MyMedR

Factors associated with the spatial accessibility of healthcare services measured by the floating catchment area (FCA)-based method: A scoping review

Ab Hamid J, Juni MH, Rosliza AM, Syed Ismail SN, Lim PY

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):109-117.

PMID: 36715200

INTRODUCTION: The floating catchment area (FCA) method has emerged as the most comprehensive and accurate method for quantifying the spatial accessibility of health care services. There were variants of the FCA-based method that was continuously improvised by the researchers to suit specific local contexts and the different nature of healthcare service delivery. This scoping review identifies factors associated with the spatial accessibility of healthcare services that were specifically measured using the FCAbased method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This scoping review was performed through electronic databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) using keywords: 'spatial accessibility', 'floating catchment area' and 'factors'. Google Scholar and Mendeley Network were also used as additional sources to obtain relevant studies.

RESULTS: A total of 32 articles were included in this review. Factors identified can be distinguished into two broad categories, which are spatial and non-spatial factors. Spatial factors were remoteness or distance from the urban centre, areas in close proximity to main roads, and some specific geographical characteristics such as mountainous and deltaic regions, whereas non-spatial factors were the degree of urbanisation, population density and various demographic profiles of the population such as socioeconomic status, health need, and minority ethnic composition.

CONCLUSION: This study adds to the body of literature pertinent to the factors associated with spatial accessibility to healthcare services. These findings could give insight for researchers to consider and incorporate those additional variables to further improve the FCA-based method calculations.

Matched MeSH terms: Catchment Area (Health)*

Fulltext Spatial Accessibility of Primary Care in the Dual Public-Private Health System in Rural Areas, Malaysia

Ab Hamid J, Juni MH, Abdul Manaf R, Syed Ismail SN, Lim PY

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Feb 10;20(4).

PMID: 36833838 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043147

Disparities in access to health services in rural areas represent a global health issue. Various external factors contribute to these disparities and each root requires specific remedial action to alleviate the issue. This study elucidates an approach to assessing the spatial accessibility of primary care, considering Malaysia's dual public-private system specifically in rural areas, and identifies its associated ecological factors. Spatial accessibility was calculated using the Enhance 2-Step Floating Catchment Area (E2SFCA) method, modified as per local context. Data were secondary sourced from Population and Housing Census data and administrative datasets pertaining to health facilities and road network. The spatial pattern of the E2SFCA scores were depicted using Hot spot Analysis. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and geographical weight regression were performed to identify factors that affect E2SFCA scores. Hot spot areas revolved near the urban agglomeration, largely contributed by the private sector. Distance to urban areas, road density, population density dependency ratios and ethnic composition were among the associated factors. Accurate conceptualization and comprehensive assessment of accessibility are crucial for evidence-based decision making by the policymakers and health authorities in identifying areas that need attention for a more specific and localized planning and development.

Cutting: rare in Kelantan (Malaysia)

Pridmore S, Yaacob MJ

Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 2008 Oct;42(10):909.

PMID: 18788133

Fulltext Morphology, geology and water quality assessment of former tin mining catchment

Ashraf MA, Maah MJ, Yusoff I

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:369206.

PMID: 22761549 DOI: 10.1100/2012/369206

Bestari Jaya, former tin mining catchment covers an area of 2656.31 hectares comprised of four hundred and forty-two different-size lakes and ponds. The present study area comprise of 92 hectares of the catchment that include four large size lakes. Arc GIS version 9.2 used to develop bathymetric map, Global Positioning System (GPS) for hydrographical survey and flow meter was utilized for water discharge analysis (flow routing) of the catchment. The water quality parameters (pH, temperature, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen DO, total dissolved solids TDS, chlorides, ammonium, nitrates) were analyzed by using Hydrolab. Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures were strictly followed throughout the field work and data analysis. Different procedures were employed to evaluate the analytical data and to check for possible transcription or dilution errors, changes during analysis, or unusual or unlikely values. The results obtained are compared with interim national water quality standards for Malaysia indicates that water quality of area is highly degraded. It is concluded that Bestri Jaya ex-mining catchment has a high pollution potential due to mining activities and River Ayer Hitam, recipient of catchment water, is a highly polluted river.

Matched MeSH terms: Catchment Area (Health)*

Mortality risk among recent-onset injection drug users in five U.S. cities

Vlahov D, Wang C, Ompad D, Fuller CM, Caceres W, Ouellet L, et al.

Subst Use Misuse, 2008;43(3-4):413-28.

PMID: 18365941 DOI: 10.1080/10826080701203013

To quantify the risk of death among recent-onset (< 5 years) injection drug users, we enrolled 2089 injection drug users (IDUs) age

Quality of life of community-based chronic schizophrenia patients in Penang, Malaysia

Mubarak AR, Baba I, Chin LH, Hoe QS

Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 2003 Oct;37(5):577-85.

PMID: 14511086

This is a study of the quality of life (QOL) of 174 community-based chronic schizophrenia patients in Penang, Malaysia.

Evaluation and validation of a measure profiling needs and problems of psychiatric patients in the community: a Malaysian study

Cheah YC, Parker G, Roy K

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2000 Apr;35(4):170-6.

PMID: 10868082

The Profile of Community Psychiatry Clients (PCPC) was developed in a Sydney-based sample of those with a mental illness as a 35-item measure of likely need for service recognition, review and possible assistance.

Case series of buprenorphine injectors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bruce RD, Govindasamy S, Sylla L, Haddad MS, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse, 2008;34(4):511-7.

PMID: 18584580 DOI: 10.1080/00952990802122259

Diversion of buprenorphine has been described in settings where it is legally prescribed and has become an increasing concern in Malaysia; it resulted in banning of buprenorphine in Singapore where unsubstantiated case reports suggested that buprenorphine injection was associated with particularly poor outcomes. We therefore conducted a case series of qualitative interviews with buprenorphine injectors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to examine further the issues surrounding buprenorphine injection as well as the abuse of midazolam in combination with buprenorphine. Interviews with 19 men do not suggest significant adverse health consequences from buprenorphine injection alone and injectors have adapted diverted buprenorphine as a treatment modality. A subset of these injectors, however, combined buprenorphine and midazolam for euphoric effects with resultant symptoms of a possible pharmacological interaction. Prospective cohort studies, rather than hospital-derived samples, are needed to better understand the safety of buprenorphine injection.

Clinical predictors of intractable childhood epilepsy

Gururaj A, Sztriha L, Hertecant J, Eapen V

J Psychosom Res, 2006 Sep;61(3):343-7.

PMID: 16938512

This study aimed to determine the clinical, electroencephalographic, and radiological factors associated with medically intractable seizures in children in the Al Ain Medical District in the United Arab Emirates.

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