The people factor: An analysis of the human resources landscape for immunization supply chain management

Human resources is the backbone of any system and the key enabler for all other functions to effectively perform. This is no different with the Immunization Supply Chain, more so in todays’ complex operating environment with the increasing strain caused by new vaccines and expanding immunization programmes (Source: WHO, UNICEF).In order to drive the change that is required for sustainability and continuous improvement, every immunization supply chain needs an effective leader. A dedicated and competent immunization supply chain leader with adequate numbers of skilled, accountable, motivated and empowered personnel at all levels of the health system to overcome existing and emerging immunization supply chain (ISC) challenges. Without an effective supply chain leader supported by capable and motivated staff, none of the interventions designed to strengthen the supply chain can be effective or sustainable (Source: Gavi Alliance SC Strategy 2014).This landscape analysis was preceded by an HR Evidence Review (March 2014) and has served to inform global partner strategies and country activities, as well as highlight where most support is required. The study also aimed to define the status quo in order to create some form of baseline against which to measure the impact of interventions related to HR going forward.The analysis was comprised of a comprehensive desk review, a survey of 40 respondents from 32 countries and consultations with ISC practitioners in several forums.The findings highlight key areas that should inform the pillars of a HR capacity development plan. At the same time, it revealed that there are some positive examples of where countries are actively addressing some of the issues identified and putting in place mechanisms and structures to optimize the SC function.     

The factor structure of the eating disorder inventory in a patient setting

The factor structure of a multidimensional, clinically derived measure of the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of anorexia nervosa and bulimia, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), was investigated in a patient setting. The results showed that eight factors corresponding to the eight original subscales of the EDI were clearly identified in the pattern of factor loadings and that they met conventional standards of internal consistency. The finding of an eight-factor solution using patient responses in this study contrasts with the finding of a clear three-factor solution in an earlier study that employed nonpatient responses. It is suggested that a difference may exist in the meaning of EDI items to patients and nonpatients. However, it is noted that there is a paucity of information in the eating disorders literature that addresses differences between these groups in their attitudes and beliefs regarding eating, weight, body shape, dieting, and self-esteem. This area is clearly one that warrants closer research attention by those working in the eating disorders.     

上海市重残无业人员救助养护需求影响因素分析

目的分析影响残疾人救助养护服务需求的各种因素,为上海市重残无业人员救助养护服务的进一步合理规划和实施提供科学依据。方法本研究采用普查的方法,对上海市范围内登记在册的3万余名重残无业人员进行入户问卷调查。运用logistic回归方法分析影响疾人救助养护服务需求的主要因素。结果残疾人的经济水平、残疾类别、监护人与其的关系等是影响残疾人需求的最主要因素,而对救助养护服务的了解程度、态度等对救助养护需求的影响不明显。结论政府在今后制定相关政策应当针对不同需求类别的残疾人实施有针对性的政策。     

The factor structure of the posttraumatic growth inventory in cancer patients in Turkey

Posttraumatic growth is a positive psychological change that occurs as a result of tackling vital crises. Although cancer is perceived as a fatal disease, the individual's struggle with many negative conditions during diagnosis and treatment can provide positive change and development. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of the posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) in Turkish cancer patients. This study included 265 cancer patients receiving treatment at the chemotherapy unit of two university hospitals located in northern Turkey. Percentages, frequencies, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to analyse the data, and Cronbach's α measured internal consistency. EFA yielded a five‐factor structure: Spiritual and existential change, change in perception of life and selfness, relating to others, personal strength and new possibilities. Fit indices for CFA were root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), 0.06; non‐normed fit index (NNFI), 0.92; comparative fit index (CFI), 0.90; root mean residuals (RMR), 0.06; and goodness‐of‐fit index (GFI), 0.90. The overall Cronbach's α of the scale was 0.93. PTGI was determined as a reliable and valid tool for Turkish cancer patients. PTGI, which has a determined validity and reliability rate, can be used by healthcare professionals working with oncology patients to evaluate the positive psychological growth and changes in cancer patients and determine their adoption rate.     

Legumes: the most important dietary predictor of survival in older people of different ethnicities

To identify protective dietary predictors amongst long-lived elderly people (N= 785), the "Food Habits in Later Life "(FHILL) study was undertaken among five cohorts in Japan, Sweden, Greece and Australia. Between 1988 and 1991, baseline data on food intakes were collected. There were 785 participants aged 70 and over that were followed up to seven years. Based on an alternative Cox Proportional Hazard model adjusted to age at enrollment (in 5-year intervals), gender and smoking, the legume food group showed 7-8% reduction in mortality hazard ratio for every 20g increase in daily intake with or without controlling for ethnicity (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.85-0.99 and RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.99, respectively). Other food groups were not found to be consistently significant in predicting survival amongst the FHILL cohorts.     

Worry as a window into the lives of people who use injection drugs: a factor analysis approach

Background  

The concept of risk dominates the HIV/AIDS literature pertaining to People Who Use Injection Drugs (PWUID). In contrast the associated concept of worry is infrequently applied, even though it can produce important perspectives of PWUID's lives. This study asked a sample (n = 105) of PWUID enrolled in a Victoria, British Columbia needle exchange program to evaluate their degree of worry about fourteen factors they may encounter in their daily lives.     

A factor analysis of young children's play

The Play Rating Scale (PRS) was used to observe 2400 threeto five-year-old children's play behaviors. Factor analysis clearly identified two factors, the first dominated by communication of ideas through parallel play in the physical, manipulative and dramatic forms of educational play and the second by participation in physical and in communicative block play. Each scale was reliable and correlations among the items ranged from .10 to .52. The findings have important implications for the study of young children's play and support the construct validity of the PRS and the Saracho model on which it is based.     

A theoretical analysis of selected factors important to health education strategies.

Based on the theoretical work of Dulany and Fishbein, two major problems for understanding health behaviors were delineated: (1) the identification of those variables that determine an individual's intention to perform a health behavior; and (2) the extent to which these intentions are predictive of behavior. An analysis of factors affecting the relation between health intentions and behavior was presented and its implications for health education discussed. A social psychological model specifying two major determinants of behavioral intentions was contrasted with the Health Belief Model.     

优化库存结构，提高库存周转率

目的：优化库存结构,提高科研物资供应质量。方法：从加强库存管理等六个方面优化库存结构的库存管理方法。结论：库存周转率稳步提高,积淀库存逐渐下降,有力保障科研物资供应。     

Co-morbid condition as an important factor influencing depression treatment

There are different factors influencing the treatment of depression. An important factor is co-morbidity. We made an analysis of depression treatment within general practice in Estonia as part of the PREDICT study in 2003–2005. The study group consisted of consecutive patients (n=1094), aged 18–75 years, who sought consultation from their family doctor. We found that more antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics were prescribed to patients with co-morbid mental disorder (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 5.49 [3.61–8.40], 8.38 [5.33–13.18], and 4.02 [2.30–7.02], respectively) compared to those patients who did not have this disorder.