Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Investigating the relationship between aging perception and self-efficacy in the older adults: a cross-sectional study in Eastern Iran

BackgroundWith the global increase in the older adults population, understanding factors that impact their quality of life is crucial. The perception of aging and self-efficacy are significant factors affecting older adults health outcomes. This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between Aging Perception and self-efficacyamong older adults individuals in Birjand city, a demographic that is rapidly increasing but under-research.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023 on 400 older adults individuals in Birjand city. Participants were selected using a random sampling method from four regions, ensuring a representative sample. Data were collected through two main questionnaires: the Shortened Perceived Aging Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (GSE), both validated for the Persian-speaking population. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS SOFTWARE. ARMONK, NY: IBM CORP. version 26, employing nonparametric tests due to the non-normal distribution of data.ResultsThe study found a strong positive correlation between Aging Perception and self-efficacy (Spearman’s R = 0.79, p < 0.001), indicating that a more positive perception of aging is associated with higher self-efficacy. The analysis also revealed that men generally reported a more positive perception of aging and higher self-efficacy compared to women. However, underlying diseases and marital status did not significantly affect the Aging Perception or self-efficacy scores.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that enhancing self-efficacy among the older adults could improve their perception of aging, potentially leading to better health outcomes and quality of life. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider cultural and gender-specific factors. Further research using longitudinal designs is recommended to explore the causality between Aging Perception and self-efficacy and to confirm these findings across different regions and cultural backgrounds in Iran.

Artificial intelligence tools utilized in nursing education: Incidence and associated factors

BackgroundArtificial intelligence technology is among the most significant advancements that provide students with effective learning opportunities in this digital era. Therefore, the National League for Nursing states that it is necessary to reframe the nursing education process. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the factors that affect the usefulness and sustainability of artificial intelligence tools used in nursing education. DesignA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among. Three models, including the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM), the Information System Success Model (ISSM), and the Online Learning Self-Efficacy (OLSE), were used. ParticipantAll of fourth- year undergraduate nursing students who were enrolled in nursing department regularly (N = 420), and who respond (n = 204). SettingIn the nursing department of the health professions faculty at AL-Quds University, in Palestine. ResultsAmong the 204 students who responded, 9.80 % employed simulation, 5.40 % utilized virtual reality, 19.10 % used Chat GPT, 42.20 % used mobile applications, and 23.50 % utilized PowerPoint AI as part of their learning process. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were computed for key parameters related to the information system success model (AI) (ISSM) (M = 4.52, SD = 1.17). Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (M = 4.61, SD = 1.16). Online Learning Self-Efficacy (OLSE) (M = 4.55, SD = 1.28). ConclusionThere is a need to adapt teaching strategies and integrate AI tools as useful learning tools, which have become essential for students to complete their learning activities through enhancing knowledge of the multimodal technological factors that should be taken into consideration while creating AI tools across several domains for universities and developers.

Evaluation of measles-rubella control and prevention program implementation: System and community review

IntroductionThe WHO targets Southeast Asia to eliminate measles and rubella by 2023. Measles-Contain Vaccination (MCV) coverage in Indonesia has dropped 6 %, and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) reporting has fallen 30 % due to the pandemic. Bantul's MR positive rate rose 16 % in 2022. Measles outbreak with 71 cases in March 2023. We evaluated the system to identify program implementation gaps. MethodsFollowing system surveillance evaluation guidelines 2006, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study. We evaluate the structure and attribute components. We chose eighteen public health facilities for sub-districts, with 52 health workers as representatives of all areas in the Bantul district. We interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. We calculated the frequencies and proportions of each component, categorized as good, fair, and weak. ResultsThe average service time was almost ten years. No Public Health Center (PHC) used the system to make decisions. Since the private health facilities and community involvement was minimal, the surveillance system contains structural weaknesses in networks and partnerships. Timeliness completeness coupled with the weak evidence for variables of accessibility and flexibility is also vulnerable. ConclusionsThe Bantul measles-rubella disease surveillance system lacked networking, partnerships, and community involvement. The health office is expected to boost private health facility participation, monitoring and assessment, and vaccine coverage by at least 95 %, especially in vulnerable areas.

Awareness and Attitude regarding Modes of Delivery among Pregnant Women Visiting Antenatal Clinic of University Hospital of Nepal: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND The ultimate outcome of a nine-month pregnancy is considered delivery. There are two types of delivery: natural and artificial, also known as spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean section (CS), respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine pregnant women's awareness and attitudes toward modes of delivery when they visited the ANC clinic. METHODS The quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 pregnant women visiting the ANC clinic of a university hospital. Non-probability sampling was used for sample determination. An interview technique was used for data collection. RESULTS Among 369 participants' with an average age of 28.3 ± 4.9 years. The majority (90.2%) agreed with the statement that vaginal delivery is a natural procedure .Moreover, 22.6% agreed that CS is preferable to vaginal delivery, and 37.7% strongly agreed that the mother should have the freedom to perform a caesarean section in her choice. Only about one fifth of the respondent had moderate level of knowledge regarding modes of delivery. The level of knowledge is associated with the level of education (p = 0.020) and the decision-making role of the respondent (p = 0.002) but the attitude is found associated with type of the family (p = 0.037) and no. of ANC visits (p = 0.001) CONCLUSION The participants demonstrated moderate level of knowledge regarding modes of delivery and positive attitude towards normal delivery. Women having the right to make decisions regarding their preferred modes of delivery, including the freedom to choose CS.

Awareness of personal safety among frontline healthcare workers working in COVID ward of BPKIHS during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study authors.

Frontline healthcare workers are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and due to lack of availability of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of knowledge and good practices results in more deaths each year due to occupational accidents and diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness of personal safety, the association between the level of awareness with selected socio-demographic variables and to identify the correlation between knowledge and practice of personal safety. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 106 Frontline Healthcare workers who have worked in the COVID ward. The study was conducted between 7 August 2022 and June 2023. A convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of personal safety. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (χ2 and Spearman's correlation rank) were used for the data analysis. Among the respondents, there were 38 doctors and 68 nurses. The majority of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (79.2%) and practice (52.8%) with a mean score of 13.52±2.10 and 14.51± 2.35, respectively. Doctors have slightly higher levels of knowledge (14.01±1.62) and practice (14.57±2.07) as compared to Nurses (13.19±2.27, 14.48±2.5), respectively. Knowledge was found to be associated with the education level and age of the respondents, and practice has a significant association with training/demonstration with a P value of less than 0.05. Knowledge and practice were found to have a partial positive correlation (r value of 0.27). This study concluded that those having higher levels of education had good levels of knowledge and those who have attended formal or informal training or demonstrations regarding personal safety had good practices regarding personal safety.

PREVALENCE OF SPINAL SEGMENTAL SENSITIZATION SYNDROME IN OUTPATIENTS ATTENDING PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION CENTERS FOR CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN: A MULTICENTRE STUDY

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of spinal segmental sensitization (SSS) syndrome, a regional pain disorder, among patients visiting physical medicine and rehabilitation centers (PM&RCs) for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP). DesignAn observational descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from March to July 2023. SettingSeven PM&RCs from five cities, representing three care systems: social security (SS), Ministry of Health (MH), and private practice (PP). ParticipantsAll patients, regardless of age, attending a physiatry consultation for CMSP for the first time and who provided informed consent to participate were included. Non-probabilistic sampling was employed. InterventionsNot applicable. Main outcome measureWe estimated the overall prevalence of SSS syndrome as a percentage among patients with CMSP, stratified by healthcare institution, sex, age, and occupation type. We also recorded the spinal segments involved and any concomitant painful disorders (CPDs). SSS syndrome was diagnosed using standardized criteria. ResultsOf the eligible participants, 319 with CMSP were enrolled; 73.4% were female, and the median age of participants was 56.9 (range: 13–89) years. The overall prevalence of SSS syndrome was 53.3%. Of these, 69.1%, 42.2%, and 13.8% were in the SS, MH, and PP systems, respectively. The most affected were female participants (56.4%), those aged 50−64 years (60.4%), and those with active jobs (58.8%). Most commonly, the lumbosacral and lumbar segments were affected, followed by the lower and middle cervical levels. Spine pathologies were the most common CPDs. ConclusionThe prevalence of SSS syndrome was high among patients who visited PM&RCs for CMSP and varied according to the care system. Further research on SSS syndrome is warranted to relieve the burden it poses on patients with CMSP and ensure proper diagnosis in clinical practice.

Evaluation of female university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward human papillomavirus infection and vaccination. Multicenter cross-sectional study

IntroductionHaving good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccinations is the cornerstone for increasing the use of HPV vaccinations and preventing cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV and HPV vaccinations, as well as to identify associated factors among female undergraduate health science students at both the University of Gondar (UoG) and Bahir Dar University (BDU), Amhara, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional-based multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2023, to July 30, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 633 female undergraduate health science students, and data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were coded, entered in Epi-data, and exported to SPSS for analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were inserted in a multivariate logistic regression model, and those with a P-value of < 0.05 in the multivariate binary logistic regression were considered statistically significant factors for knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HPV and vaccine against it.ResultsThe study included 600 participants with a mean age of 20.8 ± 0.75 years. Using Bloom’s cutoff points for the KAP study, among the participants, 436 (72.7%) had good knowledge about HPV, whereas 315 (52.5%) had good knowledge about HPV vaccinations. More than half of the participants, 359 (59.8%) heard about HPV vaccinations in Ethiopia. More than half of the participants, 342 (57%) had favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccinations. Only 261 (43.5%) participants believed the HPV vaccine was safe and effective. All participants had never been tested for HPV, and 471 (78.5%) refused to have their samples for regular HPV testing. The factors like ages between 21 and 23 years (AOR, 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22–3.09) and favorable attitudes toward HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.88; 95%, CI: 1.15–3.41) were associated with the participant’s knowledge about HPV vaccinations. Having good knowledge about the virus (AOR: 1.92; 95%, CI: 1.11–5.88) and its vaccine (AOR:1.60; 95%CI: 1.07–2.47) were factors associated with the attitude of the participants about HPV vaccinations. Additionally, HPV vaccination practice was significantly associated with the attitude of the participants toward HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.15–3.45), knowledge about HPV (AOR: 1.18; 95%CI: 0.55–5.50), and HPV vaccinations (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.08–2.44).ConclusionThis study revealed that half of the students had good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward HPV vaccinations, but there was poor HPV vaccination practice. There is still a need for continued health education, training, and counseling services for students to strengthen HPV vaccination practices, improve students’ attitudes and knowledge about the benefits of vaccination, and improve counseling abilities against HPV-induced cancer.

Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, being minimally invasive, is widely accepted in comparison to open cholecystectomy. The major benefits are small incision, less wound pain, rapid recovery, shorter hospital stay and earlier return to activities. Although, trauma and injury are limited in laparoscopic cholecystectomy; it is not a pain free surgery. Hence, we aimed to find out the prevalence of pain at wound site after laparoscopic cholecystectomy at various time intervals in post-operative period. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I/II patients, with diagnosis of symptomatic gallstone disease from October 2022 to September 2023 in a tertiary care hospital after ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Research Committee (Reference number: MEMG/483/IRC). Total sampling was done in this study. The post-operative pain at wound site was measured at 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: At 12 hours postoperatively, 2 (1.60%) patients complained of severe pain, 120 (96%) patients reported moderate pain and 3 (2.40%) patients expressed their pain as being mild. Likewise, at 24, 36 and 48 hours postoperatively, none of the patients suffered from severe pain. At 24 hours post-operative, 105 (84%) patients reported moderate pain which gradually declined over 48 hours. At 36 and 48 hours post-operative mild pain was reported by 85 (68%) and 117 (93.60%) patients respectively. The moderate pain was complained by 40 (32%) and 8 (6.40%) patients respectively. Conclusions: The majority of patients suffered from mild to moderate pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the intensity of which decreased over 48 hours.

Anthropometric Measurements of Foot in Undergraduate Medical Students of a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Anthropometry is one of the important parameters for differentiation of sex which varies significantly based on hereditary, geographical, racial, sexual, and other factors. This study was done to provide baseline foot anthropometric data for Nepali medical students to improve the accuracy of stature estimations and enhance forensic and clinical applications. The aim of the study was to calculate anthropometric measurements of foot in undergraduate medical students of a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students studying at a tertiary care hospital during the period of November 6, 2022 to February 28, 2023 after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional review committee (reference number: 06/2022). A total sampling method was used. The present study was conducted to determine the mean foot index from the right and left foot, mean measurements of the left and right foot, and sex-related dimensions of the foot in Nepalese medical students. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Out of 115 participants, the mean foot index for male and female were 38.34±2.13 and 39.33±2.22 respectively. The mean length of the right foot for males and females were 24.12±0.98 cm and 22.10±1.25 cm respectively. The mean length of the left foot for males and females was 24.20±1.06 cm and 22.07±1.24 cm respectively. Conclusions: This study provides mean values of different measurements of the right and left foot of both sexes of the age group of 18-24 years in the students of a medical college.

The Association of Anti-CCP Positivity with Extra-Articular Manifestations in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. Objective: To examine association between anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and extra-articular manifestation of Rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study in the Department of Rheumatology outpatient Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar from 13th April 2023 to 13th September 2023. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria at the Rheumatology outpatient department of Khyber teaching hospital in Peshawar from 13th April 2023 to 13th September 2023. Sampling technique was non probability consecutive. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Our study involved 100 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Majority of the patients were female (90%) with overall mean age was 42.3 ± 10.06 years. The average duration of the disease was 5.9 years, with a mean RA disease activity score of 2.8. Extra-articular manifestations were observed in 84% of the patients, encompassing various symptoms such as anemia, subcutaneous nodules, episcleritis, and interstitial lung disease. Most patients (94%) tested positive for Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor, while 84% tested positive for anti-CCP antibodies. Our analysis revealed significant associations between the presence of extra-articular manifestations and factors such gender distribution, disease activity score and anti-CCP antibody positivity while no significance was noted for factors such as age, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor and duration of disease. Conclusions: Our study concludes that anti-CCP was positively associated with the presence of extra-articular manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Pattern of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Head and Neck Swelling in Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple, rapid, cost-effective method in diagnosis of head and neck swelling with minimal risk of complications. Head and neck swellings include a broad spectrum of diseases with different management for each. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a suitable and useful method for assessment of these swelling. This study was done with the objective to study the frequency and distribution of various head and neck lesions detected by fine needle aspiration cytology. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care center from February 1 to July 31, 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC-PA-191/2078-79). All the patients presenting with head and neck swelling during the study period were included in this study. Total sampling was done. Fine needle aspiration was done and cytological diagnosis was made. Descriptive analysis was done where frequency and percentage were calculated. Results: Out of 112 cases included in the study, 43 (38.40%) were of lymph nodes, 36 (32.14%) of thyroid, 22 (19.64%) of skin and soft tissue and 11 (9.82%) of salivary glands. Among the lymph nodes cases, there were 11 (25.57%) metastases. In thyroid lesions, beingn lesions were seen in 24 (66.68%). Conclusions: This study found that lymph nodes were the most common site for head and neck swellings, frequently involving metastatic lesions.

Preterm Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Prematurity is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income and middle-income countries like Nepal. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its burden. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among preterm neonates at a tertiary care hospital between 15 July 2022 to 14 July 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: F-NMC/557/078-079). Neonates with gestational age less than 37 weeks were included in the study. Total sampling method was used. Results: Among 980 neonates admitted to intensive care unit, preterm neonates were 112 (11.43%). A total of 69 (61.61%) neonates were outborn, and 65 (58.04%) were male. The median gestational age and birth weight were 32 weeks (Interquartile range: 30- 34 weeks) and 1500 gm (Interquartile range: 1300-1800 gm), respectively. There were 60 (53.57%) neonates with sepsis, 51 (45.54%) with neonatal jaundice and 38 (33.93%) with respiratory distress. Death occurred in 12 (10.71%) preterm neonates in the hospital. Conclusions: The prevalence of preterm neonates was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Clinical Outcome of Posterior Instrumented Stabilization and Transpedicular Decompression in Patients Presenting with Thoracic or Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Posterior instrumented stabilization is a commonly done surgery in spinal tuberculosis. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and neurological outcomes of posterior instrumented stabilization and transpedicular decompression in thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for one and a half years with at least six months of follow-up in a tertiary care center. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 119 (6-11-5) 2/075-076). Total sampling was done and the study included patients over 18 years of age with spinal tuberculosis of the thoracic or lumbar regions. These patients underwent posterior instrumented stabilization and transpedicular decompression at the tertiary care center. The age, site of involvement, Visual Analog Scale score for back pain, neurological status as per Frankel Neurology grading, and local kyphotic angle in X-ray were recorded. The mean, standard deviation, and percentage were calculated. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel 2016 and analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7.2. Results: Thoracic level was most commonly involved in 14 (46.68%) cases. The mean back pain as assessed by the VAS score improved from 7.6 to 1.9 at the 6-month follow-up. There was improvement in the neurological grading of all cases and there was no loss of correction in the local kyphotic angle till the final follow-up. The mean age of cases was 46.10 years. Conclusions: Posterior instrumented stabilization and transpedicular decompression in adult patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal Tuberculosis achieves improvements in clinical, radiological, and neurological outcomes.

MEST C Score and Treatment Response in IgA Nephropathy in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: IgA nephropathy is the leading cause of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. The Oxford classification can predict IgA nephropathy prognosis through renal biopsy however its applicability to the Nepalese population remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the MEST-C score and treatment response in patients with IgA nephropathy. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center from November 2021 to November 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of the same institute [IRC-193(6-11)t2078/079]. Total population sampling was done. Fifty-two consenting patients aged 16 or older with confirmed IgA nephropathy were included, excluding those with liver disease or expected survival of less than six months. The study assessed the MEST-C score, demographic factors, and clinical parameters. Results: Among 52 patients with segmental glomerulosclerosis (S1), 11 (24.44%) achieved complete remission, 30 (66.67%) partial remission, and 5 (11.11%) progressed to end-stage renal disease. Inthose with tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T1), 1 (5.88%) achieved complete remission, 13(76.47%) partial remission, and 4 (23.53%) progressed to end-stage renal disease. For glomerular crescents (C1), 9 (47.37%) achieved complete remission, 9 (47.37%) partial remission, and 1 (5.26%) progressed to end-stage renal disease. IFTA% of 0-25% had complete remission in 15 (46.88%). Among the two patients with IFTA% ≥50%, one (50%) developed end stage renal disease and the other achieved partial remission. Conclusions: The S1 and T1/2 components of the MEST-C score had higher rates of partial remission and progression to end-stage renal disease, while other indices showed mixed results. The risk of failing to achieve complete increased with an IFTA of more than 25%.

Coronavirus Fear and Life Quality Perceptions of COVID-19 Positive Patients' Spouses

This study was conducted to determine the fear of coronavirus and quality of life perceptions of the spouses of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were treated and discharged. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted with the spouses of 111 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a district state hospital and were treated and discharged. Data were collected with the Patient Spouse Identification Form, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, and the WHOQOL BREF 27 Quality of Life Scale. Data were evaluated by percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t test, Mann Whitney-U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson Correlation coefficient. The mean COVID-19 Fear scale score of the participants was 16.92 ± 6.20. A statistically significant difference was found between the education level, chronic disease status, hospitalization period of the spouse, and knowledge of the new type of coronavirus and the quality of life sub-dimensions mean scores of the participants. As individuals' fear levels increase, the quality of life psychological health sub-dimension score decreases.

Epidemiological Features of Chronic Low-Back Pain

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of abstinence from work in the world. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the epidemiological features of chronic low back pain patients in tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to June 2018 among 70 patients attending at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient department of the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital after obtaining requisite consent from the patients. Data were collected through interviewing of the patients. The collected data were entered into the computer and analyzed by using SPSS (version 20.1) to assess the epidemiological features of chronic low back pain patients. Results: In a pool of 70 patients, most of the patients (n=34, 48.5%) belong to 31-40 year age group. In a pool of 70 patients, Male patients (52.85%) were more than the female patients (47.14%) at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital. In occupational status, most of the patients were Housewife (n=19, 27.14%) followed by service-holder (n=17, 24.28%). In a pool of 70 patients, most of the patients BMI were normal (n=49, 70%). Conclusion: Epidemiological features were characterized by male patients, as from the 31-40 years of life and housewife. Physical functional profile was primarily characterized by patients with normal BMI and overweight. Medicine Today 2024, Vol.36 (2): 107-109

Psychometric Evaluation of the Decision Fatigue Scale among Korean Registered Nurses.

Nurses make decision for patients and the quality of nurses' decision making can affect patient outcomes. For some reason, nurses are experiencing impaired decision making and it can negatively impact patient care. A valid and reliable instrument to assess decision fatigue may let people know about the concept and guide the development of new policies or interventions for Korean nurses' decision fatigue. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the decision fatigue scale. The design was a cross-sectional descriptive study and convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. A total of 247 nurses from across South Korea participated in an online survey. The survey consisted of demographic questionnaires, decision fatigue scale, nursing practice environment scale, and compassion fatigue scale. It was validated through confirmatory factor analysis that the Korean version of the decision fatigue scale was a single factor with the same structure as the original scale. The Korean version of the decision fatigue scale showed significant correlations with compassion fatigue, and the scale showed appropriate internal consistency. This study established well enough the psychometric characteristics of the Korean version of decision fatigue.

Analysis of the Vulnerability Profile of tuberculosis co-infection in people living with HIV

Introduction: studies that seek to identify and outline the vulnerability profile contribute to directing necessary interventions to be carried out in people with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV (acronym in English for human immunodeficiency virus) co-infection, to achieve the end of TB. Objective: to describe the profile of people with tuberculosis and HIV co-infection, from 2016 to 2018, in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: this is a cross-sectional descriptive study, using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for TB and HIV, through a methodological process of database preparation and descriptive data analysis, the information was encoded and stored anonymously in a database in Excel for Windows®; Afterwards, the STATA statistical package, version 16 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, TX, USA) was used to carry out descriptive analyses with identification of relative and absolute values, and tables were generated for data analysis. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (CEP/CCS/UFES) under opinion number 4022892 on 05/12/2020. Results: of a total of 4,428 cases, 325 cases were TB-HIV co-infection, 322 cases were located in the SINAN-TB database and three cases were located after linking with the SINAN-HIV database that presented a record of negative results for the diagnostic test of HIV in the SINAN-TB database. There was a profile with a predominance of men (71%), young people (20 to 39 years old) (52%), mixed race (59%), up to 8 years of schooling (25%), of which 29% reported alcohol consumption, 26% used illicit drugs, and 37% were smokers, who had the pulmonary form of the disease (66%), they reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy (65%) and only 44% had a cure outcome at closure and 20% stopped treatment; the majority of cases (61%) did not undergo directly observed treatment and only 6.9% of cases reported receiving assistance from the government’s income transfer program. Conclusion: in order to ensure greater coverage of tuberculosis control in PLHIV patients, it is necessary to expand the dialogue between health and social support policies; enable access to health services such as antiretroviral treatment for all people diagnosed with HIV, and timely directly observed treatment (DOT) for people who present this vulnerability profile. Carrying out new studies is essential to contribute to technological advancement and planning in health service actions.

Unani Tibb students’ and educators’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care in education in South Africa: A mixed-methods study

Background. Unani Tibb promotes holistic patient care, yet spirituality and spiritual care seem to be neglected in education. This theory-practice gap was previously highlighted in studies on Unani Tibb practitioners. The role of spirituality and spiritual care in Unani Tibb education in South Africa (SA) remains unclear. Objectives. To explore Unani Tibb students’ and educators’ perceptions and attitudes of spirituality and spiritual care in SA. Methods. A two-stage sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted. Quantitative data from stage 1 was obtained using a cross-sectional descriptive study followed by in-depth interviews for the qualitative study in stage 2. Stage 1 guided the interview questions in stage 2. Descriptive data analysis was performed for the quantitative study, followed by thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results. A total of 18 (90%) participants took part in the quantitative study followed by 10 participants (50%) in the qualitative study. Three study findings emerged: i) a heightened level of spiritual awareness was recorded for this cohort despite the lack of spirituality and spiritual care content in the curriculum, ii) participants viewed spiritual care as integral to Unani Tibb philosophy, education and practice and iii) formal integration of spirituality and spiritual care concepts in Unani Tibb education was identified as a necessity to ensure the integrity of the holistic approach required by the profession. Conclusion. This study has implications across the health education sector and more specifically for Unani Tibb educators to consider the inclusion of spiritual care content in education programmes.

Knowledge and Attitude of the Waste Handlers on Healthcare Waste in Bo Government Hospital Southern Sierra Leone

Hospital waste poses risks to patients and waste disposal personnel and poses a threat to public health and the environment. Medical waste management is a new issue that is made worse by a lack of funding, knowledge and training to support solutions. Since these wastes have the potential to directly affect environmental health risks as well as public health risks, their collection and treatment are crucial. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of the waste handlers on healthcare waste generated in Bo Government Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the health impact of medical waste management at Bo Government Hospital in Sierra Leone. The author used mixed methods to combine semi-structured and self-administered quantitative questionnaires with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, cleaners, and residents. Near the hospital. A sample of 100 medical staff and residents living near the hospital was taken from Bo Government Hospital using a simple random sampling technique to collect data. Raw data come in a variety of forms, including measurements, questionnaire responses, and observations, and results are presented in tables, graphs, and verbatim using the Statistical Package for Science (SPSS) to present and analyze the collected data. All units participated in data collection, with Human Resources (HR) and laboratories identified as generating more waste, followed by Nursing and Main Theater, where nurses accounted for the majority (n = 27) of respondents participating in the survey. research, followed by cleaners. (n = 13) and CHO (10), the majority of whom were between the ages of 40 and 50 (35%). Some cleaners reported placing their hands on what were identified as major risk factors, endangering workers, despite significant efforts being made to ensure bags were securely tied (81.5%) and carts were washed and disinfected (66.2%). Garbage is not emptied during the day with trolleys (58.5%) being the common means of transportation, while 29.2% handle garbage directly, which can pose a risk. However, 62% of respondents had received formal training in medical waste management. It was recommended that the Ministry of Health continues to organize training courses, especially for cleaning personnel and lower-level employees who have direct daily contact with this waste.