Multicenter Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Central Sensitization-Related Symptoms in Chilean Victims of Political Violence During the 1973 to 1990 Dictatorship.

People who suffer political violence (PV) are at risk of developing mental illness, chronic noncommunicable diseases, chronic pain, and decreased life expectancy. However, these indicators have been studied primarily in war veterans and refugees. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and central sensitization-related symptoms (CSRS) in Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship. A cross-sectional observational multicenter study was conducted. Three hundred twenty-five people from six centers of a Ministry of Health of Chile program participated. The presence of CMP was determined by a history of pain ≥3 months, and CSRS was determined using the central sensitization inventory. About 69.23% of the sample had CMP (76.85% of females and 56.56% of males). About 60% of people with CMP showed a high level of CSRS severity (66.67% females and 44.93% males). Females presented significantly higher proportions of CMP (p < .001), and there was an association between CSRS severity and being female (p = .004). Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship presented a high prevalence of CMP and high-level CSRS severity. Both conditions affected females more than males. Future studies are needed to further delve into these variables' behavior and their influence on the quality of life in this population.

Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on CLABSI prevention in the Intensive Care Unit: An observational study.

Management of central venous catheters (CVC) is a frequent procedure in intensive care units (ICUs) and the risk of bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is found to be high. The literature provides healthcare professionals with guidelines to prevent the risk of CLABSI infections. The aim of this study was to observe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU nurses on the prevention of CLABSI. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2023 and September 2023; the research was carried out among six ICUs in Bari both on the web and in paper mode. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions structured in two sections: demographic sample data and the 2017 Esposito MR questionnaire, drawn up based on the 2011 guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consisting of four dimensions: knowledge, attitudes, practices, information. 121 nurses (57.1%) participated in the study. 72% were unfamiliar with the guidelines, especially nurses aged 41-50 years (RR = 1.88; CI = 0.78-4.51; p = 0.13) and more than 10 years' work experience (RR = 1.56; CI = 0.76-3.23; p = 0.20). Regarding attitudes, nurses were aware of the usefulness of the guidelines (Me = 10; IQR = 8-10) and the importance of hand washing for prevention (Me = 10; IQR = 10-10) despite 39.7% (n = 48) believing that gloves replace hand washing, and there were no statistically significant differences in comparing scores with age, work experience, and educational qualification. 96.7% always substituted dressing for CVC; 120 nurses (99.2%) were always replacing infusion sets and 71.2% always sanitized the access ports before infusions. Finally, 102 participants (84.3%) felt the need to get more information about the prevention of CLABSI. We observed a reduced knowledge of the guidelines for the prevention of CLABSI despite the attitudes and practices of the nurses being satisfactory. In addition to implementing training, strategies for disseminating guidelines should be adopted.

Demographic and lifestyle factors associated with dry eye disease in China: A cross-sectional multi-center study

PurposeAssociations were assessed between demographic/lifestyle factors and tear film breakup time (TBUT) defined dry eye disease (DED) in China. MethodsThe cross-sectional study involved 50,280 subjects (54 ± 17 y) in 217 clinics (25 provinces). Data included sleep disorders; digital screen exposure; and use of cosmetics, contact lenses, and eye drops (for asthenopia). Clinical examinations included TBUT; Schirmer I test; meibomian gland plug status. TBUT-defined DED was TBUT <10 s, with TBUT ≤5 s also considered (i.e., short TBUT-type DED), either unilateral or bilateral. ResultsTBUT-defined DED was present in 81.6 % overall. The highest rates were in those 71 years or older, living in the north, with chronic daily sleep disorder, or daily cosmetic application; or daily digital screen exposure for 5 years, contact lenses 4 h, or 3 months eye drops. Compared with those without TBUT-defined DED, those with TBUT-defined DED showed lower Schirmer I results and more severe meibomian gland plug status (each, P < 0.001). Independent risk factors of DED were: aging; living in the southwest; daily digital screen exposure ≥3 h; and occasional cosmetic use. Risk factors of DED TBUT ≤5 s were: living in the southwest; wearing contact lenses (>3 y); and using eye drops. Rates of unilateral and bilateral DED were comparable. ConclusionsDED in China is more likely in the aged and those in the north/southwest. DED rates increase with digital screen exposure, and use of cosmetics, contact lenses, or eye drops for asthenopia. Unilateral DED should be treated as promptly as bilateral.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving: A substudy of Patient Perception Data from the DRIVSAFE Observational Study.

To determine how fracture clinic patients perceive the dangers of distracted driving. Design: Analysis of patient perception subset data from the original DRIVSAFE study; a large, multi-center cross-sectional study, surveying fracture clinic patients about distracted driving. Four level 1 Canadian trauma center fracture clinics. English-speaking patients with a valid Canadian driver's license and a traumatic musculoskeletal injury sustained in the past six months. Primary outcome was patients' safety ratings of driving distractions. As per the original DRIVSAFE study, patients were categorized as distraction-prone or distraction-averse using their questionnaire responses and published crash-risk odds ratios (OR). A regression analysis was performed to identify associations with unsafe driving perceptions. The study included 1378 patients, 749 (54.3%) male and 614 (44.6%) female. The average age was 45.8 years old ± 17.0 (range 16-87). Sending electronic messages was perceived as unsafe by 92.9% (1242/1337) of patients, while reading them was seen as unsafe by 81.2% (1086/1337). Approximately three-quarters of patients viewed making (78.9%, 1061/1344) and accepting (74.8%, 998/1335) calls on handheld mobile phones as unsafe. However, 31.0% (421/1356) of patients believed they had no differences in their driving ability when talking on the phone while 13.1% (175/1340) reported no driving differences when texting. Younger age (OR, 0.93 [95% CI 0.90-0.96], p<0.001), driving experience (OR, 1.06 [95% CI 1.02-1.09], p<0.001), and distraction-prone drivers (OR, 3.79 [95% CI 2.91-4.94], p<0.001) were associated with unsafe driving perceptions. There is a clear association between being prone to distractions and unsafe driving perceptions, with distraction-prone drivers being 3.8 times more likely to perceive driving distractions as safe. This information could potentially influence the appropriate delivery and content of future educational efforts to change the perception of driving distractions and thereby reduce distracted driving. Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prevalence of HIV-related stigma among people with HIV in Switzerland: addressing the elephant in the room.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV-related stigma among people with HIV (PWH) in Switzerland. A cross-sectional multicentre study nested within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). We included adult PWH enrolled in the SHCS, attending follow-up between March 1st, 2020, and January 31st, 2021. Inability to speak English, French, German, or Italian was the only exclusion criterion. Participants were invited to complete a validated 12-item HIV-stigma questionnaire comprising four stigma subscales (negative self-image, personalised stigma, disclosure concerns, and concerns regarding public attitudes), plus two healthcare-related stigma items. Questionnaire responses were graded using a four-point Likert-type scale, higher scores indicating higher stigma. "Non-applicable", inferring HIV-status non-disclosure, was possible for personalised stigma; stigma scores from participants answering "non-applicable" to ≥1 items were analysed separately. Factors associated with HIV-stigma were identified through multivariable linear models. Of 9643 PWH with a SHCS visit, 5563 participated in the study: 26% were female, 13% Black and 37% heterosexual; median age was 53 years (interquartile range 44-59); 2067 participants (37%) gave ≥1 "non-applicable" responses. Disclosure concerns had the highest stigma scores and were reported by 4656/5563 (84%). HIV-stigma was reported across all demographic groups. However, being female, Black, and heterosexual were independently associated with higher scores. Higher education and longer follow-up duration were associated with lower scores. Healthcare-related stigma was reported in 37% of participants. HIV-stigma was prevalent across all demographic groups. The association with being female and Black suggests that HIV-stigma accentuates pre-existing gender and race inequalities.

Cystinosis-associated metabolic bone disease across ages and CKD stages 1-5D/T.

The pathophysiology of cystinosis-associated metabolic bone disease is complex. We hypothesized a disturbed interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Binational cross-sectional multicenter study. Hospital clinics. One hundred and three patients with cystinosis (61% children) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1-5D/T. Ten key bone markers. Skeletal complications occurred in two-thirds of the patients, with adults having a five-fold increased risk compared to children. Patients with CKD stages 1-3 showed reduced z-scores for serum phosphate and calcium, suppressed fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone levels in conjunction with elevated bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels. Serum phosphate was associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate, combined phosphate and active vitamin D treatment, and native vitamin D supplementation, while serum calcium was associated with age and dosage of active vitamin D. Sclerostin was generally elevated in children, and associated with age, FGF23 levels, and treatment with active vitamin D and growth hormone. The osteoclast marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b was increased, and associated with age and treatment with active vitamin D. The ratio of soluble ligand of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (sRANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), a surrogate for the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by osteoblasts, was decreased and associated with phosphate and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels. These changes were only partly corrected after transplantation. Bone health in cystinosis deteriorates with age, which is associated with increased osteoclast activity despite counterregulation of osteoblasts via OPG/RANKL, which in conjunction with elevated sclerostin levels and persistent rickets/osteomalacia may promote progressive bone loss.

Assessment of self-medication practices and safety profile of medicines utilisation among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

Despite the potential foetal and maternal risks of self-medication, studies on self-medication practice and the safety profile of medicines used during pregnancy are scarce in our setting. This study determined the self-medication practice and safety profile of medicines used among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in face-to-face interviews among 345 pregnant women at three hospitals in Sierra Leone. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication. A total of 345 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of self-medication prevalence among pregnant women with conventional and/or herbal medicine was 132 (38.3%). Also, 93 (75%) of the conventional medicines (CMs) were categorised as probably safe, of which paracetamol 36 (29.0%) was commonly used, followed by amoxicillin 23 (18.5%) and antimalarials 22 (17.7%) for common illnesses such as headache 30 (25.4%), urinary tract infection 23 (19.4%) and malaria 22 (18.6%). The most common reason for self-medication was previous experience with the disease 24 (27.3%). Luffa acutangula 19 (30.2%) was the most used herbal medicine (HM), and Oedema 30 (47.6%) was the most reported ailment. Among the HM users, 34 (54.0%) believe they are more effective than CMs. Secondary school education (AOR = 2.128, 95%CI = 1.191-3.804, p = 0.011), tertiary education (AOR = 2.915, 95%CI = 1.104-7.693, p = 0.031), monthly income of greater than NLe 1,000 (AOR = 4.084, 95% CI = 1.269-13.144, p = 0.018), and perceived maternal illness (AOR = 0.367, CI = 0.213-0.632, p = <0.001) were predictors of self-medication. Self-medication practice was highly prevalent and was associated with educational status, monthly income, and perceived maternal illness during pregnancy. Therefore, intervention programmes should be designed and implemented to minimise the practice and risk associated with self-medication among pregnant women.

Eleven neurology-related proteins measured in serum are positively correlated to the severity of diabetic neuropathy

About 20% of patients with diabetes suffer from chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics. We investigated the multivariate associations between 92 neurology-related proteins measured in serum from 190 patients with painful and painless diabetic neuropathy. Participants were recruited from the Pain in Neuropathy Study, an observational cross-sectional multicentre study in which participants underwent deep phenotyping. In the exploration cohort, two groups were defined by hierarchical cluster analyses of protein data. The proportion of painless vs painful neuropathy did not differ between the two groups, but one group had a significantly higher grade of neuropathy as measured by the Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). This finding was replicated in the replication cohort. Analyzing both groups together, we found that a group of 11 inter-correlated proteins (TNFRSF12A, SCARB2, N2DL-2, SKR3, EFNA4, LAYN, CLM-1, CD38, UNC5C, GFR-alpha-1, and JAM-B) were positively associated with TCSS values. Notably, EFNA4 and UNC5C are known to be part of axon guidance pathways. To conclude, although cluster analysis of 92 neurology-related proteins did not distinguish painful from painless diabetic neuropathy, we identified 11 proteins which positively correlated to neuropathy severity and warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers.

Burnout and personality factors among surgical area nurses: a cross sectional multicentre study.

To determine levels of burnout among surgical area nurses in Andalusia (Spain), to identify the phase of burnout in each participant and to consider its relationship with sociodemographic, occupational variables and personality factors considered. Data were collected by means of questionary. All nurses working in the surgical area on the date of data collection participated in the study. Sociodemographic and related to work variables were addressed in the questionnaire. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Educational-Clinical Questionnaire: Anxiety and Depression (CECAD). Psychological personality variables were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), adapted for a Spanish population. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Multicentre, cross-sectional, quantitative study carried out from August to October 2021. Descriptive analysis, Student's t-test for independent samples, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were performed with SPSS 25.0. The study sample consisted of 214 surgical area nurses at 23 hospitals in Andalusia (Spain). Sociodemographic, occupational and personality variables were studied using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Educational-Clinical Questionnaire: Anxiety and Depression. The STROBE statement guidelines were applied. 29.4% of the nurses in the sample presented high levels of emotional exhaustion, 25.7% suffered from depersonalization and 28% had low levels of personal accomplishment. These three dimensions were significantly correlated with the NEO-FFI subscales (neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness and extraversion), and with all the anxiety and depression items considered. Agreeableness was a statistically significant predictor (p < 0.001) for all three dimensions of burnout. Nurses in the surgical area present high levels of Burnout. There is evidence that relates Burnout to personality factors and socio-demographic variables.

Competency in responding to infectious disease outbreaks among nurses in primary healthcare institutions: a quantitative, cross-sectional multicentre study.

Nurses' competencies are crucial for infectious disease prevention and control. We aimed to investigate competencies in responding to infectious disease outbreaks of nurses in primary healthcare institutions and identify their training needs. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022, recruiting nurses from primary healthcare institutions across Sichuan Province. Their competencies and training needs were assessed using a modified Emergency Response Competency Scale for Infectious Diseases. Additionally, their sociodemographic characteristics and experience in infectious disease outbreak trainings were collected. Univariate analyses were used to compare competencies and training needs by participant characteristics. Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify determinants of their competencies. A total of 1,439 nurses from 44 primary healthcare institutions participated in this study. The overall competency and training needs had a median of 3.6 (IQR [3.1, 4.0]) and 4.0 (IQR [3.9, 4.7]), respectively. Age (β = -0.074, p = 0.005), experience in higher authority hospitals (β = 0.057, p = 0.035), infectious disease outbreak trainings attended within the last 5 years (β = 0.212, p < 0.001), and regions where the institutions located were determinants of the competencies. The competencies in responding to infectious disease outbreaks among nurses in primary healthcare institutions were at a moderate level, influenced by varied factors.

Ultrasonographic threshold of ovarian structure in premenopausal women of different ethnicity

The polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is a generally accepted ultrasound marker for ovulatory dysfunction, is one of the criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is established based on the assessment of ovarian volume (OV) and the follicle number per ovary (FNPO), taking into account the upper normal values determined in healthy premenopausal women. However, there is a necessity for regular revision of the PCOM characteristics depending on ethnic and age characteristics.The aim. To develop differentiated standards for assessing the ultrasonographic ovary structure in premenopausal women of various ethnicity.Materials and methods. From March 2016 to December 2019, a multicenter cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in Eastern Siberia (Irkutsk region) and in the neighboring Republic of Buryatia. The study included 1134 participants: 715 women of Caucasian origin, 312 Asian women, 107 women of mixed ethnic subpopulation.Results. It has been established that for Caucasians, it is advisable to diagnose PCOM when the ovarian volume is 9 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 12; for women of the Asian population – when the ovarian volume is 7 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 11; for women of mixed ethnicity – when the ovarian volume is 8 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 9. An important advantage of our study is that all participants were recruited from a non-selective multi-ethnic population of women with comparable socio-demographic characteristics living in the same geographical conditions.Conclusion. Differentiated approach for identifying the polycystic ovarian morphology in premenopausal women of different ethnic groups requires using ethnically differentiated normative readings

Factors associated with patient activation among patients with diabetes on hemodialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study from a developing country

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern with considerable morbidity and mortality. DM affects patients’ quality of life and can lead to multiple complications, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the need for dialysis. Higher patient activation can improve health outcomes in hemodialysis patients with DM. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with higher patient activation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among hemodialysis patients with DM.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted on hemodialysis patients with DM in Palestine. The quota sampling method was utilized to draw samples from six dialysis centers. The questionnaire consists of three sections. The first section includes demographic, socioeconomic and clinical questions. The second section utilizes the patient activation measure-13 (PAM-13) to measure patient activation, while the third section assesses HRQoL using the EQ-5D-5 L tool and the visual analog scale (VAS). Mann‒Whitney and Kruskal‒Wallis tests were employed to examine the relationships between variables at the bivariate level, and multiple regression analysis was employed at the multivariate level.ResultsOf the 200 patients who were approached, 158 were included. The median PAM, EQ-5D index, and VAS score were low at 51.0, 0.58, and 60.0, respectively. A higher PAM score was independently associated with a higher household income level and taking medications independently. A higher EQ-5D index was associated with taking more than eight medications, taking medications independently, living with fewer than three comorbid conditions, and having a higher PAM. A higher VAS score was associated with being married, and receiving less than 3.5 hours of hemodialysis.ConclusionsA higher patient activation level was associated with a higher income level and independence in taking medications. Interventions designed to improve patient activation, such as medication management programs, should address these factors among the target population. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the time effect and direction of causation between health status and patient activation.

Associations between constipation risk and lifestyle, medication use, and affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

To investigate the association between lifestyle and atypical antipsychotic drug use in patients with schizophrenia and the risk of constipation and to assess the impact of anxiety and depressive symptoms on constipation risk. Cross-sectional convenience sampling was employed, and 271 participants aged 20-65 were enrolled. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising participants' demographic data, medication information, dietary behavior assessment, and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. IBM SPSS 24.0 with multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. We performed a subgroup analysis of anticholinergic drugs via multivariate logistic regression. In total, 180 participants had functional constipation; risk factors included female sex, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quetiapine and aripiprazole use. Patients who drank more than 3,000cc of water daily or used risperidone were less likely to have functional constipation. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors even after adjusting for sex, use of anticholinergics and laxatives, consuming two servings of fruit, consuming three servings of vegetables, consuming more than 3,000cc of water daily, physical activity, medical comorbidity, chlorpromazine equivalent dose, and atypical antipsychotic use. Similar associations were found for two affective symptoms and functional constipation in the subgroup analysis of anticholinergic drugs. The prevalence of functional constipation in patients with schizophrenia was 66.4%. The risk factors included female sex, anticholinergics, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Risperidone users and those who drank 3000cc of water daily were less likely to have constipation.

Activity, triage levels and impact of the pandemic on hospital emergency departments: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

Describe the activity of hospital emergency departments (EDs) and the sociodemographic profile of patients in the eight public hospitals in Spain, according to the different triage levels, and to analyse the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on patient flow. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out. Three high-tech public hospitals and five low-tech hospitals consecutively included 2,332,654 adult patients seen in hospital EDs from January 2018 to December 2021. Hospitals belonging to the Catalan Institute of Health. The main variable was triage level, classified according to a standard for the Spanish structured triage system known as Sistema Español de Triaje. For each of the five triage levels, a negative binomial regression model adjusted for year and hospital was performed. The analysis was performed with the R 4.2.2 software. The mean age was 55.4 years. 51.4% were women. The distribution of patients according to the five triage levels was: level 1, 0.41% (n = 9565); level 2, 6.10% (n = 142,187); level 3, 40.2% (n = 938,203); level 4, 42.6% (n = 994,281); level 5, 10.6% (n = 248,418). The sociodemographic profile was similar in terms of gender and age: as the level of severity decreased, the number of women, mostly young, increased. In the period 2020-2021, the emergency rate increased for levels 1, 2 and 3, but levels 4 and 5 remained stable. More than half of the patients attended in high-technology hospital EDs were of low severity. The profile of these patients was that of a young, middle-aged population, mostly female. The SARS-CoV2 pandemic did not change this pattern, but an increase in the level of severity was observed. What problem did the study address? There is overcrowding in hospital EDs. What were the main findings? This study found that more than half of the patients attended in high-technology hospital EDs in Spain have low or very low levels of severity. Young, middle-aged women were more likely to visit EDs with low levels of severity. The SARS-CoV2 pandemic did not change this pattern, but an increase in severity was observed. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research will have an impact on the functioning of hospital EDs and their staff. Not applicable.

T1 colorectal cancer patients' perspective on information provision and therapeutic decision-making after local resection.

Decision-making after local resection of T1 colorectal cancer (T1CRC) is often complex and calls for optimal information provision as well as active patient involvement. The aim was to evaluate the perceptions of patients with T1CRC on information provision and therapeutic decision-making. This multicenter cross-sectional study included patients who underwent endoscopic or local surgical resection as initial treatment. Information provision was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 questionnaire. In patients with high-risk T1CRC, we evaluated decisional involvement and satisfaction regarding the choice as to whether to undergo additional treatment after local resection, and the level of decisional conflict using the Decisional Conflict Scale. Ninety-eight patients with T1CRC were included (72% response rate; 79/98 endoscopic and 19/98 local surgical resection; 45/98 high-risk T1CRC). Median time since local resection was 28months (IQR 18); none had developed recurrence. Unmet information needs were reported by 29 patients (30%; 18 low-risk, 11 high-risk), mostly on post-treatment related topics (follow-up visits, recovery time, recurrence prevention). After local resection, 24 of the 45 high-risk patients (53%) underwent additional treatment, while others were subjected to surveillance. Higher-educated patients were more often actively involved in decision-making (93% vs. 43%, p=0.002) and more frequently underwent additional treatment (79% vs. 40%, p=0.02). Decisional conflict (p=0.19) and satisfaction (p=0.78) were comparable between higher- and lower-educated high-risk patients. Greater attention should be given to the post-treatment course during consultations following local T1CRC resection. The differences in decisional involvement and selected management strategies between higher- and lower-educated high-risk patients warrant further investigation.

Cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of South Wollo zone, Northeast Ethiopia: a multi-center cross-sectional study

BackgroundEnhancing cultural competence stands as a cornerstone in the realm of clinical nursing. Consequently, nurses engaging with culturally diverse communities encounter significant challenges. In Ethiopia, nurses providing care often prioritize physical well-being, the therapeutic journey, and medical interventions, while overlooking the critical cultural dimensions of patient care. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of cultural competence and its determining factors among nurses employed in public hospitals located in the South Wollo Zone of northeastern Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter, institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 629 nurses employed in public hospitals across northeastern Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were gathered using a structured, self-administered English version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale Questionnaire (NCCSQ), and subsequently entered into Epi-data 4.6 for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing multiple linear regression analysis to identify determining factors.ResultThe participants’ overall mean score for cultural competence was 3.198 [95% CI: 3.161, 3.234]. Specifically, factors such as being a female nurse (β = 0.089, CI: 0.019–0.159), having a diploma level of education (β = -0.084, CI: -0.101 to -0.007), having 11–20 years of work experience (β = 0.412, CI: 0.090–0.815), a 1:15 nurse-to-patient ratio (β = 0.081, CI: 0.010–0.162), experience with caring for culturally and ethnically diverse patients (β = 0.362, CI: 0.248–0.476), comprehensive hospital level (β = 0.699, CI: 0.496–0.903), and attending cultural training (β = 0.002, CI: 0.234–0.931) were predictors of the mean score for cultural competence.ConclusionIn this study, the level of cultural competence was found to be at a moderate level and need more effort. Factors such as gender, years of work experience, nurse-to-patient ratio, experience in caring for culturally and ethnically diverse patients, hospital level, educational attainment, attendance of cultural training, and the presence of a feedback system for cultural competence were identified as predictors of cultural competence level. Sharing experiences from higher-level hospitals to lower-level ones and strengthening cultural competence training sessions for nurses can significantly enhance cultural competence within clinical settings.

Effect of vaccine hesitancy on female college students’ willingness to receive the HPV vaccine in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo analyse the influencing factors of vaccine hesitancy on HPV vaccination willingness of female college students in order to promote the promotion of HPV vaccine in female college student population.MethodsFrom September-October 2022, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among freshman female students from four higher vocational colleges in Henan Province, China. The survey comprised a general information questionnaire, as well as inquiries regarding vaccine hesitancy and willingness to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. In PSM analyses, vaccine-hesitant students were matched with non-vaccine-hesitant students at a 1:1 ratio; subsequently, both univariate and multivariatble logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the impact of vaccine hesitancy on female university students’ willingness to receive the HPV vaccine.ResultsThe results revealed a vaccine hesitancy rate of 44.75% among female university students, with 82.9% expressing willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. The results of the multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated vaccine hesitancy is a risk factor for HPV vaccination intentions among female university students [OR = 4.38, 95% CI (2.74, 6.99), P < 0.001]. Furthermore, the field of study (P = 0.01) and independently seeking information about the HPV vaccine (P = 0.04) were identified as factors influencing female university students’ willingness to receive the HPV vaccine.ConclusionsNon-vaccine-hesitant students were more likely to be willing to receive the HPV vaccine than vaccine-hesitant students. Healthcare providers and educators should focus on vaccine attitudes among female college students to reduce vaccine hesitancy and enhance community education on cervical cancer, HPV infection and prevention through multichannel campaigns.

Identification of GTF2I Polymorphisms as Potential Biomarkers for Chronic Kidney Disease in the Han Chinese Population: Multicentric Collaborative Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, but its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Genetic factors play a critical role, and phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) shed light on CKD's genetic architecture, shared variants, and biological pathways. Using data from the multicenter collaborative precision medicine cohort, we conducted a retrospective prospectively maintained cross-sectional study. Participants with comprehensive information and genotyping data were selected, and GWAS and PheWAS analyses were performed using the curated Taiwan Biobank version 2 array to identify CKD-associated genetic variants and explore their phenotypic associations. Among 58,091 volunteers, 8,420 participants were enrolled. Individuals with CKD exhibited higher prevalence of metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and nephritic disorders. Genetic analysis unveiled two closely linked SNPs, rs117026326 and rs73366469, both associated with GTF2I and CKD (r2=0.64). Further examination revealed significant associations between these SNPs and various kidney-related diseases. The CKD group showed a higher proportion of individuals with specific genotypes (CT/TT for rs117026326 and CT/CC for rs73366469), suggesting potential associations with CKD susceptibility(p<0.001). Furthermore, individuals with these genotypes developed CKD at an earlier age. Multiple logistic regression confirmed the independent association of these genetic variants with CKD. Subgroup analysis based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) demonstrated an increased risk of CKD among carriers of the rs117026326 CT/TT genotypes (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.24, p<0.001; OR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.04-1.66, p=0.02, respectively) and carriers of the rs73366469 CT/CC genotypes (OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.05-1.21, p<0.001; OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.58, p=0.0049, respectively). Additionally, men had a higher CKD risk than women at lower eGFR levels (OR=1.35, 95%: 1.13-1.61, p<0.001). Our study reveals important links between genetic variants GTF2I and susceptibility to CKD, advancing our understanding of CKD development in the Taiwanese population and suggesting potential for personalized prevention and management strategies. More research is needed to validate and explore these variants in diverse populations.

Relationship between critical thinking ability and medication safety competence among clinical nurses: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the relationship between clinical nurses' critical thinking ability and medication safety competence, as well as the factors related to medication safety competence. Nurses can have an active role in promoting medication safety. However, the main factors associating with nurses' competence in medication safety are uncertain. This was a descriptive, multicenter cross-sectional survey study. A total of 1196 nurses from four different tertiary hospital in China were included in this study. A demographic information questionnaire, the Critical Thinking Diagnostic for nurses, and the Medication Safety Competence Scale for nurses were used to survey. Descriptive statistics, comparisons, correlation and regression analysis of the collected data were performed using SPSS 26.00 software. The study was reported using STROBE checklist. Included nurses obtained satisfactory scores on the critical thinking and medication safety scales and subscales. There was a strong statistically significant positive correlation between critical thinking ability and medication safety competence. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that personal critical thinking scores and working years were positively associated with nurses' medication safety scores, accounting for 62.50% of the variance. Clinical nurses' critical thinking ability is positively associated with medication safety competence. As critical thinking ability positively predicts nurses' medication safety competence, hospitals and nursing administrators should consider continuing nursing education and training to improve critical thinking skills, thereby promoting medication safety competence among clinical nurses.

Nursing students' work readiness and its influencing factors before participating in a nurse residency program: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Studies have shown that work readiness is closely related to nurses' role adaptation, career development, and patient safety. However, we know little about the nursing students' work readiness and its influencing factors before participating in a nurse residency program, and whether factors have changed from before. (1) To investigate the work readiness of nursing students ready to engage in a nurse residency program; (2) to identify the factors affecting the nursing students' work readiness and the associations between emotional intelligence and work readiness; and (3) to discuss the changes of factors affecting nursing students' work readiness. An online, multicenter cross-sectional study. 878 nursing students from eight tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China were recruited. The online investigation used the General Information Questionnaire, the Nursing Students' Work Readiness Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence scale. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23.0. 768 valid questionnaires were included in this study. The nurses obtained a work readiness score of 277.08 ± 44.39 and an emotional intelligence score of 89.57 ± 13.89. Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors affected work readiness: age, sex, family support for becoming a nurse, voluntary choice of nursing major, previous experience as a student cadre, scholarship recipient status, willingness to engage in nursing work during the COVID-19 pandemic and confidence in clinical nursing practice. Frequent incidents of violence, poor salary for nurses for the nurse residency program, and low social acceptance were the top three reasons for decreased confidence in clinical nursing among nursing students. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, voluntary choice of nursing major, student leadership experience, confidence in clinical nursing work, self-emotion, and emotional application significantly influenced nurses' work readiness. Clinical instructors and administrators should dynamically assess nurses' work readiness, prioritize individuals aged ≤23, who have chosen the nursing profession involuntarily, lack prior experience as student cadres, and exhibit low confidence in clinical nursing work. This focus will enhance their emotional self-management skills and ability to apply emotions effectively, improving their work readiness and training efficacy.