International health
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International health · Jan 2021
ReviewChildhood detention during COVID-19 in Italy: building momentum for a comprehensive child protection agenda.
Childhood detention represents an integral part of the public health response to the COVID-19 emergency. Prison conditions in Italy put detained minors at grave risk of contracting sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. To date (29 April 2020), the Italian penitentiary system is housing 161 minors (147 males), most of them in pre-trial custody, as well as 50 children <3 y of age residing with their mothers in detention. ⋯ The fundamental approach to be followed in childhood detention during COVID-19 is prevention of the introduction of infectious agents into detention facilities, limiting the spread within the prison and reducing the possibility of spread from the prison to the outside community. This appears challenging in countries like Italy with intense SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The current COVID-19 pandemic shows the need to provide a comprehensive childhood protection agenda, as the provision of healthcare for people in prisons and other places of detention is a state responsibility.
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International health · Sep 2020
Shared decision making in musculoskeletal pain consultations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.
Global populations, especially those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are at an increased risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, a leading cause of years lived with disability. Shared decision making (SDM) in the management of these conditions may drive improvements in healthcare outcomes and quality. This study aimed to synthesize and appraise available evidence regarding SDM in MSK pain consultations in LMICs. ⋯ SDM is still a relatively 'foreign concept' within consultations and management of MSK pain patients in LMICs. There is a dearth of research in SDM and patient-centred care. Given the socio-economic impact of MSK pain, further research into the value of SDM in LMIC healthcare settings requires further consideration.
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International health · Sep 2020
Management of paediatric burns in low- and middle-income countries: assessing capacity using the World Health Organization Surgical Assessment Tool.
Burns are a leading cause of global disease burden, with children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. Effective management improves outcomes; however, the availability of necessary resources in LMICs remains unclear. We evaluated surgical centres in LMICs using the WHO Surgical Assessment Tool (SAT) to identify opportunities to optimize paediatric burn care. ⋯ LMICs have limited resources to provide paediatric burn care but widely perform many interventions necessary to address the burden of burns. The SAT may not capture innovative and traditional approaches to burn care. There remains an opportunity to improve paediatric burn care globally.
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International health · Oct 2019
Comparative StudyThe mental health and depression of rural-to-urban migrant workers compared to non-migrant workers in Shanghai: a cross-sectional study.
Migrant workers worldwide commonly are susceptible to mental disorders. Since the 1980s, there has been a large-scale increase in the number of migrant workers in China; this development parallels the acceleration of socio-economic transformation. Studies addressing this population rarely focus on workers' mental health or psychological well-being, yet it is imperative to understand the mental health status of rural-to-urban migrant workers and study the relationship between migration and mental health. ⋯ There are numerous potential causes affecting the mental health of Chinese internal migrant workers. Strengthening the construction of healthy organizations and enhancing workers' job satisfaction may improve the mental health status or psychological well-being of this group.
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International health · Sep 2019
Medical donations are not always free: an assessment of compliance of medicine and medical device donations with World Health Organization guidelines (2009-2017).
Medicine and medical device donations have the potential to improve access to healthcare in some of the poorest parts of the world, but can do more harm than good. World Health Organization guidelines advise donors on how to make effective and useful donations. Our objective was to assess compliance of recent medicine or medical device donations with WHO guidelines from 2009 onwards. ⋯ More effective donations involved needs assessments, training and the use of existing distribution networks. The donation of medicines and medical devices is frequently inadequately reported and at times inappropriate. Guidelines need to be enforced to ensure effective donations.