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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 December 2020

Samyukta Chand, Kanittha Chamroonsawasdi, Paranee Vatanasomboon and Natkamol Chansatitporn

The purpose of this research was to determine the extent of the unmet need for modern contraceptives (MC) and its associated factors.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to determine the extent of the unmet need for modern contraceptives (MC) and its associated factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted via interview among 306 women. Percentages, means, standard deviations, Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were completed for data analysis.

Findings

In total, 46.7% of respondents had total unmet need (24.8% spacing and 21.9% limiting). Multiple logistic regression for spacing showed the number of living children (AOR = 40.893, 95% CI = 6.930–241.292), no previous experience of MC (AOR = 30.149, 95% CI = 11.572–78.548) and level of knowledge (AOR = 5.587, 95% CI = 1.366–22.851). With regard to limiting pregnancies, respondent's age (AOR = 12.470, 95% CI = 1.264–86.734), number of living children (AOR = 21.257, 95% CI = 4.825–93.639) and no previous experience of MC (AOR = 120.542, 95% CI = 31.044–486.062) were recorded. Findings revealed that no previous experience of MC (AOR = 714.511, 95% CI = 160.646–3177.955) was a significant predictor of total unmet need.

Originality/value

Experience and knowledge of MC play a vital role in the unmet need of MC use. A comprehensive education program to promote decision-making on MC choice and integrated family planning services at local communities by capacity building of service providers should be scaled up.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0857-4421

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 January 2023

Gerard W. Toh, Wee Ling Koh, Jack Ho, Jackson Chia, Ad Maulod, Irene Tirtajana, Peter Yang and Mathia Lee

Health disparities affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) populations have been reported in many countries. For Singapore, no large quantitative studies…

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Abstract

Purpose

Health disparities affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) populations have been reported in many countries. For Singapore, no large quantitative studies on mental health and well-being in the local LGBTQ community have been published. The authors conducted a community-based survey (National LGBT Census Singapore, 2013; NLCS2013) that covered a comprehensive set of demographic, social and health indicators. Here, the authors investigated mental health status and its correlates in 2,350 LGBTQ individuals within the NLCS2013 sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The NLCS2013 was an anonymous online survey conducted amongst self-identified LGBTQ adults (aged ≥ 21 years) residing in Singapore. The survey included the World Health Organisation Well-being Index (WHO-5) as a measure of mental well-being, with low WHO 5 scores (<13/25) indicating poor mental well-being. The authors analysed relationships between low WHO-5 score and a range of respondent characteristics using multivariate logistic regression.

Findings

Strikingly, 40.9% of 2,350 respondents analysed had low WHO-5 scores, indicating poor mental well-being. Parental non-acceptance, experience of conflict at home and bullying/discrimination in the workplace or educational environments were all significantly associated with poor mental well-being. Conversely, community participation appeared protective for mental well-being, as respondents who participated in LGBTQ community organisations or events were less likely to have poor mental well-being than non-participants.

Originality/value

The NLCS2013 represents one of the first broad-based efforts to comprehensively and quantitatively capture the sociodemographic and health profile, including mental health status, within Singapore’s resident LGBTQ population. These findings affirm the need to address the mental health needs of LGBTQ individuals in Singapore and to foster safe spaces and allyship.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 September 2020

Raphael Rogans-Watson, Caroline Shulman, Dan Lewer, Megan Armstrong and Briony Hudson

The purpose of this paper is to assess frailty, geriatric conditions and multimorbidity in people experiencing homelessness (PEH) using holistic evaluations based on comprehensive…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess frailty, geriatric conditions and multimorbidity in people experiencing homelessness (PEH) using holistic evaluations based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and draw comparisons with general population survey data.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional observational study conducted in a London-based hostel for single PEH over 30 years old in March–April 2019. The participants and key workers completed health-related questionnaires, and geriatric conditions were identified using standardised assessments. Frailty was defined according to five criteria in Fried’s phenotype model and multimorbidity as the presence of two or more long-term conditions (LTCs). Comparisons with the general population were made using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the Health Survey for England.

Findings

A total of 33 people participated with a mean age of 55.7 years (range 38–74). Frailty was identified in 55% and pre-frailty in 39%. Participants met an average of 2.6/5 frailty criteria, comparable to 89-year-olds in the general population. The most common geriatric conditions were: falls (in 61%), visual impairment (61%), low grip strength (61%), mobility impairment (52%) and cognitive impairment (45%). All participants had multimorbidity. The average of 7.2 LTCs (range 2–14) per study participant far exceeds the average for even the oldest people in the general population.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first UK-based study measuring frailty and geriatric conditions in PEH and the first anywhere to do so within a CGA-type evaluation. It also demonstrates the feasibility of conducting holistic evaluations in this setting, which may be used clinically to improve the health outcomes for PEH.

Details

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 23 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-8790

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2020

Pramod Raj Regmi, Edwin van Teijlingen and Sanjeev Raj Neupane

It is widely believed that transgender individuals in Nepal inject silicone for face and body manipulation, a phenomenon thought to be common among transgender individuals…

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Abstract

Purpose

It is widely believed that transgender individuals in Nepal inject silicone for face and body manipulation, a phenomenon thought to be common among transgender individuals globally. Therefore, this qualitative study conducted in Nepal explored: (1) awareness of silicone use and sources of information; (2) reasons for using silicone; (3) notion of cost and quality of these procedures; (4) reported negative aspects, including side effects and (5) health seeking behaviors of Nepali transgender women.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with transgender women at four different districts of Nepal, five in the capital Kathmandu and three in different rural areas. We also interviewed three transgender women who preferred not to participate in the FGD but were happy to be interviewed separately. Similarly, six interviews with stakeholders working for sexual and gender minority populations were also conducted.

Findings

Most FGD participants were young (mean age 23.06 ± 3.9 years) and the majority (55%; n = 34) completed grade six to high school level. Peer networks of transgender people and the Internet were the more popular sources of information about silicone. The decision to use silicone was largely influenced by the desire to look beautiful and more feminine. Often they appear not to follow the recommended procedures for silicone use. Their health seeking behavior regarding side effects or complications of these procedures was very poor.

Originality/value

Findings reflect that targeted interventions aimed at transgender individuals should educate them on the use of silicone, as well as explore safe and affordable approaches to meet gender-related appearance needs of Nepali transgender people.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0857-4421

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Aditi Tomar and Md Mahbub Hossain

Older women in India continually experience disparities in health. The legally enforced lockdown in India has impacted both physical and psychosocial well-being of the populace…

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Abstract

Purpose

Older women in India continually experience disparities in health. The legally enforced lockdown in India has impacted both physical and psychosocial well-being of the populace. Amid the restrictions on mobility during the lockdown, older adults are presented with challenges such as impaired access to healthcare services, nonavailability of attendants and prolonged social isolation. Due to these challenges, disparities related to gender and age may considerably widen. The potential health threats may particularly afflict older women, who bear a disproportionate threat to illnesses, compared to their male counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary explores how health threats among older Indian women may have worsened during the lockdown. The authors also propose recommendations for expanding health and social care to older women in India.

Findings

Approaches aimed at strengthening gerontological social work must be duly adopted, especially during the ongoing pandemic. Public institutions and development partners should utilize and if needed, overhaul existing resources and policies to adequately serve this marginalized group. Older women, especially those residing in unbearable circumstances, should be identified and brought under comprehensive care coverage within the social landscape.

Originality/value

This article proposes recommendations to foster gerontological social work among older Indian women.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0857-4421

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 April 2022

Michael Sony, Jiju Antony and Olivia McDermott

The pandemic has reinforced the need for revamping the healthcare service delivery systems around the world to meet the increased challenges of modern-day illnesses. The use of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The pandemic has reinforced the need for revamping the healthcare service delivery systems around the world to meet the increased challenges of modern-day illnesses. The use of medical cyber–physical system (MCPS) in the healthcare is one of the means of transforming the landscape of the traditional healthcare service delivery system. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the impact of MCPS on the quality of healthcare service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an evidence-based approach, the authors have conducted a systematic literature review to study the impact of MCPS on healthcare service delivery. Fifty-four articles were thematically examined to study the impact of MCPS on eight characteristics of the healthcare service delivery proposed by the world health organisation.

Findings

The study proposes support that MCPS will positively impact (1) comprehensiveness, (2) accessibility, (3) coverage, (4) continuity, (5) quality, (6) person-centredness, (7) coordination, (8) accountability and (9) efficiency dimension of the healthcare service delivery. The study further draws nine propositions to support the impact of MCPS on the healthcare service delivery.

Practical implications

This study can be used by stakeholders as a guide point while using MCPS in healthcare service delivery systems. Besides, healthcare managers can use this study to understand the performance of their healthcare system. This study can further be used for designing effective strategies for deploying MCPS to be effective and efficient in each of the dimensions of healthcare service delivery.

Originality/value

The previous studies have focussed on technology aspects of MCPS and none of them critically analysed the impact on healthcare service delivery. This is the first literature review carried out to understand the impact of MCPS on the nine dimensions of healthcare service delivery proposed by WHO. This study provides improved thematic awareness of the resulting body of knowledge, allowing the field of MCPS and healthcare service delivery to progress in a more informed and multidisciplinary manner.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 34 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 July 2021

Elena Bellio and Luca Buccoliero

Delivering patient-centered healthcare is now seen as one of the basic requirements of good quality care. In this research, the impact of the perceived quality of three…

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Abstract

Purpose

Delivering patient-centered healthcare is now seen as one of the basic requirements of good quality care. In this research, the impact of the perceived quality of three experiential dimensions (Physical Environment, Empowerment and Dignity and Patient–Doctor Relationship) on patient's Experiential Satisfaction is assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

259 structured interviews were performed with patients in private and public hospitals across Italy. The research methodology is based in testing mediation and moderation effects of the selected variables.

Findings

The study shows that: perceived quality of Physical Environment has a positive impact on patient's Experiential Satisfaction; perceived quality of Empowerment and Dignity and perceived quality of Patient–Doctor Relationship mediate this relationship reinforcing the role of Physical Environment on Experiential Satisfaction; educational level is a moderator in the relationship between perceived quality of Patient–Doctor Relationship and overall Satisfaction: more educated patients pay more attention to relational items. Subjective Health Frailty is a moderator in all the tested relationships with Experiential Satisfaction: patients who perceive their health as frail are more reactive to the quality of the above-mentioned variables.

Originality/value

Physical Environment items are enablers of both Empowerment and Dignity and Patient–Doctor Relationship and these variables must be addressed all together in order to improve the value proposition provided to patients. Designing a hospital, beyond technical requirements that modern medicine demands and functional relationships between different medical departments, means dealing with issues like the anxiety of the patient, the stressful working environment for the hospital staff and the need to build a sustainable and healing building.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 October 2019

Javeed A. Golandaj, Mallikarjun S. Kampli and Jyoti S. Hallad

Around three million infants die within the first four weeks of life each year – nearly all (98%) of these deaths occur in developing countries. Approximately one million newborns…

Abstract

Purpose

Around three million infants die within the first four weeks of life each year – nearly all (98%) of these deaths occur in developing countries. Approximately one million newborns die each year in India. Therefore, this study aims to determine the patterns of reported neonatal morbidity and care-seeking behavior and identify factors associated with it.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted during November 2016. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Statistical techniques like Binary Logistic regression and chi-square test were used.

Findings

The results of the study showed that around 31% mothers of neonates reported that their neonates suffered from some kind of morbidity. Fever, jaundice, cough and cold, the low birth-weight and difficulty in breathing were the most common dangers signs reported. Birth order and mother’s knowledge of neonatal danger signs were found to be significantly associated with reporting of neonatal morbidity. In all 95% of the mothers sought care for their newborns. Among those who had problems, 59% consulted private hospitals/clinics, 30% visited District Hospital/Taluka Hospital or higher facilities and another 9% to Primary Health Centers/Community Health Centers. Further, findings show that nearly half of the neonates taken to government facilities have got free treatment, whereas an average cost of 7,156 INR were recorded for treatment, 935 INR for outpatient department and 13,774 INR for inpatient department cases.

Originality/value

There is an urgent need to implement intervention modalities that focus on increasing the level of parental education and access to treatment, and advocating the message regarding newborn danger signs during pregnancy is pinpointed.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Caroline Shulman, Rafi Rogans-Watson, Natasha Palipane, Dan Lewer, Michelle Yeung and Briony F. Hudson

This study aims to co-develop a Frailty, Health and Care Needs Assessment (FHCNA) questionnaire for people experiencing homelessness and explore the feasibility of its use by…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to co-develop a Frailty, Health and Care Needs Assessment (FHCNA) questionnaire for people experiencing homelessness and explore the feasibility of its use by non-clinical staff in homeless hostels.

Design/methodology/approach

The FHCNA, aimed at identifying frailty and other health and care priorities for people experiencing homelessness, was co-designed in workshops (online and in person) with homelessness and inclusion health staff. Its feasibility was tested by staff and their clients in two hostels, with pre- and post-study focus groups held with hostel staff to gain input and feedback.

Findings

The FHCNA was co-developed and then used to collect 74 pairs of resident and key worker inputted data (62% of eligible hostel residents). The mean age of clients was 48 years (range 22–82 years). High levels of unmet need were identified. Over half (53%) were identified as frail. Common concerns included difficulty walking (46%), frequent falls (43%), chronic pain (36%), mental health issues (57%) and dental concerns (50%). In total, 59% of clients reported difficulty in performing at least one basic activity of daily living, while only 14% had undergone a Care Act Assessment. Hostel staff found using the FHCNA to be feasible, acceptable and potentially useful in facilitating explorations of met and unmet health and social care needs of hostel clients. By identifying unmet needs, the FHCNA has the potential to support staff to advocate for access to health and social care support.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to co-develop and feasibility test a questionnaire for use by non-clinically trained staff to identify frailty and other health and care needs of people experiencing homelessness in a hostel setting.

Details

Housing, Care and Support, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-8790

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 May 2023

Nijs Bouman and Lianne Simonse

Engaging with customers and addressing unmet value have become increasingly challenging within multi-stakeholder environments of service innovation. Therefore, this paper aims to…

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Abstract

Purpose

Engaging with customers and addressing unmet value have become increasingly challenging within multi-stakeholder environments of service innovation. Therefore, this paper aims to address this challenge by studying how strategic design abilities address unmet value in service engagement strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a qualitative inductive study at a multinational corporation and interviewed marketing and design professionals on their innovation practices in service engagement strategies.

Findings

From the inductive analysis, this study identified three strategic design abilities that effectively contribute to addressing unmet value throughout the co-evolving process of service engagement: envisioning value, modelling value and engaging value. Based on this, this study proposes the emerging co-evolving loop framework of service engagement strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this emerging theory is a lack of broad generalizability with mutual exclusivity or collective exhaustiveness across industries. A theoretical implication of the framework is the integration of strategic design and services marketing towards co-created engagement strategies.

Practical implications

The service engagement loop framework can be of great value to service innovation processes, for which an integrated, cross-functional approach is often missing.

Social implications

The findings further suggest that next to a methodological skillset, strategic design abilities consist of a distinct mindset.

Originality/value

This paper introduces strategic design abilities to address unmet value and proposes a novel co-evolving loop framework of service engagement strategies.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 37 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

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