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Public Health – Open Journal (PHOJ)
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Volume 5

June, 2020

Volume 5, Issue 2

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March, 2020

Volume 5, Issue 1

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Volume 4

May, 2019

Volume 4, Issue 1

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December, 2019

Volume 4, Issue 2

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Volume 3

December, 2018

Volume 3, Issue 1

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Volume 2

December, 2017

Volume 2, Issue 2

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March, 2017

Volume 2, Issue 1

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Volume 1

August, 2016

Volume 1, Issue 2

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October, 2016

Volume 1, Issue 3

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March, 2016

Volume 1, Issue 1

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Article in press

  • 2021, January

    original research

    Barriers to Community Integration for Older People in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study from Occupational Therapist PerspectivesOpen Access

    Yau Y. Hui, Nathan Vytialingam and Sangeeta K. Singh*
    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17140/PHOJ-6-152
    Provisional PDF383.46 KB 383.46 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    Introduction
    Existing research has addressed the importance of community integration (CI) and its benefits of dwelling in a community but has yet to address the methods and efficiency of improving these activities among older people. Thus, it is vital to understand how healthcare workers can integrate the benefits of CI among older people, especially with the use of occupational therapists (OTs). The latter are actively working to improve ageing individuals mobility within the community.
    Objective
    This study aims to identify Malaysian OTs’ perspectives on CI’s and its implication on older people.
    Method
    Occupational therapist from different states of Malaysia participated in a semi-structured interview, through a virtual medium (Zoom Cloud Meetings). The interview guide encapsulated the theory of critical incident technique (CIT).
    Results
    Thematic content analysis, over fourteen participants from 13 states of Malaysia, provided insights into CI’s barriers for older people in Malaysia. The findings revealed that multifaceted factors from an individual, organisational and socio-environmental perspective limit older people’s active CI engagement.
    Conclusion
    South-East Asia hierarchal and collectivist culture play a significant role in influencing all factors of CI. OTs must understand and incorporate appropriate cultural norms during CI practice development for the older population in Malaysia.
    Keywords
    Occupational therapist; Critical incident technique; Older people; Community integration; Qualitative study; Societal norms; Cultural norms.


NOTE: The DOIs of the In-Press Articles will only function after the final publication of the articles and once they are uploaded to the Current Issues.
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Current Issue

  • 2020, July

    original research

    Determinants of Non-Insurance in A-Duiem Administrative Unit, White Nile State, Sudan 2018Open Access

    Samia Y. I. Habbani, Egbal A. B. A. Karaig*, Elfatih M. Malik, Sumaia M. Al-Fadil, Maisa El-Fadul, Siddik M. A. Shaheen, Nahid A. A. Gadir and Hashim Al-A. S. AbuZaid
    DOI:
    PDF357.04 KB 357.04 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    Background

    Population knowledge and attitudes toward health insurance are important factors that facilitate health insurance coverage. National studies on these parameters are limited.

    Aim

    This study aims at assessing determinants of non-insurance in A-Duiem Administrative Unit and calculating as a secondary objective the household’s health insurance coverage.

    Methods

    The study was a descriptive cross-sectional community-based conducted in A-Duiem Administrative Unit, Sudan. It collected quantitative data from non-insured households and qualitative data by interviewing community leaders and conducting focus group discussions with community organizations members. Quantitative data analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, and the thematic analysis for the qualitative data.

    Results

    The study interviewed 419 non-insured households’ heads and thirteen community leaders and conducted eight focus group discussions with sixty community organizations members. Around 37.9% (95% CI: 33.4-42.7) of the heads of the non-insured households did not know the health insurance, while only 2.4% (95% CI: 1.5-4.7) had good knowledge. The knowledge of non-insured community leaders and members of the community organizations was moderate. The study participants showed positive attitudes towards health insurance, as 97% (95% CI: 95.1-98.4) of the heads of the non-insured households wanted to join the health insurance and 65% (95% CI: 59.2-70.1) of them stated that they could pay its premium. Most of the community leaders and members of the community organizations had health insurance cards. Those who were not enrolled, have limited knowledge about health insurance while almost all believe they should join it. The study identified 52.4% of non-insured households (95% CI: 48.9-55.8). The study showed low health insurance coverage among families, despite their positive attitude. This is mostly attributed to poor awareness of the heads of the non-insured households about health insurance. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) should address this gap through effective communication strategies using motivated community institutions.

    Keywords

    Health insurance; Non-insured; Population coverage; Knowledge; Attitudes; Sudan.


  • 2020, August

    scoping review

    Scoping Review and Expert Reflections: Coronavirus Disease 2019 – Preparedness and Response in Selected Countries of East Africa, West Africa, and Southeast AsiaOpen Access

    Ednah Madu*, Elfatih M. Malik, Sharath B. Nagaraja, Renu Tyagi and Gregory Fant
    DOI:
    PDF470.49 KB 470.49 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    Background

    The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, started in the Hubei province of China in December 2019. On January 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. We wondered what countries in Africa and South-East Asia had done to prevent infectious disease, specifically, COVID-19, from impacting the population of specific countries in that region, and what disease control measures were successful. Expert reflections on findings could guide continued successful public health approaches in managing this complex infectious disease pandemic.

    Method

    Using a scoping review, published papers, or program descriptions for specific geographic regions (i.e., Africa or Southeast Asia) were searched using specified key terms. Three targeted countries classified by World Bank as lower-middle-income in the two WHO selected regions [Africa (Sudan and Nigeria); Southeast Asia (India)] were reviewed with respect to COVID19 preparedness and response. Findings were organized, highlighting key points that seem particularly useful for regional learning. The evidence from each region was summarized in the aggregate to determine some common, noteworthy themes. COVID-19 epidemiologic data for these regions were also reviewed.

    Result

    Our findings indicate experience from prior infectious disease outbreak seems to have prepared the selected countries in their preparedness for COVID-19 outbreak on various levels. Incidence of COVID-19 increased across the selected countries. WHO recommended basic public health strategies to reduce disease transmission was initiated by the selected countries at different levels. However, feasibility and lockdown practices raise public health concerns and questions across the target regions reviewed.

    Conclusion

    This scoping review and expert reflections uncovers important preparedness and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the selected WHO regions. Further exploration and possible public health strategic plans may be needed.

    Keywords

    COVID-19 Pandemic; Health system; Preparedness and response; Sub-Saharan Africa; Southeast Asia; Developing countries.


  • 2020, August

    review

    The Review on the European and the United States Healthcare SystemsOpen Access

    Andrew S. Targowski*
    DOI:
    PDF488.67 KB 488.67 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    The paper investigates the main ideas and solutions of healthcare systems in leading countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, France based on the international ranking indexes such as the United Nations Human Development Index, Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), Blumberg’s Global Health Index, World Health Organization (WHO), The Healthcare Access & Quality Index (HAQ), the European Health Consumer Index (EHCI). In conclusion, the health of
    society depends to a great extent on lifestyle and climate, where such countries as Spain and Italy have fewer sick people, and it results in a lower burden on healthcare. Unites States of America healthcare must compensate for lifestyle defects with intensive treatment and expensive medicines. This costs money and, what is worse, it doesn’t bring any noticeable progress. As evidenced by the dramas caused by the 2020 pandemic.

    Keywords
    Healthy life; Healthy lifestyle; American healthcare; Healthcare indexes.


  • 2020, October

    mini review

    Elderly People During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic: Selected ProblemsOpen Access

    Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka*
    DOI:
    PDF339.90 KB 339.90 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection mainly affected elderly patients in many countries. The care of elderly
    patients, especially in countries where the percentage of people over 65-years of age is significant, is an important public health problem now during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review particular attention to the problem of proper nutrition of such patients was paid, which must be preceded by an appropriate assessment of their nutritional status. The important role of physical activity and adequate rehabilitation is highlighted. The care of elderly patients should be in line with the recommendations of the relevant scientific societies and international organizations in this respect.
    Keywords
    COVID-19; Elderly people; Malnutrition; Food insecurity; Nutritional risk; ESPEN recommendations; Physical activity.


  • 2020, December

    letter to the editor

    Pandemic–The Role of the Electronic Sharing of Public Health Data, Public Health Data Science, and Public Health ActionOpen Access

    Gregory Fant*
    DOI:
    PDF266.65 KB 266.65 KB
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Previous Issue

  • 2020, April

    short communication

    In the Early Stages of Coronavirus Disease-2019: What It is, What Precautions to Take, and Why Social Distancing is NecessaryOpen Access

    Saima Huq* and Sarah Afework
    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17140/PHOJ-5-142
    PDF294.14 KB 294.14 KB
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  • 2020, April

    Special Editorial

    Coronavirus Disease-2019 Response–Global Public Health Professionals Supporting Collaborative, Official, Organized Actions in Local CommunitiesOpen Access

    Gregory Fant*, Elfatih M. Malik, Ednah Madu, Renu Tyagi and Sharath B. Nagaraja
    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17140/PHOJ-5-143
    PDF354.20 KB 354.20 KB
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  • 2020, April

    original research

    Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Associated Risk Behaviors in Three Ethnic Groups of Malaysian MillennialsOpen Access

    Sangeeta K. Singh*, Kwong H. Yap, Peter Natarajan, Pascale Allotey and Daniel Reidpath
    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17140/PHOJ-5-144
    PDF373.48 KB 373.48 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    Objectives

    To gain further insights into factors associated with harmful alcohol consumption patterns and other associated behaviours among Malaysians millennials.

    Methods

    The United States Centre for Disease, Control, and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behaviour Survey was adapted and translated into Bahasa Malaysia language. The self-administered questionnaire collected information on socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviours associated with alcohol consumption. Multi-facet sampling was used to recruit participants across six sites in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. There were 326 respondents: 103 Malays, 111 Chinese and 112 Indians; with 171 (52%) male and 155 (48%) female.

    Results

    Mean age of the respondents was 21-years. Twenty percent of the millennials surveyed were binge consumers: 79% of binge drinkers were male. More than half (54%) of the binge drinkers were Indians followed by Chinese at 39% and Malays at 8%. Binge consumers were at increased odds (OR=7.58: 95% CI=3.88-14.80) of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and at increased odds (OR=6.88: 95% CI=3.40-13.90) of being driven by someone drunk. Those who were binge drinkers were also at higher odds than non-drinkers of being forced into sexual intercourse (OR=3.16: 95% CI=1.25-7.97) or other sexual acts (OR=3.84: 95% CI=1.74-8.47). Binge drinkers were also more prone to smoking compared to current drinkers (OR=10.82 9% CI=4.85-24.12).

    Conclusion

    Binge consumption among millennials was associated with a myriad of behavioural risk factors and harmful alcohol-related consequences. Multiple strategic approaches are needed that address respective cultural norms, enhancement of millennials socialisation and engagement skills within communities to improve the efficacy of preventive interventions.

    Keywords

    Alcohol; Communities; Malaysia; Risky behaviours; Social; Youth.


  • 2020, June

    original research

    Targeting Bacterial Biofilms Using Probiotics and Medicinal Plant Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract: A Comparative StudyOpen Access

    Shruthi Aravindan*
    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17140/PHOJ-5-145
    PDF407.39 KB 407.39 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    Introduction

    Biofilms are a significant threat to public health as they form on medical devices, wastewater pipes, human tissue, and stagnant water bodies. The primary reason biofilms are hard to combat is the bacterial interactions that take place within the biofilm through quorum sensing (QS), a form of cell-to-cell communication that plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms. The QS controls biofilm formation to increase cooperation and stabilize the biofilm and increased interactions between the bacterial cells, make the biofilms harder to destroy. The aggregates of cells in the biofilm are not susceptible to drugs. The slow dividing cells are less susceptible to antibiotics.

    Objectives

    The aim of this comparative study is to research the potential and effectiveness of treatments to combat the growth of biofilm formed by Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes by using two approaches: medicinal plant extract of Taraxacum officinale and probiotics.

    Methodology

    This was a comparative study in which bacterial biofilms of E. coli and E. aerogenes were grown. Each biofilm was treated with a probiotic solution or Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract. The effectiveness of each treatment was measured through zones of isolation.

    Results

    A standard t-test was run to compare the results of two groups of means for each bacteria. For E. aerogenes, the probiotic solution was more effective than dandelion extract with a t-value of 5.5 and a p-value of 0.0003, which is less than a p-value of 0.05. For E. coli, the probiotic solution was more effective than dandelion extract with a t-value of 6.5, and the p-value is less than 0.05. Results show that the probiotics treatment was more effective in destroying the biofilms than the Taraxacum officinale extract, but both treatments showed effective bactericidal properties.

    Conclusion

    Data from the trials were compared to traditional antibiotics for each of the bacteria, E. coli and E. aerogenes. These two methods of destruction are possible solutions to the threat the biofilms pose. If these research methods prove to be effective, they will be instrumental in combating the biofilms that lead to complications. These are promising solutions for reverting the threat that biofilms pose to public health and ecosystems.

    Keywords

    Bacteria; Biofilms; Extract; Public health; Quorum sensing.


  • 2020, June

    mini review

    Improving Health Equity for Black Communities in the Face of Coronavirus Disease-2019Open Access

    Charlotte Jones-Burton, Kemi Olugemo and Judith R. Greener*
    DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17140/PHOJ-5-146
    PDF319.48 KB 319.48 KB
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    Abstract [+]

    The impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S. to date is staggering and Blacks across the country are being infected and dying at rates far in excess of Whites. Although health disparities have been part of America’s reality for decades, the pandemic has exposed the failure of the healthcare system to adequately serve minority patients. There are immediate solutions that can help to balance the inequity now and position us well for the future. Five suggested solutions are described which focus on greater inclusion of Blacks in activities such as clinical trials, encouraging community-based resources and providing comprehensive racial data on COVID-19 cases. We are not all in the fight against COVID-19 together. Solutions must be adopted to help to address the current disparities now as well as beyond the immediate crisis.

    Keywords

    Health disparities; COVID-19; Minorities; Health equity; Black communities.


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    Editor-in-Chief

    Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka, PhD

    Vice-Dean Jagiellonian University Medical College Swietej Anny 12 31-008 Krakow, Poland  

    Associate Editors

    Elfatih Mohamed Malik Mohamed, MD

    Director General Planning and International Health Directorate Federal Ministry of Health Nile St, Khartoum, Sudan

    Helena Maltezou, MD, PhD

    Pediatrician- Infectious Diseases Specialist Head, Department for Interventions in Health Care Facilities Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention Αγράφων 3-5, Athens 151 23, Greece  

    Our editorial team


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