Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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The aim of this review is to advocate for more integrated and universally accessible health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care and public health. The perspective outlined identified health systems as the frame of reference, clarified terminology and examined complementary perspectives on health. It explored the prospects for universal and integrated health systems from a global perspective, the role of healthy public policy in achieving population health and the value of the social-ecological model in guiding how best to align the components of an integrated health service. ⋯ Most health systems around the world, still heavily focused on illness, are doing relatively little to optimize health and minimize illness burdens, especially for vulnerable groups. This failure to improve the underlying conditions for health is compounded by insufficient allocation of resources to address priority needs with equity (universality, accessibility and affordability). Finally, public health and primary health care are the cornerstones of sustainable health systems, and this should be reflected in the health policies and professional education systems of all nations wishing to achieve a health system that is effective, equitable, efficient and affordable.
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The study aimed at determining the prevalence of incident occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) among healthcare personnel (HCP) during 2010 and at evaluating the factors associated with these incidents. ⋯ Needle stick injuries are the most common exposure among HCP in Kuwait, and nurses are the most frequently involved HCP category. A good proportion of exposures could be easily prevented. HBV vaccination coverage is incomplete.
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To explore the fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) and anxiety-related emotional disorders and their risk factors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). ⋯ The strongest determinants of higher risk for the majority of the FOH and SCARED subscales were higher age, female gender, MDI treatment, longer duration of T1DM, higher frequency of hypoglycemia, passing out due to hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia while asleep and awake, and hypoglycemia in front of friends and at school.
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To determine the long-term follow-up of the various operations for lumbar disc herniation in a large patient population. ⋯ The analysis of 39,048 patients with various operations for lumbar disc herniation revealed the same pattern of long-term results. Patients who had microdiscectomy, endoscopic microdiscectomy or the classical operation (laminectomy/laminotomy with discectomy) all had approximately 79% good/excellent results. None of the operative procedures gave a different outcome. l.