Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a substantial global health burden, necessitating effective and scalable interventions for primary prevention. Despite the increasing recognition of peer-based interventions in managing chronic diseases, their application in CVD prevention still needs to be explored.

We describe the protocol of a quasi-experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led digital health lifestyle intervention, MYCardio-PEER, for a low-income community at risk for CVD. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of MYCardio-PEER in improving the participants’ knowledge, lifestyle behaviours and biomarkers related to CVD. Secondarily, we aim to assess the adherence and satisfaction of participants towards MYCardio-PEER.

A minimum total sample of 68 low-income community members at risk for CVD will be recruited and allocated either to the control group or the intervention group. Participants in the control group will receive standard lifestyle advice and printed materials for CVD prevention, while the intervention group will participate in the 8-week MYCardio-PEER intervention program. The participants will be assessed at Week 0 (baseline), Week 8 (post-intervention) and Week 20 (post-follow-up).

We anticipate a net improvement in CVD risk score, besides investigating the effectiveness of the intervention program on CVD-related knowledge, biomarkers, and diet and lifestyle behaviours. The successful outcome of this study is essential for various healthcare professionals and stakeholders to implement population-based, cost-effective, and accessible interventions in reducing CVD prevalence in the country.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06408493)

Childhood morbidity is a precursor and contributor to under-five child mortality. Community-based primary healthcare programs are culturally responsive and low-cost strategies for delivering maternal and child health services in rural communities.

To evaluate the equity effect of the Ghana Essential Health Intervention Program (GEHIP) – a five-year community-based primary healthcare program – on childhood morbidity.

GEHIP was implemented in the Upper East region of Northern Ghana. Household baseline and end line surveys conducted in 2010/2011 and 2014/2015, respectively, from both intervention and comparison districts were used to assess three childhood morbidity conditions: maternal recall of neonatal illness, the incidence of diarrhoea, and fever. Difference-in-differences analysis, mean comparison test, and multivariate logistic regressions are used to assess the effect of GEHIP exposure on these three childhood morbidity conditions.

Baseline sample data of 2,911 women and end line sample of 2,829 women were included in this analysis. There was generally more reduction in all three childhood morbidity conditions in intervention communities relative to comparison communities. Diarrhoea and fever had a statistically significant treatment effect (AOR = 0.95, p-value<0.01 and AOR = 0.94, p-value<0.001). Results of equity analysis indicate significant mean reductions for both the poor and non-poor for neonatal illness and diarrhea, while only the intervention group had a significant reduction for both poor and non-poor for fever. Regression analysis shows no significant equity/inequity effects of GEHIP on the incidence of diarrhoea and fever. Neonatal illness, however, shows significant effects of wealth within the intervention group.

This study shows that GEHIP contributed significantly to childhood morbidity reduction. This implies that community-based strategies have the potential to improve child health and contribute to the attainment of the United Nations sustainable development goal related to child health. Specific targeted measures are recommended to ensure both the poor and relatively better-off benefit from interventions.

To report on the design and results of an innovative nurse practitioner (NP)-led specialist primary care service for children facing housing instability.

During 2017–2018, children aged 0–14 years represented 23% of the total population receiving support from specialist homeless services in Australia. The impact of housing instability on Australian children is considerable, resulting in disengagement from social institutions including health and education, and poorer physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Current services fail to adequately address health and educational needs of children facing housing insecurity. Research identifies similar circumstances for children in other high-income countries. This paper outlines the design, and reports on results of, an innovative NP-led primary care service for children facing housing instability introduced into three not-for-profit faith-based services in one Australian state.

Between 2019 and 2021, 66 children of parents experiencing housing instability received standardized health assessment and referral where appropriate by a NP. Data from the standardized tool, such as condition and severity, were recorded to determine common conditions. In addition, comprehensive case notes recorded by the NP were used to understand potential causes of conditions, and referral needs, including potential barriers.

The 66 children assessed were aged between 7 weeks to 16 years. Developmental delay, low immunization rates, and dental caries were the most common conditions identified. Access to appropriate services was inhibited by cost, disengagement, and COVID-19.

Given their advanced skills and knowledge, embedding NPs in specialist homeless services is advantageous to help vulnerable children.

The funding of primary care is subject to intense debate internationally. Three main funding models predominate: capitation, pay-for-performance, and fee-for-service. A number of systematic reviews regarding the effect of primary care funding structures have been published, but not synthesized through an equity lens. Given the urgent need for evaluating funding models and addressing inequalities, a reliable, synthesized evidence base concerning the effects of funding on inequalities is imperative.

This umbrella review aims to systematically evaluate all systematic reviews available on the effect of different primary care funding models in high-income countries on inequalities in funding, access, outcomes, or experience from inception until 2024.

Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) and a machine learning living evidence map were searched. Abstracts and titles were double screened, before two authors independently screened full texts, extracted data, and performed quality assessments utilizing the AMSTAR2 tool.

The search identified 2480 unique articles, of which 14 were included in the final review. Only one review compared reimbursement systems; capitation systems were more equitable between ethnic groups compared to pay-for-performance in terms of primary care access, continuity, and quality. Twelve reviews reviewed the impact of the introduction of pay-for-performance models, predominantly focusing on the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) in the UK. Synthesized findings suggest that QOF’s introduction coincided with reduced socioeconomic health inequalities in the UK overall, but not in Scotland. Overall, inequalities in age narrowed, but inequalities measured by sex widened. One review found evidence that targeting funding for minority groups, with poorer health, was effective. A further review found that introducing privately provided general practices in Sweden and allowing patients to choose these over public-owned options generally benefitted those with higher income and lower health needs. We identify a range of gaps in the literature, which should inform future research.

Changing dynamics are pushing institutions to focus on care delivery innovation. To address the shortage of general practitioners (GPs), an Italian health district recently introduced a new primary care model called Primary Health Point (PHP) to provide primary integrated care to its population.

To investigate the healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experience regarding the introduction of the PHP and to describe its process of care delivery.

Qualitative study design with a grounded theory approach and convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted using a semi structured guide to explore the experience of HCPs working at the PHP. The development of open coding was followed by the creation of categories. The analysis was conducted utilizing NVivo software.

Twelve HCPs working at the PHP were interviewed and highlighted the model structure. The themes were the context and the antecedents that identified the most common health complaints and the patients with more needs and reflected on the traditional GP model; the process, which highlighted the complexity of interdisciplinary teamwork and the role of the Family and Community Nurse (FCN) in the new model; the outcome identified the factors mediating satisfaction with the care delivered by the PHP.

The PHP has been considered a possible alternative to the GP model by its end users. It addresses disease pathway coordination, referrals, and medication management, focusing on chronic and older adult populations. It features interdisciplinary workflows with rotating physicians and consistent family nurse support. Proactive monitoring and a focus on disease education benefit fragile patients.

To analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and trends in clinical and analytical parameters among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Aragon (Spain), who remain uninfected with COVID-19 during the first year of pandemic. The secondary objectives were to identify the associated comorbidities and their evolution throughout the pandemic, as well as to determine the cases that got worse and their possible relationship with the control of the main risk factors.

CKD is a major public health problem worldwide. Studies encompassing national, European, and global contexts, show a rise in the prevalence of CKD, with a significant decrease in life quality, high morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs. In this scenario, primary care is a cornerstone for the early detection of CKD and for the management of progression factors. To date, there are few publications regarding the evolution of the CKD population throughout the pandemic that are not related to hospitalizations or complications due to COVID-19.

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study with real-world data from the population over 16 years of age registered in Aragon (Spain), collecting data from electronic health records. The variables included were sociodemographic, analytical and clinical (glomerular filtration rate, cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin, and blood pressure) and comorbidities (hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and smoking). The data were archived and processed using the SPSS v22.0 software package.

During the first six months of COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical parameters of people with CKD were poorly controlled, although there was a later improvement which could be related to the progressive recovery of health services. The glycated haemoglobin value found was low, which makes us suspect possible overtreatment. There is a high prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and smoking. Interventions targeting these factors could help reduce the burden of CKD.

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss in a self-referred adult cohort in low-income South African communities and to evaluate the effectiveness of a cerumen management protocol within a community-based service setting.

Hearing loss affects 1.5 billion people globally, with a disproportionate impact on individuals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the elderly, often attributed to age-related factors and cerumen impaction. Despite the high prevalence, access to ear and hearing care remains challenging, particularly in LMICs, such as Africa.

A total of 227 participants aged 43–102 were recruited from two community centres in low-income South African communities for hearing evaluation and cerumen management for those with cerumen impaction. A cross-sectional, predominantly quantitative approach was used.

Video otoscopy of 448 ears revealed normal findings in 57.9%, cerumen impaction in 29.1%, and other abnormalities in 1.3%. The prevalence of confirmed hearing loss was 97.8%, primarily mild (45.8%), and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was the most common (55.3%). Cerumen impaction accompanied hearing loss in 28.4% of cases. Post-treatment, 50.9% of participants with cerumen impaction showed normal otoscopy results, with mean hearing improvements of 16.2 dB (±17.9 SD) in the left ears and 15.8 dB (±17.2 SD) in the right ears, though overall significance was limited.

The high prevalence of hearing loss and cerumen impaction in low-income communities emphasizes the importance of ear care in primary healthcare (PHC) settings, especially for the elderly. Effective community-based cerumen management highlights the potential of integrating community resources and task-shifting strategies for cost-effective ear care in resource-limited settings.

The rural-oriented tuition-waived medical education program in China, started in 2010, provides free medical education to students committed to serving in rural areas to address medical staff shortages. Despite its success in training and deploying graduates, retaining them post-obligation remains challenging. This study explores the mechanisms behind the turnover intentions of rural-oriented medical students in Western China, offering insights for their retention.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 47 rural-oriented medical students and 30 health clinic directors in Nanning City. Interview data were analysed using grounded theory, and open, axial and selective coding was applied.

Through three levels of coding analysis, 34 tree nodes, 13 sub-categories and 3 main categories were identified from the interviews with rural-oriented medical students and health clinic directors. 3 main categories were Subjective Norms, Behavioural Attitudes, and Perceived Behavioural Control.

A model of turnover intention among rural-oriented medical students was developed. This model can serve as a valuable reference for future policy optimization concerning China’s rural order-directed medical students.

To summarize the findings from the PHC Measurement and Improvement (PHCMI) initiative in the World Health Organization WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and highlight key lessons to build PHC-oriented health systems.

To support countries in enhancing their commitment to the primary health care (PHC) approach, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) established the PHCMI initiative in 2019 to evaluate PHC performance and identify priorities for improvement.

Building on the experience of the global PHC Performance Initiative (PHCPI), PHCMI updated the master indicator list through iterative processes and reflecting country priorities. Progress in five domains: system/structure, inputs, processes, outcomes, and impact was assessed. Existing policy documents, data sources, and key informant interviews were used in the assessment.

Of the 21 countries and one territory, 14 participated in the assessment including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, I.R. of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, occupied Palestinian territory, Qatar, and Yemen. Despite the observed heterogeneity in PHC implementation, most countries reported that public primary care services were acceptable, accessible, and affordable. Strong leadership, the existence of PHC-related national health policies, and the engagement of stakeholders were key success factors.

Areas for additional attention include the need to increase investment in PHC, increase the PHC workforce, enhance equitable distribution of the workforce, expand training of primary care clinicians, improve health information systems, and inform the population on the benefits of preventive care. Health systems should be more tailored to the PHC approach and encouraged towards a more holistic view of the PHC approach.

The PHCMI initiative provides a foundation for an open discourse for advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and health security in EMR and re-orienting health systems towards the PHC approach.

Primary health care (PHC) delivered in Austria’s newly established primary health care units (PHCU) is based on interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between health care and social professionals.

This study aims to explore the requirements and challenges in IPC in Austrian PHCUs from the perspective of health care and social professionals.

15 semi-standardized, online, mono-professional focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 58 professionals with the following backgrounds: biomedical sciences, dietetics, medical training therapy, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, office assistance, orthoptics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, radiography, social work, and speech therapy. The participants were representatives from PHC practice (especially PHCUs), respective educational institutions, and professional organizations. The data were inductively analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.

The analysis displayed two main fields discussed by the participants, the setting for IPC and the professional relationships. The content analysis revealed three and four topics, respectively, within the main discussion fields. Within the setting for IPC, these topics were elaborated on (1) the operational area where IPC takes place in PHC, (2) the structural and organizational premises for this cooperation in PHCUs, and (3) the observed benefits of PHCUs for patients. Regarding the professional relationships, these topics were discoursed: (1) successful IPC, (2) challenges in IPC, (3) competencies required for IPC, and (4) previous and present corresponding training content.

Austrian health care and social professionals aim to get more involved in PHC in general and PHCUs specifically. They see opportunities and also challenges for their professional groups. Specific training is desired focusing on the unique requirements of Austrian PHCUs and equipping the workforce for the intensive, necessary, and beneficial collaboration between multiple professional groups in the increasingly important setting.