Sarah Polack
Datos Biográficos
| ID | 6589810 |
|---|---|
| NOMBRE | Sarah Polack |
| NOMBRES | Sarah |
| APELLIDO | Polack |
| FIRMA | POLACK S |
| AFILIACIONES | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-7524-7396 |
| VERIFICADO | Sí |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 26 |
| TOTAL DE CITAS | 3 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 26 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 0 |
| PRIMER AÑO DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2009 |
| AÑO MÁS RECIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2026 |
| ÍNDICE H | 1 |
Navigating menstruation in adolescents with Down Syndrome
Adolescents with Down syndrome face unique menstrual health challenges, yet their experiences remain under-researched. This study aimed to investigate the menstrual health and wellbeing of adolescents with Down syndrome in the UK, examined primarily through the reflective lens of primary caregivers alongside direct accounts from adolescents, to inform the development of tailored, evidence-based interventions for this population. Guided by an advi…
Disability inclusion in the Brazilian health system
BACKGROUND: People with disabilities face more barriers accessing healthcare and on average experience worse health outcomes. Strengthening health access for people with disabilities requires coordinated action across the health system. The Missing Billion Inclusive Health System Framework is a new tool to support policy makers to assess levels of disability inclusion within health systems. OBJECTIVES: This study uses the Missing Billion framewor…
The Definition Dilemma
To monitor progress in including persons with disabilities, including in interventions which can improve their health and quality of life, it is crucial to collect data on their participation. However, there are many different ways of defining disability and thus categorising individuals as disabled/not disabled, which may impact measures of participation. This study aims to assess the relationship between three different measures of disability a…
Feasibility of Tiyanjane
Evidence-based and theory-informed interventions focusing on parents of children with disabilities in low-income countries are scarce. This study examined the feasibility of Tiyanjane, a 12-week pilot intervention developed to promote parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities in Malawi. A mixed-method approach was employed based on five aspects of Bowen’s feasibility framework: acceptability, demand, implementation, prac…
“It Is My Responsibility to Escort My Child to School …” Factors Influencing Parental Involvement in Educating Children with Disabilities in Malawi
This study aimed to explore the factors that influence parental involvement in supporting the education of children with disabilities in Malawi, thereby generating insights into the barriers and facilitators they face. We conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with 25 participants from Nkhata Bay District: teachers, parents, and children with disabilities. We used the COM-B model to analyse how parents’ capabilities, opportunities, and be…
Participatory research with youth with disabilities
Lessons learned from youth involvement in a disability inclusive research programme, focused on education and employment in 7 African countries
Development of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) guidelines for deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip
Deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip may be at risk of mental health conditions and psychological distress, as a result of social exclusion and limited accessible communication. This article presents the process and research methods used to develop guidelines for schools in the Gaza Strip on mental health and psychosocial support for deaf and hard of hearing children. The process was guided by the GIN-McMaster guideline development…
Communication, inclusion and psychological wellbeing among deaf and hard of hearing children
Deaf and hard of hearing children are at risk of exclusion from community life and education, which may increase their risk of mental health conditions. This study explores the experience of deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip, with particular focus on the factors that contribute to psychological wellbeing and distress. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 deaf and hard of hearing children, 10 caregivers of deaf and hard of …
Estimating need and coverage for five priority assistive products
Exploring the Use of Washington Group Questions to Identify People with Clinical Impairments Who Need Services including Assistive Products
This study analyses the use of the self-reported Washington Group (WG) question sets as a first stage screening to identify people with clinical impairments, service and assistive product (AP) referral needs using different cut-off levels in four functional domains (vision, hearing, mobility and cognition). Secondary data analysis was undertaken using population-based survey data from five countries, including one national survey (The Gambia) and…
Shifting the focus to functioning
If Sustainable Developmental Goal 3 and Universal Health Coverage are to be achieved, functioning is a third health indicator which must be assessed and integrated into global health population-based metrics alongside mortality and morbidity. In this paper, we define functioning according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and present why functioning is important to measure, especially when considering…
Musculoskeletal impairment among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli, Turkey
MSI is common among the Syrian refugee population living in Sultanbeyli District, particularly older adults, however less than half have been able to access relevant services and APs. These findings can inform the planning of health services for migrant populations, including the essential integration of rehabilitation and APs, and increase access to these vital services
Disability among Older People
This analysis of surveys from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of disability among older adults and (ii) compare experiences and participation in key life areas among older people with and without disabilities which may show vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed from district-level or national surveys in Cameroon, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Nepal and the Maldives, which acros…
Estimating Need for Glasses and Hearing Aids in The Gambia
Few estimates are available of the need for assistive devices (ADs) in African settings. This study aimed to estimate population-level need for glasses and hearing aids in The Gambia based on (1) clinical impairment assessment, and (2) self-reported AD awareness, and explore the relationship between the two methods. The Gambia 2019 National Eye Health Survey is a nationally representative population-based sample of 9188 adults aged 35+ years. Par…
Examining the Availability and Accessibility of Rehabilitation Services in a Rural District of South Africa
Rehabilitation service availability is constrained by a lack of service capacity in rural South Africa. In addition, the rehabilitation services in district hospitals are not adequately accessible because of existing barriers to enable key populations to achieve optimised functioning
Interrogating and Reflecting on Disability Prevalence Data Collected Using the Washington Group Tools
The Washington Group (WG) tools capture self-reported functional limitations, ranging from 6 domains in the Short Set (SS) to 11 in the Extended Set (ESF). Prevalence estimates can vary considerably on account of differences between modules and the different applications of them. We compare prevalence estimates by WG module, threshold, application and domain to explore these nuances and consider whether alternative combinations of questions may b…
Exploring caregiver experiences of stigma in Ghana
Families of children with disabilities experience stigma by association with their child. This article examines social and internalised stigma experienced in the family by caregivers who participated in a caregiver programme in Ghana. Stigma is pervasive, and gendered, with most mothers blamed for bringing disability into the home. Emotional distress, isolation and lack of support are common experiences. We argue that the mothers can experience f…
Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Health Services
Background : Article 25 of the UNCRPD stipulates the right of people with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health, and the timely uptake of appropriate health and rehabilitation services. This study seeks to explore the factors which influence access to health care among adults with disabilities in Cameroon and India. Methods : A total of 61 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adults with vision,…
An Intervention to Improve Uptake of Referrals for Children with Ear Disease or Hearing Loss in Thyolo District, Malawi
(1) Introduction : Poor uptake of referral for ear and hearing services in Malawi has been demonstrated in previous research. A multi-component educational intervention was developed to address poor uptake. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. In addition, we aimed to provide a case study of an intervention development and feasibility testing process in preparation for a potential randomised …
Rationale for a Rapid Methodology to Assess the Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Population-Based Surveys
Restricting the age group included in surveys of hearing loss, in particular to people aged 50+, would still allow inferences to be made to the total population, and would mean that the required sample size would be smaller, thus reducing the duration of the survey and costs
Pathways of disability-based discrimination in cancer care
Disabled people often report poorer health outcomes and increased barriers to accessing healthcare, compared to the general population. Our aim was to foreground lived experiences of disability-based discrimination, often indirect, and identify pathways through which this operates. We used a case study approach to explore the experiences of people with physical impairment accessing cancer services in England and Wales, from screening to therapy a…
Developing Behaviour Change Interventions for Improving Access to Health and Hygiene for People with Disabilities
Limited evidence exists about how to design interventions to improve access to health care for people with disabilities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper documents the development of two behaviour change interventions. Case study one outlines the design of an intervention to improve uptake of referral for ear and hearing services for children in Malawi. Case study two describes the design of an intervention to improve menstru…
Poverty and disability in low- and middle-income countries
P2-186 Maternal use of vitamins during pregnancy and the risk of type 1 diabetes in offspring
Introduction It is estimated that incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) will double between 2005 and 2020 in most countries. In recent decades, Kuwait has experienced substantial increase in the incidence of T1D (from 4.0/100 000 in 1980–1981 to 21/100 000 in1992–1997). We conducted a population-based case-control interview study in Kuwait to examine antenatal/perinatal factors that may be associated with the risk of T1D in the offspring. Methods 37…
The impact of cataract surgery on health related quality of life and time use in Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines
of these associations needs to be elucidated and further research is necessary to assess whether other measures of physical capability, including chair rises and balance, have similar predictive value
Exploring caregiver experiences of stigma in Ghana
Families of children with disabilities experience stigma by association with their child. This article examines social and internalised stigma experienced in the family by caregivers who participated in a caregiver programme in Ghana. Stigma is pervasive, and gendered, with most mothers blamed for bringing disability into the home. Emotional distress, isolation and lack of support are common experiences. We argue that the mothers can experience f…
The impact of cataract surgery on health related quality of life and time use in Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines
of these associations needs to be elucidated and further research is necessary to assess whether other measures of physical capability, including chair rises and balance, have similar predictive value
Poverty and blindness
of these associations needs to be elucidated and further research is necessary to assess whether other measures of physical capability, including chair rises and balance, have similar predictive value
P2-186 Maternal use of vitamins during pregnancy and the risk of type 1 diabetes in offspring
Introduction It is estimated that incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) will double between 2005 and 2020 in most countries. In recent decades, Kuwait has experienced substantial increase in the incidence of T1D (from 4.0/100 000 in 1980–1981 to 21/100 000 in1992–1997). We conducted a population-based case-control interview study in Kuwait to examine antenatal/perinatal factors that may be associated with the risk of T1D in the offspring. Methods 37…
Poverty and disability in low- and middle-income countries
Developing Behaviour Change Interventions for Improving Access to Health and Hygiene for People with Disabilities
Limited evidence exists about how to design interventions to improve access to health care for people with disabilities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper documents the development of two behaviour change interventions. Case study one outlines the design of an intervention to improve uptake of referral for ear and hearing services for children in Malawi. Case study two describes the design of an intervention to improve menstru…
Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Health Services
Background : Article 25 of the UNCRPD stipulates the right of people with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health, and the timely uptake of appropriate health and rehabilitation services. This study seeks to explore the factors which influence access to health care among adults with disabilities in Cameroon and India. Methods : A total of 61 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adults with vision,…
An Intervention to Improve Uptake of Referrals for Children with Ear Disease or Hearing Loss in Thyolo District, Malawi
(1) Introduction : Poor uptake of referral for ear and hearing services in Malawi has been demonstrated in previous research. A multi-component educational intervention was developed to address poor uptake. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. In addition, we aimed to provide a case study of an intervention development and feasibility testing process in preparation for a potential randomised …
Rationale for a Rapid Methodology to Assess the Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Population-Based Surveys
Restricting the age group included in surveys of hearing loss, in particular to people aged 50+, would still allow inferences to be made to the total population, and would mean that the required sample size would be smaller, thus reducing the duration of the survey and costs
Pathways of disability-based discrimination in cancer care
Disabled people often report poorer health outcomes and increased barriers to accessing healthcare, compared to the general population. Our aim was to foreground lived experiences of disability-based discrimination, often indirect, and identify pathways through which this operates. We used a case study approach to explore the experiences of people with physical impairment accessing cancer services in England and Wales, from screening to therapy a…
Exploring caregiver experiences of stigma in Ghana
Families of children with disabilities experience stigma by association with their child. This article examines social and internalised stigma experienced in the family by caregivers who participated in a caregiver programme in Ghana. Stigma is pervasive, and gendered, with most mothers blamed for bringing disability into the home. Emotional distress, isolation and lack of support are common experiences. We argue that the mothers can experience f…
Shifting the focus to functioning
If Sustainable Developmental Goal 3 and Universal Health Coverage are to be achieved, functioning is a third health indicator which must be assessed and integrated into global health population-based metrics alongside mortality and morbidity. In this paper, we define functioning according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and present why functioning is important to measure, especially when considering…
Musculoskeletal impairment among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli, Turkey
MSI is common among the Syrian refugee population living in Sultanbeyli District, particularly older adults, however less than half have been able to access relevant services and APs. These findings can inform the planning of health services for migrant populations, including the essential integration of rehabilitation and APs, and increase access to these vital services
Disability among Older People
This analysis of surveys from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of disability among older adults and (ii) compare experiences and participation in key life areas among older people with and without disabilities which may show vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed from district-level or national surveys in Cameroon, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Nepal and the Maldives, which acros…
Estimating Need for Glasses and Hearing Aids in The Gambia
Few estimates are available of the need for assistive devices (ADs) in African settings. This study aimed to estimate population-level need for glasses and hearing aids in The Gambia based on (1) clinical impairment assessment, and (2) self-reported AD awareness, and explore the relationship between the two methods. The Gambia 2019 National Eye Health Survey is a nationally representative population-based sample of 9188 adults aged 35+ years. Par…
Examining the Availability and Accessibility of Rehabilitation Services in a Rural District of South Africa
Rehabilitation service availability is constrained by a lack of service capacity in rural South Africa. In addition, the rehabilitation services in district hospitals are not adequately accessible because of existing barriers to enable key populations to achieve optimised functioning
Interrogating and Reflecting on Disability Prevalence Data Collected Using the Washington Group Tools
The Washington Group (WG) tools capture self-reported functional limitations, ranging from 6 domains in the Short Set (SS) to 11 in the Extended Set (ESF). Prevalence estimates can vary considerably on account of differences between modules and the different applications of them. We compare prevalence estimates by WG module, threshold, application and domain to explore these nuances and consider whether alternative combinations of questions may b…
Estimating need and coverage for five priority assistive products
Exploring the Use of Washington Group Questions to Identify People with Clinical Impairments Who Need Services including Assistive Products
This study analyses the use of the self-reported Washington Group (WG) question sets as a first stage screening to identify people with clinical impairments, service and assistive product (AP) referral needs using different cut-off levels in four functional domains (vision, hearing, mobility and cognition). Secondary data analysis was undertaken using population-based survey data from five countries, including one national survey (The Gambia) and…
Development of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) guidelines for deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip
Deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip may be at risk of mental health conditions and psychological distress, as a result of social exclusion and limited accessible communication. This article presents the process and research methods used to develop guidelines for schools in the Gaza Strip on mental health and psychosocial support for deaf and hard of hearing children. The process was guided by the GIN-McMaster guideline development…
Communication, inclusion and psychological wellbeing among deaf and hard of hearing children
Deaf and hard of hearing children are at risk of exclusion from community life and education, which may increase their risk of mental health conditions. This study explores the experience of deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip, with particular focus on the factors that contribute to psychological wellbeing and distress. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 deaf and hard of hearing children, 10 caregivers of deaf and hard of …
“It Is My Responsibility to Escort My Child to School …” Factors Influencing Parental Involvement in Educating Children with Disabilities in Malawi
This study aimed to explore the factors that influence parental involvement in supporting the education of children with disabilities in Malawi, thereby generating insights into the barriers and facilitators they face. We conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with 25 participants from Nkhata Bay District: teachers, parents, and children with disabilities. We used the COM-B model to analyse how parents’ capabilities, opportunities, and be…
Participatory research with youth with disabilities
Lessons learned from youth involvement in a disability inclusive research programme, focused on education and employment in 7 African countries
Disability inclusion in the Brazilian health system
BACKGROUND: People with disabilities face more barriers accessing healthcare and on average experience worse health outcomes. Strengthening health access for people with disabilities requires coordinated action across the health system. The Missing Billion Inclusive Health System Framework is a new tool to support policy makers to assess levels of disability inclusion within health systems. OBJECTIVES: This study uses the Missing Billion framewor…
The Definition Dilemma
To monitor progress in including persons with disabilities, including in interventions which can improve their health and quality of life, it is crucial to collect data on their participation. However, there are many different ways of defining disability and thus categorising individuals as disabled/not disabled, which may impact measures of participation. This study aims to assess the relationship between three different measures of disability a…
Feasibility of Tiyanjane
Evidence-based and theory-informed interventions focusing on parents of children with disabilities in low-income countries are scarce. This study examined the feasibility of Tiyanjane, a 12-week pilot intervention developed to promote parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities in Malawi. A mixed-method approach was employed based on five aspects of Bowen’s feasibility framework: acceptability, demand, implementation, prac…
Medicine (19 obras) · Psychology (14 obras) · Environmental health (8 obras) · Population (8 obras) · Nursing (7 obras) · Political science (7 obras) · Psychiatry (7 obras) · Gerontology (6 obras) · Social Psychology (6 obras) · Sociology (6 obras)