Affordability, Accessibility, and Quality of Maternal Health Care Services and Level of Satisfaction of Mothers in Rural Areas in China

Objective:This study aimed to understand the affordability,accessibility,and quality of maternal and child health services for postpartum mothers,and their impact on satisfaction.Methods:The study utilized the Anderson model and revised the Maternal Pregnancy and Perinatal Health Service Questionnaire.A survey was conducted among 289 mothers aged 20–49 in Feicheng City.Results:Regarding accessibility,most respondents(133)reported that travel time to healthcare services exceeded 60 minutes,while 99 respondents indicated a travel time of 16–30 minutes.The issue of affordability was highlighted,with 86.85%of participants perceiving maternal healthcare services as costly,indicating a significant financial burden.More than 50%of respondents were satisfied with two specific dimensions(P<0.05)regarding the quality of maternal healthcare services.Conclusion:The study found that accessibility,affordability,and quality significantly affect mothers’satisfaction with maternal health services.Future research should focus on developing more suitable service pathways for rural mothers.

Mental health services in rural India: challenges and prospects

Mental health services in India are neglected area which needs immediate attention from the government, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Despite, National Mental Health Programme since 1982 and National Rural Health Mission, there has been a very little effort so far to provide mental health services in rural areas. With increase in population, changing life-style, unemployment, lack of social support and increasing insecurity, it is predicted that there would be a substantial increase in the number of people suffering from mental illness in rural areas. Considering the mental health needs of the rural community and the treatment gap, the paper is an attempt to remind and advocate for rural mental health services and suggest a model to reduce the treatment gap.

Improving Demand for Health Services with the Involvement of Community Health Workers: A Case Study of Community Dynamics at Mosango Rural Health Zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: DRC is one of Sub-Saharan Africa country with high infant and maternal mortality. The major problem is the underuse of health services because of inaccessibility on all fronts and also the population under-information to the health and development problems. Community participation is one of the basic requirements and basic principles of the Primary Health Care to solve this problem. That is why we choose Mosango RHZ to assess the improvement of demand for health services with the involvement of community health workers. Methods: We conduct a cross-sectional study carried out in Mosango RHZ in 2019. The study combined a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) based on the realist evaluation approach which takes into account the Context-Mechanisms-Effects explained in the conceptual framework model. Results: Four predictive factors determine the improvement of health indicators with the involvement of CHWS in activities of the Mosango RHZ: Having attended school (p = 0.000;OR = 0.150);Having sufficient theoretical knowledge on malaria, diarrhoea, pneumonia, malnutrition, availability of inputs to treat these diseases (p = 0.004;OR = 0.192);Having taken the training as CHWS and Having undergone more than one training as CHW (p = 0.013;OR = 0.074). This result corroborated with other studies carried in low- and middle-income countries like DRC. Conclusion: The involvement of CHWs on improving demand for health services is effective in Mosango RHZ. The improvement of health service indicators and the effectiveness of this community intervention were conditioned by capacity building of the CHWs, the availability of inputs and the involvement of the community in the activities of the health zone through the Community Action Cells.

Impact of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme on Health Care Service Utilization in Rural China

Using the 2000, 2004, and 2006 CHNS longitudinal survey data and econometric methods （random-effect probit regression model and DID methods）, this study conducted an empirical analysis to estimate the impact of NCMS. The major conclusions are as follows. First, predisposing factors, enabling factors, health care need factors, and lifestyle factors affect health care utilization. Second, results using DID methods indicate that NCMS did not affect health care service utilization （outpatient and inpatient） of individuals when ill, but it might increase the possibility of getting a health examination. Third, there is no difference in health care service utilization （both outpatient and inpatient） between the NCMS enrollment group and the non-enrollment group in both working age group （15-59） and the elderly group （60 and over）. Therefore, it can be said that NCMS did not affect the health care utilization in both the group. However, NCMS positively affects disease prevention behavior （visiting the hospital to receive a health examination） in the working age group, but the effect did not appear in the elderly group.

On Rural Medical Care and Health Undertaking Development during New Medical Reform

Based on in-depth survey of township hospitals in Lushan County of Henan Province, this paper studies the development situations of rural medical care and health undertaking in the course of new medical reform. Results show that both rural medical institution and public health undertaking have considerable development in this course. Working capital situation gradually turns better. However, there are still problems and challenge of shortage of high quality medical care personnel, lack of employment mechanism, poor medical environment, and imperfect bidding and purchasing system of medicines. To further develop rural medical situation, it should improve medical environment, speed up informationization construction, and give prominence to functional orientation.

Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Social Determinants among Married Female Rural-to-urban Migrants in Two Metropolises,China

Reproductive health（RH） education and services of female migrants in China have become an important health issue.This research aimed to investigate the RH knowledge and utilization among married female migrants,and to explore the influencing factors from the perspectives of population and sociology.We conducted a cross-section survey in Shenzhen and Wuhan,China,using the purposive sampling method.A total of 1021 rural-to-urban married migrants were recruited,with 997 valid survey results obtained.A face-to-face structured questionnaire survey was used,with primary focus on knowledge of fertility,contraception,family planning policy and sexual transmitted diseases/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome（STD/AIDs）,and RH service utilization.The results showed that the RH service utilization（38.0%） was at a low level in married migrants and the accessibility of RH service was poor.Females who migrated to（OR=0.32） Wuhan obtained fewer RH consultations than those in Shenzhen.The workers with high school education received additional RH consultations and checkup services than those with other background education,apart from the white collar workers who received extra RH consultations and checkup services than the blue collar workers（P〈0.05）.We can draw a conclusion that the utilization of RH services in married female migrants remains at a low level in China.RH service utilization can be improved via the relevant health departments by enhancing the responsibility of maternal and health care in the community health service center.

The impact of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme on the“health poverty alleviation”of rural households in China

This study investigates the impact of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme(NRCMS)on rural households to escape poverty.We employ the instrumental variable method,the IVProbit model,to analyze the national data from the rural-resident field survey by the China Family Panel Studies(CFPS)in 2016.Based on the large-scale data,we found that,first,the hospitalization of family members is the key factor in increasing the risk of the family falling into poverty.The NRCMS has significantly reduced the likely risk of falling into poverty.Second,the impact of the NRCMS on poverty alleviation varies among groups with different levels of income.There is no impact on the upper-middle and high-income groups;in contrast,the NRCMS has substantially improved the capacity of low-income rural families to prevent poverty due to illness,especially for the lower-middle-income group.Third,there exist significant regional differences in the impact of NRCMS on the health poverty alleviation of rural households in China.The NRCMS has successfully reduced the risk of rural households in the western region falling into poverty,simultaneously,no significant impact on those in the eastern and central regions.In order to diminish and eliminate poverty eventually and boost rural residents'capacity for income acquisition,we propose the following:raise the actual compensation ratio of the NRCMS,control the rising expense of NRCMS by promoting the payment method reform,construct the comprehensive healthcare system in the western region,strengthen the medical security for the poor in remote area,and enhance the living environment for rural residents.

Knowledge and Skills for Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections by Rural Medical Practitioners in Bangladesh

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) management is considered rudimentary among rural medical practitioners (RMPs) in Bangladesh. We sought to understand the level of knowledge and skills in STI management and to assess the impact of a two-day training orientation among RMPs in Tangail district. Data were collected through a baseline survey of 225 practicing RMPs in the study area and a three-month follow-up survey of 99 RMPs who participated in a two-day STI/HIV orientation training. The level of formal training among RMPs ranged from none (22.7%), to paramedical training (14.7%) and local medical assistant training (62.6%). The baseline survey revealed a low level of STI/HIV knowledge and misconceptions about the transmission of STI/HIV among RMPs. RMPs mostly prescribed first line antibiotics for treatment of common reproductive tract infections (RTIs) including STIs, but they rarely prescribed the correct dosages according to the national RTI/STI management guidelines. Only 3% of RMPs were able to correctly answer all four HIV transmission (unprotected sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, needle sharing and mother to child transmission) questions at baseline, while 94.9% of RMPs answered all four correctly at three months following the training (p = 0.001). Only 10% of RMPs reported suggesting the recommended drug (azithromycin) and only 2% mentioned about the recommended dosage (2 gm single dose) for the treatment of urethritis/cervicitis;compared to 49.5% suggested azithromycin at follow-up with 39.4% mentioned the recommended 2 gm single dose (p = 0.001). Our study found low level of knowledge and poor practices related RTI/STI management among RMPs. Short orientation training and education intervention shown promise to increase knowledge and management skills for RTIs/STIs.

Health Training Needs at Primary Care Level Health Facilities in Rural Western Uganda

Introduction: Continual education is recognized worldwide as a tool for the professional development of health care practitioners. It is however effective when the training targets the appropriate needs of the target beneficiaries. This study was therefore aimed at identifying priority training needs of Primary Care Level health professionals in rural Western Uganda. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey among 35 rural community health facilities represented by their managers in rural Western Uganda. Participants were invited to Mbarara University of Science and Technology and responded to a self-administered questionnaire and also participated in qualitative group discussions guided by Facilitators from the Community Based Education and Research Services unit within the Community Health Department of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Priority health training needs were determined based on the computed weighted scores. Results: The majority of managers of rural primary care level health facilities were medical officers by the level of training (51.43%) and male by gender (68.57%). Priority health training needs identified were child health and maternal health with total weighted scores of 12.0 and 10.9 respectively. Qualitatively, emerging themes included;leadership and management, and supervisory roles during student field attachments. Conclusion: Priority health training needs at rural Primary Care level health facilities were child health, maternal health, leadership and management, and supervisory skills. There is dire need to train rural primary care level, health professionals. In-service training based on identified needs should be offered by MUST in partnership with regional stakeholders. This is likely to enhance the quality of services provided by rural primary care level health facilities.

Research on Rural Public Service System Based on the Data of "The Eleventh Five-Year Plan"

Rural public service is the services provided to rural residents to fulfill the needs of agricultural production, development of rural economy and improvement of peasant's living standard. Improving rural public service system is good for promoting the development of rural economy, enhancing the quality of peasant's living standard, narrowing the gap between rural and urban areas and constructing socialistic harmonious society. Currently, our rural power grid construction can meet the essential needs of economic and social development in rural areas. Rural water conservancy structure also fulfills the needs of agricultural production and peasant's life. Rural traffic condition has an obvious improvement. Education, culture, medical care and other public services all have a general enhancement. However, comparing to the city, rural public service system still exists some problems including imperfect infrastructures, low-quality education and medical treatment, low-level living environment and so on. Therefore, it is needed to establish a long-acting system of rural public service to boost the reform of rural basic education, improve the facilities of rural medical treatment, promote the reform of rural cooperative medical service, enhance the management of rural governance and improve the quality of rural life and environment.

Zibo MATO village public health service development present situation and problem analysis

Rural public health services in the relationship of farmers＇ quality of life and health, and the farmers＇ interests is closely related to the public, is very important to build a new socialist countryside. In national attention and support of the rural public health services in the development of big situation, based on the zibo MATO village as an example, the public health service development present situation has carried on the brief analysis, and describes the Jane MATO village problems of public health service.

Current Rural Medical Service in China

In contrast to the great changes that have taken place in the Chi- nese economy, China is confronting with a rural health crisis. Statistics shows that about 40-60% of the people in rural areas fail to see a doctor when they get sick simply because they cannot afford it and 70% of the people impoverished due to diseases. In the western part of the country, 60-80% of the patient farmers have to die at home. Part of the Chinese farmers has been thrown into an endless cycle of disease-poverty-disease. Health has become a problem that the farmers are most concerned about.

40 Years of Rural Cooperative Medical Service

Our story dates from 40 years ago, on August 10, 1966, when China＇s first institution of rural medical service was inaugurated at a county called Changyang, Hubei Province, Central China, where people of Tujia, an ethnic minority group, live in compact communities. It was actually a clinic at a Dujia Village in the county, which charged itself with the task of making primary or basic medical care available and affordable-- to all the villagers. China has undergone tremendous changes since then, and now its economy becoming increasingly market-oriented. Despite that, rural cooperative medical service has kept expanding at Changyang though having experienced twists and turns over the past four decades. The county has been chosen by the central authorities to try out a new type of rural medical service, which in many ways is different from the old pioneered by Dujia in Changyang County.

Going the Distance A telemedicine company uses technology to meet Africa’s rural medical needs with prime health care

We have a scarcity of health care professionals in the rural areas and therefore we can offer medical services from a distance to the underserved rural population.

Outcome of treatment seeking rural gamblers attending a nurse-led cognitive-behaviour therapy service:A pilot study

Objectives:Little is known about the differences between urban and rural gamblers in Australia,in terms of comorbidity and treatment outcome.Health disparities exist between urban and rural areas in terms of accessibility,availability,and acceptability of treatment programs for problem gamblers.However,evidence supporting cognitivebehaviour therapy as the main treatment for problem gamblers is strong.This pilot study aimed to assess the outcome of a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT)treatment program offered to urban and rural treatment-seeking gamblers.Methods:People who presented for treatment at a nurse-led Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT)gambling treatment service were invited to take part in this study.A standardised clinical assessment and treatment service was provided to all participants.A series of validated questionnaires were given to all participants at(a)assessment,(b)discharge,(c)at a one-month,and(d)at a 3-month follow-up visit.Results:Differences emerged between urban and rural treatment-seeking gamblers.While overall treatment outcomes were much the same at three months after treatment,rural gamblers appeared to respond more rapidly and to have sustained improvements over time.Conclusion:This study suggests that rural problem gamblers experience different levels of co-morbid anxiety and depression from their urban counterparts,but once in treatment appear to respond quicker.ACBT approach was found to be effective in treating rural gamblers and outcomes were maintained.Ensuring better availability and access to such treatment in rural areas is important.Nurses are in a position as the majority health professional in rural areas to provide such help.

Gender differences in mental health service utilization among respondents reporting depression in a national health survey

This study examined whether people who self-reported depression sought mental health treatment in the year after being interviewed, and how gender affected utilization. Depression data were obtained from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2000-01), and linked to medical records in Ontario (n = 24,677). Overall, women had higher rates of mental health service utilization, but there were no gender differences in rates of specialist care. The gender difference in mental health contact was greater for those without depression, as opposed to those with depression. Among those without depression, women were significantly more likely than men to use mental health services;however, rates were similar for women and men with depression. This finding suggests that men may be more likely than women to delay seeing a doctor for minor mental health concerns, but will seek help once a problem reaches a threshold.

Profile and determinants of unsuccessful tuberculosis outcome in rural Nigeria:Implications for tuberculosis control

AIM: To determine the treatment outcomes and predictors for unsuccessful tuberculosis(TB) outcomes in rural Nigeria.METHODS: Adult rural TB patients treated during 2011 and 2012 in two healthcare facilities(one urban public and one rural private) were identified from the TB treatment registers and retrospectively reviewed. Tuberculosis treatment outcomes were assessed according to World Health Organisation guidelines. Determinants of unsuccessful treatment outcomes were identified using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: Between January 2011 to December 2012, 1180 rural TB patients started treatment, of whom 494(41.9%) were female. The treatment success rate was 893(75.7%), while the rates of death, loss-tofollow-up, and treatment failure were 129(10.9%), 100(8.5%), and 18(1.5%) respectively. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of unsuccessful treatment outcome were higher among patients who received care at the urban public facility(a OR = 2.9, 95%CI: 1.9-4.4), smear-negative(1.3,1.0-1.8) and extrapulmonary(2.7, 1.3-5.6) TB patients, human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) co-infected(2.1, 1.5-3.0), and patient who received the longer(8-mo) anti-TB regimen(1.3, 1.1-1.8).CONCLUSION: Treatment success among rural TB patient in Nigeria is low. High risk groups should be targeted for closer monitoring, socio-economic support, and expansion of TB/HIV activities.

Survey Pinpoints Farmers＇ Changing Needs for Medical Services

Our survey indicates that rural people＇s satisfaction with medical service in the countryside is currently low. Intermediate variables of comments on medical institutions, medical staff and medicine directly influence their satisfaction with rural medical service. Among initial variables, except for age, legion, occupation and family income which also directly influence overall satisfaction, factors like education, primary type of illness among family members and diagnostic procedure and treatment afterwards have all indirect impact on overall satisfaction.

Mobile EMR Use for Epidemiological Surveillance on a Medical Service Trip in Honduras: A Pilot Study

Rationale: Medical treatment on short-term primary care medical service trips (MSTs) is generally symptom-based and supplemented by point-of-care testing. This pilot study contributes to the effective planning for such austere settings based on predicted symptomology. Objective: We aimed to prospectively document the epidemiology of patients seen during two low-resource clinics on a MST in Honduras and apply predefined case definitions adapted from guidelines used by international healthcare organizations (e.g. World Health Organization). Methods: An observational design was used to track the epidemiology during two clinics on an MST in Limon, Honduras in March 2015. The QuickChart mobile electronic medical record (EMR) application was piloted to document diagnoses according to predefined case definitions. Results: The most commonly diagnosed syndromes were upper respiratory complaints (20.19%), nonspecific abdominal complaints (20.19%), general pain (15.38%), hypertension (9.62%), pruritus (6.73%), and asthma/ COPD (4.81%). The case definitions accounted for 94% of all complaints and diagnoses on the brigade. Discussion: The distribution of common patient diagnoses on this MST was similar to that which had been reported elsewhere. The use of broader symptom-based case definitions for epidemiologic surveillance could also facilitate the syndromic management of patients seen on MSTs, and improve the consistency of treatment offered. Conclusion: Case definitions for common syndromes on primary care MSTs may be a feasible method of standardizing patient management. Preliminary use of the QuickChart EMR was acceptable for documentation of epidemiology in the field. Further study is necessary to investigate the reliability of syndromic diagnostic criteria between different clinicians and in a variety of MST settings.