Research Article
Mapping Health Disparities: Spatial Accessibility to Healthcare Facilities in a Rural District of Ghana Using Geographic Information Systems Techniques
Richmond Bediako Nsiah*
,
Patrick Larbi-Debrah,
Richard Avagu,
Akua Kumi Yeboah,
Solomon Anum-Doku,
Saida Abdul-Rahman Zakaria,
Frank Prempeh,
Phenihas Kwadwo Opoku,
Amos Andoono,
Gilbert Elara Dagoe,
Jonathan Mawutor Gmanyami,
Dominic Nyarko,
Saviour Kofi Katamani,
Mansurat Abdul Ganiyu,
Wisdom Kwami Takramah
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
110-123
Received:
4 August 2024
Accepted:
24 August 2024
Published:
6 September 2024
Abstract: Background: Access to healthcare is crucial for health equity and outcomes, especially in resource-limited rural areas. Despite expansion efforts, access disparities persist, impacting rural well-being. Assessing spatial accessibility to primary and secondary healthcare is essential for identifying underserved areas and guiding effective resource allocation and intervention strategies. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the geographic access to healthcare services in a rural district of Ghana using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques. Methods: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 3.28.6, spatial data including health facility locations, settlements, road networks, and population data were analysed. Buffer and distance to the nearest hub analyses were conducted to assess healthcare accessibility to all ten (10) healthcare facilities in the district. Travel time analysis was performed using specified travel speeds for various modes of transportation. Chi-square tests were employed to evaluate the associations between settlement characteristics and access to primary and secondary healthcare services. Results: Approximately 40% of the health facilities were located in Akumadan, the district capital. Primary healthcare accessibility within a 3km radius covered 35% of settlements and 59% of the population, while secondary healthcare, within a 5km radius, was accessible to only 11.3% of settlements and 27.2% of the population. The mean distance to health centres was 4.35±2.72 km and to hospitals was 10.35±5.77 km. Mean walking times were 87±54.6 minutes to health centres and 209.2±117.0 minutes to hospitals. By motorized transport, travel times were up to 24 minutes to health centres and 55 minutes to hospitals; by bicycle, up to 37 minutes to health centres and 190 minutes to hospitals. Chi-Square Tests revealed significant associations between settlement type and both primary (χ²(1, N=80) = 30.77, p <.001) and secondary (χ²(1, N=80) = 15.93, p <.001) healthcare access, as well as between population level and healthcare access. Proximity to health facilities (primary χ²(1, N=80) = 21.26, p <.001; secondary χ²(1, N=80) = 5.48, p =.019) and transportation accessibility (primary χ²(1, N=80) = 9.13, p =.003; secondary χ²(1, N=80) = 12.13, p <.001) were significantly associated with healthcare access. Conclusion: This study unveils substantial disparities in healthcare accessibility, characterized by uneven distribution of facilities and remote distances. Challenges include limited infrastructure and geographic isolation. Addressing these requires enhanced infrastructure, transport networks, expanding outreach services, and equitable policy reforms to promote health equity.
Abstract: Background: Access to healthcare is crucial for health equity and outcomes, especially in resource-limited rural areas. Despite expansion efforts, access disparities persist, impacting rural well-being. Assessing spatial accessibility to primary and secondary healthcare is essential for identifying underserved areas and guiding effective resource a...
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Research Article
Workplace Risk Associated Activities: Case Study of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
124-135
Received:
31 July 2024
Accepted:
28 August 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
Abstract: In the study of the Workplace Risk Associated Activities, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Case Study, a descriptive survey research design was adopted. The research method used for the primary data collection was structured closed and opened–ended questionnaire created with Epi-Info version7 based on the research aim and objectives of the study. The collected data was analysed using Epi-Info version7. Results indicated that: high number of person-to-person contacts (83.3%), high number of respondents/staff encounter with sharp materials during work (55.7%), presence of snakes (3.8%) and rodents (39.2%) In or around offices, presence of mosquitoes bite (43.0%), low number of immunized respondents/staff (24.4%), low number of trained respondents/staff on workplace risks (33.3%), working space (67.1%), job schedule orientation (66.7%), respondents/staff that cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing (66.6%) and respondents/staff that wash hands before eating in the office (89.6%). These trends amount to high risks with high likelihood and consequences calling for urgent attention. Though the organization scored high (98.7%) in assess control by making sure that all offices had lock and keys and were locked when leaving office, in switching off electrical appliances when leaving office (94.8%), washing hands before eating in office (89.6%) and in work environment cleanliness and conduciveness (88.5%) yet more hard work is needed to enable attainment of 100% in all workplace safety areas. The logistic regression analysis of training (outcome variable) and covariates: washing hands before eating in the office, covering mouth when coughing or sneezing and switching off light when leaving office indicated significant results (p<0.5) with likelihood of about 90.0% There are high workplace risks associated activities in MLSCN calling for urgent attention.
Abstract: In the study of the Workplace Risk Associated Activities, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Case Study, a descriptive survey research design was adopted. The research method used for the primary data collection was structured closed and opened–ended questionnaire created with Epi-Info version7 based on the research aim and objec...
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Research Article
The Role of Healthcare Administration and Policy in Improving Access to Dialysis for ESRD Patients in CKD: Challenges and Solutions
Noman Perves*,
Maleka Sultana,
Nurul Islam,
Abdul Wahab Khan,
Shamim Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
136-144
Received:
17 August 2024
Accepted:
5 September 2024
Published:
29 September 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20241205.13
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Abstract: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) presents a critical challenge within the spectrum of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and represents the final stage of CKD, necessitating timely and consistent access to dialysis for patient survival. However, access to dialysis remains significantly constrained in many regions due to a combination of systemic, financial, and infrastructural barriers. This article explores the pivotal role that healthcare administration and policy play in overcoming these challenges to enhance dialysis accessibility for ESRD patients. Multifaceted barriers are there regarding access to dialysis, including the economic burden of treatment, limited availability of dialysis centers, and disparities in healthcare delivery. The analysis then shifts to the policy landscape, discussing existing healthcare policies aimed at expanding dialysis services, as well as gaps that persist in current frameworks. The role of healthcare administration is also scrutinized, particularly in terms of resource allocation, service delivery optimization, and patient education. Through case studies and comparative analysis, it was identified that successful strategies from various regions that have effectively improved access to dialysis. These include public-private partnerships, subsidies, and advancements in telemedicine. The article concludes by offering policy recommendations and administrative strategies tailored to address the unique challenges faced by ESRD patients, emphasizing the need for a collaborative, patient-centered approach in healthcare planning and implementation. By highlighting these key areas, this article aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and other stakeholders committed to improving dialysis access and, ultimately, patient outcomes for those suffering from ESRD.
Abstract: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) presents a critical challenge within the spectrum of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and represents the final stage of CKD, necessitating timely and consistent access to dialysis for patient survival. However, access to dialysis remains significantly constrained in many regions due to a combination of systemic, financial...
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