International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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Dear Colleagues,

COVID-19 has been a significant economic shock to the world and no pandemic may be more devastating in the next few decades. Policy makers are now realigning healthcare service delivery and economic policies to improve our health disaster preparedness. More importantly, the promotion of people’s health through timely embracement of health-promoting lifestyle changes is being internationally advocated. As the 2030 deadline for the final evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) draws near, a proper understanding of the primary healthcare service delivery and health-promoting behaviour changes is fundamental. This will also facilitate achievement of the universal health coverage (UHC) in many countries. This Special Issue has been designed to compile some topical researches on “Primary Care and Health Behaviour Change” with a focus on the analysis of initiatives to achieve universal health coverage; healthcare service demand; healthcare quality, pricing, and consumers’ satisfaction; sedentary lifestyles and management of lifestyle diseases; diet and adequate nutrition for health; health-promoting programme design and impacts; stress management; contemporary health issues; and alternative medicine.

Dr. Abayomi Samuel Oyekale
Guest Editor

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Keywords

universal health coverage
health care service demand
healthcare quality, pricing and consumers’ satisfaction
changes to sedentary lifestyles
management of lifestyle diseases
diets and adequate nutrition for health
health programme design and impacts
stress management
contemporary issues in alternative medicine

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Proximate Healthcare Facilities and Children’s Wait Times in Senegal: An IV-Tobit Analysis

by Abayomi Samuel Oyekale

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(21), 7016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20217016 - 3 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1168

Abstract

Universal health coverage (UHC) defines individuals’ timely access to healthcare services without suffering any health-related financial constraints. The Senegalese government has shown commitments towards achievement of UHC as a way of improving access by the population to quality healthcare services. This is very pertinent for promoting some indicators of under-five health in Senegal. Therefore, this study analyzed the factors influencing sick children’s utilization of the nearest healthcare facilities and their wait times in Senegal. The data were from the Service Provision Assessment (SPA) survey, which was conducted in 2018. The instrumental Tobit regression model was used for data analysis. The results showed that 63.50% and 86.01% of the children utilized health posts and publicly owned facilities, respectively. Also, 98.46% of the children utilized urban facilities. The nearest facilities were utilized by 74.55%, and 78.19% spent less than an hour in the facilities. The likelihood of using the nearest healthcare facilities significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with caregivers’ primary education, higher education, residence in some regions (Fatick, Kaokack, Saint Louis, Sediou, and Tambacounda), and use of private/NGO not-for-profit facilities, but increased with not having visited any other providers, residence in the Kaffrie region, vomiting symptoms, use of health centers, and use of health posts. Moreover, treatment wait times significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the use of nearest facilities, residence in some regions (Diourbel, Kaokack, Matam and Saint Louis), use of private for-profit facilities, use of private not-for-profit facilities, and urban residence, but decreased with secondary education, use of health centers, use of health posts, vomiting symptoms, and showing other symptoms. It was concluded that reduction in wait times and utilization of the nearest healthcare facilities are fundamental to achieving UHC in Senegal. Therefore, more efforts should be integrated at promoting regional and sectoral equities through facilitated public and private healthcare investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Primary Care and Health Behavior Change)

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13 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development and Validation of Protocol Based on Brazilian Dietary Guidelines for Adults with Diabetes Mellitus Who Attended Primary Health Care

by Maísa Miranda Araújo, Nathalia Pizato, Lorrany Santos Rodrigues, Laila Santos de Andrade, Verena Duarte de Moraes, Kênia Mara Baiocchi de Carvalho, Eliane Said Dutra, Patrícia Borges Botelho and Vivian Siqueira Santos Gonçalves

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(10), 5784; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105784 - 10 May 2023

Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Background: To date, there is no protocol providing dietary guidelines to assist health care professionals in counseling Brazilian individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) assisted in primary health care (PHC) according to the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (DGBP). Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a protocol based on the DGBP for health care, non-nutritionist professionals in counseling adults with DM in PHC. Methods: We systematized the recommendations published in the DGBP, the Diabetes Brazilian Society guidelines, and the scientific literature regarding food and nutrition needs of adults with DM. The clarity and relevance were validated by an expert panel (n = 19) and the understanding and applicability were validated by PHC professionals (n = 12). The degree of agreement of the experts was assessed using a Content Validity Index (CVI). Items receiving CVI > 0.8 were considered appropriate. Results: The protocol consisted of six dietary recommendations that encouraged the daily consumption of beans, vegetables, and fruits, advised the avoidance of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods, stimulated eating in appropriate environments, and gave additional guidance addressed to the particularities of DM. The protocol clarity, relevance, and applicability were successfully validated. Conclusion: The protocol supports health care, non-nutritionist professionals in the guidance of dietary recommendations and promoting adequate and healthy eating habits for adults with DM in PHC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Primary Care and Health Behavior Change)

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