Yifei Gao

Objectives: Recognizing the limited research and design guidelines for these essential health care settings, this study gathered pilot data on the design of outpatient rehabilitation therapy (RT) facilities as a foundation for future research. Background: Providing RT is core to addressing health conditions that might otherwise lead to higher and more costly levels of medical intervention. The World Health Organization estimates that 2.4 billion people worldwide would benefit from RT; however, only half receive care. As a result, more space may be sought for ambulatory clinics and hospital-based settings that cater to both inpatients and outpatients. Methods: Interviews ( n = 21) and questionnaires ( n = 43) involving RT patients and staff and RT facility designers were conducted with overlap between the interview and questionnaire participants. Both methods explored amenities and features of RT environments. Results: Among the findings, there were several significant differences regarding the importance and effectiveness (presence) of specific environmental elements. Additionally, there were some significant differences among patients, staff, and designers in terms of their perceptions of importance and effectiveness. Conclusion: Eight potential design guidelines are suggested, rather than recommended, as of yet. They are topics for future research and include the provision of an appropriate balance of private and shared spaces, acoustical treatment of open therapy areas, efficient and restorative staff areas, outdoor spaces, window views and daylight, flexible lighting, and appropriate furniture and wall coverings.

Objective Caesarean section rates have significantly increased worldwide. China has a caesarean rate of 46%, with a moderate contribution of caesarean section on maternal request. In this study, we investigated the association between maternal characteristics, attendance at a prenatal education course and caesarean section on maternal request. Design Questionnaire study. Setting Tertiary hospital in China. Sample 564 questionnaires. Methods On postpartum day 42, questionnaire data were collected. Data including age, parity, gravida, delivery mode, educational level, residence status, living condition and attendance of prenatal education course were analysed. Primary and secondary outcome measures Factors associated with caesarean section on maternal request. Results 46% of women were delivered by caesarean section on maternal request. Maternal age and residence status were all significantly associated with having a caesarean section on maternal request. The OR of an increase in caesarean section on maternal request in women over 30 years was 2.42 (95%confidence limits 1.597 to 3.666), compared with women under 30 years. 75% more women who resided in Shanghai had caesarean section on maternal request, compared with women who resided outside of Shanghai. However, there was a significant reduction (35%) in the number of caesarean sections on maternal request in women who attended a prenatal education course (p=0.029). There was no significant association between attendance of a prenatal education course and the other maternal characteristics studied. Conclusion Maternal age is associated with an increased risk of caesarean section on maternal request. For women of all age, attendance of a prenatal education course significantly reduced the rate of caesarean section on maternal request. Our data suggest that promotion of a prenatal education course is an important tool in China to reduce the rate of caesarean section.

Objective: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for developing endometrial cancer. However, the incidence and survival rate of endometrial cancer are associated with ethnicity and geographical area. In addition, whether menopausal status is associated with developing endometrial cancer in obese women and whether obesity is associated with subtypes of endometrial cancer have not been fully investigated. Here, we investigated the effect of BMI on developing endometrial cancer in Chinese women taking into account menopausal status and cancer subtypes.