Dear Sir,
Special Constables (SC) are not given a fair opportunity in order to have sufficient confidence with responsibility to first aid. First aid is defined as medical assistance provided to a person who has suffered a medical emergency (Webster, 2020). These SC are not medically trained to meet the needs of providing such a challenging task. Most first responders undergo rigorous hands on and theoretical training over a course of six to eighteen months. Your article states that this team of constables are volunteers who hold the prestige of local police officers. With respect to this, they are only trained for a mere 23 days before partaking a probationary period until they are deemed competent. In order to become confident in something, one must continuously be placed into the environment. Only then, will he gain the proficiency to answer even the most challenging emergency as a law enforcement officer. Another point to consider is the job prepares you for the performance but almost often the psychological health of each official and scenario will be diverse. As law enforcement officers, these men also have a duty to uphold in regards to protecting the individual. So in light of this, they may often consider which role plays greatest significance; first aid response or police officer? Based on these findings, I do not feel that they are adequately prepared to meet their first aid responsibilities.
Sincerely, Ta-Keisha
Dear Editors:
This response is in relation to the captioned above article published in April 2015. Firstly, I would like to commend you guys on a job well done in this trial. Also, I would like to state that this was a very interesting, critical, and timely study of what’s going on in the world. As I begin to read this article, I immediately realized with no doubt the biasness of cloth masks in health care workers explained in this article. However, 2020 has been a year where a global pandemic has tragically affected many healthcare systems. Hence, causing shortages of PPE for healthcare workers. I must agree with some responses made that cloth mask should have been presented as less effective and not high risk in health care workers. Also, to the bias results of cloth mask, there should have been the identification on the types of materials which can be used and not used for the cloth mask.
It is quite evident that health care workers cannot work this pandemic without protection, however, if there is a shortage of surgical mask what is the next option provided. In the article you state, “compliance was significantly higher in the cloth mask….” (Macintyre et al., 2015) therefore this should be evidence that health care workers have no problem with wearing cloth masks. Conversely, a recommendation if healthcare workers are allowed to wear mask, there should be a place where they can find the filters used inside the surgical mask to be placed in a cloth mask. Th...
Dear Editors:
This response is in relation to the captioned above article published in April 2015. Firstly, I would like to commend you guys on a job well done in this trial. Also, I would like to state that this was a very interesting, critical, and timely study of what’s going on in the world. As I begin to read this article, I immediately realized with no doubt the biasness of cloth masks in health care workers explained in this article. However, 2020 has been a year where a global pandemic has tragically affected many healthcare systems. Hence, causing shortages of PPE for healthcare workers. I must agree with some responses made that cloth mask should have been presented as less effective and not high risk in health care workers. Also, to the bias results of cloth mask, there should have been the identification on the types of materials which can be used and not used for the cloth mask.
It is quite evident that health care workers cannot work this pandemic without protection, however, if there is a shortage of surgical mask what is the next option provided. In the article you state, “compliance was significantly higher in the cloth mask….” (Macintyre et al., 2015) therefore this should be evidence that health care workers have no problem with wearing cloth masks. Conversely, a recommendation if healthcare workers are allowed to wear mask, there should be a place where they can find the filters used inside the surgical mask to be placed in a cloth mask. This eradicates the strain of PPEs on the health care system and the shortage supply of surgical masks. Additionally, another recommendation for the use of cloth mask in health care workers are to find the most effective cloth that filters and it should be given to healthcare workers to do their own DIY mask. This will aid in the reduced demand for PPE’s in the health care system.
The wearing of a mask is now the “new normal” since the global pandemic, therefore allow healthcare workers to work in comfort whiles being protected. Davies et al. stated, “Thus any mask, no matter how efficient at filtration or how good the seal, will have minimal effect if it is not used in conjunction with other preventative measures, such as isolation of infected cases, immunization, good respiratory etiquette, and regular hand hygiene” (Davies et al., 2013,). Roughly, I am not saying mask should be the first choice for health care workers. However, a cloth mask can be used as the last alternative if the demand is not met for surgical masks for healthcare workers. A cloth mask can be used to help protect those at risk from close or frequent contact with symptomatic persons, especially our healthcare workers that are on the frontline fighting this deadly disease.
Dear Editor,
This response is concerning the captioned article above published on April 22, 2015. First of all, I would like to regard how the editorial is informative and insightful, as I've appreciated the study. I started to gain a precise understanding of the primary subject of concern when reading the article. Although assessing the productiveness of cloth masks when operating in high-risk hospital wards and whether they are especially useful compared to surgical masks in preventing the transmission of respiratory infections is something that we should most certainly think about but, it then raises the question, which one of these masks provides the best protection from COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), given as it is now 2020 and we are currently in a worldwide pandemic?
In contrast to a medical mask, this study provided insight only on the detrimental consequences for the use of a cloth mask for healthcare workers, such as results showing that they have the highest incidence of all infection outcomes, but the use of face covers or masks should not be restricted as there is evidence from researchers that its use can help prevent the spread of infection. The majority of virus transmission occurs in bodily fluids from larger particles, either aerosol or droplets, which are directly generated by talking, chewing, coughing, and sneezing. Droplets and aerosols can be blocked by fabric, and layers of this cloth fabric add effectiveness. (Clase et al., 2020).
Re...
Dear Editor,
This response is concerning the captioned article above published on April 22, 2015. First of all, I would like to regard how the editorial is informative and insightful, as I've appreciated the study. I started to gain a precise understanding of the primary subject of concern when reading the article. Although assessing the productiveness of cloth masks when operating in high-risk hospital wards and whether they are especially useful compared to surgical masks in preventing the transmission of respiratory infections is something that we should most certainly think about but, it then raises the question, which one of these masks provides the best protection from COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), given as it is now 2020 and we are currently in a worldwide pandemic?
In contrast to a medical mask, this study provided insight only on the detrimental consequences for the use of a cloth mask for healthcare workers, such as results showing that they have the highest incidence of all infection outcomes, but the use of face covers or masks should not be restricted as there is evidence from researchers that its use can help prevent the spread of infection. The majority of virus transmission occurs in bodily fluids from larger particles, either aerosol or droplets, which are directly generated by talking, chewing, coughing, and sneezing. Droplets and aerosols can be blocked by fabric, and layers of this cloth fabric add effectiveness. (Clase et al., 2020).
Researchers continue to learn and discover more about the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, for maintaining protection precautions before a vaccine is available is crucial. A cloth mask has some filtration effectiveness, and it can also help people inadvertently avoid touching their nose and face. If they are asymptomatic carriers, it would also enable them to prevent the infection from spreading extensively (Ramakrishnan, 2020).
This reply is in response to the above published article on July 21, 2017. The article was very captivating due to the focus on religious aspects associated with healthcare professionals’ personality. In reading this study, I understood that professional’s personal belief influences whether they are for or against euthanasia. Additionally, the predominant barrier that hinders the healthcare professionals from making end of life decisions.
The research eludes to the healthcare professional's fear of litigation; however, information about the patient’s diagnosis was withheld from the patient’s family. Although the healthcare professionals are aware of the numerous ethical principles, failure to inform the patient’s family is an issue. The research also speaks to how religion plays a factor in determining whether euthanasia is ethically right.
Consequently, in The Bahamas, euthanasia is against the law. This is due to The Bahamas being a predominantly Christian nation which views euthanasia as wrong in the eyes of God. As a result, there is a focus on palliative care for persons with terminal illness without the option of euthanasia.
As it relates to the point on religion within the study, Sharp (2019) had similar points which states that, religion greatly influence the decision of whether to withhold or withdraw life sustaining measures. Hence, this concludes to the attitudes of the Greek healthcare professionals mentioned in the study due to the predo...
This reply is in response to the above published article on July 21, 2017. The article was very captivating due to the focus on religious aspects associated with healthcare professionals’ personality. In reading this study, I understood that professional’s personal belief influences whether they are for or against euthanasia. Additionally, the predominant barrier that hinders the healthcare professionals from making end of life decisions.
The research eludes to the healthcare professional's fear of litigation; however, information about the patient’s diagnosis was withheld from the patient’s family. Although the healthcare professionals are aware of the numerous ethical principles, failure to inform the patient’s family is an issue. The research also speaks to how religion plays a factor in determining whether euthanasia is ethically right.
Consequently, in The Bahamas, euthanasia is against the law. This is due to The Bahamas being a predominantly Christian nation which views euthanasia as wrong in the eyes of God. As a result, there is a focus on palliative care for persons with terminal illness without the option of euthanasia.
As it relates to the point on religion within the study, Sharp (2019) had similar points which states that, religion greatly influence the decision of whether to withhold or withdraw life sustaining measures. Hence, this concludes to the attitudes of the Greek healthcare professionals mentioned in the study due to the predominant religion being orthodox Christians. Moreover, a study was done in Iran examining the attitudes of nurses on euthanasia. In Iran, the predominant religion is Islamism and most nurses had a negative attitude due to their belief system (Naseh et al., 2015). There was also mention about the pressure of societal correctness that influences a person’s belief on decision to forego life-sustaining treatments (Ryynänen et al., 2002, p. 327). Subsequently, societal correctness does not change the individual’s attitude but it prompts them to make a decision. Hence, in this instance, the healthcare professionals sought to not partake in euthanasia to avoid negative criticism from the society.
Accordingly, I would recommend further exploring cultural backgrounds. Since it is evident that religion and society are factors in the attitudes toward euthanasia. Additionally, the ethical values should be explored to further understand the justification of attitudes toward euthanasia.
References
Naseh, L., Rafiei, H., & Heidari, M. (2015). Nurses' attitudes towards euthanasia: A cross-sectional study in Iran. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 21(1), 43-48. https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.1.43
Ryynänen, O.-P., Myllykangas, M., Viren, M., & Heino, H. (2002). Attitudes towards euthanasia among physicians, nurses and the general public in Finland. Public Health (Nature), 116(6), 322.
Sharp, S. (2019). The bible and attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia. Death Studies, 43(4), 240–247. https://doi-org.cob.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/07481187.2018.1450793
I have read and reviewed the article titled, “Impact of a mass media campaign on breast cancer symptoms awareness and screening uptake in Malaysia: findings from a quasi-experimental study.” I would like to congratulate the authors on such a successful article and make some recommendations.
Your introduction was very strong, and your problem statement was clearly articulated. In the article, the impact on media campaigns had improved awareness about some breast cancer symptoms through mass media platforms. It was good that you displayed the high mortality rates within various years due to late detection. It was also good that you showed the correlation between the- high incidence of late detection and how mass media campaigns can improve awareness due to their lack of it in Malaysia; while also making recommendations such as nationwide education programs. For example, your statement, “in high-income countries, mass media campaigns have improved symptoms awareness and increased the number of BC referrals” along with other statements proved that mass media campaigns are effective in the promotion of awareness of breast cancer.
I agree with your statement, “there appears to be a need for mass media campaigns to be tailored to particular subpopulations or hard-to-reach subgroups, especially in the context of multicultural societies.” Hence, there is improvement needed in terms of your campaign reach. Consider aiming to in...
I have read and reviewed the article titled, “Impact of a mass media campaign on breast cancer symptoms awareness and screening uptake in Malaysia: findings from a quasi-experimental study.” I would like to congratulate the authors on such a successful article and make some recommendations.
Your introduction was very strong, and your problem statement was clearly articulated. In the article, the impact on media campaigns had improved awareness about some breast cancer symptoms through mass media platforms. It was good that you displayed the high mortality rates within various years due to late detection. It was also good that you showed the correlation between the- high incidence of late detection and how mass media campaigns can improve awareness due to their lack of it in Malaysia; while also making recommendations such as nationwide education programs. For example, your statement, “in high-income countries, mass media campaigns have improved symptoms awareness and increased the number of BC referrals” along with other statements proved that mass media campaigns are effective in the promotion of awareness of breast cancer.
I agree with your statement, “there appears to be a need for mass media campaigns to be tailored to particular subpopulations or hard-to-reach subgroups, especially in the context of multicultural societies.” Hence, there is improvement needed in terms of your campaign reach. Consider aiming to influence those difficult to reach subgroups (subpopulations and multicultural societies) by going into the communities itself because it may be unsuccessful to reach them by mass media campaigns alone.
Additionally, I supposed it was good that you viewed breast cancer from a local perspective, considering the need for awareness and screening in Malaysia. However, the implications of screening should be considered. According to one study, they point out that breast cancer screening can have unfavourable effects and that the public must understand the process of screening exams and the risks of breast cancer screening because most often women only know about the screening but not the risks associated with examinations (Siddhapura, 2016).
While the impact of mass media campaigns on the awareness of breast cancer is greatly effective and has great advantages for the public, it poses disadvantages as well. It is good to consider the already diagnosed women with breast cancer. According to Rees and Bath (2000), it was indicated that many breast cancer participants found mass media sources such as magazines to be frightening and depressing due to their current condition of breast cancer. Therefore, it is important that editors of mass media sources consider these women, become aware of such dichotomy, and provide more precise, truthful and less exaggerated information about breast cancer (Rees & Bath, 2000).
Moreover, previous studies indicated that mammography, most common type of screening is associated with a small amount of radiation, which can be harmful. It was also indicated that screening procedures may pose a risk of false alarm, in which the mammography detects an abnormality that looks like cancer but turns out to be benign. BC screenings also poses a risk for interval cancers and overdiagnosis (Heywang-Kobrunner et al., 2011).
It is essential to consider both aspects when performing a mass media campaign and that it would be a lot better for the positive BC individuals and the general public.
Dear Editor,
I found your article very informative. I completely agree that most weight loss programs today and, in the past, have tend to focus mostly on eating healthy and exercise, which may be important when it comes to short term weight loss goals and maintenance. However some health and fitness programs have started to integrate the social aspect of weight loss into their programs.
Outland (2010) agrees that weight loss and maintenance should focus less on counting calories and exercising and approach the process of weight loss holistically. Outland adds that giving more attention to achieving and maintaining and individual’s homeostasis would lead to a successful weight loss journey. From a holistic perspective “best health” can be achieved only when homeostasis is maintained (Outland, 2010).
As your research pointed out, obesity can be influenced by physical, emotional and social components of an individual’s everyday life. Therefore, weight loss and weight maintenance should be approached holistically. A 2018 study carried out by the Inter-American Development Bank found that overweight and obesity is rising among all age groups in The Bahamas. With obesity being a growing problem here in the Bahamas, approaching wellness and weight loss holistically, giving more attention to social relationships and meaningful activities, may lead to better successful completion of weight loss programs and overall wellness.
Dear Editor,
I found your article very informative. I completely agree that most weight loss programs today and, in the past, have tend to focus mostly on eating healthy and exercise, which may be important when it comes to short term weight loss goals and maintenance. However some health and fitness programs have started to integrate the social aspect of weight loss into their programs.
Outland (2010) agrees that weight loss and maintenance should focus less on counting calories and exercising and approach the process of weight loss holistically. Outland adds that giving more attention to achieving and maintaining and individual’s homeostasis would lead to a successful weight loss journey. From a holistic perspective “best health” can be achieved only when homeostasis is maintained (Outland, 2010).
As your research pointed out, obesity can be influenced by physical, emotional and social components of an individual’s everyday life. Therefore, weight loss and weight maintenance should be approached holistically. A 2018 study carried out by the Inter-American Development Bank found that overweight and obesity is rising among all age groups in The Bahamas. With obesity being a growing problem here in the Bahamas, approaching wellness and weight loss holistically, giving more attention to social relationships and meaningful activities, may lead to better successful completion of weight loss programs and overall wellness.
References
Jessen-Winge, C., Ilvig, P. M., Thilsing, T., Lee, K., Fritz, H., & Christensen, J. R. (2020). Health professionals’ perceptions of weight loss programmes and recommendations for future implementation: a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 10(11), e039667. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039667
Cleo, G., Hersch, J., & Thomas, R. (2018). Participant experiences of two successful habit-based weight-loss interventions in Australia: a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 8(5), e020146. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020146
The purpose of this article was to analyze transition programs in order to assess what is being done about the bullying, violence, and high-stress situations that new graduate nurses endure when transitioning to the workplace. The study seeks to disseminate newfound information to educators, clinical practitioners, managers, and nurse preceptors to start a productive conversation on the topic and encourage change. It is an important and very relevant topic to discuss as the mistreatment of NGNs is highly related to the high turnover rates and poor retention rates in many health care facilities. Though the transitional programs have been noted to be affected in improving retention rate by preparing students to take their skills from theory to practice, nursing students and new graduate nurses still suffer at the hands of experienced nurses, nursing managers, and colleagues. This issue contributes to the nursing shortage which is an international issue in nursing.
As a student nurse who has experienced this type of animosity during practicums and internships, the outcome of this study seems essential. The nurses-eat-their-young mentality is very prevalent in many healthcare settings and it can deter nurses from wanting to remain in the field. NGNs are trained on how to operate within their new work environment but are not prepared for the hostility that is doled out by their supposed co-workers and superiors. This can deplete retention rates as the...
The purpose of this article was to analyze transition programs in order to assess what is being done about the bullying, violence, and high-stress situations that new graduate nurses endure when transitioning to the workplace. The study seeks to disseminate newfound information to educators, clinical practitioners, managers, and nurse preceptors to start a productive conversation on the topic and encourage change. It is an important and very relevant topic to discuss as the mistreatment of NGNs is highly related to the high turnover rates and poor retention rates in many health care facilities. Though the transitional programs have been noted to be affected in improving retention rate by preparing students to take their skills from theory to practice, nursing students and new graduate nurses still suffer at the hands of experienced nurses, nursing managers, and colleagues. This issue contributes to the nursing shortage which is an international issue in nursing.
As a student nurse who has experienced this type of animosity during practicums and internships, the outcome of this study seems essential. The nurses-eat-their-young mentality is very prevalent in many healthcare settings and it can deter nurses from wanting to remain in the field. NGNs are trained on how to operate within their new work environment but are not prepared for the hostility that is doled out by their supposed co-workers and superiors. This can deplete retention rates as the work environment becomes unconducive.
According to Bakon et al. (2018), “In general graduate programs aim to improve practice by identifying weaknesses and therefore improve professional skill development, improving clinical competence and confidence and assisting with socialization and integration into the clinical nursing environment”. Their study also analyzed these transitional programs and a section of its analysis content was dedicated to the importance of mentorship. It was found that Registered Nurses saw guidance of the novice nurses as an unwanted responsibility on top of their heavy patient care load. Many times this can breed resentment toward the new nurses as they become associated with more work rather than more help. Due to them having trained extensively, they (NGNs) are expected to be a relief to the health care team, not a burden of excesses handholding and stress. Thus, the high-stress environment does weigh on all parties. However, many of these programs do not address this problem, so Alshawush et al. may seek to explore that avenue.
By using already established tools to analyze the programs the authors achieve a sense of validity in their results. However, the tool used may not be as flexible to the needs of the research and may generalize the data attained.
A recommendation would be for the authors to encourage transitioning programs to incorporate a seminar for nurses who already apart of the workforce to attend. This seminar would be conducted within the last month before transition programs for NGNs would end. This will allow nurses to get a refresher course on proper workplace behavior, discuss violence and bullying in the workplace and how it can harm the system as a whole, as well how to be an encouraging and helping force for NGNs to guide them whilst entering this new environment.
References
Bakon, S., Craft, J., Wirihana, L., Christensen, M., Barr, J., Tsai, L. (2018). An integrative review of graduate transition programs: Developmental considerations for nursing management. Nurse Education in Practice, 28, 80-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2017.10.009
This response is in relation to the captured article above published on April 2, 2019. I would like to firstly express how your research is very detailed and informative. While reading the study, I understood the importance and effectiveness of providing community-based Hypertension improvement projects to assist in controlling high blood pressure. Over the years there has been a rapid increase in the number of persons diagnosed with Hypertension and as a result, it has become a major public health burden. The statistical evidence presented in this study about blood pressure in Ghana indicates the need for innovative methods for hypertension management.
The main outcome of the research which is concerned with hypertension control and alterations in diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure was accomplished. The research revealed there was a decrease in blood pressure as well as an increase in hypertension management from patients who remained in the program for 6 or 12 months. However, similar to other studies the main challenge with community-based improvement projects is poor levels of follow-up or adherence to clinic appointments. In a study conducted by Aje and Olamide (2017) it revealed that 16.7% of hypertensive patients missed more than 30% of scheduled medical appointments. According to the authors, some of the causes for missed clinical appointments were due to forgetfulness, insufficient funds for transportation, and overlapping obligations. It i...
This response is in relation to the captured article above published on April 2, 2019. I would like to firstly express how your research is very detailed and informative. While reading the study, I understood the importance and effectiveness of providing community-based Hypertension improvement projects to assist in controlling high blood pressure. Over the years there has been a rapid increase in the number of persons diagnosed with Hypertension and as a result, it has become a major public health burden. The statistical evidence presented in this study about blood pressure in Ghana indicates the need for innovative methods for hypertension management.
The main outcome of the research which is concerned with hypertension control and alterations in diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure was accomplished. The research revealed there was a decrease in blood pressure as well as an increase in hypertension management from patients who remained in the program for 6 or 12 months. However, similar to other studies the main challenge with community-based improvement projects is poor levels of follow-up or adherence to clinic appointments. In a study conducted by Aje and Olamide (2017) it revealed that 16.7% of hypertensive patients missed more than 30% of scheduled medical appointments. According to the authors, some of the causes for missed clinical appointments were due to forgetfulness, insufficient funds for transportation, and overlapping obligations. It is important that community-based improvement projects for Hypertension management take into consideration the follow-up rate to ensure effective public health impact in blood pressure control.
I agree with the study regarding appropriate incentives should be put in place to keep program staff fully engaged and avoid program fatigue. Incentives are powerful levers that can be utilized by companies to recruit, maintain, inspire, satisfy, and optimize employee efficiency (Guidelines: Incentives for health professionals, 2008). Community health programs rely heavily on public involvement if nurses and other members of the team are actively working to motivate and encourage persons to engage in the program it can become draining resulting in fatigue. Program coordinators should consider financial or non-financial incentives in order to boost performance outcomes and keep the staff motivated.
This timely research gave insight into the effectiveness of community-based improvement projects and also identified challenges and ways to improve them so that they can bring about the most impact on public health.
References
Aje, A., & Olamide, O. (n.d.). Missed medical appointment among hypertensive and diabetic outpatients in a tertiary healthcare facility in Ibadan, Nigeria. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 16(6), 1417-1424. doi:10.4314/tjpr.v16i6.28
Guidelines: Incentives for health professionals. (2008). https://www.who.int/workforceallia nce/document s/Incentives_Guidelines%20EN.pdf.
Ashara McQueen, Nursing Student, The University of The Bahamas
As it relates to the above mentioned article that was published on March 29th 2020 in Volume10, Issue 3 on BMJ Open. I found that this was a very interesting article as it relates to age related changes of older adults, that will most definitely spark the interest of those involved in gerontology and geriatric research. As I read this article, it is evident that frailty can be associated with disability among dwelling older adults. I agree with the author that although frailty and disability may intertwine thus their concepts are absolutely different. This judgement can simply be gathered based on the definitions that were provided and stated explicitly as it relates to the term’s frailty and disability. However, there are factors that are strongly associated with frailty and disability such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity and life style.
Furthermore, the results from this study shows the prevalence of more than half of the percentage of older frail adults displayed greater instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) while the remaining smaller percentage displayed greater basic activities of daily living (BADL). In addition, high count of IADL limitations were associated with being frail.
Other authors conducted a study on prevalence of frailty among dwelling older adults and their sociodemographic factors associated with frailty. Kendhapedi and Devasenapathy (2019), found a high sign...
Ashara McQueen, Nursing Student, The University of The Bahamas
As it relates to the above mentioned article that was published on March 29th 2020 in Volume10, Issue 3 on BMJ Open. I found that this was a very interesting article as it relates to age related changes of older adults, that will most definitely spark the interest of those involved in gerontology and geriatric research. As I read this article, it is evident that frailty can be associated with disability among dwelling older adults. I agree with the author that although frailty and disability may intertwine thus their concepts are absolutely different. This judgement can simply be gathered based on the definitions that were provided and stated explicitly as it relates to the term’s frailty and disability. However, there are factors that are strongly associated with frailty and disability such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity and life style.
Furthermore, the results from this study shows the prevalence of more than half of the percentage of older frail adults displayed greater instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) while the remaining smaller percentage displayed greater basic activities of daily living (BADL). In addition, high count of IADL limitations were associated with being frail.
Other authors conducted a study on prevalence of frailty among dwelling older adults and their sociodemographic factors associated with frailty. Kendhapedi and Devasenapathy (2019), found a high significant rate of fear of falling and falling associated with frailty among older people. Furthermore, South India prevalence of frailty among older people were high when compared to low-income and middle-income countries. The authors in this article also investigated the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty among community-dwelling older adults in low-income and middle-income countries. Siriwardhana et al. (2018), found that prevalence of frailty and prefrailty were higher in community-dwelling older adults in upper middle-income countries in comparison with high income countries among dwelling older people.
Overall, I found this study to be profound as it focuses on the association of frailty and disability on dwelling older people as mentioned. It provides information that is useful pertaining to age related changes and those factors that are associated with it. Also noting, that older adults either experience both frailty and disability or one or the other. Since older adults are of a vulnerable group, effective measures should be in place to protect the physical and mental health of older adults. Thus allowing for future prevention and intervention as it relates to frailty and disability. In addition, efficient and effective interventions can delay frailty among older people that can reduce the mortality and morbidity rate.
References
Kendhapedi KK & Devasenapathy N. (2019). Prevalence and factors associated with frailty among community-dwelling older people in rural Thanjavur district of South India: a cross-sectional study. British Medical Journal, 9 (10), 1-9. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/10/e032904
Siriwardhana DD, Hardoon S, Rait G, et al. (2018). Prevalence of frailty and prefrailty among community-dwelling older adults in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal, 8(3), 1-17. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/3/e018195
1. thank you for your interest in the study and the findings of this study and your recommendation that it should influence countries to enact smoke-free air laws to aid in the reduction of health effects of secondhand smoke cases as these laws are conclusively effective.
2 . Just wanted to let you know that all the exemptions in the law were not added by public health authorities. The public health department and advocates are working so hard to remove these exemptions. Now and because of COVID19 casinos were closed, and it was recommended that when they open back should open smoke free.
3. I totally agree with you that chefs specifically those who work in a grilling like environment should wear a protective masks to reduce the amount of particulate matter inhaled from that environment.
Dear Sir,
Special Constables (SC) are not given a fair opportunity in order to have sufficient confidence with responsibility to first aid. First aid is defined as medical assistance provided to a person who has suffered a medical emergency (Webster, 2020). These SC are not medically trained to meet the needs of providing such a challenging task. Most first responders undergo rigorous hands on and theoretical training over a course of six to eighteen months. Your article states that this team of constables are volunteers who hold the prestige of local police officers. With respect to this, they are only trained for a mere 23 days before partaking a probationary period until they are deemed competent. In order to become confident in something, one must continuously be placed into the environment. Only then, will he gain the proficiency to answer even the most challenging emergency as a law enforcement officer. Another point to consider is the job prepares you for the performance but almost often the psychological health of each official and scenario will be diverse. As law enforcement officers, these men also have a duty to uphold in regards to protecting the individual. So in light of this, they may often consider which role plays greatest significance; first aid response or police officer? Based on these findings, I do not feel that they are adequately prepared to meet their first aid responsibilities.
Sincerely, Ta-Keisha
Dear Editors:
Show MoreThis response is in relation to the captioned above article published in April 2015. Firstly, I would like to commend you guys on a job well done in this trial. Also, I would like to state that this was a very interesting, critical, and timely study of what’s going on in the world. As I begin to read this article, I immediately realized with no doubt the biasness of cloth masks in health care workers explained in this article. However, 2020 has been a year where a global pandemic has tragically affected many healthcare systems. Hence, causing shortages of PPE for healthcare workers. I must agree with some responses made that cloth mask should have been presented as less effective and not high risk in health care workers. Also, to the bias results of cloth mask, there should have been the identification on the types of materials which can be used and not used for the cloth mask.
It is quite evident that health care workers cannot work this pandemic without protection, however, if there is a shortage of surgical mask what is the next option provided. In the article you state, “compliance was significantly higher in the cloth mask….” (Macintyre et al., 2015) therefore this should be evidence that health care workers have no problem with wearing cloth masks. Conversely, a recommendation if healthcare workers are allowed to wear mask, there should be a place where they can find the filters used inside the surgical mask to be placed in a cloth mask. Th...
Dear Editor,
Show MoreThis response is concerning the captioned article above published on April 22, 2015. First of all, I would like to regard how the editorial is informative and insightful, as I've appreciated the study. I started to gain a precise understanding of the primary subject of concern when reading the article. Although assessing the productiveness of cloth masks when operating in high-risk hospital wards and whether they are especially useful compared to surgical masks in preventing the transmission of respiratory infections is something that we should most certainly think about but, it then raises the question, which one of these masks provides the best protection from COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), given as it is now 2020 and we are currently in a worldwide pandemic?
In contrast to a medical mask, this study provided insight only on the detrimental consequences for the use of a cloth mask for healthcare workers, such as results showing that they have the highest incidence of all infection outcomes, but the use of face covers or masks should not be restricted as there is evidence from researchers that its use can help prevent the spread of infection. The majority of virus transmission occurs in bodily fluids from larger particles, either aerosol or droplets, which are directly generated by talking, chewing, coughing, and sneezing. Droplets and aerosols can be blocked by fabric, and layers of this cloth fabric add effectiveness. (Clase et al., 2020).
Re...
This reply is in response to the above published article on July 21, 2017. The article was very captivating due to the focus on religious aspects associated with healthcare professionals’ personality. In reading this study, I understood that professional’s personal belief influences whether they are for or against euthanasia. Additionally, the predominant barrier that hinders the healthcare professionals from making end of life decisions.
Show MoreThe research eludes to the healthcare professional's fear of litigation; however, information about the patient’s diagnosis was withheld from the patient’s family. Although the healthcare professionals are aware of the numerous ethical principles, failure to inform the patient’s family is an issue. The research also speaks to how religion plays a factor in determining whether euthanasia is ethically right.
Consequently, in The Bahamas, euthanasia is against the law. This is due to The Bahamas being a predominantly Christian nation which views euthanasia as wrong in the eyes of God. As a result, there is a focus on palliative care for persons with terminal illness without the option of euthanasia.
As it relates to the point on religion within the study, Sharp (2019) had similar points which states that, religion greatly influence the decision of whether to withhold or withdraw life sustaining measures. Hence, this concludes to the attitudes of the Greek healthcare professionals mentioned in the study due to the predo...
Dear Editor,
I have read and reviewed the article titled, “Impact of a mass media campaign on breast cancer symptoms awareness and screening uptake in Malaysia: findings from a quasi-experimental study.” I would like to congratulate the authors on such a successful article and make some recommendations.
Your introduction was very strong, and your problem statement was clearly articulated. In the article, the impact on media campaigns had improved awareness about some breast cancer symptoms through mass media platforms. It was good that you displayed the high mortality rates within various years due to late detection. It was also good that you showed the correlation between the- high incidence of late detection and how mass media campaigns can improve awareness due to their lack of it in Malaysia; while also making recommendations such as nationwide education programs. For example, your statement, “in high-income countries, mass media campaigns have improved symptoms awareness and increased the number of BC referrals” along with other statements proved that mass media campaigns are effective in the promotion of awareness of breast cancer.
Show MoreI agree with your statement, “there appears to be a need for mass media campaigns to be tailored to particular subpopulations or hard-to-reach subgroups, especially in the context of multicultural societies.” Hence, there is improvement needed in terms of your campaign reach. Consider aiming to in...
Dear Editor,
I found your article very informative. I completely agree that most weight loss programs today and, in the past, have tend to focus mostly on eating healthy and exercise, which may be important when it comes to short term weight loss goals and maintenance. However some health and fitness programs have started to integrate the social aspect of weight loss into their programs.
Outland (2010) agrees that weight loss and maintenance should focus less on counting calories and exercising and approach the process of weight loss holistically. Outland adds that giving more attention to achieving and maintaining and individual’s homeostasis would lead to a successful weight loss journey. From a holistic perspective “best health” can be achieved only when homeostasis is maintained (Outland, 2010).
As your research pointed out, obesity can be influenced by physical, emotional and social components of an individual’s everyday life. Therefore, weight loss and weight maintenance should be approached holistically. A 2018 study carried out by the Inter-American Development Bank found that overweight and obesity is rising among all age groups in The Bahamas. With obesity being a growing problem here in the Bahamas, approaching wellness and weight loss holistically, giving more attention to social relationships and meaningful activities, may lead to better successful completion of weight loss programs and overall wellness.
References
Jessen-Wing...
Show MoreDear Editor,
The purpose of this article was to analyze transition programs in order to assess what is being done about the bullying, violence, and high-stress situations that new graduate nurses endure when transitioning to the workplace. The study seeks to disseminate newfound information to educators, clinical practitioners, managers, and nurse preceptors to start a productive conversation on the topic and encourage change. It is an important and very relevant topic to discuss as the mistreatment of NGNs is highly related to the high turnover rates and poor retention rates in many health care facilities. Though the transitional programs have been noted to be affected in improving retention rate by preparing students to take their skills from theory to practice, nursing students and new graduate nurses still suffer at the hands of experienced nurses, nursing managers, and colleagues. This issue contributes to the nursing shortage which is an international issue in nursing.
As a student nurse who has experienced this type of animosity during practicums and internships, the outcome of this study seems essential. The nurses-eat-their-young mentality is very prevalent in many healthcare settings and it can deter nurses from wanting to remain in the field. NGNs are trained on how to operate within their new work environment but are not prepared for the hostility that is doled out by their supposed co-workers and superiors. This can deplete retention rates as the...
Show MoreThis response is in relation to the captured article above published on April 2, 2019. I would like to firstly express how your research is very detailed and informative. While reading the study, I understood the importance and effectiveness of providing community-based Hypertension improvement projects to assist in controlling high blood pressure. Over the years there has been a rapid increase in the number of persons diagnosed with Hypertension and as a result, it has become a major public health burden. The statistical evidence presented in this study about blood pressure in Ghana indicates the need for innovative methods for hypertension management.
Show MoreThe main outcome of the research which is concerned with hypertension control and alterations in diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure was accomplished. The research revealed there was a decrease in blood pressure as well as an increase in hypertension management from patients who remained in the program for 6 or 12 months. However, similar to other studies the main challenge with community-based improvement projects is poor levels of follow-up or adherence to clinic appointments. In a study conducted by Aje and Olamide (2017) it revealed that 16.7% of hypertensive patients missed more than 30% of scheduled medical appointments. According to the authors, some of the causes for missed clinical appointments were due to forgetfulness, insufficient funds for transportation, and overlapping obligations. It i...
Ashara McQueen, Nursing Student, The University of The Bahamas
Show MoreAs it relates to the above mentioned article that was published on March 29th 2020 in Volume10, Issue 3 on BMJ Open. I found that this was a very interesting article as it relates to age related changes of older adults, that will most definitely spark the interest of those involved in gerontology and geriatric research. As I read this article, it is evident that frailty can be associated with disability among dwelling older adults. I agree with the author that although frailty and disability may intertwine thus their concepts are absolutely different. This judgement can simply be gathered based on the definitions that were provided and stated explicitly as it relates to the term’s frailty and disability. However, there are factors that are strongly associated with frailty and disability such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity and life style.
Furthermore, the results from this study shows the prevalence of more than half of the percentage of older frail adults displayed greater instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) while the remaining smaller percentage displayed greater basic activities of daily living (BADL). In addition, high count of IADL limitations were associated with being frail.
Other authors conducted a study on prevalence of frailty among dwelling older adults and their sociodemographic factors associated with frailty. Kendhapedi and Devasenapathy (2019), found a high sign...
1. thank you for your interest in the study and the findings of this study and your recommendation that it should influence countries to enact smoke-free air laws to aid in the reduction of health effects of secondhand smoke cases as these laws are conclusively effective.
2 . Just wanted to let you know that all the exemptions in the law were not added by public health authorities. The public health department and advocates are working so hard to remove these exemptions. Now and because of COVID19 casinos were closed, and it was recommended that when they open back should open smoke free.
3. I totally agree with you that chefs specifically those who work in a grilling like environment should wear a protective masks to reduce the amount of particulate matter inhaled from that environment.
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