Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 1182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Reported Health Inequalities among Older Adults in Saudi Arabia

by Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi

Healthcare 2024, 12(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12010072 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 759

Considering the rising life expectancy, the growing population of older adults poses challenges in providing adequate healthcare services. Self-reported health is an important indicator of overall health, predicting morbidity and mortality. This study investigated self-reported health inequalities among older adults in Saudi Arabia [...] Read more.

Considering the rising life expectancy, the growing population of older adults poses challenges in providing adequate healthcare services. Self-reported health is an important indicator of overall health, predicting morbidity and mortality. This study investigated self-reported health inequalities among older adults in Saudi Arabia and the underlying factors contributing to establishing such inequalities. The study utilized data from the 2018 Saudi Family Health Survey, focusing on 2023 respondents aged ≥60 years with complete data. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to explore socio-economic factors linked to health inequalities. Additionally, concentration curves and indices were used to assess the magnitude of health inequalities among older adults. The findings indicate a higher prevalence of self-reported poor health among respondents aged ≥70 years and those with chronic diseases. Age, education, income level, marital status, and insurance coverage were other factors significantly linked to reporting poor health. Inequality analysis revealed a concentration of poor health among less educated individuals (concentration index = −0.261, p < 0.01). Both income- and education-based indices highlighted a concentration of poor health among men with lower income and education levels. Addressing healthcare inequalities among older adults requires targeted policy efforts, focusing on those aged ≥70, unmarried individuals, those without insurance coverage, those with chronic illnesses, and those with lower education levels. Targeted interventions for these groups can address their unique healthcare needs and promote equitable health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Alonissos Study: Cross-Sectional Study of the Healthcare Access and User Satisfaction in the Community of a Non-Profit-Line Greek Island

by Petros Kassas, Eudoxia Gogou, Charalampos Varsamas, Konstantinos Vogiatzidis, Aggeliki Psatha, Maria Pinaka, Dimitra Siachpazidou, Alexandra Sistou, Eleftherios D. Papazoglou, Despoina Kalousi, Konstantina Vatzia, Kyriaki Astara, Nikolaos Tsiouvakas, Sotirios G. Zarogiannis and Konstantinos Gourgoulianis

Healthcare 2023, 11(13), 1931; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131931 - 04 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 742

Abstract

Healthcare access and a high quality of the provided services to healthcare users are fundamental human rights according to the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978. Although 45 years have passed since then, health inequalities still exist, not only among countries but also within [...] Read more.

Healthcare access and a high quality of the provided services to healthcare users are fundamental human rights according to the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978. Although 45 years have passed since then, health inequalities still exist, not only among countries but also within populations of the same country. For example, several small Greek islands have only a small Primary Healthcare Center in order to provide healthcare services to the insular population. In the current study, we investigated the level of self-reported overall, dental and mental health status and the level of satisfaction regarding the access to and the quality of the healthcare services provided by the Primary Healthcare center of Alonissos, along with registering the requirements for transportation to the mainland in order to receive such services. In this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, 235 inhabitants of the remote Greek island of Alonissos that accounts for nearly 9% of the population participated (115 males and 120 females). The self-reported overall health status was reported to be moderate to very poor at a percentage of 31.49%, and the results were similar for dental and self-reported mental health status. Although nearly 60% of the participants reported very good/good quality of the healthcare provision, only 37.45% reported that the access to healthcare was very good/good, while around 94% had at least one visit to the mainland in order to receive proper healthcare services. Strategies for improving access to healthcare services need to be placed in remote Greek islands like Alonissos. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

22 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Health Status on Urban Adaptation of the Rural Elderly after Migration

by Kangkang Wang, Min Li and Jie Lyu

Healthcare 2023, 11(12), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121761 - 15 Jun 2023

Viewed by 882

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates in China, more and more rural elders are moving to cities to live with their children. However, they face challenges in overcoming cultural, social, and economic disparities and maintaining health in urban life, and health is important human capital that [...] Read more.

As urbanization accelerates in China, more and more rural elders are moving to cities to live with their children. However, they face challenges in overcoming cultural, social, and economic disparities and maintaining health in urban life, and health is important human capital that may have a significant impact on the urban adaptation of rural elderly migrants (REMs). Based on the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this paper constructs an indicator system to measure the level of urban adaptation of REMs. The health level and urban adaptation of REMs are studied in depth, and how to better help them adapt to urban life in order to provide a healthy living environment and a good lifestyle is explored. The empirical analysis finds the following: (1) good health helps REMs achieve a better level of urban adaptation. (2) REMs with good health status are more likely to go to community clubs for activities and do physical activities and thus improve their urban adaptation level. (3) There are significant differences in the effects of health status on urban adaptation among REMs with different characteristics. REMs with better health status in the central and western regions have significantly higher levels of urban adaptation than those in the eastern regions, and men have higher levels of urban adaptation than women. Therefore, the government should construct classification measures according to the differentiated characteristics of rural elderly migrants’ urban adaptation, and guide and support their stratified and orderly adaptation to urban society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

14 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Medicine Approaches on Patient Trust, Satisfaction, and Loyalty

by Ayşe Sertan, Kemal Çek, Adile Öniz and Murat Özgören

Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091254 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1524

Abstract

The increase in traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) methods has revealed the necessity of determining relevant behavioral tendencies among healthcare users. In our study, the evaluation of TCM approaches of healthcare users living in North Cyprus in terms of treatment effectiveness, patient trust [...] Read more.

The increase in traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) methods has revealed the necessity of determining relevant behavioral tendencies among healthcare users. In our study, the evaluation of TCM approaches of healthcare users living in North Cyprus in terms of treatment effectiveness, patient trust and patient satisfaction, and the effects of these variables on patient loyalty, were investigated. Data were collected utilizing the scale approach as well as the survey technique in order to measure the variables in the study. A total of 452 participants completed the survey. TCM has a positive effect on treatment effectiveness, patient trust and patient satisfaction. Patient trust and patient satisfaction have a positive effect on patient loyalty, whereas treatment effectiveness did not have a significant effect on patient loyalty. There is a significant and positive mediating effect of patient trust and patient satisfaction between TCM and patient loyalty. However, the mediating effect of treatment effectiveness is not significant between TCM and patient loyalty. This study will help researchers and practitioners understand the importance of attitude, trust, effectiveness, satisfaction and loyalty in relation to TCM. It is suggested that studies that measure the behaviors of patients should increase in order to obtain better health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Sex Should Not Be Part of the Lives of Persons with Disabilities, but They Are Human Beings Too”: Perceptions of Healthcare Providers and Factors Affecting Service Delivery in Ghana

by Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli, Kristin McBain-Rigg, Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli and Theophilus I. Emeto

Healthcare 2023, 11(7), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11071041 - 04 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3175

Abstract

Persons with disabilities (PwDs) constitute about 16% of the global population and face many challenges in every society, including access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. The attitudes of healthcare providers (HPs) exert a major influence on PwDs accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH). [...] Read more.

Persons with disabilities (PwDs) constitute about 16% of the global population and face many challenges in every society, including access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. The attitudes of healthcare providers (HPs) exert a major influence on PwDs accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH). A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of HPs towards PwDs and SRH delivery in Ghana’s Ashanti region. Quantitative data analysis indicated that overall, 82% of HPs had received information on disability-related issues and had relatively positive attitude towards PwDs, which varied across sub-scales of the Attitude Towards Disability score and associated with their sociodemographic characteristics. HPs faced several challenges in SRH services delivery to PwDs, which included a lack of funding and training, and inadequate staff. Inductive thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed eight overarching themes. The findings revealed that HPs had prejudice about the mental and sexual health abilities of PwDs. Inadequate skill set, inadequate resources, and limited funding were major challenges identified. Nonetheless, compassion and benevolence towards PwDs, improvision, economic and educational support, awareness creation, and referrals were strategies adopted to overcome these challenges. Mandatory training of HPs is recommended to ensure improved SRH service delivery to PwDs. Future research could explore the perceptions and coping strategies of PwDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Mindfulness and Physical Activity Programme on Anxiety, Depression and Stress Levels in People with Mental Health Problems in a Prison: A Controlled Study

by Jose Gallego, Adolfo J. Cangas, Israel Mañas, Jose M. Aguilar-Parra, Álvaro I. Langer, Noelia Navarro and Maria-Jesus Lirola

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040555 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2297

Abstract

Recent studies in the general population have shown an inverse relationship between mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as the benefits of physical activity on these symptoms. These relationships have not yet been studied in a population with severe mental [...] Read more.

Recent studies in the general population have shown an inverse relationship between mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as the benefits of physical activity on these symptoms. These relationships have not yet been studied in a population with severe mental disorder (SMD) in prison, where symptoms of anxiety and depression and impulsive behaviours have a high incidence. A controlled study was developed to assess the benefits of a mindfulness-based protocol whereby elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy were evaluated and compared to an adapted sport program. Twenty-two inmates from the “El Acebuche” prison aged between 23 and 58 years old participated in this study, which included a pre-, post-, and follow-up; the majority of participants had SMD and were distributed in both conditions. The DASS-21 was obtained for its evaluation. The results of the Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples indicated a significant reduction in the levels of stress and depression in the mindfulness intervention group compared to the control group in which no significant changes were observed, providing evidence on the effect of this practice in prison contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Migraine and Workplace Social Support in the Social Context of China: Using a Validated Chinese Version of the DCSQ

by Du Wei, Yue Chang, Xiaolong Lu, Xingying Fan, Jiaqi Hu, Otilia Manta and Mohammed K. A. Kaabar

Healthcare 2023, 11(2), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11020171 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

Background: Workplace social support might have a protective function against migraine in the social context of China, as close co-worker relationships and collectivism are acknowledged as work values in Chinese society. Objectives: This paper aimed to analyse the association between migraine and workplace [...] Read more.

Background: Workplace social support might have a protective function against migraine in the social context of China, as close co-worker relationships and collectivism are acknowledged as work values in Chinese society. Objectives: This paper aimed to analyse the association between migraine and workplace social support. The validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Support scale of the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) used were also determined. Methods: Following international guidelines, this study was carried out in two stages. Stage I involved translations and pilot testing to assess content and face validity of the Chinese version of the DCSQ Support scale. Stage II was a cross-sectional survey (N = 677 bank employees) to evaluate structural validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Support scale, as well as to examine the association between workplace social support and a migraine-positive diagnosis. Results: A high level of social support in the workplace was associated with a 74% decreased likelihood of migraine (adjusted OR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.14–0.46). Of the six aspects of workplace social support, co-worker support had the greatest protective effect (adjusted OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.39–0.60). The Chinese version of the DCSQ Support scale established satisfactory content and face validity (I-CVIs ≥ 0.78; S-CVI_AVE ≥ 0.90). Confirmatory factor analysis verified its one-dimensional theoretical factor, with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.98; item-total correlations ≥ 0.80) and test-retest reliability (weighted Kappa coefficients 0.81–0.87; percentages agreement 85.23–88.92%). Conclusions: In the Chinese social context, workplace social support could protect against migraine, with the strongest benefit coming from co-workers. This study also provides a Chinese-language DCSQ Support scale as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring workplace social support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 3589 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Skin Pigmentation: From a Biological Feature to a Social Determinant

by Sarah Mosca and Aldo Morrone

Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142091 - 22 Jul 2023

Viewed by 3303

Abstract

Skin pigmentation is the most variable human characteristic that can be observed and has been used throughout history to classify humans into distinct groups. Many factors influence skin colour, but the melanin pigment is considered the most important because its type and quantity [...] Read more.

Skin pigmentation is the most variable human characteristic that can be observed and has been used throughout history to classify humans into distinct groups. Many factors influence skin colour, but the melanin pigment is considered the most important because its type and quantity can determine variations in pigmentation shades. The evolution of skin pigmentation started around 1.6–2 million years ago. As a result of migratory phenomena to places with less ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other seasonal regimes, the selection of depigmented skin and different tanning capabilities occurred over time. Thus, genetic adaptation to new environmental conditions gradually led to changes in skin pigmentation. Despite the biological importance of pigmentation, variation in skin colour has led to social and health inequalities. Since Linnaeus, skin colour classifications have been used to describe different human groups, encouraging the misuse of a biological characteristic. This review examines the characterisation of pigmentation and its evolution through history and society. The unequal perception of pigmentation diversity has led to an incomplete state of dermatological training and issues in medical approach in dermatology. The consciousness of all these aspects increases the need to address and overcome dermatologic and social health disparities related to skin pigmentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Social Inequalities, Health Behaviours and Health-Related Well-Being across Populations

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI