An investigation of factors associated with the health and well-being of HIV-infected or HIV-affected older people in rural South Africa

BackgroundDespite the severe impact of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, the health of older people aged 50+ is often overlooked owing to the dearth of data on the direct and indirect effects of HIV on older people's health status and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine correlates of health and well-being of HIV-infected older people relative to HIV-affected people in rural South Africa, defined as participants with an HIV-infected or death of an adult child due to HIV-related cause. MethodsData were collected within the Africa Centre surveillance area using instruments adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE). A stratified random sample of 422 people aged 50+ participated. We compared the health correlates of HIV-infected to HIV-affected participants using ordered logistic regressions. Health status was measured using three instruments: disability index, quality of life and composite health score. ResultsMedian age of the sample was 60 years (range 50-94). Women HIV-infected (aOR 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-0.29) and HIV-affected (aOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.50), were significantly less likely than men to be in good functional ability. Women's adjusted odds of being in good overall health state were similarly lower than men's; while income and household wealth status were stronger correlates of quality of life. HIV-infected participants reported better functional ability, quality of life and overall health state than HIV-affected participants. Discussion and Conclusions The enhanced healthcare received as part of anti-retroviral treatment as well as the considerable resources devoted to HIV care appear to benefit the overall well-being of HIV-infected older people; whereas similar resources have not been devoted to the general health needs of HIV uninfected older people. Given increasing numbers of older people, policy and programme interventions are urgently needed to holistically meet the health and well-being needs of older people beyond the HIV-related care system. <br/

Health Literacy Improves Health Care Quality

A lack of knowledge about health literacy is a cause for quality healthcare concern as the world advances in health information technology. Many patients struggle to understand and navigate their health and well-being as a result of lack of understanding of the treatment plan due to low literacy skills. Several federal policy initiatives promote health literacy as the responsibility of the healthcare organization. Improving health outcomes through health literacy should be a commitment of healthcare organization through providing clear communication, simplified forms, assistance, and even follow-up calls. Three major initiatives will combat health literacy to include the Affordable Care Act; the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy of the Department of Health and Human Services; and the Plain Writing Act of 2010. These initiatives place strategic efforts on health literacy, health technology, and health disparities through patient-centered care in an effort to improve the quality of healthcare

Caring for Older People - Improving Healthcare Quality to Ensure Well-Being and Dignity

The aim of caring is to promote health. The global trend is that people are living longer, but in many cases, there is no support system for the care of older people, leading to major challenges in ensuring their health and well-being. The proportion of older people is expected to increase globally, and skilled healthcare professionals will be required to care for them. There is a risk that older people as suffering and vulnerable human beings will be forgotten due to the increasingly effective and technical care worldwide. A caring culture and relationship should be prioritised and developed to promote participation, well-being and dignity for older people in order to fulfil their care needs and ensure quality healthcare. It is important that research focusing on universal health coverage identifies the benefits of increased investment in service quality. To contribute to the improvement of this output, we propose the application of Eriksson’s caritative theory. The aim of this theoretical chapter is to provide examples of how the dignity and well-being of older people can be promoted, at no additional cost to the person, by means of Eriksson’s caritative theory, which can strengthen healthcare for universal health coverage

Rural Healthcare Infrastructural Disparities in India: a Critical Analysis of Availability and Accessibility

Health and well being of human resource plays an important role in the economic as well as social development of the country. To ensure better health of the people an adequate healthcare infrastructure is of primary importance. Inadequate infrastructure generally leads to poor quality of health services which is positively dangerous to health and welfare of the community at large. About 68% of India’s population still lives in rural areas, yet healthcare infrastructures in these areas are in pathetic condition. There are very few government health centers and even those are devoid of most of the medical facilities and personnel’s. Although the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), launched in 2005 has made significant progress in the healthcare infrastructure (mainly in physical infrastructure) in rural areas and has impacted the lives of rural masses to some extent but it has simultaneously failed to bring desired results because of lack of implementation. So the accessibility and availability of health facilities as well as delivery of quality services in the rural areas deserve considerable attention from planners, researchers and healthcare workers. In this context, the present paper critically examines and evaluates the disparities in availability as well as accessibility of health infrastructure in rural areas of India

Horizontal Inequity in Access to Health Care in Four South American Cities

This paper analyzes and compares socioeconomic inequalities in the use of healthcare services by the elderly in four South-American cities: Buenos Aires, Santiago, Montevideo and San Pablo. We use data from SABE, a survey on Health, Well-being and Aging administered in 2000. After having accounted for socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare needs, we find socioeconomic inequities favoring the rich in the use of preventive services (mammograms, pap tests, breast examinations, and prostate exams) in all of the studied cities. We also find inequities in the likelihood of having a medical visit in Santiago and Montevideo, and in some measures of quality of access in Santiago, Sao Paulo, and Buenos Aires. Santiago depicts the highest inequities in medical visits and Uruguay the worse indicators in mammograms and pap scans tests. For all cities, inequities in preventive services at least double inequities in other services. We do not find evidence of a trade-off between levels of access and equity in access to healthcare services. The decomposition of healthcare inequalities suggests that inequities within each health system are more important than between systems.inequalities, healthcare, medical visit, preventive services

Integration of functional and traditional food in emerging markets. Regulatory and substantive aspects of yerba mate and quinoa

Given the rising cost of healthcare, the increase in life expectancy and the wish for a better quality of life, the request for foods and beverages producing a beneficial effect on health has increased worldwide. “Functional food” is a new concept and may play a key role in diseases’ prevention and management. Although its meaning is currently under definition, its role in global health improvement is growing constantly. This article aims at giving a description of existing legislation on functional food in South America, identifying future directions for health and marketing policies. Furthermore, authors provide a literature revision on two products widely consumed in Latin American countries: Yerba Mate and Quinoa. Thanks to their beneficial health effects in terms of disease prevention and promotion of well-being, they may be considered as functional foods with a potential key role in health care

Horizontal inequity in access to health care in four South American cities

This paper analyzes and compares socioeconomic inequalities in the use of healthcare services by the elderly in four South-American cities: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago (Chile), Montevideo (Uruguay) and San Pablo (Brazil). We use data from SABE, a survey on Health, Well-being and Aging administered in several Latin American cities in 2000. After having accounted for socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare needs, we find socioeconomic inequities favoring the rich in the use of preventive services (mammograms, pap tests, breast examinations, and prostate exams) in all of the studied cities. We also find inequities in the likelihood of having a medical visit in Santiago and Montevideo, and in some measures of quality of access in Santiago, Sao Paulo, and Buenos Aires. Santiago depicts the highest inequities in medical visits and Uruguay the worse indicators in mammograms and pap scans tests. For all cities, inequities in preventive services at least double inequities in other services. We do not find evidence of a trade-off between levels of access and equity in access to healthcare services. The decomposition of healthcare inequalities suggests that inequities within each health system (public or private) are more important than between systems.inequalities, healthcare, medical visit, preventive services.

Transcending Barriers: Understanding the Prevalence and Drivers of Healthcare Avoidance Among the Transgender Community

openTransgender people encounter barriers to healthcare access on many levels that contribute to their delay or complete avoidance of healthcare, which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. The recent uptick in both scientific and public interest towards transgender individuals has brought up concerns about their mental health and well-being, as current research suggests that they may be at an increased risk for discrimination, prejudice, various forms of psychopathology and lower quality of life. As a result of social stigma, minority stress, and interpersonal problems, transgender individuals experience elevated rates of anticipated and enacted stigma, thus furthering their odds of healthcare avoidance. In this review, the practical role of gender affirming healthcare is discussed, as well as the benefits of having access to competent medical professionals and social support. The conclusion of this review leads to an outline of possible implications of healthcare avoidance, including suggestions for healthcare professionals and relatives or friends of a transgender individual.Transgender people encounter barriers to healthcare access on many levels that contribute to their delay or complete avoidance of healthcare, which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. The recent uptick in both scientific and public interest towards transgender individuals has brought up concerns about their mental health and well-being, as current research suggests that they may be at an increased risk for discrimination, prejudice, various forms of psychopathology and lower quality of life. As a result of social stigma, minority stress, and interpersonal problems, transgender individuals experience elevated rates of anticipated and enacted stigma, thus furthering their odds of healthcare avoidance. In this review, the practical role of gender affirming healthcare is discussed, as well as the benefits of having access to competent medical professionals and social support. The conclusion of this review leads to an outline of possible implications of healthcare avoidance, including suggestions for healthcare professionals and relatives or friends of a transgender individual

Third National Summit on Promoting Well-Being and Resilience in Healthcare Professionals: Abstracts from the Poster Winners

Symptoms of burnout, depression, and anxiety are experienced by more than half of all healthcare providers across the country. Like the general population, healthcare providers also engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors which can contribute to suboptimal mental health and chronic disease outcomes. Further, the mental and physical well-being of providers has been linked to the quality, safety, and cost of patient care. To address these critical issues, The Ohio State University partnered with the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Clinical Well-being and Resilience to bring together hundreds of clinicians, leaders, influencers, students, and agents of change for the Third National Summit on Promoting Well-Being and Resilience in Healthcare Professionals. The summit took place September 28-30, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to including phenomenal presentations from some of the nation’s brightest minds, expert practitioners, and renowned motivational speakers, the Summit also included judged poster sessions. BHAC is pleased to present the following abstracts from the winning posters.   More information about the National Summit on Promoting Well-Being and Resilience in Healthcare Professionals is available at: https://clinicianwellbeing.osu.edu

Inter Professional Education: An evaluation of a joint learning experience for podiatry and pharmacy students

Working with and understanding the roles of other healthcare professionals will impact on the quality of care of the patient. Interprofessional learning forms part of the Standards for the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists2 . The Healthcare Professionals Council have also identified that allied health professionals will work as part of a team whose collective focus is the health and well-being of people and understanding this collaboration is essential. At the University of Huddersfield second year pharmacy students attend a clinic run by podiatry students, under the supervision of podiatrists. Following excellent student feedback it was decided to expand this collaboration and produce a 2 hour workshop. Tutors from both disciplines met to design and develop case scenarios based on patients with high risk medical conditions that would impact on the work of both professions. Aim: To expose pharmacy and podiatry students to inter professional learning at an early stage in their careers. Thus developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes to enhance patient centred care