This essay is about side health indicator in FPS, why they look like they do and what function they provide in FPS and their existence in modern FPS. The essay also contains information about traditional health indicators, psychology in colors, the crosshair focus area and research about FPS in modern times. The author research of 44 FPS games is find out the amount of side health indicators against the more traditional types and the reasons a developer would include a side health indicator instead of the others. In his research he found out that in the selected games, a fair amount of them did include only a side health indicator but a far larger amount of the combination type, using a traditional type as a primary health indicator and a side health indicator when an avatar takes too much damage or nearing death. The author also found out a type he had not thought of, called full screen health indicators, which affects the whole screen to indicate the avatars state of health.

No / Though Bangladesh has made tremendous strides forward in health and other socio-economic indicators in the recent past, basic needs of health still remain largely unmet and only less than half of the population has access to basic healthcare. The health spending is far below the optimum level which is needed to scale up essential health intervention. Bangladesh is also experiencing a critical and chronic shortage and imbalance of skill mix and deployment of health workforce. The important achievements in health indicators include life expectancy, infant mortality, and vaccinations. However, overall burden of mortality and morbidity in most of the key health indicators is higher compared to other regional countries. Despite remarkable progress, except child mortality, targets are not expected to be met by 2015 if the prevailing trends persist in several areas. Major reforms are needed in health and medical education to ensure quality healthcare for the population of Bangladesh.

Introdução: a vulnerabilidade é um conceito que visa ampliar a compreensão da condição de saúde do ser humano. Posto isto, o objetivo geral deste estudo foi analisar a vulnerabilidade individual, social e programática entre idosos que vivem no domicílio e sua associação com os desfechos adversos relacionados aos indicadores da condição de saúde, e mapeá-los espacialmente. Método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico de base populacional, do tipo inquérito domiciliar, transversal e observacional, desenvolvido no município de Uberaba (MG). Constituíram a amostra final 701 idosos selecionados por meio da amostragem por conglomerado em múltiplo estágio. Para avaliação do componente individual recorreu-se ao fenótipo de fragilidade; o programático por meio de um indicador de acesso e utilização do serviço de saúde; o social mediante a distribuição espacial dos setores censitários do município deste estudo. Procedeu-se análise descritiva, análise de componentes principais, teste qui-quadrado e modelos de regressão logística, logística multinomial e linear (p<0,05). A análise espacial foi realizada por meio de mapas temáticos. Resultados: constatou-se que 32,0 % dos idosos apresentava as três condições de vulnerabilidade (individual, social e programática) concomitantemente. Evidenciaram-se como fatores associados à condição de fragilidade física: sexo feminino (p=0,015) e faixas etárias de 70 a 79 anos (p=0,013) e 80 anos ou mais (p<0,001). Para condição de elevada/muito elevada vulnerabilidade social predominaram: faixas etárias de 60+ 70 anos (p=0,009) e 70+ 80 anos (p=0,039); ausência de escolaridade (p<0,001) (p<0,001) e 1+4 anos de estudo (p=0,001); e renda mensal < 1 salário mínimo (p=0,007), 1 salário (p=0,013) e 1+3 salários (p=0,027). Já os fatores associados à moderada vulnerabilidade programática foram: faixa etária 70+ 80 anos (p=0,039); não possuir escolaridade (p=0,017), 1+4 anos de estudo (p=0,003) e 4+9 anos de estudo (p=0,029). Na análise de associação entre os componentes da vulnerabilidade, constatou-se menor proporção de idosos frágeis com elevada vulnerabilidade programática quando comparados aos pré-frágeis e não frágeis (p=0,011). Na distribuição espacial dos desfechos adversos de saúde segundo a vulnerabilidade social, houve maior ocorrência de quedas, dependência para AIVD e péssima/má autopercepção de saúde entre idosos residentes em áreas de elevada/muito elevada vulnerabilidade social comparados aos demais. Em relação à associação entre os componentes de vulnerabilidade e os desfechos de saúde, observou-se associação da fragilidade física com todos os desfechos analisados (quedas, hospitalização, dependência para ABVD e AIVD, autopercepção de saúde e número de morbidade). O componente social associou-se à dependência para ABVD e AIVD e à autopercepção de saúde. Já o componente programático permaneceu associado apenas ao maior número de morbidade. Conclusão: os resultados evidenciaram que os idosos estão sujeitos às condições de vulnerabilidade sob as perspectivas biológica, social e no acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde. Infere-se que os componentes individual, social e programático de vulnerabilidade podem influenciar nas condições de saúde de idosos, sendo que a fragilidade física se relacionou a todos os desfechos analisados / Vulnerability is a concept intended to broaden understanding regarding the health condition of people. This study\'s general objective was to analyze the individual, social and programmatic vulnerability of elderly individuals living in the community and its association with adverse outcomes related to health status indicators, in addition to mapping them spatially. Method: This population-based, cross-sectional and observational epidemiological study included a survey conducted in the individuals\' homes in the city of Uberaba, MG, Brazil. The final sample included 701 elderly individuals selected through multistage cluster sampling. The fragility phenotype was used to assess the individual component; the programmatic component was verified through an indicator for access and attendance to health services; and the social component was verified through the spatial distribution of the census sector of the city under study. Descriptive analysis, principal components analysis, and the Chi-square test, in addition to logistic regression models and multinomial logistic regression (p<0.05) were performed. Spatial analysis was conducted using thematic maps. Results: 32.0% of the elderly individuals concomitantly presented three vulnerability conditions (individual, social and programmatic). The factors that appeared associated with a physically frail condition were: being a woman (p=0.015), aged from 70 to 79 years old (p=0.013) or 80 years old or older (p<0.001). The following predominated for conditions of high social vulnerability: aged from 60+ 70 years old (p=0.009) and 70+ 80 years old (p=0.039); no formal education (p<0.001) (p<0.001) and 1+4 years of schooling (p=0.001); and monthly income < 1 times the minimum wage (p=0.007), 1 times the minimum wage (p=0.013) and 1+3 times the minimum wage (p=0.027). The factors associated with moderate programmatic vulnerability were: ages between 70+ 80 (p=0.039); no formal education (p=0.017), 1+4 years of schooling (p=0,003) and 4+9 years of schooling (p=0,029). Analysis of association among vulnerability components revealed a lower proportion of frail elderly individuals with high programmatic vulnerability when compared to their pre-frail and non-frail counterparts (p=0.011). The spatial distribution of adverse health outcomes according to social vulnerability revealed a greater occurrence of falls, dependency for IADLs, and poor/very poor self-perception of health status among those living in areas of high/very high social vulnerability compared to their counterparts. In regard to association among vulnerability components and health outcomes, physical frailty was associated with all outcomes (falls, hospitalization, dependency for ADLs and IADLs, self-perception of health and number of morbidities). The social component was associated with ADL and IADL dependency and self-perception of health. The programmatic component remained associated only with a greater number of morbidities. Conclusion: The results evidenced that elderly individuals are subject to vulnerable conditions from a biological and social perspective also considering access and use of health services. The results suggest that individual, social and programmatic components of vulnerability influence the health conditions of elderly individuals, while physical frailty was related to all the outcomes under study

Introdução: Os indicadores de saúde refletem o quadro real das condições de saúde de uma população. Sua utilização pode orientar os gestores de saúde no planejamento e controle das atividades locais, além de permitir possíveis inferências quanto aos efeitos das decisões e de seus resultados. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a percepção dos gestores de unidades de saúde quanto ao uso dos indicadores de saúde em suas ações de planejamento e controle dos serviços de saúde. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo descritivo e exploratório com abordagem de análise qualitativa. O estudo foi realizado na subprefeitura da Aricanduva, com a entrevista dos gestores das unidades de saúde. Para a interpretação dos dados levantados utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Os trechos das falas dos gestores foram agrupados por temas: Tema 1: Perfil dos gestores das unidades de saúde; Tema 2: Percepção quanto ao uso dos sistemas de informação em saúde para o planejamento e controle dos serviços de saúde; Tema 3: Acesso e discussão das informações em saúde; Tema 4: Percepção sobre a confiabilidade e qualidade dos indicadores; Tema 5: Comparação com outras unidades de saúde (Benchmarking); Tema 6: Entraves na utilização dos sistemas de informação em saúde; Tema 7: Oportunidades de melhoria dos sistemas de informação em saúde. Resultados: Os indicadores de saúde são subutilizados pelos gestores em suas ações de planejamento e controle dos serviços. Os sistemas de informações em saúde são apreendidos como instrumentos técnico-burocráticos por parte dos gestores. Segundo a maioria dos gestores, sua relação com esses sistemas consiste, na inclusão de dados e repasse das informações, sendo reduzida sua utilização gerencial. Alguns entraves foram mencionados pelos gestores em relação ao acesso as informações em saúde. A lentidão dos sistemas foi considerada o principal entrave, seguido pelo escasso número de profissionais capacitados para operar o sistema, falta de oportunidades para formação e atualização dos profissionais, além da pouca integração entre os sistemas. Considerações finais: Verificou-se que, em maioria, os gestores entrevistados não se apropriam dos indicadores de saúde para suas ações gerenciais. Recomenda-se propiciar condições institucionais para uma utilização mais efetiva dos indicadores de saúde como instrumento de gestão das unidades do serviço público de saúde / Introduction: Health indicators reflect the true picture of population health status. Its use can guide health managers for the planning and control of interventions, and allows inferences on the possible effects and consequences of their decisions. Objective: This study aimed to describe the perception of managers of health facilities on the use of health indicators in the planning and control of actions performed at their health units. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study, using a qualitative analysis approach. The study was conducted in the borough of Aricanduva, by interviewing the managers of health facilities. The interpretation of results used the methodological resource of thematic analysis of discourse contents. Segments of the managers discourse were grouped by themes: Theme 1: Profile of managers of health facilities; Theme 2: Perception on the use of health information systems for the planning and control of health services; Theme 3: Access and discussion of health information; Theme 4: Perceptions about reliability and quality of health indicators; Theme 5: Comparison with other health units (Benchmarking); Theme 6: Restriction on the use of information systems in health; Theme 7: Opportunities for improving the system of health information. Results: Health indicators are underutilized by managers in their actions planning and control services. The health information systems are perceived as bureaucratic and technical instruments by managers. According to most the managers, their relationship with these systems consists in the inclusion of data and transfer of information; they scarcely use this tool to instruct decision making. Managers mentioned some barriers in relation to access to health information. The slowness of the system was considered the most important of these obstacles, followed by the small number of professionals trained to operate the system, lack of opportunities for training and updating of professionals, as well as poor integration between systems. Final considerations: Most managers do not fully qualify as users of health indicators in the planning and management of their actions. The provision of institutional resources is recommended to allow for a more effective use of health indicators as a management tool for public health units

Introdução: a vulnerabilidade é um conceito que visa ampliar a compreensão da condição de saúde do ser humano. Posto isto, o objetivo geral deste estudo foi analisar a vulnerabilidade individual, social e programática entre idosos que vivem no domicílio e sua associação com os desfechos adversos relacionados aos indicadores da condição de saúde, e mapeá-los espacialmente. Método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico de base populacional, do tipo inquérito domiciliar, transversal e observacional, desenvolvido no município de Uberaba (MG). Constituíram a amostra final 701 idosos selecionados por meio da amostragem por conglomerado em múltiplo estágio. Para avaliação do componente individual recorreu-se ao fenótipo de fragilidade; o programático por meio de um indicador de acesso e utilização do serviço de saúde; o social mediante a distribuição espacial dos setores censitários do município deste estudo. Procedeu-se análise descritiva, análise de componentes principais, teste qui-quadrado e modelos de regressão logística, logística multinomial e linear (p<0,05). A análise espacial foi realizada por meio de mapas temáticos. Resultados: constatou-se que 32,0 % dos idosos apresentava as três condições de vulnerabilidade (individual, social e programática) concomitantemente. Evidenciaram-se como fatores associados à condição de fragilidade física: sexo feminino (p=0,015) e faixas etárias de 70 a 79 anos (p=0,013) e 80 anos ou mais (p<0,001). Para condição de elevada/muito elevada vulnerabilidade social predominaram: faixas etárias de 60+ 70 anos (p=0,009) e 70+ 80 anos (p=0,039); ausência de escolaridade (p<0,001) (p<0,001) e 1+4 anos de estudo (p=0,001); e renda mensal < 1 salário mínimo (p=0,007), 1 salário (p=0,013) e 1+3 salários (p=0,027). Já os fatores associados à moderada vulnerabilidade programática foram: faixa etária 70+ 80 anos (p=0,039); não possuir escolaridade (p=0,017), 1+4 anos de estudo (p=0,003) e 4+9 anos de estudo (p=0,029). Na análise de associação entre os componentes da vulnerabilidade, constatou-se menor proporção de idosos frágeis com elevada vulnerabilidade programática quando comparados aos pré-frágeis e não frágeis (p=0,011). Na distribuição espacial dos desfechos adversos de saúde segundo a vulnerabilidade social, houve maior ocorrência de quedas, dependência para AIVD e péssima/má autopercepção de saúde entre idosos residentes em áreas de elevada/muito elevada vulnerabilidade social comparados aos demais. Em relação à associação entre os componentes de vulnerabilidade e os desfechos de saúde, observou-se associação da fragilidade física com todos os desfechos analisados (quedas, hospitalização, dependência para ABVD e AIVD, autopercepção de saúde e número de morbidade). O componente social associou-se à dependência para ABVD e AIVD e à autopercepção de saúde. Já o componente programático permaneceu associado apenas ao maior número de morbidade. Conclusão: os resultados evidenciaram que os idosos estão sujeitos às condições de vulnerabilidade sob as perspectivas biológica, social e no acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde. Infere-se que os componentes individual, social e programático de vulnerabilidade podem influenciar nas condições de saúde de idosos, sendo que a fragilidade física se relacionou a todos os desfechos analisados / Vulnerability is a concept intended to broaden understanding regarding the health condition of people. This study\'s general objective was to analyze the individual, social and programmatic vulnerability of elderly individuals living in the community and its association with adverse outcomes related to health status indicators, in addition to mapping them spatially. Method: This population-based, cross-sectional and observational epidemiological study included a survey conducted in the individuals\' homes in the city of Uberaba, MG, Brazil. The final sample included 701 elderly individuals selected through multistage cluster sampling. The fragility phenotype was used to assess the individual component; the programmatic component was verified through an indicator for access and attendance to health services; and the social component was verified through the spatial distribution of the census sector of the city under study. Descriptive analysis, principal components analysis, and the Chi-square test, in addition to logistic regression models and multinomial logistic regression (p<0.05) were performed. Spatial analysis was conducted using thematic maps. Results: 32.0% of the elderly individuals concomitantly presented three vulnerability conditions (individual, social and programmatic). The factors that appeared associated with a physically frail condition were: being a woman (p=0.015), aged from 70 to 79 years old (p=0.013) or 80 years old or older (p<0.001). The following predominated for conditions of high social vulnerability: aged from 60+ 70 years old (p=0.009) and 70+ 80 years old (p=0.039); no formal education (p<0.001) (p<0.001) and 1+4 years of schooling (p=0.001); and monthly income < 1 times the minimum wage (p=0.007), 1 times the minimum wage (p=0.013) and 1+3 times the minimum wage (p=0.027). The factors associated with moderate programmatic vulnerability were: ages between 70+ 80 (p=0.039); no formal education (p=0.017), 1+4 years of schooling (p=0,003) and 4+9 years of schooling (p=0,029). Analysis of association among vulnerability components revealed a lower proportion of frail elderly individuals with high programmatic vulnerability when compared to their pre-frail and non-frail counterparts (p=0.011). The spatial distribution of adverse health outcomes according to social vulnerability revealed a greater occurrence of falls, dependency for IADLs, and poor/very poor self-perception of health status among those living in areas of high/very high social vulnerability compared to their counterparts. In regard to association among vulnerability components and health outcomes, physical frailty was associated with all outcomes (falls, hospitalization, dependency for ADLs and IADLs, self-perception of health and number of morbidities). The social component was associated with ADL and IADL dependency and self-perception of health. The programmatic component remained associated only with a greater number of morbidities. Conclusion: The results evidenced that elderly individuals are subject to vulnerable conditions from a biological and social perspective also considering access and use of health services. The results suggest that individual, social and programmatic components of vulnerability influence the health conditions of elderly individuals, while physical frailty was related to all the outcomes under study

Introdução: Os indicadores de saúde refletem o quadro real das condições de saúde de uma população. Sua utilização pode orientar os gestores de saúde no planejamento e controle das atividades locais, além de permitir possíveis inferências quanto aos efeitos das decisões e de seus resultados. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a percepção dos gestores de unidades de saúde quanto ao uso dos indicadores de saúde em suas ações de planejamento e controle dos serviços de saúde. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo descritivo e exploratório com abordagem de análise qualitativa. O estudo foi realizado na subprefeitura da Aricanduva, com a entrevista dos gestores das unidades de saúde. Para a interpretação dos dados levantados utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Os trechos das falas dos gestores foram agrupados por temas: Tema 1: Perfil dos gestores das unidades de saúde; Tema 2: Percepção quanto ao uso dos sistemas de informação em saúde para o planejamento e controle dos serviços de saúde; Tema 3: Acesso e discussão das informações em saúde; Tema 4: Percepção sobre a confiabilidade e qualidade dos indicadores; Tema 5: Comparação com outras unidades de saúde (Benchmarking); Tema 6: Entraves na utilização dos sistemas de informação em saúde; Tema 7: Oportunidades de melhoria dos sistemas de informação em saúde. Resultados: Os indicadores de saúde são subutilizados pelos gestores em suas ações de planejamento e controle dos serviços. Os sistemas de informações em saúde são apreendidos como instrumentos técnico-burocráticos por parte dos gestores. Segundo a maioria dos gestores, sua relação com esses sistemas consiste, na inclusão de dados e repasse das informações, sendo reduzida sua utilização gerencial. Alguns entraves foram mencionados pelos gestores em relação ao acesso as informações em saúde. A lentidão dos sistemas foi considerada o principal entrave, seguido pelo escasso número de profissionais capacitados para operar o sistema, falta de oportunidades para formação e atualização dos profissionais, além da pouca integração entre os sistemas. Considerações finais: Verificou-se que, em maioria, os gestores entrevistados não se apropriam dos indicadores de saúde para suas ações gerenciais. Recomenda-se propiciar condições institucionais para uma utilização mais efetiva dos indicadores de saúde como instrumento de gestão das unidades do serviço público de saúde / Introduction: Health indicators reflect the true picture of population health status. Its use can guide health managers for the planning and control of interventions, and allows inferences on the possible effects and consequences of their decisions. Objective: This study aimed to describe the perception of managers of health facilities on the use of health indicators in the planning and control of actions performed at their health units. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study, using a qualitative analysis approach. The study was conducted in the borough of Aricanduva, by interviewing the managers of health facilities. The interpretation of results used the methodological resource of thematic analysis of discourse contents. Segments of the managers discourse were grouped by themes: Theme 1: Profile of managers of health facilities; Theme 2: Perception on the use of health information systems for the planning and control of health services; Theme 3: Access and discussion of health information; Theme 4: Perceptions about reliability and quality of health indicators; Theme 5: Comparison with other health units (Benchmarking); Theme 6: Restriction on the use of information systems in health; Theme 7: Opportunities for improving the system of health information. Results: Health indicators are underutilized by managers in their actions planning and control services. The health information systems are perceived as bureaucratic and technical instruments by managers. According to most the managers, their relationship with these systems consists in the inclusion of data and transfer of information; they scarcely use this tool to instruct decision making. Managers mentioned some barriers in relation to access to health information. The slowness of the system was considered the most important of these obstacles, followed by the small number of professionals trained to operate the system, lack of opportunities for training and updating of professionals, as well as poor integration between systems. Final considerations: Most managers do not fully qualify as users of health indicators in the planning and management of their actions. The provision of institutional resources is recommended to allow for a more effective use of health indicators as a management tool for public health units

Šiame darbe nagrinėjami asmenybės bruožų, pasitenkinimo gyvenimu ir sveikatos rodiklių sąsajos Airijoje gyvenančių lietuvių imtyje. Atliktu tyrimu siekiama nustatyti, ar Airijoje gyvenantys lietuviai skiriasi asmenybės bruožais, pasitenkinimo gyvenimo lygiu, rūkymo ir gėrimo paplitimu, nusiskundimų sveikata dažnumu, patiriamo psichosocialinio streso lygiu nuo Lietuvoje gyvenančių lietuvių. Tyrimas padės atskleisti, ar egzistuoja sąsajos tarp asmenybės bruožų, pasitenkinimo gyvenimu ir sveikatos rodiklių. Gauti rezultatai rodo, kad Airijoje gyvenantiems lietuviams yra būdinga labiau išreikšta ekstraversija ir atvirumas patyrimui. Taip pat Airijoje gyvenantys lietuviai pasižymi žemesniu neurotškumo lygiu. Nustatyta, kad Airijoje gyvenantys lietviai yra labiau patenkinti gyvenimu ir jų patiriamo psichosocialinio streso lygis žemesnis, jie turi mažiau nusiskundimų psichine ir fizine sveikata nei Lietuvoje gyvenantys lietuviai. Rūkymo ir gėrimo paplitimas didesnis Airijoje gyvenančių lietuvių tarpe. Tyrimo rezultatai leido atskleisti ir patvirtino užsienio autorių tyrimo rezultatus, kad pasitenkinimas gyvenimu susijęs su asmenybės bruožais. Patikimiausiai su pasitenkinimu gyvenimu susiję šie bruožai: ekstraversija ir sutariamumas. Neurotizmas susijęs su patiriamo psichosocialinio streso lygiu, ir bendru sveikatos vertinimu. / The purpose of this stydy is to investigate correlates of personality traits, satisfaction with life and health in the sample of Lithuanians living in Ireland. This research will allow to determine whether Lithuanians living in Ireland differ in personality traits, satisfaction with life level, smoking and drinking habbits, psychosocial stress level, satisfaction with health and health complaints from lithuanians living in Lithuania. Although it will be examined if there is correlates between personality traits, satisfaction with life and health. The results show that Lithuanians living in Ireland have higher levels of extraversion and openness to experience. Lithuanians living in Ireland have lower level of neuroticizm. Although Lithuanians living in Ireland are more satisfied with life, have lower levels of psychosocial stress, are more satisfied with their health and have less complaints about physical and mental health then Lithuanians living in Ireland. Lithuanians in Ireland drink and smoke more then lithuanians in Lithuania. Research results confirmed that satisfaction with life correlates with personality traits: extraversion and agreebleness. Neuroticizm correlates with psychosocial stress and health satisfaction.

Diet is an important factor in disease prevention and health promotion. According to Global Health, in 2006 four of the top five leading causes of death in Ecuador were heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and hypertensive diseases which are all associated with dietary intake. Knowledge of eating patterns enables the formulation of public policies directed toward health promotion and disease prevention. Studies using indices that measure dietary quality and summarize the main characteristics of healthful eating habits enables the evaluation of possible associations between health determinants and health indicators. Most studies using score-based approaches have generally shown more varied and healthful diets to be associated with higher income, higher education, lower obesity rates and reduced cardiovascular disease mortality. The purpose of this research was to characterize the health practices and diet quality of a low-income population in Quito, Ecuador. A diet quality index (MyPyramid Index) was developed to calculate diet scores for subjects and results show that the mean MPI was 34.1 out of a possible score of 70. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using heights and weights recorded. The mean BMI was 27.2 which would indicate that this sample is categorized as being overweight.

The study was user survey method based, performed to get the overview of use and perceptions of health caremanagers towards Lithuanian computerized health information system as a tool for decision – making. Aims of the study were to describe LCHIS, its inputs and potential use; to account for a surveyofpotential users, health care administrators; to discuss the need for improvement of the system and itsuse. Methods. User survey method was applied. Literature search was performed and the questionnaire was constructed after interview with four respondents and clarification of questions. Totally 100 ofrespondents from different health care institutions were interviewed. Data was analysed using normal statistical methods, using MS Excel 2000 and statistical package SPSS 10.0 as tools. Main results. Concerning the awareness about the existing of LCHIS, 68% of the respondents saidtheyhave heard about it and 15% said theyhave been using this system daily. As many as 68% of respondents didn’t really take care about the existence of LCHIS, while the size of respondents being satisfied and not was pretty the same. The number of satisfied with the structure was rather small ifcomparing with those partially satisfied. As many as 76% of the respondents said they haven’t been using the system at all. 24% of the respondents were satisfied with the certain groups of healthindicators within the system. Group of morbidity indicators and group of hospital activity indicatorswere among the mostly used (17% together). Almost 20% of the respondents said it was easy for them to use LCHIS; the same number of health care administrators trusted the information comingfrom LCHISand they have experienced the situation, where they have used LCHIS for planning ormanagement in current situation. As many as 82% of health care managers agreed heads or administrative staff of hospitals supposed to be the key members, who must encourage them to use the system. Conclusions. About two thirds of health care administrators interviewed knew about LCHIS and the rest had been or were users. In the comments this group claimed they were supporting their decisions by using the systemand indicators in it. As many as 96% of the respondents stated there was a needfor statistical information and skills for dailydecision - making and managerial activities. The respondents, who used LCHIS, trusted the information in the system and found it useful in their dailywork as health managers. The main comments, why respondents didn’t use the system or didn’tknow about it, was lack of information technologies in work place, lack of computer skills and lackof support from hospital authorities / <p>ISBN 91-7997-097-4</p>

Health indicators in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are poor by virtually any standards and have declined over the last 2 decades. As in other developing countries that find it impossible to achieve ‘health for all’ through western medical services alone, the idea of developing an integrated health system, one that incorporates traditional medicine, has been proposed as a way of addressing poor health status. The idea of developing an integrated health system in PNG is not new but only recently has it translated into action with tangible results including a draft ‘National Policy on Traditional Medicine for Papua New Guinea’. Over many years researchers have bemoaned the paucity of information on cultural beliefs and treatment practices that could make the incorporation of traditional medicine into the health system, along the lines proposed in the National Policy, better informed. To date this information gap has not been filled. / The thesis includes a review of literature on traditional medicine around PNG and the results of a case study conducted by indigenous research assistants among the Nasioi speakers of Central Bougainville. An international perspective is brought to bear through a critique of theoretical models of integration and a review of practical experiences in other countries that have tried to develop various types of integrated health systems. Information from each of these sources is considered in an endeavour to address the urgent need for information to inform the implementation of the National Policy on Traditional Medicine for Papua New Guinea. / All available studies on traditional medicine in PNG were included in the literature review. Despite PNG's vast cultural diversity it became evident that some common elements exist between different cultural groups. / The case study used a focused ethnographic approach to examine treatment-seeking responses to illness and associated beliefs and decision-making criteria in relation to traditional and modern medicine. It also investigated the organization of traditional health services, attitudes towards an integrated health system and the potential for practitioners to collaborate with one another. The case study made it possible to focus on pertinent issues that had not been covered in earlier studies. The case study suggests that in areas where the organization of and attitudes toward traditional medicine resemble those in the Nasioi area there may be great potential for a health system that incorporates traditional medicine to deliver health benefits to communities. The case study also serves as an example of research that could be replicated or adapted by provinces that need more information about their own situation before embarking on the process of incorporating traditional medicine into the local health system. / The process by which integration might proceed in PNG is considered in the context of integration experiences in other countries. Although ideologically attractive, total integration is not realistic for PNG at this stage. The informality and lack of documentation on traditional medicine as well as the lack of resources to support the development of an integrated health system mean that PNG’s own version of an incorporated or collaborative model of integration is more appropriate. / It should be noted that in this thesis the term ‘integrated health system’ is used to cover the full range of varying degrees of integration of traditional with modern medicine and should not be taken to imply only a fully integrated system. Similarly, the terms ‘integration’ and ‘incorporation’ are normally used to refer to the process and not the outcome. / Even an incorporated health system may not be a viable proposition in all parts of PNG. Where it is feasible, incorporation would need to be progressed in a carefully considered and planned manner with a realistic and long-term approach. The process would require coordination at national level and the flexibility for provinces to participate according to their own prevailing circumstances and capacity. Incorporation should proceed slowly and will require government support including the allocation of resources. It may be possible to pilot and thus fine-tune PNG’s integration model in a few places, such as the Nasioi area, before expanding to multiple provinces. / The potential benefits of an incorporated health system include strengthening of primary health care, better access to services, more affordable services, cultural relevance, a holistic approach, preservation of traditional knowledge, increased autonomy and possibly cost savings. An incorporated health system is worth pursuing because, if carefully planned and implemented, it does have the potential to improve health status in a country where health indicators desperately need to be elevated.