Global Journal of Health Sciences最新文献

{"title":"The Interventional Capacity of Community Health Volunteers for Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nyeri County, Kenya","authors":"Kenneth Langakuo, J. Nyaberi, Elizabeth Echoka","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.2558","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.2558","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health challenge, contributing to 50% of worldwide morbidity and 63% of mortality. The burden is particularly substantial in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of NCD-related deaths occur. This study evaluated barriers and challenges to effective screening and linkages of NCDs in Nyeri County. \u0000Methodology: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre-and post-test design was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023. The study employed multistage cluster and random sampling to select ten community units, resulting in 150 community health volunteers (CHVs) in the control unit and 150 in the intervention group. Data collection was facilitated through the KOBO app. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, and qualitative data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via N-Vivo 12 and findings were presented in textual descriptions and thematic analysis that included direct quotes from participants, descriptions of observed behaviors, and interpretations of patterns and themes. \u0000Findings: The study shows that 59.3% of respondents have minimal information, and 92.7 % (n =139) have no clear understanding of NCDs, with a pre-intervention capacity of 48.8%. Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in capacity from a pre-intervention average of 48.75 (SD±5.7) %, which increased to 68.28 (SD±7.6) %, p<0.001. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: There is a need for a comprehensive, and culturally sensitive training for that will focus on modern healthcare practices, implementing more structured, community-centric approaches involving effective communication, mobilization, and sensitization will enhance the capacity and acceptance of CHVs' roles in combating NCDs. Continuous research and evaluation should ensure practical changes including innovations and use of mobile apps like NCDs app and wheel. An easy-to-use CHV mobile app, continuous capacity building and increased awareness and training will greatly improve on CHVs screening and linkages. Therefore, in this era of technology and use of mobile phones, there is need to develop an app that can be integrated with CHVs mobile phones, Healthcare facility and clients for close NCD monitoring and referral.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"104 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140968229","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":"Assessment of Barriers and Challenges to the Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases by Community Health Volunteers in Nyeri County, Kenya","authors":"Kenneth Mugambi, J. Nyaberi, Elizabeth Echoka","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.2545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.2545","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health challenge, contributing to 50% of worldwide morbidity and 63% of mortality. The burden is particularly substantial in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 80% of NCD-related deaths occur. This study evaluated barriers and challenges to effective screening and linkages of NCDs in Nyeri County. \u0000Methodology: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre-and post-test design was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023. The study employed multistage cluster and random sampling to select ten community units, resulting in 150 community health volunteers (CHVs) in the control unit and 150 in the intervention group. Data collection was facilitated through the KOBO app. Qualitative data involved six homogeneous focus group discussions (FGDs) and ten key informant interviews (KIIs), audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using N-Vivo 12. \u0000Findings: Limited awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, cultural beliefs, financial constraints, fragmented healthcare systems, and challenges linking individuals to appropriate care services. The article explores strategies to overcome these barriers, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches involving stakeholders at various levels. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Raising awareness about NCDs and preventive measures is crucial and can be achieved through targeted health education campaigns and community outreach programs. Addressing healthcare infrastructure deficiencies, Cultural beliefs and practices and engaging with local communities and incorporating cultural sensitivity into healthcare delivery can help bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern healthcare practices. Financial constraints pose a significant barrier particularly in LMICs, therefore innovative financing mechanisms, e.g. health insurance schemes can help alleviate this burden. Finally, strengthening linkages between screening programs and care services is critical for the timely diagnosis and management of NCDs and this requires establishing robust referral systems and ensuring continuity of care for patients throughout their healthcare journey. Addressing the multifaceted barriers to NCD screening and care linkage is essential for improving health outcomes through implementing targeted community intervention like NCD wheel and a user-friendly interface mobile app that contains messages and info about NCDs barriers to care and facilitators to good NCD care and treatment. This will be positively reinforced by a stronger collaboration among stakeholders and community.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141008739","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":"Future Intentions of First and Final-Year Nursing Students at Kenya Medical Training College","authors":"Clare Manana, Ruth Gatere, Emily Muchina","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.2412","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.2412","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: To explore the nursing students’ future intentions upon graduation. \u0000Methodology: The study adopted a comparative cross-sectional survey of first-year nursing students and final-year nursing students on their future intentions upon graduation. The sample size was determined using Fisher et al., formula. Participants were selected through simple random sampling and those who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. An online questionnaire was administered using a free Open Data Kit (ODK). The summary sheet from ODK software was downloaded, and data was cleaned, coded, and entered into R statistical package for analysis.  Descriptive frequencies were generated for demographic and social characteristics; chi-square tests and proportion tests were used to determine significance when appropriate. Frequency counts, median, and percentages were tabulated for categorical variables. \u0000Findings: The study revealed that 99% (224/226) of the students would like to pursue a career in nursing after completing the diploma training. A higher proportion 69.1% (155/224) of the students who intend to pursue a career in nursing would prefer to pursue their nursing career outside of Kenya. There is a significant (P=0.004) difference since between the two groups as a higher proportion 77.5% (100/129) of Students in their first year of the study indicated they would prefer to pursue their career outside Kenya compared to 56.7% (55/97) students in their final year of the study. The study also revealed that 98.2% (222/226) of the students intend to pursue a degree in nursing upon completion of the KRCHN training. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: Regarding policy, this study suggests that the government collaborate with other nations to develop regulations that allow nurses to pursue education and employment abroad. After completing their training, nurses should be required to stay in Kenya for a predetermined period of time and should as most student nurses would wish to emigrate; thus, this will help alleviate the shortage.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"6 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140227232","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":"Psychosocial Factors Influencing Medical Circumcision of Males Performed Voluntarily Uptake in Turkana County","authors":"Lokorio Ekidor, Isaac Mwanzo, Gordon Ogweno","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.2233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.2233","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Kenya is amongst six high-burden nations in Africa grappling high HIV infections. Approximately 91.2% of Kenyan men have undergone circumcision. However, male circumcision is not traditionally practiced in Turkana community with male circumcision rates ranging from 5-10%. The study's goals were to identify the influences on consensual medical male circumcision acceptance in Turkana County caused by psychological aspects. \u0000Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out in Loima, Turkana central and Turkana North sub-counties between November 2021 to January 2022 with sample size of 434 adult men. Data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative tools. The researcher-administered survey, KII schedules, and a FGD guide. The Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze quantitative data, whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The results were interpreted at 5% level of significance. \u0000Findings: Results showed that of 374 male participants in the study, 79.9% had undergone circumcision, 77.0% were aged 18-35 years, 94.1% were Christians, and 44.7% were unemployed while 54.8% were married. The overall mean scores of responses for psychosocial factors, psychosocial factors was 3.602 (positive). Psychological factors were predicted to increase uptake of VMMC by 0.99 [OR = 0.986; 95% CI: 0.745-1.228, P=0.000]. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that policies addressing main VMMC uptake amongst men in Turkana County should incorporate public participation, traditional leaders and local administrators for societal acceptance. There is need for effective sensitization and advocacy for behavioral change, mobilization and ownership of the initiative by the community.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"1 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138586317","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":"Health Determinants","authors":"Shaikha Alnaqbi","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.2069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.2069","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose This study focuses on three major healthy people UAE domains aiming to investigate key health issues, including context, current burden, problems, domain development, and challenges. It outlines an objective for addressing health issue determinants, defines attainable goals, and establishes indicators for progress measurement. \u0000Methodology In order to collect data and analyze the interpretations of the current burden, we conducted a literature review using previous studies, analyzed the variables and factors to address the problem, and finally set goals and indicators aiming to achieve the targets. \u0000Findings Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of lifestyle-related diseases, life expectancy, health care services, health domains, and their challenges. Still, they lack initiatives and indicators for measuring the health outcome's progress. In this paper, we discuss goals that can be achieved and indicators that can be used to track development toward a more desirable state for the UAE population.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"114 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133831769","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":"Perception and Attitude about Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Caregivers of the Mentally Challenged in Ebonyi State: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"E. Nwoke, N. Agbapuonwu","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.1930","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.1930","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Mental health issues pose a great challenge to healthcare systems especially in developing countries, and having 35% global burden of sickness/disability, Nigeria shares 13% of it. Individuals, both the victims and relatives desperately try all they can to treat this condition. Informal caregivers including family members and friends play a major role in seeking help and choosing treatment regimen and most of them choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).  CAM is popular in treating chronic illnesses including mental conditions in sub-Saharan African as stated by WHO. This study displayed both positive and negative perception and attitude of informal caregivers about CAM use for mental health challenges, characteristics of users, types and outcomes of use.  \u0000Methodology: The study is a quantitative, cross sectional study carried out from 15th February to 15th of November 2022, using self-structured questionnaires. Of 389 questionnaires administered, 381 copies were returned and properly filled (97.5% response). The informal caregivers of the mentally challenged were recruited using convenience sampling method. The participants have mean age and standard deviation of 33.5+/- 8.6years, whose mentally challenged relatives had used CAM for the past 12 months and some current users. The questionnaires included information on socio-demographic data, perception and attitude about CAM use, types in use, and outcomes of use. SPSS versions 25, student test, ANOVA, among others, were used to compare perception and attitude about use of CAM and socio-demographic data of the caregivers. 92% participants confirmed that their mentally challenged relatives use some forms of CAM in treatment. The therapies used included herbal drugs, spiritual intervention, and alternative medical system (homeopathic medicine). \u0000Findings: The result revealed both positive and negative perception and attitude about CAM use and most caregivers could not identify any good effects of these therapies but still use them. The findings also showed that some socio-demographic factors affect CAM use. They noted that CAM use alone cannot cure, but also complicate mental illness. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It was concluded that research on effectiveness and safety of each CAM will help improve mental healthcare. ","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126832698","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":"The Experience of Children with Disabilities and their Families during Hospital Admission - Literature Review","authors":"W. Al-Ruzaiqi","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.1896","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.1896","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: This review aimed to look for the findings from different qualitative studies that addressed the experience of children with disabilities and their families during hospital admission. \u0000Methodoloy: Using a descriptive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Criteria for selecting the studies were: peer-reviewed, qualitative studies focused on the experience of disabled children younger than 18 years old and their caregivers. A systematic search found 13 relevant papers based on titles, then selected studies were reviewed and data were extracted. Three common themes were highlighted: communication between the disabled children and medical staff, quality of care provided during the inpatient stay and involvement in decision-making. \u0000Results: Communication issues were the papers' most repeated and highlighted theme. This review reveals that the experience of children with disabilities during hospital admission is not ideal. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Enhancing the medical staff’s communication skills and supporting disabled children and their families during admission would make a difference. Two models of change will be explored at the end in view of these themes.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":" 75","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114051044","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":"“Accepting ‘Eternity’ of Antiretroviral Drugs”: A Pillar in Improving Adherence to Antiretroviral Drugs among a Selected Population of HIV Positive Patients in a Semi-Urban Region in Kenya - A Qualitative Analytic Study","authors":"Martin Ochieng, G. Kikuvi, D. Mokaya","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.1810","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.1810","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The objective of this research was to ascertain perspectives on suboptimal adherence and ways to improve optimal adherence to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients attending selected HIV Care Centres in Kibwezi West Sub-county, Makueni County, Kenya. \u0000Methodology: Six Focused Group Discussions (FGD) homogeneously stratified by age and gender and four Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted. Each FGD consisted of 8 study participants recruited by purposive sampling technique. \u0000Findings: Focus group discussions identified fear, stigma, defiance, ignorance on reasons for medication, not believing in oneself, participating in activities that hinder adherence such as drinking alcohol, retrogressive religious beliefs, lack of self-love and denial as the main causes of sub optimal adherence to ARVs. However the discussions also identified one-on-one educational counselling sessions, seeking advice, group education with similar infected people, adherence counselling support by health workers, acceptance of one’s status, social and family support as means to improve adherence to ARVs. It also identified knowing one’s status, acceptance, personal discipline on adherence and reminders such as clock alarms or a trusted person as means to improve adherence to ARVs. However, the discussions revealed gender and age differences, attributed to different life’s challenges and perspectives in the different cohorts thus interventions should be targeted rather than lump sum. Key informant interviews identified ignorance, stigma, busy work schedule and lack of social support as patient level factors that would hinder adherence to ARVs. They also noted long waiting time, distance, poor attitude by health service providers and drug stock outs contributing to poor adherence to ARVs at the facility level. However, they identified community dispensing, support groups, health talks with mentors, psychosocial support, drug availability, outreach, encouraging disclosure, distribution of patients to nearest satellite clinics and directly observed therapy (DOT) by a trusted relative as ways to improve adherence to ARVs. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: interventions need to be tailored to the specific population and individual needs; thus, adopting better and informed strategies. The study adds to the pool of knowledge that factors affecting adherence are dependent on populations under investigation due to varied socio-demographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors locally, regionally and globally. The findings of the study will inform the local county government of Makueni and Kibwezi West Sub-county administrators in formulating local economic and health policies and by-laws that would aid in improving optimal adherence to ARVs.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"97 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127213009","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":"Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and its Associated Factors among Medical Students: A Case of Copperbelt University School of Medicine, Ndola, Zambia","authors":"Stella Chilufya","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.1767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.1767","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. They are a complex chronic global disease affecting people worldwide across all ages, sexes, ethnicities and nationalities. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight. Of these over 650 million adults were obese, 39% of adults aged 18 years and over (39% of men and 40% of women) were obese. Once considered a high – income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle – income countries, particularly in urban settings. In Africa, obesity and overweight has been attributed to demographic and nutritional changes that have resulted from urbanization and the adoption of a western lifestyle which include lack of exercises and changes in dietary intake \u0000The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its associated factors among medical students from Michael Chilufya Sata Copperbelt University School of medicine, Ndola, Zambia. \u0000Methodology: A descriptive, quantitative cross – sectional study, which will use a standardized, structured self – administered questionnaire to survey the prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students from Michael Chilufya Sata Copperbelt University School of medicine, Ndola, Zambia. 384 medical students will be allowed to participate in the study and data collected will be analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS for windows). \u0000Findings: found a low prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students at Ndola's copper-belt university. Male participants had a significantly higher prevalence than female participants, and most significant risk factor where associated with male student this might have been due to the disproportion in numbers between the male and female participants. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: The study indicates a need for behaviour modification related to enhance lifestyle through increased physical activity and better nutritional practices among medical students.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124994715","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":"Sjogren's Syndrome: Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management","authors":"Dania Victor","doi":"10.47604/gjhs.1766","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.1766","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic and progressive multisystem autoimmune disease typically managed by rheumatologists. Diagnostic delays are common, due in large part to the non-specific and variable nature of SS symptoms and the slow progression of disease. \u0000Methodology: This article reviews current understanding of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of Sjögren's syndrome and its attendant ocular manifestation. Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the exocrine glands with multiple non exocrine features. It is found predominantly in middle-aged women but exists throughout the population. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome can be challenging because the cardinal sicca symptoms may be subclinical or attributed to other causes, such as medications or aging. Differential diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome can be confounded by the multiple exocrine manifestations in the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, skin, vagina, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Characteristics of SS are dry eye and dry mouth, which are typically the earliest presenting complaints, eye care clinicians such as the optometrists and dental professionals are often the first point of medical contact and can provide critical collaboration with rheumatologists to facilitate both timely diagnosis and ongoing care of patients with SS. \u0000Findings: Current diagnostic criteria advocated by the American College of Rheumatology are predicated on the presence of signs/symptoms suggestive of SS along with at least two objective factors such as traditional biomarker positivity, salivary gland biopsy findings, and/or presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Timely diagnosis of SS requires appropriate clinical vigilance for potential SS symptoms, referral and collaborative communication among rheumatology, optometrists, ophthalmology, and oral care professions. \u0000Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is concluded that optometrists can now identify Sjogren’s patients earlier in their dry eye population with a new advanced diagnostic test Sjo,the laboratory test designed for early detection of Sjogren’s syndrome, has been available from Nicox for use by eye care professionals since November,2013. Optometrists have a role to play in the management of ocular manifestations of Sjogren’s syndrome. Such symptoms can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and visual fatigue if not attended to immediately. \u0000For people with immune system disorder, inflammation of tear-secreting glands reduces tear production, resulting in chronic dry eyes. Prescription eye drops such as Tears Naturale, Cyclosporine (Restasis) or Lifetegrast(Xiidra) may be recommended by the eye doctor if you have moderate to severe dry eyes.","PeriodicalId":260509,"journal":{"name":"Global Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121115594","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}