Role of Executive Leadership in Healthcare Transformation

The paper investigates the value of executive leadership in a transformational environment and examines if it requires a different skill set than managing in a more stable operational environment. The authors also look at the critical CEO skill set for leading successful health IT transformational change

Father\u27s support and literacy--factors associated with child mortality in Gambat, Sindh-Pakistan

Objectives: To determine Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) in Gambat and to identify causes of and factors associated with it.Methods: The study was conducted in taluka Gambat of Sindh, Pakistan from December 2002 to August 2003. The sample of at least 510 mothers was needed to capture expected 1020 live births. We interviewed mothers to elicit information about live births in the past five years, under-five mortality and its cause. Additionally, the mothers were also asked about their mobility and availability of husband\u27s support in child\u27s rearing, other than economic support. Approval was sought from Aga Khan University\u27s Ethical Committee. Pre structured questionnaire was used. Data were double entered, validated and cleaned using Epi-Info 6 and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5.Results: We included 647 mothers, who reported 997 births in the past five years. The reported number of deaths was 169, with the estimated U5MR of 170/1000 live births/year. The five major causes of mortality were tetanus (17.8%), diarrhoea (11.8%), measles (6.5%), delivery related morbidities (6.5%) and Acute Respiratory Infections (4.5%). Fever was identified as a cause by 19.1% mothers. About 20% did not know the cause of death. The regression analysis showed father\u27s literacy level (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.8) and father\u27s support in child rearing (AOR 5.6, 95% CI 3.6-8.6) as factors significantly associated with mortality.Conclusion: Increasing education among parents in rural areas like Gambat is important to reduce child mortality. Father\u27s involvement in child rearing can play a role

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding sexuality, sexual behaviors and contraceptives among college/university students in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexuality, high risk sexual behaviors and methods of contraception, among college/university students of Karachi, Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Higher Education Commission-recognized government and private colleges/universities in Karachi from 2005-2006. METHODOLOGY: Two colleges/universities were randomly selected from each category i.e. government medical, government non-medical and private medical and non-medical colleges/universities. Three stage cluster sampling was employed to draw a representative sample of students. A self administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding high risk sexual behaviors, methods of contraception and sources to obtain information about sexual issues. RESULTS: A total of 957 students were interviewed. They comprised 542 (56.6%) males and 415 (43.4%) females with mean age of 21 1.8 years. Bivariate analysis showed that students enrolled in medical colleges/universities were less likely to watch adult films (O.R. 0.7, CI; 0.5-0.9) to acquire sex related knowledge and go out on dates (O.R. 0.6, CI; 0.4- 0.8). Similarly, medical students were less likely to consider contraception as being against Islamic teachings (O.R. 0.7, CI; 0.5-0.9). CONCLUSION: The curricula of non-medical studies at undergraduate level should include education regarding sexual health and contraception

Factors Associated with Advance Care Plans and End-Of-Life Care Choices Among Elderly Americans: An Analysis of Health and Retirement Study Data

Introduction Advance care plans (ACP) allow people to plan for their end-of-life care before they become incompetent to make their treatment decisions. The umbrella term Advance Care Plans (ACP) includes the three most commonly used end-of-life care plans: Advance Care Planning Discussions (ACP discussions) and two advanced directives: living will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC). The ACP discussions are the verbal discussions about end-of-life plans, whereas the advance directives are written documents. ACPs are distinct nuances of end-of-life care planning. ACP discussions address a wide array of end-of-life care issues, including terminal care, funeral, burial and the place of death, etc. A living will outlines specific end-of-life care choices and elicits yes or no responses. The choices pertain to use of artificial respiration; artificial feeding and hydration; dialysis; or antibiotics; etc. A DPAHC, appoints a proxy to make treatment decisions on behalf of the incompetent patient at a terminal stage of life. While previous studies have used ACPs as distinct outcomes, in real life the ACPs exist in combinations. People who undertake ACP discussions are more likely to complete advance directives. More than 25 states have combined directives forms. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the factors associated with the combinations of ACPs: No ACP; ACP discussions only; a directive (a living will or DPAHC); a directive and ACP discussions; both directives (a living will and DPAHC); and all ACPs (a living will, DPAHC and ACP discussions). Among the factors associated with ACPs, health status has shown an inconsistent association. Some studies have shown that poor health is associated with higher ACP uptake rates, whereas others have noted no association. The possible reasons for inconsistent association include 1) examining the association without controlling for the change in health status and other health factors — prior research shows health status and change in health are closely related in influencing the uptake of ACPs and the end-of-life care choices 2) use of each ACP as a separate outcome instead of using them in combinations. Therefore, our first study attempted to clarify the association between health status, change in health status and interaction between the two measures with the combinations of ACPs. Our second study determined the factors associated with end-of-life care choices. Prior concerning the association between health status and end-of-life care choices have used prospect theory. However, previous research has used convenience samples and end-of-life care scenarios. We tested the prospect theory using a representative population-based sample and using the choices that people make considering their own health status and possible end-of-life circumstances. Methods We used the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) panel data from 1992-2014 and the HRS exit interview data from 2002-2014. The HRS captures health and retirement characteristics of a representative sample of Americans over 50 years using biennial panel surveys since 1992. It also conducts one-time post-death interviews with the next-of-kin of HRS decedents in the survey waves following their death. The post-death surveys collect information about medical care expenditures and use; advance care planning and end-of-life care choices and distribution of assets towards end-of-life. We used the Analytics Software and Solutions SAS version 9.4 to examine the association between health status and ACPs, we used a multinomial regression model. The combinations of ACPs were used as the study outcome. To study the association between health status and choices, a separate logistic regression model was used for each choice — limit care in certain situations, comfort care and all care possible. Results In study 1, self-reported health was not associated with any category of ACP combinations. However, change in health status was associated with ACPs — “worse or somewhat worse” change in health status since the last survey wave was associated with a higher uptake of “two directives” and “all ACPs”, compared with “much or somewhat better or the same”. The number of health conditions and a history of cancer were also associated with “all ACPs”. In study 2, we did not find association between self-reports of health and its change with the two care-limiting choices, including “limit care in certain situations” and “comfort care”. However, change in health status was associated with the “all care possible” option — a decline in health status since the last wave was associated with a higher likelihood of “all care possible” choice than improvement or no change in health status since the last wave. Among other health factors, a psychiatric illness was associated a higher uptake of “all care possible” and a lower uptake of “comfort care”. The decedents with a history of stroke chose less “limit care in certain situations” option. Recommendations We recommend further research on the factors associated with the combinations of ACPs. Future research should also use the combinations to determine the effects of ACPs on the cost and quality of end-of-life care

Comparing risk factors of HIV among hijra sex workers in Larkana and other cities of Pakistan: an analytical cross sectional study

Background In 2005, Pakistan was first labeled as a country with concentrated epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This was revealed through second generation surveillance conducted by HIV/AIDS Surveillance Project (HASP). While injection drug users (IDUs) were driving the epidemic, subsequent surveys showed that Hijra (transgender) sex workers (HSWs) were emerging as the second most vulnerable group with an average national prevalence of 6.4%. An exceptionally high prevalence (27.6%) was found in Larkana, which is a small town on the right bank of river Indus near the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro in the province of Sindh. This paper presents the risk factors associated with high prevalence of HIV among HSWs in Larkana as compared to other cities of the country. Methods Data were extracted for secondary analysis from 2008 Integrated behavioral and biological survey (IBBS) to compare HSWs living in Larkana with those living in other cities including Karachi and Hyderabad in Sindh; Lahore and Faisalabad in Punjab; and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. After descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors. P value of 0.25 or less was used to include factors in multivariate analysis. Results We compared 199 HSWs from Larkana with 420 HSWs from other cities. The average age of HSWs in Larkana was 26.42 (±5.4) years. Majority were Sindhi speaking (80%), uneducated (68%) and unmarried (97%). In univariate analysis, factors associated with higher prevalence of HIV in Larkana included younger age i.e. 20–24 years (OR: 5.8, CI: 2.809–12.15), being unmarried (OR: 2.4, CI: 1.0–5.7), sex work as the only mode of income (OR: 5.5, CI: 3.70–8.2) and longer duration of being involved in sex work 5–10 years (OR: 3.3, CI: 1.7–6.12). In multivariate logistic regression the HSWs from Larkana were more likely to lack knowledge regarding preventive measures against HIV (OR 11.9, CI: 3.4–41.08) and were more prone to use of alcohol during anal intercourse (OR: 6.3, CI: 2.77–17.797). Conclusion Outreach programs focusing on safer sexual practices and VCT are urgently needed to address the upsurge of HIV among HSWs in Larkana

Potential benefits and perceived need for health promoting hospitals in Pakistan: a healthcare stakeholder\u27s perspective

OBJECTIVES: To explore perceptions of healthcare stakeholders\u27 about health promoting hospitals, potential benefits and need in Pakistan.METHODOLOGY: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted between July-August 2007. The data was collected through key-informant (KI) interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) with purposively selected hospital administrators, healthcare providers, health policy makers, and UN-donor agency representatives. The thematic analysis was done using QSR NVivo 2.0; and nodes representing themes were generated.RESULTS: The study participants perceived health promotion, a concept synonymous to health education. Those participants with public health background were better able to relate their perceptions to a more holistic view of health promotion; than those without public health background. Participants largely revealed HPH to benefit not only patients, but also community, hospital staff and hospitals at large. HPH transition was also perceived as \u27opportunistic step\u27 for controlling triple burden of diseases, curtailing morbidity and mortality toll, and \u27sole answer\u27 to promote population health, and wellbeing. Given the view, HPH was strongly recommended as Need of the hour for Pakistan.CONCLUSION: The HPH settings would bring positive change in the healthcare delivery system, by empowering patients and local community. Technical trainings on health promotion for healthcare providers, constant policy dialogue, political will and support from community stakeholders will further strengthen the scope of health promoting hospitals in Pakistan

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI breast for lesion detection and characterization with histopathological co relation: preliminary experience at tertiary care hospital

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphological and enhancement characteristics significantly associated with malignant breast lesions on dynamic contrast enhanced MRI by considering the histopathological findings as a gold standard. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 70 patients who underwent MRI breast during the study period because of suspicious mammographic abnormalities. MR imaging was performed on 1.5 tesla machine with dynamic contrast enhancement by using dedicated breast coil. MR Images of breast were evaluated on a workstation and reported on the basis of morphological appearance of lesion and time activity curves. Histopathological analysis of the lesion was done either after mastectomy or biopsy. About 66 MR suspicious lesions were biopsied in 58 patients. RESULTS: Total number of MRI breast performed from Jan 2007-June 2009 for suspicious abnormality was 70. Histopathology of 66 lesions was available in 58 patients. Twelve patients were lost to follow. On multiple logistic regression analysis, lesions with irregular margins and strong heterogeneous enhancement were associated with higher odd of malignancy than lesions with smooth margins and homogenous enhancement. The next most important feature was the qualitative assessment of kinetic curve. Type 111 and 11 curves showed significant association with malignancy with higher odd values and 95% CI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MRI for breast lesions was found to be 94%, 85%, 90%, and 82% respectively. Overall accuracy of MRI breast was 90%. CONCLUSION: On dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging morphological appearance of lesion and qualitative assessment of time activity curves are two major factors for differentiation of breast lesion as benign or malignant

Women trafficking: causes, concerns, care!

Pakistan is both a country of origin and destination as far as women trafficking is concerned. Poverty, gender discrimination, lack of education, and ignorance about legal rights are some of the underlying causes. Available data suggest several areas of concern, like, for instance: direct health effects, maladaptive coping leading to the use of illicit drugs, and inaccessibility to healthcare facilities. Therefore, numerous interventions would be required at three levels: the prevention of trafficking, the protection of victims and the prosecution of the traffickers

Eight key household practices of Integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) amongst mothers of children aged 6 to 59 months in Gambat, Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: To determine Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding eight key integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) suggested practices and the association of these key practices with stunting as outcome. Methods: Sampling proportionate to sub-population sizes was employed to ensure representation from all the Union Councils of taluka Gambat-Sindh. Results: Low female education and mobility show the status of child\u27s first care provider in a typical rural community. Few women knew about giving more food to a child suffering from diarrhoea. Moreover, very few exclusively breastfed their children for first 4-6 months, got their children completely immunized, washed hands before cooking and serving meals and boiled water before utilizing it for drinking purpose. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that children of mothers, who knew the importance of vaccination, obtained antenatal checkups, exclusively breastfed the last child, washed hands before serving and cooking meals were less likely to be stunted. Similarly, children from households where mothers received husband support in child rearing, and where no child less than five years suffered from diarrhoea in the past one year, were less likely to be stunted. Conclusions: Without improving education level of females in rural communities, it would be difficult to educate and empower the first care provider of child. However, as an interim strategy, educational messages regarding a limited number of key practices should be disseminate

Tawana project-school nutrition program in Pakistan - its success, bottlenecks and lessons learned

Tawana Pakistan Project, a multifaceted pilot project (Sept. 2002 to June 2005) was funded by the Government of Pakistan to address poor nutritional status and school enrolment of primary school age girls. The core strategy was to create safe environment empowering village women to take collective decisions. Through reflective learning process women learnt to plan balanced menus, purchase food, prepare and serve a noon meal at school from locally available foods at nominal costs (USD 0.12/child). Aga Khan University partnered the government for the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of the project, 11 NGO\u27s facilitated implementation in 4035 rural government girls\u27 schools. Training was provided to 663 field workers, 4383 community organizers, 4336 school teachers and around 95 thousand rural women. Height and weight were recorded at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Wasting, underweight and stunting decreased by 45%, 22% and 6% respectively. Enrolment increased by 40%. Women\u27s\u27 ability to plan balanced meals improved and \u3e 76% of all meals provided the basic three food groups by end of project. Government bureaucracy issues, especially at the district level proved to be the most challenging bottlenecks. Success can be attributed to synergies gained by dealing with nutrition, education and empowerment issues simultaneously