Bivariate Regression Research Articles

Pedagogies of Possibility: The Integration of Asset-Based Equity Pedagogies and Project-Based Learning

While project-based learning (PBL) and asset-based equity pedagogies (ABEPs) have traditionally been studied separately, there is reason to believe that the combination of the two strategies can produce unimaginable. This study examines the relationships between students’ perception of both PBL and ABEPs as it relates to non-academic outcomes such as problem-solving abilities, likelihood to persist, and civic consciousness and engagement. Bivariate regression was used to determine the degree to which exposure to PBL and ABEPs explains the variance in student outcomes. Student focus group data confirms and expands our quantitative findings.

Financial crisis and its association with parental stress and children’s mental health in Lebanon

BackgroundLebanon has experienced a series of devastating crises that continue to have significant adverse effects on the mental health of parents and their children, especially those who are unemployed, burdened with debt or financial difficulties, and have pre-existing mental health conditions. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effect of financial insecurities on parents in Lebanon amid the multiple crises, and the impact of parents’ mental health on their children’s emotional and behavioral wellbeing.MethodsA cross-sectional study including 589 parents in Lebanon was performed using convenience sampling of parents of any gender with children aged 4 to 18 from the five Lebanese governorates. The study collected the sociodemographic data of the participants and incorporated supplementary measures such as the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), and the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being (IFDFW) scale. Statistical tests included bivariate analysis, ANOVA test, linear regression, and mediation analyses.ResultsA total of 589 parents, primarily mothers, participated in this study. Most children were males in elementary school. Bivariate analyses revealed that parents with non-Lebanese nationality, primary education, employment, or children in technical schools reported significantly higher PSS and PSC scores. Negative correlations were observed between the IFDFW scale and both PSS (r=-0.200, p < 0.001) and PSC scores (r=-0.086, p = 0.038), indicating lower stress and symptoms with improved financial well-being. Multivariable analysis showed that higher PSC scores, age, complementary education, and Lebanese nationality were associated with increased parental stress, while unemployment, lower age, and higher IFDFW were associated with reduced stress. Similarly, higher PSC scores were linked to increased parental stress, age, non-Lebanese nationality, and IFDFW, whereas university education, higher GPA, and residence outside Beirut/Mount Lebanon were associated with reduced PSC scores. Mediation analysis indicated that parental stress fully mediated the relationship between IFDFW and PSC scores, underscoring the impact of financial well-being on a child’s psychological symptoms via parental stress.ConclusionsThe study revealed significant financial distress and low financial well-being among participants amid Lebanon’s economic crisis, with a notable mediated association between financial well-being, parental stress, and child mental health symptoms. Parental stress was heightened among those with lower education levels, non-Lebanese nationality, and employment in low-wage jobs, with children from these families exhibiting elevated mental health symptoms. Additionally, regional factors and socioeconomic status played a role, as children in urbanized areas and technical schools reported higher distress. Targeted interventions are urgently recommended to alleviate financial and emotional burdens on families and ensure improved mental well-being for both parents and children.

Long-Term Success and Survival of Post-Endodontic Restorations Without Posts After up to18 Years: A Practice-Based Study.

The aim of this non-interventional, multi-center, prospective, practice-based study was, firstly, to evaluate the longevity of composite build-ups in endodontically treated teeth, treated with root canal therapy (ETT), without post placement and secondly, to identify and analyze factors influencing the success of these reconstructions. Each of seven general dental practitioners placed up to 50 composite build-ups without additional posts in ETT. Teeth were restricted to incisors, canines and premolars. Clinical data (i.e. type of build-up restoration (material, adhesive); type of final restoration (material, adhesive)) were recorded for 192 coronal restorations on ETT in 192 patients. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to analyze associations between clinical factors and time until failure. Within a follow-up period of up to 18 years (mean(95%CI): 102 (90-113) months, max:217 months) 155 restorations (81%) were judged as successful [mean success time: 176 (165-187) months] and 164 teeth (85%) survived [mean survival time: 187 (178-197) months]. The main failure type was fracture of the restoration (n=16). The annual failure rate was 2.4% and 1.7%, respectively. In bivariate Cox regression the factors 'dentist' and 'adhesive' were significantly associated with failure rate (p≤0.017). However, in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression none of the investigated factors were significantly associated with failure rate (p≥0.089). For composite build-ups in ETT without post placement high success rates could be found after up to 18 years of observation. Within the limitations of the present study none of the analyzed factors such as 'dentist' or 'adhesive was a significant predictor for the failure rate. Endodontically treated teeth, treated with root canal therapy, can be successfully directly restored with composite build-ups even when no additional post is inserted. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00012882).

Better mental health and fewer depressive symptoms are associated with greater psychological resilience after hip fracture.

High psychological resilience is associated with improved functional outcomes for older adults recovering from hip fracture. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with increased psychological resilience in older women after hip fracture. 129 women aged ≥65 years with recent surgically-repaired hip fracture were enrolled in a trial of exercise and testosterone therapy. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) measured baseline resilience, and was categorized as low (BRS<4) or high (BRS≥4). Sociodemographic (e.g., education), medical, and neuropsychological factors (e.g., cognition by Short Blessed Test, mental health by a Global Mental Health Score (PROMIS-GMH), and depressive symptoms by Geriatric Depression Score (GDS)) were considered as independent variables. Individual factors were evaluated for their association with resilience using bivariate regression, and those having a significance level of p≤0.10 were entered into age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression models. 57 women (44%) reported high resilience. Neither education nor cognition was significantly associated with resilience. Lower GDS and better PROMIS-GMH scores were associated with high resilience in adjusted models. For every one-point worsening in GDS, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for high vs. low resilience was 0.76 (95% CI 0.61,0.93). In a model with GDS, PROMIS-GMH, and age, positive mental health remained significantly associated with higher resilience (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14,1.58). In older women after hip fracture, fewer depressive symptoms and better mental health were associated with higher psychological resilience. Addressing overall mental health when recovering from hip fracture could contribute to increasing psychological resilience thereby maximizing recovery potential.

Influence of Digital Health Literacy on Blood Pressure and Hemoglobin A1c in Patients With Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension.

Digital health literacy is emerging as an important element in chronic illness management, yet its relationship with clinical outcomes remains unclear. Utilizing data from the ongoing EXpanding Technology-Enabled, Nurse-Delivered Chronic Disease Care trial, this cross-sectional, correlational study explored the association between digital health literacy, health literacy, and patient outcomes, specifically blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels in 76 patients managing comorbid type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Results indicate patients had moderate digital health literacy, which was not significantly correlated with health literacy (r = 0.16, P = .169). Both bivariate and covariate-adjusted regression models indicated that digital health literacy was not significantly associated with patient outcomes (all P > .05, small effects). These findings suggest that although patients from diverse sociodemographic backgrounds may possess the digital health literacy to engage with digital health tools, this alone may not improve clinical outcomes. Although digital health literacy may not be directly related to improved clinical outcomes, future research should explore how digital health tools can be optimized to enhance patient engagement and address complex challenges in diverse populations managing chronic conditions.

Epidemiological characterization of COVID-19 in children under 18 years old in Mexico: an analysis of the pandemic

ObjectiveThe study aimed to describe the characteristics and risk factors associated with disease severity across six waves of COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Mexico.MethodsA cohort study was conducted using data from the Mexican Ministry of Health, covering the period from March 2020 to March 2023. The dataset included patients under 18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine demographic and clinical characteristics, mortality across waves, and age group distributions.ResultsOf the total cohort, 9.5% were children, with 497,428 confirmed cases. Among these, 50% were male, 4.4% required hospitalization, and there were 1,447 (0.03%) deaths. The highest prevalence was observed in the 12–17-year age group (52%), followed by the 5–11-year age group (32%), with incidence rates peaking towards the end of 2021 and the early 2022. Although the 0–2-year age group represented 9.6% of cases, it had higher hospitalization (40%), ICU admission (58%), and case fatality rate (CFR) (44%). Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and immunosuppression were identified as risk factors for severe outcomes. The initial wave displayed the highest CFR (OR 5.28) especially in children aged 0–2 years.ConclusionsChildren were less affected during the pandemic compared to adults; however, children under two years-old experienced more severe outcomes. Currently, with 95% of the population estimated to be immune due to vaccination and/or prior infection, children under 2 years of age are now at higher risk of severe disease and should be evaluated for vaccination as a public health policy.

Evolution of Well-Being and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a global public health crisis with an unparalleled impact worldwide, presenting a significant challenge for both physical and mental health. The main objective of this study was to analyze the risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this was affected by sociodemographic factors, pandemic fatigue, risk perception, trust in institutions, and perceived self-efficacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Region of Murcia through two online surveys completed by 1000 people in June 2021 (Round 1) and March 2022 (Round 2). Risk of depression was measured using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) questionnaire, and descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the risk of depression. In Round 1, 35.2% of the sample presented a risk of depression, which increased to 39.1% in Round 2. Those at greater risk were women, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, those with less family support, lower trust in institutions, higher perceived risk of contracting the disease, and higher levels of pandemic fatigue. Identifying vulnerable populations facing mental health issues can help the authorities and institutions that are responsible for managing public health crises to develop and implement inclusive strategies and interventions tailored to the population's needs.

Awareness and utilization of Swedish youth clinics among migrants enrolled in Swedish language programmes: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Previous research has highlighted inequalities in access to Swedish youth clinics (YCs). These inequalities exist not only between non-migrant and young migrant populations but also within various migrant groups. Objectives To assess awareness and utilization of Swedish YCs among migrants enrolled in Swedish language programmes and explore associated factors. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 1,112 migrants aged 15−65. The analytical sample included 642 (57%) participants who answered the main outcome question about awareness of YCs. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate log-binomial regression analyses using a Bayesian approach were applied to summarize the data and identify factors associated with awareness and utilization of YCs among migrants. Results The results revealed that 30% of all participants and 40% of the participants aged 15–25 years had heard of YCs. Additionally, 23% of the target group (15−25 years) had ever visited one. During descriptive and bivariate analyses, socio-demographic variations were evident in YCs’ awareness and utilization. However, in multivariate analyses, only the associations between awareness and year of arrival, and YCs’ utilization and year of arrival and type of residence permit, remained statistically significant. Conclusion This study highlights the level of awareness of YCs among migrants attending Swedish language programmes and their utilization by those aged 15−25 years, potentially impacting their access to crucial services and resources. Targeted interventions and sustainable strategies beyond one-time interventions are essential to address the specific needs of different socio-demographic groups and ensure equitable access to YCs’ information and services.

Factors associated with retention in Quitline counseling for smoking cessation among HIV-positive smokers receiving care at HIV outpatient clinics in Vietnam.

Quitline counseling is an effective method for supporting smoking cessation, offering personalized and accessible assistance. Tobacco use is a significant public health issue among people living with HIV. In Vietnam, over 50% of men living with HIV use tobacco. However, there is limited research on Quitline use and retention rates in this population and a lack of research on factors associated with retention in Quitline counseling. The study aims to evaluate the factors associated with retention in Quitline counseling for smoking cessation among HIV-positive smokers receiving care at HIV outpatient clinics in Vietnam. The study analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared the effectiveness of three smoking cessation interventions for smokers living with HIV at 13 Outpatient Clinics in Ha Noi. A total of 221 smokers aged 18 and above living with HIV participated in Arm 1 of the RCT, which included screening for tobacco use (Ask), health worker-delivered brief counseling (Assist), and proactive referral to Vietnam's national Quitline (AAR), in which the Quitline reached out to the patient to engage them in up to 10 sessions of smoking cessation counseling. Retention in Quitline counseling was defined as participating in more than five counseling calls. The study used bivariate and logistic regression analyses to explore the associations between retention and other factors. Fifty-one percent of HIV-positive smokers completed more than five counseling sessions. Smokers living with HIV aged 35 or older (OR = 5.53, 95% CI 1.42-21.52), who had a very low/low tobacco dependence level (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.14-4.51), had a lower score of perceived importance of quitting cigarettes (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99), had a household ban or partial ban on cigarettes smoking (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.39-4.80), and had chosen a quit date during the Quitline counseling (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.63-5.53) were more likely to retain in the Quitline counseling than those smokers living with HIV whose ages were less than 35, who had a high/very high tobacco dependence level, had a higher score of perception of the importance of quitting cigarettes, did not have a household ban on cigarettes smoking, and did not choose a quit date during counseling. There is a high retention rate in Quitline counseling services among PLWHs receiving care at HIV outpatient clinics. Tailoring interventions to the associated factors such as age, tobacco dependence, perceived importance of quitting, household smoking bans, and setting a quit date during counseling may improve engagement and outcomes, aiding in the reduction of smoking prevalence among HIV-positive individuals.

Ceftazidime-avibactam for the treatment of febrile neutropenia in HSCT recipients and acute leukemia patients post induction chemotherapy

Febrile neutropenia is a major complication in patients with acute leukemia or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Understanding patient characteristics and susceptibility patterns in febrile neutropenia is essential for appropriate antimicrobial therapy. First-line agents should have Pseudomonas aeruginosa coverage, but with the increase in multi-drug resistant organisms, ceftazidime-avibactam has emerged as a new therapeutic option. This retrospective case–control study included 300 admissions (143 patients) between January 2009 and December 2022. Patients with hematologic neoplasms and patients that underwent HSCT, satisfying the criteria of febrile neutropenia and treated with ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZAVI) were included and compared to controls who received the best available therapy (BAT). A bivariate regression model explored independent predictors of septic shock and mortality. Patients who received CAZAVI were more likely to have a microbiologically documented infection (59.0% vs. 28.3%). Complications were significantly more frequent in the CAZAVI group, with sepsis being the most common (59.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that receiving CAZAVI was an independent risk factor for both sepsis and mortality (aOR 6.33 [95% CI 2.81–14.30] and 7.82 [2.63–23.26], respectively). Knowing common organisms and patterns of resistance, with an understanding of risk factors for morbidity and mortality, is crucial for the antimicrobial management of febrile neutropenia. Further studies on the effectiveness of CAZAVI in this population are needed.

Does irisin mediate metabolic effects of androgen deficiency? A cross-sectional study in men with chronic spinal cord injury.

Retrospective study. To check the hypothesis that irisin could mediate systemic metabolic effects of testosterone in men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Spinal Unit of the San Raffaele Institute in Sulmona. Fifteen men with chronic SCI admitted to a rehabilitation program were involved. They underwent clinical and biochemical evaluations. Irisin levels were measured with a high-sensitivity ELISA kit. Free testosterone levels were calculated (cFT) from total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and albumin concentrations using the Vermeulen formula. Androgen deficiency (total testosterone <3 ng/ml and cFT <64 pg/ml) was found in 53% of participants and was associated with significantly lower irisin levels, higher body mass index (BMI), and higher triglycerides. Participants were engaged in significantly poorer leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Circulating irisin correlated with cFT (r = 0.55; p = 0.03) and both were negatively correlated with triglycerides levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and systemic inflammation, as assessed by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Correlations with irisin did not reach statistical significance for either BMI (r = -0.40; p = 0.13) or LTPA (r = 0.46; p = 0.08). In bivariate linear regression models, lower irisin levels were significantly associated with higher triglycerides (β = -0.46; 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.16), HOMA-IR (β = -0.32; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.004) and ESR (β = -0.89; 95% CI: -1.69 to -0.10) independently of cFT. Conversely, the negative associations of cFT with the same variables were lost after adjustment for irisin levels. Spinal cord-injured men with androgen deficiency exhibit lower levels of irisin, which could mediate the systemic effects of testosterone.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Patients-The Relationship with Platelets Indicators.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an important chronic liver disease with major health risks, especially in the presence of T2DM, but the pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the platelet hematometric indices in patients with T2DM and MASLD. Materials and Methods: Demographic and medical (including anthropometric) data were collected from 271 participants, from whom blood samples were also drawn in fasting conditions for complete blood count, liver and metabolic panel, ferritin, haptoglobin, creatinine, and fibrosis markers. The correlations of main platelet parameters with clinical and laboratory data were investigated by bivariate and multiple regression analyses. Results: The median platelets number was 235·103/μL, and thus, the study population was divided into two subgroups: with higher and lower numbers (group 1 (mean): 286.38 ± 43.29·103/μL and group 2 (mean): 188.12 ± 39.77·103/μL). Despite similar BMIs, group 2 had higher fatty liver index (FLI) (84.44 ± 18.04 vs. 79.85 ± 17.98; p = 0.0088) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: 3.16 ± 1.50 vs. 2.63 ± 1.31; 0.0008), higher direct bilirubin, transaminases, uric acid, and ferritin concentrations. Higher percentages of males and subjects with HOMA-IR values >2.5 were accounted for in this group. In the multiple regression analyses, the platelet count and plateletcrit (PTC) correlated independently with sex, leucocyte count, HOMA-IR, and bilirubin concentrations (p < 0.0001). The platelet distribution width (PDW) was positively correlated with insulin resistance in two separate analyses (β = 0.060; p = 0.0004, and β = 0.052; p = 0.0025), and with GGT, while the mean platelet volume presented a weak but significant positive association with FLI. Patients with higher HOMA-IR had higher PDW and a lower platelet count and PTC. Conclusions: Male patients with T2DM and MASLD had lower platelet count and PTC and larger PDW. Higher insulin resistance was associated with lower platelet count and PTC and higher PDW.

Association Between Alcohol Use and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

In a diverse database (All of Us), we report significant dose-response associations between alcohol use frequency and glaucoma, with alcohol use of 4 or more drinks per week associated with significantly increased odds of glaucoma. Current evidence on the association between alcohol use and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is mixed. We utilize the diverse All of Us Research Program to further examine this relationship. This is a retrospective cohort study using the diverse All of Us Research Program, a nationwide effort by the United States National Institutes of Health to recruit those historically under-represented in biomedical research. Electronic health records and survey data from the All of Us program was analyzed. A randomized 1:4 case/control ratio was utilized for POAG patients and randomly selected control patients. Chi-Square, bivariable, and multivariable regression were utilized to examine the associations between alcohol use and POAG. Of the 3876 POAG patients, 2015 (52%) were female, 1943 (50%) were White, 1152 (30%) were Black, 117 (3%) were Asian, and 584 (15%) were Hispanic. Alcohol use of 4 or more drinks per week was significantly higher in the glaucoma cohort relative to controls (15% vs. 12%, P<0.001). On bivariate analysis, diagnosed alcohol misuse was associated with higher odds of POAG [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.20, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17-1.23, P<0.001]. In multivariable regression, more frequent alcohol use was associated with higher odds of glaucoma; alcohol use with a frequency of 4 or more drinks per week was significantly associated with increased odds of glaucoma (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.44, P=0.023). This dose-response relationship was also observed and more pronounced for female participants, where alcohol use frequency of monthly or less was already associated with increase odds of glaucoma (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.002-1.46, P=0.048). In the diverse All of Us database, there was a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and POAG risk, which was more pronounced in female participants. Overall, higher frequency of alcohol consumption was associated with increased risk of POAG; 4 or more drinks per week significantly was associated with higher glaucoma risk.

Is the Level of Consent to a National Research Registry Associated With Patient Outcomes After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury? A Population-Based Study From the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry.

We examined the impact of consenting to the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry on outcomes: acute length of stay, in-hospital mortality, medical complications (pressure injuries and pneumonia), and the final discharge destination following a spinal cord injury using the national Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry dataset. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry participant data from 2014 to 2019. Participants approached for enrollment were grouped into 1) PC: provided full consent including community follow-up interviews, 2) DWC: declined community follow-up interviews but accepted minimal data collection that may include initial/final interviews and/or those who later withdrew consent, and 3) DC: declined consent to any participation. As no data was collected for the DC group, descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable regression analysis was limited to the PC and DWC groups. Of 2811 participants, 2101 (74.7%) were PC, 553 (19.7%) were DWC, and 157 (5.6%) were DC. DWC participants had significantly longer acute length of stay, more acute pneumonias/pressure injuries, and were less likely to be discharged home than PC participants. All these associations-except pneumonia-remained significant in the multivariable analyses. Not participating fully in Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry was associated with more complications and longer hospital stays.

Association between physical intimate partner violence and postpartum contraceptive use in the United States-evidence from PRAMS 2016-2021.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) continues to be a major global public health concern, impacting physical and psychological well-being of individuals, including their reproductive and sexual health. The objective of this study is to examine the association between physical intimate partner violence and the utilization of contraception during the postpartum period in the United States. This study used data from the CDC's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey study phase 8, covering 2016-2021. The sample included 165,204 women reporting physical IPV during pregnancy or 12 months before their last pregnancy and their postpartum contraceptive use. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the relationship between IPV and postpartum contraceptive use, adjusting for relevant factors and addressing sampling weights. The study found a 3.2% prevalence of physical IPV, with state variances ranging from 2.2% to 5.5%. Among women who experienced physical IPV, 91.0% used contraception, compared to 94.5% of those who did not experience physical IPV. Experiencing physical IPV significantly decreased the likelihood of using any postpartum contraceptive method by 42% (aOR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.48-0.70) compared to those who did not experience physical IPV during the same period, after adjusting for covariates. Factors that increased the probability of using contraception during the postpartum period included women's higher educational attainment, being married or cohabitating, being employed anytime during pregnancy, and having an unintended last pregnancy. This study highlights the significant association between physical IPV and reduced use of postpartum contraception in the United States. It calls for the integration of IPV considerations into public health policies and clinical initiatives to improve maternal well-being.

Pediatric gastrostomy tube referral patterns and postoperative use: A single-center experience.

Practice variability exists regarding the timing of gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in patients unable to maintain adequate oral nutrition. We sought to assess patient factors predictive of longer surgical GT use to inform patient selection. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study including children ≤18 years who underwent surgical GT placement from June 1, 2018 to June 1, 2021 at a children's hospital. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of referral patterns, operative indications, and patient comorbidities on the length of GT use. Four hundred fifty-eight children underwent GT placement. Median age at placement was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-12) and 52% were male. Fifty-six percent were referred from a neonatal intensive care unit;/cardiovascular intensive care unit provider before initial hospital discharge and 19% were outpatient referrals. Forty-six percent were premature and 50% exhibited oropharyngeal dysphagia. The median duration of nasogastric feeding before GT placement was 36.5 days (IQR: 16-64). In those with GT removal (n = 140), the median duration of use was 269 days (IQR: 144-474), with 23% of the cohort no longer utilizing the GT within 12 months of placement. Patients with congenital lung disease (odds ratio [OR]: 3.03, p = 0.002) and genetic anomalies excluding isolated Trisomy 21 (OR: 3.57, p = 0.003) were more likely to require prolonged GT use. Nearly a quarter of children attain full oral feeding within a year of GT placement. The identified factors predictive of prolonged GT use suggest early placement in these patients. Continuing nasogastric feeds in other patients may decrease the morbidity of unnecessary GT placement.

Information Needs Among Thai Women Breast Cancer Patients During the Initial Treatment Phase: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine the information needs of breast cancer patients during the initial phase of treatment and to analyse the factors that influenced these needs. Providing comprehensive and timely information during early breast cancer treatment is crucial for informed decision-making and effective coping. Healthcare providers must address these needs to enhance patient support and improve outcomes. A cross-sectional study was reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. A total of 123 post-mastectomy patients were selected through purposive sampling and completed the Thai version of the Sri Lankan Information Needs Assessment Questionnaire-BC (SINAQ-BC). Direct associations between demographic data and information needs were analysed descriptively, while bivariate analysis and linear regression were used to identify significant predictors of information needs. The findings revealed that patients exhibited high overall information needs (224.7/260.0), with the greatest demand focused on physical care, treatment and diagnosis. In contrast, needs related to disease specifics and psychosocial care were less prominent. A total of 94 respondents (76.4%) expressed a particularly high demand for information regarding physical care. Education level was identified as an influencing factor, accounting for 7.7% of the variance in information needs among women with breast cancer. Patients with higher education levels had significantly greater information needs. Nursing staff should provide customised information packages that are tailored to the participants' education levels. Further testing of the Thai version of the SLINQ-BC would also be warranted. Patients are increasingly expected to manage their own care even as medical treatment grows more complex and technical. Nursing staff can contribute to the care of patients by being ready to evaluate, monitor and address breast cancer patient's individual information needs in the early stage of treatment based on factors such as educational level. No patient or public contribution because the nature of the study's design, data analysis and writing did not require patient or public contribution.

The associations of e-health perception and dementia knowledge with dementia public stigma in nursing students: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPreparing nursing students for dementia care, a prevalent cause of mortality, disability, and dependency among older people, is essential. Positive perceptions of e-health are believed to be associated with better knowledge, attitude, and skills among nurses across various care contexts. However, the relationship between e-health perception and nursing students' dementia knowledge and stigma remains underexplored. AimTo investigate the relationship between e-health perceptions, dementia knowledge, and dementia stigma among nursing students. Settings and participantsA total of 513 nursing students from a college in Hong Kong participated in an online survey. MethodsA cross-sectional design. ResultsStudents had an average age of 20.6 years, with the majority being females (69.8 %) and lacking experience in providing direct care for people with dementia (69.9 %). Most participants were in their first academic years (95.5 %) and had no family members with dementia (92.4 %). Students showed inadequate dementia knowledge (scoring indicator was 64.4 %) and a moderate stigma score (58.9 ± 9.0). Bivariate regression analysis indicated that e-health perception is significantly related to dementia knowledge but not to dementia stigma. Multiple regression analysis showed that being male (β = 0.520, p = 0.01) and having family members with dementia (β = 0.77, p = 0.03) were positively associated with dementia knowledge. Additionally, greater dementia knowledge (β = −0.53, p < 0.005) and senior-year bachelor programme entry were negatively associated with dementia stigma. ConclusionThe curricula of pre-registration nursing education should be enhanced to improve dementia knowledge and reduce stigma. The lack of a significant correlation between e-health perception, experience in caring for individuals with dementia, and dementia knowledge and stigma underscores the need to improve the quality of dementia education by leveraging e-health opportunities and clinical practicum.

The Mediating Roles of Self-Compassion and Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Mental Health Among College Teachers.

The compromised well-being of educators engenders a range of educational, social, and economic issues that cannot be adequately addressed through the mere awareness of risk factors. The present research explores the mediating roles of self-compassion and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) on the relationship between academic teachers' psychological resilience and mental health. A total of 405 academic teachers from four colleges in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, participated in the study between September and November 2023. The standardized questionnaires measuring psychological resilience (The Brief Resilience Scale- BRS), self-compassion (The Self-Compassion Scale-SCS), emotion regulation (The Emotion Regulation Scale-ERS), and mental health (General Health Questionnaire-12) were used to collect data. The bivariate correlation, regression, and path analysis were employed to investigate their associations. The findings demonstrated a significant positive impact of psychological resilience on mental health (β=0.39, p<0.001). Self-compassion emerged as a significant positive mediator, strengthening the association between resilience and mental health (β=0.18, p<0.01). Cognitive reappraisal was found to have a positive mediating effect on this relationship (β=0.16, p<0.01), highlighting its functional significance in regulating emotions. Conversely, expressive suppression was found to negatively mediate the relationship, with an indirect effect of β=-0.12 (p<0.05), indicating a maladaptive influence on mental health. The research emphasizes the significance of fostering self-compassion and adaptive regulatory strategies, like cognitive reappraisal, while mitigating maladaptive approaches, including expressive suppression, in order to enhance the mental health of university educators. These findings underscore the necessity for culturally sensitive mental health interventions within educational institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Risk factors of metabolic syndrome in women of reproductive age at mining area

Lead is one of the four most dangerous heavy metal pollutants, toxic to human health, and linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). This research aimed to analyze the relationship between respondent characteristics, blood lead level (BLL), nutrition intake, and physical activity to MetS and its components in women of reproductive age at Pemali District Mining Area, Bangka Belitung Regency. This research was conducted with a case-control approach involving 70 women of reproductive age (35 cases and 35 controls). Data was analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Witney tests for bivariate analysis and regression test logistics for multivariate analysis. Based on bivariate analysis, there is a significant relationship between body mass index (BMI) (p=0.000), salt intake (p=0.017), and seasoning intake (p=0.017) to MetS; meanwhile, BLL is not associated with MetS (p=0.473) but are associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) (p=0.019). Multivariate test results show that BMI (p=0.000; OR=7.995) and salt intake (p=0.030; OR=6.812) are significant risk factors for MetS. Women of reproductive age must maintain BMI within normal levels and reduce daily salt intake to prevent the occurrence of MetS. BLL must be controlled to prevent decreased HDLC levels in women of reproductive age.