Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Trauma Patient in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a public health emergency worldwide and a major contributor to the global disease burden. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality amongst bedridden patients, especially those with lower extremity fractures. Early detection of DVT is crucial for the survival of the patient. This study aimed to assess the triplex sonographic features of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) and identify risk factor(s) that are associated with its development in hospitalized orthopaedic patients. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of a total of 80 participants: 40 hospitalized adult orthopaedic patients with pelvic and lower extremity fractures (PELEF) and 40 hospitalized adult orthopaedic trauma patients without PELEF (non-PELEF). Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee and consented to by all the participants before inclusion. The risk factors for DVT were assessed using a risk assessment questionnaire. Wells score, D-dimer assay, and triplex Doppler ultrasound scanning of both lower limb veins were performed on the participants. Doppler ultrasound scan detected DVT in seven (8.8%) participants. D-dimer test was both positive in 21 (52.5%) and negative in 19 (47.5%) participants. Sonographic DVT findings correlated with Wells scores in those with LEDVT amongst cases. The highest occurring risk factors for DVT were being recently bedridden (92.5%) and major trauma (87.5%) which were observed in 70.0% of participants with LEDVT and 67.5% without LEDVT. LEDVT occurred more in the PELEF case group compared to the non-PELEF controls. Major trauma, recent immobilization, and collateral superficial veins were the major risk factors for DVT in this study.

Functional outcomes, of open reduction and internal fixation of danis-weber type b ankle fractures.

Objective: To evaluate the functional outcomes, of open reduction and internal fixation of Danis-Weber Type B Ankle Fractures in adults. Study Design: Descriptive Cross sectional Study. Setting: Surgical Department of a Medical Facility. Period: January 2023 to November 2023. Methods: In all, 152 participants were examined in this study. The OMAS score and Visual Analogue Score were used to categorize the functional results (VAS). Documentation was also done on the age distribution, gender distribution, and kind of trauma. Regarding the length of the fracture, functional outcomes were stratified, and statistical analysis was used to ascertain significance. Results: Out of 152 patients, 63.15% were male and 36.84% was female. The mean age of the patients was 47.57±8.5 years. Out of the 152 patients, 69 (45.39%) patients had an excellent functional outcome, 24 (15.78%) patients had a good outcome, 44 (28.94%) patients had fair outcome, and 15 (9.86%) patients had poor outcome. Falls from height were responsible for 42 (27.63) cases of fractures, while road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for 110 (72.36%) of them. There were no appreciable variations in functional results when stratification based on fracture duration was applied. Conclusion: Our research results demonstrated that open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is an efficacious method in the treatment of Danis-Weber Type B ankle fractures. Most patients treated with ORIF achieved excellent to good functional performance, indicating remarkable regained range of motion and joint stability. This surgical technique provides an opportunity to bring all the fractured bone segments to their desired anatomical positions to promote healing, thus avoiding the risks of malunion or chronic instability. In addition, the results also indicate that ORIF is aimed at restoring normal function and additionally promotes early mobilization of patients which in turn improves their post-surgical outcomes. These findings emphasize that ORIF is effective and the treatment of choice for this category of ankle fractures and it gives very good results in restoring optimal function.

Assessment of Women’s Awareness of the Possible Risk of Stroke Associated with the Use of Oral Contraceptives Pills in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: One of the most widely used reversible contraceptive techniques among women of reproductive age worldwide is oral contraceptives (OCPs). Despite their widespread use, OCPs are associated with increased risks of stroke, yet the extent of awareness of these risks among women remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness among women resident in Saudi Arabia regarding the potential risk of stroke linked to the use of OCPs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted targeting women of reproductive age (18–49 years). Data was collected through an online self-administrated questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, encompassing sociodemographic characteristics, OCP usage patterns, and awareness of stroke risks, perceived side effects of OCPs, symptoms of stroke, and methods to reduce stroke incidence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with descriptive statistics for categorical data and chi-square tests to assess associations. Results: A total of 516 women participated in the study. Of these, 148, or over a quarter (28.7%), of the participants reported using oral contraceptive pills; 86, or more than half (58%), who use OCPs are not sure what type of OCPs they use; 60, or over half of the participants (40.5%), have been using for less than a year. Over two thirds of the participants (350, 67.8%) are not aware that using OCP increases the risk of stroke. The most recognized side effect of OCPs use was weight gain (38.2%), while awareness of stroke as a side effect was significantly lower (24.6%). Additionally, 62.8% of respondents identified selecting the appropriate type of contraceptive as the best way to prevent stroke while taking OCPs. Conclusions: this study highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the potential risk of cerebral thrombosis associated with OCP use among Saudi women. Addressing this knowledge gap through targeted educational initiatives could help mitigate the risks and improve overall public health outcomes.

Subjective Assessment of Sleep Quality, Prevalence and Determinants of Sleep Disorders among Students in Health Science in Burkina Faso, Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Sleep is crucial for both mental and physical well-being of the general population. Various factors can influence sleep quality and induce sleep disorders in students, a population that is insufficiently studied in the context of Burkina Faso. Objective: To assess sleep quality and determine the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disorders among students at the “Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé” (INSSA) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among INSSA students during from 11th April to 30th July 2023. Self-completed questionnaires based on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the sleep diary and the Epworth sleepiness scale were used.Results: A total of 406 students with a mean age of 21.9±1.7 years and a sex ratio of 1.05 were included. Sleep quality was poor (PSQI score >5) in 79.80% of the students, 50.49% had sleep disorders: insomnia (35.96%), daytime sleepiness (17.98%), obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndromes (5.42%). The main determinants of these sleep disorders were age<22 years, female gender, BMI>25 kg/m2, telephone and reading at bedtime, coffee, tea, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and nocturnal disturbance (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of poor quality sleep and sleep disorders is high among health sciences students, with many factors associated with sleep disorders.

Pediatric Readiness and Trauma Center Access for Children

Children initially treated in a timely fashion at trauma centers with high levels of pediatric readiness have been shown to have improved survival, but children historically have had geographically disparate access to pediatric trauma center care. Considerable effort has been invested in improving pediatric readiness nationally, including the implementation of new standards to improve emergency department pediatric readiness at all trauma centers. To assess current access to US pediatric-ready trauma center care and to estimate potential improvement in access if all high-level trauma centers had optimal pediatric readiness. This descriptive cross-sectional study collated trauma centers from national organizational lists, state government websites, and online searches. A geospatial analysis was performed of access by pediatric patients (aged ≤18 years) to trauma centers by ground or air ambulance within 60 minutes, stratified by trauma center type and pediatric readiness status. Population density was estimated using 2020 US census data. Weighted pediatric readiness scores (wPRS) were obtained from the 2021 National Pediatric Readiness Project assessment. The data analysis was performed between April 1 and June 30, 2023. Access times to trauma centers. The main outcome of interest was access to a pediatric-ready trauma center, defined as a high-level pediatric trauma center (level I-II) or high-level adult trauma center (level I-III) with a wPRS of at least 93 (out of 100). Access times were calculated using previously validated methods and service network model analysis for each trauma center to census block group centroid. The analysis included 148 pediatric and 1075 high-level adult trauma centers. A total of 273 adult centers (25%) were pediatric ready. Pediatric trauma center access within 60 minutes by ground or air ambulance was available for 65% of all 74 090 665 children; 73% of children had access to a pediatric-ready trauma center within 60 minutes, and 92% had access to any high-level trauma center within 60 minutes. These findings suggest that access to pediatric trauma center care is limited, even with air ambulance transport. Ensuring pediatric readiness at all high-level adult trauma centers may substantially improve access to early high-quality initial resuscitative trauma care for children.

Investigating the Insights of Nursing Students About Clinical Pharmacology Courses

Nursing education, requires critical attention to the science of pharmacology as well as employment of the relevant clinical skills. Therefore, the present study intends to investigate the insights of nursing students about clinical pharmacology courses. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on a community consisted of all nursing students who selected their clinical pharmacology course. The researcher-built questionnaire was the tool for collecting the data. Descriptive (percentage, mean and standard deviation) and analytical (t-test and Mann-Whitney non-parametric test) statistics were utilized to analyze the data using SPSS-22. The ethical considerations of the research were observed. Based on the findings, the variables of gender and the pharmacology grade achieved in the second semester predicted the level of satisfaction with clinical pharmacology course among the students as well as studying about the medicines before starting the internship. Regarding the relative satisfaction in this study, 85% of the students found the applications employed for learning clinical pharmacology contents effective to boost their skills and knowledge so that it would be recommended to use the novel educational methods for better learning of the course.

Determinants of Parents’ Delay for Diagnosis of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: It is very important to early diagnosis of cancer because it gives an opportunity for early treatment and prognosis. Unfortunately, late presentation and delayed diagnosis of childhood cancer remains a problem in developing countries including Bangladesh. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the factors behind parents’ delay in the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia among children in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out in the Department of Pediatrics at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from April 2013 to September 2013. Information was obtained from hospital records of children diagnosed as acute leukemia Information included socio-demographic variables, urbanization, parent education and other causes to delayed diagnosis of leukemia. Results: Seventy children (44 males, 26 females) were included where the most common age group was 5 to 10 years which was 37(52.9%). Among 70 acute leukemia patients 66 (94.3%) lived in rural area and 4(5.7%) lived in urban area. Most of the patients 59(89.3%) belongs to the low socioeconomic status and 11(15.7%) were from middle class family. Among the parents, 27(38.6%) fathers and 33(47.1%) mothers were illiterate. Delayed reaching tertiary care hospital after suspicion were lack of personal 2 (2.85%), economic constrain 6 (8.57%), lack of information about availability of proper treatment 1 (1.42%), other causes 30 (42.85%) and none 31(44.28%). Median lag time was 60 days. Conclusion: In conclusion factors contributing to delayed diagnosis are rural areas, parents’ education, economic constrain and urbanization. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, January 2024;10(1):26-31

Knowledge, Behaviours, and Attitudes of Family Physicians and Residents About Autism Spectrum Disorder in Turkey: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a growing social health issue. Primary healthcare institutions are where children most commonly seek help, and family physicians in primary care play a crucial role in early ASD detection. This study aims to assess the knowledge level, behaviours, and attitudes of family physicians and family medicine residents across Turkey, identify factors affecting their knowledge, and raise awareness among physicians. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2022, with the participation of family medicine specialists, residents, and practicing physicians in Turkey. A 50-question survey was administered face-to-face and digitally. The survey comprised 31 questions on sociodemographic information, factors influencing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about ASD. The second part included a 19-question "Knowledge about childhood autism among health workers" (KCAHW) questionnaire. The study included 392 physicians with a mean age of 32.8 ± 7.9; 60.7% were women. Among the participants, 50.3% were family medicine residents, 21.7% were family medicine specialists, 17.0% were family physicians and 11.0% were contracted family medicine residents. The physicians' mean KCAHW score was 14.1 ± 2.6. Screening for ASD and following ASD were significantly associated with the perception of knowledge level (p = 0.004; p = 0.028, respectively). A statistically significant relationship was found between paediatric rotation, education about ASD, patient follow-ups and the KCAHW scores. Moreover, 98.2% of physicians believed children with ASD should receive special education, while 79.6% thought ASD carried a social stigma, and 52% believed an ASD diagnosis could lead to discrimination. The study found that participants lacked knowledge about comorbidities with ASD, atypical presentations of ASD, and guiding individuals with ASD. However, having a paediatric rotation, receiving ASD training and following up on children with ASD were associated with increased knowledge levels. Screening for and following up on children with ASD also boosted physicians' self-confidence.

Association between Grit and Burnout among Clinical Medical Students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between grit and burnout among clinical medical students. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 at the Chonburi Medical Education Center. Data from 106 clinical medical students were gathered using the 8-item Short Grit scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Among the 106 clinical medical students, 52.8% met the criteria for burnout syndrome. 44.3% had high levels of emotional exhaustion and 32.1% had high levels of depersonalization. However, most of these medical students had moderate levels of total grit, passion, and perseverance. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that total grit and perseverance scores were negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion and positively correlated with personal accomplishments. Further analysis using multivariate logistic regression revealed that burnout syndrome in clinical medical students was significantly associated with high-demand ward responsibility (AOR 3.189, p = 0.012) and low levels of total grit (AOR 7.147, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Burnout is prevalent among clinical medical students, particularly among those with high-demand ward responsibilities and low grit levels. Higher grit, especially perseverance, is associated with reduced emotional exhaustion and greater personal accomplishments. Enhancing grit may help mitigate burnout among this population.

Perspectives of medical sciences students regarding COVID-19 vaccination: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe perspectives of medical sciences students regarding COVID-19 vaccination are crucial as they are future healthcare providers who will influence public health outcomes and vaccination rates. The objective of this study was to investigate medical sciences students' perspectives on vaccination and identify ways that these insights can be used to improve public health strategies.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 722 students who were willing to participate in this study were included using convenience sampling. A 47-item researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two sections (sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives regarding COVID-19 vaccination) was designed and utilized for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 using descriptive and analytical statistics (One-sample t-test, Friedman test, and Chi-Square) at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe mean scores for all questionnaire dimensions were significantly higher than the average value of 3.5 (p < 0.001). The highest mean pertained to the dimension of "Understanding the necessity of vaccination" (4.33 ± 0.78), while the lowest mean was related to the dimension of "Awareness about vaccination" (3.61 ± 0.65).ConclusionsThis study found that most medical sciences students surveyed had a positive perspective of COVID-19 vaccination. Further research, especially qualitative and longitudinal studies, is recommended to explore factors influencing students' perspectives on vaccination.

Patients' and paediatric gastroenterologists' assessments of the follow-up of coeliac disease in Spain.

There is high variability in the follow-up of paediatric patients with coeliac disease (CD) in Europe. The aim of this study was to know the current reality of paediatric CD follow-up in Spain through professionals and the patients themselves and their families. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using two anonymous web surveys, one aimed at paediatric gastroenterologists, and the other at members of CD patients' associations. A total of 96 responses from paediatricians and 4745 from patients (1362 <15 years) were analysed. Among the professionals, 84.4% carry out follow-up only at the hospital level. 80.2% lack a joint follow-up protocol with primary health care. The transition after the paediatric age is made to adult gastroenterologists by 56.2% of professionals (only 8.3% in a protocolized manner). 58.3% do not have a dietitian and 64.6% do not use quality of life questionnaires. The patients stated that they mainly performed follow-up visits in the hospital (68.8%). Only 15.7% ever consult a dietitian. Scheduled visits were more frequent in paediatric patients than in adults (95.1% vs. 63.5%, p <0.001). The variable most associated with attendance at follow-up visits was that the survey had been answered by the patient's parents (odds ratio 2.6, p <0.001). In Spain, there is a lack of follow-up protocols for paediatric CD patients integrating hospitals and primary care, as well as protocols for the transition to adult professionals. The participation of dietitians is very low. Adult patients adhere less to follow-up visits.

Prevalence OF HPV IN a Peruvian Healthcare Network: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted infection often associated with cancer development. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV in women receiving care at the AUNA healthcare network in Peru. We conducted an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. A de-identified database of HPV-positive women who underwent the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay between December 2018 and December 2021 at Auna clinics was analyzed. The database contained information regarding age, city, and HPV type. High-risk HPV types were analyzed individually (16, 18, 31, 45, 51, 52) and pooled [P1 (33, 58), P2 (56,59,66), and P3 (35,39,68)]. The study was approved by an independent research ethics committee in Peru. Of 68,714 women included in the study, the HPV prevalence was 14.21% (N = 9765, 95%CI:13.95%-14.47%). The highest prevalence was detected in Piura (16.85%, 95%CI:15.40%-18.38%), where HPV-51, HPV-52, HPV-P1, HPV-P2, and HPV-P3 were most common compared to other Peruvian cities included in the study. In Arequipa, the prevalence was the lowest (13.58%, 95%CI:12.38%-14.85%), but the percentage prevalence of HPV-16 was the highest compared to other cities. The prevalence of multiple HPV infections was 2.88% (N = 1981, 95%CI:2.76%-3.01%), with most of them co-presenting two types of HPV (N = 1522). The most frequent co-occurrences were P2 and P3, P2 and 52, and P2 and 16. Among HPV-positive women, the mean age was 41.31 years (±9.48) and 25.29% were in the 31-35 years group. HPV-P2 was the most frequent in all age groups except in the 65-72 years group, where HPV-P3 was the most common. HPV prevalence was shown to be highest in Piura, with the most prevalent types being HPV-16, HPV-52, and HPV-P2 (HPV-56, -59, -66). HPV infection was found to be more frequent among women in the 31-35 years age group.

Original Research: Nurses' Perceptions of the Role of Nursing Organizations in Promoting Engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Study.

RNs are integral to achieving the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professional nursing organizations can play a significant role in educating and preparing nurses to work more effectively toward achieving the SDGs. While there is much literature that speaks to the importance of nurses engaging in these goals, there is a lack of research that has explored nurses' perceptions of the role of professional nursing organizations in promoting SDG-related knowledge and engagement. Since 2012, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) has been formally accredited as a nongovernmental organization with special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. As such, Sigma is committed to educating RNs about the SDGs and engaging them in working to advance the goals. This study examined RNs' learning preferences regarding the SDGs, and their perceptions of their professional nursing organization's engagement in advancing these goals, its recognition of nursing's contributions to these goals, and its impact on increasing nurses' knowledge of these goals. This descriptive cross-sectional study used convenience and snowball sampling methods to recruit participants from multiple countries. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were used for data analysis. The majority (84%) of Sigma members enrolled in this study believed Sigma should be actively engaged in advancing the SDGs. Forty-eight percent were aware of Sigma's engagement and 44% reported that Sigma had increased their knowledge of the SDGs. When comparing participants who were Sigma members to those who were not, Sigma members had significantly higher levels of perceived knowledge of the SDGs and higher levels of belief that nurses are integral to SDG advancement. There were no significant between-group differences regarding nurses' desire to know more about the goals, what nurses are doing to advance them, and how to take action themselves. Participants' top 3 preferred means of learning about the SDGs were emailed and online newsletters (28.8%), webinars and online presentations (24.3%), and internet websites (14.9%). The results of this study underscore the importance of professional nursing organizations' efforts to increase nurses' engagement with the SDGs and can be used in developing multilevel strategies to further educate nurses about the SDGs.

Clinical-pathologic characteristics in young patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Experience from a specialized cancer institute in Peru.

279 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third cause of malignant neoplasm in the world and the second in terms of mortality. CRC is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Peru. Diagnosis at younger ages represents a challenge. In this study, we evaluated prognostic factors in patients who were metastatic at diagnosis or progressed to metastatic disease during follow-up. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, between 2013 and 2022, 66 patients under 40 years old and stage IV at diagnosis were analyzed. Parameters evaluated were age, gender, comorbidity, performance status and stage of the disease at the diagnosis, localization, surgery undergone, systemic treatment regimen, response to first-line treatment, incidence of K-RAS, sites and number of metastases, expression of tumor predictors (CEA levels), and survival times. A multivariate analysis was conducted with factors that were considered statistically significant in the univariate analysis. Results: Median age was 35 years [29.25-37] and the female/male ratio was 34/32. From 66 patients at stage IV disease, 30 patients (45.5%) were right-side, 36 (54.5%) were left-side colon cancer. At the end of follow-up, 51 patients had died, and 15 survived. Overall survival (OS) was significantly better in patients older than 35 years old (p&lt;0,05), those who underwent primary tumor surgery (p&lt;0,001), negative perineural invasion (p&lt;0.0045). The treatment most common was CAPOX with a median OS of 17 months (p&lt;0.013). The multivariate analysis shows that patients who did not undergo primary surgery had worse disease-specific OS (hazard ratio, CI 2.21.95% [1.15-4.25], p&lt; 0.018) and there was no statistical difference between chemotherapy regimens and treatment line. Conclusions: In young patients with metastatic CRC, Primary tumor surgery and negative perineural invasion are significant factors influencing overall survival. Patients older than 35 years and those who underwent surgery showed better survival. These findings reflect the importance of early colorectal cancer screening and improve the risk assessment.

An assessment of South African policy and strategic framework for the development of a sufficient, equitably distributed and well-performing health workforce for the implementation of the National Health Insurance

Background. South Africa (SA), like the rest of the global village, is faced with the need to address health worker shortages, improve the performance of health workers and ensure an equitable distribution of health workers in all settings. This requires leadership, governance and stewardship acumen to put in place policies, practices and resources that are essential to recruit and retain human resources for health. Objective. To determine whether SA possesses a strong and competent policy and strategic framework that would guide the development of a sufficient, fairly distributed and well-performing health workforce. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study was undertaken using pretested anonymous questionnaires to solicit responses about the ability, strategies and policies needed to address health workforce challenges. The study was undertaken in SA with decision- makers and/or those who contribute to health sector reforms in SA in the realisation of the National Health Insurance (NHI). They were individuals and stakeholders who interact with and/or are in the employment of statutory health councils, regulatory bodies, medical aid administrators, medical schemes, voluntary bodies/organisations and healthcare workers who are registered with the SA Pharmacy Council, Health Professions Council of SA and SA Nursing Council. Results. The findings indicate that the current policies and frameworks to address health worker shortage, their performance improvement and the rural-urban disparities in the distribution of health workers are not sufficient to address the current challenges. The study found that specific efforts to address policy shortcomings need to be embarked upon. Conclusion. The current policies and strategies are not sufficient to address health workforce challenges to improve performance, maintain appropriate skills, improve working conditions and ensure an equitable distribution of health workers to address the healthcare needs of SA. Commitment to the NHI should be matched with the capacity to deliver health services, which is highly dependent on the availability of a qualified and motivated workforce. The capacity to deliver services aligned to the objectives of the NHI will require that policy-makers consider interventions aimed at addressing challenges related to recruitment and limitation of career opportunities. Performance and productivity challenges may best be addressed by meaningful engagements and collaboration with the private for-profit, voluntary and independent sectors.

Associated Factors Influencing Quality of Life and Knowledge Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The assessment of the quality of life (QoL) among type 2 diabetic patients is associated with different factors. Evidence shows that these patients usually suffer from a lack of knowledge about the disease, inadequate self-care, and low QoL. The study aimed to assess knowledge of the QoL of type 2 diabetes patients and its possible associated factors. This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study recruited type 2 diabetic patients conveniently from out-clinics to achieve the objective of the study. The Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQoL) and the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire 18 (DKQ-18) along with a demographic questionnaire were used for patient assessment. A total of 184 patients participated in the study. Patients' knowledge of diabetes was found to be low (8.57 out of 18), with no statistical differences between male and female participants (p=0.259). The average DQoL score was 2.87 out of 5, indicating moderate satisfaction and self-care behavior. DKQ-18 and DoQL were found to be correlated (r= 0.216, p=0.003). However, the patient's age was found to be a significant factor that influences patients' QoL (F=4.27, p=0.040), whereas patients' knowledge contributed weakly to the variation of QoL (F=1.70, p=0.084). Irrespective of knowledge and educational background, the patient's age is influential in enhancing better QoL among type 2 diabetic patients.

Trends and Associations of Chilblains Prevalence with Connective Tissue Diseases, Including COVID-19 Incidence.

Chillblains, also known as perniosis, are inflammatory skin lesions that have long been associated with exposure to low temperatures. However, their co-occurrence with autoimmune illnesses and viral infections, particularly COVID-19, has received increased attention. This study was designed to examine chilblains' documented prevalence and association with autoimmune diseases and COVID-19. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at Mass General Brigham (MGB), an extensive integrated healthcare system situated in Greater Boston, Massachusetts. The study included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of chilblains from 2014 to 2021 and COVID-19 from 2020 to 2021. The study was approved by the Mass General Brigham Human Research Committee, ensuring compliance with ethical standards. During the study, 24,711 charts were reviewed, identifying 1478 patients with chilblains, resulting in an overall registered prevalence of 0.02463%. The majority of chilblains patients were female (72.5%), with the highest proportion in the 31-30-year age group (31.3%). 169 (11.43%) patients were identified with autoimmune diseases, predominantly females (94.1%). The most prevalent condition among them was systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (52.6%). Among COVID-19-positive patients (n = 88,763), 30 were diagnosed with chilblains, leading to a prevalence of 0.033%. Females (66.7%) and individuals aged 40-50 (56.7%) were predominantly affected. This study found a low prevalence primarily among young females and a significant correlation with connective tissue disorders like SLE. The study also notes a rare occurrence of chilblains in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a possible association that requires further investigation, particularly regarding demographic patterns within this subgroup.

Resumption of sexual activity after childbirth and its related factors in Spanish women, a cross-sectional study.

to describe the sexual function of women in the postpartum period and its relationship with their personal characteristics. To make a proposal adapted to their needs in conjunction with a midwife. a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out within the Basque Health Service. 281 postpartum women were recruited by a midwife in hospital, in primary care or through peer information, and answered a digital questionnaire about RSA with ten questions about desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain and knowledge and attitude about contraception. The predictor variables were type of delivery, perineal injury, breastfeeding, self-image and partner affection. Age, parity and educational level were taken into consideration. A descriptive analysis of each variable was carried out and multiple linear regression models were built for each domain. 25.73 % of the total had resumed sexual relations, and 49.5 % of those who responded 6 weeks after giving birth had not yet done so. Satisfaction scored 3.52 (maximum 5). Genital injuries (β=-0.23, 95 %CI:-1.54, -0.07, p = 0.003), breastfeeding (β=-0.34, 95 %CI: -4.8, -1.18, p = 0.002), emotional support (β = 0.33, 95 %CI: 1.1, 4.69, p = 0.002) and self-image (β =-0.23, 95 % CI: -1.2,-0.07, p = 0.003) influenced at least three domains of sexual function. Postpartum care should include an expert response about physical state and an interview with the couple that addresses changes, self-image and emotional support.

Promoting organizational learning in nursing: examining the influence of participatory leadership, psychological ownership and motivation.

The study was designed to investigate the moderating role of employee motivation as a mediator of psychological ownership in the relationship between nurses' perception of participatory leadership and their organizational learning behaviors. The study included 476 nurses working in a training and research hospital in the east of Turkey. This study, prepared in accordance with the Strobe checklist, was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a demographic information form, a participative leadership scale, an organizational learning scale, a psychological ownership scale and a motivation scale. Correlation analyses and mediator model tests were performed to examine the relationship between these variables. As a result, it was found that nurses' perceptions of participative leadership positively and significantly affected organizational learning (r=0.74; p<0.01), participative leadership positively affected psychological ownership (r=0.29; p<0.01) and nurses' psychological ownership positively and significantly affected organizational learning (r=0.41; p<0.01). In addition, it was found that nurses' psychological ownership had a mediating role in the effect of participatory leadership perceptions on organizational learning (CI [0.030, 0.089]) and nurse motivation had a moderating role between psychological ownership and organizational learning (β=0.168, 95% CI [0.064, 0.271]). The study's findings have practical implications for the Turkish health system and healthcare administrators. Administrators can significantly enhance organizational learning by implementing participative leadership training and fostering a sense of ownership among nurses. Empowering nurses to take charge of their learning and emphasizing the role of motivation can further drive organizational growth.

Prevalence of Tardive Dyskinesia and Its Association with Antipsychotic Drug and Depression in Geriatric Population in Lahore, Pakistan

“Tardive Dyskinesia” is the subtle onset of rhythmic, stereotype, repetitive movement of the face, mouth, and tongue. The basic pathology behind this disease is hypersensitization of dopamine receptors. Objective: To find out the prevalence of tardive dyskinesia and its association with depression and antipsychotic drug administration in the geriatric population. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted for a period of four months from February 2023 to May 2023. The data were collected from different hospital settings in Lahore. A sample size of 150 elderly individuals aged 55-80 years were included. Depression was evaluated through Geriatric Depression Scale whereas abnormal involuntary movement Tardive Dyskinesia is evaluated through AIMS scale. Chi square test was used to determine the association between variables Depression, Antipsychotic drug and Tardive Dyskinesia. Informed consent and ethical approval were taken from all participants. Results: Out of 150 respondents, 78 (52%) male and 72 (48%) were female. Mean age was 65 years ± 7.21 SD. Among all individuals 20% experienced mild, 42.7% with moderate and 37.3% experienced severe depression.27.3% of the population taking antipsychotic drug experienced Tardive dyskinesia while it was absent in 22.67% of the individuals who were taking antipsychotic drug.20.67% of old individuals with severe depression were with Tardive dyskinesia. Conclusions: It is concluded from above study depression is common among geriatric population. Antidepressant drugs used to treat depression for longer duration because abnormal movement called tardive dyskinesia. There is significant relation of Tardive Dyskinesia with depression and antipsychotic drugs.