Registered general nurses' health assessment practices in a tertiary hospital: A focused ethnography study.

AIM: To explore the assumptions and values that influence nursing health assessment practices among registered general nurses in general medical and surgical wards. DESIGN: The study was designed as a focused ethnography. METHODS: A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore prevailing nursing health assessment practices of 13 registered general nurses in an attempt to explore the assumptions and values influencing health assessment practices in the study setting. Data were analysed inductively using an interpretive qualitative content analysis method. RESULTS: Nursing health assessment practices, and underlying assumptions and values were underpinned by a central theme of a culture of low expectation relating to nursing health assessment. The culture of low expectation was highlighted in five themes: (1) Unsystematic Assessment of Health Status, (2) Purpose of Nursing Health Assessment, (3) The Role of Nursing Educational and Regulatory Institutions, (4) Ward Ethos and (5) The Role of Organizational and Ward Leadership. IMPLICATION: The adoption of a holistic nursing health assessment framework with a clearly defined purpose of aiding nursing diagnoses can guide patient-centred care delivery and facilitate early recognition of physiological deterioration. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Thirteen registered general nurses were interviewed, and the initial findings returned to them for validation. CONCLUSION: The potential contribution of nursing health assessment to nursing practice and patient outcomes may not be fully realized if nursing health assessment is not situated within a holistic health assessment model with a clearly defined purpose for nursing practice.

Multi-element Contamination and Health Risks in Green Leafy Vegetables from Ambagarh Chowki, Chhattisgarh, India.

Leafy plants are commonly consumed as vegetables in India due to their high nutrient and vitamin content. This study, conducted in Ambagarh Chowki (India), investigated the accumulation potential of 52 elements (including Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Ho, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, and Zn) in seven leafy vegetable species, namely Amaranthus tricolor L., Corchorus olitorius L., Cordia myxa L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Moringa oleifera Lam., and Spinacia oleracea L. Technique: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for analysis. The maximum concentrations of elements such as Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Ge, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Th, Tl, U, V, W, and REEs were observed in S. oleracea leaves, indicating their highest accumulation potential. In contrast, the maximum concentrations of As were found in H. sabdariffa leaves; Ca and Si in M. oleifera leaves; Mg, Sr, and Mo in A. tricolor leaves; and P, K, Cu, and Zn in C. myxa leaves, respectively. Twenty-one elements (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, V, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Th, Sb, Ba, Be, Li, Sr, Tl, U, Se, Sn, and REEs) exceeded permissible limits set by the WHO. The elevated hazard index values indicated significant non-carcinogenic effects. The sources of these elements could be attributed to a combination of geological factors and agricultural practices. This study highlights the need for further investigation into the potential health implications of consuming these vegetables in the aforementioned region.

Impact of brewery sludge application on heavy metal build-up, translocation, growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop in Northern Ethiopia.

In a field study, the impact of different levels of brewery sludge (BS) enrichment on Triticum aestivum L. (wheat plants) was examined in terms of growth, yield, heavy metal absorption, and potential health risks linked to plant consumption. Using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three blocks, the study showed that applying up to 12 t ha-1 brewery sludge significantly improved all agronomic parameters (except harvest index) compared to control and mineral-fertilized soil. Heavy metal translocation was generally low, except for Cu and Pb. The sequence of heavy metal translocation was Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni > Zn > Mn > Cr from soil to spikes and Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr from soil to grain. Heavy metal loads were mostly higher in roots than in the above-ground crop parts. The target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR) within wheat grain remained within safe limits for all BS treatments. Consequently, consuming this wheat grain is considered safe regarding heavy metals. Thus, utilizing brewery sludge at 12 t ha-1 as a fertilizer for wheat production and as an alternative method for sludge disposal is plausible.

Addressing Geographical Inequities and Barriers in Access to Mental Health Care among Youth in a Rural Western Kentucky County.

A Community Health Assessment (CHA) was conducted among community members in a rural Western Kentucky county in 2022-2023 identified mental health as one of the top health issues in the county. The purpose of a CHA is to identify key health needs and issues through data and develop strategies for action. One of the objectives was to identify barriers to accessing mental health care, especially among youth. Secondary data analyses were performed from survey results conducted by the local health department and local public schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. Qualitative data were analyzed using a two-cycle coding process. Access to mental healthcare is an area of great need in this rural Western Kentucky county. Recommendations include working with healthcare providers, especially specialists, to accept Medicaid and it is recommended to cross-train other professionals to address mental health needs in this region.

Evaluation of the Oral Health Education Programme for Nurses using an Oral Lesion Simulator.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of a newly developed oral simulator for nursing students' oral assessment education on oral diseases and symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were first-year students (n=105) at a nursing school in Japan. Ten identical oral simulators with angular cheilitis, missing teeth, dental caries, calculus, periodontitis, hypoglossal induration, food debris, and crust formation were created by a team of dentists. After a 45-minute lecture programme for oral assessment performance with the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), the ability test with the simulators and the OHAT as well as test feedback were conducted in a 30-minute practical programme. To evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes, questionnaires and ability tests with slides of oral images were conducted at baseline and after the programme. RESULTS: Ninety-nine students (94.3%) participated in this study. The results of the ability test with the simulators and the OHAT in the practical programme showed that the correct answer rates of assessing tongue, gingiva, present teeth, and oral pain were less than 40%. Their levels of confidence, perception, and oral assessment performance were statistically significantly higher after the programmes than they were at baseline. Their level of confidence in assessing the need for dental referral had the largest increase in scores compared to the lowest scores at baseline in the nine post-programme assessment categories. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several problems with nursing students' oral assessment skills and improvements of their oral assessment confidence, perceptions and performance.

Validation of the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) based on four aging cohorts from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care.

BACKGROUND: As global aging accelerates, routinely assessing the functional status and morbidity burden of older patients becomes paramount. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of the comprehensive clinical and functional Health Assessment Tool (HAT) based on four cohorts of older adults (60 + years) from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC) spanning urban, suburban, and rural areas. METHODS: The HAT integrates five health indicators (gait speed, global cognition, number of chronic diseases, and basic and instrumental activities of daily living), providing an individual-level score between 0 and 10. The tool was constructed using nominal response models, first separately for each cohort and then in a harmonized dataset. Outcomes included all-cause mortality over a maximum follow-up of 16 years and unplanned hospital admissions over a maximum of 3 years of follow-up. The predictive capacity was assessed through the area under the curve (AUC) using logistic regressions. For time to death, Cox regressions were performed, and Harrell's C-indices were reported. Results from the four cohorts were pooled using individual participant data meta-analysis and compared with those from the harmonized dataset. RESULTS: The HAT demonstrated high predictive capacity across all cohorts as well as in the harmonized dataset. In the harmonized dataset, the AUC was 0.84 (95% CI 0.81-0.87) for 1-year mortality, 0.81 (95% CI 0.80-0.83) for 3-year mortality, 0.80 (95% CI 0.79-0.82) for 5-year mortality, 0.69 (95% CI 0.67-0.70) for 1-year unplanned admissions, and 0.69 (95% CI 0.68-0.70) for 3-year unplanned admissions. The Harrell's C for time-to-death throughout 16 years of follow-up was 0.75 (95% CI 0.74-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The HAT is a highly predictive, clinically intuitive, and externally valid instrument with potential for better addressing older adults' health needs and optimizing risk stratification at the population level.

Oral status of older adults receiving home medical care: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study examined the oral status and the presence of teeth requiring treatment among older adults receiving home medical care. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Japanese dental clinic specializing in geriatric treatment. We recruited older adults receiving home medical care in the community who had begun to receive domiciliary dental care. The Japanese version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT-J), as well as the presence of teeth requiring extraction and the need for assistance in maintaining oral hygiene were used to evaluate the participants' oral health and its association with other items. RESULTS: Ninety-three participants (44 male and 49 female, median age: 87.0 years) were surveyed. The median OHAT-J score was 6. The duration since the previous dental visit was 23 months. Sixty-two (73.8%) of 84 participants with ≥1 natural tooth had severe caries or teeth with severe mobility that required extraction. Logistic analysis revealed that requiring assistance in maintaining oral hygiene, mild dementia, severe dementia, and depression were significantly associated with an OHAT score of ≥6. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults receiving home medical care had poor oral health, with approximately 70% of them requiring tooth extraction. The need for assistance in maintaining oral hygiene and poor mental status contribute to poor oral health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 706-714.

Assessing hand and global disability in a cohort of Algerian patients with systemic sclerosis: Construct validities of the Arab Hand Function Index and the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the construct validity of the Arab Hand Function Index and the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire in Algerian patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods: Consecutive Algerian patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for systemic sclerosis were included. In addition to disease characteristics, global disability and hand disability were assessed using the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Arab Hand Function Index, respectively. Construct validity was assessed by convergent and divergent validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient) and factor analysis. The scale reliability was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha. Results: We evaluated 100 systemic sclerosis patients (83 females) of mean ± standard deviation age 46.7 ± 12.3 years, including 59 limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and 41 diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Raynaud's phenomenon was detected in 99 patients and digital ulcers in 25. Gastrointestinal tract involvement and interstitial lung disease were detected in 86/100 (86%) and 46/72 (63.9%) patients, respectively. Anti-topoisomerase I and anti-centromere antibodies were detected in 33/76 (43.4%) and 23/76 (30.3%) patients, respectively. The Arab Hand Function Index had a good construct validity with a total score explaining 61% of the variance of the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire which also had a good construct validity. Factor analysis of the Arab Hand Function Index and the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire items extracted two factors explaining 64% of the variance for the Arab Hand Function Index and one factor explaining 55% of the variance for the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire. The Arab Hand Function Index and the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire were reliable questionnaires with a Cronbach's alpha >0.8. Conclusion: In Algerian patients with systemic sclerosis, Arab Hand Function Index and Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire have a good construct validity and reliability.

Prevenção, detecção e assistência à deficiência em serviços de atenção primária à saúde do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Disability prevention, detection and assistance in primary health care services in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho consiste em avaliar o desempenho de serviços de atenção primária à saúde (APS) do estado de São Paulo para prevenção, detecção e assistência à deficiência. Realizou-se uma pesquisa avaliativa em 2.739 serviços de saúde em 514 municípios com 128 indicadores da qualidade organizacional do instrumento QualiAB referentes à dimensão avaliativa "Atenção à deficiência em serviços de atenção primária à saúde". Foram utilizadas medidas de desempenho e associações entre os escores de cada domínio e variáveis independentes sobre planejamento, avaliação em saúde e rede de apoio, por meio de regressão linear múltipla. O percentual de desempenho para a dimensão foi de 61,6%, para o domínio estrutura (insumos e recursos humanos), 73,6%, para qualificação da atenção ao pré-natal, 68,7%, qualificação da atenção à saúde da criança, 56,1%, prevenção de incapacidades relacionadas a condições crônicas, 55,8%, e atenção à pessoa com deficiência e ao cuidador, 53,9%. Houve associação significativa com variáveis relacionadas ao tipo de serviço e de participação em avaliações de serviços. Os serviços de APS ainda realizam ações incipientes para prevenção, vigilância e diagnóstico das deficiências, assim como para a atenção integral a pessoas com deficiência.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the performance of primary health care (PHC) services for disability prevention, detection and assistance in the state of São Paulo. The study included 2739 health services, from 514 municipalities. 128 organizational quality indicators of the QualiAB instrument referring to the evaluative dimension "Attention to disability in primary health care services". The association of health care performance score of each domain with independent variables, health assessment, and support network were tested using of multiple linear regression. The performance percentage was 61.6% for all domains, 73.6% for structure (inputs and human resources), 68.7% for qualification of prenatal care, 56.1% for qualification of child health care, 55.8% for prevention of disabilities related to chronic conditions, and 53.9% for attention to people with disabilities and caregivers. There was a significant association with variables related to the type of service and participation in service evaluations. PHC services still perform incipient actions for the prevention, surveillance and diagnosis of disabilities as well as for comprehensive care for people with disabilities.

Validation and Cultural Adaptation of Persian Version of Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multidimensional disease. In addition to quantitative factors, qualitative factors play an important role in the progress and outcome of the diseases. One of the most effective methods of collecting qualitative information is questionnaires reported by patients. The data obtained from the questionnaires are as important as the clinical criteria. Multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) is one of the latest questionnaires that provide useful information in a short time. Objectives: To investigate the reliability and validity of the Persian form of MDAHAQ for the use of Iranian patients. Method: Two groups of participants were selected for this study. The validity test group included 110 patients, and the reliability test group included 140 patients. Translation and adaption of MDHAQ were performed by using Guillemin guidelines. The reliability was tested by using test-retest and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Persian version of the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) was used for assessing the criterion validity. The correlation between the MDHAQ score and Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and the Persian version of the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) was evaluated using the Spearman coefficient. Discriminant validity was tested in groups of patients based on two varied disease activities based on CDAI and DAS28. Results: Test-retest with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) gave a coefficient of 0.865(95% CI: 0.809, 0.904) for physical function and 0.786(95% CI: 0.698, 0.848) for psychological items. Cronbach's alpha was 0.885 and 0.705 for physical function and psychological dimensions respectively. The Persian version of the MDHAQ had a good to strong correlation with the Persian version of the HAQ (ranging from 0.604 to 0.962) and also with CDAI (ranging from 0.616 to 0.838) and a moderate correlation with DAS28 (ranging from 0.415 to 0.439). Conclusion: The Persian form of MDHAQ is a reliable and valid instrument for the routine evaluation of RA patients in rheumatology clinics in Iranian RA patients.

Establishing a river health evaluation index system for seven rivers in Jiamusi City of China.

The Jiamusi section of the Songhua River is one of the first 17 model river construction sections in China. The implementation of river health assessments can determine the health dynamics of rivers and test the management's effectiveness. Targeting seven rivers, this study conducted river zoning and monitoring point deployment to conduct sufficient field research and monitoring. The authors selected hydrological and water resources, physical structure, water quality, aquatic life, social service functions, and management as guideline layers and 15 indicator layers. Subsequently, the authors established an evaluation index system to evaluate and analyze the ecological status and social service status of each river. The results showed that the Yindamu, Alingda, and Gejie rivers scored well as healthy rivers, with health evaluation scores of 78.98, 76.06, and 75.83, respectively. The Wangsanwu, Lujiagang, and Lingdangmai rivers are generally sub-healthy rivers with scores of 71.55, 67.97, and 60.7, respectively. The Yinggetu River has a score of 54.52 and is therefore assessed as unhealthy. Based on the scientific evaluation index method, this study analyses the current river health state in Jiamusi City to provide the basis for the evaluation of the river chief's work and future river management.

Effects of antibiotic resistance genes on health risks of rivers in habitat of wild animals under human disturbance - based on analysis of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in microbes of river sediments.

Studying the ecological risk of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to wild animals from human disturbance (HD) is an important aspect of "One Health". The highest risk level of ARGs is reflected in pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PARBs). Metagenomics was used to analyze the characteristics of PARBs in river sediments. Then, the total contribution of ARGs and virulence factors (VFs) were assessed to determine the health risk of PARBs to the rivers. Results showed that HD increased the diversity and total relative abundance of ARG groups, as well as increased the kinds of PARBs, their total relative abundance, and their gene numbers of ARGs and VFs. The total health risks of PARBs in wild habitat group (CK group), agriculture group (WA group), grazing group (WG group), and domestic sewage group (WS group) were 0.067 × 10-3, -1.55 × 10-3, 87.93 × 10-3, and 153.53 × 10-3, respectively. Grazing and domestic sewage increased the health risk of PARBs. However, agriculture did not increase the total health risk of the rivers, but agriculture also introduced new pathogenic mechanisms and increased the range of drug resistance. More serious was the increased transfer risk of ARGs in the PARBs from the rivers to wild animals under agriculture and grazing. If the ARGs in the PARBs are transferred from the rivers under HD to wild animals, then wild animals may face severe challenges of acquiring new pathogenic mechanisms and developing resistance to antibiotics. Further analysis showed that the total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) were related to the risk of ARGs. Therefore, controlling human emissions of TP and DON could reduce the health risk of rivers.

Risk-based public health impact assessment for drinking water contamination emergencies.

Chemical spills in surface waters pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. This study investigates the public health impacts associated with organic chemical spill emergencies and explores timely countermeasures deployable by drinking water facilities. Using a dynamic model of a typical multi-sourced New England drinking water treatment facility and its distribution network, this study assesses the impacts of various countermeasure deployment scenarios, including source switching, enhanced coagulation via poly­aluminum chloride (PACl), addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC), and temporary system shutdown. This study reveals that the deployment of multiple countermeasures yields the most significant reduction in total public health impacts, regardless of the demand and supply availability. With the combination PAC deployed first with other countermeasures proving to be the most effective strategies, followed by the combination of facility shutdowns. By understanding the potential public health impacts and evaluating the effectiveness of countermeasures, authorities can develop proactive plans, secure additional funding, and enhance their capacity to mitigate the consequences of such events. These insights contribute to safeguarding public health and improving the resilience of drinking water systems in the face of the ever-growing threat of chemical spills.

Knowledge and Attitude of Patients Attending Primary Health Care (PHC) or Family Medicine Clinics About Periodic Health Assessment.

Background This study assesses the awareness and perceptions of periodic health assessments (PHA) among patients at primary health care (PHC) and family medicine clinics. Despite PHC's importance in preventive health, previous research indicates a significant gap in the public's knowledge and routine practice of PHA, potentially affected by various demographic factors. Materials & methods A cross-sectional approach was employed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with data gathered via self-administered questionnaires from 382 participants. The survey focused on socio-demographic information, knowledge about PHA, and attitudes towards it. Statistical analysis explored the influence of demographic and clinical factors on individuals' knowledge and attitudes. Results Findings showed that 300 (78.5%) participants had engaged in routine medical examinations, displaying substantial knowledge of PHA. Nevertheless, issues like healthcare accessibility and provider availability were identified as the major barriers, affecting 125 (32.7%) and 84 (22%) participants, respectively. The overall attitude towards PHA was positive, especially among individuals with chronic conditions, emphasizing its perceived benefits in health management. Conclusion The research underscores a generally positive attitude and fair knowledge level regarding PHA among the studied population, alongside significant barriers to participation. Targeted interventions that address these barriers and capitalize on the positive attitudes may enhance PHA uptake, promoting better health outcomes. This study contributes to the understanding of public engagement with PHA, offering insights for improving health promotion and disease prevention strategies.

The normativist-naturalist puzzle: Functions and assumptions of health assessment tools.

While there is no shortage in discussions of health assessment tools, little is known about health professionals' experience of their practical uses. However, these tools rely on assumptions that have significant impacts on the practice of health assessment. In this study, we explore health professionals' experiences with health assessment tools, that is, how they define, use, and understand these tools, and whether they take them to measure health and wellbeing. We combine a qualitative, interview-based study of the uses and understandings of health assessment tools among Danish health professionals with a philosophical analysis of these applications and perceptions. Our study shows that contrary assumptions are involved in the use of the tools, to the extent that one can speak of a normativist-naturalist puzzle: health professionals generally apply a normativist conception of health, find health assessment useful and valuable for their clinical practice, but believe that what the tools measure is basically not health proper but some proximal entity of a more naturalist kind. This result demonstrates the complexity of health assessment tools and suggests that they are used with care to ensure both that particular tools are used for the kinds of tasks they are most apt for, and that they are put to use in awareness of their limitations.

Spatially and Temporally Differentiated NOx and VOCs Emission Abatement Could Effectively Gain O3-Related Health Benefits.

The increasing level of O3 pollution in China significantly exacerbates the long-term O3 health damage, and an optimized health-oriented strategy for NOx and VOCs emission abatement is needed. Here, we developed an integrated evaluation and optimization system for the O3 control strategy by merging a response surface model for the O3-related mortality and an optimization module. Applying this system to the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), we evaluated driving factors for mortality changes from 2013 to 2017, quantified spatial and temporal O3-related mortality responses to precursor emission abatement, and optimized a health-oriented control strategy. Results indicate that insufficient NOx emission abatement combined with deficient VOCs control from 2013 to 2017 aggravated O3-related mortality, particularly during spring and autumn. Northern YRD should promote VOCs control due to higher VOC-limited characteristics, whereas fastening NOx emission abatement is more favorable in southern YRD. Moreover, promotion of NOx mitigation in late spring and summer and facilitating VOCs control in spring and autumn could further reduce O3-related mortality by nearly 10% compared to the control strategy without seasonal differences. These findings highlight that a spatially and temporally differentiated NOx and VOCs emission control strategy could gain more O3-related health benefits, offering valuable insights to regions with severe ozone pollution all over the world.

The Long-COVID Well-Being Scale (LCOVID-WBS): Development of a nascent measure of long-COVID symptoms and impacts.

As is now well-known, COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, which for some can cause symptoms that last long after initial infection. In 2021, a clinical set of symptoms referred to as long-COVID was identified. For many patients, long-COVID is a confusing and frightening multisystem disease, with the potential for myriad negative psychosocial effects, including significant impacts on employment and mental health, and requiring ongoing care. Research and treatment of long-COVID will be facilitated by a sound measure that addresses aspects of well-being, symptom experiences, and psychosocial impacts among long-COVID patients. The present work addresses this need by presenting the results of the development and preliminary psychometrics for the Long-COVID Well-Being Scale (LCOVID-WBS). In an exploratory factor analysis with a panel of 236 participants, researchers identified four factors: Emotional Strain, Physical Ability Strain, Control of Life, and Overall Evaluation of Health. The nascent measure represents the first step to measuring the impacts of long-COVID.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Non-institutionalized Elderly in Malaysia: A Teaching Hospital-Based Survey.

Background In Malaysia, the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) has been recognized as a vital instrument for evaluating oral health-related quality of life among the elderly population. Its integration into the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2018 demonstrates the country's dedication to understanding and addressing the unique oral health challenges faced by older individuals. The NHMS, led by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, serves as a crucial platform for identifying and addressing healthcare needs, while also working towards achieving sustainable development goals. This study aimed to provide valuable information for stakeholders and researchers by investigating the relationship between quality of life related to oral health and demographic factors, with the ultimate goal of enhancing oral healthcare for older individuals. Objective The objective of this research was to identify the variables that impact the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of non-institutionalized elderly individuals who visit the Klinik Pergigian Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM). By utilizing the OHRQoL, dental practitioners can gain insight into the elderly's oral health-related quality of life, which is crucial information for dental healthcare providers to effectively reach out to and cater to the elderly at the institution. Methodology A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a non-probability sampling method to select eligible elderly individuals at the clinic. A validated questionnaire comprising 18 items covering sociodemographic details and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was distributed to individuals above 60 years via printed forms. One way ANOVA, unpaired t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. Results The overall mean GOHAI score among non-institutionalized elderly attending Klinik Pergigian MUCM was 48.38±9.33, indicating poor OHRQoL. The psychosocial impact domain had a mean score of 19.33±5.21, surpassing the pain and discomfort domain with a score of 10.73±2.82, highlighting the significant impact of psychosocial factors on poor oral health-related quality of life. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant associations between OHRQoL and factors such as ethnicity, living arrangements apart from spouse and family, or tertiary education among older individuals after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions This study indicates that sociodemographic aspects have minimal impact on the OHRQoL of seniors. Further examination is needed to understand the economic aspects of tooth replacement options and preventive measures in this age group. To enhance the OHRQoL of older adults, especially those not living in facilities like nursing homes or assisted living centers, tailored oral healthcare plans and strategies are crucial. Interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health professionals, geriatric experts, and oral healthcare providers is crucial for empowering both healthcare practitioners and seniors to maintain optimal oral health.

Exploring adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 crisis - strengths and difficulties.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted children and adolescents, leading to mental health challenges. Knowledge on their resources and difficulties is crucial and there is a need for valid instruments to assess their psychosocial condition especially in this exceptional situation. We assessed psychopathological symptoms using the SDQ during the pandemic, comparing to pre-pandemic data. Our study aims to understand adolescents' strengths and difficulties amidst COVID-19, evaluating the SDQ's utility in crisis settings. Methods: Within the German school-based surveillance study ("B-Fast"), we assessed behavioral strengths and difficulties in 664 adolescents aged 11-17 years during the peak of the German COVID-19 pandemic using the validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for both external and self-assessed data collection. Data were collected between November 2020 and April 2021. We compared self-assessed SDQ-scores to pre-pandemic data from a comparable sample and examined adolescent classification as "normal" or "borderline/abnormal" based on both external and self-assessed SDQ subscale scores using established cut-off values. Additionally, we conducted sex and rater-based score comparisons. Results: In our study, we observed a significant worsening of "Emotional Symptoms" compared to pre-pandemic levels, while "Conduct Problems" and "Prosocial Behavior" showed improvement. Variations in classification to "normal" and "abnormal" emerged when applying German versus British cut-off values. Females scored higher on "Emotional Symptoms" while males scored higher on "Hyperactivity Symptoms." Correlations between external and self-assessed SDQ ratings ranged from 0.43 (p < 0.001) for "Prosocial Behavior" among girls to 0.62 (p < 0.001) for "Peer Problems" among boys, indicating moderate to high consistency. Discussion/conclusion: Our study contributes to understanding the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on German adolescents. Compared to other symptoms, we observed a particular worsening in "Emotional Symptoms" based on our data. Despite the moderate correlation between parental and self-reported evaluations, there appears to be a certain discrepancy in the perception of adolescent quality of life. Therefore, it seems prudent to assess both the external and self-reported evaluations and amalgamate the results from both parties to obtain a comprehensive problem profile of the individual. These findings underscore the importance of using country-specific cutoff values and reaffirm the utility of the SDQ as a valuable assessment tool, even within the unique circumstances posed by a pandemic.

Design and implementation of the Our Health Counts (OHC) methodology for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis (FNIM) health assessment and response in urban and related homelands.

OBJECTIVES: Methods for enumeration and population-based health assessment for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis (FNIM) living in Canadian cities are underdeveloped, with resultant gaps in essential demographic, health, and health service access information. Our Health Counts (OHC) was designed to engage FNIM peoples in urban centres in "by community, for community" population health assessment and response. METHODS: The OHC methodology was designed to advance Indigenous self-determination and FNIM data sovereignty in urban contexts through deliberate application of Indigenous principles and linked implementation strategies. Three interwoven principles (good relationships are foundational; research as gift exchange; and research as a vehicle for Indigenous community resurgence) provide the framework for linked implementation strategies which include actively building and maintaining relationships; meaningful Indigenous community guidance, leadership, and participation in all aspects of the project; transparent and equitable sharing of project resources and benefits; and technical innovations, including respondent-driven sampling, customized comprehensive health assessment surveys, and linkage to ICES data holdings to generate measures of health service use. RESULTS: OHC has succeeded across six urban areas in Ontario to advance Indigenous data sovereignty and health assessment capacity; recruit and engage large population-representative cohorts of FNIM living in urban and related homelands; customize comprehensive health surveys and data linkages; generate previously unavailable population-based FNIM demographic, health, and social information; and translate results into enhanced policy, programming, and practice. CONCLUSION: The OHC methodology has been demonstrated as effective, culturally relevant, and scalable across diverse Ontario cities.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Les méthodes de dénombrement et d'évaluation populationnelle de la santé des personnes des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis (PNIM) vivant dans les villes du Canada sont sous-développées, ce qui laisse des lacunes dans les informations essentielles sur le profil démographique, la santé et l'accès aux services de santé. Le projet Notre santé compte (NSC) vise à collaborer avec les personnes des PNIM dans les centres urbains au moyen d'une évaluation de la santé des populations et d'une intervention « pour nous-mêmes, par nous-mêmes ¼. MéTHODE: La méthode NSC est conçue pour renforcer l'autodétermination autochtone et la souveraineté des données des PNIM vivant en milieu urbain par l'application délibérée de principes autochtones et de stratégies de mise en œuvre connexes. Trois principes imbriqués (« les bonnes relations sont fondamentales ¼; « la recherche en tant qu'échange de cadeaux ¼; et « la recherche comme vecteur de résurgence des communautés autochtones ¼) constituent le cadre de stratégies de mise en œuvre connexes : l'établissement et le maintien actifs de relations; la guidance, la participation et le leadership significatifs des communautés autochtones dans tous les aspects du projet; le partage transparent et équitable des ressources et des avantages du projet; et les innovations techniques, dont l'échantillonnage en fonction des répondants, les enquêtes de santé exhaustives et personnalisées, et les couplages avec les fonds de données de l'Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES), pour produire des indicateurs d'utilisation des services de santé. RéSULTATS: L'approche NSC a réussi dans six agglomérations urbaines de l'Ontario : à renforcer la souveraineté des données et la capacité d'évaluation de la santé des populations autochtones; à recruter et à mobiliser de vastes cohortes représentatives des PNIM vivant en milieu urbain et sur les territoires connexes; à personnaliser des enquêtes de santé exhaustives et des couplages de données; à générer des informations démographiques, sanitaires et sociales non disponibles auparavant sur les populations des PNIM; et à traduire ces résultats en politiques, en programmes et en pratiques améliorés. CONCLUSION: Il est démontré que la méthode NSC est efficace, culturellement appropriée et modulable dans différentes villes de l'Ontario.