psychosocial stressors related to uncertainties of the future. Differential gender effects related to COVID-19 are also apparent. Physical distancing related to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in differential impacts on physical activity levels in children. We also noted, increase levels of isolation may result in undetected child abuse. The review highlights the urgent need for multifaceted interventions that address disparities in social determinants of health and psychosocial needs of Black children and youth in Canada. Future research that addresses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black children and youth is needed to help create context-specific interventions.\u0000 ","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127636136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression and Psychological Distress in Patients with Cancer During the COVID 19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review","authors":"K. Prabani, Damayanthi Hdwt","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1540","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1540","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction and Objectives: Quality of life (QOL) and psychological wellbeing deteriorate during the COVID 19 pandemic in patients with cancer. Purpose: This study aims to review the current evidence of QOL, anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and their inter-relationship in patients with cancer and survivors during the COVID 19 pandemic. Moreover, this study identifies factors associated with QOL and mental health in patients with cancer and survivors during the COVID 19 pandemic. Methods: An extensive electronic database search was conducted. Articles published in English assessing cancer patients and cancer survivors’ QOL and psychological wellbeing. Results: Twenty-seven articles with 22,134 participants were included. Concerns related to contracting COVID 19, along with potential treatment plans were predictors of impaired QOL. Advanced age, family support, being identified as a male and having less comorbid conditions were associated with the high level of QOL. Delay or change in treatment plan, contact with COVID 19 positive individuals, and emotional vulnerability were found to be independently associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, and distress. Conclusion: Health professionals, caregivers and support services should pay more attention on QOL and psychological wellbeing of the patients with cancer. Counselling sessions, support services should be established to improve their life satisfaction and wellbeing.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125647241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Rathnayake, Thilanka Jagoda, D. Dassanayake, N. Dharmarathna, Chandrani M Herath, S. Dharmaratne
{"title":"The impact of COVID-19 on nursing education in Sri Lanka: A reflective analysis","authors":"S. Rathnayake, Thilanka Jagoda, D. Dassanayake, N. Dharmarathna, Chandrani M Herath, S. Dharmaratne","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1525","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1525","url":null,"abstract":"In the wake of COVID-19, nursing education has shifted to eLearning from traditional methods. This reflective analysis addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the development of competencies among nursing students in Sri Lanka. Four themes were identified: the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing education; the role of eLearning in nursing education during the COVID-19 pandemic; the acquisition of nursing skills and competencies; and implications for education, research, and policy. Virtual online learning has replaced traditional teaching and learning. Acquiring clinical skills and competencies and completing the practicum are challenging. Since nurses are in high demand; nursing education needs to be accelerated and modified. A change in policies related to education and research is essential for developing countries. Blended learning, which includes more simulation teaching, is recommended.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124874092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Abhayasinghe, N. Weerasinghe, Lasith Dissanayake, K. Jayasinghe, D. Guruge, A. Sumathipala
{"title":"Examining the psychological and behavioural patterns of students in Sri Lanka during COVID-19: A qualitative study","authors":"K. Abhayasinghe, N. Weerasinghe, Lasith Dissanayake, K. Jayasinghe, D. Guruge, A. Sumathipala","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1458","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v2i1.1458","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 pandemic affected many international students, including the Sri Lankan youth and young adults who were studying in the United Kingdom (UK), and repatriated to the motherland during the first wave. The current study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences, behaviour, and psychological patterns of these students during their lockdown in the UK; quarantine and self-isolation; and repatriation back to Sri Lanka. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was planned and conducted in a quarantine environment based on the lived experiences of two authors (KA and NW), who were also repatriated students due to COVID-19 pandemic. A convenient sample of sixteen (16) repatriated students (age ranged from 18 – 34) participated in the study. Data was collected using multiple methods including questionnaires, researchers’ objective observations and semi-structured interviews (conducted over the phone or online). The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: Both positive and negative psychological and behavioural patterns were observed. Three themes emerged were: (1) Fear, worry and anxiety, (2) Irritability and agitation, and (3) Adherence to safety precautions. Many reported negative abrupt changes to their education and lifestyles during this stressful situation. Perceived stigma and emotional imbalance have caused difficulty in coping. Positive changes such as increased efficacy in academic activities, exploring new hobbies and healthy coping skills were also reported. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for addressing age-specific behavioural, psychological, and educational needs of youth and young adults when developing guidelines to manage similar situations in the future and to increase resilience.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125124323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Jafari-Golestan, A. Dalvandi, M. Hosseini, M. Fallahi-khoshknab, A. Ebadi, M. Rahgozar, S. Sidani
{"title":"Perception of self-care ability among patients with stroke post-discharge: A qualitative descriptive study in Iran","authors":"N. Jafari-Golestan, A. Dalvandi, M. Hosseini, M. Fallahi-khoshknab, A. Ebadi, M. Rahgozar, S. Sidani","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v1i3.1439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v1i3.1439","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Patients with stroke, once at home, experience different perceptions of their ability for self-care. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to elucidate patients’ perception of their self-care ability. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held with 10 patients with stroke, within one month following discharge from hospital. Sampling was purposeful and continued until data saturation was reached. All recorded interviews were transcribed and imported to MAXQDA software. The transcripts were content analyzed, following the five-step method by Granheim and Lundman. Results: Three main categories and ten subcategories were revealed: immersion in distress (feeling of sorrow and sadness, lack of control of life, feeling of anxiety and worry), perceived difficulty (dependency on others, disabling nature of the disease, multiple underlying diseases and mental health problems) and compatible adaptive reaction (acceptance of disability, improving health literacy, enhancement of spiritual health). Conclusions: Patients with stroke reported limited ability for self-care post-discharge, which had a considerable effect on their engagement in self-care behaviors and application of recommended treatment methods at home. The findings have implications for designing nurse-led interventions to promote self-care in this vulnerable patient population.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133822982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Older Syrian Refugees’ Experiences of Language Barriers in Postmigration and (re)settlement Context in Canada.","authors":"Souhail Boutmira","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v1i3.1483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v1i3.1483","url":null,"abstract":"This research explores older Syrian experiences of language barriers in Canada's post-migration and resettlement context. Guided by the ecosystemic model, the qualitative descriptive method was used to describe the experiences of six older adults (three women and three men, 55-year-old and over) living in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area. Results suggest the lack of English proficiency affects refugees' resettlement and, in particular, older adults at risk of abuse. Language barriers influence older adult refugees because it limits their ability to navigate the Canadian systems, exacerbate their dependency on adult children, increase social isolation, and decrease employment and income opportunities. Participants' commitment to learning English comes from their conviction that fluency has an essential role in shaping their experiences in Canada. Conclusions can help policymakers identify specific interventions to address language barriers among older adult Refugees.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129390811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Electronic health literacy among adults with chronic pain: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey","authors":"Hyejin Park, G. Martorella, G. Schluck","doi":"10.32920/ihtp.v1i3.1469","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v1i3.1469","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Approximately 100 million American adults are living with chronic pain, which costs the healthcare system an average of $560–635 billion each year. Levels of health literacy and ehealth literacy are important factors in determining a patient’s capacity to manage pain and the multidimensional impact of pain. To our knowledge, few studies have specifically examined the level of ehealth literacy and its association with health literacy among chronic pain patients. The purpose of this study was to 1) assess the levels of health literacy and ehealth literacy in adults with chronic pain, and 2) examine the relationship between health literacy and ehealth literacy skills among adults diagnosed and living with chronic pain. Methods: A non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional survey was distributed to adults with chronic pain. A total of 196 participants were asked to complete questionnaires related to demographic characteristics, ehealth literacy (eHEALS), and health literacy (HLQ). Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize data from all the scales used in the study. Results: The average level of ehealth literacy was 32.6 (SD 4.4) out of 40. The level of health literacy was measured by four subscales: having sufficient information to manage my health (mean=2.8; SD=0.55), appraisal of health information (mean=3.27; SD=0.41), ability to find good health information (mean=3.68; SD=0.45), and understanding health information well enough to know what to do (mean=3.66; SD=0.48). Two subscales (i.e., appraisal of health information, ability to find good health information) were significant in predicting ehealth literacy total score. Discussion and Conclusions: Examining ehealth literacy and health literacy can assist in the dissemination of accessible and understandable chronic-pain-related health information for individuals of all health literacy levels. In addition, this will allow the development of interventions for enhancing ehealth literacy skills and/or usability of web-based information for adults with chronic pain.","PeriodicalId":231465,"journal":{"name":"International Health Trends and Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134300188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}