Health Studies Publicationshttp://hdl.handle.net/10454/63012024-03-20T00:35:03Z2024-03-20T00:35:03ZHepatitis B virus infection on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands: a seroprevalence, knowledge and attitudes studyLawanivalu, M.Ratu, A.Jeadrik, G.Mohammadnezhad, MasoudStrobel, A.http://hdl.handle.net/10454/198392024-03-08T01:25:45Z2024-02-21T00:00:00ZLawanivalu M, Ratu A, Jeadrik G et al (2024) Hepatitis B virus infection on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands: a seroprevalence, knowledge and attitudes study. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal. 15(1): 1-10.
Objective: A study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among children and their mothers on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands two decades after routine vaccination was introduced in the 1990s. Mothers’ knowledge and attitudes towards HBV disease and vaccination were also assessed.
Methods: Results of a national seroprevalence survey conducted in 2016–2017 and antenatal records were used to determine the prevalence of HBV seropositivity in children aged 6–8 years and their biological mothers. The associations between demographic, social and vaccination-related factors and seropositivity were explored using Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: HBV seroprevalence was 0.3% in children and 6.8% in their mothers (during pregnancy). Coverage of timely HBV vaccination was 90.3% for the birth dose and was significantly associated with factors related to place of residence (P < 0.001), place of birth (P < 0.001) and number of antenatal visits (P < 0.001). Maternal attitudes towards infant vaccination and antenatal screening were largely positive (95.8% and 96.7%, respectively) despite low vaccination rates (20.9%) among mothers. Knowledge levels were low for disease complications, treatment and transmission.
Discussion: Prevalence of HBV in children and mothers residing on Kwajalein Atoll in 2016–2017 was lower than the national average for the Marshall Islands. Timely birth dose administration appears to have been effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV in this setting and should be promoted in remote settings where antiviral therapy is not available. Provision of out-of-cold-chain HBV vaccines should be considered to improve access in remote settings.
2024-02-21T00:00:00ZHealth conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia and their relationships with stress, caregiving experiences, and social networks: longitudinal findings from the IDEAL programmeSabatini, S.Martyr, A.Hunt, A.Gamble, L.D.Matthews, F.E.Thom, J.M.Jones, R.W.Allan, L.Knapp, M.Quinn, CatherineVictor, C.Pentecost, C.Rusted, J.M.Morris, R.G.Clare, L.http://hdl.handle.net/10454/198492024-03-16T01:30:51Z2024-02-01T00:00:00ZSabatini S, Martyr A, Hunt A et al (2024) Health conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia and their relationships with stress, caregiving experiences, and social networks: longitudinal findings from the IDEAL programme. BMC Geriatrics. 24(1): 171.
Objectives: Longitudinal evidence documenting health conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia and whether these influence caregivers’ outcomes is scarce. This study explores type and number of health conditions over two years in caregivers of people with dementia and subgroups based on age, sex, education, hours of care, informant-rated functional ability, neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognition of the person with dementia, and length of diagnosis in the person with dementia. It also explores whether over time the number of health conditions is associated with caregivers’ stress, positive experiences of caregiving, and social networks
Methods: Longitudinal data from the IDEAL (Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life) cohort were used. Participants comprised spousal caregivers (n = 977) of people with dementia. Self-reported health conditions using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, stress, positive experiences of caregiving, and social network were assessed over two years. Mixed effect models were used
Results: On average participants had 1.5 health conditions at baseline; increasing to 2.1 conditions over two years. More health conditions were reported by caregivers who were older, had no formal education, provided 10 + hours of care per day, and/or cared for a person with more neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline. More baseline health conditions were associated with greater stress at baseline but not with stress over time. Over two years, when caregivers’ health conditions increased, their stress increased whereas their social network diminished
Discussion: Findings highlight that most caregivers have their own health problems which require management to avoid increased stress and shrinking of social networks
2024-02-01T00:00:00ZThe diagnostic pathway experiences of people living with rare dementia and their family caregivers: A cross-sectional mixed methods study using qualitative and economic analysesDavies-Abbott, IanAnthony, B.F.Jackson, K.Windle, G.Edwards, R.T.http://hdl.handle.net/10454/198282024-03-12T13:27:34Z2024-02-01T00:00:00ZDavies-Abbott I, Anthony BF, Jackson K et al (2024) The diagnostic pathway experiences of people living with rare dementia and their family caregivers: A cross-sectional mixed methods study using qualitative and economic analyses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 21(2): 231.
The pathways for receiving a diagnosis of a rare type of dementia are poorly understood. Diagnostic challenges decrease access to relevant health promotion activities and post-diagnostic support. This study was focused on pathways experienced by people affected by rare dementia in Wales, United Kingdom (UK), considering the practical, emotional, and economic consequences. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 people affected by rare dementia across Wales, UK (nine family caregivers and one person living with rare dementia). The interview data were subject to a thematic analysis and a bottom-up costing approach was used to cost the pathway journeys. Five transitional points occurred across the diagnostic pathway (initial contact, initial referral, further referrals—provider, further referrals—private, and diagnosis) alongside two further themes (i.e., involved in the diagnostic process and disputes between stakeholders). The timeliness of the diagnosis was perceived to often be subject to ‘luck’, with access to private healthcare a personal finance option to expedite the process. Higher economic costs were observed when, in retrospect, inappropriate referrals were made, or multiple referrals were required. The confusion and disputes relating to individual diagnostic pathways led to further emotional burdens, suggesting that higher economic costs and emotional consequences are interlinked. Clearer diagnostic pathways for rare dementia may prevent unnecessary service contacts, waiting times, and associated distress. Prioritising appropriate and timely service contacts leads to diagnosis and support to families and enables people to increase control over their health. Appropriate diagnostic pathways may be less costly and reduce costs for families.
2024-02-01T00:00:00ZSocial care planning and provision for people with young onset dementia and their families: Protocol for the DYNAMIC study.Quinn, CatherineYoung, HelenGridley, K.Stamou, VasileiosMason, ClareOyebode, Janhttp://hdl.handle.net/10454/198102024-03-12T13:27:33Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZQuinn C, Young H, Gridley K et al (2024) Social care planning and provision for people with young onset dementia and their families: Protocol for the DYNAMIC study. PLoS ONE. 19(2).
Social care is vital to quality of life for people with young onset dementia and their families. Yet care is hugely variable, frequently lacking and poorly coordinated. We aim to establish current practice in English social care for people with young onset dementia and co-produce evidence-based recommendations and resources for improvement.
In Work-Package 1, we will gather qualitative data from 25 people with young onset dementia and/or main supporters residing in England. We will ask them about their experiences of social care (broadly defined, including independent and voluntary sector provision) and suggestions for improvement. In Work-Package 2, we will conduct a short on-line survey with a wide range of staff with a role in adult social care in England. We will find out about current awareness, knowledge and practice and suggestions for improvements. Quantitative and qualitative analysis will provide a picture of current practice. In Work-Package 3, we will use convergence analysis to synthesise the findings from Work-Packages 1 and 2 and present the findings to a stakeholder workshop, to identify feasible priorities for improvement. We will establish what is already known about good practice relating to these key priorities using a scoping review and interviews with professionals. This knowledge will then feed into the co-production of resources and recommendations with key stakeholders to improve social care for people with young onset dementia and their families.
This study seeks to address a gap in our understanding of social care provision for people with young onset dementia and develop recommendations and practical resources for improvements. The findings will help people with young onset dementia and supporters to receive higher quality social care.
Study registration number: ISRCTN10653250.
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZA quantitative study examining infographic assessment guidelines for undergraduate nursing students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs)Manchester, Kieran R.Roberts, D.http://hdl.handle.net/10454/198152024-03-12T13:27:33Z2024-04-01T00:00:00ZManchester KR and Roberts D (2024) A quantitative study examining infographic assessment guidelines for undergraduate nursing students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). Nurse Education Today. 135: 106119.
This research investigates the perceived clarity and usefulness of infographic versus traditional text-based assessment guidelines among undergraduate nursing students with and without specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). Through quantitative analysis, the study reveals that undergraduate nursing students with SpLDs significantly prefer infographics over text-based guidelines, both in terms of clarity and usefulness (p < .001). Interestingly, there were no statistically significant differences in the perceptions of students without SpLDs. These findings suggest that the use of infographics as a tool for presenting assessment guidelines could contribute to more inclusive educational practices. The research further highlights the potential of infographics to not only make complex information more accessible but also to cater to diverse learning needs. As higher education institutions strive to be more inclusive, adapting assessment guidelines to suit the varied learning styles and cognitive needs of all students, particularly those with SpLDs, becomes increasingly important. This paper provides initial evidence to support the adoption of infographic-based assessment guidelines as a step towards achieving this goal.
2024-04-01T00:00:00Z