The Effects of Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak on the Individuals’ Mental Health and on the Decision Makers: A Comparative Epidemiological Study

Background: The results of epidemiological studies help in developing protective and treatment plans for community members, and identifying the psychological support services that individuals need to reduce the negative effects of these stressful conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the effect of the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 on the mental health of individuals. A survey descriptive design was used in this study to detect the level of psychological problems and to determine the differences in psychological problems due to nationality, age, sex, social status, learning level, and income. Method: A random sample consists of 5611(3423 Egyptians and 2188 Saudis) participants was chosen, their ages ranged between (16 to more than 50) year. The study sample was divided into sub-groups according to nationality, age, sex, social status, learning level, income level. The researchers in this study prepared psychological problems symptoms inventory that has been applied online to the sample. Results: The findings indicated that the increased prevalence of COVID -19 has a negative effect on the mental health of individuals, as the level of psychological problems were increased, and the results also found differences in the prevalence of psychological problems symptoms due to demographic variables. Conclusion: The study results emphasized the importance of prevention and treatment of psychological problems symptoms caused by the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19. As well as, these findings stressed on the role of counseling and therapy via the internet as well as, cross-cultural counseling and treatment.

Knowledge, Attitude and Reporting Practices on Adverse Events Following Immunization among Routine Immunization Service Providers in Health Facilities of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background/Introduction:Health workers at primary health care facilities (PHCs) are primarily involved with routine immunization activities including detection, reporting and management of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). To undertake such responsibilities effectively, they need to have good knowledge on AEFI and its management. Objective:To assess the knowledge, attitude and reporting practices of Routine Immunization Service Providers in health facilities of Sokoto State, Nigeria.Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a total of 285 routine immunization service providers were recruited from all the PHCs in one selected local government from each of the three health zones of the State. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from eligible participants. Data were entered into SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed. Results:Of the 285 distributed questionnaires, 258 (90.5%) were duly completed and returned. The M: F ratio was 1.4:1, with mean age of 34.24 +8.06 years. Up to 164 (63.6%) respondents had good knowledge (score >50%), while 37(14.3%) and 57(22.1%) respondents had fair (score 41-49%) and poor (score <40%) knowledge respectively. Reporting practices were appropriate in 224 (86.8%) respondents. The most common method for reporting was by manual filing of AEFI forms. Some respondents would however not report an AEFI to avoid being blamed, feeling guilty or creating unnecessary anxiety to the patient. Conclusion:Though many respondents had good knowledge and reporting practices on AEFI, knowledge gap still exists; highlighting the need for continuous on-the-job training and retraining of these personnel

Telemedicine: an ICT based healthcare approach to ensure health service for all

Background: Despite enormous efforts, healthcare service is still a daunting challenge area of Bangladesh healthcare systems. Bangladesh suffers from both a shortage of and geographic mal-distribution of human resource for health, as well as inadequate resources. Considering the challenges, telemedicine can be a blessing especially to the people living in hard-to-reach and rural areas. The current study was conducted on to measure the outcomes of providing telemedicine service at the field level.Methods: The study was conducted in Nagarkanda Upazilla of Faridpur district. Mixed method approaches including user experience and perception survey, case study and in-depth interview were adopted in order to bring a comprehensive scenario.Results: Around 50% of the users used to visit telemedicine center frequently. For quality of service provided from telemedicine service point, there were few benchmarks like service provider’s behavior, waiting time, accessibility, distance, cost of treatment, willingness to pay and referral mechanism. Telemedicine service centers were found situated within the reach of people (within 1-2 km of 83.30% km). 97% participants rated service provider’s behavior as good. Cost of treatment including diagnosis, prescription and medication was found within 501-3000 BDT for 60% of participants.Conclusions: Although the studied telemedicine service was not comprehensive in nature, it still helped to save time, reduce cost and most of all increased access to healthcare services.

A review of competencies of community mental health service providers of different professional backgrounds / 中国心理卫生杂志

To promote the development of the domestic community mental health services, this paper introduced several foreign studies on the competencies of community mental health service providers of different professional backgrounds. The studies examined by this article inquire into the core competencies of community mental health service providers working with people of psychiatric disabilities, the core competencies of psychiatrists providing integrated care in the community setting, the competencies of psychologists in community mental health service, and the competency level of community mental health service providers in intervention activities. Drawing on foreign experience and strengthening cooperation among community mental health service providers of different professional backgrounds, and achieving complementary advantages, will help to promote service effectiveness.

Reframing Services for Malaysian Students in Schools: Time to Bring Occupational Therapy into the Classroom / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that has gained increasing attention in Malaysia. Much effort is now being taken to include children with autism spectrum disorder in the school system, either in inclusive settings or in special educational settings. However, this endeavor raises many challenges for the children with autism spectrum disorder, their families and for service providers. The current study uses a qualitative approach to investigate parents’ perceptions of problems faced by their children with autism spectrum disorder in issues related to academic skills. A face-to-face interview was performed with parents of children with autism spectrum disorders who were receiving occupational therapy services for their difficulties in academic related skills. Findings indicate that most of the difficulties faced by these children are related to skills needed to be accepted at school, such as ability to communicate and socialize and this often limit their performance at school. These findings not only raise and discuss important implications for service providers such as teachers, health care professionals and policy makers, but also lead to suggestions for future research.

Perception of quality in a Radiation Oncology Department: Is it different for patients and health care providers.

AIM: Patient satisfaction is increasingly being identified as an important benchmark in health care industry. Studies addressing patients’ perceptions of quality are available but there is paucity of data regarding the perception of health care providers towards their own services. This study was undertaken to compare the satisfaction level between the patients and the staff from a Radiation Oncology Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A common 16‑item questionnaire addressing various aspects of patient care was served to 40 patients and 40 staff members. The responses were statistically evaluated to assess the satisfaction level among the two groups and the scores were compared to assess the agreement between two groups. RESULTS: Overall, satisfaction level of both groups regarding quality of services ranged from “good” to “excellent”. A high level of agreement was observed between the two groups. The physician’s ability to give an explanation to patients, helping attitude of the staff and the staff’s concern for patient safety were the most satisfying features of the department while inconvenience during scheduling of appointments, billing and registration process, status of the changing rooms and inter‑department coordination were the least satisfying features. CONCLUSION: A high level of satisfaction may be achieved from the consumers if service providers are trained to assess the needs and expectations of consumers and to critically evaluate themselves. The service provider’s perception regarding their own services may serve as a preliminary indicator of overall quality. Future studies with more participants in different setting may further explore this hypothesis.

Evaluación de la satisfacción de los usuarios y prestadores de servicios en la Clínica Estomatológica "Fe Dora Beris" / Evaluación de la satisfacción de los usuarios y prestadores de servicios en la Clínica Estomatológica "Fe Dora Beris"

Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 8 estomatólogos y 120 pacientes atendidos en la Clínica Estomatológica "Fe Dora Beris" de Santiago de Cuba, desde julio hasta diciembre del 2014, a fin de evaluar el nivel de satisfacción de usuarios y prestadores de servicios estomatológicos, para lo cual se utilizó una encuesta. Se reestablecieron criterios, indicadores y estándares. Entre los principales resultados sobresalieron: solo 2 criterios relacionados con la investigación en los proveedores fueron inadecuados, y con respecto al nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios, el total de los integrantes de la serie manifestaron estar satisfechos con la atención recibida.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 8 dentists and 120 patients assisted at "Fe Dora Beris" Stomatological Clinic was carried out in Santiago de Cuba from July to December, 2014, in order to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients and providers about stomatological services by means of a survey. Criteria, indicators and standards were re-established. Among the main results there were: that just 2 criteria related to the investigation of the providers were inadequate, and regarding the satisfaction level of patients, all the members of the series were satisfied with the care provided.

Representación social de los prestadores de servicios de salud en la discapacidad visual / Social representation of the health service providers in visual disability

Introducción: el conocimiento de la representación social de los prestadores de servicios de salud resulta de suma importancia para la salud pública, debido a su influencia en la calidad de su relación con los pacientes. Objetivo: caracterizar la representación social de los prestadores de servicios de salud acerca de la discapacidad visual. Métodos: estudio de caso realizado en el policlínico Hermanos Ruíz Aboy en San Miguel del Padrón en el período de enero a junio de 2012. Participaron 33 informantes clave escogidos por muestreo intencional. Las técnicas de indagación empleadas fueron la asociación libre de palabras y las entrevistas en profundidad. Resultados: el estudio reveló la existencia en los prestadores de una representación angustiosa-conmiserativa-dependiente que configura elementos provenientes de referentes experienciales, componentes afectivos e insumos informacionales relacionados con las personas en situación de discapacidad visual. Conclusiones: los prestadores de servicios de salud investigados tiene en el núcleo de sus representaciones experiencias y conocimientos relacionados con el daño anatómico que condiciona limitación e incapacidad para la participación en la vida social de las personas con discapacidad visual, pero las asociaciones relativas a las necesidades de atención, definen un deficiente reconocimiento de elementos que garantizarían la compensación e integración psicosocial en estas personas...

Introduction: knowing the social representation of the health service providers is very important for the public health, due to their influence on the quality of relationship with the patients. Objective: to characterize the social representation of the health service providers on visual disability. Methods: case study performed in Hermanos Ruiz Aboy in San Miguel del Padron municipality in the period of January through June, 2012. Thirty three key informants selected by intentional sampling participated. The research techniques were free association of words and in-depth interviews. Results: this study disclosed the existence in health providers of an anguishing-commisserative-dependent representation that shapes elements from experience referents, affective components and informational inputs related to the persons facing visual disability. Conclusions: the health service providers under research have, in the core of their representation, experiences and knowledge linked to the anatomical damage that causes limitation and disability to be involved in the people with visual disability; however, the relative associations with the care requirements define a poor recognition of those elements that would assure compensation and psychosocial integration of these people...

Situation Ethics: How relevant is ‘right’ versus ‘useful’ theory in ethical practice.

Ironically in the twenty-first century, developing countries face a pile of ever increasing burden on health care facilities. The lack of political will, redundant health policies, mismanaged health care system, and grossly inadequate health care infrastructure along with battery of other local factors, have fuelled the crisis. People depend largely on government hospitals for basic health care facilities, which usually remain saturated and long queues are a customary sight. The tremendous increase in dependence over government hospitals has drained the already fatigued heath service. Under such an ambience, the people involved are often constrained to take decisions which though look agonizingly unethical, yet are defended by demand of situation. The authors present their view point under the ambit of “Situation Ethics” in an incident, reported in newspaper highlighting the plight of a victim who met with a train accident at district Malda, State of West Bengal, India, and lost both his legs, which were securely tucked under his head as ‘pillow’ giving a grisly sight unbecoming in an hospital situation.

La calidad en salud, un compromiso de todos / Health quality, and obligation for everybody

La atención en salud y la calidad en los servicios de salud se han convertido en parte de un proceso de mejoramiento dentro del Sistema de Seguridad Social en Salud en Colombia. Es por eso que la normatividad vigente se hace cada día más puntual a ese respecto por considerarse de suma importancia el proceso de la consecución y la permanencia de la salud con calidad en el contexto de nuestro país, en el cual debe tomar parte cada uno de los entes prestadores de salud, sus profesionales y la población, para que se de cómo consecuencia un resultado satisfactorio en la solución verdadera de problemas de salud en el país.Las normas actuales pretenden dar importancia a un aspecto primordial que es el mejoramiento de los servicios de salud. En este proceso los entes prestadores y los profesionales tienen un compromiso con cada una de las partes del proceso que obliga la ley y con los usuarios como fin último de la atención. Se pretende resaltar un aspecto primordial que es el mejoramiento de los servicios de salud, y así entonces, los entes prestadores y los profesionales tienen un compromiso con cada una de las partes del proceso al que obliga la ley y con los usuarios como fin último de la atención.La ley 100 de 1993 ha traído consigo una serie de reflexiones que nos han involucrado en el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de los usuarios; siendo el acceso a los servicios de salud uno de los más importantes aspectos por el cual se debe propender y para esto el proceso de consecución de la calidad se hace indispensable.

Health attention and quality in health service have become part of an improvement process in the SocialSecurity System in Colombia. That is whyregulations in force are each time more specificregarding this topic. The process to find and keephealth quality in our context is highly important.Every agent providing health, professionals andpopulation must participate, therefore, asconsequence, a satisfactory result in the real solutionof health problems in the country might appear.Current regulations intend to give importance to abasic aspect: health service improvement. In thisprocess every agent providing health andprofessionals have a commitment with every partin the process and with users as a final end ofattention. Law 100 of 1993 brought a series ofreflections which have involved us in users’ lifequality improvement. The access to health serviceis the most important aspect to tend towards andtherefore the process to obtain quality isindispensable.