Browsing by Person "Reidpath, Daniel"

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34 Gender Difference in the Association between Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Performance of Older Adults in Rural Malaysia
(Oxford University Press, 2019-12-20) Moffat, Emily; Stephan, Blossom CM; Allotey, Pascale; Reidpath, Daniel
Introduction Handgrip strength is an easy and safe measurement to evaluate the physical functioning of older adults. Lower hand grip strength is associated with cognitive decline, and can be used as an effective method for early detection of cognitive impairment. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the gender differences in association between hand grip strength and cognitive performance among older adults in rural Malaysia Methods This was a cross-sectional study done among 200 community dwelling older adults (100 men and 100 women) aged ≥ 50 years. The study was embedded in the ongoing longitudinal study of South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat district of Johor, Malaysia. Data was collected by trained data collectors during home visits. Cognitive performance was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Hand grip strength was measured using digital grip dynamometer. Results The mean age of study participants was 61.5 years (SD= 8.4). Women had lower mean hand grip strength (19.8, SD=5.6) compared to men (33.4, SD= 8.2). The mean MMSE score for women and men were 23 (SD= 4.5) and 25.1(SD=3) respectively. Cognitive impairment was detected in 26% of men and 21% of women. Hand grip strength showed positive association with MMSE score, among women (ß coefficient= 0.302, p<0.001), but not among men (p= 0.077). Hand grip strength was significantly association with MMSE score among women (ß coefficient=0.162, 95% CI = 0.026- 0.298; p=0.02) after controlling for age, level of education and body mass index. Conclusion The study shows that lower hand grip strength is associated with poor cognitive performance among women, while hand grip strength is not associated with cognitive performance among men.
A comparison of health-related quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF and 5-Level EuroQol-5 Dimensions in the Malaysian population.
(2025-03-31) Liem, Andrian; Chih, Hui Jun; Velaithan, Vithya; Norman, Richard; Reidpath, Daniel; Su, Tin Tin
This study aimed to describe and compare health-related quality of life (QoL) as measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) among the Malaysian population, examining differences by sociodemographic characteristics including age, income, sex, ethnicity, educational level, and occupation. This cross-sectional study used data from 19,402 individuals collected as part of a health and demographic surveillance system survey conducted in the Segamat district of Malaysia in 2018-2019. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency were produced. Differences in QoL among demographic sub-groups were examined using the t-test and analysis of variance, while the correlations between the WHOQoL-BREF and EQ-5D were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients. Based on complete case analysis (n=19,129), the average scores for the 4 WHOQoL-BREF domains were 28.2 (physical), 24.1 (psychological), 12.0 (social relationships), and 30.4 (environment). The percentages of participants not in full health for each EQ-5D dimension were 12.8% (mobility), 3.1% (self-care), 6.9% (usual activities), 20.9% (pain/discomfort), and 6.8% (anxiety/depression). Correlations between the 4 WHOQoL-BREF domains and the 5 EQ-5D dimensions were relatively weak, ranging from -0.06 (social relationships with self-care and pain/discomfort; p<0.001) to -0.42 (physical with mobility; p<0.001). Although health-related QoL as measured by the WHOQoL-BREF and the EQ-5D are correlated, these 2 measures should not be considered interchangeable. The choice between them should be guided by the specific research questions and the intended use of the data.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of hypertension interventions in faith-based organisation settings
(International Society of Global Health, 2023-10-13) Chan, Kit Yee; Srivastava, Noori; Wang, Zhicheng; Xia, Xiaoqian; Huang, Zhangziyue; Poon, Adrienne N; Reidpath, Daniel
Abstract Background Hypertension is the global, leading cause of mortality and is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Community-based partnerships can provide cost-saving ways of delivering effective blood pressure (BP) interventions to people in resource-poor settings. Faith-based organisations (FBOs) prove important potential health partners, given their reach and community standing. This potential is especially strong in hard-to-reach, socio-economically marginalised communities. This systematic review explores the state of the evidence of FBO-based interventions on BP management, with a focus on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs (C-RCTs). Methods Seven academic databases (English = 5, Chinese = 2) and grey literature were searched for C-/RCTs of community-based interventions in FBO settings. Only studies with pre- and post-intervention BP measures were kept for analysis. Random effects models were developed using restricted maximum likelihood estimation (REML) to estimate the population average mean change and 95% confidence interval (CI) of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). The overall heterogeneity was assessed by successively adding studies and recording changes in heterogeneity. Prediction intervals were generated to capture the spread of the pooled effect across study settings. Results Of the 19 055 titles identified, only 11 studies of fair to good quality were kept for meta-analysis. Non-significant, average mean differences between baseline and follow-up for the intervention and control groups were found for both SBP (0.78 mm of mercury (mmHg) (95% CI = 2.11-0.55)) and DBP (-0.20 mm Hg (95% CI = -1.16 to 0.75)). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in SBP of -6.23 mm Hg (95% CI = -11.21 to -1.25) for populations with mean baseline SBP of ≥140 mm Hg. Conclusions The results support the potential of FBO-based interventions in lowering SBP in clinically hypertensive populations. However, the limited evidence was concentrated primarily in Christian communities in the US More research is needed to understand the implications of such interventions in producing clinically meaningful long-term effects in a variety of settings. Further research can illuminate factors that affect success and potential expansion to sites outside the US as well as non-Christian FBOs. Current evidence is inadequate to evaluate the potential of FBO-based interventions in preventing hypertension in non-hypertensive populations. Intervention effects in non-hypertensive population might be better reflected through intermediate outcomes.
Accessing palliative care for multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study of a neglected neurological disease
(Elsevier, 2019-10) Cheong, Wing Loong; Mohan, Devi; Warren, Narelle; Reidpath, Daniel
Background Despite the global consensus on the importance of palliative care for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), many patients in developing countries do not receive palliative care. Improving access to palliative care for MS requires a contextual understanding of how palliative care is perceived by patients and health professionals, the existing care pathways, and barriers to the provision of palliative care. Objective This study aims to examine and contrast the perceptions of MS patients, neurologists, and palliative care physicians towards providing palliative care for patients with MS in Malaysia. Methods 12 MS patients, 5 neurologists, and 5 palliative care physicians participated in this qualitative study. Each participant took part in a semi-structured interview. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an iterative thematic analysis approach. Results Patients and neurologists mostly associated palliative care with the end-of-life and struggled to understand the need for palliative care in MS. Another barrier was the lack of understanding about the palliative care needs of MS patients. Palliative care physicians also identified the scarcity of resources and their lack of experience with MS as barriers. The current referral-based care pathway itself was found to be a barrier to the provision of palliative care. Conclusions MS patients in Malaysia face several barriers in accessing palliative care. Overcoming these barriers will require improving the shared understanding of palliative care and its role in MS. The existing care pathway also needs to be reformed to ensure that it improves access to palliative care for MS patients.
Adaptive invention: independence and mobility through modifications
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2017-08-24) Mairami, Fatima Fanna; Allotey, Pascale; Warren, Narelle; Mak, Jun Shin; Reidpath, Daniel
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability that limits everyday activities and reduces social participation. Provision of assistive devices helps to achieve independence and social inclusion. However, due to limited resources or a lack of suited objects for their needs, individuals with disabilities in low and middle income countries (LMIC) often do not have access to assistive devices. This has resulted in the creation of purpose built innovative solutions. Methodology and case content: This paper uses a single case derived from a larger ethnographic study of stroke survivors in rural Malaysia to demonstrate the role of assistive devices in shaping stroke recovery and how existing structures can be modified. Second, the concept of affordances in relation to structures within the environment, issues of affordability and accessibility of assistive devices for individuals in LMIC are discussed. Findings and conclusions: Stroke recovery involves adapting to new limitations and discovering the support necessary to live life. These changes are influenced by a range of environmental factors. Healthcare professionals need to support stroke patients in identifying challenges and work to find innovative ways to address them. Stroke survivors may benefit from the use of an assistive device beyond its clinical function to participate purposefully in activities of daily living. Implications for Rehabilitation Stroke is a cause of disability that limits everyday activities and reduces social participation. Assistive devices help achieve independence, social inclusion and shape stroke recovery. Individuals with disabilities in low and middle income countries often do not have access to assistive devices and resort to innovative solutions that are purpose built. Stroke recovery involves adapting to new limitations and discovering the support necessary to live life as best as possible.
Addressing cultural diversity in Australian health services
(2002-08-01) Allotey, Pascale; Reidpath, Daniel; Manderson, L
Issue addressed: Recent changes in the model of health service delivery in Australia have resulted in the attrition of ethnic specific health services and the expectation that patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will present to mainstream health services for all health problems. Providers are often ill equipped to provide appropriate care and have expressed concerns with addressing the needs of people from increasingly diverse communities. Meanwhile, community groups and anthropologists have expressed their frustration with the stereotypic and essentialising tone of many of the guides and fact-files developed for use in clinical settings. Methods: Applied anthropological approaches were used to negotiate the style and content of a set of resource materials for health providers in community health and hospital settings. Results: Extensive consultation ensured that the resources met providers' needs and were acceptable to communities. Conclusion: The result provides a guide to best practice of clinical care, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. So what: Health services would be assisted by materials on ethnic cultural factors that avoided stereotyping and emphasised asking questions.
AIDS and the stigma of sexual promiscuity: Thai nurses' risk perceptions of occupational exposure to HIV
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2009-04-14) Chan, Kit Yee; Rungpueng, Arattha; Reidpath, Daniel
This paper examines the culturally shaped meanings of AIDS and perceptions of accidental occupational exposure to HIV among a group of twenty nurses in Bangkok, Thailand. The findings are based on data collected as a part of a larger mixed‐methods study that examined how perceptions of risk behaviours (including sexual promiscuity) shape health workers' perceptions of patients living with HIV/AIDS. Nurses' narratives revealed that despite acknowledgement of the low probability of occupational exposure to HIV, the fear of HIV infection remained and was largely driven by the enormity of the anticipated social (rather than the health) consequences of being HIV‐positive. The perceived certainty of social ostracism was reinforced by participants' observations of the social rejection experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS both within and outside clinical settings. For female nurses, the dominant social perception that women living with HIV/AIDS were violators of gender norms, and thus ‘guilty’ victims, was an issue central to their self‐identities. Ways of improving care for people living with HIV in the light of the nurses concerns and future research are discussed.
Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Associated Risk Behaviors in Three Ethnic Groups of Malaysian Millennials
(Openventio Publishers, 2020-04-24) Singh, Sangeeta K.; Yap, Kwong H.; Natarajan, Peter; Allotey, Pascale; Reidpath, Daniel
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.
Anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors in parents and child obesity in Segamat, Malaysia
(Oxford University Press, 2017-06-29) Partap, Uttara; Young, Elizabeth H.; Allotey, Pascale; Sandhu, Manjinder S.; Reidpath, Daniel
Background There is little evidence regarding risk factors for child obesity in Asian populations, including the role of parental anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors. We examined the relation between parental risk factors and child obesity in a Malaysian population. Methods We used data from health and demographic surveillance conducted by the South East Asia Community Observatory in Segamat, Malaysia. Analyses included 9207 individuals (4806 children, 2570 mothers and 1831 fathers). Child obesity was defined based on the World Health Organization 2007 reference. We assessed the relation between parental anthropometric (overweight, obesity and central obesity) and cardiometabolic (systolic hypertension, diastolic hypertension and hyperglycaemia) risk factors and child obesity, using mixed effects Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Results We found a high burden of overweight and obesity among children in this population (30% overweight or obese). Children of one or more obese parents had a 2-fold greater risk of being obese compared with children of non-obese parents. Sequential adjustment for parental and child characteristics did not materially affect estimates (fully adjusted relative risk for obesity in both parents: 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.82, 3.10, P < 0.001; P for trend < 0.001). These associations were not modified by parental or child sex. We found no consistent evidence for associations between parental cardiometabolic risk factors and child obesity. Conclusions Parental obesity was strongly associated with child obesity in this population. Further exploration of the behavioural and environmental drivers of these associations may help inform strategies addressing child obesity in Asia.
Anxiety and Insomnia Among Urban Slum Dwellers in Bangladesh: The Role of COVID-19 and Its Associated Factors
(Frontiers Media, 2021-12-03) Koly, Kamrun Nahar; Khanam, Mosammat Ivylata; Islam, Md. Saiful; Mahmood, Shehrin Shaila; Hanifi, Sayed Manzoor Ahmed; Reidpath, Daniel; Khatun, Fatema; Rasheed, Sabrina
Background: Although mental health is an important part of health and wellbeing, very little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of marginalized communities like urban slum dwellers. Our study estimated the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia among the residents of the informal settlements of Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional phone-based survey was conducted from October to November 2020 among adult residents of five informal settlements of Dhaka city randomly chosen from an existing Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (UHDSS) run by icddr,b. Data on Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were collected. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the associated factors of anxiety and insomnia. Results: Of the total 586 participants, the prevalence of mild to severe anxiety and insomnia were 53% and 43%, respectively. As per the multinomial regression analysis, participants with mild anxiety were significantly more likely to be older (>50 years) and afraid of COVID-19 infection. Likewise, participants with moderate/severe anxiety were significantly more likely to share less household facilities (e.g., toilet, kitchen, water) (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.31–3.79), to have difficulties in food availability (OR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.10–6.93), to be afraid of self (OR: 5.27; 95% CI: 2.82–9.88), and to worry about the family members (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.23–4.17) getting infected. Participants with mild insomnia were significantly more likely to share fewer household facilities and be afraid of being infected with COVID-19 infection. Moreover, participants with moderate/severe insomnia were significantly more likely to be female (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.02–3.56), to receive food aid (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29–0.88), to be afraid of self (OR: 3.85; 95% CI: 1.81–8.19), and to worry about someone like friends or neighbors (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.07–5.58) getting infected with COVID-19. Conclusions: We found elevated prevalence of both anxiety and insomnia among the urban poor of Bangladesh in the context of COVID-19. This indicates the importance of integrating mental health in the mitigation and recovery efforts related to similar crises for the urban poor in the future.
Applied social sciences for public health (‎ASSPH)‎ : higher degree training for implementation research on tropical diseases
(World Health Organization, 2007) Gouda, Hebe; Fox-Rushby, Julia; Heald, Suzette; Helman, Cecil; Parker, Melissa; Pokhrel, Subhash; Skelly, Chris; Reidpath, Daniel; Allotey, Pascale
Understanding and monitoring the dynamic nature of a population’s health is critical for successful health promotion, disease prevention and disease control. It necessarily involves a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary endeavour. Many of the research techniques and tools to facilitate this are available across the range of social sciences. However, as a result of economic and other factors, building and retaining of research capacity in applied social sciences for public health (ASSPH) in resource-poor countries has been a challenge. There is therefore a serious lack of ASSPH researchers and consequently an ongoing dearth in high quality research that involves social, economic and behavioural aspects of tropical disease control despite the clear need for evidence in this area. This need was identified in the TDR review of research capacity strengthening in 1999 (TDR, 2000). However, seven years later, the problem remains critical. A further need has been identified for applied social science research in the process of implementation of disease control programmes – i.e. for ‘implementation research’. Over the last 30 years, TDR and other medical research institutions have invested substantial funds in the development of interventions for the management of tropical diseases. However, in the absence of capacity and understanding in how to engage with communities and ensure their participation, and of the ability to adapt research methods and health technologies to local contexts, the uptake, effectiveness and sustainability of these interventions remains limited. The lack of high quality social science research expertise to combine an understanding of tropical diseases with the ability to work with and understand the local community is chronic. Further expertise is also required to integrate this knowledge with institutional and organizational structures that support the successful and sustained uptake of new technologies. This present initiative draws on existing capacity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with support from Southern and Northern partners to develop high quality, internationally recognized, higher degree interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research training that is grounded in theoretical and applied social science and public health disciplines and relevant to local contexts. These programmes will be offered through regional centres of excellence. As background to the initiative, this report is a compilation of three independent but inter-related documents presenting background information on ASSPH and a strategy for building capacity in subSaharan Africa. The specific focus is on training a workforce for implementation research at Master’s and potentially PhD level. The report presents: • A background on the training needs in ASSPH in sub-Saharan Africa and an overview of related courses and programmes available locally and internationally. • A strategic vision for capacity building in ASSPH based on consultations with stakeholders in the region and in related disciplines. • A review of current training capacity and proposed training programmes in Ghana and Kenya for Anglophone countries in West and East Africa respectively.
Are students really human? observations on institutional ethics committees
(Taylor and Francis Group, 1994) Diamond, Mark R; Reidpath, Daniel
A handful of quotations will suffice to set the stage for the discussion to follow. From the National Health and Medical Research Council (1988): Before research is undertaken, the free consent of the subject should be obtained (p. 3). Special care must be taken in relation to consent, and to safeguarding individual rights where the research involves … those in dependant relationships or comparable situations (p. 3). Volunteers may be paid for inconvenience and time spent but such payment should not be so large as to be an inducement to participate (p. 3). From the Australian Psychological Society (1986): Investigators must endeavour to ensure that participants' consent to be involved in the research is genuinely voluntary. (Section E. 7, p. 8). Investigators must not exert undue pressure on potential participants for the purpose of securing their involvement in a particular research project. (Section E. 8, p. 8). An investigator must not use a position of authority to exert undue pressure on potential subjects for the purpose of securing their participation in a particular research project. (Appendix E. 6, p. 22).
An Asia Pacific six-country study on HIV-related discrimination: Introduction
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2005) Reidpath, Daniel; Brijnath, B; Chan, K Y
This paper outlines a six-country study of institutionalised forms of HIV/AIDS-related discrimination in the Asia-Pacific region. Although recognised as a barrier to disease prevention and treatment, very limited data are available on the effects of institutionalised HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Understanding the forms of discrimination within the institutions where they occur is the first step to identifying effective ways of promoting compassionate, non-discriminatory treatment of PLWHA. Thus, the goal of this research project was to document institutional discrimination against PLWHA, as guided by the UNAIDS Protocol for the Identification of Discrimination Against People Living with HIV (2000), in six Asian countries: India, Thailand, Philippines, China, Vietnam and Indonesia. As a precursor to the six individual studies, this paper provides a brief overview of the literature on HIV discrimination, and then describes the UNAIDS Protocol and the shared methodological considerations relevant to all of the study sites. Commonalities in sampling, procedures and analysis are also discussed.
Assessing New York City's COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Strategy: A Case for Risk-Informed Distribution.
(2024-04-05) Schwalbe, Nina; Nunes, Marta C; Cutland, Clare; Wahl, Brian; Reidpath, Daniel
This study reviews the impact of eligibility policies in the early rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine on coverage and probable outcomes, with a focus on New York City. We conducted a retrospective ecological study assessing age 65+, area-level income, vaccination coverage, and COVID-19 mortality rates, using linked Census Bureau data and New York City Health administrative data aggregated at the level of modified zip code tabulation areas (MODZCTA). The population for this study was all individuals in 177 MODZCTA in New York City. Population data were obtained from Census Bureau and New York City Health administrative data. The total mortality rate was examined through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, using area-level wealth, the proportion of the population aged 65 and above, and the vaccination rate among this age group as predictors. Low-income areas with high proportions of older people demonstrated lower coverage rates (mean vaccination rate 52.8%; maximum coverage 67.9%) than wealthier areas (mean vaccination rate 74.6%; maximum coverage 99% in the wealthiest quintile) in the first 3 months of vaccine rollout and higher mortality over the year. Despite vaccine shortages, many younger people accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in high-income areas (mean coverage rate 60% among those 45-64 years in the wealthiest quintile). A vaccine program that prioritized those at greatest risk of COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality would have prevented more deaths than the strategy that was implemented. When rolling out a new vaccine, policymakers must account for local contexts and conditions of high-risk population groups. If New York had focused limited vaccine supply on low-income areas with high proportions of residents 65 or older, overall mortality might have been lower. [Abstract copyright: © 2024. The Author(s).]
Assessing Sodium Intake in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure: Validation of Spot Urine Excretion and Dietary Survey-Derived Estimates
(MDPI AG, 2024-05-13) Soh, Yee Chang; Fairley, Andrea; Alawad, Mawada; Lee, Siew Siew; Su, Tin Tin; Stephan, Blossom Christa Maree; Reidpath, Daniel; Robinson, Louise; Yasin, Shajahan; Siervo, Mario; Mohan, Devi
This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of three alternative methods compared to the gold standard 24-h urine collection for estimating dietary sodium intake, a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, among middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. These included spot urine collection (using Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT equations), 24-h dietary recall, and food frequency questionnaire responses, compared to 24-h urine collection in a subset of 65 participants (aged 50–75 years, 58.5% women, 61.6% hypertensive) from the DePEC-Nutrition trial. The validity of the methods was assessed using bias, the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis. Among the alternative methods, spot urine collection using the Kawasaki equation showed the strongest correlation (SCC 0.238; ICC 0.119, 95% CI −0.079 to 0.323), but it exhibited a significant bias (1414 mg/day, p-value < 0.001) relative to 24-h urine collection. Conversely, dietary surveys had a smaller bias but wider limits of agreement. These findings underscore the complexities of accurately estimating dietary sodium intake using spot urine collection or dietary surveys in this specific population, suggesting that a combination or the refinement of existing methodologies might improve accuracy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to develop more reliable methods for assessing sodium intake in this high-risk group.
Assessment of socioeconomic and health vulnerability among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
(BioMed Central, 2024-10-24) Hasan, Md Zahid; Rabbani, Md Golam; Ahmed, Mohammad Wahid; Mehdi, Gazi Golam; Tisha, Khadija Islam; Reidpath, Daniel; Hanifi, Syed Manzoor Ahmed; Mahmood, Shehrin Shaila
Background: Bangladesh is rapidly urbanizing and approximately half of its urban population resides in deprived slums with limited access to basic needs. However, there is a dearth of information on vulnerability levels among slum dwellers. We aimed to assess the level of vulnerability within and between slums via various socioeconomic and health indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 810 randomly selected households was conducted in two purposively selected slums, Korail and Shyampur, in Dhaka from November to December 2021. Data was collected on various indicators, including demographics, education, employment, access to utility, and healthcare services. Principal component factor analysis was employed to identify the key indicators to construct the socioeconomic and health vulnerability index for the urban slums of Bangladesh (SEHVI-BD). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, Bartlett’s test, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test were used to assess indicators’ suitability. The selected indicators were used to generate an index on a scale of 100, with a higher index value indicating a higher level of vulnerability. The estimated scores were used to categorize the vulnerability status into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe vulnerability. The Mann-Whitney-U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied between the generated index and other socioeconomic variables to validate the relationship. Results: A total of 27 socioeconomic and health indicators were identified that explained 60% of the variance. The indicators were then grouped into six domains on the basis of their relevance. The prevalence of severe vulnerability in the Korail slum was approximately 9% and moderate vulnerability was 30% whereas these values were approximately 58% and 37%, respectively, in the Shyampur slum. The difference in the vulnerability level between the two slums was also evident across the domains. Households in the poorest wealth quintile, with lower education levels of household heads, and having irregular income experienced higher levels of vulnerability. Conclusions: The SEHVI-BD offers a critical tool for policymakers to identify and address vulnerabilities, facilitating more targeted public health interventions in urban Bangladesh and similar low-income settings. This study further emphasizes the importance of integrating comprehensive vulnerability assessments into public health policies to reduce inequalities and improve well-being, especially for the urban marginalized slum population.
The Association Between Hospital Characteristics and Nonresponse in an Organization Survey: An Analysis of the National Healthcare Establishment and Workforce Survey in Malaysia
(SAGE, 2017-06-11) Foo, Chee Yoong; Reidpath, Daniel; Sivasampu, Sheamini
In any survey where some of the invited participants fail to respond estimates may be biased. The literature on survey nonresponse is substantial, and the intellectual focus has typically been on the nonresponse of individuals. An important yet less scrutinized area in the analysis of nonresponse is in organizational surveys, particularly surveys of health-care organizations. This study used data from the 2010 National Healthcare Establishment and Workforce Survey in Malaysia to examine the relationship between a set of measurable hospital attributes and their probability of survey response and the relationship between this probability and the differences in survey estimates. We found that readily measurable hospital characteristics such as size and geographical location are useful predictors of survey response likelihood. Larger hospitals and hospitals located in less developed geographical regions responded more favorably than their counterparts. We have also illustrated that the resulting response pattern affected some key survey estimates. These findings have the potential to extend our understanding of nonresponse to organization surveys in the health-care sector, potentially allow for the prediction of nonresponse, and help researchers to identify profiles of “reluctant responders” before a survey commences, so that additional engagement strategies may be used.
Asthma Length of Stay in Hospitals in London 2001–2006: Demographic, Diagnostic and Temporal Factors
(Public Library of Science, 2011-11-02) Soyiri, Ireneous N.; Reidpath, Daniel; Sarran, Christophe
Asthma is a condition of significant public health concern associated with morbidity, mortality and healthcare utilisation. This study identifies key determinants of length of stay (LOS) associated with asthma-related hospital admissions in London, and further explores their effects on individuals. Subjects were primarily diagnosed and admitted for asthma in London between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2006. All repeated admissions were treated uniquely as independent cases. Negative binomial regression was used to model the effect(s) of demographic, temporal and diagnostic factors on the LOS, taking into account the cluster effect of each patient's hospital attendance in London. The median and mean asthma LOS over the period of study were 2 and 3 days respectively. Admissions increased over the years from 8,308 (2001) to 10,554 (2006), but LOS consistently declined within the same period. Younger individuals were more likely to be admitted than the elderly, but the latter significantly had higher LOS (p<0.001). Respiratory related secondary diagnoses, age, and gender of the patient as well as day of the week and year of admission were important predictors of LOS. Asthma LOS can be predicted by socio-demographic factors, temporal and clinical factors using count models on hospital admission data. The procedure can be a useful tool for planning and resource allocation in health service provision.
Attributions of Negative Partner Behavior by Men Who Physically Abuse Their Partners
(Springer, 2000-06) Tonizzo, Santina; Howells, Kevin; Day, Andrew; Reidpath, Daniel; Froyland, Irene
This study investigated the association between family violence and the attributions made for negative partner behaviors in an Australian context. Three groups of men were classified as physically violent (in counseling), non-physically violent (in counseling), and non-physically violent (in the community). The Relationship Attribution Measure was used to assess the attributional dependent variables of locus, stability, globality, intent, motivation, and blame. Significant differences between violent and nonviolent men on each of the attributional dimensions were found. Physically violent men were more likely than non-physically violent men (counseling) to attribute the negative behavior of their partners to unchangeable, intentional rather than unintentional, selfishly motivated, and blameworthy causes. However, these differences disappeared when marital satisfaction was controlled. The implications of this work for domestic violence intervention programs are discussed, along with a number of methodological issues and directions for future research.
Behaviour Change in Public Health: Evidence and Implications
(BMC, 2015-08-25) Pokhrel, Subhash; Anokye, Nana K.; Reidpath, Daniel; Allotey, Pascale