Submit to Healthcare Review for Healthcare Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Family Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 16589

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hae-Jin Ko

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Kyungpook National University Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
Interests: family medicine; health promotion; health screening; lifestyle medicine; metabolic disorders; nutrition; obesity; preventive care; primary care; smoking cessation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. A-Sol Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
Interests: family medicine; health promotion; health screening; lifestyle medicine; palliative care; preventive care; primary care; smoking cessation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Primary care provides individualized, continuous, and comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family members, regardless of their age, gender, diseases, and organs. Family medicine devoted to primary care is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of a broad range of conditions. Individualized and continuous care maintains overall health and prevents unnecessary complications; thus, primary care can reduce the overall mortality rate and medical expenses for the general population.

This Special Issue seeks papers (original clinical studies and reviews) related to primary care, disease prevention and screening, chronic disease management, and the following suggested topics. This invitation is addressed to all healthcare providers (e.g., family physicians, general physicians, internal medicine physicians, oncologists, clinical nutrition experts, surgeons, pediatricians, dietitians, and nurses) involved in primary care.

The aim of this Special Issue is to:

Provide information on evidence-based primary care;
Assess the cost-effectiveness of primary healthcare and screening;
Figure out effective management for outpatient care;
Investigate the efficacy and safety of health screening;
Research the clinical evidence of chronic disease management;
Study and review disease prevention, including cancers and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Hae-Jin Ko
Dr. A-Sol Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

family medicine
primary care
preventive care
health screening
cancer screening
chronic disease
cost-effectiveness
smoking cessation
obesity
metabolic disorders
nutritional care
lifestyle medicine

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Violence against Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico

by Leonor Rivera Rivera, Marina Séris Martínez, Luz Myriam Reynales Shigematsu, José Alberto Gómez García, Fernando Austria Corrales, Filiberto Toledano-Toledano, Alberto Jiménez Tapia, Diana Iris Tejadilla Orozco and Claudia I. Astudillo García

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030419 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1958

Abstract

This study measured the prevalence of cases of domestic violence against women and some associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. Data were collected through a remote survey during 2020. The sample included 47,819 women aged 15 years and older. Jointpoint regression and logistic regression models were used. The prevalence of violence was 11.5%, which decreased in July and subsequently increased. The associated factors were being unemployed (OR = 2.01; 95%CI 1.89–2.16); being partially and totally quarantined (OR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.43–1.75 and OR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.32–1.63); being a caregiver of children; being a caregiver of elderly and/or suffering from a chronic illness (OR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.19–1.36; OR = 1.42; 95%CI 1.33–1.53; OR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.47–1.73); losing a family member to COVID-19 (OR = 1.26; 95%CI 1.13–1.41); and binge drinking (OR = 1.94; 95%CI 1.78–2.12). The confinement measures increased gender inequalities, economic problems and workload which further evidenced violence against women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Family Background Issues as Predictors of Mental Health Problems for University Students

by Varisara Luvira, Pat Nonjui, Nisachon Butsathon, Phahurat Deenok and Wilawan Aunruean

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030316 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2378

Abstract

Mental health problems are common among university students. Specific type of family background is one of the important factors contributing to these problems. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of severe mental health problems and the associations between severity and types of problems and family backgrounds. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. We reviewed the database and medical records of 125 university students aged over 18 years who attended the mental health consultation clinic for university students, 123 Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen University, between 1 January and 31 December 2018. The characteristics of the participants were summarized using descriptive statistics. We performed an analysis using logistic regression to obtain the crude and adjusted odds ratio. The proportion of severe mental health problems was 50.4%. The most common problem was learning problems (54.4%). The severity of the problems reported by the students was associated with communication failure in the family (AOR = 3.30 [95% CI: 1.14–9.52], p = 0.027). All students who experienced domestic violence in their family had severe mental health problems. This study re-appraised the utility of the context of the family as a predictor of current problems of university students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)

12 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Evidence-Based Medicine among Northern Saudi Primary Care Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Bashayer Farhan ALruwaili, Ashokkumar Thirunavukkarasu, Aseel Awad Alsaidan, Aliyah Muteb AL-Ruwaili, Ruqayyah Batel Shati Alanazi, Amal Muhaysin B. Alruwaili, Abdullah Odhayb Alruwaili and Afrah Mohaimeed Altaymani

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2285; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10112285 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2250

Abstract

The evidence-based practice of primary care physicians is essential because they are the first line of contact with the local community, and they cater to most of their communities’ health needs. In the current study, in which we used a cross-sectional survey in northern Saudi Arabia, we assessed primary care physicians’ knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers regarding evidence-based medicine (EBM). Of the 300 physicians who participated, less than half had high knowledge (43.7%) and attitude (47.7%) toward EBM. The chi-square test revealed that the knowledge categories were significantly associated with the age group (p = 0.002) and EBM training received in the past five years (p < 0.001), and the attitude categories were significantly associated with nationality (p = 0.008). Of the respondents, 155 (51.7%) used EBM in their daily clinical practice. Through logistic regression analysis, we found that the identified predictors of including EBM in clinical practice were the 31–45-year-old age group (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.65–2.73) and EBM training received during last 5 years (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.35–2.94). We recommend enhancing primary care physicians’ knowledge of EBM and its importance in clinical practice through appropriate training programs. A multi-centric mixed-method survey is warranted in other provinces of the KSA to recognize region-specific training demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)

11 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Geriatric Depression Scale Predicts Glycemic Control in Older Adult with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Longitudinal Study

by Thanitha Sirirak, Pasuree Sangsupawanich, Nahathai Wongpakaran and Wisarut Srisintorn

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101990 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1443

Abstract

The presence of comorbid depression and diabetes is associated with worse glycemic control, higher complication and greater mortality risk than expected by each condition alone. The association between various levels of severity of depressive symptoms and glycemic control over time among type 2 diabetic older patients was unclear. This study aimed to investigate a longitudinal association between depression and HbA1c among type 2 diabetic older patients. Type 2 diabetes patients aged 60 years and above with normal cognition were recruited from the outpatient department from 1 June 2020 to 1 July 2021. The Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS) and HbA1c were assessed at five time points (baseline and every 12 weeks) for 1 year. A linear mixed effect model was used. Of the 161 enrolled participants, 146 completed the study. At baseline, 14% were susceptible to depression or having depression (TGDS score 6 and above), and there was a significant correlation between HbA1c and depression (r = 0.26, p ≤ 0.01). The longitudinal analysis indicated that TGDS was a significant predictor of HbA1c in the next visit, and the relationship was J-shaped. A TGDS below 5 was associated with decreasing HbA1c in the next visit, but the association became positive at a TGDS score at 5 or higher. The presence of significant symptoms of depression was associated with glycemic control in the next 3-month interval OPD visit event, although major depressive disorder has not yet been established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

32 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pharmacological Support for the Treatment of Obesity—Present and Future

by Marcin Kosmalski, Kacper Deska, Bartłomiej Bąk, Monika Różycka-Kosmalska and Tadeusz Pietras

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030433 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6426

Abstract

Obesity is a growing civilization problem, associated with a number of negative health consequences affecting almost all tissues and organs. Currently, obesity treatment includes lifestyle modifications (including diet and exercise), pharmacologic therapies, and in some clinical situations, bariatric surgery. These treatments seem to be the most effective method supporting the treatment of obesity. However, they are many limitations to the options, both for the practitioners and patients. Often the comorbidities, cost, age of the patient, and even geographic locations may influence the choices. The pharmacotherapy of obesity is a fast-growing market. Currently, we have at our disposal drugs with various mechanisms of action (directly reducing the absorption of calories—orlistat, acting centrally—bupropion with naltrexone, phentermine with topiramate, or multidirectional—liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide). The drugs whose weight-reducing effect is used in the course of the pharmacotherapy of other diseases (e.g., glucose-sodium cotransporter inhibitors, exenatide) are also worth mentioning. The obesity pharmacotherapy is focusing on novel therapeutic agents with improved safety and efficacy profiles. These trends also include an assessment of the usefulness of the weight-reducing properties of the drugs previously used for other diseases. The presented paper is an overview of the studies related to both drugs currently used in the pharmacotherapy of obesity and those undergoing clinical trials, taking into account the individual approach to the patient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 611 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Primary Care: Perspective of Application in France and Narrative Review of the Literature

by Bernard Frèche, Julie Salvan, Marie Caroline Roch, Antoine Guerin, Elodie Poupin, Maxime Pichon and Christophe Burucoa

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030397 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1559

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection affects 30% to 40% of people in industrialized countries. Aim: This study aimed to synthesize knowledge on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of Hp infection in general practice in people under 40 years of age. Method: A narrative review of the literature with an inductive content analysis of the articles was performed. Results: The extracted data (22 articles out of 106 included after screening of 965 articles) determined three areas of analysis: indications for screening, methods of screening and diagnosis by non-invasive tests, and treatment modalities. Discussion: Targeted, easily performed screening with noninvasive tests is recommended for patients younger than 45 years of age with no family history of gastric cancer and symptoms of dyspepsia without warning signs. Given their proximity to the general population and their coverage of the territory, general practitioners are ideally positioned. Treatment modalities are well-codified and feasible in primary care. Simplifying the recommendations available to them would optimize the identification of patients at risk and the management of Hp infection. Informing, educating, involving, supporting, and promoting the control of Hp infection in primary care will be future goals. Further research is needed in primary care to evaluate the impact of new procedures on Hp control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Family Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges for Primary Healthcare)

► Show Figures