Average Total Score Research Articles

Mental health phenotypes of well-controlled HIV in Uganda

IntroductionThe phenotypic expression of mental health (MH) conditions among people with HIV (PWH) in Uganda and worldwide are heterogeneous. Accordingly, there has been a shift toward identifying MH phenotypes using data-driven methods capable of identifying novel insights into mechanisms of divergent MH phenotypes among PWH. We leverage the analytic strengths of machine learning combined with inferential methods to identify novel MH phenotypes among PWH and the underlying explanatory features.MethodsA total of 277 PWH (46% female, median age = 44; 93% virally suppressed [<50copies/mL]) were included in the analyses. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C). A clustering pipeline consisting of dimension reduction with UMAP followed by HBDScan was used to identify MH subtypes using total symptom scores. Inferential statistics compared select demographic (age, sex, education), viral load, and early life adversity between clusters.ResultsWe identified four MH phenotypes. Cluster 1 (n = 76; PTSD phenotype) endorsed clinically significant PTSD symptoms (average PCL-C total score > 33). Clusters 2 (n = 32; anxiety phenotype) and 3 (n = 130; mixed anxiety/depression phenotype) reported minimal PTSD symptoms, with modest BAI (Cluster 2) and PHQ-9 (Cluster 3) elevations. Cluster 4 (n = 39; minimal symptom phenotype) reported no clinical MH symptom elevations. Comparisons revealed higher rates of sexual abuse during childhood among the PTSD phenotype vs. the minimal symptom phenotype (p = 0.03).DiscussionWe identified unique MH phenotypes among PWH and confirmed the importance of early life adversity as an early risk determinant for unfavorable MH among PWH in adulthood.

Exploring Pain and Opioid Misuse Among Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia: Associations With Health Literacy and Pain Catastrophizing.

This study aimed to investigate pain characteristics, opioid misuse prevalence, and the relationship between healthliteracy and pain catastrophising in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from patients with SCD in Oman. Validated tools were used to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory), healthliteracy (HLS-Q12), opioid misuse (Current Opioid Misuse Measure [COMM]), and pain catastrophising (Pain Catastrophising Scale). The study included 169 patients with SCD, with an average age of 34.4 (SD = 12.9) years, of whom 51.5% werefemale. A total of 79.3% of the participants reported experiencing pain, with an average total pain score of 3.8 (SD = 2.6).Additionally, 74% of the patients were identified as being at risk of opioid misuse. The risk of opioid misuse was positivelyassociated with pain catastrophising (r = 0.302, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with health literacy (r = -0.220, p = 0.005). Pain severity and interference are also linked to the risk of opioid misuse. Sociodemographic factors, such as age, sex, and education, showed no significant association with the risk of opioid misuse. Patients with SCD face high rates of chronic pain and considerable risk of opioid misuse. Psychological factors, particularly pain catastrophising and lower healthliteracy, were strongly associated with misuse risk, while sociodemographic factors had less impact. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing psychological support and health literacy to reduce opioidmisuse in SCD patients. Healthcare providers should integrate pain management strategies with educational programs to enhancehealth literacy and mitigate the psychological burden of pain.

The status and influencing factors of death anxiety among Chinese college students under the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo comprehend the current state of death anxiety among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, analyze its influencing factors, and provide recommendations for mitigating death anxiety among these students.MethodsFrom March to May 2023, utilizing a cluster sampling method, students from three universities in Changzhou, Jiangsu, were selected as research participants. The investigation employed a general information questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Chinese Version Templer-Death Anxiety Scale (CT-DAS), and the brief version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine the factors influencing death anxiety among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe total average score of death anxiety among the college students in this study was 44.35 ± 8.21. There was a positive correlation between death anxiety scores and both PTSD symptoms scores and neuroticism (r = 0.134, 0.255, both P < 0.01), and a negative correlation between death anxiety scores and extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and age (r=-0.135, -0.049, -0.172, -0.093, all P < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that gender, age, place of origin, COVID-19 infection, PTSD symptoms scores, neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness were significant factors influencing death anxiety among college students (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsDeath anxiety among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic is relatively high and is associated with gender, age, place of origin, COVID-19 infection, PTSD symptoms scores, and personality traits. Appropriate intervention strategies can be formulated based on these influencing factors.

Evaluation of the relationship between worry and anxiety with the general health status of pregnant women at risk of diagnosing abnormalities

BackgroundToday, the screening of fetal abnormalities during pregnancy is used as one of the components of the prenatal care worldwide, and many abnormalities are detected by ultrasound during pregnancy. On the other hand, the possibility of an abnormality in the fetus causes worry and anxiety in pregnant women. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between worry and anxiety with the general health status of pregnant women at risk of diagnosing fetal abnormalities.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 275 pregnant women with a gestational age of 16 to 18 weeks. They were referred by health centers, midwives, or gynecologists to determine fetal abnormalities according to the national guidelines of Iran for ultrasound scan anomalies. Pregnancy imaging was performed in Bojnurd city between April and December 2023. The data collection tools included a pregnancy-personal characteristics questionnaire, Goldberg general health standard questionnaire, Cambridge anxiety, and Spielberger anxiety scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and generalized linear models (GLM). A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 28.13 ± 6.17 years. The average total score of general health was 15.49 ± 7.14, while the average total worry and anxiety scores were 16.81 ± 11.74 and 45.12 ± 6.06, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was observed between general health and worry (r = 0.374), as well as between general health and anxiety (r = 0.160). Additionally, based on the test of generalized linear models, education (beta coefficient = − 3.208 and p = 0.008) and type of pregnancy (beta coefficient = − 2.323 and p = 0.029) were related to general health.ConclusionThe present findings demonstrate a relationship between the general health and worry and anxiety levels of pregnant women at risk of abnormality diagnosis. Pregnant women who are anxious and worried tend to have lower general health levels. Understanding this relationship between worry, anxiety, and the general health of pregnant women can provide useful information to policymakers and health planners to improve the health of expectant mothers.

The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep quality in intensive care unit patients: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Sleep deprivation is frequently observed among critically ill patients, and sleep aids still lack robust evidence of efficacy. Thus, the present randomised controlled study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of weighted blankets as non-pharmacological sleep aids for patients in the intensive care unit. Patients scheduled to be admitted to the intensive care unit after elective hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a weighted blanket group or a normal blanket group. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. A total of 50 patients were included in this study: 25 in the weighted blanket group and 25 in the normal blanket group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the average total score of Japanese version of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire: 46 [interquartile range = 30-70] versus 56 [36-70] (p = 0.62). All five domains of Japanese version of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire also showed no significant difference between the two groups. The results of this study did not show an improvement in the Japanese version of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire scores in intensive care unit patients following major abdominal surgery with the use of weighted blankets, indicating a lack of efficacy as a sleep aid for acute sleep deprivation.

Implementation and sustainability of best practice guidelines: a tale of three hospitals.

This study explores factors that affect the sustainable implementation of best practice guidelines (BPGs) and provides a basis for developing corresponding action strategies to promote project sustainability. Using the NHS (National Health Service) questionnaire scoring system, surveys were conducted among nurses who implemented BPGs in three hospitals in China. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis. We adhered to the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies. The average total score was 85.18/100, while the average scores of the process dimension, staff dimension, and organization dimension were 25.85, 45.88, and 13.45, respectively. The average score of the three dimensions was 83.12%, 87.56%, and 81.52%, respectively. This means that the three dimensions of the NHS SM had high scores and the implemented BPGs had a high likelihood of being sustained. The sustainable implementation of guidelines involves three factors: project characteristics, staff dimensions, and organizational environment. Important factors that influence project sustainability include the clinical value of the project, a supportive environment provided by human resources and project infrastructure, and the degree of cooperation between interprofessional teams. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A305.

An individualised mobile app was beneficial for the mothers of infants with severe congenital heart defects.

This national study focused on the individualised Heart Observation (HOBS) mobile phone app, which helps the parents of infants with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) with discharge preparations and decision making at home. We enrolled two groups of parents from 2021 to 2023, during their child's initial hospitalisation at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Measurements were carried out at baseline and one and four months after discharge. The study examined 73 mothers, who assessed the usefulness and stress-related impact of either printed materials or the HOBS app, as the fathers' responses were insufficient. The HOBS app was significantly more useful than the printed information, with regard to discharge preparations, follow up at home and ongoing decision making, particularly if the infants had sustained cardiac impairment. The average total usefulness scores were 23.9/35 (95% CI 21.6-26.1) versus 17.0/35 (95% CI 14.1-20.0), respectively. Initial stress significantly decreased from baseline in both groups and elevated awareness of deterioration did not increase stress in the HOBS group. Mothers who used the HOBS app found it significantly more useful than the controls who received printed information, particularly if their infant had sustained cardiac impairment. Elevated awareness of deterioration did not increase stress.

Assessing the impact of critical care training on pharmacy students in Egypt: a pre-post study

BackgroundTransition to independent pharmacy practice is challenging. Undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) currently receive minimal experiential learning in critical care.ObjectiveTo assess the critical care training course’s impact on pharmacy students’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, as well as their satisfaction with the course.MethodIn a pre-post interventional study, pharmacy students took a 10-day critical care training course with experiential learning. They completed a knowledge questionnaire covering various critical care topics, the 18 questions Pharmacy Self-efficacy and Self-esteem Study Questionnaire, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0.ResultsA total of 72 trainees participated in the study. The average score for pre-course self-efficacy and self-esteem significantly increased post-course, with a median (IQR) of 3.75 (3.50–3.94) compared to 3.56 (3.28–3.78) pre-course, with a p-value of less than 0.05. Furthermore, their overall knowledge score significantly increased from baseline to post-course, with the median (IQR) rising from 0.53 (0.50–0.61) to 0.98 (0.97–1.0), with a p-value of less than 0.05. Their course satisfaction average total score was 45.08 (SD ± 5.41) (on a scale of 10–50).ConclusionThe present study provides clear evidence that integrating this critical care training course into a structured curriculum for pharmacy students using experiential learning can act as a facilitator of knowledge enrichment, increase their self-esteem and self-efficacy, and make them satisfied with learning. Larger long duration studies are needed to support this evidence.

Perception of medical students at public universities in Uganda on their education environment: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe healthcare workforce is one of the six core components of a well-functioning and sufficient health system. The WHO highlights that improving education and training of the health workforce is critical to improving health systems. Medical education is a pillar of the healthcare workforce. The educational environment - the physical circumstances or conditions under which learning takes place - is an important factor determining medical education’s effectiveness. Its academic and clinical effects significantly determine medical students’ attitudes, knowledge, skills, progression, and behaviors. To ensure strong health systems, there is a need for improvement in medical education. Improvement must be contextual and informed by locally relevant data. This study, which assessed Ugandan medical students’ perception of their learning environment, provides crucial context-specific data highly relevant to the current state of medical education in Uganda.MethodsThis quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students across five medical schools in Uganda between December 2021 and February 2022. Participants completed an online questionnaire with a demographics section and the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) tool. The data was analyzed using R in R Studio version 2021.09.0 + 351. The average score for each DREEM sub-scale and the total DREEM score were calculated, and their relationship with demographic characteristics was examined.ResultsThe average total DREEM score of the 335 participants was 112.27/200 (56.12%). We found that 69% (231/335) of the students had a positive perception. The sub-scale mean scores were as follows: Perception of Atmosphere – 25.14/48, Social Self-perception − 14.94/28, Perception of Teachers − 24.86/44, Perception of Learning − 28.8/48, and Academic Self-perceptions – 19.04/32. “There is a good support system for students who get stressed” was the item with the lowest mean score (1.41/5).ConclusionsThe study’s findings indicate that medical students’ perceptions of their learning environment are just above average. This suggests a need for improvement, particularly in the atmosphere and social support, to ensure the training of a robust health workforce. The results of this study should motivate stakeholders to initiate changes that will enhance the quality of medical education in Uganda.

Online Education to Improve Palliative Care Professionals' Knowledge of Sleep Management.

Inadequate sleep is a common problem among those receiving palliative care services, yet there is limited knowledge regarding nonpharmacological sleep interventions among staff. An educational online program was developed to address this deficit. This study assessed the extent of knowledge acquired following the online educational sleep program and determined the feasibility of using this intervention with palliative care professionals. Thirty-one participants (54.8% licensed nurses) completed the educational program. Most worked in either inpatient residential (38.7%) or home-based (35.5%) settings and had considerable experience working in palliative care. The total average pretest score was 67.5% (SD, 6.5%; range, 56.3%-79.2%) compared with the total average posttest score of 93.1% (SD, 6.0; range, 78.7%-100%). There was a significant mean difference in the scores as documented by a paired-sample t test (t30 = -21.9, P < .0001). The results did not differ between the disciplines and those working in each setting or by years of experience. The study had a 51.6% recruitment rate and an 88.6% retention rate. The significant increase in the palliative care professionals' knowledge following the educational program suggests it is a useful tool for nurses, aides, social workers, and managers to improve direct care.

Determination of Compassion Fatigue and Work Volition of Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: This study aimed to determine the compassion fatigue and work volition of nurses working in the intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 308 nurses working in the COVID-19 intensive care units of the pandemic hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health in the Istanbul province, Turkey, between February and May 2021. Data were obtained using the Personal Characteristics Form, the Compassion Fatigue-Short Scale and the Work Volition Scale. The obtained data were asses with the SPSS 22.0 statistical program. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the nurses participating in the study was 30.32±10 years; 80.2% were female, and 23.4% had been working for 1-3 years. The compassion fatigue total mean score was 79.91±25.04, while the work volition total mean score average was 50.28±10.65, which was found to be moderate. In the nurses' compassion fatigue sub-dimensions, the mean for occupational burnout was 49.12±15.61, and the secondary trauma mean was 30.78±10.92. A weak positive correlation was found between the nurses' compassion fatigue and work volition total scores (r= 0.235, p

Determining the Knowledge Levels of University Students About HPV and HPV Vaccine

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge levels of university students about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 802 university students staying in the student dormitory of a foundation university on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. The data of the study were collected using the "Student Information Form" and the "Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale". Results: 16.5% of the participants had previous sexual experience, 5.1% had genital wart problems before, 15.8% had the HPV vaccine, the total score average of the "HPV Knowledge Scale" was 10.142±7.364 (Min:0-Max:33). When the sub-dimension mean scores are examined, the "general HPV knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 6.657±4.276, the "HPV screening test knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.029±1.316, the "general HPV vaccine knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.591±1.737, the "current HPV knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.591±1.737. The mean score of the "information about vaccination program" subscale was found to be 0.865±1.240. Conclusion: In this study, the level of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine among university students is quite low, and it is seen that this situation may affect general health awareness and protective behaviors.

The Relation between Chronotype, Depression, Anxiety, Internet Addiction and Academic Achievement in University Students

The purpose of this study; to determine the relation between chronotype, depression, stress, anxiety, internet addiction and academic achievement levels of university students with a descriptive and cross-sectional research design. The study was conducted with 645 university students. Data was collected using Information Form, Depression, Anxiety, Stress-21 Scale (DASS21), The Short Form of Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT-SF) and Morning-Evening Questionnaire (MEQ). Data were analyzed by means, numbers, percentages, independent t-test and correlation. It was determined that the students' depression levels were moderate, their stress levels were mild, and their anxiety levels were mild. It was determined that the students were average internet users according to their total Young Internet Addiction Scale score averages. It was determined that the participants' chronotypes could be evaluated as intermediate types. It was determined that female students' stress and anxiety scores were statistically significantly higher than male students. (p

Examination of the Relationship Between the Comfort Levels and the Mother to Infant Bonding Levels of Women in the Postpartum Period

Aim: The research was conducted to establish the relationship between the comfort levels of mothers in the postpartum period and mother-infant bonding. Material and Method: The research is of descriptive type. The sample of the study consisted of 257 women who had just given birth in the Gynecology and Obstetrics service of a public hospital in Türkiye and voluntarily participated in the research between February and April 2023. Personal information questionnaire, postpartum comfort scale, and mother to infant bonding scale were used to collect the data of the study. Results: The average total score women received from the postpartum comfort scale in the postpartum period was 97.45±15.22. A statistically significant difference was found between the postpartum comfort scale total score average according to the women's working status, number of postpartum days, postpartum care requirement and number of patients in the room (p

Critical Role of Sleeping and Eating Habits on Academic Success among Dormitory Residing University Students

Objective University dormitories play a crucial role in shaping students' overall health, which is essential for their academic success. Current university dormitories, understanding the impact of living conditions on students' overall health is crucial for guiding their academic success. Method: This study was designed as a cross-sectional exploratory research. The sample of the study consisted of 627 students, with 331 males and 296 females. Data for the study were collected using the Personal Information Form, Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Results: The gender distribution among the participating students was balanced, with a mean age of 20.98±1.680 years and predominantly medium to low income levels. When examining the average scores of RCSQ, AEBQ, and PSQI scales, it was found that the "RCSQ" average is below the poor and moderate range (46.443±28.290). While male students had higher overall sleep scores indicating poorer sleep quality compared to females, the sleep quality index scores were higher among females, indicating better sleep quality. Generally, the average sleep score among students was 46.443 ±28.290, which is considered to be at a poor level. The students' total average score on the Adult Eating Behavior Scale was determined to be 90.893 ±17.019, indicating a high average score and suggesting negative eating behaviors among them. Students' average sleep quality was also found to be 5.096 ± 2.927, indicating poor sleep quality. According to correlation analysis, poor eating behavior negatively affects sleep quality and overall sleep, and academic performance is also influenced by eating behavior. Conclusion: Sleep quality, eating behaviors, and healthy lifestyle behaviors have significant effect on academic performance and quality of life.

Guidance reconciliation and practice question prioritization for a World Health Organization's Ebola and Marburg Disease guideline.

To describe the processes of reconciling overlapping guidance and prioritizing practice questions for a World Health Organization (WHO) guideline on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Ebola and Marburg disease. This work involved the reconciliation of guidance, the generation of potential practice questions and the prioritization of those questions. Contributors included the WHO secretariat, the WHO steering group, the guideline methodologists, and the guideline development group (GDG). We extracted all actionable statements that fit the scope of the planned guidelines from existing WHO documents and classified them according to the type of the actionable statement they aligned with. We then constructed the practice questions, which were subsequently prioritized by the GDG. A scoring tool consisting of five prioritization criteria was developed: (1) uncertainty or controversy about best practice, (2) unsatisfactory existing guidance, (3) potential for changing existing guidance, (4) impact of intervention on health outcomes, and (5) feasibility of intervention implementation. Our process identified 18 practice questions suitable for development as formal recommendations that needed to be prioritized. The average total priority score was 20.49 (standard deviation = 1.27). We found high correlation between three prioritization criteria: 'uncertainty or controversy about best practice', 'unsatisfactory existing guidance', and 'potential for changing existing guidance'. Our approach was feasible and may be useful for guideline projects where overlapping guidance exist and need to be updated.

Development of Discovery Learning-Based Teaching Materials to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Abilities in the Kurikulum Merdeka in Class V of Elementary Schools

This research was motivated by findings from initial identification through interviews and observations at SDN 18 V Koto Timur, which revealed that fifth grade students faced difficulties in science and technology subjects, especially regarding low enthusiasm and active participation in learning. The type of research used is Research and Development with the ADDIE development model. In this development research, the research subjects were 30 class V students and the research object was the development of DL-based teaching materials to improve students' critical thinking skills. Data collection techniques use validation sheets, practicality questionnaires and learning outcomes tests. Based on the results of the development research carried out, the validity results of the Merdeka Curriculum teaching module obtained an average of 89% (very valid), the material expert validator obtained a result of 90.6% (very valid), the results for the language expert were 93.3% (very valid). ), and media expert acquisition was 85.4% (valid). The practicality of the module was tested through individual trials on 8 students at SDN 18 V Koto Timur and 8 students at SDN 01 V Koto Timur resulting in an average total score of 88.96% and 86.46%, which was categorized as "very practical." In small group trials with 10 students in each school, average scores reached 93.17% and 88.17%, also in the "very practical" category. Limited group trials with 15 students in each school showed average scores of 92.11% and 91.67%, remaining in the "very practical" category. These results confirm that the module was well received and demonstrated consistent practicality across different groups of learners, proving its effectiveness and usefulness as a teaching material.

Analysis of the efficacy of adjusting the dose of imatinib with therapeutic drug monitoring in adjuvant treatment after complete resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Objective: To explore the efficacy of adjusting the dose of imatinib dose in the context of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who are receiving adjuvant therapy after complete resection of their tumors. Methods: This was a descriptive study. Inclusion criteria were (1) complete surgical resection with a pathological diagnosis of GIST, (2) postoperative adjuvant therapy with imatinib and dosage adjustment, (3) multiple TDM of imatinib, and (4) complete clinical, pathological, and follow-up data. The data of 70 patients with GISTs treated at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between January 2015 and December 2023 were collected retrospectively. The study cohort comprised 15 (21.4%) men and 55 (78.6%) women of median age 60 years (range: 25-82). Of the eligible patients, 49 (70.0%) were at high-risk, 14 (20.0%) at intermediate-risk, six (8.6%) at low-risk, and one (1.4%) at very low risk. Patients were followed up by the gastrointestinal stromal tumor clinic every 2-3 months and their plasma concentrations of imatinib were checked. The dose was adjusted to 300 mg/d or 200 mg/d depending on whether they had had ≥ grade III adverse reactions, and whether the first plasma concentration of imatinib was ≥ 1,500 μg/L or between the expected range of 760 μg/L-1,100 μg/L. Studied indicators included adverse reactions, quality of life before and after dose adjustment, and overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) after dose adjustment. Results: Before dose adjustment, all 70 patients received 400 mg of imatinib daily, with initial TDM values of 1,900 ± 568 μg/L, for a median duration of 8.3 months. After dose adjustment, 60 patients received 300 mg daily, with a TDM of 1,216 ± 350 μg/L, whereas 10 received 200 mg daily, with a TDM of 1,023 ± 269 μg/L. The median duration of treatment after dose adjustment was 23.4 months. Compared with those whose dosages were not adjusted, the incidence of bone marrow suppression was significantly lower (74.3% [52/70] vs. 51.4% [36/70], χ2=9.202, P=0.010); as were the incidences of edema (95.7% [67/70] vs. 50.0% [35/70], χ2=40.526, P<0.001); skin reactions (70.0% [49/70] vs. 32.9% [23/70), χ2=22.495, P<0.001); and gastrointestinal reactions (38.6% [27/70] vs. 10.0% [7/70], χ2=15.899, P<0.001) in those whose dosages were adjusted. The average total scores for physical health before and after dose adjustment were 76 ± 5 and 88 ± 4, respectively; whereas the mental health scores were 75 ± 6 and 89 ± 4, respectively. The median follow-up period was 36 months (range 6-126). During the first 3 years of follow-up, five high-risk patients with non-gastric GISTs developed recurrences. The 3-year overall survival rate was 100%, and the 3-year RFS rate was 92.8%, high-risk patients having a 3-year RFS rate of 89.8%. Conclusion: The adverse reactions and quality of life of GIST patients with severe adverse reactions to adjuvant imatinib therapy after complete resection can be mitigated by appropriately reducing the dosage of imatinib under the guidance of TDM.

Diet Quality in Patients with Breast Cancer: Results of a Single Cohort Study in a Midwestern US Population

Emerging research underscores the relationship between diet quality in patients with breast cancer and their cardiovascular health. This study examines the role of diet quality in patients post-breast cancer diagnosis in a single cohort in the midwestern United States (US), along with barriers to the adoption of a healthy diet and willingness to change diet. This cross-sectional study surveyed 108 patients with breast cancer. Diet quality was assessed using the Rapid Assessment of Eating in Participants - Shortened version (REAP-S). Participants had an average total REAP-S Score of 28.44 on a scale of 13–39. This score is lower than that of the average omnivorous population of the US and remained so as time since diagnosis progressed despite participants’ overwhelming willingness to make changes toward a better quality diet. Several key barriers to healthier eating were identified, including unpredictable schedules and time constraints. Subaverage diet quality scores suggest that breast cancer patients elevate their future risk of adverse cardiovascular health and underscores the necessity for targeting interventions and reducing barriers to enhance diet quality.

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation on substance abuse proclivity in adolescent smokers

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to determine how CBT-based psychoeducation affects substance abuse proclivity in adolescent smokers. Materials and Methods The study is an experimental study model with pretest–posttest control group. As a result of the power analysis carried out for the sample of the study, the sample size was calculated to be 110 adolescent smokers at a significance level of 0.05, confidence interval of 95%, an effect size of 0.7, and power of population representation of 0.95. A Descriptive Characteristics Form and SAPS were used to collect the data. The experimental group received eight sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation. No educational program was applied to the control group. The data were analyzed using number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, dependent samples t-test and independent samples t-test. Results Substance abuse proclivity was determined in adolescents who smoked cigarettes in the experimental and control groups. The SAPS total score average of the individuals in the experimental group decreased after psychoeducation compared to before psychoeducation. The difference between the posttest SAPS total mean scores of the control and experimental groups was statistically significant. Conclusion CBT-based psychoeducation was found to be effective in reducing substance use proclivities in adolescent smokers.