Chi-square Test Of Independence Research Articles

Obstacles to effective communication between physical/occupational therapists and patients in the Saudi Arabian context: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEffective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for high-quality care and patient satisfaction. Barriers to communication can lead to misunderstandings and poorer health outcomes. This study aims to identify communication obstacles between physical/occupational therapists (PTs/OTs) and patients in the Saudi Arabian context.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, which was conducted from September 2022 to January 2023, involved 228 patients and 46 therapists from the rehabilitation services department. Data were collected via two self-administered questionnaires and analyzed via Pearson’s chi-square test of independence and Fisher’s exact test for categorical nominal data to assess associations between variables. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsMost patients (25.4%) were young adults aged 18–30 years, predominantly Saudi nationals (96.5%), with undergraduate degrees (63%). High satisfaction with therapists was reported by 69.3% of patients. The key barriers identified included limited consultation time (15.8%) and the use of medical records (4.8%). Therapists, primarily young professionals aged 25–30 years (54.3%) with 3–5 years of experience (43.5%), also reported time limitations (30.4%), physical setup issues (37.0%), and poor patient history-taking (56.5%) as significant barriers. Additional findings from our study indicated that monolingual Arabic-speaking therapists faced greater challenges in understanding language (p = 0.02), and younger therapists (aged 25–30) reported greater difficulties in managing multiple problems during sessions (p = 0.03), highlighting age and linguistic background as significant factors influencing communication efficacy.ConclusionsAddressing communication barriers through targeted interventions, such as enhanced training, improved clinical structures, and advanced electronic health records, can improve patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and specific communication training programs.

Exploring the Influence of Video Games on Self-Reported Spatial Abilities Among University Students

Background: Video games are no longer just entertainment; they are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance cognitive abilities, including spatial cognition. This skill is vital in academic disciplines, where strong spatial reasoning is essential for problem-solving and success. Aims: This study investigates how video game engagement impacts self-reported spatial abilities in university students, focusing on the frequency, types, and duration of gaming. It also explores the contributions of specific video game genres and features to perceived cognitive improvements. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 566 Saudi university students who completed an online questionnaire on their gaming habits and self-reported spatial abilities. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests to assess the associations between video game behaviors and self-reported spatial cognition. Results: Frequent gamers (65% of participants) demonstrated significantly higher self-reported spatial abilities than infrequent gamers, particularly in adapting to spatial challenges (p < 0.001). Players engaged with action and open-world games reported the greatest perceived improvements in spatial cognition. No significant gender differences were observed, indicating that both males and females benefit equally from gaming. The use of perspective in games was notably linked to spatial skill enhancement (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Regular video game play, especially with spatially demanding genres, is associated with significant self-reported improvements in spatial abilities. These findings highlight the potential of video games as tools for enhancing self-reported spatial cognition in education and professional training, particularly in STEM fields.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Investment Behaviour of Young Investors

This study examines the influence of social media on the investment behaviour of young investors, focusing on its role in shaping investment preferences, such as the choice between short-term and long-term investments. Given the increasing use of digital platforms by young adults, social media is playing a pivotal role in shaping financial decisions. This study uses a combination of statistical analyses, including Chi-Square Test of Independence, Correlation Analysis, and Regression Analysis, to evaluate the relationship between social media influence and investment behaviours. The results suggest that social media significantly impacts the investment decisions of young adults, with those influenced by social media preferring short-term investments and displaying more active engagement in investment activities.

Impacts of disasters on women: the case of Kahramanmaras Earthquake sequence : Post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems among women after the Kahramanmaras Earthquake sequence.

This study aimed to uncover difficulties, living conditions, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among women victims of the Kahramanmaras earthquake sequence on February 6, 2023. The data was collected from 388 participants using an online survey between November 1-30, 2023. We collected the data using a survey form with a 48-question sociodemographic information form and the 9-item Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-Short Scale.We analyzed the data using independent samples t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis. While 59.5% of participants reported post-earthquake headaches, 77.8% had difficulty sleeping. Apart from the primary impacts of the disaster, 53.6% of participants reported post-earthquake financial difficulties, and 53.4% had to be employed to generate income. Besides, 22.2% of participants experienced violence, and 38.1% had PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, having to work in a paid job increased their probability of developing PTSD symptoms by 3.4 times. Our analysis showed that singles, smokers, those with a disaster-damaged home and financial difficulties, those who had to work, those receiving psychological support, and those with anxiety had significantly higher PTSD scores (p < 0.05). Despite all such difficulties, 43.3% of them participated in aid activities. It seems imperative to devise and implement efficient strategies to address women's physical and mental health challenges in the wake of the disaster. Moreover, it is of the utmost importance to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into disaster preparedness plans by fostering collaborations among all relevant bodies.

The Effect of Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility on Business Success: Insights from Wa Township in Ghana

Purpose: Over the years, small businesses have been the backbone of economic growth in many low-middle-income settings. Thus, small firms/small businesses have attempted to develop codes of conduct, which can be used to guide managers when making decisions. This study, therefore, explored business ethics, repurchase and corporate social responsibility within Wa Township. Design/Methodology/ Approach: The study employed the case study approach of both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 358 smallholder shop owners were randomly selected to participate in face-to-face interviews. The data were keyed into a Microsoft Excel sheet and cleaned. The data set was then imported into SPSS and analysed using frequencies, proportions and chi-square test of independence. Findings: The results have shown a strong statistical relationship between business ethics and purchase (p=0.000), business ethics and repurchase (p=0.000), business ethics and corporate social responsibility (p=0.000). Practical implications: Small shop owners recognise the central place of ethical behaviours and repurchase and corporate social responsibility on business growth through increased sales. This study therefore recommends investment in growing smallholder business owners’ knowledge about the necessity of business ethics and customer satisfaction.

Impact of a health literacy sensitive model of care in outpatient nephrology dietetic clinics.

Inadequate health literacy in people with chronic kidney disease is associated with poorer disease management and greater complications. Adherence to the renal diet is known to be suboptimal and patient feedback about the renal diet suggests that patients leave nephrology clinics feeling confused. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health literacy sensitive model of care (MOC) in outpatient nephrology dietetic clinics. This quasi-experimental non-randomised pre-post study recruited adults attending three renal dietitian clinics. The revised MOC consisted of a renal diet question prompt sheet, teachback, and plain language materials and instructions. Outcomes assessed included clinical, dietary, patient-reported satisfaction and quality of life. Differences between and within groups were analysed using paired t-tests, independent sample t-tests (or non-parametric equivalent), chi-squared and McNemar's tests. Linear mixed models evaluated change in total diet quality score, fruit, vegetable, protein and dairy intake with time as a fixed effect and a random subject specific effect. Fail to attend rates at the initial appointments were lower in the revised MOC (21.5% vs. 9.1%). The revised MOC was associated with significantly improved fruit (p = 0.03) and vegetable (p = 0.003) intake and an improved proportion with adequate diet quality (p = 0.03). These impacts were of moderate effect size (d = 0.5, 95% confidence interval = 0.0-1.0). The revised MOC was also associated with greater satisfaction at baseline (p = 0.04) and higher acceptability scores for all questions at the review appointments. Quality of life improved clinically but not significantly in the revised MOC (p = 0.92). This low-cost health literacy sensitive intervention is a promising strategy to improve fruit and vegetable intake in adults attending renal dietitian clinics. Further research to determine fidelity of teachback use and cost utility analysis would be beneficial. Larger scale trials powered to detect changes in quality of life would also be informative.

Higher rates of recurrence and worse quality of life in obese patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

Prior investigations regarding the effect of obesity on inguinal hernia repair have been mixed. The aim of our study was to retrospectively compare perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, and quality of life between obese and non-obese patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair by any approach at a single institution were identified from a prospectively maintained quality database. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30kg/m2 were considered obese. Quality of life was measured with the Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) and Carolinas Comfort Scale (CSS) surveys. Differences between obese and non-obese patients were assessed using independent samples t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and chi-square tests. Between 2010 and 2021, a total of 5575 patients underwent inguinal hernia repair. Fifteen percent of patients were identified as obese (835 patients, mean BMI 33.2 ± 3.3kg/m2). A significantly higher percentage of obese patients were diabetic, and operative time and estimated blood loss were higher in the obese group (all p < 0.001). Rates of hernia recurrence in obese patients was significantly more likely than in non-obese patients (4.2% vs 2.0%, p < 0.001). Up to 2 years postoperatively, a greater percentage of obese patients reported worse quality of life on the SOMS and more bothersome symptoms on the CCS. Inguinal hernia repair in obese patients is a more technically challenging operation. Long-term follow-up revealed a greater risk of hernia recurrence and worse quality of life up to 2 years postoperatively in this patient population.

Nicotine and cannabis vaping among early high school adolescents: Disparities of use across sociodemographic characteristics and associations with psychosocial factors

Objective. This study examines whether adolescent nicotine and cannabis vaping types (i.e., nicotine-only, cannabis-only, and dual use) differ across sociodemographic and school characteristics (e.g., age, gender, sexual identity, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, school setting/type), and associations of vaping types with psychosocial factors. Methods. From 2021 to 2022, 9th and 10th grade adolescents (N = 2,476) in Colorado and Ohio participated in a survey measuring vaping behaviors and psychosocial factors including substance use and attitudes, mental health, aggression, and family and school risk and protective factors. Results. Past month vaping prevalence was 89.7 % for non-use, 5.9 % for nicotine-only, 1.0 % for cannabis-only, and 3.4 % for dual use. Chi-square tests of independence showed several significant sociodemographic differences for past month vaping: higher nicotine-only vaping prevalence for females (vs. males) (p < 0.001), higher nicotine-only and dual vaping prevalence for LGB+ (vs. heterosexual) youth (ps < 0.01), higher dual vaping prevalence for Hispanic and multiethnic (vs. White) adolescents (p < 0.001), and higher nicotine-only, cannabis-only, and dual vaping prevalence for lower (vs. higher) mother education (ps < 0.001). Regression models examining associations between vaping types (vs. non-use) and psychosocial factors indicated a robust pattern of worse levels of substance use attitudes, mental health, aggression, and family and school factors for nicotine-only and dual users. Results followed a similar pattern but to a lesser degree for cannabis-only users. Conclusions. Findings identify characteristics of adolescents who may be particularly vulnerable to higher vaping risk (females, LGB+, Hispanic, multiethnic, low SES) and suggest needs for preventive interventions aimed to reduce all types of vaping for better adolescent behavioral health.

Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Most parents conceive that discussion sexual related matters are a bad practice and does not need to occur. This study investigates the parent-child communication intentions and adolescents’ dating behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 400 participants which comprised parents age 30-59 and older adolescents age 15-19 years. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Parent-child dyad communication easiness was statistically significant related to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=2.504, 95%CI ([1.063-5.896]). Parent-child dyad do not discuss sexual health matters was statistically significant at P&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=0.429, 95%CI [0.187-0.985]). Parent-child dyad engage in talks for adolescents’ positive social conduct was statistically significant at P&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=0.211, 95%CI [0.046-0.972]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication for adolescents’ appropriate nurturing was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=0.223, 95%CI [0.051-0.978]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication to share thoughts, feelings and ensure stable relations during adulthood among adolescents was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=5.988, 95%CI [1.192-30.088]). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Parents in Assin South District could guide adolescents to make informed decisions about dating if they (adolescents) choose to engage in or are already dating.

Evaluating transosseous anchorless repair for arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery: a comparative study with double row anchor repair

Background: This retrospective observational study aimed to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery using double row anchor repair (DRR) versus transosseous anchorless repair (TAR) in patients with small to large full-thickness rotator cuff tears.Methods: A total of 42 patients underwent either DRR (n=20) or TAR (n=22) between January 2022 and May 2023. Patients were matched based on age, sex, body mass index, and tear severity to ensure comparability. Baseline demographics, including age, sex distribution, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, and Cofield full-thickness tear classification, were compared between the two groups. Functional outcomes were assessed using the University of California, Los Angeles and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, as well as range of motion (ROM) parameters including forward flexion (FF), extension (EXT), internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), and abduction (AB). Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively, with a significance level set at P&lt;0.05.Results: The two groups showed similar baseline characteristics with no significant differences in age, sex distribution, smoking status, or tear classification (P&gt;0.05 for all). At 3- and 6-month post-surgery, TAR demonstrated significantly higher ULCA scores compared to DRR (3 month: TAR, 23.82 vs. DRR, 22.30, P&lt;0.001; 6 month: TAR, 8.18 vs. DRR, 26.60, P&lt;0.001). Similarly, TAR showed superior ASES scores at 3 months (TAR, 67.55 vs. DRR, 64.49; P=0.025) and 6 months (TAR, 95.33 vs. DRR, 91.48; P&lt;0.001). However, these differences had decreased by the 1-year follow-up, at which time there were no significant disparities in ULCA (TAR, 28.95 vs. DRR, 28.40; P=0.101) or ASES scores (TAR, 96.19 vs. DRR, 95.09; P=0.051). There were no statistically significant differences in ROM parameters between the groups at the 1-year follow-up (P&gt;0.05 for FF, EXT, IR, ER, AB).Conclusion: The DRR and TAR techniques resulted in comparable outcomes regarding baseline characteristics and 1-year functional recovery in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for medium to large tears. TAR showed early advantages in functional scores at 3- and 6-months post-surgery, suggesting potential benefits in the initial recovery phase. These findings can aid the practitioner in selecting appropriate surgical techniques based on individual patient needs and expectations.Level of evidence: III.

Factors influencing intentional self-harm in Chungcheongbuk Province relative to the Seoul region in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study.

This study investigated factors influencing intentional self-harm in Chungcheongbuk Province (hereinafter, Chungbuk) compared to Seoul in the Republic of Korea. Raw data from the Discharge In-depth Injury Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency were utilized. From 2,329,149 cases recorded over 9 years (2013-2021), 911 were identified as intentional self-harm cases (248 from Chungbuk and 633 from Seoul). We analyzed the differences in and influencing factors of intentional self-harm in Chungbuk relative to Seoul using the independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and binomial logistic regression analysis. Intentional self-harm was found to be 1.232 times more prevalent among females than males (p<0.05); 2.327 times more prevalent among middle-aged and older adults, ages 50 to 64, compared to those under 50 years old (p<0.01); 8.603 times more prevalent among those using hospitals with fewer than 500 beds compared to those with 500 beds or more (p<0.001); 2.412 times more prevalent among individuals using hospitals in different regions compared to those within the same region (p<0.01); 2.217 times more prevalent among those attempting intentional self-harm during daily activities compared to other specified activities (p<0.01); and 6.987 times more prevalent among those using pesticides or herbicides compared to other poisons (p<0.001) in Chungbuk relative to Seoul. In the Chungbuk region, intentional self-harm prevention programs should be implemented, specifically targeting women, particularly those aged 50 to 64. Additionally, due to the high incidence of intentional self-harm involving pesticides or herbicides in Chungbuk, these substances should be stringently monitored to restrict access.

Postoperative peritumoral edema is correlated with the prognosis in intracranial meningioma with preoperative peritumoral edema.

Preoperative peritumoral edema (PTE) in intracranial meningiomas is known to be a risk factor for postoperative recurrence. However, there are two groups: those in which preoperative PTE remains and those in which preoperative PTE receded after tumor removal. We aimed to investigate whether postoperative PTE could improve the prediction of prognosis of meningioma with preoperative PTE. We retrospectively reviewed postoperative MRI scans in 3 months after operation of 371 patients with preoperative PTE of meningioma that underwent surgery between 2015 and 2017. All the patients were classified into two different groups according to whether had postoperative PTE receded within 3 months after operation. Clinical manifestations, histopathology characteristics, radiology data and follow-up outcomes were noted. student's t-test and chi-square test for independence were used to compare clinical characteristics. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis and Kaplan‒Meier methods were utilized to determine the independent effect of postoperative PTE on postoperative recurrence. Multivariate Cox analyses showed that the risk factors of meningioma recurrence: high WHO grades (HR = 4.989, P<0.001), superior sagittal sinus invasion (HR = 2.290, P = 0.047), postoperative PTE in 3 months after operation (HR = 1.804, P = 0.044) and STR (HR = 3.940, P = 0.003). Kaplan-Meier model showed that the progression-free survival of patients with postoperative PTE are shorter than who with postoperative PTE receded in 3 months after operation (HR = 3.30, P = 0.006). According to our research, we found that postoperative PTE in 3 months after operation is related to the outcomes of meningioma with preoperative PTE. Besides, we demonstrated that there were also some factors for recurrence: male, high WHO grades, superior sagittal sinus invasion and STR. These findings highlight the need for prospective study.

Environmental attitudes among Serbian university students

This article aims to analyse the attitudes of Serbian university students towards environmental issues and risks, as it is crucial to understand these attitudes to shape future environmental policies and promote sustainability initiatives. The survey, which covered socio-demographic, economic, and environmental variables, gathered insights for gaining insights into environmental awareness and important factors promoting pro-environmental behaviour among youth. In total, 165 responses were obtained. A Chi-square test of independence and a logistic regression model was employed for analysis. The survey results show university students perceive inadequate recycling habits (65%) and limited green spaces (73%) in their cities. They consider the environmental risks considerable, possibly leading to migration (66%) and urban depopulation (47%). They advocate for increased awareness campaigns (66.7%) and greater use of renewable energy (64.2%), as well as stricter penalties for environmental violations (61.8%). The analysis revealed a significant relationship between self-assessed environmental awareness and actual environmental behaviour, with students who reported higher awareness being more likely to engage in environmentally friendly actions. Gender and family recycling habits were significant predictors of environmental behaviour, with females and students from the families with recycling practices more likely to exhibit pro-environmental behaviour. These results indicate that the surveyed university students have developed environmental habits and awareness. Supporting youth is central to tackling environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviour. In addition to educational efforts in Serbia, this requires comprehensive government and civil society initiatives.

Influence of patient factors on target plasma volume treated attainment rate during double filtration plasmapheresis in patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis.

This study aims to investigate patient factors affecting the rate of plasma volume target attained in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTG-AP) patients undergoing double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). A retrospective analysis of 82 HTG-AP-interpreted patients from January 2019 to April 2024 compared target plasma volume treated between up-to-scratch and non-scratch groups. The group comparison used independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for patients' plasma volume target failure. The ROC curve assessed these risk factors' diagnostic efficacy. Of 82 patients, 52 were classified as belonging to the up-to-scratch group, while the remaining 30 were classified as belonging to the non-to-scratch group. Statistically significant differences were seen between the groups regarding admission heart rate, triglyceride, calcitonin gene, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fibrinogen (FIB) levels (p <0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that for every 1 mmol/L increase in triglycerides (TG), the probability of experiencing substandard target plasma handling increased by 5.0% (OR = 1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.009). Furthermore, for each g/L rise in FIB, there was a 74% increase in the likelihood of encountering suboptimal target plasma handling (OR = 1.74, 95%CI 1.18-2.56, p = 0.005). The ROC curve study revealed that the AUC for TG was 0.67, for FIB was 0.77, and for the combination of both markers was 0.80; all the p values were below 0.05. The increased levels of TG and FIB are independent risk factors affecting the target plasma handling achievement rate in HTG-AP patients undergoing DFPP.

Digital Didactics Embedded in Ethnomathematics Assessment of Online Mathematics Instruction

Online and e-learning programmes have shifted the power bloc to the learner within their cultural settings. In a case study-based qualitative design, the researchers sampled 40 student-teachers to produce and laminate works of prominent women scientists’ contributions. The data was collected through observations and unstructured interviews. The items were coded on four 7-point Likert scales to represent the planning and design (satisfaction), teaching and learning (reflection), as and through learning (priority), formative assessment (quality), and assessment of virtual class (satisfaction). In qualitative content analysis, the medians predominantly pooled 6 while the modes pooled between 5 and 8 (multimodal). In cases where the median was greater than the mode, we had positive skewness and the reverse was negative skewness. The Spearman’s correlation coefficients showed that only one pair recorded strong positive correlation and two to three pairs recorded strong negative correlations. The chi-square tests for independence showed the null hypothesis was rejected to mean that there were associations among the variables. It was concluded that digital didactics was the central point for the design and use of teaching and learning. It was therefore concluded that digital didactics innovated mathematics instruction and learning.

CSR as a Modern Marketing Communication Tool at the Threshold of the Third Millennium

The presented study focuses on the influence of marketing communication of CSR activities in the practice of food companies in Slovakia on the consumer behaviour of Generations X, Y, and Z. In the marketing activities of food companies, there is a noticeable shift towards considering social aspects, which increasingly influence consumer behaviour. This trend not only helps in solving many problems but also raises awareness of CSR activities. The theoretical and practical value of the article lies in the empirical confirmation of the reporting of CSR activities by food companies in the field of social marketing activities and their impact on consumer purchasing decisions, profit growth, brand awareness, and the building of corporate reputation through a questionnaire survey in which 946 respondents of Generation X, Y and Z took part. To evaluate the established hypotheses, statistical methods, and techniques such as Pearson’s Chi-square test of independence, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square test of independence, and One sample proportion Z test using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software were used.

Household fuel use, smoking and prevalence of self-reported allergic rhinitis in university students in Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

In Palestine, few studies investigated the prevalence of allergies and the factors associated with their occurrence. An online survey was conducted on health complex University students in Jerusalem to determine the prevalence of allergy rhinitis (AR) and its relationship with indoor environmental exposures. This study employed a modified online Google form of the Global Asthma Network's Adult Questionnaire. The data were reported as frequency and percentage. The chi-square test of independence was performed to investigate the association between AR diagnosis and other factors. Multivariable models were used to identify the independent risk factors for AR after adjusting for potential confounders. Data was collected from a total of 819 participants. The mean age of the participants was 20 ± 2 years and 78.1% (n = 640) were females. The AR diagnostic rate was 10.3%. In addition, having asthma and eczema were found to be substantially associated with AR. Additionally, a family history of AR and other allergens were major predictors of AR. The findings revealed that utilizing animal dung for heating increased the likelihood of AR fourfold (AOR = 4.870, p-value = 0.004), whereas e-cigarette vaping increased the possibility of AR by 2.5 times. However, using natural gas for cooking was not significantly associated with AR, and participant age was only slightly associated with AR diagnosis. Our study found that the AR prevalence rate is low when compared to the same population in other countries. Genetics, biomass fuel consumption, and e-smoking are all significant risk factors for AR in Palestine. An awareness campaign must be developed to educate university students and the general public about the risks of smoking, indoor air pollution, respiratory disorders, and AR. Longitudinal research is required to discover whether these associations are only transient.

Deciphering shadows: A study on disinformation, its digital proliferation, and effects on organizational integrity

Managing the spread of “disinformation” is becoming an increasingly difficult task of our time, with an emphasis on digital marketing and its influence on organizational reputation. This paper aims to analyze the phenomenon of disinformation, with emphasis on the role of digital marketing and the consequent effect on organizational image. Thus, using the systematic literature review methodology, the study defines and categorizes different types of disinformation, namely fake news, misinformation, and propaganda, and how they are spread across different channels. Using the research, it is possible to conclude that digital marketing is more effective in spreading disinformation than traditional media and word-of-mouth; social media management and content marketing are the most effective. The work also evaluates the catastrophic impact of disinformation on an organization’s image, fiscal health, and the trust of its stakeholders. Using the Chi-Square Test for Independence and Logistic Regression, the study determines the factors likely to lead to severe consequences of disinformation campaigns. Last but not least, the paper also suggests ways of preventing the spread of disinformation, which include improved education on the use of digital platforms, better fact-checking systems, and an improved code of ethics in digital marketing.

Knowledge of Metabolic Syndrome Among Third and Sixth Year Medical Students in Saudi Arabia.

Metabolic syndrome has become a public health challenge, and its prevalence is increasing among young adults. Little is known about the knowledge of medical students about this syndrome. The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of the medical students about conditions relevant to metabolic syndrome. A cross-sectional survey was administered using a self-administered questionnaire to students in a medical college in Saudi Arabia. The survey was divided into four sections: diabetes, adiposity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Students' responses were gathered and interpreted as adequate knowledge (81-100%), moderate knowledge (51-80%), and low knowledge (≤50%). Independent samples t-test and Chi-square tests were done to examine the association between students' knowledge with the academic year (thirdand sixth years). The level of significance was set at 0.05. There were a total of 224 respondents, 102 (46%) from the third year and 122 (54%) from the sixth year. More than 70% of students correctly identified symptoms, complications, and risk factors of diabetes, adiposity, and hypertension, and 90% were aware of different types of diabetes. There were some false beliefs held by students such as 91% of third-year students believed that fatigue is a frequent symptom of high serum cholesterol compared to 70% of sixth-year students (p <0.001). Likewise, 36% of students falsely identified liposuction as the best possible treatment in adiposity therapy. The sixth year of study and family history of hypercholesterolemia was found to be positively associated with a higher knowledge score for most categories. The study concludes that the student's knowledge about conditions relevant to metabolic syndrome can be enhanced and preventative measures can be implemented to raise awareness about the syndrome.

Microbiological comparison of the disinfecting efficacy of small and large cotton swabs in nasotracheal intubation: a randomized trial

BackgroundNasotracheal intubation (NTI) is necessary during surgeries requiring clear access to the surgical field and in patients with respiratory issues. This study investigates the pre-NTI nasal disinfection efficacy of different cotton swab sizes, hypothesizing that smaller swabs could minimize bleeding while maintaining disinfection efficacy.MethodsPatients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status (ASA-PS) class 1 or 2 scheduled for general anesthesia with NTI were randomly assigned to either a large cotton swabs (LCS) or fine cotton swabs (FCS) group in this randomized controlled trial (RCT).” After anesthesia, a fine cotton swab was inserted into the inferior nasal meatus in both groups to collect bacteria (sample A). Next, the nasal cavity was disinfected with LCS or FCS according to the patient group. Bacteria were collected by inserting a fine cotton swab into the inferior nasal meatus (sample B). After surgery, bacteria were collected from the endotracheal tube tip using a fine cotton swab in both groups (sample C). The samples were cultured for 24 hours, and the colonies from samples A–C were counted. The changes in bacteria count between samples A and B and samples A and C were determined. Nasal bleeding from cotton swab insertion was assessed as a secondary outcome. Student’s t-tests, a chi-square independence test, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for the statistical analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsBetween samples A and B, the change in bacteria count was 7.2% (1.4–26.1%) (median[interquartile range]) in the LCS group and 6.9% (0.9–22%) in the FCS group (p = 0.90). Between samples A and C, the change in bacteria count was 7.5% (0.2–44%) in the LCS group and 8.3% (0.3–39%) in the FCS group (p = 0.55). We examined 62 subjects in each group (LCS and FCS), and samples A, B, and C were collected from all participants in both groups. Nasal bleeding occurred in 42/62 in the LCS group and 22/62 in the FCS group (p < 0.01).ConclusionCotton swab thickness did not impact disinfection efficacy, but large swabs increased the risk of nasal bleeding. We recommend FCS for nasal disinfection prior to NTI in ASA 1–2 patients, as they reduce bleeding risk without compromising disinfection.Trial registrationUMIN-CTR (registration no. UMIN000051495), June 30, 2023.