scholarly journals Health Problems and the Use of Medications and Traditional Therapies among Chinese Immigrants Living in Spain

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1706
Author(s):  
Bárbara Badanta ◽  
Aura Yolima Rodríguez-Burbano ◽  
Angeles C. López-Tarrida ◽  
Juan Vega-Escaño ◽  
Giancarlo Lucchetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Habits ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Diet Therapy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Traditional Remedies ◽  
Life Habits ◽  
Traditional Therapies

In this study, we investigate the health problems and the use of medications and traditional therapies among Chinese immigrants in the Southern region of Spain. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and including 133 immigrants and 7 stakeholders was conducted in 2017. Transcription, literal reading, and theoretical categorization were performed, and a narrative content analysis was carried out. The most common health problems were musculoskeletal (28.6%) and allergies (25.6%) related to work activity and unhealthy lifestyles. Key informants also reported gastric problems, stress, and changes in eating habits, mostly related to their work activity. For these problems, a large number of traditional remedies (herbs, diet therapy, acupuncture, vitamins, etc.) were used, usually combined with pharmaceutical drugs used for colds, flu, general malaise (29%), pain and fever (23%), and allergy drugs (9.2%). Chinese immigrants reported health conditions associated with their working conditions and life habits in Spain, using Traditional Chinese Medicine instead of pharmacological drugs. Understanding these health problems and promoting awareness towards traditional therapies in the healthcare system may help to design public policies and Health Promotion strategies targeting this group.

scholarly journals Misuse of pharmaceuticals by regular psychostimulant users is linked to mental health problems

Salud Mental ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline L Salom ◽  
◽  
Lucinda A Burns ◽  
Rosa Alati ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction. Misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, particularly by young people, is an issue of rising concern. Poly-substance use is common among regular psychostimulant users (RPU), and mental health problems are associated with pharmaceutical misuse, but RPU do not generally acknowledge their use as problematic. Objective. To examine links between mental health and misuse of non-prescription pharmaceuticals in a group of regular users of illicit psychostimulants. Method. Face to face structured interviews were conducted in April 2015 with 763 regular users of illicit psychostimulants as part of the Annual Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System study in Australia. Results. At least half of the RPU in this study reported extra-medical or misuse of pharmaceuticals in the last six months in addition to regular use of illicit psychostimulants. Higher levels of psychological distress were recorded for RPU who also reported recent illicit use of opioids, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or over-the-counter (OTC) codeine. Recent misuse of benzodiazepines or OTC codeine was associated with self-reported mental health problems and having attended a mental health professional. Those reporting recent misuse of opioids were at increased risk of mental health problems and more likely to record high levels of psychological distress, but less likely to have received prescription medications for their mental health problem. Discussion and conclusion. Regular users of illicit psychostimulants who also misuse pharmaceuticals are at increased risk of mental health problems, even after accounting for their use of illicit psychostimulants. Screening of this group for mental health problems is recommended.

scholarly journals SUBJECTIVITIES AND CHALLENGES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH AN INTESTINAL OSTOMY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lúcia da Silva ◽  
Ana Beatriz Duarte Vieira ◽  
Ritielly Hevelin Garrido de Moraes ◽  
Simone Roque Mazoni ◽  
Ivone Kamada
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Permanent Colostomy ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Quality Material

Objective: Identify experiences of the person with intestinal ostomy related to their social life. Methods: Descriptive study, qualitative in nature, carried out with ten people with intestinal ostomy. Data collection was performed at the Stomatherapy Service of a teaching hospital in the Federal District, through semi-structured interviews relating to family and social experience before and after the ostomy. Results: Six men and four women participated, with a mean age of 49 years, most with a permanent colostomy. From the analysis, two categories emerged: “What is it like to live with an ostomy and its challenges”; and “Strategies developed in the face of changes”. In the first category, the following stand out: self-care, lack of adequate bathroom, work activity, eating habits, disruption of body image and embarrassing situations. In the second category, they seek to support religiosity, maintain positive feelings and preserve emotional balance. Conclusion: The ostomy interferes with family and social life. It was evident that the person with ostomy develops strategies to face changes. It is believed that social isolation stems, in part, from the lack of information from society, the lack of quality material that offers comfort and safety, and, finally, the lack of adapted public and private bathrooms.

scholarly journals The Role of Lifestyle, Eating Habits and Social Environment in the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1460
Author(s):  
Kalliopi Karatzi ◽  
Yannis Manios
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Major Health ◽  
The Past ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension are major health problems, with an undisputed growth burden in the past decades [...]

scholarly journals AB1336-HPR NON-PHARMACOLOGIC TOPICS RELEVANT FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH IN RHEUMATIC DISEASES: THE PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1956.2-1956
Author(s):  
F. Ingegnoli ◽  
T. Schioppo ◽  
T. Ubiali ◽  
S. Ostuzzi ◽  
M. Buoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Patients Perspective

Background:The research approach on Rheumatic diseases (RDs) is challenging and patient involvement as partners in medical research is an emerging force to obtain relevant information and to add unique skills, values and experiences to research. Despite growing interest in non-pharmacologic aspects of clinical research in RDs, the patients’ perspective is currently poorly explored.Objectives:To identify and rank the priorities for clinical research according to patients’ perspective.Methods:A structured face-to-face meeting between physicians and a patient representative was convened to list the non-pharmacologic topics relevant to RD patients. A cross-sectional no-profit on-line anonymous survey was devised to evaluate opinions of RD patients. They were asked to rate the following topics: food/nutrition, air pollution, smoking, work activity, social participation, physical activity, emotional well-being/stress, alternative medicine, and patient-physician relationship. Moreover, patients were asked to explain for which reason a topic was considered important (disease prevention, halting disease progression, symptoms control and disease cure). The survey was disseminated by ALOMAR (Lombard Association for Rheumatic Diseases) between June and October 2019.Results:200 rheumatic patients completed the survey: 130 inflammatory arthritis, 50 connective tissue diseases/vasculitis, and 20 among osteoarthritis, gout, condrocalcinosis, polymyalgia and primary fibromyalgia. Respondents were 178 female with median age of 50 years and median disease duration of 7 years. Among the nine topics identified, the one most rated by patients was the doctor-patient relationship; 188 (94%) of respondents considered this topic very or extremely important (see table below). In descending order, patients rated very or extremely important: psychological well-being/stress 185 (92.5%), physical activity 155 (77.5%), nutrition, eating habits and alcohol 150 (75%), alternative therapies 144 (72%), work activity 144 (72%), environmental pollution 134 (67%), social life 121 (60.5%) and cigarette smoke 119 (59.5%). The topics considered relevant was perceived to be able to influence disease symptoms. Regarding RD prevention, environmental pollution and cigarette smoking were considered the most important topics, while fewer patients believed that research on other topics could help to stop disease progression or to achieve disease healing.RankingTopicNot or quite importantVery or extremely important1Doctor-patient relationship, n (%)12 (6.0)188 (94.0)2Psychological well-being/stress, n (%)15 (7.5)185 (92.5)3Physical activity, n (%)45 (22.5)155 (77.5)4Nutrition/eating habits/alcohol, n (%)50 (25.0)150 (75.0)5Alternative therapies, n (%)56 (28.0)144 (72.0)6Work activity, n (%)56 (28.0)144 (72.0)7Environmental pollution, n (%)66 (33.0)134 (67.0)8Social life, n (%)79 (39.5)121 (60.5)9Cigarette smoke, n (%)81 (40.5)119 (59.5)Conclusion:This survey highlights the relevance of several unmet needs. The holistic approach, in terms of medical consultation and psychological well-being, is considered the most important component able to influence disease perception. By capturing patient opinions on non-pharmacological topics for clinical research, this survey indicates that the active patient involvement is essential to design successful translational studies and improve clinical outcomes.Acknowledgments:We thank the Lombard Association of Rheumatic Diseases (ALOMAR) for its contribution to plan and disseminate the survey and the group that sustain systemic sclerosis (GILS).Disclosure of Interests:Francesca Ingegnoli: None declared, Tommaso Schioppo: None declared, Tania Ubiali: None declared, Silvia Ostuzzi: None declared, Massimiliano Buoli: None declared, Valentina Bollati: None declared, Roberto Caporali Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Lilly; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Celgene; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Pfizer; UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celgene; Lilly; Gilead Sciences, Inc; MSD; Pfizer; Roche; UCB

Food intake, physical activity and quality of life among children and youth

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Emília Martins ◽  
Rosina Fernandes ◽  
Francisco Mendes ◽  
Cátia Magalhães ◽  
Patrícia Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Life Habits ◽  
Definition Of

BACKGROUND: The health-related quality of life construct (QoL) implies a relationship with eating habits (EA) and physical activity (PA). Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables (gender, age and Body Mass Index - BMI) are highlighted in the definition of healthy lifestyle habits promotion strategies. OBJECTIVE: We aim to characterize and relate PA, EA and QoL in children/youth and explore gender, age and BMI influences. METHODS: It is a non-experimental study, with 337 children/youth, ages between 8 and 17 years (12.61±2.96), mostly from the rural inland of Portugal. In data collection we used a sociodemographic and anthropometric questionnaire, a weekly register table of EA and Kid-Kindl (QoL). Statistical analysis (p <  0.05) were performed in SPSS-IBM 25. RESULTS: Lower BMI was associated with better EA (p <  0.001), PA (p <  0.05) and self-esteem (p <  0.01) and worse scores on family subscale of QoL. Female showed higher fruit intake (p <  0.05). The older has shown better results. PA is positively correlated with QoL (p <  0.01) and EA (p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to explore other relevant social and family dimensions, to promote intervention programs with parents, school and community, as well as healthy practices policies. The intervention in these age groups is critical for a longer-term impact in improving healthy life habits.

scholarly journals Contested or complementary healing paradigms? Women’s narratives of COVID-19 remedies in Mwanza, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerry Mshana ◽  
Zaina Mchome ◽  
Diana Aloyce ◽  
Esther Peter ◽  
Saidi Kapiga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Belief Systems ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Women's Narratives ◽  
Traditional Remedies ◽  
Traditional Therapies ◽  
Audio Files ◽  
Smart Mobile ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
African Setting

Abstract Background COVID-19 has caused worldwide fear and uncertainty. Historically, the biomedical disease paradigm established its dominance in tackling emerging infectious illnesses mainly due to innovation in medication and advances in technology. Traditional and religious remedies have emerged as plausible options for prevention and treatment of COVID-19, especially in Africa and Asia. The appeal of religious and traditional therapies against COVID-19 in the African setting must be understood within the historical, social, and political context. This study explored how women and community members dealt with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods This study was conducted in Nyamagana and Ilemela districts of Mwanza, Tanzania, between July and August 2020. We conducted 18 mobile phone in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of women aged 27–57 years participating in an existing longitudinal study. For safety reasons, smart mobile phones were used to collect the data. Each interview was audio recorded after obtaining verbal consent from the participants. The audio files were transferred to computers for analysis. Four researchers conducted a multistage, inductive analysis of the data. Results Participants reported wide use and perceived high efficacy of traditional remedies and prayer to prevent and treat suspected symptoms of COVID-19. Use was either alone or combined with public health recommendations such as hand washing and crowd avoidance. Despite acknowledging that a pathogen causes COVID-19, participants attested to the relevance and power of traditional herbal medication and prayer to curb COVID-19. Four main factors underline the symbolic efficacy of the traditional and religious treatment paradigms: personal, communal, and official reinforcement of their efficacy; connection to local knowledge and belief systems; the failure of biomedicine to offer a quick and effective solution; and availability. Conclusions In the context of emerging contagious illnesses, communities turn to resilient and trusted treatment paradigms to quell fear and embrace hope. To tackle emerging infections effectively, it is essential to engage the broader sociopolitical landscape, including communal considerations of therapeutic efficacy.

scholarly journals Family Meals, Conviviality and the Mediterranean Diet among Families with Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2499
Author(s):  
Andrea de la Torre-Moral ◽  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Albert Fornieles-Deu ◽  
F. Xavier Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Meal Composition

Two aspects that characterize the Mediterranean diet (MD) are “what” and “how” we eat. Conviviality relates to “how” we eat and to the pleasure of sharing meals with significant people. The most studied concept is “family meals”, which includes conviviality, which involves “enjoying” family meals. Given the lack of research on convivial family meals in Mediterranean countries, the purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the family meal representations and practices of families with 12- to 16-year-old adolescents to assess whether they responded to a pattern of conviviality, and to examine their association with MD adherence. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted and food frequency and family meal questionnaires were administered. A food pattern analysis was carried out and digital photos of meals were analyzed to examine eating habits and meal composition, respectively. The findings showed that parents believed family meals are a space for socialization and communication. Items relating to the conviviality of family meals identified in the study were meal frequency, meals at the table, lack of digital distractions, pleasant conversations, and time spent on family meals. Attention should be paid to conviviality in Mediterranean families when designing multi-approach strategies to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

scholarly journals Assessment of an Educational Intervention to Improve Healthy Life Habits in Children Living in Vulnerable Socioeconomic Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4495
Author(s):  
María López ◽  
Irene Alcoceba ◽  
María-José Castro ◽  
María-José Cao ◽  
Sara García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Socioeconomic Conditions ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Test Study ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Life Habits

Nutritional condition impacts academic performance and cognitive development. In Peru, the prevalence of chronic undernutrition in children is 6.9%, increasing the risk of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to develop an educational intervention to achieve an improvement in the healthy habits of children in a primary education school in Lima who live in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions. We conducted a prospective quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test study of an educational intervention. The information was collected through the adaptation of the WHO questionnaire “Global School-based Student Health Survey” (GSHS), with anthropometric variables, socioeconomic level, hygiene and eating habits. One hundred eight students from 5 to 13 years old from Arenitas del Mar School in Lima (Peru) participated. The educational intervention improved eating habits. Fruit and vegetable consumption 3 or more times/day (50.9%) increased after the educational intervention (49% vs. 62.9%,) p < 0.0001. There was an improvement in hygiene habits, such as the frequency of handwashing with soap (32.4% vs. 63.9%) and the frequency of weekly bathing 4–6 times/week (25% vs. 47.5%) p < 0.0001. The educational intervention promoted better healthy living behaviors, eating habits and hygiene. This kind of initiative is a crucial tool to establish healthy living habits.

scholarly journals Treatment seeking patterns of the COVID-19 first wave patients: a narrative study from Dhaka, Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 4648
Author(s):  
Nahida Sultana Kazi ◽  
Shahedul Halim Kazi
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Telemedicine Service ◽  
New Era ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Current Article ◽  
Treatment Procedures

Background: The COVID-19 has already taken the lives of 4,088,281 people worldwide. To date, the deadly virus has killed 17,894 people in Bangladesh following a sharp increase in death per day. The current article focuses on the treatment-seeking patterns of COVID-19 patients during the first wave of the pandemic in the country. Methods: This is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 30 respondents selected purposively. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed narratively. Results: The study shows that 28 out of 30 participants pursued treatments from home, whilst, two individuals with comorbidity got admitted to the hospitals for weeks. This indicates that there is an association between comorbidity and hospitalization of the COVID-19 patients. The study reveals that the use of telemedicine service amidst COVID-19 has initiated a new era of health-seeking among people in Bangladesh. Similarly, media and the internet played a significant role in the quick access to information about the pandemic as well as to decide on the response and healing patterns of the participants. Besides the pharmaceutical drugs, using herbs was a common remedial process among the patients in the study. Conclusions: Like other countries, people in Bangladesh are also puzzled about the coronavirus and its treatment procedures. A proper response to the current situation, an effective preparedness policy, and public awareness are crucial for tackling the further destruction resulting from a highly infectious disease. 

scholarly journals Social acceptance of alcohol use in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Ssebunnya ◽  
Caroline Kituyi ◽  
Justine Nabanoba ◽  
Juliet Nakku ◽  
Arvin Bhana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Help Seeking Behavior ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Abstract Background: Alcohol use is part of many cultural, religious and social practices, and provides perceived pleasure to many users. In many societies, alcoholic beverages are a routine part of the social landscape for many in the population. Relatively low rates were reported for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) in a community based survey and facility detection survey conducted in the study site contrary to findings in earlier formative studies where alcohol use was reported to be a major health problem. The aim of this study was to understand reasons for under-reporting and the low detection rate for AUDs, exploring the societal perceptions of alcohol use in the study district. Methods: The study was conducted in Kamuli District (implementation site for the PRIME project). Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected participants that included local and religious leaders, lay people, health workers as well as heavy alcohol drinkers and their spouses. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed 4 thematic areas, which include the extent and acceptability of alcohol use, patterns of alcohol use, perceived health problems associated with alcohol use and help-seeking behavior for persons with alcohol related problems. Results: The findings indicate that alcohol consumption in the study site was common and widely acceptable across all categories of people, with minimal restrictions. Society tends to overlook problems associated with alcohol use except when it is life-threatening. Help-seeking for such problems was therefore reported to be relatively rare. Conclusion: Alcohol was readily available in the community and its consumption widely acceptable with minimal restrictions to the minors. There is low recognition of alcohol use related health problems, resulting in poor help-seeking behavior. Key words: Alcohol, Kamuli, Alcohol Use Disorder, PRIME acceptability

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