Perceived stress and sleep quality among patients visiting primary and community health centres in Kerala: COVID-19 pandemic context

Background: The quality of sleep, a multifaceted construct encompassing factors such as duration, continuity, and depth, plays a pivotal role in cognitive function, while perceived stress, the subjective appraisal of stressors and one's ability to cope with them, has been identified as a significant factor affecting various aspects of individuals' lives. The present study aimed to investigate “Perceived stress and sleep quality among patients who visited community and primary health centers in Kerala during the COVID-19 pandemic”. Methods: The sample of the study consist of 60 patients aged between 18 and 50, who visited community and primary health centers in Kerala. Questionnaire for Perceived Stress Scale – Malayalam Version and Sleep Quality Scale were used in this study. Results: Findings of the study reveals that the patients visiting community and primary health centers in Kerala during the COVID-19 pandemic experience slightly elevated levels of perceived stress, closely aligned with general stress scores. However, their sleep quality remains largely normal, with only minor deviations. Conclusions: The study reveals a negative impact of pandemic-related stress on sleep timing and quality among these patients. Consequently, it underscores the importance of addressing both stress levels and sleep quality during such public health crises.

Prevalência e fatores associados à síndrome metabólica em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in Community Health Workers

A síndrome metabólica é um distúrbio metabólico complexo, caraterizada pela associação de fatores de risco cardiovascular e resistência à insulina. Na Atenção Primária à Saúde, algumas condições laborais as quais os profissionais estão expostos podem ser fonte de adoecimento, e a literatura evidencia que aspectos laborais estão associados à síndrome metabólica, ou seja, que o contexto ocupacional é capaz de ser um fator de exposição para o desenvolvimento deste problema. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica e os fatores associados em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde de uma cidade do Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo transversal, no qual coletaram dados sociodemográficos, estilo de vida, laborais, antropométricos, bioquímicos e aspectos emocionais. A variável dependente síndrome metabólica foi definida conforme o critério do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Realizaram-se análises descritivas e de regressão múltipla de Poisson, com variância robusta, considerando um nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05) para o modelo final. Foram avaliados 673 Agentes Comunitários de Saúde, a prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi de 20,8% e associou-se à faixa etária ≥40 anos, menor escolaridade (Fundamental e/ou Médio), sobrepeso/obesidade, lipoproteína de baixa densidade ≥130 mg/dl e proteína C-reativa >5,0 mg/dl. Constatou-se uma elevada prevalência de síndrome metabólica em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde. Verifica-se a necessidade de estudos para o aprofundamento sobre a temática e o desenvolvimento de ações que visem a promoção de hábitos comportamentais saudáveis, bem como a prevenção de fatores de riscos.

Metabolic syndrome is a complex metabolic disorder, characterized by the association of cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance. In Primary Health Care, some work conditions to which professionals are exposed can be a source of illness and the literature shows that work aspects are associated with metabolic syndrome, that is, that the occupational context is capable of being an exposure factor for the development of this problem. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among community health workers in a city in the North of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study, in which sociodemographic, lifestyle, work, anthropometric, biochemical, and emotional aspects of data were collected. The dependent variable metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Descriptive and multiple Poisson regression analyzes were carried out with robust variance, considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05) for the final model. 673 community health workers were evaluated, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 20.8% and was associated with the age group ≥40 years, lower education (elementary and/or secondary), overweight/obesity, low-density lipoprotein ≥130 mg/dl and C-reactive protein >5.0 mg/dl. A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found in community health workers. There is a need for studies to delve deeper into the topic and develop actions aimed at promoting healthy behavioral habits, as well as preventing risk factors.

A study of the health benefits of the Yoga Prana Vidya healing camp conducted at YPV Ashram in December 2022

Background: Several YPV Healing Camp programmes in the past have assisted people of all ages in treating and resolving their current health problems and lowering their chance of developing future chronic illnesses, which typically begin early and get worse with age. This paper presents one such camp and its outcomes successfully conducted at the YPV Ashram in December 2022. Methods: An interventional method for evaluating the outcomes of this camp is used. Patients’ data was collected before and after this camp by a team of 6 YPV healers who performed healing services using YPV protocols. The patient sample consisted of 29 adults (20 female and 9 male) from various places in the country who registered their voluntary participation. Results: Measured parameters such as body weight (Wt.), body mass index (BMI), V Fat, waist circumference, blood pressure (both Systolic and diastolic), and O2 saturation showed statistically significant improvements for the group. The patients experienced considerable improvements in their conditions such as pain in various parts of the body, and other physiological, psychological, and mental health issues. Conclusions: The key success aspects of the YPV healing and wellness camps are the teamwork, preparation and scheduling, expertise, competence, and dedication of the healers. The Yoga Prana Vidya method, as a supplementary and alternative medicine, has had such an impact on the healthcare system that those who have sought this therapeutic system have experienced it well. More research is recommended on this topic utilizing suitable techniques and samples.

Utilization of community health volunteers in identification of hypertension cases in Kajiado county, Kenya

Background: Hypertension, despite being preventable and manageable contributes greatly to global morbidity and mortality. Community health volunteers (CHVs) provide various health services, however their utilization in hypertension identification has neither been explored nor emphasized. We aimed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of CHVs and their knowledge level in hypertension identification in Kajiado county, Kenya. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a mixed- methods approach. Using multi-stage sampling, we recruited 226 CHVs who were active in the past 6 months and gave informed consent. Researcher administered questionnaires and key informant interviews were used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package of social science version 23 and content thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results: The likelihood of screening was higher among the middle age (41-50 years) (p=0.031). CHVs had poor knowledge (93.4%) and only 34.1% had attended a hypertension specific training. A strong statistical difference was found between ever-received hypertension training and knowledge level (p=0.000, 95% CI). The likelihood of screening was higher among those trained (p=0.005, 95% CI and those with knowledge of signs and symptoms (p<0.001, 95% CI). The odds of hypertension identification were 3.74 times higher among CHVs who knew hypertension signs and symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, CHVs had poor hypertension knowledge. The likelihood of hypertension identification was higher in CHVs with good knowledge of hypertension. Further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of CHVs utilization in hypertension on health outcomes.

Acceptability of mental health toolbox talk in primary health care service; a case study of Oshodi/ Isolo local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria

Background: Mental health services at the primary healthcare level remain at their lowest ebb in most developing countries. Mental health toolbox talk is a way to solve mental health needs in the community. This study aimed at assessing the acceptability of mental health toolbox talk in primary health care (PHC), in Oshodi/Isolo, local government area (LGA). Methods: This is a descriptive cross-section study conducted among 119 PHC staff. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. Data were collected and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 26 and the EPI Info application. Result: Findings revealed that the majority 79% of respondents were females and were within the age range of 40-60 years of age. Also, 76% of PHC staff showed poor knowledge of mental management, while 94% of the respondents accepted the integration of mental health toolbox talk into PHC. Findings revealed that professions (?2=12.998, p<0.05) had a significant association with the respondents’ knowledge about mental health. However, the analysis of variance shows there is a statistically insignificant difference in knowledge between the professional groups of PHC staff on the provision of mental health services in the PHC facilities, (f=0.616; p=0.688) (p>0.05). Conclusions: Lack of knowledge on mental health was observed to mitigate PHC staff in the management of mental health disorders, and the need for training on mental health toolbox talk was determined.

Home round: a strategy for improving community health

In community health practice, home rounds are essential. In Nigeria, a home round is a regular visit to outpatients/clients in their homes by a team of community health specialists to make decisions concerning patient/client’s care, review, and follow-up on the progress of their health condition. The team visits within the treatment period to make sure the patient is adhering to prescriptions, address any barriers to care, and make referrals if necessary. Home rounds start with examining patient records, putting together a team, assessing patients in their homes, and recording the findings and actions. A competent community health practitioner (CHP) should be compassionate, informed, and skillful at conducting house rounds, identifying family health problems, and taking the necessary action. In primary health care, home rounds can detect less common but serious individual and family conditions; and enhance community health. However, challenges like shortage of manpower, insecurity, lack of logistics, and unskillful health workers have made home rounds impossible in some primary healthcare facilities. To facilitate home rounds, it is recommended that governmental and nongovernmental organizations train community health practitioners in home rounding, provide logistics at primary healthcare facilities, and staff each health center with a sufficient number of community health practitioners by primary healthcare standards. Community health practitioners should be adaptable, sensitive, and skilled, and families and communities should work together to provide security.

Community Practice in Nursing Programs in the Context of Primary Health Care / Práctica comunitaria en programas de enfermería en el contexto de la atención primaria de salud / Prática comunitária em programas de enfermagem no contexto da atenção primária à saúde

AВSTRАСT Introduction: Praxis involves the work of individuals in which social, political, psychological, economic, historical, cultural, institutional, moral, and ethical configurations are intertwined. Nursing professionals and students materialize their praxis with people, families, and communities. Objective: To determine the categories extracted from the scientific literature on community praxis in nursing programs. Method: A narrative review was conducted to interpret scientific studies related to community nursing programs and their practices (201I-2022) in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, using the Virtual Health Library PubMed, and also Google Scholar: Quality assessment was performed through critical reading based on analysis tools for various study types. The collected data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti version 8 software. Results: Three categories were extracted: the complexity and simplicity of community nursing practices; the contradictions between text and context; and finally, the action and relational creation for education in community nursing. Conclusion: It is necessary to give new meaning to community nursing practices based on the experiences learned and promote an attitude in students and teachers characterized by initiative, solidarity, and trust.

RESUMEN Introducción: La praxis conduce al trabajo de las personas donde intervienen configuraciones sociales, políticas, psicológicas, económicas, históricas, culturales, institucionales, morales y éticas. Los profesionales y estudiantes de enfermería materializan su praxis con personas, familias y comunidades. Objetivo: Determinar las categorías que se extraen de la literatura científica sobre la praxis comunitaria en los programas de enfermería. Método: Se realizó una revisión narrativa para interpretar los estudios científicos relacionados con los programas de enfermería comunitaria y sus prácticas, (2011-2022) en español, inglés y portugués, en las bases de datos Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, PubMed y en Google Scholar: La evaluación de la calidad se realizó a través de la lectura crítica basada en herramientas de análisis para los diferentes tipos de estudio. Los datos recogidos se analizaron mediante el programa informático ATLAS-ti versión 8. Resultados: se extrajeron tres categorías: la complejidad y simplicidad de las prácticas de enfermería comunitaria; las contradicciones entre texto y contexto, finalmente la acción y creación relacional para la educación en enfermería comunitaria. Conclusión: es necesario resignificar las prácticas de enfermería comunitaria a partir de las experiencias aprendidas y promover una actitud en estudiantes y docentes con iniciativa, solidaridad y confianza.

RESUMO Introdução: A práxis leva ao trabalho das pessoas onde intervém configurações sociais, políticas, psicológicas, econômicas, históricas, culturais, institucionais, morais e éticas. Os profissionais e estudantes de enfermagem realizam sua práxis com indivíduos, famílias e comunidades. Objetivo: Determinar as categorias extraídas da literatura científica sobre a práxis comunitária nos programas de enfermagem. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa para interpretar os estudos científicos relacionados aos programas de enfermagem comunitária e suas práticas (2011-2022) em espanhol, inglês e português, nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, PubMed e Google Scholar A avaliação da qualidade foi realizada por meio de leitura crítica com base em ferramentas de análise para os diferentes tipos de estudo. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio do software ATLAS-ti versão 8. Resultados: foram extraídas três categorias: a complexidade e a simplicidade das práticas de enfermagem comunitária; as contradições entre texto e contexto; e, por fim, a ação e a criação relacional para a educação em enfermagem comunitária. Conclusão: é necessário ressignificar as práticas de enfermagem comunitária com base nas experiências aprendidas e promover uma atitude nos alunos e professores com iniciativa, solidariedade e confiança.

Ruralidad y atención primaria en salud: escenarios de transformación personal y profesional de médicos / Rurality and primary health care: scenarios for the personal and professional transformation of physicians / Ruralidade e atenção primária à saúde: cenários para a transformação pessoal e profissional dos médicos

Resumen Objetivos: comprender el significado que la rotación de Atención Primaria en Salud tuvo para los médicos internos en formación del último año de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Antioquia. Metodología: se realizó un estudio hermenéutico que aplicó técnicas de la teoría fundamentada. La fuente de información estuvo conformada por 100 ensayos realizados por los estudiantes tras la rotación en su internado entre 2011 y 2016. Con codificación abierta se obtuvieron 1837 códigos, los cuales se agruparon en 18 categorías descriptivas y se identificaron 158 dimensiones con sus respectivas propiedades. Posteriormente, se construyó una categoría analítica con la matriz paradigmática propia de la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: enfrentarse a la realidad del ejercicio médico en un primer nivel de atención durante la rotación de Atención Primaria en Salud, marcó un antes y un después desde lo personal y profesional en los estudiantes de Medicina de una Universidad Pública de Medellín, llevándolos a aterrizar abruptamente en el complejo contexto del país y a tomar una postura en su quehacer como médicos, ya que su formación previa fue principalmente en hospitales de alta complejidad. Conclusión: la rotación de Atención Primaria en Salud expone a los estudiantes a los problemas sociales, las necesidades de la población colombiana y la crisis del sistema de salud. Esto los obliga a reflexionar acerca de quiénes son y qué tipo de médicos quieren ser. Esta rotación se convierte, además, en una oportunidad para afianzar conocimientos, explorar sentimientos y reconocer que la medicina también debe abordar los problemas del alma.

Abstract Objective: to understand the meanings that the Primary Health Care rotation had for the interns from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Antioquia during their last year of training. Methodology: a hermeneutical study was conducted using techniques from grounded theory. Information was obtained from 100 essays written by the students after having finished their rotations during an internship period between 2011 and 2016. A total of 1837 codes resulted from the open coding process; these were grouped into 18 descriptive categories, and 158 dimensions were identified along with their respective properties. Subsequently, an analytical category was built using a paradigm matrix, which is typical of grounded theory. Results: facing the reality of the medical profession at a first-level institution during their Primary Health Care rotation was a personal and professional milestone for these students from a public university of Medellín city. Their rotations suddenly connected them with Colombia›s complex context, thus forcing them to take a stance regarding their day-to-day work. This contrasts with their previous training, which took place at high level hospitals for the most part. Conclusion: Primary Health Care rotations expose students to the social problems of the Colombian population, its needs and the crisis of the healthcare system. This in turn forces them to reflect on who they are and what kind of doctors they want to become. The rotations also provide an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, explore their feelings and understand that medicine should also approach the issues of the soul.

Resumo Objetivo: Compreender o significado que o rodízio da Atenção Primária à Saúde representou para os médicos em formação no último ano da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Antioquia. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo hermenêutico com aplicação de técnicas da teoria fundamentada. A fonte de informação foram 100 ensaios realizados pelos estudantes após o rodízio no seu internato entre os anos 2011 e 2016. Com codificação aberta obtiveram-se 1837 códigos, que foram agrupados em 18 categorias descritivas e foram identificadas 158 dimensões com as suas respectivas propriedades. Posteriormente, foi construída uma categoria analítica com a matriz paradigmática própria da teoria fundamentada. Resultados: Encarar a realidade da prática médica em um primeiro nível de atenção durante o rodízio de Atenção Primária à Saúde, representou um antes e um depois no plano pessoal e profissional nos estudantes de Medicina de uma universidade pública de Medellín, levando-os a aterrissarem abruptamente no complexo contexto do país e a tomarem uma posição no seu ofício de médicos, pois a sua formação prévia foi principalmente em hospitais de alta complexidade. Conclusão: O rodízio de APS expõe os estudantes aos problemas sociais, às necessidades da população colombiana e à crise do sistema de saúde. Isso exige deles uma reflexão sobre quem eles são e o tipo de médicos que eles desejam ser. Este rodízio torna-se, aliás, em uma oportunidade para fortalecerem conhecimentos, explorarem sentimentos e reconhecerem que a medicina também deve abordar os problemas da alma.

Percepções de agentes comunitários de saúde acerca da violência doméstica contra crianças e adolescentes / Perceptions of community health agents about domestic violence against children and adolescents / Percepciones de los agentes de salud comunitarios sobre la violencia doméstica contra niños y adolescentes

Objetivo: Compreender as percepções de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde sobre violência doméstica contra crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado no município de Iguatu, Ceará, Brasil, com 68 agentes comunitários de saúde no ano de 2018, por meio de grupos focais. Os dados foram organizados em temáticas e interpretados de acordo com a literatura pertinente, utilizando a "Análise categorial de conteúdo". Resultados: Os participantes compreendem que a violência contra os menores perpassa a física, abrangendo a violência verbal e psicológica, sentindo-se desamparados na atuação a violência doméstica contra crianças e adolescentes, não reconhecendo o apoio das instituições de saúde e assistência social, focando-se no Conselho Tutelar. Ainda, sentem medo de represálias e reconhecem a fragilidade no trato ético dos casos de violência, com possível quebra de sigilo, entendendo que o enfrentamento da violência se faz com a abordagem da família, não apenas do menor. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se nas percepções dificuldades interventivas e o receio de represálias, comprometendo as atividades profissionais, gerando a subnotificação e a não intervenção efetiva dos casos de violência conta crianças e adolescentes. (AU)

Objective: To understand the perceptions of community health agents about domestic violence against children and adolescents. Methods: Descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, carried out in the city of Iguatu, Ceará, Brazil, with 68 community health workers in 2018, through focus groups. Data were organized into themes and interpreted according to the relevant literature, using the "Category analysis of content". Results: Participants understand that violence against minors permeates the physical, covering verbal and psychological violence, feeling helpless in acting on domestic violence against children and adolescents, not recognizing the support of health and social assistance institutions, focusing on them. if in the Guardianship Council. Still, they are afraid of reprisals and recognize the fragility in the ethical treatment of cases of violence, with possible breach of confidentiality, understanding that the confrontation of violence is done with the approach of the family, not just the minor. Conclusion: Interventional difficulties and fear of reprisals were evidenced in the perceptions, compromising professional activities, generating underreporting and non-effective intervention in cases of violence against children and adolescents. (AU)

Objetivo: Conocer las percepciones de los agentes comunitarios de salud sobre la violencia intrafamiliar contra niños, niñas y adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, con enfoque cualitativo, realizado en la ciudad de Iguatu, Ceará, Brasil, con 68 trabajadores comunitarios de salud en 2018, a través de grupos focales. Los datos fueron organizados en temas e interpretados de acuerdo con la literatura relevante, utilizando el "Análisis de contenido por categorías". Resultados: Los participantes comprenden que la violencia contra los menores traspasa lo físico, abarcando la violencia verbal y psicológica, sintiéndose impotentes al actuar sobre la violencia intrafamiliar contra los niños, niñas y adolescentes, desconociendo el apoyo de las instituciones de salud y asistencia social, enfocándose en ellos si en el Consejo de Tutela. Aún así, temen represalias y reconocen la fragilidad en el tratamiento ético de los casos de violencia, con posible ruptura de la confidencialidad, entendiendo que el enfrentamiento a la violencia se hace con el enfoque de la familia, no sólo del menor. Conclusión: Se evidenciaron dificultades intervencionistas y temor a represalias en las percepciones, comprometiendo las actividades profesionales, generando subregistro y no intervención efectiva en casos de violencia contra niños y adolescentes. (AU)

construção de uma proposta de educação continuada sobre vacinação infantil para agentes comunitários de saúde / Construction of a continuing education proposal on childhood vaccination for community health agents / Construcción de una propuesta de educación continua sobre vacunación infantil para agentes comunitarios de salud

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a experiência do desenvolvimento de uma proposta de educação continuada executada pela equipe de enfermagem com agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), considerando como foco a vacinação infantil. Trata-se de um relato de experiência elaborado e vivenciado por enfermeiro e acadêmico de enfermagem em novembro de 2019, com a participação de duas equipes pertencentes a uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do município de Arapiraca (AL). Através da metodologia de ensino da problematização por meio do Arco de Maguerez, foram realizadas oficinas e ações educativas para os ACS, a partir das necessidades relatadas por esses profissionais em relação à vacinação infantil. Tais atividades proporcionaram maior aproximação com a realidade vivenciada por quem ocupa a posição de educador e incentivador do cuidado da saúde durante a visita domiciliar. Além disso, enfatizaram a importância do enfermeiro enquanto responsável pela educação continuada da equipe. Verificou-se ainda que o diálogo aberto e horizontal, de modo empático, proporcionou a construção de uma ferramenta eficaz, de fácil manuseio e de baixo custo, que gerou uma melhor memorização e segurança não somente para os ACS nas visitas domiciliares, mas também nas atividades de outros profissionais atuantes no campo da promoção da saúde infantil.

This study reports the experience of developing an educational product based on continued education carried out by a nursing team with community health agents (CHA) considering childhood vaccination as the focus. This is an experience report that was prepared and experienced by a nurse and nursing student in November 2019, with the participation of two teams belonging to a basic health unit in the municipality of Arapiraca, Alagoas, Brazil. Using the problematization teaching methodology by Arco de Marguerez, workshops and educational actions were carried out for the CHA based on the needs they reported regarding childhood vaccination, which provided a greater approximation with the reality experienced by those in the position of educators and encouragers of health care during home visits. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of nurses as responsible for the team's continuing education. It was also verified that open and horizontal dialogue empathetically provided the construction of an effective, easy to use, low cost tool, bringing better memorization and safety not only for community agents during home visits but also in activities from other professionals working in the field of child health promotion.

El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar la experiencia de desarrollo de una propuesta de educación continua realizada por el equipo de enfermería con agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS), considerando como enfoque la vacunación infantil. Este es un reporte de experiencia elaborado y vivido por un enfermero y un estudiante de enfermería en noviembre de 2019, con la participación de dos equipos de una unidad básica de salud de la ciudad de Arapiraca, Brasil. Utilizando la metodología de enseñanza de problematización del Arco de Maguerez, se realizaron talleres y acciones educativas para ACS a partir de las necesidades reportadas por estos profesionales con relación a la vacunación infantil. Estas actividades proporcionaron una mayor aproximación a la realidad vivida por quienes ocupan la posición de educador y motivador del cuidado de la salud durante la visita domiciliaria. Además, destacaron la importancia del enfermero como responsable de la formación continua del equipo. También se constató que el diálogo abierto y horizontal, de manera empática, propició la construcción de una herramienta efectiva, fácil de usar y de bajo costo, que generó una mejor memorización y seguridad no solo para los ACS durante las visitas domiciliarias, sino también en las actividades de otros profesionales que trabajan en el campo de la promoción de la salud infantil.

Educational intervention on perceived stress among adults with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome: a non-randomized clinical trial / Intervención educativa sobre el estrés percibido en adultos con diabetes tipo 2 y síndrome metabólico: ensayo clínico no aleatorizado / Intervenção educativa sobre o estresse percebido de adultos com diabetes tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica: ensaio clínico não-randomizado

Objective.To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention on perceived stress and metabolic syndrome parameters among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method. Fifty-one adults (aged 48.73±7.84; 86.3% of women) were included in a non-randomized clinical trial performed in a healthcare unit for six months (Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry: RBR-43K52N). All participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (intervention group, n=26; control group, n=25). The intervention consisted of a nurse-led educational health-promoting program with a multidisciplinary approach organized in seven workshops. The primary outcome was decreased perceived stress, and the secondary outcome was improvement in metabolic syndrome parameters according to perceived stress levels. These outcomes were assessed at two points in time, at the baseline and follow-up. Results. Participation in the intervention program resulted in a significant decrease in perceived stress (p=0.028). The stressed participants in the intervention group experienced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels (p=0.001) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.003) concentrations after the six-month intervention. Conclusion.The nurse-led educational health-promoting program decreased perceived stress among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, improving fasting blood glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among the stressed participants in the intervention group.

Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad de una intervención educativa sobre el estrés percibido y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adultos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos. Se incluyeron 51 adultos (48.73±7.84 años; 86.3% mujeres) de un estudio no-ensayo aleatorizado realizado en una unidad de salud durante seis meses, con Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos: RBR-43K52N, todos los participantes fueron diagnosticados con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y síndrome metabólico (grupo intervención, n=26; grupo control, n=25). La intervención consistió en un programa educativo de promoción de la salud con enfoque multidisciplinario, liderado por una enfermera, estructurado en siete talleres grupales. El resultado primario fue la reducción del estrés percibido y el secundario, la mejora de los componentes del síndrome metabólico influenciados por el nivel de estrés percibido, evaluado en dos momentos, al inicio y después del seguimiento. Resultados. La participación en el programa de intervención resultó en una reducción significativa del estrés percibido en comparación con el grupo control (p=0.028). Los participantes estresados en el grupo de intervención tuvieron, respectivamente, una disminución y un aumento significativos en las concentraciones séricas de glucosa (p=0.001) y lipoproteínas de alta densidad-colesterol (p=0.003) después de seis meses de intervención. Conclusión. Un programa educativo de promoción de la salud liderado por enfermeras fue eficiente para reducir el estrés percibido entre adultos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y síndrome metabólico, además de mejorar la glucemia en ayunas y el colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad en los participantes del grupo estresado de intervención.

Objetivo. Avaliar a efetividade de uma intervenção educativa sobre o estresse percebido e os componentes da síndrome metabólica em adultos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos. Foram incluídos 51 adultos (48.73±7.84 anos de idade; 86.3% mulheres) em um ensaio clínico não-randomizado realizado em uma unidade de saúde durante seis meses, com Registro de Ensaio Clínico Brasileiro: RBR-43K52N.Todos os participantes apresentavam diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica (grupo intervenção, n=26; grupo controle, n=25). A intervenção consistiu em um programa educativo de promoção da saúde com abordagem multidisciplinar, liderado por enfermeiro, estruturado em sete oficinas em grupo. O desfecho primário foi a redução do estresse percebido, e o secundário, a melhora dos componentes da síndrome metabólica conforme influência do nível de estresse percebido, avaliados em dois momentos, na condição basal e após o acompanhamento. Resultados. A participação no programa de intervenção resultou na redução significativa do estresse percebido em comparação com o grupo controle (p=0.028). Os participantes estressados do grupo intervenção tiveram, respectivamente, diminuição e aumento significativos das concentrações séricas de glicose (p=0.001) e da lipoproteína-colesterol de alta densidade (p=0.003) após seis meses de intervenção. Conclusão. Um programa educativo de promoção da saúde liderado por enfermeiros foi eficiente para reduzir estresse percebido entre adultos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica, além de causar melhora da glicemia de jejum e e da lipoproteína-colesterol de alta densidade dos participantes estressados do grupo intervenção.

Knowledge and attitude towards hypertension among female community health volunteers of Bharatpur Metropolitan: a cross-sectional study in Nepal

Background: Hypertension is one of the major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and becoming a serious public health problem globally. The rising burden of hypertension in Nepal requires a community-based intervention that can be provided through female community healthcare volunteers (FCHVs). Our study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the prevention of hypertension among FCHVs of Bharatpur Metropolitan (BM). Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted and face-to-face interview was employed to recruit all the participants (n=207). Frequencies and percentages were used to describe the characteristics of the participants. An Independent t-test was used to determine the association between knowledge and attitude of hypertension with participants’ socio-demographical characteristics. All the tests were carried out at the statistically significant of p value <0.05. Results: The majority of participants (40.6%) belonged to the age group 40 to 49 years. Education (7.7±1.5, p=0.001), religion (7.5±1.7, p=0.017,) and family history of hypertension (7.8±1.7, p=0.018) were statistically significant with the knowledge of hypertension. Similarly, education (9.6±0.9, p=0.000), and self-history of hypertension (9.5±0.7, p=0.014) of participants were statistically significant with the attitude of hypertension. Conclusions: Despite having satisfactory knowledge and attitude on hypertension, some of the participants were unable to identify a systolic and diastolic range of blood pressure for hypertension, risk factors, and complications of hypertension. This study highlighted strengthening targeted orientation programs toward hypertension for the FCHVs to improve their knowledge and beliefs about hypertension.

Community health practice: the Nigerian model

The Nigerian model of community health practice is a unique approach to healthcare delivery that emphasizes the involvement of community members in the planning and implementation of healthcare services. This model is based on the principle that healthcare should be accessible, affordable, and equitable for all members of the community. This review focused on the Nigerian model of community health practice yesterday, today, and in the future. Findings indicated that the Nigerian model of community health practice was established in 1978 and is characterized by the use of community health practitioners who have acquired National Diplomas, Higher National Diploma, Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. degrees in Community Health. They are licensed by the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria to provide basic healthcare services such as health education, preventive care, treatment of common illnesses, maternal and child health services, and family planning at primary health centers and community levels. While the model of community health practice has faced significant challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and a shortage of trained personnel, it has demonstrated promising results in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities. The Nigerian Model of community health practice holds important lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen their primary healthcare systems.

Financial incentive for community health workers, a necessity for achieving universal health coverage: integrated literature review

Community health workers (CHWs) are vital to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). They have been identified as effective workforce to improve access to primary health care particularly for underserved and hard to reach populations. Lack of appropriate incentives, with resulting high rates of turnover are common challenges in large-scale CHW program. Debates about paying community health workers typically focus on the trade-offs between reliance on volunteerism underpinned by intrinsic motivation of volunteers and the need to recognise and remunerate work fairly. Financial payment for CHWs will also help in increased employment, and women’s economic empowerment, tackling gender-based inequities, as seventy percent of CHWs globally are women. This study reviewed existing literature- published peer reviewed articles and grey literatures on financial incentives for community health workers and program considerations for effective implementation. Synthesis from the relevant studies revealed four relevant themes: need for financial incentives, categories of financial incentives, funding mechanisms for financial incentives and program considerations for effective implementation of financial incentives. The study provides program considerations for effective implementation of financial incentive for community health workers. There is need for countries to review their community health worker program design and establish enabling policy environment and implementation mechanisms for realistic and appropriate financial incentives for the community health workers based on their workload, responsibilities, and local context. Appropriate tools should be used to model the community health workers working hours which will guide in determining fair and commensurate renumeration and effective monitoring system established.

Evaluation by community health agents of the attributes of primary health care for fighting leprosy: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the attributes of Primary Healthcare are present in leprosy control actions in Londrina from Community Health Workers' (CHW) perspectives. METHOD: Observational and evaluative study. Data collection occurred between January and March 2020 in Londrina, Paraná, using the questionnaire "Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) - Hansen's disease - CHW version" and a population-based census of 246 CHWs from 52 Primary Healthcare Units. The analyses used a cutoff point (≥ 6.6), central tendency, and dispersion measures. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were used to analyze differences. Results: The general performance towards the primary healthcare attributes were evaluated as strong (mean = 6.95 / SD = 1.08) and the essential score (mean = 7.39 / SD = 1.0). On the other hand, the derived score was evaluated as poor (mean = 6.07 / sd = 1.06). Concerning the Access attribute, the rural zone had a lower score than the urban (mean = 4.47 / SD = 1.63). Conclusion: The study highlights issues that can be improved, such as first contact access, catalog of services offered to leprosy patients, information provided to the community, professional training, and differences in PHC performance between urban and rural regions.

Comprehensive evaluation of TCM resource allocation in Guangzhou community using TOPSIS and RSR / 实用医学杂志

Objective To comprehensively evaluate the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine resource allocation in grassroots community health service centers in Guangzhou in 2022.Methods Based on the index system of traditional Chinese medicine resource allocation(community health service center)in Guangzhou,MATLAB R2021a and SPSS 27 software were used to comprehensively evaluate the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine resource allocation in 116 community health service centers in Guangzhou by TOPSIS method and RSR method.Results The allocation of TCM resources in 5 communities,including Xiaoguwei Street Community Health Service Center in Panyu District,Guangzhou City,Dadong Street Community Health Service Center in Yuexiu District,Guangzhou City,Fengyuan Street Community Health Service Center in Leiwan District,Guangzhou City,was evaluated as"excellent",and the allocation of TCM resources in 4 communities was rated as"poor".In addition,27,53 and 27 community health service centers were rated as"upper middle","medium"and"lower middle"respectively.Analysis of variance showed that the difference was statistically significant(F = 231.268,P<0.001).Conclusion TOPSIS method combined with RSR method can better evaluate the allocation of TCM resources in grass-roots communities:The allocation of TCM resources in grass-roots communities in Guangzhou is generally good,but there are still significant differences among different communities.In the future,health administrative departments at all levels in Guangzhou can rationally allocate resources according to the differences of different com-munities and better improve the capacity building of traditional Chinese medicine service in grassroots communities.

Research progress on community health management models for elderly hypertensive patients / 现代医院

Objective Summarize domestic and international community health management models and characteristics for elderly hypertensive patients,providing references for the development of community health management in China.Methods Employ literature research to retrieve relevant documents on community health management models for elderly hypertensive pa-tients,and analyze the characteristics and applicability of different models through summarization and comparative analysis.Results In China,community health management models for elderly hypertensive patients include family doctor contracting serv-ices,Hospital-Community-Home health management model,traditional Chinese medicine health management model,"Internet+"health management model,PDCA cycle model,PRECEDE-PROCEED model,and comprehensive community management model.Foreign studies can be categorized into self-management model,Health Rise model,Community Health2(CH2)model,and community pharmacy management model.Conclusion Conducting hypertension health management for elderly patients at the community level is effective,serving as a widely applicable strategy for chronic disease prevention and control.Continued ex-ploration of the scientific and effective aspects of different management models,improving the efficiency and effectiveness of com-munity health management,can contribute more evidence for the formulation of scientific and effective strategies for chronic dis-ease prevention and control.

Survey on status quo and influencing factors of contracted family doctor pay services in urban communities of Suzhou city / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To survey the status quo and influencing factors of contracted family doctor pay services in urban communities of Suzhou city.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire survey on the status quo and influencing factors of contracted family doctor pay services was conducted from July to October 2022 among 750 residents from 40 communities of 4 subdistricts in Suzhou Gusu District, selected by stratified random sampling method. A self-designed questionnaire was used for the survey, which included demographic information, status quo of pay services among residents and factors influencing the service contracting. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of contracted family doctor pay services.Results:A total of 750 questionnaires were distributed, with 720 valid ones returned at a recovery rate of 96.0%. Among the 720 residents, 370 (51.4%) were female, and 300 (41.7%) were between the age of 35 and 60 years old. There were 71 residents who had contracted pay services with a contracting rate of 9.9% (71/720), and the renewal rate was 80.3% (57/71). The top 3 reasons for signing the contract were health guidance (67.6%, 48/71), medical counselling (63.4%, 45/71) and 3 free consultations (57.7%, 41/71). The top 3 reasons for not signing a contract were not needing services (49.9%, 324/649), not knowing about contracted services (41.9%, 272/649) and rarely visiting the community health service center (25.6%, 166/649). Age ( χ2=21.072), marital status ( χ2=10.969), knowing the family doctor team ( χ2=145.954), knowing the family doctor contract system ( χ2=133.981), knowing the content and the rights of the contracted services ( χ2=132.905), using primary medical institutions as first choice for common and chronic diseases ( χ2=13.532), multiple comorbid chronic diseases ( χ2=30.024), being agreed by family members ( χ2=46.258), signing contract in family members ( χ2=108.833) or relatives and friends ( χ2=47.492), and experience in community health service centers ( χ2=26.116) were significantly associated with the contract signing (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that knowing family doctor team well ( OR=23.13,95% CI:5.05-105.97) or very well( OR=95.28,95% CI: 10.71-847.68); having ≥3 chronic diseases compared to no chronic diseases ( OR=5.60, 95% CI: 1.88-16.75, P<0.05); contracting agreed by family members compared to not agreed ( OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.03-6.84, P<0.05); signing contract in family members compared to not signing ( OR=4.42, 95% CI:2.05-9.55, P<0.05) were independent influencing factors of signing contract of family doctor pay services. Conclusions:The rate of contracted of family doctor pay services in Gusu District of Suzhou City is relatively low. Knowing the family doctor team, having multiple comorbid chronic diseases, agreement among family members, and signing contract in family members are influencing factors of contracted family doctor pay services.

Consideration of countermeasures to promote family doctor contracting rate and first-return-visit rate in primary care institutions / 中华全科医师杂志

Based on the analysis of the existing problems and implementation dilemmas in family doctor contracting and first-return-visits faced by primary medical institutions in China, the authors propose countermeasures to provide reference for managers of primary health care institutions.

Survey on availability of dental services in Shanghai community health service centers and differences between urban and suburban areas / 中华全科医师杂志

O bjective To survey the availability of dental services in Shanghai community health service centers and the differences between urban and suburban areas. Methods:A questionnaire survey on dental service in Shanghai community health service centers were conducted from March 10 to 17, 2023. The availability of dental services and the differences among health service centers in central urban area, urban area and suburban area were analyzed.Results:A total of 249 community health service center participated in the survey and 249 effective questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 100.0%. Among 249 centers, 220 (88.4%) had set up dental clinics. The proportion of community health service centers with dental clinics in the urban areas, central urban areas and suburban areas is 95.0% (76/80), 98.2% (107/109) and 61.7% (37/60), respectively ( H=35.44, P<0.05). Among the 220 centers with dental clinics, the floor space of dental clinic was 40.00 (28.50, 73.24), 31.70 (24.40, 49.35) and 20.00 (16.75, 34.00) square meters in suburban areas, central urban areas, and suburban areas, respectively. There were significant differences in the inspection equipment including comprehensive dental chairs, X-ray panoramic machine, X-ray dental machine, dental implants, ultrasonic dental cleaning machine, portable dental chairs, light curing lamps, and enzyme cleaning machine among community health service centers in three types of city areas ( H=35.44, 8.32, 25.53, 7.46 20.95, 43.00, 23.22, 13.35, all P<0.05). Among 220 centers with dental services, all provided dental caries filling, 175 (79.55%) provided root canal treatment, 161 (73.18%) provided extraction of various impacted teeth, 104 (47.27%) provided minor maxillofacial surgery, 132 (60.00%) provided fixed denture restoration, and 139 (63.18%) provided removable local denture restoration. Only a few centers provided orthodontics and dental implant services, including 20 provided removable orthodontics (9.09%), 11 provided fixed orthodontics (5.00%), and 9 provided dental implants (4.09%). There were significant differences in provision of services for root canal treatment, gingival scaling, subgingival scraping, various types of impacted tooth extraction, maxillofacial surgery minor surgery, fixed denture restoration, removable local denture restoration, mobile correction, and oral implant restoration among centers in three types of city areas ( H=29.19, 51.73, 25.32, 31.93, 8.23, 25.98, 28.26, 10.46, 7.84, all P<0.05). There were total 511 dentists in 220 community health service centers, including 24(4.70%) with master degree, 53(10.37%) with associate senior professional titles. There were significant differences in number of dentists, those with undergraduate and below education, those with master degree, those with intermediate and below professional titles among centers in three types of city areas ( H=66.35, 50.33, 11.19, 42.17, all P<0.05). Conclusion:Community health service centers in Shanghai generally have basic capacity of dental service, but there are significant differences among the central urban areas, suburban areas, and suburban areas, indicating that it need to be further strengthened in terms of facilities, equipment, and talent team development in different city areas accordingly.