Public Health in Practice最新文献

{"title":"The efficacy of a mobile-based multidomain program on cognitive functioning of residents in assisted living facilities","authors":"Yongseop Kim ,&nbsp;Junhyoung Kim ,&nbsp;Jaegyeong Lee ,&nbsp;Marcia G. Ory ,&nbsp;Myung Jin Ko","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a mobile-based multidomain application, Silvia Program, on cognitive functioning of residents in assisted living facilities (ALFs).</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Pilot randomized controlled trial using a two-group pretest-posttest design.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Twenty participants living in ALFs were randomized to a Silvia group or usual care group. Silvia group received mobile-based Multidomain lifestyle intervention for 50–60 min, twice weekly, for 12 weeks. We assessed the cognitive functioning using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Results are that the total MoCA scores of the Silvia group showed significant improvement while the total scores of the control group declined.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The present study provides suggestive evidence for an overall positive effect of the use of the Silvia Program on the cognitive functioning among residents in ALFs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266653522400065X/pdfft?md5=90d2af6d8cd1cc8730b521df6a0dc619&pid=1-s2.0-S266653522400065X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141630836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of a large-scale event on SARS-CoV-2 cases and hospitalizations in the Netherlands, carnival seasons 2022 and 2023","authors":"Koen M.F. Gorgels ,&nbsp;Nicole H.T.M. Dukers-Muijrers ,&nbsp;Ymke J. Evers ,&nbsp;Volker H. Hackert ,&nbsp;Paul H.M. Savelkoul ,&nbsp;Christian J.P.A. Hoebe","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100523","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of understanding facilitators for disease transmission. Events such as Carnival, characterized by large gatherings and extensive social interactions, have the potential to become ‘super spreading events' for respiratory infections. This paper aims to assess the impact of large gatherings on virus transmission, providing crucial insights for the development of effective public health strategies.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>An ecological study was performed.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The age-standardized number of COVID-19 cases reported in 2022, stratified by age (under 60 and 60+ years) was compared countrywide for Dutch provinces where Carnival was celebrated versus those where it was not. Additionally, we compared standardized hospitalization rates in 2022 and 2023 for both areas.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Countrywide, 2,278,431 COVID-19 cases were reported between 06-02-2022 and 10-04-2022. Daily incidence increased after Carnival, peaking at 803 per 100,000 inhabitants for under 60s in carnival provinces and 368 in non-carnival provinces. For individuals 60+ daily incidence peaked at 396 in carnival provinces and 247 in non-carnival provinces. Over the 10 weeks following the start of Carnival, the carnival provinces demonstrated a 15 % (2022) 17 % (2023) higher hospitalization rate compared to non-carnival provinces.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The peak in cases and hospitalizations in regions actively celebrating Carnival compared to the rest of the Netherlands qualifies Carnival as a ‘super-spreading’ event. Our findings underscore the elevated risk of respiratory infections associated with large gatherings, advocating guided policies, including transparent risk communication and healthcare preparedness.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000600/pdfft?md5=4b457e9d9037ff46162e99bb71d0fc7b&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000600-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142040167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tuberculosis preventive treatment in eight SEAR countries – Current practices, implementation challenges and operations research priorities","authors":"Prathiksha Giridharan ,&nbsp;Rakesh P. Suseela ,&nbsp;Tandin Zangpo ,&nbsp;Rita Bhandari Joshi ,&nbsp;Mizaya Cader ,&nbsp;Fathiyah Isbaniah ,&nbsp;Banurekah Velayudham ,&nbsp;Fathimath Nazla Rafeeg ,&nbsp;Antonio da Cruz Santos ,&nbsp;Naveen Prakash Shah ,&nbsp;Manu Mathew ,&nbsp;Leyanna Susan George ,&nbsp;Nivedita Gupta ,&nbsp;Chandrasekaran Padmapriyadarsini","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100518","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100518","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Countries in the South East Asian region face similar challenges in control of infectious diseases. There is limited access to experiences and learnings of neighboring countries. The Indian Council - of Medical Research (ICMR) has established a Regional Enabler for the South-East Asia Research Collaboration for Health (RESEARCH) Platform for South East Asian Region (SEAR) countries to address the above issues. This paper discusses about current practices, implementation challenges and operations research priorities of Tuberculosis Preventive therapy (TPT) in eight SEAR countries.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A three day workshop on “Capacity Building for TB Research under Programmatic Settings”. was conducted under the aegis of this RESEARCH platform jointly ICMR and the Union which was participated by eight SEAR countries. Data were collected from a semi-structured questionnaire prior to the workshop and open discussions during the workshop.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The various challenges faced for TPT implementation were broadly categorized as poor demand and low level of acceptance by the beneficiary, low level of acceptance to provide TPT among the providers, challenges in ruling out active TB, issues with supply and supply chain management of diagnostic tests and drugs. Many operations research priorities like person centric TPT driven models, capacity building for improving cascade of care for latent TB infection, health system strengthening and effective risk communication were identified.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Full implementation of the TPT guidelines requires focused attention and coordinated action from all stakeholders of the country to attain the full benefit of TB preventive therapy and the ultimate TB elimination goal.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100518"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000557/pdfft?md5=f6f17964251acfcd20a136ced2aec8cd&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000557-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk factors for the development of Thunderstorm-associated asthma among indigenous Ghanaians: A matched case-control study","authors":"Hephzibah Okyere-Mensah ,&nbsp;Joshua Arthur ,&nbsp;Ruth Owusu ,&nbsp;Birgit Baah ,&nbsp;Ashley Owusu ,&nbsp;Kwadwo Atobrah Antwi ,&nbsp;Chris Oppong ,&nbsp;Michael Adjei Rockson","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100522","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Epidemic Thunderstorm asthma (TA) is a serious public health threat with a potential to overwhelm health systems. Being the first documented incidence in Ghana, we sought to determine whether the chronic respiratory risk factors for the development of TA as identified in other countries were similar or different from that in Ghana.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>A matched case-control study involving 41 cases and 82 controls was conducted in two conveniently selected health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data were collected from pre-existing patient records and included general demography, a history of allergies and a history of asthma. A chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify risk factors for the development of TA.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Overall, 53.7 % of the TA cases and 7.3 % of controls had a previous history of asthma (AOR = 4.53 p = 0.064, 95 % CI = 0.918–22.365). Also, 29.3 % of the cases and 1.2 % of the controls had a previous history of allergies (AOR = 12.48 p = 0.05, 95 % CI = 0.919–169.305).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>A previous history of allergy was a significant risk factor for TA. A previous history of asthma though associated with TA, was not a significant risk factor for its development. The recognition and awareness of risk factors for TA, by clinicians and health managers, is essential for health education, case management and preparation for the surge capacity occasioned by the event.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100522"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000594/pdfft?md5=849e020d045de0b887b2fd335c513e33&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000594-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Opting out of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) and impact on practices’ performance","authors":"V. Tzortziou Brown,&nbsp;J. Hayre,&nbsp;J. Ford","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100526","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Financial incentives are being increasingly adopted to help improve standards of care within general practice. However their effects on care quality are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of practices opting out of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), a financial incentive scheme in UK general practice.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>A retrospective before and after study of all practices in Tower Hamlets, east London.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Practices were given an option by local commissioners of opting out of QOF without a financial penalty and instead opting for a locally designed financial incentive scheme that promoted more holistic care. We compared those practices which opted out of QOF to those which continued. We used national, publicly available QOF achievement data from 2016/17 and 2017/18. We undertook a sub-analysis of 16 QOF indicators to better understand the impact of the intervention.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 36 practices in Tower Hamlets, 7 decided to continue with QOF and 29 opted out. The intervention resulted in a small but statistically significant reduction in the total QOF achievement scores of practices which opted out of QOF. The sub-analysis of 16 QOF indicators showed statistically significant reductions in most of achievement scores net of exceptions for the practices that opted out. The differences in performance between the two cohorts of practices became smaller when exceptions were included.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The removal of QOF financial incentives can result in a reduction in achievement of QOF-related indicators but the size of the effect seems to depend on the QOF exception rates. An alternative incentive scheme that promotes a more holistic approach to care seems to be welcomed by general practices.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000636/pdfft?md5=f454dff9ab652d528f3df093ced8ec7c&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000636-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change and public health: An evaluation framework for local government","authors":"E.S. Loud ,&nbsp;G.R. Woolf ,&nbsp;A. Ralph ,&nbsp;T. Gadhia ,&nbsp;A.M.D. Navaratnam ,&nbsp;L. Watson ,&nbsp;A. McGushin ,&nbsp;E. Clissold ,&nbsp;B. Hilton","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>To develop and pilot an evaluation framework for assessing the engagement of local government public health teams in England on climate change and sustainability. These teams are uniquely positioned to address local health impacts of climate change and promote health co-benefits of mitigation. No statutory framework currently exists to support their engagement in this agenda.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Literature review and two cross sectional surveys.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A group of public health professionals conducted a literature review and agreed on criteria based on statutory responsibilities and remit of these teams, available information, and opportunities for local government action. With the resulting framework, this group evaluated all 11 local governments in the East of England region, and then conducted a follow-up survey to assess the framework’s impact and acceptability.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>An evaluation framework was developed with 21 criteria in two sections. The first assessed overall local government action and leadership in climate change and sustainability, to understand the context in which the public health team was situated. The second assessed the climate change related actions undertaken by the public health team.</p><p>All 11 local governments in the East of England region completed the evaluation. Results indicated inconsistencies in local public health team action on and engagement with climate change and health. Ten local governments completed the follow-up survey on acceptability and impact, reporting that the evaluation was easy to complete. Seven out of ten respondents found that the evaluation had influenced change or reflection within their organisation, for example through identifying gaps and prompting more collaboration between teams.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This evaluation framework is a useful and acceptable tool to assess local government public health engagement and leadership on climate change and sustainability. If used more widely, it could help to support public health teams to advance much-needed action in this area.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100524"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000612/pdfft?md5=ea09d3beea134fe02276a6a0fbbb286b&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000612-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Findings on dietary characteristics among Haitian immigrants and the threat of food insecurity: A scoping review","authors":"Luciana Sales Purcino,&nbsp;Rubens Bedrikow","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aimed to map and describe the available evidence on dietary characteristics and diet-related health conditions among Haitian immigrants across the globe.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Scoping review.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This review was based on the international guide Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The searches were conducted in several electronic databases in July 2023. Reports focusing on diet, nutrition, and diet-related health conditions among international Haitian immigrants published in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish with no year limit were included. The data extracted was tabulated and presented in a narrative summary.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Database search retrieved 502 records, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. The categories that emerged from the analysis were: food consumption patterns and trends, food and nutrition insecurity, cultural identity, and diet-related health conditions. Findings suggest: available evidence underrepresents Latin America and the Caribbean context; research gaps related to adolescents and the elderly and also to noncommunicable diseases except obesity; changes in food consumption after immigration towards less healthy eating; the Haitian immigrant's preference for healthy and traditional eating patterns; many experiences of food insecurity related to poverty, unemployment, and lack of social support, especially in host countries in Latin America and the Caribbean; and a high prevalence of obesity, especially among women.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Further research is required in countries in Latin America, mainly. Diet-related chronic diseases, adolescents, and the elderly should be targeted for further research. We recommend: longitudinal and qualitative research; field action reports describing local and global strategies to manage Haitian migration-related food and nutrition issues; culturally appropriate dietary interventions; and policies to protect and support the most vulnerable Haitian immigrants to have their fundamental right to adequate food guaranteed, reducing health inequalities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100520"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000570/pdfft?md5=110c95de58cb775e5b006c15829c1c76&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000570-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An observational study on imported COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong during mandatory on-arrival hotel quarantine","authors":"Mario Martín-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Peng Wu ,&nbsp;Dillon C. Adam ,&nbsp;Bingyi Yang ,&nbsp;Wey Wen Lim ,&nbsp;Yun Lin ,&nbsp;Eric H.Y. Lau ,&nbsp;Sheena G. Sullivan ,&nbsp;Gabriel M. Leung ,&nbsp;Benjamin J. Cowling","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100525","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Hong Kong enforced stringent travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases is important for establishing evidence-based control measures.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Retrospective cohort study summarising the characteristics of imported cases detected in Hong Kong between 13 November 2020 and 31 January 2022, when compulsory quarantine was implemented.</p></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><p>A total of 2269 imported COVID-19 cases aged 0–85 years were identified, of which 48.6 % detected on arrival. A shorter median delay from arrival to isolation was observed in Delta and Omicron cases (3 days) than in ancestral strain and other variants cases (12 days; p &lt; 0.001). Lower Ct values at isolation were observed in Omicron cases than in ancestral strain or other variants cases. No Omicron cases were detected beyond 14 days after arrival. Cases detected after 14 days of quarantine (n=58, 2.6 %) were more likely asymptomatic at isolation and had higher Ct value during isolation, some of them indicating re-positivity or post-arrival infections.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Testing inbound travellers at arrival and during quarantine can detect imported cases early, but may not prevent all COVID-19 introductions into the community. Public health measures should be adapted in response to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants based on evidence from ongoing surveillance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100525"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000624/pdfft?md5=3f305a754ceb51250578a0da368e67af&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000624-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Socioeconomic inequalities in the incidence of COVID-19 in Barcelona students","authors":"M. Olivella-Cirici ,&nbsp;G. Perez ,&nbsp;M. Rodriguez-Sanz ,&nbsp;Ll Forcadell-Díez ,&nbsp;P. Montemayor Cejas ,&nbsp;M.I. Pasarin","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100527","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study aimed to assess socioeconomic inequalities in schools regarding the COVID-19 incidence during different epidemic waves among Barcelona students, differentiating by sex and educational stage.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Cross-sectional ecological study.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We included in the study all students from childhood to secondary education in Barcelona city. The unit of analysis was the schools. The study covered the epidemic waves coinciding with the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school courses. The cumulative incidence (CI) per school and wave was calculated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses using Poisson regression were conducted to estimate relative risks. The population attributable risk, by sex and educational stage, was calculated as a measure of impact.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In the second wave, higher CI in students was associated with greater school socioeconomic deprivation in all groups. In the younger girls, 24.5 % (5.2–41.4) of the CI was attributed to school socioeconomic vulnerability, increasing to 33.1 % (15.1–47.2) in older girls. During the sixth wave, the impact was lower in the most vulnerable schools in all strata.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Socioeconomic factors significantly impacted the incidence of COVID-19 in schools, reflecting social inequalities in Barcelona. There was an inversion of the pattern of inequalities in the sixth wave compared to the previous ones. The results emphasize the need for urgent action and targeted resources to address health inequalities in education and understand the impact of epidemic dynamics on socioeconomic context.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000648/pdfft?md5=3b1994bd5c5305a4ea6e6df0485adb34&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000648-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beliefs about COVID-19 testing and treatment: A national survey of Black and White adults","authors":"Laura A. Siminoff ,&nbsp;K. Laura Barker ,&nbsp;Ryan Blunt ,&nbsp;Diana Litsas ,&nbsp;Gerard P. Alolod ,&nbsp;Jay S. Patel","doi":"10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100519","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Knowledge, access, and use of testing and antiviral treatments is critical to managing and mitigating the continuing burden of the novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) in the United States. This study measured knowledge, attitude, behaviors, and self-reported barriers towards COVID-19 testing and outpatient anti-viral medications (OPA) treatments among Black and older individuals who face greater hospitalization and mortality from the disease.</p></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><p>Cross-sectional structured survey.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Respondents were randomly selected from an opt-in national panel in December 2022. Equal numbers of Black and White US adults over the age of 40 (n = 1037) completed the 42 item online survey. The main measures were key sociodemographic variables of respondents, race, age, political affiliation and COVID-19 attitudes, beliefs, testing behaviors, and knowledge and barriers to OPA access.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Overall<strong>,</strong> awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 outpatient treatments was low. Black respondents were more likely to test for COVID-19 than White respondents but less likely to know about OPA treatments. Insurance coverage was a significant factor in use of home tests. Knowledge of OPA treatments was low across groups. White respondents were more likely than Black respondents to be aware of OPA treatments (1.75, 95 % CI [1.31–2.33]) as were higher income respondents (1.13, 95 % CI [1.08–1.17]) and self-identified Liberals (1.79, 95 % CI [1.29–2.49]).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Clinicians should know large numbers of patients may not be testing for COVID-19, nor are they aware of outpatient treatment options and may hold inaccurate beliefs about them. Developing culturally specific patient education materials are warranted to increase testing, utilization of vaccinations and OPAs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":34141,"journal":{"name":"Public Health in Practice","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100519"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535224000569/pdfft?md5=edce8295d94c45243d9e905260995d2c&pid=1-s2.0-S2666535224000569-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141486523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}