bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life of transgender people under the lens of social determinants of health: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Coswosck Kaio Henrique Cesconetto , Marques-Rocha Jose Luiz , Moreira Juliana Almeida , Guandalini Valdete Regina , Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThere is an urgent need for knowledge about the transgender population to inform the development of clinical protocols and training of health professionals on the unique issues affecting this population. Discussing transgender quality of life (QoL) through the lens of social determinants of health (SDOHs) would enable gender-specific health interventions. Here, we aimed to review the evidence on the QoL of transgender people from an SDOH perspective.Methods and analysisA scoping review (ScR) protocol following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews statement and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used. MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and registry sites such as ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP will be searched. Additional sources to be searched include ProQuest Dissertations/Theses Global, British Library, Google Scholar and Preprints for Health Sciences-medRXiv. Two independent researchers will carry out the selection, data charting and data synthesis. No date restriction will be applied in this ScR. The search will be restricted to articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The results will be presented in tables, narrative summaries and graphs and will be graded on the type of data presented and the results. The search strategy will be updated in April 2023. The expected completion date of this ScR is July 2023.Ethics and disseminationThis ScR protocol does not require ethical approval. Dissemination plans include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations to be shared with experts in the field, and advisory groups to inform discussions on future research. It is hoped that our findings will be of interest to practitioners, researchers, stakeholders, public and private managers, and the general population concerned with this emerging public health issue.Trial registration numberosf.io/9ukz6.
Assessment of COVID-19 management and its consequences on healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Tasnim , Ferdous Zannatul , Mahi Mahfuza , Amin Emama , Chowdhury Sarah Binte , Shafiur Rahman Md , Rahman Lutfor , Rahman Md Mahabubur 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThis explorative study aims to identify the gaps in COVID-19 management and their consequences on physicians in terms of contracting infection and psychological well-being during the early phase of the pandemic.Design, settings and participantsWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional online study to collect information from 420 intern doctors who were at their internship in government medical colleges from February to August 2020.MethodsWe performed univariate and bivariate analyses to assess COVID-19 management. We investigated the consequences of COVID-19 management on infection risk, experiencing stress, developing anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance using five sets of multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsFindings indicate a delay in first-case detection and identify people’s tendency to hide COVID-19 symptoms as one of the possible causes of that delay. About 56% of the intern doctors experienced that patients were trying to hide COVID-19 symptoms in the earlier phase of the pandemic. More than half of the respondents did not get any training on COVID-19 from their working institutions. About 30% and 20% of the respondents did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks while treating patients. Respondents who treated patients without PPE, masks, face shields and gloves were almost two times as likely to be infected by COVID-19. The odds of experiencing COVID-19-related stress was almost twofold among respondents who treated patients without wearing PPE and masks. Experiencing COVID-19-related stress was further associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression that led to sleep disturbance.ConclusionEnsuring the maximum utilization of limited resources during any public health crisis such as COVID-19 needs developing coping mechanisms by projecting future demand. Ensuring proper training and safety measures can reduce physical and psychological hazards among physicians.
Impact of primary health care reforms in Quebec Health Care System: a systematic literature review protocol
Authors: Landa Paolo , Lalonde Jean-Denis , Bergeron Frédéric , Kassim Said Abasse , Côté André , Gartner Jean-Baptiste , Tanfani Elena , Resta Marina 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionDuring the last decade the Quebec Public Health Care System (QPHCS) had an important transformation in primary care planning activity. The increase of the service demand together with a significant reduction of supply in primary care may be at risk of reducing access to health care services, with a negative impact on costs and health outcomes. The aims of this systematic literature review are to map and aggregate existing literature and evidence on the primary care provided in Quebec, showing the benefits and limitations associated with the health policies developed in the last two decades, and highlighting areas of improvement.Methods and analysisPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL will be searched for articles and government reports between January 2000 and January 2022 using a prespecified search strategy. This protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Protocols and has been registered with PROSPERO. A wide range of electronic databases and grey literature sources will be systematically searched using predefined keywords. The review will include any study design, with the exclusion of protocols, with a focus on the analysis of health care policies, outcomes, costs and management of the primary health care services, published in either English or French languages. Two authors will independently screen titles, abstracts, full-text articles and select studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A customised data extraction form will be used to extract data from the included studies. Results will be presented in tabular format developed iteratively by the research team.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics approval is not required as exclusively secondary data will be used. Review findings will synthesise the characteristics and the impact of the reforms of QPHCS of the last two decades. Findings will therefore be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and through discussions with stakeholders.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023421145.
Developing and testing scales for home support service continuity (HSSC): cross-sectional studies in Canada and UK
Authors: Zhang Jie , Shi Linda 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesEnsuring the continuity of home support services has become increasingly important due to challenges arising from ageing demographics and healthcare staffing shortages. However, there is a lack of validated measurements specifically designed for assessing service continuity in this context. The primary objective of this study is to develop and validate scales that capture the multidimensional nature of home support service continuity (HSSC), incorporating informational continuity, management continuity and relational continuity as its underlying components. Subsequently, these scales are employed to measure the overall level of continuity experienced within home support services and investigate its association with service quality.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional survey design with convenience sampling. Direct caregivers in the UK were recruited through the Prolific UK online platform, while direct caregivers in British Columbia, Canada were recruited through local health authorities and home support agencies. A total of 550 direct caregivers completed the online survey following the approved ethics protocol. Structural equation modelling was employed to evaluate HSSC and it underlying components. Furthermore, the study investigated the influence of HSSC on service quality within these two samples.ResultsThe quantitative tests confirmed that HSSC comprises three first-order continuity components. These components showed significant loadings on HSSC in the Canadian sample (N=367) (λinformational=0.81, λmanagement=0.93, λrelational=0.38) at p<0.01 level. This finding was further supported in the UK sample (N=183) (λinformational=0.87, λmanagement=0.90, λrelational=0.93) at p<0.01 level. In both samples, the overall HSSC showed a positive correlation with service quality (path coefficient for the Canadian sample: bHSSC_employee perceived service quality (EPSQ)=0.22, p<0.01; the UK sample: bHSSC_EPSQ=0.70, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe results support the conceptualisation of HSSC as a second-order latent construct. The newly developed and validated scales for the three first-order constructs identify specific items that could be targeted to improve HSSC and service quality.
Effectiveness of Specific Health Check-ups in Japan for the primary prevention of obesity-related diseases: a protocol for a target trial emulation
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Kawakami Koji 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionConcerns about public health threats have shifted towards obesity-related, non-communicable diseases in both developed and developing countries. Since 2008, Japan has adopted a nationwide universal screening programme called Specific Health check-ups (SHC) for the primary prevention of obesity-related, non-communicable diseases, namely, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The effectiveness of SHC has not been systemically evaluated to date.Methods and analysisWe will use the employment-based health insurance database, which includes both records of receipt versus non-receipt of SHC and healthcare claims. The study design adopts the target trial emulation framework to minimise the bias inherent to the observational study (eg, time-related bias and its consequences). The key components of trial emulation—eligibility criteria, treatment strategy, assignment procedure, follow-up period, outcome, causal contrast of interest and analysis plan—are detailed, along with the ideal target trial protocol. Briefly, we will conduct the nested-trial emulation approach that allows multiple trial entries. Persons aged 40–74 years will be eligible if they do not have a documented diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes and a history of receiving SHC at baseline. Participants will be classified according to the receipt or non-receipt of SHC service and followed for a maximum of 10 years until the withdrawal from the insurance plan, the outcome occurrence or the administrative censoring (the end of the available data, expected to be March 2022), whichever comes first. The 10-year incidence of diabetes/hypertension will be compared between SHC recipients and non-recipients using pooled logistic regression with adjustments for baseline confounders. Five sensitivity analyses are employed, including per-protocol analysis, changing eligibility criteria and negative outcome control analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol obtained the approval from Kyoto University Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine, Ethics Committee (R2448). The findings will be disseminated to academic conferences, and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Acceptability of surgical care in Uganda: a qualitative study on users and providers
Authors: Rauschendorf Paula , Nume Rosette , Bruchhausen Walter 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess acceptability of surgical care in Eastern Uganda and enable better allocation of resources, and to guide health policy towards increased surgical care seeking.DesignThis qualitative study used semistructured in-depth interviews that were transcribed and analysed by coding according to grounded theory.SettingThe study was set in Eastern Uganda in the districts of Jinja, Mayuge, Kamuli, Iganga, Luuka, Buikwe and Buvuma.ParticipantsInterviews were conducted with 32 past surgical patients, 16 community members who had not undergone surgery, 17 healthcare professionals involved in surgical treatment and 7 district health officers or their deputies.ResultsThe five intersecting categories that emerged were health literacy, perceptions, risks and fears, search for alternatives, care/treatment and trust in healthcare workers. It was also demonstrated that considering the user and provider side at the same time is very useful for a more extensive understanding of surgical care-seeking behaviour and the impact of user–provider interactions or lack thereof.ConclusionWhile affordability and accessibility are well defined and therefore easier to assess, acceptability is a much less quantifiable concept. This study breaks it down into tangible concepts in the form of five categories, which provide guidance for future interventions targeting acceptability of surgical care. We also demonstrated that multiple perspectives are beneficial to understanding the multifactorial nature of healthcare seeking and provision.
Prevalence and incidence of symptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis based on repeated population screening in a district in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Banti Abiot Bezabeh , Winje Brita Askeland , Hinderaker Sven Gudmund , Heldal Einar , Abebe Markos , Dangisso Mesay Hailu , Datiko Daniel Gemechu 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveIn Ethiopia, one-third of the estimated tuberculosis cases are not detected or reported. Incidence estimates are inaccurate and rarely measured directly. Assessing the ‘real’ incidence under programme conditions is useful to understand the situation. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and incidence of symptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) during 1 year in the adult population of Dale in Ethiopia.DesignA prospective population-based cohort study.SettingEvery household in Dale was visited three times at 4-month intervals.ParticipantsIndividuals aged ≥15 years.Outcome measuresMicroscopy smear positive PTB (PTB s+), bacteriologically confirmed PTB (PTB b+) by microscopy, GeneXpert, or culture and clinically diagnosed PTB (PTB c+).ResultsAmong 136 181 individuals, 2052 had presumptive TB (persistent cough for 14 days or more with or withouthaemoptysis, weight loss, fever, night sweats, chest pain or difficulty breathing), in the first round of household visits including 93 with PTB s+, 98 with PTB b+ and 24 with PTB c+; adding those with PTB who were already on treatment, the total number of PTB was 201, and the prevalence was 147 (95% CI: 127 to 168)/100 000 population. Out of all patients with PTB, the proportion detected by symptom screening was in PTB s+ 65%, PTB b+ 67% and PTB c+44%. During 96 388 person-years follow-up, 1909 had presumptive TB, 320 had PTB and the total incidence of PTB was 332 (95% CI: 297 to 370)/100 000 person-years, while the incidence of PTB s+, PTB b+ and PTB c+ was 230 (95% CI: 201 to 262), 263 (95% CI: 232 to 297) and 68 (95% CI: 53 to 86)/100 000 person-years, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of symptomatic sputum smear-positive TB was still high, only one-third of prevalent PTB cases notified and the incidence rate highest in the age group 25–34 years, indicating ongoing transmission. Finding missing people with TB through repeated symptom screening can contribute to reducing transmission.
Factors associated with first antenatal care (ANC) attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy among women in Lira City, Northern Uganda: a facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Acup Walter , Opollo Marc Sam , Akullo Betty Nancy , Musinguzi Marvin , Kigongo Eustes , Opio Bosco , Kabunga Amir 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed at assessing factors associated with first antenatal care (ANC) attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy among women in Lira City.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingsThe study was conducted in health facilities offering ANC services in Lira City, Northern Uganda.ParticipantsThe study was among 368 pregnant mothers attending their first ANC in the three selected facilities (Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Ober Health Center IV and Pentecostal Assembly of God Mission Health Center IV) in Lira City.Primary and secondary outcome measuresLevel of first ANC attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy and associated factors.ResultsEarly ANC attendance was 36.1%. Women who were: unmarried (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.99), took >2 hours to reach a health facility (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.62), or not visited by village health teams or healthcare workers at home (aOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.92) were less likely to attend their first ANC early. On the other hand, women who were: not knowing first that ANC guides parents on infant care (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.06 to 4.67); pregnant without consent of spouse (aOR: 4.29, 95% CI: 1.75 to 10.55); attending ANC from a private facility (aOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.27 to 6.15); and having two to three healthcare workers present at the ANC clinic (aOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.13) were more likely to attend ANC early.ConclusionsDespite the fact that the WHO recommends that all women begin ANC within 12 weeks after conception, Lira City in Northern Uganda had a low overall incidence of timely ANC initiation. Being unmarried, distance to reach a health facility, and being visited by village health teams or healthcare workers at home were all linked to timely ANC commencement. As a result, intervention efforts should concentrate on the highlighted determinants in order to promote ANC initiation in Lira City, Northern Uganda. This can be accomplished by providing information and education to the community on the timing and necessity of ANC in Northern Uganda.
Development of a person-centred digital platform for the long-term support of people living with an adult-onset genetic disease predisposition: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Best Stephanie , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Tyagi Shivani , Wheeler Jack C W , Forkan Abdur Rahim Mohammad , Lewis Alexandra , Shuakat Nadeem , Kaul Rohit , Ward Aisha , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Jayaraman Prem Prakash , Trainer Alison H 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionIndividuals at an inherited high-risk of developing adult-onset disease, such as breast cancer, are rare in the population. These individuals require lifelong clinical, psychological and reproductive assistance. After a positive germline test result, clinical genetic services provide support and care coordination. However, ongoing systematic clinical follow-up programmes are uncommon. Digital health solutions offer efficient and sustainable ways to deliver affordable and equitable care. This paper outlines the codesign and development of a digital health platform to facilitate long-term clinical and psychological care, and foster self-efficacy in individuals with a genetic disease predisposition.Methods and analysisWe adopt a mixed-methods approach for data gathering and analysis. Data collection is in two phases. In phase 1, 300 individuals with a high-risk genetic predisposition to adult disease will undertake an online survey to assess their use of digital health applications (apps). In phase 2, we will conduct focus groups with 40 individuals with a genetic predisposition to cardiac or cancer syndromes, and 30 clinicians from diverse specialities involved in their care. These focus groups will inform the platform’s content, functionality and user interface design, as well as identify the barriers and enablers to the adoption and retention of the platform by all endusers. The focus groups will be audiorecorded and transcribed, and thematic and content data analysis will be undertaken by adopting the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Descriptive statistics will be calculated from the survey data. Phase 3 will identify the core skillsets for a novel digital health coordinator role. Outcomes from phases 1 and 2 will inform development of the digital platform, which will be user-tested and optimised in phase 4.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Peter MacCallum Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/88892/PMCC). Results will be disseminated in academic forums, peer-reviewed publications and used to optimise clinical care.
Changes of colistin pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients due to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: protocol for the COL-ECMO2022 trial – a prospective, non-randomised, open-label phase IV pharmacokinetic clinical trial
Authors: Suk Pavel , Rychlíčková Jitka , Součková Lenka , Kubíčková Vendula , Urbánek Karel 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionColistin is a lipopeptide antibiotic administered as an inactive prodrug—colistin methanesulfonate (CMS). Colistin is a drug with a narrow therapeutic window; the limiting factors are mainly nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, dependent on plasma concentrations. The number of patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria sensitive only to colistin and the number of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for severe respiratory failure increased significantly in association with COVID-19-induced infections. ECMO can generally affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs by creating a new compartment.Methods and analysisThe COL-ECMO2022 study is a prospective, non-randomised, single-centre, phase IV pharmacokinetic clinical trial designed to assess the influence of ECMO on the pharmacokinetics of colistin and CMS. Up to 30 patients treated with colistin will be included in the study and assigned to one of two arms, depending on the presence/absence of ECMO. All study participants will receive standard CMS dose intravenously. The plasma concentrations of colistin and CMS taken at defined intervals will be assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Patients will participate in the clinical trial for a maximum of three monitored dosing intervals. A population pharmacokinetic model will be developed to assess the influence of ECMO on pharmacokinetics. A difference greater than 25% is considered clinically significant.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno (Number 10ML/2022-AM). Related manuscripts will be submitted to peer-review journals.Trial registration numbersEudraCT Number 2022-000291-19;NCT05542446.