Search Results (183)

Background: Considering the significant impact on quality of life and the chronic nature of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), seeking healthcare is also part of the reality of individuals with this disorder. However, cultural differences and similarities in the experiences of individuals with TMD have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to describe and compare the experiences, beliefs, and sociocultural factors of Brazilian and Spanish individuals with TMD, focusing on their perceptions of the disorder, diagnostic pathways, information-seeking behaviors, and treatment expectations. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. A purposive sample of 50 participants (25 Brazilian, 25 Spanish), aged 18–50 and diagnosed with TMD according to DC/TMD criteria, was recruited. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Six themes emerged, revealing both similarities and differences between the groups. Brazilian participants reported uncertainty about which professional to consult and difficulty accessing specialized care. In contrast, Spanish participants frequently sought physical therapists as their first option and identified them as primary sources of information. Beliefs about TMD etiology varied across samples. Treatment expectations also differed. Brazilians emphasized the difficulty of obtaining effective care, while Spanish participants perceived physiotherapy as being limited to muscular disorders. Perceptions of occlusal splint effectiveness showed variation between the groups. Conclusions: These findings underscore the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches to patient care that address not only clinical aspects, but also the sociocultural context that influences health behaviors. Full article

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the least survivable malignancy, with five-year survival below 10%. Its vague, non-specific symptoms contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Targeted education for healthcare professionals, students, patients, carers, and the public may improve awareness, confidence, and early help-seeking. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on pancreatic cancer education, identifying intervention types, outcomes, and gaps in knowledge. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed studies evaluating educational interventions on pancreatic cancer for healthcare students, professionals, patients, carers, or the public. Grey literature was excluded to maintain a consistent methodological standard. Data were charted and synthesised narratively. Results: Nine studies (2018–2024) met inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income countries. Interventions targeted students and professionals (n = 3), patients (n = 2), the public (n = 2), or mixed groups (n = 2), using modalities such as team-based learning, workshops, virtual reality, serious games, and digital animations. Four interrelated themes were identified, encompassing (1) Self-efficacy; (2) Knowledge; (3) Behavior; and (4) Acceptability. Digital and interactive approaches demonstrated particularly strong engagement and learning gains. Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer education shows clear potential to enhance knowledge, confidence, and engagement across diverse audiences. Digital platforms offer scalable opportunities but require quality assurance and long-term evaluation to sustain impact. The evidence base remains limited and fragmented, highlighting the need for validated outcome measures, longitudinal research, and greater international representation to support the integration of education into a global pancreatic cancer control strategy. Future studies should also evaluate how educational interventions influence clinical practice and real-world help-seeking behaviour. Full article

Background: The 2022 Pakistan floods devastated healthcare access for pregnant women in already impoverished areas in Sindh province. This study examines how Cash for Health assistance (CH) of USD 112 alleviated financial burdens and improved maternal health outcomes and resilience, bridging a critical literature gap on cash effectiveness in humanitarian crises. Methodology: This study used a mixed-methods approach to assess the CH assistance intervention for families of pregnant/lactating women in flood-affected rural Sindh, Pakistan. A pre-post quantitative analysis of baseline (May–June 2024) and endline (August–November 2024) survey data in ~100 villages (Jamshoro/Sehwan) examined changes in healthcare access, expenditure, and preferences using t-tests, proportion tests, and multivariable regression. Concurrently, five qualitative case studies from key informant interviews provided thematic content analysis, triangulating findings on economic, health, and social impacts. Results: Respondents predominantly had low literacy rates and were from households of daily wage laborers in vulnerable, flood-affected areas. While income and education remained low, instances of forgone care due to financial barriers increased (68% to 97%, p < 0.001). CH significantly improved healthcare access (58% to 98%, p < 0.001). Access to regular physicians (20% to 69%) and private facilities (10% to 41%) notably expanded. Healthcare expenditure significantly increased from USD 9.3 to USD 25, with a shift in spending preference towards medication, consultations, and diagnostics. CH also significantly improved food security (21% to 97%), meal frequency, and overall household stability, including reducing domestic violence. Qualitative data emphasized pre-existing vulnerabilities and CH’s role in addressing health, nutrition, and psychosocial needs. Conclusions: CH significantly improved healthcare access and reduced financial burdens for vulnerable pregnant women post-disaster. However, a sustainable impact requires integrated “cash plus” models, combining financial aid with stronger health systems, psychosocial support, and literacy for long-term resilience. Full article

Dental phobia is a disabling yet underdiagnosed condition that prevents many patients from seeking essential oral healthcare, leading to avoidable pain, disease progression, and reduced quality of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely supported psychological intervention for specific phobias and has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing dental anxiety and avoidance. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence on CBT applications for phobia management, with particular emphasis on dental settings. In addition to reviewing established mechanisms of CBT, this paper highlights emerging adjunctive approaches such as virtual reality, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and hypnosis. Special attention is given to pediatric populations, trauma-exposed individuals, and patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, who are often underrepresented in clinical research. The findings underscore the central role of CBT in addressing dental phobia while identifying gaps in standardized protocols, long-term outcomes, and accessibility across diverse healthcare contexts. Future research should prioritize controlled trials, cultural adaptations, and the integration of psychological training into dental curricula to enhance the translation of evidence into everyday practice. Full article

Background: Modern rehabilitation approaches, encompassing physical, emotional, and social aspects, are gaining momentum in healthcare systems worldwide; however, their acceptance and effectiveness vary across different cultural contexts. Objective: This narrative review aims to produce a culturally informed overview of barriers and enablers, highlighting possible strategies to better align evidence-based rehabilitation with Saudi sociocultural realities. Methods: Drawing on literature from 2010 to 2024, this narrative review was conducted by searching the peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and the Saudi Digital Library using focused keywords. PICO framework was used to define inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant studies addressing cultural influences on rehabilitation adoption were included. Results: 1565 articles were initially identified from PubMed, Scopus, and the Saudi Digital Library. After careful screening, eight articles were included in the narrative review. We witnessed key factors relevant to the context of Saudi Arabia deriving health-seeking behaviors to be modesty, fatalism, family support, and religion. Factors possibly associated with the influence of physical therapy rehabilitation were gender, communication barriers, traditional healing practices, and culture and parental involvement. Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, rehabilitation service utilization and practices may be prone to cultural factors. It is of utmost importance that healthcare providers step in and make sure that they sensitize themselves with cultural-specific awareness, knowledge, and competency to deliver optimal rehabilitation healthcare services that meet the standards and needs of the Saudi community. Full article

Background: This study investigates the association between diagnostic delay (DD) and clinical and behavioral variables among Japanese women with endometriosis, and explores an optimal cut-off point distinguishing short and long DD. Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 220 Japanese women aged 18–49 diagnosed with endometriosis. Data on healthcare behaviors, economic expenditures, and disease-specific outcomes were analyzed by stratifying participants based on DD length. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied. Results: the mean age at initial symptom onset was 24.3 years, and at diagnosis, 27.7 years. The median DD was 1.5 years, with significant differences between short and long DD groups (p < 0.001). Longer DD was significantly associated with greater use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication (p = 0.008) and a higher proportion of Stage IV endometriosis (p = 0.022). Conclusions: diagnostic delays longer than 1.5 years may contribute to disease progression and reliance on self-management, potentially postponing medical consultation. Early intervention strategies, including screenings and public awareness, may promote timely healthcare-seeking behavior. Future studies should prioritize clinical assessments and early diagnosis to reduce the burden of advanced disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Timely initiation of antenatal care (ANC) services is crucial for ensuring maternal and fetal well-being. Despite the importance of ANC, research regarding its initiation remains limited in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, an area with notable adverse birth outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess pregnant women’s initiation of ANC and identify associated factors and significant barriers for timely initiation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 Saudi pregnant women in their third trimester attending ANC clinics in the Jazan region in 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Andersen’s behavioral model of healthcare utilization provided the framework for the study. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The majority of women (78.9%) initiated ANC in the first trimester. Higher maternal education was positively associated with early ANC initiation (aOR = 2.369, 95% CI: 1.154–4.901), whereas higher paternal education was negatively associated with early ANC initiation (aOR = 0.350, 95% CI: 0.175–0.699). When modeled independently, the positive association of higher maternal education was attenuated but was not significant, while the negative association of higher husband’s education remained the same. Those living more than three km from health facilities (aOR = 0.510, 95% CI: 0.276–0.941) and seeking care for reasons other than routine follow-up were less likely to initiate ANC early. Most women received essential services, but only 37.1% had ultrasound tests. Conclusions: While ANC initiation in Jazan showed promising trends, factors like geographical accessibility remain a significant barrier. Targeted interventions should address these identified barriers, which fall within predisposing, enabling, need, and external environmental factors. Further investigations of pregnant women’s familial decision-making and low ultrasound test utilization in relation to ANC are recommended. Full article

Background/Objectives: As healthcare increasingly utilizes digital delivery systems, equitable access and engagement are critical, particularly for caregivers of older adults in rural regions. This study examines how education levels and geographic rurality influence health information-seeking in Mississippi, a state with persistent structural inequities, through the theoretical lenses of Digital Divide Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior. Methods: A statewide survey was conducted among caregivers in Mississippi (N = 452) who support adults aged 50+. The survey assessed rurality level, educational attainment, attitudes toward various health information sources, perceived digital accessibility, and reported challenges in obtaining necessary health guidance. Results: Findings challenged conventional assumptions regarding rural digital engagement. Rural caregivers reported higher trust in both internet and interpersonal health information sources. Rurality did not significantly predict internet use or reported difficulty finding information. However, a significant interaction between education and rurality revealed an “Outcome Divide”: while higher education correlated with more positive attitudes toward online health information in urban areas, this association weakened and reversed in highly rural contexts. Conclusions: These results underscore the need for strategies beyond merely improving access to bridge digital health equity gaps. Policy and interventions must address contextual barriers, such as digital health literacy and relevance, limiting the effectiveness of digital tools, even when internet access is available. Promoting digital health literacy, integrating trusted local interpersonal networks, and adapting educational initiatives to rural realities are essential for advancing equitable and effective digital health engagement. Full article

As competition intensifies in the global medical tourism industry, countries are increasingly seeking effective marketing strategies to enhance their market share. Developing such strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of the expenditure patterns of medical tourists, particularly in emerging destinations with limited historical involvement in medical tourism. This study aims to examine the expenditure characteristics of medical tourists with respect to treatment type, gender, religion, and country of origin. Empirical data were collected from 288 medical tourists (response rate: 82%) receiving healthcare services in Turkey, an emerging hub for medical tourism. Cross-tabulation analyses and chi-square tests of independence revealed statistically significant differences in expenditures based on the aforementioned characteristics. The findings indicate that, on average, female, non-Muslim tourists from developed countries spent more than their male, Muslim, and developing-country counterparts. Additionally, aesthetic treatments accounted for the highest average expenditures among all treatment types. This study offers valuable insights into the expenditure behavior of medical tourists in Turkey, contributing to the broader understanding of competition in the medical tourism sector. These findings can inform the development of strategic roadmaps and targeted marketing approaches in emerging medical tourism markets. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, creating a significant burden on healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, 1.5 million new cases are reported annually, though the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting. The main risk factor is UV radiation, with additional contributors such as smoking, older age, and outdoor work. Basal cell carcinoma (70–80%) and squamous cell carcinoma are the most prevalent non-pigmented skin cancers. This study assessed the knowledge of patients undergoing surgical treatment for facial skin cancer regarding risk factors, prevention, treatment, and health-related behaviors. The goal was to guide educational strategies aimed at reducing disease incidence and improving outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 220 patients treated at the UCK Department of Plastic Surgery (April–August 2024) was conducted. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires on demographics, medical history, beliefs about lesions, and sun-protective behaviors. Clinical data included tumor location, size, histopathology, and excision completeness. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients were on average 71 years old; 61% had a secondary education. Sun protection habits varied by education and gender. SPF use was higher among those with higher education (79.55%) and among women (55.83%). SPF users had smaller lesion diameters (p < 0.001). However, 71% delayed seeking care for over a year, often due to misperceptions. Conclusions: There is a notable lack of awareness about skin cancer, especially prevention and early detection. Education and gender influence protective behaviors. Tailored educational initiatives may help reduce incidence and promote earlier diagnosis. Full article

Background: Foot injuries are common among Umrah pilgrims due to prolonged walking, overcrowded conditions, and inadequate preventive measures, such as inappropriate footwear or walking barefoot. Despite their potential impact on mobility and overall pilgrimage experience, these conditions remain underreported and insufficiently addressed in public health strategies. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and types of foot problems among Umrah pilgrims, examine their associations with demographic characteristics and comorbidities, analyze the utilization of medical attention for foot pain, and assess the use of preventive measures to reduce foot-related health risks during the pilgrimage. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted throughout the 2024 G (1445 H) Umrah season at the Grand Mosque, Makkah. The study recruited 1138 Umrah pilgrims aged 18 and older who performed the pilgrimage. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, foot conditions, medical-attention-seeking behavior, and preventive practices. Pilgrims with pre-existing foot conditions were excluded from participation. Results: Foot diseases were reported by 46% of participants. The most common foot injuries included sprains/strains (18.7%) and muscle pain/cramps (4.9%), with the leg and forefoot being the most affected areas. Significant associations were observed between foot diseases and lower education levels (p = 0.03), chronic liver disease (p = 0.04), and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.04). Despite the high prevalence of foot-related conditions, only 9.6% sought medical attention, and 14.9% reported using preventive measures. Conclusions: The study highlights a substantial burden of foot problems among Umrah pilgrims, with limited utilization of healthcare services and preventive strategies. Targeted interventions, including educational campaigns and improved screening for high-risk individuals, are essential for enhancing foot health and ensuring a safer pilgrimage experience. Full article

Background: Ambatoboeny District in northern Madagascar faces significant health challenges due to widespread poverty, poor access to healthcare, and limited diagnostic capabilities. Despite high disease burden, data on morbidity patterns in the region are scarce. This study aims to identify the most prevalent diseases and most affected demographic groups, thus providing valuable insight into the region’s health profile. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records from 3678 patients who were admitted at Clinique Médicale BEYZYM, a secondary-level referral facility in Manerinerina, Boeny Region between January and December 2024. Diagnoses were retrieved from physician registration ledgers, hospitalization records, monthly laboratory reports, monthly general hospital activity reports and monthly reports from Centre de Traitement et de Diagnostic de la Tuberculose, which were cross-referenced and verified by trained clinical staff. Records were included if they contained identifiable demographic data and at least one clinical diagnosis. Diagnoses were coded using ICD-11 and were classified into 15 major categories. Results: The median patient age was 19.5 years (IQR: 7–42), with females accounting for 54% of the cohort. Most patients (87.2%) resided in Ambatoboeny. The most common reasons for admission were infectious and parasitic diseases (35.75%, 95% CI: 34.20–37.30), respiratory diseases (22.73%, 95% CI: 21.38–24.08), and diseases of the genitourinary system (13.95%, 95% CI: 12.83–15.07), collectively accounting for 72.43% of all recorded cases. Statistically significant differences in morbidity patterns were observed across age and sex groups. Conclusions: The findings underscore the multifaceted burden of disease in the Ambatoboeny District, where both infectious and chronic conditions coexist in a resource-limited setting. Delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, cultural beliefs, and diagnostic limitations further complicate care delivery. This study provides foundational data to inform targeted health policies, humanitarian medical missions, and diagnostic capacity-building tailored to local needs. Full article

Grounded in health behavior theory, this study examined patterns of preventive health behavior in a culturally diverse, multilingual region of northern Italy using data from a representative population survey (n = 2090). Preventive behaviors were assessed using the 16-item Good Health Practices (GHP-16) scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five behavioral profiles, ranging from ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Comprehensive High Engagers’. Binary logistic regression compared ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Broadly Moderate Preventers’, examining predictors including gender, age, education, language, chronic disease status, health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16), patient activation (PAM-10), mistrust of health information, living situation, and healthcare employment. The results showed that men, younger adults, individuals with low patient activation, those living alone, and respondents with high mistrust of health information had higher odds of belonging to the low engagement group. Health literacy and language group membership were not significantly associated with the profile membership. Item-level comparisons revealed gender differences in information-seeking, oral hygiene, and dietary behaviors, with men reporting lower engagement. These findings support a segmentation-based understanding of preventive health behavior and highlight the need to address personal capacities and contextual barriers in interventions while challenging assumptions of uniformly higher female health vigilance. Full article

Background: Telehealth is an essential component of modern healthcare, and it was especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, but disparities in digital and technological literacy among health professionals may limit its equitable adoption and impact. Objective: This study seeks to validate an eight-item telehealth literacy survey among health professionals in Central–South Chile and to examine demographic and behavioral determinants of literacy levels, developing predictive models to identify key factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2182 health professionals from urban and rural centers in Central–South Chile completed the adapted survey along with questions on age, gender, nationality, and frequency of telehealth use. We assessed internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), explored factor structure via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and tested associations using Pearson correlations, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and both linear and multinomial logistic regressions. Results: The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.92) and a two-factor structure explaining 65% of variance. Age negatively correlated with literacy (r = −0.26; p < 0.001), while the frequency of telehealth use showed a positive correlation (r = 0.26; p < 0.001). Female professionals and those in urban settings scored significantly higher on telehealth literacy (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). The reduced multinomial model achieved moderate classification accuracy (51.65%) in distinguishing low, medium, and high literacy groups. Conclusions: The validated survey is a reliable tool for assessing telehealth literacy among health professionals in Chile. The findings highlight age, gender, and geographic disparities, and support targeted digital literacy interventions to promote equitable telehealth practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCW) have increased the risk of occupational stress injuries and adverse mental health outcomes, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding HCW psychological distress patterns and help-seeking behaviors can inform responsive resource development that may mitigate negative outcomes in future crises. This paper provides insights on monthly trends in HCW distress and support utilization at a large Canadian hospital over a 14-month period. Methods: As part of a hospital-wide wellness initiative during COVID-19, the STEADY program emailed monthly confidential wellness assessments to hospital staff from April 2020 to May 2021. The assessments included screens for burnout, anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress, types of support accessed, and demographic information. Repeated cross-sectional data were summarized as monthly proportions and examined alongside longitudinal COVID-19 data. Results: A total of 2498 wellness assessments were submitted (M = ~168 monthly, range: 17–945). Overall, 67% of assessments had at least one positive screen for distress. Average positive screens were 44% for anxiety, 29% for depression, 31% for posttraumatic stress, and 53% for burnout. Despite high distress, most respondents used informal supports (e.g., family/friends), highlighting limited formal support use. Conclusions: HCWs experienced sustained high levels of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, with burnout remaining a predominant and persistent concern. The limited use of formal support services may indicate barriers to accessing these types of supports. Our findings underscore the need for accessible and acceptable mental health supports for HCW during prolonged crises. Full article