The COVID-19 pandemic reaffirmed the importance of high-quality laboratory services in face elevated demand for timely diagnosis. We explored scale-up experience system Armenia as well successes and challenges it brought to overall with aim identify lessons that can serve opportunities improvement. conducted a qualitative study explore experiences concerning process testing network through in-depth interviews policymakers/experts (n = 6), heads 6) physicians 3) private public laboratories...

Smoke-free homes (SFHs) reduce secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe), which is particularly crucial where smoking prevalence high and public smoke-free policies are nascent, as in some low- middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examined perspectives regarding SFHs, including barriers facilitators, among adults Armenia, a LMIC with male recently-implemented policies. In February–March 2024, focus groups were conducted reporting non-smoking, separately, two Armenian communities ( n = 39; M...

Local coalitions can advance public health initiatives such as smoke-free air but have not been widely used or well-studied in low-income and middle-income countries.

Effective models for aligning public health and civil society at the local level have potential to impact various global issues, including tobacco. Georgia Armenia Teams Healthy Environments Research (GATHER) is a collaboration between Armenia, U.S. researchers involving community randomized trial testing of coalitions promote smoke-free policy adoption compliance in settings. Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT) was used guide describe coalition formation, implementation effectiveness....

Abstract Background Despite compelling evidence that physicians play a prominent role in smoking cessation, most smokers do not receive the recommended cessation counseling. Aim To identify perceived barriers hinder primary healthcare (PHPs) from providing treatment to patients Armenia. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted among PHPs two Armenian cities (Yerevan and Gyumri). We implemented qualitative phase through focus group discussions (FGDs) using...

Abstract Background Promoting smoke-free homes (SFHs) in Armenia and Georgia is timely given high smoking secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) rates recent national policy implementation. This study examined theoretical predictors (e.g. motives, barriers) of SFH status, among those without SFHs, past 3-month attempts intent to establish SFHs the next 3 months. Methods Multilevel logistic regression analyzed these outcomes using 2022 survey data from 1467 adults (31.6% past-month smokers) (n =...

Local coalitions can advance public health initiative but have not been widely used or well-studied in low- and middle-income countries. This paper provides (i) an overview of ongoing matched-pairs community-randomized controlled trial 28 communities Armenia Georgia (N = 14/country) testing local to promote smoke-free policies/enforcement (ii) characteristics the involved. In July-August 2018, key informants (e.g. center directors) were surveyed compare their non-communicable disease (NCD)...

Garnering support for smoke-free policies is critical their successful adoption, particularly in countries with high smoking prevalence, such as Armenia and Georgia. In 2018, we surveyed 1456 residents (ages 18-64) of 28 cities (n = 705) Georgia 751). We examined cigarette electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)/heated tobacco product (HTP) various locations persuasiveness pro- anti-policy messaging. Participants were an average age 43.35, 60.5% female, 27.3% current smokers. Nonsmokers...

Abstract Background Stress is an important issue in academic institutions and can have a negative impact on overall performance. This study was conducted as research assignment during the Basics of Healthy Lifestyle course aimed to investigate stress level among undergraduate students at American University Armenia (AUA). Methods A cross-sectional survey recruited by non-random convenience sampling. The utilized structured questionnaire conduct face interviews. contained 40 close-ended...

Abstract Background Few studies have examined public opinion about the health care system in former Soviet region. The objective of our study was to evaluate population’s satisfaction with and identify factors associated it Armenia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey among 576 adult residents capital Yerevan using Random Digit Dialing technique. Simple multivariate logistic regression explored associations between potential determinants satisfaction. Results A...

The worldwide uptake of COVID-19 vaccines was suboptimal throughout the pandemic; vaccine hesitancy played a principle role in low acceptance both globally and Armenia. In order to understand factors behind slow Armenia, we aimed explore prevailing perceptions experiences healthcare providers general public related vaccines. study applied convergent parallel mixed-methods design (QUAL-quant) through in-depth interviews (IDI) telephone survey. We completed 34 IDIs with different physician...

Given high prevalence of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure in Armenia Georgia quicker implementation tobacco legislation versus Armenia, we examined correlates having no/partial complete smoke-free home (SFH) restrictions across countries, particularly characteristics, risk perceptions, social influences public restrictions.

Armenia and Georgia have high rates of smoking secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe). Greater progress in recent smoke-free legislation provides a pivotal time for examining the impact on smokers' non-smokers' experiences interactions regarding SHSe.

1. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. GBD Results. IHME; 2024. Accessed July 22, http://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd... Google Scholar

E-cigarette and heated tobacco product (HTP) marketing often leverages digital media points-of-sale (POS) advertises risk reduction, including in Armenia Georgia where male cigarette use rates are high.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant global healthcare challenges, particularly impacting the continuity of essential health services in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigates impact on utilization provision Armenia. Methods We employed a conventional qualitative design, conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews ( n = 17) within public private primary (PHC) facilities Armenia 2021. Our participants encompassed physicians providing...

1. World Health Organization. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Accessed May 19, 2024. https://fctc.who.int/who-fctc/... Google Scholar

Community coalitions depend on their members to synergistically pool diverse resources, including knowledge and expertise, community connections varied perspectives, identify implement strategies make progress toward health improvement. Several coalition theories suggest synergy is the key mechanism driving effectiveness. The Coalition Action Theory (CCAT) asserts that depends how well engage leverage which influenced by processes, member participation satisfaction benefits outweighing...

Abstract Background We explored the behaviors related to infectious diseases (ID) and its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia. Methods surveyed from public private high schools Yerevan one province 2023. The instrument ID-related behaviors, health literacy (HL), interest health, socio-demographics. were measured with five Yes/No questions about sharing a toothbrush, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands soap water - before eating, after using...

Abstract Background We assessed the level of health literacy (HL) and explored its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia. Methods conducted a survey public private schools capital Yerevan an adjacent province 2023. The instrument included items on HL, general interest socio-demographics. Ten questions measuring HL with four answer options were summed into score (0-30). Multivariable regression model independent associations socio-demographic factors issues HL. Results...

1. World Health Organization. The Union monograph on TB and tobacco control: joining efforts to control. Geneva, Switzerland: Organization; 2007. https://apps.who.int/iris/bits.... Accessed November 1, 2020. Google Scholar

Since March 2022, Armenia introduced a comprehensive smoking ban on all types of tobacco products in indoor and outdoor areas hospitality venues. We aimed to rapidly appraise the implementation dining capital Yerevan explore any differences compliance enforcement patterns between venues.We used mixed-methods approach through quantitative air quality monitoring, qualitative observations, in-depth interviews (IDIs). visited one venue each remote district city more venues from central districts...

Abstract Background Adolescents' access to quality reproductive health services is crucial for their psychosocial and physical wellbeing. Yet, adolescents encounter various barriers while utilizing services, globally. Adolescent-friendly (AFHS) an evidence-based intervention meet the needs inclusively of all adolescents. The study aimed explore adolescents' experiences seeking in primary healthcare facilities (PHCF) Armenia. Methods We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional using in-depth...