Impact of body mass index and waist circumference on blood pressure: A cross-sectional survey in a population living in the Vietnam northern mountainous.

AIMS: Several epidemiological studies have indicated that elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with the surfeit of body weight. Body fat accumulation is considered as be a significant factor contributing to the nexus between obesity and hypertension. Two of the most common indicators used to characterize the associations of BP are body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). This study was aimed to describe the differences in some characteristics among people aged 20 and above in three communes of a district in Vietnam and analyze the correlation between BMI and WC, and BP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey with a cross-sectional design of 734 subjects in three communes in Chiem Hoa district of the Vietnam northern mountainous region. RESULTS: It was found that except for BMI, there were significant differences in some physical characteristics between genders (p < 0.05). Particularly, the effects on Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) of WC were more significant than that of BMI in genders. The impacts of WC on SBP as well as DBP were also stronger than that of BMI in age groups with the cut-off point 60 than BMI. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the science evidence in support of public and preventive health interventions to the locals residing in studied area. We recommend the existing correlations in subjects belonging to different ethnicities and continents.

WHO's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment of primary health care services of commune health centers in a rural district of Northern Vietnam.

The objective of this study was to assess the availability and readiness of the primary health care (PHC) services of commune health centers (CHCs) in Quoc Oai, a rural district of Northern Vietnam based on the World Health Organization's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool. The study was done in 2 steps. First, the heads of the 21 CHCs of Quoc Oai district were interviewed using SARA, a quantitative survey, and the responses were then validated by direct observations of each facility. The results showed that although the average number of health staffs in each CHC met the national standards (at least 5 staffs per CHC), its allocation within each CHC was not properly met because some CHCs had only 2 health staffs. Several health equipment and facilities were not fully available in many CHCs, and although the majority of the PHC services were available at the CHCs, their readiness remained limited. Several significant correlates between the availability of health care workers and the availability of the facilities and the PHC services were observed, suggesting that they depend upon and affect one another in the health system. Using the SARA-based inventory, the study helps health managers and policy makers to prioritize efforts and allocate resources more appropriately. To be effective, attention should be given to how to make facilities, services, and human resources for health ready for PHC activities-more investment and support from the system (from higher to lower level) and the government.

Breast cancer services in Vietnam: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer incidence has been increasing consistently in Vietnam. Thus far, there have been no analytical reviews of research produced within this area. OBJECTIVES: We sought to analyse the nature andextent of empirical studies about breast cancer in Vietnam, identifying areas for future research and systemsstrengthening. METHODS: We undertook a scoping study using a five-stage framework to review published and grey literature in English and Vietnamese on breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. We focused specifically on research discussing the health system and service provision. RESULTS: Our results show that breast cancer screening is limited, with no permanent or integrated national screening activities. There is a lack of information on screening processes and on the integration of screening services with other areas of the health system. Treatment is largely centralised, and across all services there is a lack of evaluation and data collection that would be informative for recommendations seeking to improve accessibility and quality of breast cancer services. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is the first scoping review of breast cancer services in Vietnam. It outlines areas for future focus for policy makers and researchers with the objective of strengthening service provision to women with breast cancer across the country while also providing a methodological example for how to conduct a collaborative scoping review.

Trends in childhood measles vaccination highlight socioeconomic inequalities in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: To describe trends in measles vaccine coverage rates and their association with socioeconomic characteristics among children from age 12 to 23 months in Vietnam from the year 2000 to 2014. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Vietnam Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in years 2000, 2006, 2011, and 2014. Concentration indices were used to determine the magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities in measles vaccine coverage. Associations between measles vaccine coverage and relevant social factors were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Socioeconomic inequalities in measles vaccine coverage rates decreased during 2000-2014. Children belonging to ethnic minority groups, having mothers with lower education, and belonging to the poorest group were less likely to receive measles vaccine; although, their vaccine coverage rates did increase with time. Measles vaccine coverage declined among children of mothers with more education and belonging to the wealthiest socioeconomic group. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the social factors influencing adherence to recommend childhood vaccination protocols is essential. Attempts to regain and retain herd immunity must be guided by an understanding of these social factors if they are to succeed.