Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with hypertension

Aims: To assess the prevalence and general characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with hypertension, investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and blood pressure, and the effectiveness of continuous positive pressure ventilation treatment after 1 month in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with follow-up after 1 month in hypertensive patients treated at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital with respiratory polygraphy from January 2021 to June 2023. Patients were given history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, Lipid profile test, intravenous glucose, Epworth scale assessment, CPAP treatment and re-evaluated after 1 month. Results: 134 patients were registered for the study from 01/2021 to 06/2023. Hypertensive patients with OSAS were 73.13%. BMI in the OSAS (+) group was 22.84 ± 3.04 kg/m2 and was statistically significantly greater than the OSAS (-) group: 22.79 ± 3.07 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Neck circumference in the OSAS (+) group was 37.45 ± 2.44 cm, which was statistically significantly larger than the OSAS (-) group: 36.36 ± 1.57 cm (p<0.05). The rate of loud snoring during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in the OSAS patient group was statistically significantly higher than in the group without this syndrome (p<0.05 and p<0.01). The average systolic blood pressure in the OSAS (+) group was 154.79 ± 13.32 mm Hg and was statistically significantly higher than the OSAS (-) group (p<0.01). AHI has a moderate positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.45, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.34, p<0.01). CPAP treatment improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure and symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: There is a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension. CPAP treatment improves blood pressure and daytime sleepiness.

Influence of Procurement Process on Availability of Essential Drugs in Public Health Facilities in Mombasa County, Kenya

Purpose: Procurement process and practices are crucial components in the successful realization of universal healthcare and in particular the availability of essential drugs. Despite multifaceted efforts and inputs to promote the quality of the procurement process challenges still exists in the availability of essential drugs. This study aimed to establish the influence of procurement planning, supplier selection, procurement financing and needs assessment on availability of essential drugs in the public health facilities in Mombasa County, Kenya. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study design which targeted level 4 and 5 health facilities in Mombasa County. The study target population was 1216 health workers who included medical laboratory personnel, clinical officers and medical officers, nurses, pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists. The study sample was 301. Methodology: Stratified sampling approach was used to distribute the sample among the cadre and random sampling method was used to select the respondents from each strata. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Findings: The study found that procurement planning, supplier selection, procurement, financing and needs assessment were significant factors in influencing the availability of essential drugs with P<0.05. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommended that counties conduct a comprehensive and regular need assessment of essential drugs in public health facilities, that they develop a robust procurement planning strategy that aligns with the identified needs and available financing, that there should be a transparent and competitive supplier selection process, and to establish strategic partnerships with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or donor agencies that are committed to improving healthcare access.

Assessment of Diverse Pelvic Pain in the First Trimester of Pregnancy with Ultrasound Guidance

Identifying and treating a pelvic pain during pregnancy can be challenging. Pregnant women still use ultrasound as their primary imaging modality. The current study set out to investigate the potential function of ultrasonography guidance in various pelvic pain sources during the first trimester of pregnancy. The Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH) and the Department of Radiology collaborated together to perform this cross-sectional descriptive study. 50 pregnant women, ages ranging from under 20 to over 30, who had pelvic pain throughout the first trimester (up to 12 weeks gestational age) participated in the study. All women had undergone clinical evaluations then to be referred for ultrasonography scans for the confirmation of diagnosis. SPSS software (version 25) was used to analyze the data and association using Odds ratio and multivariable logistic regression. In a study of 50 pregnant women with an assisted ultrasound. Among 22 (44%) and 28(56%) women were viable and non-viable pregnant. 60 percent of the women were primigravida, and 40 percent were multigravida. With a mean BMI of 28.7±4.21, the average age was 27.3±13.18 years. The most frequent causes of pelvic pain were abortion (22%), uterine fibroid (14%), and corpus luteal cyst (12%) in addition to Scar site pregnancy, Sub chorionic hematoma, ectopic pregnancy, and acute appendicitis were 8%,6%,6% and 1% respectively. whereas 30% of a normal pregnancy was found. The most reliable and non-invasive diagnostic technique for identifying various types of pelvic pain in pregnant women is ultrasound. It has been demonstrated that the timely treatment of women through the use of ultrasonography reduces the mortality rates linked with pregnancy problems.

The Relationship Between Pre-hospital High Blood Pressure and Mortality Risk in Trauma Patients

<strong data-sider-select-id="c592b0bd-4e99-45cf-92c2-2b0907fcc491">Objectives: To identify and manage the factors that reduce the duration of time patients spend in the hospital or are associated with mortality rates are important. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between high blood pressure before admission to the hospital and mortality rates in trauma patients. <strong data-sider-select-id="dbbdc2e2-5a9a-4112-a19f-5447ee9a5abe">Design: A cross sectional descriptive study this is a cross sectional descriptive study which was done in emergency department of Imam Reza hospital Setting(s): Emergency department of Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Participants: All the trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz by emergency medical services over 12 months were included in this study using the complete enumeration method. Outcome Measures: Vital signs, including blood pressure, were recorded in vital sign sheets and forms designed by researchers. Other outcomes such as admission, discharge from the hospital, and death were also recorded Results: From a total of 331 trauma patients, 251 (75.8 %) were men, and the rest were women; moreover, the average age of women and men was 46.8±17.7 and 41.4±16.0, respectively. In addition, 41.3% of women and 18.3% of men (23.9% of all the patients) had a history of hypertension. Furthermore, gender and high blood pressure in the scene of trauma did not exhibit any relationship with patients’ outcomes (P>0.05), while age had a significant relationship with the death of the patients (P=0.002). <strong data-sider-select-id="b148f088-c44d-40fc-bff2-8f9fd3d9fa99">Conclusions: A positive correlation between the probability of death and age in trauma patients was found, while high blood pressure in the scene did not seem to affect the mortality rates in trauma patients in the ED or the ward.

A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study: Proportion of Authenticity and Complete Product Information of FarmaTag Hologram on Registered Pharmaceutical Products among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers in the State of Sabah (ProvoS)

FarmaTag Hologram is a two-dimensional QR code sticker that is required on all registered pharmaceutical products (RPP) in Malaysia. By scanning the QR code, the authenticity and product information of the hologram are displayed. However, FarmaTag holograms with incomplete product information may be susceptible to being misused by manufacturers/distributors/suppliers (MDS) for different pharmaceutical products, unregistered pharmaceutical products, or counterfeit products. In addition to misusing, these callous acts may lead to consumer distrust, doubt, and a lack of confidence in the authenticity of RPP. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers in the State of Sabah between January 2022 and September 2022 to evaluate the proportion of authenticity and complete product information of FarmaTag Hologram on registered pharmaceutical products (RPP) available among selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers (MMS) in the state of Sabah. The total sample size was 5048 registered pharmaceutical products. There was no formal sample size calculation performed because this was the first study to explore this topic. All samples being selected from MMS were authentic (100%), which included 31.7% (n = 1600) from private medical clinics, 18.8% (n = 948), from retail pharmacies, and 49.5% (n = 2500) from Non-Pharmacy Drug Stores (NPDS). However, only 268 (5.3%) samples were found to have complete product information. The findings of this study provide preliminary information to relevant authorities on the authenticity and complete product information of FarmaTag Hologram on registered pharmaceutical products among selected MMS in the state of Sabah.

LEVEL OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF ALEBTONG DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background In Uganda, there is an overall concern over the generally poor academic performance of students learning in government-aided schools. The study aims to assess the level of academic performance of students in secondary schools of Alebtong District. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and quantitative data collected from 115 respondents was obtained. Results The level of academic performance of students in secondary schools of Alebtong District was relatively low. The mean response of 2.6 suggested that students' performance in standardized exams, particularly UCE and UACE, is not very high. A mean response of 2.2 indicated that the pass rate of students in Alebtong District was not very high and only 25% of students obtained a second-grade result. The mean response was 1.8 indicating that a high percentage of students in lower secondary do not obtain a first-grade result. A mean response of 2.8 indicated that there might be some challenges regarding dropout rates and student retention in secondary schools. The mean response was 3.2 indicating that students in Alebtong District generally experience a relatively smooth transition and progression through their secondary education. Conclusion Generally, schools in Alebtong District have not yet archived their desired potential with the majority of the students unable to score a minimum of second-grade result. There is still a need for greater improvement in the level of academic performance of students in secondary schools in Alebtong District Recommendation Strategies should be implemented to enhance students' performance in standardized exams, increase the pass rate, improve grade distribution, reduce dropout rates, and ensure the smooth transition and completion of secondary education. Encouraging students' active involvement in extra-curricular activities could also be explored as a potential avenue for supporting academic excellence.

Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis of the use of safety goggles and face masks as personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against occupational biohazards

BackgroundThis study represents the first Spanish investigation to rigorously evaluate compliance with the use of safety goggles and face masks as essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in companies with workplaces involving exposure to biological agents. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the degree of use of face masks and safety goggles as personal protective equipment (PPE), the factors that influence their use, and the profile of workers exposed to occupational biological agents in Spanish companies in the health sector, farming sector, meat industry, waste treatment plants, food industry, and veterinary centers. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 590 Spanish workers from 51 companies. We developed a 34-item questionnaire to assess workers’ perception of risk related to exposure to biological agents in their workplaces. Among the questions, three were designed to measure the degree of use of key protective equipment in sectors with biological agent exposure: protective gloves, safety goggles or face masks. We only analyzed safety goggles and face masks. We performed various statistical analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha, frequency of endorsement, content validity ratio using Lawshe’s method, varimax rotation, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, and Bartlett’s sphericity test, to assess the internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire. Additionally, we employed a chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) segmentation analysis, using workers’ responses regarding their attitudes toward safety goggles and face mask usage as PPE for protection against biological risks, with demographic variables as independent factors. ResultsIn the current study, CHAID analysis revealed that workers exposed to group 2 biological agents used more safety goggles and face shields compared with workers exposed to other groups of biological agents. Moreover, workers in laboratories and the food industry used face masks more than workers of other sectors. ConclusionThe CHAID analysis in the current study indicated that workers exposed to biological agents from both group 2 and group 3 demonstrated satisfactory levels of compliance and utilization of protective masks, surpassing their counterparts in terms of usage. Workers in the food and laboratory industries had subpar compliance with preventive measures, and employees from companies with internal health and safety departments exhibited significant adherence to workplace mask usage, safeguarding themselves against biological risks.

Herbal Medicine Use among Adult Lebanese Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction Herbal products are used for the management of various chronic diseases. This study sought to determine the frequency of herbal medicines use among Lebanese patients diagnosed with chronic diseases, their patterns, underlying causes and perceived efficacy. Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that enrolled Lebanese adult patients from the six governorates of Lebanon between February and December 2020. Those who had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, chronic constipation, or rheumatoid arthritis were eligible for enrollment. Results A total of 300 patients participated in this study. Around 123 participants (41%) reported using herbs. The majority purchased the herbs based on a suggestion (47.2%) from a friend or a family member. The most commonly used herbs were Pimpinella anisum, and Garlic (15.8%) for hypertension, Sage (26.9%) and Stevia (23.1%) for diabetes mellitus, Red Yeast Rice (27%) and Hawthorn (23%) for dyslipidemia, and Senna (43.6%) and Artichoke (25.8%) for chronic constipation, and Curcumin (46.2%) and Allium sativum (30.8%) for rheumatoid arthritis. The majority did not have an idea about the side effects (87.8%), drug-herbal interactions (95.1%), or drug-disease interactions (96.8%) of herbs. Most of the patients (65%) were satisfied with the herbal product use. Conclusion The use of herbal medicines is common among adult Lebanese patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, arthritis, and constipation. However, herbal products are not risk-free. Hence, further research in this area is warranted.

Body listening in the link between symptoms and self-care management in cardiovascular disease: A cross-sectional correlational descriptive study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to quantify relationships among symptoms, interoceptive sensibility (i.e. the conscious level of sensing, interpreting and integrating signals from the body), and self-care management behaviors (i.e. the response to symptoms when they occur) among adults with cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that better interoceptive sensibility would increase the positive behavior-driving effects of symptoms on self-care management. MethodsAdult patients with cardiovascular disease who experienced recent symptoms were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional correlational descriptive study. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures were used to capture dyspnea, pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbances, nausea and vomiting, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Interoceptive sensibility was measured using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Version 2. The Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory was used to measure self-care management. Network analysis was used to identify domains of interoceptive sensibility that were most central. Linear regression with interaction terms was used to test the moderating effect of interoceptive sensibility on the relationship between symptoms and self-care management. ResultsThe age of participants in the sample (n = 387) ranged from 18 to 88 years, a slight majority (53.5 %) were female, and a majority were Caucasian (66.4 %) or African American (32.0 %). Hypertension was the most common disorder (n = 238 (61.5 %)), followed by rhythm disorders (n = 124 (32.0 %)), coronary artery disease (n = 94 (24.3 %)), heart failure (n = 89 (23.0 %)), valve disease (n = 69 (17.8 %)), stroke (n = 62 (16.0 %)) and peripheral vascular disease (n = 49 (12.7 %)). Based on network analysis, body listening (i.e. active listening to the body for insights) was the most central interoceptive domain, and distracting (i.e. tendency to ignore or distract oneself from sensations of discomfort) was the least central. Noticing (i.e. greater awareness of body sensations), distracting, and body listening were significant in moderating relationships between dyspnea, sleep disturbances and anxiety and the outcome of self-care management behaviors (all p < 0.001). Better noticing and body listening were associated with better self-care management across symptoms, whereas ignoring or distracting oneself from discomfort was associated with worse self-care management behaviors. ConclusionAmong adults with cardiovascular disease, interventions designed to augment the identified interoceptive sensibility domains like body listening, and mitigate the tendency to ignore or distract oneself from discomfort may support adults with cardiovascular disease through the development of future interventions that optimize patient behaviors in response to symptoms when they occur.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Pharmacy Students in Libya

Depression and anxiety are among the common mental health problems among medical students and are associated with poor academic performance. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of depression and anxiety among Libyan pharmacy students using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted targeted pharmacy students in both public and private universities in Libya. A web-based self-reported survey was administered to students. The survey link was distributed online to a convenience sample of students at colleges of pharmacy between July and October 2023. Depression and anxiety were measured using the HADS questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among the participants. In this study, the sample size was determined and found to be 1197 subjects which received surveys. Approximately 42.8% of the participants had depression symptoms and 44.5% had depression borderline symptoms. On the other hand, 39% of the participants had anxiety symptoms, while 33 % reported borderline anxiety symptoms. This study shows high prevalence of depression and anxiety among pharmacy students in Libya. Pharmacy students may be vulnerable to depression and anxiety because of long study hours. To reduce their levels of anxiety and depression, they need longer sleep hours, and a lower academic workload.

Health and social care managers' self-assessed competence in knowledge management: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

To describe health and social care managers' self-assessed competence in knowledge management and the factors associated with management competence. It has been shown that the performance of an organization is as good as the competence of its managers, so health and social care managers' competence in knowledge management should be assessed to improve organizational performance. A descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 116 managers participated from six Finnish public health and social care organizations. The data were collected in February and August 2022 using the managers' competence in knowledge management (MCKM) instrument and analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Health and social care managers rated their self-reported total competence in knowledge management as good. Among the dimensions of knowledge management competence, managing a culture of competence received the highest rating, while planning competence development and cooperation was perceived as the weakest dimension. The results indicate that background factors such as the healthcare setting, the number of units managed and the number of direct staff had a statistically significant association with the health and social care managers' self-assessed competence in planning competence development and cooperation. Even though the health and social care managers' total self-assessed competence level in knowledge management was rated as good, the results underscore the significance of continuous competence development among these managers in all dimensions of knowledge management. By enhancing and clarifying managers' tasks and competence in knowledge management, managers can increase staff retention, attractiveness and work well-being. The results can be utilized to identify managers' strengths and weaknesses in knowledge management and, thus, effectively target their limited competence development resources. The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. There is no patient or public contribution.

Prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii in Urine Samples of Pregnant Women in South-East, Nigeria

Background: Pregnancy induces so many changes in the woman’s body that likely predisposes them to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii which causes Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Aims: To determine the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii in urine samples of pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics at three health institutions within the study area. Study Design: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Teaching Hospital Orlu and General Hospital Okigwe, Imo State between October 2021 and February 2022. Methodology: Urine samples were collected aseptically from 408 pregnant women between 18-45 years and analyzed by culturing onto the surface of freshly prepared MacConkey and Chromogenic agar plates for the isolation of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii respectively and confirmed by appropriate biochemical tests. Results: From the results, there was a prevalence rate of 145/408 (35.54%) for both isolates with Klebsiella pneumoniae being more dominant with a prevalence rate of 96/408 (23.53%) as against Acinetobacter baumannii that was 49/408 (12.01%). The highest prevalence of the isolates was seen in the Owerri zone with a prevalence rate of 37 (9.07%) for Klebsiella pneumoniae and 23 (5.64%) for Acinetobacter baumannii, respectively. The highest age-specific prevalence of the isolates within the three zones was observed in the 24–29-year-olds with a prevalence rate of 42 (10.29%) in the Owerri zone. In contrast, the prevalence of both organisms was higher in pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy with a prevalence rate of 72 (17.65%) and in multigravida women with a prevalence rate of 217 (53.2%). Conclusion: The results from this study showed that these isolates are becoming more predominant in causing both symptomatic and asymptomatic urinary tract infections in pregnant women, hence regular check-ups and proper treatments of urinary tract infections in pregnant women should be encouraged.

Educator-to-student incivility in online nursing education during COVID-19 as reported by nursing students: A descriptive cross-sectional study

BackgroundEducators' incivility in online nursing education is a serious academic issue; much of it is still unknown as it occurs in a less supervised environment. AimThis study examined variables and differences in educator-to-student incivility in online nursing education during COVID-19, as reported by nursing students. MethodsUtilizing the Incivility in Online Learning Environments (IOLE) online survey, a cross-sectional design was used to collect data in 2021 from a convenience sample of 163 nursing students studying in different universities in Jordan. Version 25 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. ResultsAs reported by nursing students, there was a low degree of incivility among nursing educators in online nursing education, 45(range 23–92), and a moderate frequency in the past 12 months, 63(range 23–92). Around 37.00 % of students thought incivility in online nursing education was a mild problem. On a scale of 0–100, 63.00 % of the students reported the level of nursing educators' civility in online nursing education ranged from 50.00 % to 70.00 % (an average of 60.00 %). Differences in students' reporting of online nursing educators' incivility and its' frequencies were significantly influenced by students' grade point averages (GPA) and genders, respectively. ConclusionsAlthough nursing students have a positive sense of civility among their nursing educators, incivility in online nursing education should be zero-level and disclosed and treated at its early signs.

Comparison of barriers to effective nurse-patient communication in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards

BackgroundCommunication is a basic need of humans. Identifying factors that prevent effective nurse-patient communication allows for the better implementation of necessary measures to modify barriers. This study aims to compare the barriers to effective nurse-patient communication from the perspectives of nurses and patients in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2022. The participants included 200 nurses (by stratified sampling method) and 200 patients (by systematic random sampling) referred to two conveniently selected hospitals in Shahroud, Iran. The inclusion criteria for nurses were considered having at least a bachelor’s degree and a minimum literacy level for patients to complete the questionnaires. Data were collected by the demographic information form and questionnaire with 30 and 15 questions for nurses and patients, which contained similar questions to those for nurses, based on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysis using descriptive indices and inferential statistics (Linear regression) in SPSS software version 18.ResultsThe high workload of nursing, excessive expectations of patients, and the difficulty of nursing work were identified by nurses as the main communication barriers. From the patients’ viewpoints, the aggressiveness of nurses, the lack of facilities (welfare treatment), and the unsanitary conditions of their rooms were the main communication barriers. The regression model revealed that the mean score of barriers to communication among nurses would decrease to 0.48 for each unit of age increase. Additionally, the patient’s residence explained 2.3% of the nurses’ barriers to communication, meaning that native participants obtained a mean score of 2.83 units less than non-native nurses, and there was no statistically significant difference between the COVID and non-COVID wards.ConclusionIn this study, the domain of job characteristics was identified by nurses as the major barrier, and patients emphasized factors that were in the domain of individual/social factors. There is a pressing need to pay attention to these barriers to eliminate them through necessary measures by nursing administrators.

The relationship between health literacy and the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

Health literacy (HL) is one of the effective factors in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. Considering the high prevalence of COVID-19 disease, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between HL and the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. This was a descriptive-cross sectional study conducted on 214 students selected by simple random sampling method in Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2022. The data included demographic and background characteristics, health literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA), and a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23, descriptive statistics, and ordinal logistic regression tests. The mean and standard deviation of the scores of adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and HL among students were 18.18) 4.02(out of 25 and 72.14) and 12.75 (out of 100, respectively. The results of the logistic regression test showed that the HL (P = 0.003), gender (P<0.001), mother's education (P = 0.039), educational level (P = 0.031), smoking (P = 0.032), and physical activity (P = 0.007) were effective factors in adopting preventive behaviors. Adopting preventive behaviors against COVID-19 was lower among students with lower levels of health literacy, male students, students with less physical activity, students with illiterate mothers, undergraduate students, and finally smokers. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to these students in designing educational programs. It is suggested to carry out more extensive studies to clarify the effect of HL on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors.

Clinical characteristics of ultra-longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in a Peruvian cohort

IntroductionUltra-longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (uLETM) is defined as an inflammatory lesion involving 10 or more spinal cord segments. The aim of our study is to describe the clinical and radiological features of this atypical form of myelitis. MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of clinical data from 57 patients older than 18 years diagnosed with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Nineteen cases were classified as uLETM. ResultsTwelve of the 19 patients were women, age ranged between 18 and 76 years, and the main aetiology was neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (8 patients), followed by anti-MOG antibody myelitis (3 patients). The main region involved was at cervical-thoracic spinal cord. Two patients presented complete spinal cord lesion. ConclusionsOur results are consistent with previous reports suggesting that neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder remains the main aetiology in uLETM; however, anti-MOG antibodies should be considered within the differential diagnosis.

Prevalence of Upper Limb Length Discrepancy among Asymptomatic Population of Medical Students in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

INTRODUCTIONUpper limb length discrepancy are frequently documented in various anatomical orthopedics and anthropometric journals. Proper idea about discrepancy is pivotal prior to any limb lengthening surgery. The aim of the study is to find out the prevalence of upper limb length discrepancy among asymptomatic population in medical students of Nepal. MATERIAL AND METHODSA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of anatomy in Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal from September 2021 to November 2022 after ethical clearance from the same institution (IRC UCMS, Ref: UCMS/IRC/079/21). Full and segmental length of upper limb was taken, recorded with help of flexible tape. Reference points for these measurements were bony landmarks as approved in the Integrative Measurement Protocol Morphological and Behavioral Research in Human and non-human primates version 1.0 were used. Convenient sampling method was used Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage. RESULTSOut of two hundred fifty seven participants 141 were male and 116 were female. Total upper limb length of male is 74.17± 4.79 cm and female is 71.92 ± 4.81cm. Total upper limb length discrepancy maximum was observed 3 cm. In our study it was observed that wrist has maximum discrepancy between right and left limb followed by arm and fore arm. CONCLUSIONThe present study shows the prevalence of upper limb length discrepancy in asymptomatic Nepalese population.

AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION OF UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES IN CANCER SCREENING PROGRAMS

The study aimed to investigate the level of awareness and engagement among university employees regarding cancer screening programs. In the descriptive cross-sectional study, 223 university employees were sampled. Data collection involved the utilization of an information form aligned with existing literature to ascertain participants' demographic details, cancer risk assessment, engagement in cancer screening initiatives, and knowledge level regarding these programs. Data analysis employed frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and chi-square test methods. The significance level was set at p

Burnout among community service doctors in South Africa.

Burnout in doctors is an important issue with far-reaching consequences. Community service doctors may be particularly vulnerable because of their specific roles (rural settings, junior positions and reduced supervision). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout among community service doctors in South Africa (SA), the potential contributory and protective factors and the consequences thereof. This was a national study of community service doctors in SA. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout. The online questionnaire also included demographic data, workplace and individual characteristics. Of the 208 community service doctors analysed, 89% and 94% had high emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, respectively, while 97% had a low personal accomplishment. Mental illness, financial difficulties, unmanageable volume of patients and female gender were found to be potential contributory factors. Having manageable patient volumes, satisfaction with their decision to study medicine, talking to colleagues and feeling supported by healthcare facility management were among the significant potential protective factors. Significant potential consequences of burnout included: leaving the government sector, ever being diagnosed with a mental illness, using alcohol as a coping mechanism and possible current major depression. Burnout among community service doctors in SA is highly prevalent with significant potential consequences. There are a number of modifiable possible contributory and protective factors identified that may be targets for mental health interventions.Contribution:Healthcare burnout research is lacking in the African and specifically SA context. This void includes community service doctors.

Bacteriological Study of Post-Operative Wound Infection and its Antibiograms

INTRODUCTIONPostoperative wound infections are a significant complication of surgical procedures, which increases morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs. The study was undertaken with an aim to investigate the etiological agents of postoperative wounds and their sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis study was a descriptive cross-sectional prospective study, carried out at Universal College Of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Nepal, on 100 postoperatively wounded infected cases, during April 2023 – August 2023, Non Probability sampling method (Purposive sampling) was used, and specimens were collected by sterile cotton swabs and pus was aspirated with a sterile needle and syringe and processed using standard bacteriological techniques. Antibiotic sensitivity test was conducted by disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. RESULTSPostoperative wound infections caused by Gram negative bacilli were more frequent and predominant pathogens involved were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, followed by Klebsiella spp and Enterobacter aerogenes. Among Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was predominant. Gram positive cocci were highly sensitive to Ampicillin, and Gram negative bacilli were highly sensitive to Ceftazidime, Gentamicin, and Amikacin. Coagulase negative staphylococci were resistant to all drugs tested. CONCLUSIONPseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest etiological agent for postoperative wound infections. Gram positive cocci and E.coli were highly sensitive to Ampicillin and Gram negative bacilli were highly sensitive to Ceftazidime, Gentamicin, Amikacin. Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to vancomycin and Teicoplanin and coagulase staphylococci were resistant to all drugs tested. Gram negative bacilli were resistant to Polymyxin B and Tigecycline. Increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics warrants the judicious use of antibiotics and establishment of antibiotic policy in the hospital.