A experiência de profissionais da saúde de um Centro de Saúde Escola do estado de São Paulo na pandemia da Covid-19 / The experience of health professionals from the Centro de Saúde Escola in the state of São Paulo during the Covid-19 pandemic

Em 2020, a Atenção Primária à Saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde cumpriu função de protagonista no combate à Covid-19 como primeiro acesso aos serviços de saúde, que foi considerada Emergência de Saúde Pública e doença pandêmica, exigindo desses serviços e dos profissionais uma reorganização, com fortalecimento do trabalho em equipe para garantir cuidado integral e de qualidade à população. Objetivo: compreender a experiência de profissionais da saúde da Atenção Primária na pandemia. Métodos: estudo qualitativo na abordagem compreensiva, decorrente de projeto maior e aprovado com o Parecer Consubstanciado. Coleta de dados: entre agosto de 2021 e fevereiro de 2022, por entrevistas individuais, síncronas, pela plataforma Google Meet; gravadas pela própria plataforma, transcritas e analisadas segundo referencial metodológico de Bardin, vertente temática. Das unidades de significação originaram categorias e temas propostos. Resultados: cinco categorias: reorganização do processo de trabalho da unidade de saúde; sentimentos demonstrados por profissionais e população; conflito população-profissionais da saúde na adesão à vacinação influenciada pela mídia; indicadores do processo de trabalho durante a pandemia; e (des)conhecimento. Três temas foram identificados: Processo de trabalho da equipe multidisciplinar da unidade de saúde durante a pandemia de 2020 e 2021; Enfrentamento/sentimento dos profissionais e pacientes; Mídia influenciando comportamento da população. Considerações finais: as contribuições do estudo corroboram para desenvolver alternativas para melhorar o cuidado ao paciente; proporcionar condições de apoio aos profissionais, tornando-se necessário que a unidade de saúde forneça suporte psicológico aos profissionais e que os gestores considerem as vivências dos trabalhadores para fortalecer o trabalho em equipe.

In 2020, Primary Health Care (PHC) of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) played a leading role in the fight against Covid-19 as the first access to health services. Covid-19 was considered a Public Health Emergency and a pandemic disease, which required all services and health professionals to reorganize and strengthen teamwork to ensure comprehensive and quality care for the population. Objective: to understand the experience of health professionals working in Primary Care in the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: qualitative study with a comprehensive approach, resulting from a larger project approved with Embodied Opinion number 4,731,629. Data collection: took place from August 2021 to February 2022, through individual interviews, synchronous, through the Google Meet platform. These were recorded by the platform itself, transcribed and analyzed according to Bardin's Content Analysis methodological framework, thematic approach. From the units of meaning originated the proposed categories and themes. Results: five categories: reorganization of the health unit's work process; feelings shown by professionals and population; conflict population-health professionals in adherence to vaccination influenced by the media; Indicators of the work process during the pandemic and (lack of) knowledge. Three themes were identified: The work process of the health unit's multidisciplinary team during the 2020 and 2021 pandemic; The coping/feeling of professionals and patients; Media influencing population behavior. The study's contributions support the development of alternatives to improve patient care; provide support conditions for professionals. Final considerations: the study's contributions support the development of alternatives to improve patient care; provide support conditions for professionals, making it necessary for the health unit to provide psychological support to professionals and for managers to consider the experiences of workers to strengthen teamwork.

Epidemiological aspects of individuals with mental disorders in the referral system: the experience of a Community Mental Health Center in the northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) offer affordable mental health services in a less stigmatized environment, in a domiciliary setting. This study aimed to shed light on the epidemiological factors of patients attending CMHCs of Mashhad, their referral status, and treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted over the medical records of patients seen by psychiatrists between January 2014 and December 2021 in Mashhad's CMHC, the northeast of Iran. A detailed questionnaire was used to extract data from medical records about the epidemiological characteristics, diagnosed mental illnesses, referral status, and how often they visited the psychiatrist. The association between epidemiological findings and patient referral (referral system or self-referral) as well as the association between epidemiological findings and the number of psychiatric revisits were examined using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of 662 patients, 472 (71%) were female and 190 (29%) were male, with an average age of 29 years. Among the 475 adult patients, 367 (77.3%) were married, with the majority being homemakers (56.4%). Major Depression Disorder (MDD) (32%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (18.3%) were the most prevalent mental health conditions among patients. The majority of patients (74.9%) were referred to the CMHC of Mashhad from Primary Healthcare centers (PHCs) and psychiatric hospitals. Furthermore, female gender and patients with lower level of education were associated with more referral through from referral system. Of note, 431 patients (65.1%) did not return for a second visit, the ratio of treatment dropout was higher for patients with lower education levels. CONCLUSIONS: Referral system should be more practical in Iran to enhance health services in CMHCs. It is recommended that PHCs undergo certain modifications to enhance the referral process for patients with mental health conditions, focusing on common mental disorders and individuals with low socioeconomic level.

Association between ethnicity, language and metformin prescriptions in U.S. community health center patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Metformin treatment is a recommended first-line medication for patients with type 2 diabetes. Latino patients are subject to factors that may modify their level of diabetes care, including medication prescription. We evaluated the odds of and times to metformin prescription among non-Latino whites, English-preferring Latinos, and Spanish-preferring Latinos with diabetes. METHODS: We constructed a retrospective cohort of 154,368 adult patients from 835 community health centers (CHCs) across 20 states who were diagnosed with diabetes during the study. Patients were from non-Latino white, English-preferring Latino, and Spanish-preferring Latino ethnic/language groups. We modeled adjusted odds of metformin prescription and adjusted hazards (time-to-event) of metformin prescription after diabetes diagnosis and high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c > 9) test results. RESULTS: English-preferring Latinos had similar odds of metformin prescription (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.01 (95% CI = 0.93, 1.09)), slightly lower time to metformin prescription after diabetes diagnosis (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.06(95% CI = 1.04, 1.09)), and similar time to metformin prescription after a high HbA1c result (HR = 1.04 (0.99, 1.09)) compared to non-Latino whites. Spanish-preferring Latinos had higher odds of metformin prescription (OR) = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.33, 1.52), and less time to prescription after diabetes diagnosis (HR = 1.18 (1.15, 1.20)) and after a high HbA1c result (HR = 1.15 (1.11, 1.20)). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of metformin prescription patterns among non-Latino whites, English-preferring Latinos, and Spanish-preferring Latinos did not suggest a lower or slower tendency to prescribe metformin in Latino patients. Understanding disparities in diabetes diagnosis may require further investigation of medication adherence barriers, diet and exercise counseling, and multi-level influences on diabetes outcomes in Latino patients.

The Impact of Structural Integration on Clinical Outcomes among Individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Chronic Illness.

Though considered a best practice, there is substantial variation in how integrated behavioral health (IBH) services are structured. This study examined the impact of IBH structure on health outcomes among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and chronic disease receiving care in community health centers (CHCs). Data from the ADVANCE network identified 8,548 individuals with co-occurring SMI diabetes and 16,600 with an SMI and hypertension. Logistic regression tested whether IBH type impacted disease specific health outcomes among these populations. Among those with diabetes or hypertension, colocated care was associated with better health outcomes related to HbA1c, blood pressure control, and BMI compared to less coordinated and unintegrated care, though there was significant variation in this relationship across SMI diagnoses. Results reflect that colocation of primary care and behavioral health may improve outcomes for individuals with bipolar disorder or major depression and chronic disease, but that CHC-based integrated care may not be optimized for individuals with schizophrenia.

Putting Health care Where the Kids Are: US Public Attitudes About School-Based Health Centers.

BACKGROUND: School-based health centers (SBHCs) have been shown to offer substantial benefits to students but we know little about how the public thinks about them. We sought to assess US public attitudes about SBHCs and the provision of 7 health service lines-primary care, preventive care, vaccinations, preventive dental care, preventive vision care, mental health care, and nutrition counseling. METHODS: We administered a national online survey (N = 4196) of US adults using Lucid, a large, internet-based, opt-in panel to assess public attitudes about SBHCs as well as 7 commonly offered health services in SBHCs. We then used t-tests and weighted linear regression models to carry out our study objectives. RESULTS: Unadjusted analysis revealed that more than 2 in 3 respondents supported SBHCs in general as well as the provision of all health services in SBHCs. Regression analysis indicated that ideology, partisanship, and trust in public school principals served as consistent predictors of attitudes when controlling for demographic and health characteristics. The provision of vaccinations stood out as particularly controversial. Subanalysis of parents found even higher levels of support as well as a more subdued role of ideology and partisanship. CONCLUSIONS: The US public broadly supports the provision of health services in SBHCs. Our results should inform policymakers, advocates, and providers seeking to improve access to health care among school-aged children, particularly for underserved populations. Increasing knowledge about SBHCs and providing stable funding should be a priority. In the immediate future, SBHCs may offer an important buffer against ongoing Medicaid disenrollments.

Examining biomedical waste management knowledge and training level among health care professionals in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of medical care innovations and the use of newer technologies have resulted in a significant rise in the quantity of waste produced per patient within health care facilities. Biomedical waste in particular has emerged as a pressing concern due to its inherent propensity to pose health hazards and cause environmental harm. The World Health Organization has identified a lack of knowledge and training as primary factors contributing to the failure of Biomedical waste management (BMWM). Thus, our study sought to examine the relationship between BMWM level of knowledge and prior training among health care professionals (HCPs) in 4 different regions in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Our study used a cross-sectional design to investigate the BMWM level of knowledge and prior training among HCPs in 4 different regions in Saudi Arabia. Multiple linear and logistic regression was used to assess if Biomedical waste management (MBWM) knowledge and prior tanning are significantly associated with the demographics and professional characteristics of HCPs. RESULTS: 501 HCPs participated in the study. More than half were male, the majority fell within the age range of 24 to 36 years and held a bachelor's degree. The level of BMWM knowledge among HCPs was moderate (M = 31.14, SD = 4.89) and positively associated with HCPs' prior training in BMWM, workplace environment, and overall experience in the field. Only 26% of the HCPs had received prior BMWM training, and it varied considerably by sex, geographic location, and professional experience. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a moderate knowledge and lack of training in BMWM among HCPs in Saudi Arabia. Thus, we recommend a national strategy for incorporating infection prevention and control methods associated with BMWM into all health care programs. Furthermore, it is imperative for health officials to enact prompt and efficient surveillance measures, as well as conduct frequent training sessions for HCPs and support personnel.

A pragmatic randomized trial of mailed fecal immunochemical testing to increase colorectal cancer screening among low-income and minoritized populations.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is underused, particularly among low-income and minoritized populations, for whom the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged progress in achieving equity. METHODS: A hub-and-spoke model was used. The hub was a nonacademic organization and the spokes were three community health center (CHC) systems overseeing numerous clinic sites. Via a cluster-randomized trial design, nine clinic sites were randomized to intervention and 16 clinic sites were randomized to usual care. Patient-level interventions included invitation letters, mailed fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), and call/text-based reminders. Year 1 intervention impact, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, was assessed as the proportion completing screening among individuals not up to date at baseline, which compared intervention and nonintervention clinics accounting for intraclinic cluster variation; confidence intervals (CIs) around differences not including 0 were interpreted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 26,736 patients who met eligibility criteria, approximately 58% were female, 55% were Hispanic individuals, and 44% were Spanish speaking. The proportion completing screening was 11.5 percentage points (ppts) (95% CI, 6.1-16.9 ppts) higher in intervention versus usual care clinics. Variation in differences between intervention and usual care clinics was observed by sex (12.6 ppts [95% CI, 7.2-18.0 ppts] for females; 8.8 ppts [95% CI, 4.7-13.9 ppts] for males) and by racial and ethnic group (13.8 ppts [95% CI, 7.0-20.6 ppts] for Hispanic individuals; 13.0 ppts [95% CI, 3.6-22.4 ppts] for Asian individuals; 11.3 ppts [95% CI, 5.8-16.8 ppts] for non-Hispanic White individuals; 6.1 ppts [95% CI, 0.8-10.4 ppts] for Black individuals). CONCLUSIONS: A regional mailed FIT intervention was effective for increasing CRC screening rates across CHC systems serving diverse, low-income populations.

Children accessing accident and emergency department for non-urgent consultations: A cross-sectional study about parents' use of primary care services.

INTRODUCTION: Parents often take their children to the Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) for non-urgent consultations rather than using community-based primary care services. This study describes the use of primary care services in parents taking their children to the A&E for non-urgent consultations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019, in a second-level Italian paediatric A&E of a tertiary-level children's academic research and hub hospital. Parents of children aged between 3 months and 6 years assigned with a white code at the triage were asked to complete a paper-and-pencil 40-item questionnaire after accessing the A&E for a non-urgent consultation. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by the parents of 237 children (males 58 %; median age = 2.3 years). Overall, 48.1 % (n = 114) of the parents reported consulting 'often/always' the primary care paediatrician, mainly when their child was sick and for check-ups (n = 182, 76.8 %). However, only 7.2 % (n = 17) of the parents 'often/always' used any other health service in the community. Most of them (n = 191, 82 %) did not even know where the community health centre was located. CONCLUSION: Parents accessing the A&E for non-urgent consultations should be better informed/educated on how to use community health services.

[Plays and practices as micropolitics in State social institutions]. / Juegos y prácticas como micropolíticas en las instituciones sociales del Estado.

The aim of this essay is to analyze plays as a central element in the practices that construct micropolitics within the social institutions of the State. The main concepts addressed are: plays, practices, and micropolitics. The analysis focuses on institutions within social fields, emphasizing material size. The hypothesis posits that the size of the organization is inversely proportional to the development of plays within the institutions. This discussion takes place in a context marked by a strong detachment from the public and the state, exacerbating profound social inequalities, nihilism, and aporophobia, alongside a crisis of legitimacy of public institutions in the face of the advance of non-democratic ideas in democratically elected governments in several countries in Latin America and other continents.

El objetivo de este ensayo es analizar el juego como un elemento central en las prácticas que construyen micropolíticas en las instituciones sociales del Estado. Los principales conceptos que se trabajan son: juego, prácticas y micropolíticas. El análisis se recorta a las instituciones de los campos sociales haciendo énfasis en el tamaño material. La hipótesis es que el tamaño de la organización es inversamente proporcional al desarrollo del juego en las instituciones. Esta discusión se da en un contexto marcado por un fuerte desapego a lo público y a lo estatal, lo cual no hace más que agravar las profundas desigualdades sociales, el nihilismo y la aporofobia, con una crisis de legitimidad de las instituciones públicas frente al avance de ideas no democráticas en gobiernos elegidos democráticamente en varios países de América Latina y de otros continentes.

Intersectionality analysis of young people's experiences and perceptions of discrimination in primary health centers in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Young people (aged 10 to 24 years) in sub-Saharan Africa bear a huge and disproportionate burden of poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes due to inequalities and discrimination in accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS). This study assessed the experiences and perceptions of discrimination among young people seeking SRH services in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) using an intersectionality lens. METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was undertaken in six local government areas (LGAs) in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. The LGAs comprise both urban and rural locations. The study population for the quantitative survey consisted of 1025 randomly selected young boys and girls aged 15-24 years. Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the young people. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data, using NVivo. RESULTS: A total of 16.68% participants in the survey reported that young girls/women were treated badly/unfairly compared to young boys/men when seeking SRH services in PHCs; 15.22% reported that young clients get treated badly/unfairly from adults; and 12.49% reported that young clients with poor economic status were treated unfairly. Respondents also reported that young clients with disability (12.12%), and those who are poorly educated or uneducated (10.63%) are treated badly by healthcare providers when they access SRH services. Young people in urban areas were about 7 times more likely to believe that girls/young women are treated badly than boys/young men when seeking SRH services in PHCs compared to those who live in rural areas (p < 0.001). Among the young girls/women, residing in urban areas, being poor and in school increased the likelihood of getting treated badly/unfairly when receiving SRH services by 4 times (p < 0.001). The qualitative results revealed that health workers were generally harsh to young people seeking SRH services and the level of harshness or unfriendliness of the health workers varied depending on the young person's social identity. CONCLUSION: There are varieties of intersecting factors that contribute to the discrimination of young clients in PHCs. This underscores the urgent need to prioritize intersectional perspectives in the design and implementation of interventions that will improve access and use of SRH services by young people.

Eye Care in Federally Qualified Health Centers.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in vision care availability at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) between 2017 and 2021 and whether neighborhood-level demographic social risk factors (SRFs) associated with eye care services provided by FQHCs. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data and 2017-2021 American Community Survey (ACS). PARTICIPANTS: Federally Qualified Health Centers. METHODS: Patient and neighborhood characteristics for SRFs were summarized. Differences in FQHCs providing and not providing vision care were compared via Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests for continuous measures and chi-square tests for categorical measures. Logistic regression models were used to test the associations between neighborhood measures and FQHCs providing vision care, adjusted for patient characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for neighborhood-level predictors of FQHCs providing vision care services. RESULTS: Overall, 28.5% of FQHCs (n = 375/1318) provided vision care in 2017 versus 32% (n = 435/1362) in 2021 with some increases and decreases in both the number of FQHCs and those with and without vision services. Only 2.6% of people who accessed FQHC services received eye care in 2021. Among the 435 FQHCs that provided vision care in 2021, 27.1% (n = 118) had added vision services between 2017 and 2021, 71.5% (n = 311) had been offering vision services since at least 2017, and 1.4% (n = 6) were newly established. FQHCs providing vision care in 2021 were more likely to be in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino individuals (OR, 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02-1.14, P = 0.0094), Medicaid-insured individuals (OR, 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02-1.14, P = 0.0120), and no car households (OR, 1.07, 95% CI, 1.01-1.13, P = 0.0142). However, FQHCs with vision care, compared to FQHCs without vision care, served a lower percentage of Hispanic/Latino individuals (27.2% vs. 33.9%, P = 0.0007), Medicaid-insured patients (42.8% vs. 46.8%, P < 0.0001), and patients living at or below 100% of the federal poverty line (61.3% vs. 66.3%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Vision care services are available at a few FQHCs, localized to a few states. Expanding eye care access at FQHCs would meet patients where they seek care to mitigate vision loss to underserved communities. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

The Role of Telehealth in Improving Care Connections and Outcomes for Community Health Center Patients with Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Does telehealth decrease health disparities by improving connections to care or simply result in new barriers for vulnerable populations who often lack access to technology? This study aims to better understand the role of telehealth and social determinants of health in improving care connections and outcomes for Community Health Center patients with diabetes. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of Electronic Health Record (EHR) data examined the relationship between telehealth utilization and glycemic control and consistency of connection to the health care team ("connectivity"). EHR data were collected from 20 Community Health Centers from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multivariable linear regression was used to assess the associations between telehealth use and engagement in care and glycemic control. RESULTS: The adjusted analysis found positive, statistically significant associations between telehealth use and each of the 2 primary outcomes. Telehealth use was associated with 0.89 additional months of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) control (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 1.04) and 4.49 additional months of connection to care (95% CI, 4.27 to 4.70). DISCUSSION: The demonstrated increased engagement in primary care for telehealth users is significant and encouraging as Community Health Center populations are at greater risk of lapses in care and loss to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth can be a highly effective, patient-centered form of care for people with diabetes. Telehealth can play a critical role in keeping vulnerable patients with diabetes connected to their care team and involved in care and may be an important tool for reducing health disparities.

Self-Management Support Improves Diabetes Outcomes Without Exacerbating Inequities.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has found an association between low health literacy and poor clinical outcomes in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. We sought to determine if this association can be mitigated by a self-management support (SMS) program provided by trained health workers using a technology assisted menu driven program, called Connection to Health (CTH). METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis from a randomized trial of 2 similar versions of CTH implemented in 12 Northern California community health centers. As part of this, each participant completed a single validated question to assess health literacy. We used unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses to determine the extent to which baseline health literacy was predictive of prepost changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). RESULTS: Of 365 participants for whom prepost HbA1c data were available, HbA1c concentrations declined by an average of 0.76% (from 9.9% to 9.2%, 95% CI (0.53%-1.0%). Almost 114 (31.2%) of the participants had low health literacy, but there was no significant association between health literacy and the reduction in HbA1c concentrations in either the unadjusted or adjusted models, nor did baseline health literacy predict prepost changes in body mass index, medication adherence, exercise, or diet. DISCUSSION: The study found that implementing the CTH program in 2 versions via a randomized clinical trial improved HbA1c concentrations without increasing disparities between participants with high and low health literacy. This suggests CTH-like programs can enhance diabetes outcomes in community health centers without exacerbating inequities for those with low health literacy.

"Hypertension is such a difficult disease to manage": federally qualified health center staff- and leadership-perceived readiness to implement a technology-facilitated team-based hypertension model.

BACKGROUND: Despite decades of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of hypertension care delivery in reducing morbidity and mortality, a majority of hypertension cases remain uncontrolled. There is an urgent need to elucidate and address multilevel facilitators and barriers clinical staff face in delivering evidence-based hypertension care, patients face in accessing it, and clinical systems face in sustaining it. Through a rigorous pre-implementation evaluation, we aimed to identify facilitators and barriers bearing the potential to affect the planned implementation of a multilevel technology-facilitated hypertension management trial across six primary care sites in a large federally qualified health center (FQHC) in New York City. METHODS: During a dedicated pre-implementation period (3-9 months/site, 2021-2022), a capacity assessment was conducted by trained practice facilitators, including (1) online anonymous surveys (n = 124; 70.5% of eligible), (2) hypertension training analytics (n = 69; 94.5% of assigned), and (3) audio-recorded semi-structured interviews (n = 67; 48.6% of eligible) with FQHC leadership and staff. Surveys measured staff sociodemographic characteristics, adaptive reserve, evidence-based practice attitudes, and implementation leadership scores via validated scales. Training analytics, derived from end-of-course quizzes, included mean score and number attempts needed to pass. Interviews assessed staff-reported facilitators and barriers to current hypertension care delivery and uptake; following audio transcription, trained qualitative researchers employed a deductive coding approach, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS: Most survey respondents reported moderate adaptive reserve (mean = 0.7, range = 0-1), evidence-based practice attitudes (mean = 2.7, range = 0-4), and implementation leadership (mean = 2.5, range = 0-4). Most staff passed training courses on first attempt and demonstrated high scores (means > 80%). Findings from interviews identified potential facilitators and barriers to implementation; specifically, staff reported that complex barriers to hypertension care, control, and clinical communication exist; there is a recognized need to improve hypertension care; in-clinic challenges with digital tool access imposes workflow delays; and despite high patient loads, staff are motivated to provide high-quality cares. CONCLUSIONS: This study serves as one of the first to apply the CFIR to a rigorous pre-implementation evaluation within the understudied context of a FQHC and can serve as a model for similar trials seeking to identify and address contextual factors known to impact implementation success. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03713515 , date of registration: October 19, 2018.

Patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare provided at primary health centers (PHCs) and its association with oral health status among rural population in Rohtak district, Haryana: A household cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Access to oral healthcare is limited in rural areas, resulting in disparities in oral health services. Primary health centers (PHCs) are essential for providing integrated oral healthcare to rural populations. This study examines the patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare at PHCs in Rohtak district, Haryana. Materials and Methods: In this 6-month household cross-sectional study, data were collected from a sample of 600 participants residing in rural areas under the jurisdiction of three randomly selected PHCs in Rohtak district. The study employed multistage cluster systematic random sampling procedures. Data collection included structured questionnaires and clinical oral examinations following the type-III ADA classification. Participants' oral health status was evaluated using the WHO oral health assessment form for adults (2013). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. Results and Discussion: Dental caries and periodontal diseases were more common in older age groups. Barriers to oral healthcare among the elderly include fear of dental procedures and low dental literacy. Proximity to PHCs influenced dental service utilization, with higher rates among participants living near a PHC, that is, within 5 km of a PHC. Conclusion: Age, gender, proximity to PHCs, household size, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles in the utilization of oral health services among the rural population. Addressing these factors is essential for improving oral healthcare and overcoming barriers. It is crucial to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and availability of oral health services at PHCs to promote better oral health and overall well-being in rural areas.

The role of perceived quality of care on outpatient visits to health centers in two rural districts of northeast Ethiopia: a community-based, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have had a negative experience with the health care delivery bypass primary healthcare facilities and instead seek care in hospitals. There is a dearth of evidence on the role of users' perceptions of the quality of care on outpatient visits to primary care facilities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived quality of care and the number of outpatient visits to nearby health centers. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural districts of northeast Ethiopia among 1081 randomly selected rural households that had visited the outpatient units of a nearby health center at least once in the previous 12 months. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire via an electronic data collection platform. A multivariable analysis was performed using zero-truncated negative binomial regression model to determine the association between variables. The degree of association was assessed using the incidence rate ratio, and statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A typical household makes roughly four outpatient visits to a nearby health center, with an annual per capita visit of 0.99. The mean perceived quality of care was 6.28 on a scale of 0-10 (SD = 1.05). The multivariable analysis revealed that perceived quality of care is strongly associated with the number of outpatient visits (IRR = 1.257; 95% CI: 1.094 to 1.374). In particular, a significant association was found for the dimensions of provider communication (IRR = 1.052; 95% CI: 1.012, 1.095), information provision (IRR = 1.088; 95% CI: 1.058, 1.120), and access to care (IRR = 1.058, 95% CI: 1.026, 1.091). CONCLUSIONS: Service users' perceptions of the quality of care promote outpatient visits to primary healthcare facilities. Effective provider communication, information provision, and access to care quality dimensions are especially important in this regard. Concerted efforts are required to improve the quality of care that relies on service users' perceptions, with a special emphasis on improving health care providers' communication skills and removing facility-level access barriers.

Widespread pfhrp2/3 deletions and HRP2-based false-negative results in southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) play a significant role in expanding case management in peripheral healthcare systems. Histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) antigen detection RDTs are predominantly used to diagnose Plasmodium falciparum infection. However, the evolution and spread of P. falciparum parasite strains with deleted hrp2/3 genes, causing false-negative results, have been reported. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of HRP2-detecting RDTs for P. falciparum cases and the prevalence of pfhrp2/3 deletions among symptomatic patients seeking malaria diagnosis at selected health facilities in southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A multi-health facilities-based cross-sectional study was conducted on self-presenting febrile patients seeking treatment in southern Ethiopia from July to September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used to enroll patients with microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infections. A capillary blood sample was obtained to prepare a blood film for microscopy and a RDT using the SD Bioline™ Malaria Pf/Pv Test. Dried blood spot samples were collected for further molecular analysis. DNA was extracted using gene aid kits and amplification was performed using nested PCR assay. Exon 2 of hrp2 and hrp3, which are the main protein-coding regions, was used to confirm its deletion. The diagnostic performance of RDT was evaluated using PCR as the gold standard test for P. falciparum infections. RESULTS: Of 279 P. falciparum PCR-confirmed samples, 249 (89.2%) had successful msp-2 amplification, which was then genotyped for hrp2/3 gene deletions. The study revealed that pfhrp2/3 deletions were common in all health centres, and it was estimated that 144 patients (57.8%) across all health facilities had pfhrp2/3 deletions, leading to false-negative PfHRP2 RDT results. Deletions spanning exon 2 of hrp2, exon 2 of hrp3, and double deletions (hrp2/3) accounted for 68 (27.3%), 76 (30.5%), and 33 (13.2%) of cases, respectively. The study findings revealed the prevalence of P. falciparum parasites lacking a single pfhrp2-/3-gene and that both genes varied across the study sites. This study also showed that the sensitivity of the SD Bioline PfHRP2-RDT test was 76.5% when PCR was used as the reference test. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the existence of widespread pfhrp2/3- gene deletions, and their magnitude exceeded the WHO-recommended threshold (> 5%). False-negative RDT results resulting from deletions in Pfhrp2/3- affect a country's attempts at malaria control and elimination. Therefore, the adoption of non-HRP2-based RDTs as an alternative measure is required to avoid the consequences associated with the continued use of HRP-2-based RDTs, in the study area in particular and in Ethiopia in general.

Efficacy and safety of a four-drug, quarter-dose treatment for hypertension: the QUARTET USA randomized trial.

New approaches are needed to lower blood pressure (BP) given persistently low control rates. QUARTET USA sought to evaluate the effect of four-drug, quarter-dose BP lowering combination in patients with hypertension. QUARTET USA was a randomized (1:1), double-blinded trial conducted in federally qualified health centers among adults with hypertension. Participants received either a quadpill of candesartan 2 mg, amlodipine 1.25 mg, indapamide 0.625 mg, and bisoprolol 2.5 mg or candesartan 8 mg for 12 weeks. If BP was >130/>80 mm Hg at 6 weeks in either arm, then participants received open label add-on amlodipine 5 mg. The primary outcome was mean change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 12 weeks, controlling for baseline BP. Secondary outcomes included mean change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and safety included serious adverse events, relevant adverse drug effects, and electrolyte abnormalities. Among 62 participants randomized between August 2019-May 2022 (n = 32 intervention, n = 30 control), mean (SD) age was 52 (11.5) years, 45% were female, 73% identified as Hispanic, and 18% identified as Black. Baseline mean (SD) SBP was 138.1 (11.2) mmHg, and baseline mean (SD) DBP was 84.3 (10.5) mmHg. In a modified intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference in SBP (-4.8 mm Hg [95% CI: -10.8, 1.3, p = 0.123] and a -4.9 mmHg (95% CI: -8.6, -1.3, p = 0.009) greater mean DBP change in the intervention arm compared with the control arm at 12 weeks. Adverse events did not differ significantly between arms. The quadpill had a similar SBP and greater DBP lowering effect compared with candesartan 8 mg. Trial registration number: NCT03640312.

Improving Students Access to Primary Health Care Through School-Based Health Centers.

BACKGROUND: More than 20 million children in the United States lack access to primary health care. PRACTICE LEARNING: Research shows that students with regular access to physical and mental health services have fewer absences, are more social, less likely to participate in risky behaviors, have improved focus and higher test scores. IMPLICATION FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: School-based health centers (SBHCs) can be an important, valuable and viable health care delivery option to meet the full-range of primary health care needs of students where they spend the majority of their wake hours, ie, in school. Children in rural and other underserved communities, as well as those underinsured, non-insured, economically challenged, underserved, and the most vulnerable among us are especially at risk. CONCLUSIONS: This paper discusses the history, value, and importance of SBHCs from myriad perspectives, including physical and emotional wellbeing, academic and social success, and the promotion of a positive transition to adulthood. In addition, the authors' experiences that resulted in building the first SBHC in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region of New York State are shared. These experiences form the foundation for creating an important roadmap for individuals and school leaders that are interested in bringing a SBHC to their school and district.