Using wildland fire smoke modeling data in gerontological health research (California, 2007-2018).

Widespread population exposure to wildland fire smoke underscores the urgent need for new techniques to characterize fire-derived pollution for epidemiologic studies and to build climate-resilient communities especially for aging populations. Using atmospheric chemical transport modeling, we examined air quality with and without wildland fire smoke PM2.5. In 12-km gridded output, the 24-hour average concentration of all-source PM2.5 in California (2007-2018) was 5.16 µg/m3 (S.D. 4.66 µg/m3). The average concentration of fire-PM2.5 in California by year was 1.61 µg/m3 (~30% of total PM2.5). The contribution of fire-source PM2.5 ranged from 6.8% to 49%. We define a "smokewave" as two or more consecutive days with modeled levels above 35 µg/m3. Based on model-derived fire-PM2.5, 99.5% of California's population lived in a county that experienced at least one smokewave from 2007 to 2018, yet understanding of the impact of smoke on the health of aging populations is limited. Approximately 2.7 million (56%) of California residents aged 65+ years lived in counties representing the top 3 quartiles of fire-PM2.5 concentrations (2007-2018). For each year (2007-2018), grid cells containing skilled nursing facilities had significantly higher mean concentrations of all-source PM2.5 than cells without those facilities, but they also had generally lower mean concentrations of wildland fire-specific PM2.5. Compared to rural monitors in California, model predictions of wildland fire impacts on daily average PM2.5 carbon (organic and elemental) performed well most years but tended to overestimate wildland fire impacts for high-fire years. The modeling system isolated wildland fire PM2.5 from other sources at monitored and unmonitored locations, which is important for understanding exposures for aging population in health studies.

Telehealth rehabilitation for adults with cochlear implants in response to the Covid-19 pandemic: platform selection and case studies.

BACKGROUND: Effective information giving and goal setting before cochlear implantation and individualised rehabilitation following implantation are both crucial for shaping patients' expectations and optimising outcomes. The Covid-19 pandemic led to temporary cessation of face to face clinic appointments. This created a need for telehealth rehabilitation for adults whose hearing loss presents unique communication challenges. AIMS: We describe the piloting and implementation of telehealth rehabilitation within an adult cochlear implant service. METHOD: Video conferencing and telehealth tools were assessed in terms of security, accessibility and functionality. Written support materials were developed. Telehealth sessions were piloted with lay volunteers. During service implementation, feedback was collected from patients and staff. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A video call platform was identified that was supported by the host Trust and also met the rehabilitation service's needs. A telehealth service was successfully implemented, ensuring continuity of care during lockdown. We share the platform selection framework used, practical lessons learned and patient support materials. CONCLUSION: .Telehealth rehabilitation facilitated a well-received, effective service for adult cochlear implant patients. It is predicted that the benefits of telehealth rehabilitation will last beyond the lockdown restrictions posed by Covid-19.

Assessing perceptions and priorities for health impacts of climate change within local Michigan health departments.

Climate change affects Michigan's public health in several primary ways, including increased incidences of vector-borne, waterborne, heat-related, and respiratory illness. Because local health departments (LHDs) play a central role in surveillance and preventative health services, they are among the first institutions to contend with the local impacts of climate change. To assess current perceptions among Michigan public health officials, an online survey was conducted in partnership with the Michigan Association for Local Public Health (MALPH). Most of the Michigan respondents (62%, n = 34) agreed that their jurisdictions have experienced climate change in the last 20 years, and 77% agreed that climate change will impact their jurisdictions in the coming 20 years. However, only 35% (n = 34) of Michigan officials agreed that climate change is a priority in their departments. About one quarter (25%, n = 34) of Michigan LHD respondents did not know about the level of expertise of either the state and federal agencies, responsible for assisting them with information and programs related to climate change and health. Uncertainty regarding the resources available to them may hinder LHDs from developing necessary preparedness, so meeting this need could bolster the public health response to climate change. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13412-021-00679-0.

Patients' Perspectives on Stigma of Mental Illness (an Egyptian Study in a Private Hospital).

The present study is concerned with the stigma of mental illness. It examines the subjective element of the experience of stigma among a sample of in-patients with different mental disorders. The sample was taken from consecutive admissions of in-patients meeting International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) criteria for mental disorders who had capacity to decide on participation in the study and were willing to respond to the structured interview. The study was undertaken in an Egyptian private psychiatric hospital. The structured clinical interview included aspects of the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive effects of having a psychiatric diagnosis on in-patients with various diagnostic labels in an Egyptian psychiatric hospital. It also studied whether this effect changes with specific disorders, total duration of illness, or sociodemographic variables as gender, age, or educational level. The study illustrated the core items of stigmatization attached to the diagnosis of mental illness (1), which more than half of the participants responded affirmatively. The study aimed to explore the most prevailing aspects of stigma or social disadvantage; hoping that this may offer a preliminary guide for clinicians to address these issues in their practice.