International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health最新文献

{"title":"International Cleft-Care Organizations in the United States: A Systematized Review","authors":"L. Kollara, Caroline R. Kebberly","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.11","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Although there are several international cleft-care organizations, there are variations in how these organizations are structured. The purpose of this paper was to analyze international cleft-care organizations based out of the United States. We provided an analysis of each, with a specific focus on team structure, funding, location, and model of care. Methods: A systematized review was conducted using PubMed using specific MeSH terms and related keywords. Organizations screened had to have the following inclusion criteria: (1) be based out of the United States (2) have a valid web presence. Results: Nineteen unique international cleft-care organizations were identified in the database search. Most international cleft-care organizations included in this review had originally started with the vertical model and, over time, adopted a diagonal approach including a team-based structure, resulting in an increased need for volunteers. Most organizations reviewed in this paper also demonstrated expansion of care beyond cleft lip and/or palate treatment. The cost of trip per volunteer was variable. The number of trips per year ranged from a minimum of one trip per year to a maximum of 150 trips. Conclusion: Throughout the analysis of each international cleft-care organization, a common theme of sustainability and self-sufficiency was present. The data compiled in this manuscript enables critical appraisal of various cleft-care organizations, comparison of different models of care, and provides insight on engaging in international cleft-care initiatives.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48358656","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":"Descriptive Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic During the First and Second Waves in a North-Central State in Nigeria","authors":"O. Fakayode, O. D. Awoyale, O S Ilesanmi, F. Oladiji, A. Afolabi, Muftau Oyewo, I. A. Adefila, Itunuoluwa G. Bakinde, Adamu N. Muhammed, Jibril Yinusa, Damilola M. Abdullahi, H. Lawal, Kasali S. Ajao, Saheed O. Adedoyin","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.14","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: COVID-19 is a novel infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This study was a descriptive analysis the epidemiology of COVID-19 during the first and second waves in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. Methods: This study investigated COVID-19 cases and deaths in Kwara State between 2nd April 2020 when Kwara State recorded her index case till the 15th of September 2020 (first wave), and between 16th September 2020 till 15th March 2021 (second wave). Case definitions of COVID-19 as obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was used. Data were extracted from the case notes of patients and the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management System, and on-site activities engaged in by the field investigation team were duly captured. Results: Overall, 3015 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Kwara State as of 15th March 2021. The median age was 38 years and ranged between 24 days to 97 years. Also, 1056 (35%) were aged 25 – 39 years, 1695 (56.2%) were males. The case fatality rate was less than 2%. A total of 1064 (35.3%) symptomatic COVID-19 cases had been identified as of the reference date, among whom 696 (65.4%) were mild, 308 (28.9%) were moderate, and 60 (5.6%) were severe/critical cases. Conclusion: COVID-19 remains a public health problem. A scale-up of COVID-19 surveillance activities should be conducted by the Ministry of Health through active case search and regular refresher training for volunteers. In addition, active community engagement should be prioritized by stakeholders in the national COVID-19 outbreak response.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43569560","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":"Effect of a Supervised Exercise-Training Programme on Morbidity and Wellness of South African Hajj Pilgrims in 2018: A Pilot Study","authors":"Salim Parker, M. Jaffer, O. Mahomed","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.12","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Ill health and poor physical and mental conditioning adversely affects pilgrims’ ability to optimally perform the arduous physical rituals of Hajj. We postulate that a supervised, pre-departure exercise programme improves their health status and may reduce morbidity. Methods: Ninety-three accredited pilgrims completed a 6-12 weeks graduated, supervised walking programme designed to get the participants fit to do a 10 km walk. Assessments including a morbidity survey, a six-minute walk test, and a POMS (Profile of Mood States) were conducted before and immediately after the exercise programme. A morbidity questionnaire, the six-minute walk test, and POMS were completed post-Hajj (n=88). A group of 200 non-matched pilgrims who were not part of the exercise programme, were approached post-Hajj to fill in the morbidity questionnaire, with eight-two responding. Results: Results for 88 participants were available with 13.7% reporting medical events during the Hajj period, significantly less than the non-participants (62.2% of 82 respondents), and less when compared to other studies (up to 91%). The mean distance recorded in the six-minute walk test increased by 5% after the exercise programme (481.3 meters before to 506.3 m after) and 3% after Hajj (520.7 m). Similar positive changes in the POMS were noted across the three time periods. The resting heart rate did not show significant changes. Conclusion: This study shows that a supervised exercise programme for Hajj pilgrims has a positive effect on their physical and mental conditioning, which may reduce morbidity. Larger controlled trials are warranted to determine the optimum dose of exercise.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41643991","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":"Omicron Variant: An Acute Public Health Problem","authors":"Ezekiel Ayomide Adebowale, R. Adesola","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.10","url":null,"abstract":"The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has persisted as a pandemic for just over two years; vaccines have been developed to prevent the clinical disease and treatment regimens improved upon, but severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appears to be up to the task, coming up with mutations resulting in multiple variants, alpha, beta, delta, Omicron and so much more. The most important and recent one, the omicron variant, with an amazing 50 genetic mutations, 37 of which are on the spike protein, has emerged as a massive public health problem, rapidly replacing the delta-variant and the predominant variant in many countries, and foretelling a new and likely more devastating wave of the pandemic. To deliver a comprehensive overview to global health authorities and prospective readers worldwide, we detailed in this review, the properties of the Omicron Variant, its infectiousness, and the perils it poses to the general public; we also discuss the situation in Nigerian and the rest of the world alike.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43282009","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":"Clearing the Air: a Global Health Perspective on Air Pollution","authors":"Arielle V. Locke, Róisín C. Heffernan, Gabrielle McDonagh, J. Yassa, G. Flaherty","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.09","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.09","url":null,"abstract":"Air pollution is responsible for one in eight deaths globally per year. The severity of air pollution and its effects on global health are frequently discussed in the literature but are poorly reflected in health policy and have not yet resulted in sufficient actionable change. Air pollution mitigation policies should embody the planetary health concept, which highlights the interdependence between the health of humans and the planet. There is an urgent need for the standardisation of air quality measurement and programmes on a global scale. A reduction in fine particulate matter has been shown to contribute to the greatest degree of public health benefits. Current efforts to improve urban air quality include a significant focus on the transition to sustainable energy and transportation through the electrification of transportation. There are two main fronts in the campaign against pollution, one being the reduction of anthropogenic emissions through public and government policy, and the other being the introduction of novel attempts to decrease pollution and other innovative research to develop new approaches that will ultimately improve global health.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41856212","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":"SARS-CoV2 Infection of Athletes in Brazilian Soccer Competitions: Lessons from Recent Events Worldwide and the Return of Fans to Stadiums","authors":"Dennis Minoru Fujita, Lucas Melo Neves, Graciela dos Santos Soares, Luiz Henrique Nali","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.08","url":null,"abstract":"Soccer activities in Brazil are in the eminency of returning with the public. The fans’ return was the choice of 18 of the 20 clubs in the first division, even though high transmission rates are described between the athletes. Additionally, preventive measures are still not being taken considerably, both in relation to the athletes and the fans at stadium entrances. Although vaccination rates have been advancing, most lowincome countries are still not with desirable vaccination rates for herd immunity. The absence of preventive measures and the returning of soccer activities are a concerning issue for returning. The paper by Ruiz-Lozano et al, highlights this finding, that both deaths and cases of deaths by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have considerably increased during the European Soccer Championship.1 However, preventive measures alone may be quite interesting to avoid SARS-CoV-2 transmission, which justifies the public’s non-return. Considering only athletes, the paper by Krug et al,2 described that some preventive measures taken were able to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (ice hockey athletes), and resulted in zero cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the athletes, considering a total time bigger than 500 practices and games and at least 15. 858 athlete-hours. Krug et al, highlight that the transmission appears to be more likely in congested indoor areas involving adults than in the game space.2 Therefore, we highlight the importance of a protocol that considers fewer opportunities for crowded indoor areas (e.g., not using changing rooms in stadiums, but using bathrooms in hotel rooms that delegations have concentrated; transport in vehicles for small groups or even just with a driver; food in an individual environment, such as in the hotel room) should be a rule to be accomplished by athletes and organizers of these events. We highlight that if the transmission control with a few dozen athletes is difficult to control, we should increase transmission rates considering thousands of fans in the ten stadiums that host games in the Brazilian championship. Additionally, Krug et al reported that during the 18 weeks of follow-up of the ice hockey tournament, high stringency preventive measures protocols reduced to zero cases of SARS-CoV2 transmission. This finding supports how the need of preventive measures to avoid transmission.2 Especially in Brazil, this critical finding brought us to reflect regarding the need for strict preventive measures for sanitary safety of soccer championships that have gradually returned. In fact, a recent study revealed that the new infection rate of SARS-CoV2 in the state of São Paulo was 11.7% and 7.2% for athletes and staff, respectively, during soccer events, after the resuming of the championships.3 Brazil has recently held one of the main Latin American soccer championships, the Conmebol American Coup 2021, competing in around 10 nations. Some of them had a high incidence of SARS-Co","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47846902","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":"Epidemiological Investigation of a COVID-19 Community Cluster in Kedah, Malaysia","authors":"Noor Atika Azit, M. A. Mohd Suan, Nazirah Omar, N. Dali, Mashitah Romli, Mohamad Affiz Md Yusof, Madihah Ahmad, Mohd Zukri Ibrahim, S. Abdul Rahman","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.03","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: A cluster of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) linked to an international traveller was reported in Kedah, Malaysia in July 2020. This study aimed to report data of a local community cluster of COVID-19 with a view to document the lessons learnt and to identify key points for future containment strategy in response of the ongoing pandemic. Methods: Epidemiological and clinical data from individuals with confirmed cases of COVID-19 within this cluster were collected via interviews and in-patient medical records. All data were analysed, and socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of all cases were presented. Results: Total of 31 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed and linked epidemiologically in Kedah state. The index case was identified and reported to breach quarantine order for international traveller given by health authority. The virus transmission widely spread among family members, restaurant customers and later in the community. Conclusion: Non-adherence to the preventive measures is the driving factor for the widespread of this cluster infection. Active contact tracing, aggressive containment measures, and effective risk communication are important to control the virus transmission in this locality.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45904379","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":"Developmental Cost of Being Asian but Living in the United States: Diminished Returns of Household Income on Cortical Surface Area in 9-10 Year Old Children","authors":"S. Assari, Allison Lee","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.04","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: While socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as household income are known to be associated with larger cortical surface area, recent research on Marginalization-related Diminished Returns (MDRs) suggests that family SES indicators such as household income may have weaker effects on brain function and structure for non-White (marginalized) than White (privileged) families: a pattern that reflects structural and societal inequalities deeply intertwined into the United States social fabric. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Data was collected between 2016 and 2018. Overall, 6039 9–10-year-old children entered our analysis. The independent variable was household income. The moderator was race. The primary outcome was the overall cortical surface area. Age, sex, and family structure were the covariates. We used mixed effects regression models that adjusted for data analysis because ABCD data is nested into families, centers, and US states. Results: While high household income was associated with larger cortical surface area, this effect was weaker for Asian than non-Hispanic White children. This racial heterogeneity in the effects of household income on cortical surface area was documented by a statistically significant interaction between race and household income on cortical surface area. Conclusion: For American children, household income does not similarly correlate with cortical surface area of diverse racial groups. Brain development in the US is not solely a function of SES (availability of resources) but also how social groups are racialized and treated in the society. In the US, race, as a proxy of racism, limits how much SES can affect brain structures such as cerebral cortex. Due to racialization, segregation, discrimination, and marginalization, racial minority children may experience weaker effects of SES. Structural inequalities should be addressed to equalize the return of SES resources across racially diverse families.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47951908","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":"Determining Contributory Factors to the Competitiveness of Iran’s Medical Tourism: An Importance-Performance Analysis","authors":"Jafar Ahangaran, Shivam Prakash Bhartiya, Zahra Nadalipour, M. Salehi","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.06","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Medical tourism is developing more rapidly, particularly in developing countries, as a tool to enhance economic growth and achieve a competitive position. The present study aims to investigate and identify contributory factors to the competitiveness of Iran’s medical tourism using importance-performance analysis. Methods: This is an applied study with a descriptive nature conducted using field studies and surveys. A conceptual model was adopted and contributory factors were extracted from previous studies. A questionnaire was designed based on extracted factors and opinions of experts who are specialists in the field of medical tourism. The statistical population consisted of tourism experts, health experts, physicians, and medical staff working in hospitals with international units. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The results showed that \"medical services\" were more important than the two components \"special factors of tourism\" and \"characteristics of medical tourism destinations\". It was also revealed that the current situation of \"medical tourism destination characteristics\" is unfavorable compared to the other two components. Conclusion: This study provided an insight into the importance and quality of performance of the factors affecting the competitiveness of medical tourism, which can be beneficial for managers and planners in Iran and other medical tourism destinations.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41313454","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":"Kleine-Levin Syndrome in a Young Woman Triggered in Travel: A Case Report From Iran in COVID-19 Arena","authors":"R. Bidaki, H. Amirifard, Parisa Fazli, M. Asadi, Samira Babaeian Bahabadi","doi":"10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.07","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder often associated with recurrent hypersomnia, first described by Klein in 1925 but named in 1942 by Critchley and Hoffman. KLS is more common in adolescence and is also more common in men than women. It must be distinguished from repetitive depressive disorder, or psychotic disorder. Case Presentation: In this report, we present a 27-year-old woman with KLS who showed symptoms such as overeating and mood changes, unwillingness to talk to anyone, and a sedentary lifestyle. Meanwhile, during these periods, other symptoms such as lack of speech, decreased energy, lethargy, and slowness of mental and mood movements were observed in the patient. Eventually, with lithium consumption, her symptoms improve significantly. However, the exact cause of this syndrome and its definitive treatment is still unknown and will require further reports and studies. Conclusion: According to the reported case, KLS may be triggered by travel and migration, and in such a situation, may respond well to lithium.","PeriodicalId":32539,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46484845","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}