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Background: Ethiopia has experienced growth in the utilization of family planning services. However, there are reports of relatively low client satisfaction across the country.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess client and facility level predictors of satisfaction with family planning services in Ethiopia.

Method: A multi-level mixed effects logistic regression analysis was conducted on a national survey obtained from the service provision assessment 2021–22. A total of 2071 clients (level one) and 529 facilities (level two) were included.

Results: Overall, 56% of clients were highly satisfied with the family planning service they received. Findings from the random effects of the multilevel analysis show there is a significant difference in client satisfaction between facilities, with an intra-class correlation of 0.56 in the null model. At the client-level, age above 30, auditory privacy, and discussion on side effects are significantly associated with higher client satisfaction. At the facility level, having a waiting area, facilities with a quality unit and/or committee, a DHIS2 reporting system, operating for more than 20 days a month, privately owned facilities and availability of family planning guidelines are associated with higher odds of being satisfied. On the other hand, at the client level, having a primary or higher education, increasing wait time and clients asking their providers questions are associated with lower odds of being satisfied. At the facility level, having a fixed user fee significantly reduces the odds of client satisfaction.

Conclusions: Human resource and professional development training and health system strengthening is recommended.

PURPOSE: Surgery for groin hernia is one of the most common operations in the world. Therefore, research concerning the outcomes of groin hernia surgery is extremely important both for the individual patient as well as for those providing the healthcare funding. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hernia surgery in Sweden over a 30 year time period, from 1992 to 2021.

METHODS: All groin hernia repairs in the Swedish Hernia Register between 1992 to 2021 were analyzed with emphasis on the surgical method, reoperation rate for recurrence and date of surgery, specifically 1992-2001, 2002-2011 and 2012-2021. By using personal identification numbers, a cumulative reoperation rate has been deduced for males and females separately.

RESULTS: A total of 368,502 groin hernia operations identified in the Swedish Hernia Register between 1992 to 2021 were eligible for analysis. Since the register was begun, there have been significant changes in the choice of operative techniques, from suture repair in 1992 to open anterior mesh repair around the year 2000, until today, where an increasing proportion of hernias are repaired using laparo-endoscopic techniques. There has been a reduction in the reoperation rate for recurrence in both males and females, with the most pronounced improvement being seen in females. The laparo-endoscopic technique is associated with a reduced incidence of reoperation for recurrence in females.

CONCLUSION: Groin hernia surgery in Sweden has undergone substantial changes over the past 30 years. Reoperation for recurrence has decreased significantly during recent years, especially in females.

Background/Objectives: Emergency groin hernia repairs have consistently presented a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to compare both short- and long-term outcomes associated with emergency groin hernia surgery.

Methods: A nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted using prospective collected data from the Swedish Hernia Register combined with a questionnaire assessing patient-reported chronic pain. All patients who underwent a groin hernia repair between 2012 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality, chronic pain 1-year post-surgery, 30-day postoperative complication, and bowel resection and reoperation for recurrence for emergency versus elective repairs. Risk factors for these outcomes in emergency repair were investigated.

Results: A total of 94,349 repairs were analyzed, with 5401 (5%) emergency repairs. Emergency repairs involved older patients (median age 74 vs. 65), more women (25% vs. 9%), more ASA grade III (38% vs. 12%), more femoral hernias (19% vs. 3%) and smaller defects (24% vs. 17%) compared to elective repairs. Multivariable analysis revealed increased rates and significant risks for 30-day mortality (2.7%, OR 11.61), chronic pain (20.6%, OR 1.30), 30-day postoperative complications (21.9%, OR 2.12) and bowel resection (7.8%, OR 408) compared to elective repairs. No significant difference was observed for reoperation for recurrence. Key risk factors for the outcomes following emergency repairs were higher age, higher ASA grade and femoral hernias.

Conclusions: Emergency hernia surgery continues to pose a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Elective repair should be considered in frail patients and those with potential femoral hernias.

This analysis of secondary outcomes investigated the applicability of supramaximal high-intensity interval training (HIT) with individually prescribed external intensity performed on stationary bicycles. Sixty-eight participants with a median (min; max) age of 69 (66; 79), at the time not engaged in regular exercise were randomized to 25 twice-weekly sessions of supramaximal HIT (20-min session with 10 × 6-s intervals) or moderate-intensity training (MIT, 40-min session with 3 × 8-min intervals). The primary aim was outcomes on applicability regarding; adherence to prescribed external interval intensity, participant reported positive and negative events, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20), and affective state (Feeling Scale, FS -5–5). A secondary aim was to investigate change in exercise-related self-efficacy (Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale) and motivation (Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2). Total adherence to the prescribed external interval intensity was [median (min; max)] 89 % (56; 100 %) in supramaximal HIT, and 100 % (95; 100 %) in MIT. The supramaximal HIT group reported 60 % of the positive (112 of 186) and 36 % of the negative (52 of 146) events. At the end of the training period, the median (min; max) session RPE was 15 (12; 17) for supramaximal HIT and 14 (9; 15) for MIT. As for FS, the median last within-session rating was 3 (−1; 5) for supramaximal HIT and 3 (1; 5) for MIT. Exercise-related motivation increased (mean difference in Relative Autonomy Index score = 1.54, 95 % CI [0.69; 2.40]), while self-efficacy did not change (mean difference = 0.55, 95 % CI [-0.75; 1.82]), regardless of group. This study provide support for supramaximal HIT in supervised group settings for older adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness of supramaximal high-intensity interval training (supramaximal HIT) on muscle capacities and physical function compared to moderate-intensity training (MIT) for older adults.

METHODS: Sixty-eight older adults (66-79 years, 56% women), not engaged in regular exercise, were randomised to 3 months of twice-weekly supramaximal HIT (20 minutes including 10 × 6-second intervals) or MIT (40 minutes including 3 × 8-minute intervals). Both groups performed the training on stationary bicycles in a group setting. Target intensity was watt-controlled, with standardised cadence and individualised resistance. Outcomes analysed with linear-mixed models included leg power (Nottingham Power Rig), hand grip strength (Jamar dynamometer), static and dynamic balance (One leg stance, 30-second step test), chair stand (30-second chair stand), and anaerobic cycling performance (modified Borg Cycle Strength Test).

RESULTS: Baseline values were (supramaximal HIT/MIT, mean ± SD) leg power 198 ± 60/189 ± 53 W, hand grip strength 4.2 ± 1.0/4.3 ± 1.1 N/kg, static balance 64 ± 41/62 ± 41 s, dynamic balance 39 ± 7/38 ± 5 steps, chair stands 22 ± 6/22 ± 6 and anaerobic cycling performance 224 ± 60/217 ± 55 W. At 3-month follow-up, a between-group difference in favour of supramaximal HIT [95% CI] was observed in anaerobic cycling performance of 19[3;35] W. Within-group mean changes for supramaximal HIT/MIT were for leg power 8.4[0.9;15.8]/6.0[-1.3;13.3] W, hand grip strength 0.14[0.00;0.27]/0.13[-0.01;0.26] N/kg, static balance 11[3;20]/10[1;18] s, dynamic balance 1.6[0.3;2.8]/2.3[1.1;3.6] steps, 2.1[1.1;3.1]/1.4[0.4;2.3] chair stands and anaerobic cycling performance 31.3[19.6;43.0]/12.0[0.4;23.5] W.

CONCLUSION: Supramaximal HIT showed superior effect on anaerobic cycling performance when compared to MIT. Additionally, the results indicate that supramaximal HIT is comparably beneficial as MIT in terms of effects on muscle capacity and physical function for older adults.

Background: A team-based, individualised rehabilitation approach may be required to meet the complex needs of people with dementia. This randomised controlled pilot trial evaluated the feasibility of a person-centred multidimensional interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme for community-dwelling older people with dementia and their informal primary caregivers.

Methods: Participants with dementia were randomised to an intervention group (n = 31, mean age (SD) 78.4 (6.0) years) or usual care (n = 30, mean age 79.0 (7.1)). The rehabilitation programme consisted of a 20-week rehabilitation period containing assessments and interventions based on each individual’s goals, and group-based physical exercise plus social interaction twice a week for 16 weeks at a rehabilitation unit. After 5 and 14 months, the interdisciplinary team followed up participants over two four-week periods. For both groups, dates of deaths and decision to move to nursing home over three years, as well as interventions for the relevant periods, were collected. Blinded assessors measured physical functions, physical activity, activities of daily living, cognitive functions, nutritional status, and neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline and at 5, 12, 24, and 36 months.

Results: Participants in the intervention group received a mean of 70.7 (20.1) interventions during the 20-week rehabilitation period, delivered by all ten team professions. The corresponding figures for the control group were 5.8 (5.9). In the intervention group, all but one participated in rehabilitation planning, including goal setting, and attendance in the exercise and social interaction groups was 74.8%. None of the adverse events (n = 19) led to any manifest injury or disease. Cox proportional hazard regression showed a non-significant lower relative risk (HR = 0.620, 95% CI 0.27–1.44) in favour of the intervention for moving to nursing home or mortality during the 36-month follow-up period. Linear mixed-effect models showed non-significant but potentially clinically meaningful between-group differences in gait, physical activity, and neuropsychological symptoms in favour of the intervention.

Conclusions: The rehabilitation programme seems feasible among community-dwelling older people with dementia. The overall results merit proceeding to a future definitive randomised controlled trial, exploring effects and cost-effectiveness. One could consider to conduct the programme earlier in the course of dementia, adding cognitive training and a control attention activity.

Trial registration: The study protocol, ISRCTN59155421, was registered online 4/11/2015.

Background: People with intermediate CVD risk constitute most of the population. Within this group, the proportion of events is lower compared to the high-risk group, but they contribute with the largest absolute number of events. Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process and progression can be slowed or even reversed with medication and lifestyle changes, but adherence to prescribed treatment is crucial.

Aim: To investigate the long-term effects of interventions with pictorial risk communication of cardiovascular (CVD) risk on average adherence in a group of statin users. Compare response in adherence over time between men and women after intervention.

Methods: Participants on active statin treatment were followed up to 5 years after being randomly assigned to an intervention program aimed at raising CVD risk awareness among participants and their physicians. Merging prescribed medication databases with VIPVIZA study to study adherence over time. A moving average adherence was used to compare groups.

Results: Generally, the average adherence to statins among the 512 participants was high. Men had a higher average adherence over time, while women had a sharper increase in adherence in conjuncture with the intervention program.

Conclusions: Both men and women were receptive to pictorial information regarding CVD risk, but the intervention effect was more pronounced in women. Sex differences are important when considering risk communication strategies. Periodically repeating the intervention was beneficial for maintaining the intervention effect over time.

OBJECTIVES: To explore changes in beliefs about medicines and self-reported medication non-adherence between 3 and 24 months after stroke and to investigate associations between beliefs about medicines and non-adherence at 24 months after stroke. DESIGN: Longitudinal questionnaire survey. SETTING: Patients treated for acute stroke in 25 Swedish hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Only patients living at home were included. Of the 594 individuals who answered the 3 month questionnaire, 401 were included at 24 months; among the remainder, 34 (5.7%) had died, 149 (25,1%) did not respond or had incomplete information on adherence and 10 (1.7%) were not living at home. MEASURES: The primary outcome was self-reported medication adherence as measured with the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaires (BMQ) was used to assess personal beliefs about medicines. Background and clinical data were included from the Swedish national stroke register. RESULTS: According to dichotomised MARS sum scores, more individuals were classified as non-adherent at 24 months after stroke (n=63, 15.7%) than at 3 months after stroke (n=45, 11.2%) (p=0.030). For BMQ, the only difference over time was an increase in the Necessity subscale (p=0.007). At 24 months, in comparison to adherent patients, non-adherent patients scored statistically significant higher on negative beliefs about medicines, such as Concern (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.25), Overuse (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.54) and Harm (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.39), and lower on positive beliefs about medicines, namely, Necessity (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.96) and Benefit (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients' beliefs about medicines were associated with adherence, and over time beliefs remained stable across all domains, except for an increased perception of medications as being necessary. Despite this, more patients became non-adherent over time. To counteract non-adherence, interventions targeted to improve intentional adherence as well as non-intentional adherence should be investigated and implemented.

Background: Swedish healthcare is in a period of transition with an expanding private sector. This study compares quality of outcome after groin hernia repair performed in a public or private healthcare setting.

Methods: A cohort study based on data from the Swedish National Hernia Register combined with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) 1 year after groin hernia repair. Between September 2012 and December 2018, a questionnaire was sent to all patients registered in the hernia register 1 year after surgery. Endpoints were reoperation for recurrence, chronic pain, and patient satisfaction.

Results: From a total of 87,650 patients with unilateral groin hernia repair, 61,337 PROM answers (70%) were received from 71 public and 28 private healthcare providers. More females, acute and recurrent cases, and patients with high American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores were operated under the national healthcare system. The private sector had more experience surgeons with higher annual volume per surgeon, shorter time on waiting lists, and shorter operation times. No difference was seen in patient satisfaction. Groin hernia repair performed in a private clinic was associated with less postoperative chronic pain (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.8–0.91) but a higher recurrence rate (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26–1.59) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion: Despite private clinics having a higher proportion of experienced surgeons and fewer complex cases, the recurrence rate was higher, whereas the risk for chronic postoperative pain was higher among patients treated in the public sector.

Thromboembolic events and bleeding are known complications in essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and polycythaemia vera (PV). Using multiple Swedish health care registers, we assessed the rate of arterial and venous events, major bleeding, all-cause stroke and all-cause mortality in ET and PV compared to matched controls. For each patient with ET (n = 3141) and PV (n = 2604), five matched controls were randomly selected. In total, 327 and 405 arterial or venous events were seen in the group of ET and PV patients respectively. Compared to corresponding controls, the rate of venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality per 100 treatment years was significantly increased among both ET (0.63, 0.79 and 3.70) and PV patients (0.94, 1.20 and 4.80). The PV patients also displayed a significantly higher rate of arterial events and all-cause stroke compared to controls. When dividing the cohort into age groups, we found a significantly higher rate of arterial and venous events in all age groups of PV patients, and the rate of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in both ET and PV patients in all ages above the age of 50. This study confirms that PV and ET are diseases truly marked by thromboembolic complications and bleeding.