PURPOSE: We made a clinical comparison of elderly patients from home and residential aged care facilities (RACFs) who visited the emergency department and were hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, we investigated the factors associated with prehospital delay in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital between January 2013 and December 2016. Information regarding the patients was registered including gender, age, comorbidities, symptoms at onset, use of emergency medical services, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the emergency department, symptom-to-door time, etc. Characteristics of the patients were analyzed and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with symptom-to-door time. RESULTS: A total of 402 patients were enrolled during the study period. Overall, 339 elderly patients visited from home and 63 patients from RACFs, and patients from home were divided into two groups, living with family (n=274) and living alone (n=65). Patients from RACFs were older (≤0.001) and had higher NIHSS (p=0.007) than patients from home, but there were no significant relationships between symptom-to-door time and age (p=0.525), NIHSS (p=0.428). There was no difference in symptom-to-door time between patients living with family and patients from RACFs, but patients living alone had delayed symptom-to-door time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients living alone were among the three groups that had the most delayed symptom-to-door time. Therefore, it is necessary to expand and supplement support for elderly patients living alone, as well as to improve education regarding acute ischemic stroke.
Aged ; Cerebral Infarction ; Comorbidity ; Education ; Emergency Medical Services ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Hospitals, Public ; Housing for the Elderly ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Nursing Homes ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke ; Transportation of Patients

Background: Women are crucial leaders of the Alliance of People's Organizations Along Manggahan Floodway (APOAMF), a federation of people's organizations in Pasig City who have successfully implemented their People's Plan for in-city housing. As leaders of their federation, they are also leaders of their community's struggle. Objective: This paper aims to outline the contributions of the women leaders of APOAMF to their successful People's Plan and to examine the ways in which their participation in this struggle affected their daily lives. Methodology: The study followed a feminist methodology in its use of a focus group discussion with five APO-AMF women leaders and four APO-AMF women members. The questions were designed to elicit stories of women's participation and leadership during the overall community experience of organizing for their right to decent housing. In addition to the initial questions provided by the researcher, the women took control of the narrative even beyond the prepared questions, leading to a co-creation and re-presentation of their story. The research findings were theoretically discussed using the framework of women-centered community organizing. Results: Over the course of their involvement in the struggle for housing, women experienced a personal journey towards becoming established community leaders. They became involved because they saw it as an opportunity for service, wanted to secure a decent home for their family, and understood the need for safe and secure housing. They contributed to the struggle through various acts of leading and organizing their community, engaging in dialogue internally and externally, and emotionally nurturing their community to persist in their struggle. These contributions also highlighted the difference between women and men in community leadership. On the other hand, this struggle also exacted a toll on the women leaders. The women noted that they sacrificed time at home, time with family, and time for one's self. In the tension between contribution and sacrifice, the women often resolved this by highlighting the reality that their struggle was for the good of the whole community, not just for themselves; that the whole organization would benefit, not just their family. Conclusion The provision of safe and decent housing must truly empower women in both the public and private spheres. Even as women are capable community leaders in the public sphere, they also retain duties in the private sphere–culminating in a double burden for these women leaders. Community organizing then, aside from raising the consciousness of the people regarding the issue, must also include raising awareness on gender roles and dynamics.
Women ; Housing

A total of 11,395 animals were impounded in shelters in Seoul in 2013. The Animal Protection Division of the Seoul metropolitan government has annual contracts with local veterinary associations as well as Korean animal rescue and management organizations for providing shelter to animals, and collects monthly statistics from these groups. In 2013, the collected intake and outcome data for 25 districts were reviewed to analyze shelter capacity in terms of housing capacity (monthly daily average intake, required holding capacity, and adoption-driven capacity), staff capacity (staff hours required for daily care), and live release rate. Seasonal variations in the monthly daily average intake were observed, indicating that management of these shelters requires various strategies. This study was performed to analyze and interpret meaningful statistics for improving the efficiency of animal shelters in Seoul. However, inconsistent collection of animal statistics limited data compilation. Creation of a basic animal statistics matrix with reference to well-designed matrices from recognized professional animal shelters is essential. These complied statistical data will help plan for future animal shelter needs in Seoul.
Animal Welfare ; Animals ; Housing ; Local Government ; Seasons ; Seoul ; Statistics as Topic*

OBJECTIVETo investigate thirdhand smoke (THS) pollution in certain places of Nanjing, as well as to analyze its distribution characteristics.

METHODSFrom March to May, 2014, we selected 3 types of places (residencies, public places and transportation vehicles) that were close to people's living in Jianye,Yuhua,Jiangning,Xuanwu,Gulou and Pukou districts of Nanjing city.For each of the above 3 types of places, 2-3 smoking and non-smoking (smoking ban) locations were investigated, totally 51 locations, 9-10 samples were collected each location, totally 477 samples. The surface wipe sampling method in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was utilized to quantify the levels of nicotine that served as the tracer of THS pollution.One-way ANOVA and t-tests were employed to compare the levels of nicotine collected at different places and locations.

RESULTSTotally 477 samples were collected in this study, of which 27.0% was from residencies (129/477), 61.0% (291/477) from public places and 11.9% (57/477) from transportations. The levels of indoor surface nicotine in smoking residences, public places and transportations were (214 ± 55),(1 408 ± 177) and (1 511 ± 785) µg/m(2), respectively, which were all higher than those in the corresponding non-smoking places ((23 ± 9),(62 ± 11), and (46 ± 15) µg/m(2); t values were 13.79, 13.15, 3.45, respectively. P values were <0.001, <0.001 and 0.006, respectively).In the smoking places, the levels of surface nicotine on walls, desks, sofas, cabinets, door backsides and air conditioning openings were (171 ± 62),(232 ± 38),(373 ± 151),(903 ± 239), (978 ± 212), (1 721 ± 517) µg/m(2) (F = 7.06, P = 0.009).In the smoking condition, the levels of surface nicotine collected from public places were higher (F = 9.25, P = 0.024), while under non-smoking (smoking ban) conditions, the levels of surface nicotine collected from residences were lower (F = 7.88, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONTHS pollution was widespread in public places, residences and transportations in Nanjing city, which was more serious in the smoking environments than non-smoking (smoking ban) environments; the contamination was less serious in non-smoking (smoking ban) private residences; in the smoking condition, the levels of surface nicotine were relatively high at locations close to air conditioning openings, door backsides and cabinets.

Air Conditioning ; China ; Housing ; Humans ; Nicotine ; Public Facilities ; Smoking ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Transportation

OBJECTIVEBy means of Delphi method and expert panel consultations, to choose suitable indicators and improve the score table for classifying the hygienic condition of hotels so that it can be widely used at nationwide.

METHODSA two-round Delphi consultation was held to choose suitable indicators among 78 experts from 18 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The suitable indicators were selected according to the importance recognized by experts.

RESULTSThe average length of service in public health of the experts was (21.08 +/- 5.78) years and the average coefficient of experts' authorities C(r) was 0.89 +/- 0.07. The response rates of the two-round consultation were 98.72% (77/78) and 100.00% (77/77). The average feedback time were (8.49 +/- 4.48) d, (5.86 +/- 2.28) d, and the difference between two rounds was statistically significant (t = 4.60, P < 0.01). Kendall's coefficient were 0.26 (chi(2) = 723.63, P < 0.01), 0.32 (chi(2) = 635.65, P < 0.01) and opinions among experts became consistent. The score table for the hygienic quantifying and classification of hotels was composed of three first-class indicators (hygienic management, hygienic facilities and hygienic practices) and 36 second-class indicators. The weight coefficients of the three first-class indicators were 0.35, 0.34, 0.31.

CONCLUSIONDelphi method might be used in a large-scale consultation among experts and be propitious to improve the score table for the hygienic quantifying and classification.

Delphi Technique ; Housing ; classification ; standards ; Hygiene ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Public Health Administration ; methods

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the needs of health & community services among the disabled at home in rural areas. METHODS: The subjects were 146 persons with disabilities living in J-gun. The questionnaire was based on the needs of 8 categorical services. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, t-test, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe test. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 27.4% visited the public health center in community for rehabilitation therapy. The average score of need was 2.62+/-.79: education services (2.92+/-1.05); medical services (2.81+/-.82); nursing care services (2.75+/-1.08); connection services (2.62+/-1.20); housing services (2.60+/-1.09); emotional services (2.41+/-1.03); other services (2.24+/-1.06); and support of self-sustenance service (1.92+/-1.15). The items in highest need were medical checkup (70.7%), medication (62.1%), traditional oriental therapy (60.4%) and physical therapy (58.9%), and those of lowest need were device repair (8.7%) and guidance of facility admission (7.1%). Needs were significantly different according to age (F=4.751, p=.001), employment status (t=2.108, p=.037) and medical fee payer (F=5.061, p=.002). CONCLUSION: The needs of education & medical services were relatively high. Demographic factors were statistically significant in determining needs. For the disabled at home in rural areas, more various services or programs should be executed based upon the needs and characteristics of based upon the needs and characteristics of the subjects.
Surveys and Questionnaires ; Demography ; Disabled Persons ; Education ; Employment ; Fees, Medical ; Health Services ; Housing ; Humans ; Nursing Care ; Public Health ; Rehabilitation ; Social Welfare*

BACKGROUND: Homelessness is associated with an increased risk of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Several factors, including alcoholism, malnutrition, lack of stable housing, combine to make tuberculosis more prevalent in the homeless. The aims of this study were to determine the factors associated with increasing success rate of tuberculosis treatment in the homeless. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the clinical features in 142 pulmonary tuberculosis-positive homeless patients admitted to the Busan Medical Center from January 2001 to December 2010 was carried out. These results were compared with a successful treatment group and incomplete treatment group. We also evaluated the risk factors of treatment non-completion. Statistical analysis for the comparisons was performed using a chi2 test, independent samples t-test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Comparison of clinical characteristics showed significant differences between the two groups in the type of residence (P < 0.001), diseases with risk factors (P = 0.003), and history of tuberculosis treatment (P = 0.009). Multiple regression analysis revealed the residence (odds ratio [OR], 4.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05 to 11.10; P < 0.001) and comorbidity with risk factor (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.13 to 6.53; P = 0.025) to be independently associated with treatment success. CONCLUSION: To improve the success rate of tuberculosis treatment in the homeless person, anti tuberculosis medication should be taken until the end of treatment and a management system for the homeless person is required. Further social and medical concerns for stable housing and management of comorbidity may lead to an improvement in the successful tuberculosis treatment of homeless person.
Alcoholism ; Comorbidity ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Homeless Persons ; Hospitals, Public ; Housing ; Humans ; Malnutrition ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Risk Factors ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

OBJECTIVES: Malaria remains a public health concern worldwide, including Indonesia. Purworejo is a district in which endemic of malaria, they have re-setup to entering malaria elimination in 2021. Accordingly, actions must be taken to accelerate and guaranty that the goal will reach based on an understanding of the risk factors for malaria. Thus, we analysed malaria risk factors based on human and housing conditions in Kaligesing, Purworejo, Indonesia. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Kaligesing subdistrict, Purworejo, Indonesia in July to August 2017. A structured questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data from 96 participants, who consisted of 48 controls and 48 cases. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis found that education level, the presence of a cattle cage within 100 m of the house, not sleeping under a bednet the previous night, and not closing the doors and windows from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. were significantly (p≤0.25) associated with malaria. Of these factors, only not sleeping under a bednet the previous night and not closing the doors and windows from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. were significantly associated with malaria. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate that potential risk factor for Malaria should be paid of attention all the time, particularly for an area which is targeting Malaria elimination.
Animals ; Case-Control Studies* ; Cattle ; Checklist ; Education ; Housing ; Humans ; Indonesia* ; Malaria* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Public Health ; Risk Factors*

Hazardous biochemical agents in animal husbandry indoor environments are known to promote the occurrence of various illnesses among workers and animals. The relationship between endotoxin levels in dust collected from chicken farms and various immunological markers was investigated. Peripheral blood was obtained from 20 broiler chickens and 20 laying hens from four different chicken farms in Korea. Concentrations of total or respirable dust in the inside the chicken farm buildings were measured using a polyvinyl chloride membrane filter and mini volume sampler. Endotoxin levels in the dust were determined by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Kinetic method. Interferon-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with concanavalin A was significantly lower in broilers or layers from the farms with higher endotoxin concentrations than the chickens from the farms with lower endotoxin levels. An opposite pattern was observed for plasma cortisol concentrations with higher cortisol levels found in chickens from the farms with higher endotoxin levels. When peripheral lymphocytes were examined, the percentage of CD3-Ia+ B cells was lower in layers from farms with higher endotoxin levels than those from locations with lower endotoxin levels. Overall, these results suggest a probable negative association between dust endotoxin levels and cell-mediated immunity in chickens.
Animal Husbandry ; Animals ; Biomarkers/blood ; Chickens/*immunology ; Dust/*analysis ; Endotoxins/*analysis ; *Housing, Animal ; *Immunity, Cellular

The aim of this study is to evaluate the reporting quality of animal experiments in Korea using the Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guideline developed in 2010 to overcome the reproducibility problem and to encourage compliance with replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in research (3R's principle). We reviewed 50 papers published by a Korean research group from 2013 to 2016 and scored the conformity with the 20-items ARRIVE guideline. The median conformity score was 39.50%. For more precise evaluation, the 20 items were subdivided into 57 sub-items. Among the sub-items, status of experimental animals, housing and husbandry were described under the average level. Microenvironment sub-items, such as enrichment, bedding material, cage type, number of companions, scored under 10%. Although statistical methods used for the studies were given in most publications (84%), sample size calculation and statistical assumption were rarely described. Most publications mentioned the IACUC approval, but only 8% mentioned welfare-related assessments and interventions, and only 4% mentioned any implications of experimental methods or findings for 3R. We may recommend the revision of the present IACUC proposal to collect more detailed information and improving educational program for animal researchers according to the ARRIVE guideline.
Animal Care Committees ; Animal Experimentation* ; Animals* ; Compliance ; Ethics* ; Friends ; Housing ; Humans ; Korea* ; Sample Size