http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11664 2026-04-09T07:03:18Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12043 Title: Telemedicine Adoption in Developing Economies: A Systematic Review on the Enablers and Barriers Authors: Macabato, Zaidbren; Clark Velasco, Lemuel; Escabarte, Art Brian; Poblete, Mae-Lanie; Isla Jr, Armando Abstract: Abstract Telemedicine’s adoption has been effective in certain contexts despite being controversial in certain settings because of its tendency to cause misdiagnosis and concerns about data privacy. This study aimed to synthesize the research findings on the factors leading to the adoption of telemedicine among developing economies. The study utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology to analyze 27 related literature and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to map out the factors considered enablers and barriers in adopting telemedicine. Results showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions were significant predictors. However, the study also underscored that the lack of information and communications technology support, lack of resources, lack of organizational effectiveness, lack of quality care, lack of motivation, lack of trustworthiness, and lack of user satisfaction were predominant hindrances at both individual and organizational levels. This analysis on the enablers and barriers of telemedicine adoption hopes to contribute strategic recommendations that practitioners in public health, decision-makers in global health policy, technology developers, and future research may explore to expand the existing knowledge on the optimal adoption of telemedicine in developing economies. Keywords: barriers, enablers, technology adoption, telehealth, telemedicine 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12038 Title: Home Births Among Ethnic Minority Communities in Bokeo Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic Authors: Wungrath, Jukkrit; Sriwongphan, Rungrasami; Kapheak, Krissana; Ritthimon, Wanchalerm Abstract: Abstract Home births among ethnic minorities in developing countries pose significant risks to maternal and neonatal health. In Lao PDR, the government has taken steps to manage home births through training traditional birth attendants, improving transportation, and establishing referral systems. However, high home birth rates in regions like Bokeo remain concerning. This review emphasized the need for more skilled birth attendants and better access to emergency obstetric care in rural, ethnic minority areas. This review used 40 articles published between 2000 and 2023 and highlighted gaps in research regarding healthcare access, cultural practices, socioeconomic barriers, and the role of traditional birth attendants. Suggested strategies included scholarships for midwifery training, expanding telemedicine, enhancing emergency transport, and partnering with NGOs for culturally sensitive outreach. Although each strategy has limitations, collectively, they can improve maternal and newborn health outcomes and reduce home birth risks. Addressing cultural beliefs and preferences is essential to encourage healthcare use, and community engagement plays a key role in promoting safer birth practices while respecting traditions. A holistic approach combining skilled healthcare, cultural sensitivity, and accessible services is crucial to improving maternal and newborn care in ethnic minority communities in Lao PDR. Keywords: home birth, ethnic minority, community 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12036 Title: Social Determinants of Neonatal Health Outcomes in Indonesia: A Multilevel Regression Analysis Authors: Soeharno, Rooswanti; Chalik Sjaaf, Amal Abstract: Abstract Indonesia’s neonatal mortality rate remains alarmingly high. This study addressed the determinants of neonatal outcomes in Indonesia, including the effects of a decentralized health system, socioeconomic disparities, and geographic variations. The analysis used 2018 national survey data across 34 provinces, 513 cities/districts, and 300,000 households, with a sample of 73,864 women aged 10-54 years who have given birth in the preceding five years. The multilevel regression was used to assess the impact of social determinants and systemic inequalities on neonatal health. Key findings revealed a neonatal mortality rate that, despite being preventable in many cases, remained high with significant disparities. The final model, incorporating individual and community-level factors, reduced unexplained variance by 28% (PCV), with community factors explaining 16% of the variability (ICC 0.1600). The community-level risk variability also decreased, as shown by a reduction in the Median Odds Ratio from 2.43 to 2.13. These results highlighted the importance of targeting individual and community factors to reduce the risk of babies being born at risk. There is a critical need for targeted health policies and local-specific interventions to bridge the equity gap and improve neonatal health outcomes. Keywords: disparities, Indonesia, multilevel regression, neonatal, social determinants 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12033 Title: Economic Growth, Poverty Gap, and Health Inequality: Implications Based on Panel Analysis of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Data Authors: Han, Sangik Abstract: Abstract This study investigated the impact of economic growth and income distribution on health inequality using data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Employing a panel analysis, this study amalgamated 21 years of data (spanning from 2000 to 2020) from 37 OECD countries. The dependent variables (life expectancy and avoidable mortality) were scrutinized against independent variables (gross domestic product and poverty gap). Control variables encompassed body mass index, consumption patterns, smoking rates, health workers availability, number of beds in health facilities, national medical expenses, and unemployment rates. This study revealed significant associations between economic growth, poverty gap, and both life expectancy and avoidable mortality. This underscored the necessity of prioritizing not only income distribution but also overall economic growth to address health inequality effectively. This study established that an increase in the poverty gap corresponded to elevated life expectancy and reduced avoidable mortality rates, suggesting a mechanism distinct from a medical security system targeting lower-income individuals or an enhancement of societal welfare. Proposing policy measures to alleviate health inequality, this study advocates for policy interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of income inequality within healthcare policies. Keywords: fixed effect model, health disparity, health inequality, panel analysis 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z