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<jats:p>Background. Client satisfaction is the direct effect of service delivery and, in essence, the basis for quality improvement in any industry. In health financing, it is a significant determinant of clients’ enrolment in an insurance scheme. Objectives. This study sought to assess client satisfaction with healthcare delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at a tertiary facility in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were administered to 300 purposively selected patients, stratified based on their insurance status. Data obtained were then analysed using mean score ranking and an independent sample t-test. Results. The client satisfaction variable with a high level of satisfaction was observed for physical environment (πins = 3.80; πunins = 3.69). The least rated construct was responsiveness (πins = 2.59; πunins = 2.51). A statistically significant difference in the means between the insured and uninsured was observed for two of the five constructs, namely, communication (πdiff = 0.36; <jats:inline-formula> <math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1"> <mi>p</mi> <mo>&lt;</mo> <mn>0.05</mn> </math> </jats:inline-formula>) and service availability (πdiff = 0.33; <jats:inline-formula> <math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M2"> <mi>p</mi> <mo>&lt;</mo> <mn>0.05</mn> </math> </jats:inline-formula>). Conclusions. This study advocates for prioritization of measures and policy initiatives aimed at improving responsiveness in healthcare delivery, as the least rated construct. It further draws health providers’ attention to modesty in communication regardless of socioeconomic or insurance status.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Objective. The Victorian Government in Australia has developed Healthy Choices guidelines to ensure that healthy foods and drinks are offered and promoted in places such as hospitals. This brief report aims to present complex theoretical attributes related to cocreation through an accessible example of a competition to create a new name for the previously understated hospital “kiosk.” Methods. A mixed-methods approach using an online survey and semistructured interviews were used to obtain detailed insights from hospital staff members to engage in a naming competition for a hospital-based cafe. Results. The level of engagement in this activity was higher than anticipated by the management staff. Conclusions. Active involvement of staff members through a cocreation process can enable the development of innovative healthy eating strategies and increase staff engagement to further changes in the cafe. Implications for public health cocreation in public health promises effective stakeholder engagement and requires significant scientific advancement. This brief report illustrates theoretical constructs of cocreation through a naming competition activity that occurred as part of a larger project to improve Wimmera Base Hospital’s food environment.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Background. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in Ethiopia. However, the treatment was only surgery; the expected person could not use the surgical service. So far, the World Health Organization’s goal of 2,000 people using the treatment out of a million people could not be met. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cataract and factors associated with among adult people aged 40 years and above in South Ari district of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. Method. A community-based cross sectional study was conducted in South Ari district of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia; samples were selected using simple random sampling and eye examination. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaires. Data quality was ensured by daily supervision completeness and consistency. The data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi.info version 7 and were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was carried by binary logistic regression. Significances were declared by using a p value of &lt;0.05 and AOR of confidence intervals. Result. In this study, the prevalence of cataract was found to be 7.8% (95% CI: 5.0–10.6). There is an increased chance of developing cataract among females (AOR 3.52; 95% CI: 1.39–8.83), individuals with known history of hypertension (AOR 4.5; 95% CI 1.56–13.21), adults aged 70–79 years (AOR 5.07 95% CI: 1.09–23.62), and adults aged 80 years and above (AOR 6.01; 95% CI: 1.29–27.92). Conclusions. Cataract prevalence was found to be high among the study participants. Age, sex, and known history of hypertension were factors associated with cataract.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Bisphenol A (BPA) in drinking water sources is a significant concern in society because BPA is one of the endocrine disruption compounds (EDCs) that can cause hazards to human health even at extremely low concentration levels. This study investigated the leaching potential of BPA from drinking water bottles in five brands of bottled drinking water in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the level of BPA in bottled water in the city of Jeddah. The separation was carried out under isocratic elution, and the detector was set to UV mode. Low levels of BPA were detected in all samples from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. The mean concentration of BPA in water bottles stored at room temperature for 30 days was 9.46 ng·L−1, while the concentration of BPA in water bottles exposed to sunlight and boiling water bath was 16.13 ng·L−1 and 14.7 ng·L−1, respectively. Although the results show that the daily consumed concentration of BPA for an adult with 60 kg of body weight is 32.26 ng, which is lower than the total tolerable daily intake limit of BPA, health risks from the consumption of bottled water may increase after UV exposure for an extended time.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Background. Hypertensive condition during the pregnancy of the mother that usually occurs after 20 weeks of gestation age is clinically considered preeclampsia. This health problem of pregnant mothers can lead to various complications for both the mother and the baby. But the risk factors for preeclampsia have not been well documented. Therefore, availing up-to-date information on the prevalence and associated factors of preeclampsia is essential for its early identification and management. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of preeclampsia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC). Methods. Cross-sectional study design was used from March 1, 2022, to March 30, 2022, among 235 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital (TBGH) from March 1, 2022 March 30, 2022, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was employed to get study participants from antenatal care attendants. Data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The presence of statistical association was determined using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Variables with <jats:inline-formula> <math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1"> <mi>P</mi> </math> </jats:inline-formula> values less than 0.05 were considered statically significant. Result. A total of 235 participants were enrolled in the study with a 99.1% response rate. The prevalence of preeclampsia among the current pregnant women who attended ANC in Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital was 5.5% with 95% CI (AOR = 1.3–10.0). Significant variables such as respondents age &gt;35 years, 2.1 (AOR = 1.3–3.4), history of preeclampsia 8.5 (AOR = 1.2–10.3), history of hypertension 2.9 (AOR = 3.0–7.3), ANC visit &lt;3 times 8.5 (AOR = 3.1–13.4), and family history of hypertension 2.2 (AOR = 1.24.3) were significantly associated with preeclampsia. Conclusion. A considerable proportion of pregnant women were experiencing preeclampsia. History of preeclampsia and hypertension, family history of hypertension, and maternal age were associated factors of preeclampsia. Therefore, health professionals working in health institutions give more attention to controlling hypertension during antenatal service.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Background. A routine health information system (RHIS) is a system that records, stores, and processes health data in order to enhance healthcare decision-making. However, systematic use of health information is still not used for program decisions in developing nations, particularly in Ethiopia. Objective. Identifying regular utilization of health information systems and related factors among healthcare workers in Debre Berhan Town health facilities, North Shoa, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 22 to September 22, 2022 in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia. Data from participants were gathered using a self-administered, pretested structured questionnaire by employing a systematic random sample technique among healthcare workers at public health facilities. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS. We employed multivariable logistic regression and descriptive statistics. Variables with a p-value &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit was used to check the adequacy of the model. Result. A total of 383 workers were study participants with 100% response rate. The mean age was 32 (±5.23). Utilization of routine health information among health professionals was 42.6%. Type of institution (AOR = 0.56), complexity of RHIS) (AOR = 2.19), training on HMIS (AOR = 9.35), and feeling guilty of not accomplishing their performance (AOR = 2.96) were found significantly associated with routine health information utilization (RHIU). Conclusion. Utilization of RHIS among the health professionals was low. Type of institution, complexity of RHIS, data management skills, training on HMIS, and feeling guilty of not accomplishing their target performance were factors related to RHIS utilization. Comprehensive training and improve data management skills are highly recommended for improving RHIU.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Objective. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the “150 Minutes Program” in increasing awareness and fostering positive behavior changes regarding recommended physical activity guidelines among Saudi college students. Initiated as part of the national “Sports for All Challenge,” this program targets college students to improve their understanding of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines. Methods. Engaging over 250 Saudi college students from 17 student groups across the United States, the program employs two intervention strategies: a general awareness campaign and the application of physical activity guidelines tailored to the Saudi student community. The study assesses the program’s impact through pre-/post-surveys, evaluating changes in participants’ awareness levels and physical activity behaviors. Results. A total of 110 participants completed either the presurvey (n = 35) or postsurvey (n = 75). Results indicate a significant rise in participants’ awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines, increasing from an initial 4% to 22.9%. Postprogram surveys reveal positive shifts in physical activity behaviors, with 51.4% of participants meeting adult physical activity guidelines, compared to 40% before the program. The average physical activity levels also demonstrated an increase. Conclusion. The 150 Minutes Program proves effective not only in enhancing awareness but also in instigating positive physical activity behavior changes among Saudi college students. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of physical activity interventions within college populations, emphasizing the need for targeted programs, and collaborations with student organizations to ensure sustained impact and scalability.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Background. It is necessary to monitor the health disorders of healthcare practitioners exposed to a complex of occupational hazards to optimize their activities and substantiation of preventive health measures. The purpose of the study was the hygienic assessment of occupational hazards, analysis of data on self-assessment of the state of health (SASH questionnaire) among healthcare practitioners (MRI diagnostics specialists, ultrasound diagnostics specialists, and ophthalmologists, as a control group) exposed to nonionizing radiation, ultrasound, and noise. Materials and Methods. An analysis of hygienic parameters of the working environment (workplace) and questionnaire data of healthcare practitioners were carried out. The number of illnesses and absences from work, the level of quality of life, the level of depression, and the self-assessment of the state of health were evaluated according to the questionnaire. Results. An analysis of workloads made it possible to rank the severity and intensity of labor. Health disorders (according to the self-assessment of the state of health), the number of absences from work due to illness, an increase in complaints and level of depression, and a decrease in the level of quality of life were corresponded to the severity of labor. It was revealed that healthcare practitioners were exposed to a number of hazards during their work (above the threshold limit value (TLV)), which caused an increase in health disorders. Conclusions. During the organization of workplace ergonomics and implementation of preventive measures directed to maintaining health and early diagnosis of diseases, one should take into account the hygienic indicators of the working environment that exceed TLV, the results of self-assessment of the state of health (complaints) and morbidity of healthcare practitioners, the level of quality of life and the level of depression.</jats:p>

<jats:p>Globally, overweight and obesity among children have been acknowledged as a growing public health concern. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. In Uganda, there is a significant burden of overweight and obesity. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors that influence overweight and obesity among primary school children in Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric tools to collect data. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select four schools that participated in this study. A total of 422 children participated in our study. Participant’s weight and height were measured using SECA Scale, Model 885, and a wall-mounted stadiometer, respectively. Data were analyzed using STATA v11.0. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was descriptively analyzed. Associated factors were determined using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Findings revealed that 54.3% of participants were walking to school compared to 45.7% that were cycling/bicycling and 76.3% playing and doing household chores as opposed to 23.7% that spent their leisure time through reading and watching TV, 74.2% took more than two meals per day, and 79.4% often took vegetables and fruits compared to 20.6% that took them most of the time. The study found an overall prevalence of 20% for overweight/obesity. There was a statistical association between overweight/obesity and ownership of residence (O.R.: 0.4, 95% C.I.: 0.2–0.8), modes of transport (O.R.: 8.2, 95% C.I.: 3.4–20.0), leisure time activities (O.R.: 0.4, 95% C.I.: 0.2–0.7), frequency of consuming vegetables and fruits (O.R.: 2.8, 95% C.I.: 1.4–5.5), and the type of school attended (O.R.: 0.2, 95% C.I.: 0.1–0.4). However, only the mode of transport (A.O.R.: 5.0, 95% C.I.: 1.9–13.0) was independently associated with overweight/obesity on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Girls who participated in our study were more overweight than boys. Overweight/obesity existed more in private schools than public schools. Modes of transport were only found to be strongly associated with overweight/obesity. There is a need to establish evidence-based strategies to inform policy on prevention of childhood overweight/obesity.</jats:p>

<jats:p>South Africa is facing a high burden of COVID-19 pandemic with low-vaccine coverage in the African Region. We aimed to investigate the temporal changes and impacts in health behaviors on vaccine acceptability in pre-, during-, and post-vaccine roll-out periods. In this cross-sectional study, we used the combined data from the nationally conducted “COVID-19 Vaccine Surveys (CVACS)” (May 2020–February/March 2022). Semiparametric regression models were used to capture the nonlinear association between the vaccine acceptability and health behaviors. Our study provided compelling evidence for a substantial decline in COVID-19 vaccine trust which shifted from 62%–70% to 26%–42% overtime. Participants younger than 40 years of age were less likely to receive the vaccine before it became available. However, this association changed in the postvaccine period with significant uptake in vaccine acceptance in younger groups. South Africans who identified themselves as black were more likely to intend to receive (aORs ranged: 1.93−3.60) and to trust the vaccine’s safety and efficacy (aORs ranged:1.79−1.23) in all time periods. “Mask wearing” and “frequent hand washing” were the most commonly reported behaviors. Given the lower rates of vaccine acceptability and a reduction in preventative health behaviors, monitoring the spread of infections is crucial and may have significant clinical and epidemiological implications.</jats:p>