Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study Research Articles

Psychometric properties and criterion related validity of the Norwegian version of hospital survey on patient safety culture 2.0

BackgroundSeveral studies have been conducted with the 1.0 version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) in Norway and globally. The 2.0 version has not been translated and tested in Norwegian hospital settings. This study aims to 1) assess the psychometrics of the Norwegian version (N-HSOPSC 2.0), and 2) assess the criterion validity of the N-HSOPSC 2.0, adding two more outcomes, namely ‘pleasure of work’ and ‘turnover intention’.MethodsThe HSOPSC 2.0 was translated using a sequential translation process. A convenience sample was used, inviting hospital staff from two hospitals (N = 1002) to participate in a cross-sectional questionnaire study. Data were analyzed using Mplus. The construct validity was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent validity was tested using Average Variance Explained (AVE), and internal consistency was tested with composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach’s alpha. Criterion related validity was tested with multiple linear regression.ResultsThe overall statistical results using the N-HSOPSC 2.0 indicate that the model fit based on CFA was acceptable. Five of the N-HSOPSC 2.0 dimensions had AVE scores below the 0.5 criterium. The CR criterium was meet on all dimensions except Teamwork (0.61). However, Teamwork was one of the most important and significant predictors of the outcomes. Regression models explained most variance related to patient safety rating (adjusted R2 = 0.38), followed by ‘turnover intention’ (adjusted R2 = 0.22), ‘pleasure at work’ (adjusted R2 = 0.14), and lastly, ‘number of reported events’ (adjusted R2=0.06).ConclusionThe N-HSOPSC 2.0 had acceptable construct validity and internal consistency when translated to Norwegian and tested among Norwegian staff in two hospitals. Hence, the instrument is appropriate for use in Norwegian hospital settings. The ten dimensions predicted most variance related to ‘overall patient safety’, and less related to ‘number of reported events’. In addition, the safety culture dimensions predicted ‘pleasure at work’ and ‘turnover intention’, which is not part of the original instrument.

Intention to Use Mobile-Based Partograph and Its Predictors Among Obstetric Health Care Providers Working at Public Referral Hospitals in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia in 2022: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

A partograph is a pictorial representation of the relationship between cervical dilatation and the time used to diagnose prolonged and obstructed labor. However, the utilization of paper-based partograph is low and it is prone to documentation errors, which can be avoided with the use of electronic partographs. There is only limited information on the proportion of intention to use mobile-based partographs and its predictors. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of obstetric health care providers at public referral hospitals in Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2022 who had the intention to use mobile-based partographs and to determine the predictors of their intention to use mobile-based partographs. We performed an institution-based cross-sectional study from June 1 to July 1, 2022. Census was conducted on 649 participants. A self-administered structured English questionnaire was used, and a 5% pretest was performed. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for descriptive analysis and AMOS (analysis of moment structure; version 23) for structural and measurement model assessment. Descriptive and structural equation modeling analyses were performed. The hypotheses developed based on a modified Technology Acceptance Model were tested using path coefficients and P values <.05. About 65.7% (414/630; 95% CI 61.9%-69.4%) of the participants intended to use mobile-based electronic partographs, with a 97% (630/649) response rate. Perceived usefulness had a positive influence on intention to use (β=.184; P=.02) and attitude (β=.521; P=.002). Perceived ease of use had a positive influence on attitude (β=.382; P=.003), perceived usefulness (β=.503; P=.002), and intention to use (β=.369; P=.001). Job relevance had a positive influence on perceived usefulness (β=.408; P=.001) and intention to use (β=.185; P=.008). Attitude positively influenced intention to use (β=.309; P=.002). Subjective norms did not have a significant influence on perceived usefulness (β=.020; P=.61) and intention to use (β=-.066; P=.07). Two-thirds of the obstetric health care providers in our study intended to use mobile-based partographs. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, job relevance, and attitude positively and significantly influenced their intention to use mobile-based electronic partographs. The development of a user-friendly mobile-based partograph that meets job and user expectations can enhance the intention to use.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENJOYMENT, SENSORY PROPERTIES AND PERCEIVED COOKING ABILITIES IN LEGUME AND PULSE CONSUMPTION: A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY.

Legume and pulse consumption are currently recommended for health and sustainability purposes, but barriers to consumption can include low enjoyment and poor sensory properties. This work aimed to investigate the relative importance of a number of barriers and facilitators towards legume, including pulse, consumption with a specific focus on enjoyment, sensory properties and a possible role for perceived cooking abilities in these relationships. A cross-sectional questionnaire study assessed legume and pulse consumption, agreement and disagreement with statements relating to: enjoyment, sensory properties, cooking abilities, practical aspects, healthiness, upbringing, social influences and quality issues; and four demographic characteristics. Complete responses were gained from 633 respondents with a mix of genders, ages, usual cooking responsibilities and usual eating habits. UK, March 2021 - September 2022. General UK aVdult population. Using multiple regression analyses, enjoyment and cooking abilities were found to be important for both legume and pulse consumption (smallest Beta = 0.165, p<0.01), and the sensory properties of these foods were also important for the consumption of pulses (Beta = 0.099, p=0.04). Perceived cooking abilities also reduced the importance of enjoyment and sensory properties for consumption, mitigated effects due to upbringing and practical aspects, and increased the value of perceived health benefits (smallest Beta = 0.094, p=0.04). These findings demonstrate a clear role for enjoyment, sensory properties and perceived cooking abilities in legume and pulse consumption, and suggest benefits for increasing cooking abilities for improved legume and pulse consumption, as result of both direct and indirect effects.

The mental workload of ICU nurses performing human-machine tasks and associated factors: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

To assess the level of mental workload (MWL) of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in performing different human-machine tasks and examine the predictors of the MWL. A cross-sectional questionnaire study. Between January and February 2021, data were collected from ICU nurses (n = 427) at nine tertiary hospitals selected from five (east, west, south, north, central) regions in China through an electronic questionnaire, including sociodemographic questions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Difficulty-assessing Index System of Nursing Operation Technique, and System Usability Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used. ICU nurses experienced a medium level of MWL (score 52.04 on a scale of 0-100) while performing human-machine tasks. ICU nurses' MWL was notably higher in conducting first aid and life support tasks (using defibrillators or ventilators). Predictors of MWL were task difficulty, system usability, professional title, age, self-efficacy, ICU category, and willingness to study emerging technology actively. Task difficulty and system usability were the strongest predictors of nearly all typical tasks. ICU nurses experience a medium MWL while performing human-machine tasks, but higher mental, temporal, and effort are perceived compared to physical demands. The MWL varied significantly across different human-machine tasks, among which are significantly higher: first aid and life support and information-based human-machine tasks. Task difficulty and system availability are decisive predictors of MWL. This is the first study to investigate the level of MWL of ICU nurses performing different representative human-machine tasks and to explore its predictors, which provides a reference for future research. These findings suggest that healthcare organizations should pay attention to the MWL of ICU nurses and develop customized management strategies based on task characteristics to maintain a moderate level of MWL, thus enabling ICU nurses to perform human-machine tasks better. No patient or public contribution.

Impact of Educational Intervention on Pharmaceutical Waste Management in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital-Healthcare Staff Centered Study

Expired and unused medicines are potentially toxic substances that should be managed effectively to avoid accumulation of potentially toxic pharmaceuticals in the hospital and environment. This study aimed to identify and assess the disposal practices of pharmaceutical waste at tertiary care teaching hospital. A cross-sectional prospective questionnaire study was conducted for a period of six months at tertiary care teaching hospital with a sample size of 120. Healthcare professionals above the age of 18 years were included in the study. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools and Chi-square test. A pre and post educational intervention study was conducted among 120 participants. The study found that 90.83% (109) participants were under the age group of 18-25 years. Among them 77.5% (93) were female and 22.5% (27) were male. Before intervention only 80.8% (97) participants were aware of different types of bags used to dispose pharmaceutical waste, whereas after educational intervention 97.5% (117) are aware of bags used to dispose pharmaceutical waste (x2=0.000&lt;0.001). Before intervention 55.83% (67) of participants were known of drug takeback system, after intervention 99.16% (119) known of drug takeback system (x2=0.000&lt;0.001). Majority of the study participants agreed that safe pharmaceutical disposal practice is an important concern in both pre and post study. Hence awareness and concern regarding the problem is high. It was observed that the knowledge of healthcare staff about pharmaceutical waste management was good. We found that educational programs can improve staff awareness level on pharmaceutical waste management.

Western European Variation in the Organization of Esophageal Cancer Surgical Care.

Reasons for structural and outcome differences in esophageal cancer surgery in Western Europe remain unclear. This questionnaire study aimed to identify differences in the organization of esophageal cancer surgical care in Western Europe. A cross-sectional international questionnaire study was conducted among upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgeons from Western Europe. One surgeon per country was selected based on scientific output and active membership in the European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus or (inter)national upper GI committee. The questionnaire consisted of 51 structured questions on the structural organization of esophageal cancer surgery, surgical training, and clinical audit processes. Between October 2021 and October 2022, 16 surgeons from 16 European countries participated in this study. In 5 countries (31%), a volume threshold was present ranging from 10 to 26 annual esophagectomies, in 7 (44%) care was centralized in designated centers, and in 4 (25%) no centralizing regulations were present. The number of centers performing esophageal cancer surgery per country differed from 4 to 400, representing 0.5-4.9 centers per million inhabitants. In 4 countries (25%), esophageal cancer surgery was part of general surgical training and 8 (50%) reported the availability of upper GI surgery fellowships. A national audit for upper GI surgery was present in 8 (50%) countries. If available, all countries use the audit to monitor the quality of care. Substantial differences exist in the organization and centralization of esophageal cancer surgical care in Western Europe. The exchange of experience in the organizational aspects of care could further improve the results of esophageal cancer surgical care in Europe.

Development and validation of a patient reported experience measure for experimental cancer medicines (PREM-ECM) and their carers (PREM-ECM-Carer)

BackgroundOur aim was to develop a validated Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) to capture patient and carer experience during participation in experimental cancer medicine trials (ECM): called PREM-ECM.MethodsMixed method design, consisting of four stages. Questionnaire items were produced for both patients and carers using interviews, focus groups, and cognitive interviews with patients and carers separately. For both patient and carer PREMs, a cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted to identify final items for inclusion using hierarchical item reduction and Rasch analysis. Questionnaire validity and reliability were assessed, including administration feasibility.ResultsInitial interview participants suggested the need for three PREMs, two specific to patients: (i) a ‘prior’ questionnaire that captured experiences of trial introduction, screening, consenting, and early trial experience (< 6 weeks post consent); and (ii) ‘on-trial’ that captured experiences of ongoing consent and trial participation; and (iii) a PREM specific for carers. The draft 25-item ‘prior’ questionnaire was completed by 162 patients and 162 patients completed the draft 35-item ‘on-trial’ questionnaire. Hierarchical and Rasch analysis produced a 14-item ‘prior’ list and a 15-item list for ‘on-trial’. Both patient PREM’s demonstrated a good fit to the Rasch model following Bonferroni correction (X2p = 0.008). The carer 34-draft item questionnaire was completed by 102 participants. Hierarchical and Rasch analysis produced a 13-item list for PREM-ECM-Carer, with good fit to the Rasch model ( X2p = 0.62). The pilot testing demonstrated the feasibility of all the PREMs in capturing patient and caregiver experiences in routine clinical settings.ConclusionsThe three PREM-ECM questionnaires will be the first validated experience measures for ECM trial patients and their carers. These questionnaires may be used to assess patients’ and their carers’ experiences of ECM and enable robust comparisons across cancer trial units highlighting areas for service improvement.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Teledentistry in Periodontal Diagnosis Among Dental Interns at a College in Sebha, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

Background Teledentistry, a subspecialty of telemedicine dedicated to dentistry, has shown promise in improving access to dental care, particularly in rural and isolated areas.It integrates digital and telecommunication technology with dentistry, allowing for the remote distance exchange of relevant clinical information and digital dental imaging for dental consultation and treatment planning. Periodontal disease diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of irreversible loss of periodontal structures. Early identification of periodontal disease can be pivotal in preventing periodontal tissue destruction and tooth loss and improving the overall quality of patients' lives. Sebha is a city located in the Fezzan region of southwestern Libya. It is the capital of the Sabha District and the Sabha Governorate. The city is situated in the Libyan part of the Sahara desert and is known for its strategic location as a gateway to the Sahara desert. However, there is a lack of information on the use of teledentistry in Libya in general and the use of teleperiodontics, especially in periodontal diagnosis. Hence, the aim of this questionnaire study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practice of teledentistry among dental interns at Sebha, Libya. Materials and methods A paper-based questionnaire consisting of 28 close‑ended Likert scale questions, including sections assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of teledentistry and teleperiodontics, was administered to dental interns at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya. Results The study surveyed 42 dental interns of the Faculty of Sebha, Libya, in total, with an 82.35% response rate among them. The majority of participants (59.5%) felt that teledentistry is reliable in arriving at periodontal diagnosis. The majority of participants (64.3%%) also had acceptable levels of trust in teledentistry equipment. However, over 45% percent of dental practitioners voiced their worries about patient privacy. Most of the participants suggested using teledentistry in some form in their future practice. Conclusion Teledentistry and its branch teleperiodontics are recent developments and its penetration among dental healthcare workers, and their knowledge, attitude, and practice remain to be thoroughly understood. The changing trends in attitudes and practice as a consequence of changes in Internet and technological awareness and the effects of the pandemic warrant closer observation and study.

Gender diversity among adolescents with obesity in a weight management programme.

Gender dysphoria (GD) and obesity share commonalities, including associations with mental health comorbidities, disordered eating, body dissatisfaction and may intensify with physical and developmental changes during adolescence. While associations of obesity and gender diversity have been identified, rates of gender diversity among adolescents with obesity remain unclear. The aim was to examine gender diversity among adolescents with obesity in a weight management programme. A single-centre cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted. Eligible adolescents received the Gender Identity/GD Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults (GIDYQ-AA), a validated instrument measuring gender diversity and GD. Gender identities, sexual orientations, questionnaire scores, and frequency of GD (GIDYQ-AA score <3) were determined. The relationship of GIDYQ-AA scores and BMI Z-score (BMIz) was assessed. Of 72 consenting youth, 29 assigned females (AF) and 17 assigned males (AM) completed GIDYQ-AA and demographic questions. Seventeen (59%) AF reported non-heterosexual orientations, and 6 (21%) reported non-cisgender identities. One (6%) AM reported non-cisgender identity. Two (4%) AF individuals had GD based on GIDYQ-AA scores. GIDYQ-AA scores did not correlate with BMIz. In conclusion, adolescents with obesity, particularly AF with non-heterosexual orientation, reported high rates of non-cisgender identity and GD. Routine screening for gender-related concerns in weight management settings may be warranted.

Time Efficiency, Reliability, and User Satisfaction of the Tooth Memo App for Recording Oral Health Information: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

Digitalizing oral health data through an app can help manage the extensive data obtained through oral health surveys. The Tooth Memo app collects data from oral health surveys and personal health information. This study aims to evaluate the evaluate the time efficiency, reliability, and user satisfaction of the Tooth Memo app. There are 2 sections in the Tooth Memo app: oral health survey and personal oral health record. For the oral health survey section of the Tooth Memo app, different data entry methods were compared and user satisfaction was evaluated. Fifth-year dental students had access to the oral health survey section in the Tooth Memo app during their clinical work. The time required for data entry, analysis, and summary of oral health survey data by 3 methods, that is, pen-and-paper (manual), Tooth Memo app on iOS device, and Tooth Memo app on Android device were compared among 3 data recorders who entered patients' information on decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index and community periodontal index (CPI), which were read aloud from the database of 103 patients by another dental personnel. The interobserver reliability of the 3 different data-entering procedures was evaluated by percent disagreement and kappa statistic values. Laypeople had access to the personal oral health record section of this app, and their satisfaction was evaluated through a Likert scale questionnaire. The satisfaction assessments for both sections of the Tooth Memo app involved the same set of questions on the app design, usage, and overall satisfaction. Of the 103 dental records on DMFT and CPI, 5.2% (177/3399) data points were missing in the manual data entries, but no data on tooth status were missing in the Android and iOS methods. Complete CPI information was provided by all 3 methods. Transferring data from paper to computer took an average of 55 seconds per case. The manual method required 182 minutes more than the iOS or Android methods to clean the missing data and transfer and analyze the tooth status data of 103 patients. The users, that is, 109 fifth-year dental students and 134 laypeople, expressed high satisfaction with using the Tooth Memo app. The overall satisfaction with the oral health survey ranged between 3 and 10, with an average (SD) of 7.86 (1.46). The overall satisfaction with the personal oral health record ranged between 4 and 10, with an average (SD) of 8.09 (1.28). The Tooth Memo app was more efficacious than manual data entry for collecting data of oral health surveys. Dental personnel as well as general users reported high satisfaction when using this app.

To be or not to be supervisors for medical students in general practice clinical placements: a questionnaire study from Norway

Objective Many countries experience challenges in recruiting and retaining general practitioners (GPs) as supervisors for medical students in clinical placements. We aimed to investigate the opportunities, capacities and limitations of Norwegian GPs to become supervisors. Design Web-based cross-sectional questionnaire study. Setting Norwegian general practice. Subjects All GPs in Norway, including locums and those on leave, both active supervisors, and GPs who are not presently supervising medical students. Main outcome measures GPs’ terms of salary, office facilities, limiting factors, capacity and needs for becoming or continuing as supervisors. Results Among 5145 GPs, 1466 responded (29%), of whom 498 (34%) were active supervisors. Lack of a dedicated student office was the most reported limitation for both active supervisors (75%) and other GPs (81%). A high proportion (67%) of active supervisors reported that they could host more students per year, given financial support for equipped offices and higher salaries. With this kind of support, 48% (n = 461) of the GPs who were not supervisors for medical students were positive about a future supervisor role. By adjusted regression analysis, female GPs had lower likelihood of being supervisors, OR (95% CI) 0.75 (0.59–0.95) than male colleagues. GPs in the North, Mid and West regions had higher odds (OR 3.89, 3.10 and 2.42, respectively) than those in the South-East region. Teaching experience also increased the odds (2.31 (1.74–3.05). Conclusions There seems to be capacity among both active and potential supervisors if increased salaries and financial support for office facilities are made available.

Self-protective behaviors of Thai village health volunteers in community engagement during a COVID-19 outbreak: interpretation using the health belief model

BackgroundVillage health volunteers (VHVs) engaging in community-based COVID-19 prevention and control measures played a key role in mitigating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey study to investigate factors affecting VHVs’ COVID-19 self-protective behaviors and social distancing in Songkhla Province during the first COVID-19 outbreak. Such information may help to understand how to support VHVs in future pandemics.MethodsA total of 152 VHVs from 13 sub-districts participated in the study, completing a 54-item questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). The questionnaire included items assessing susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, social distancing, and self-protective behavior. Stepwise multiple regression analysis determined which aspects of the HBM could explain VHVs’ self-protective behavior.ResultsThe VHV population sampled broadly reflected the main demographic characteristics of the local population, although VHVs were predominantly female. Self-protective behavior was significantly associated with VHVs’ role (higher perceived compliance for village leaders than non-leaders) but not with other demographic characteristics. Most VHVs reported high levels of self-efficacy (80.5%), adherence to social distancing measures (70.9%), and engagement in self-protective behavior (72.8%) against COVID-19. However, compliance with hand hygiene appeared to be suboptimal, suggesting room for improvement. Self-efficacy and perceived social distancing showed strong and moderate correlations with self-protective behavior against COVID-19 (r = 0.917, β = 0.819; and r = 0.561, β = 0.173 respectively; p < 0.001). The final HBM-based regression model accounted for 87.2% of the variance in VHVs’ self-protective behavior.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of VHVs’ self-efficacy for achieving self-protective behavior during a COVID-19 outbreak, and suggests that self-efficacy may help to overcome barriers that might otherwise hinder behaviors to mitigate against COVID-19. Policies that support self-efficacy should be implemented in any future pandemic, and steps to support VHVs with hand hygiene compliance and empower non-leaders to increase their self-protective behavior may also be helpful. Whilst the HBM provided a useful framework for interpretation, the final model was driven mainly by self-efficacy.

Online education during the pandemic scenario “a boon or bane” – dental academicians and students perspective – A cross-sectional study

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected educational institutions worldwide. The established face-to-face education has been converted to online education; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate and compare the perception of dental students and academicians on online education and the challenges they face due to online education. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among dental students and academicians of eight dental colleges in the state of Telangana. A self-designed and validated 38-item questionnaire was distributed among dental students and academicians, and the collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics. A Chi-square test was applied to check the association between the perception of dental students and academicians. Results: Among 635 dental students, 79.7% believed that online education was the safest way during the pandemic, and 80.8% believed that online education focused on developing theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills. Among 136 dental academicians, 91.8% believed that online education negatively impacted student participation and productivity. There is a significant difference in the perceptions between dental students and academicians toward online education. Conclusion: Online education is a boon in many fields during the pandemic, but this mode alone will not serve the purpose of dental education.

Relevance of School Mathematics for Students of Economics

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted to assess beginning university-level students’ competence in various areas of school mathematics. Moreover, the students judged the relevance of different items for their study program and professional future. Results were compared to expert ratings. In addition, a sample of high school students was investigated for comparison. Findings indicate that after completing high school, students have hardly adequate judgments about the relevance of school mathematics.

Factors associated with insomnia and fatigue symptoms during the outbreak of Oct.7th war on Gaza: A study from Jordan

ObjectiveThe Jordanian and the Palestinian communities are tightly related, hence, the current war on Gaza also has social and psychological impacts on Jordanians. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors associated with severe insomnia and fatigue symptoms in a cohort of Jordanians during the Gaza War outbreak. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study. The Insomnia Severity Index-Arabic version (ISI-A), and the Brief Fatigue Inventory-Arabic (BFI-A) were employed, binary logistic and linear regression analyses was performed to identify predictors to severe insomnia and fatigue respectively. Data were collected between December 2023 and January 2024. ResultsData were analyzed from 477 participants, of which 315 (66 %) were females, 107 (22.4 %) reported having a family relative or a friend residing in Gaza, 365 (76.5 %) reported not using any sleep aid, 78 (16.4 %) reported using homeopathy herbal remedies for sleep, and only 52 (10.9 %) reported using over-the-counter sedating antihistamines. Severe insomnia was significantly associated with participants “younger than 30 years old” (OR = 1.81, 95 %CI = 1.22–2.66, p = 0.003), participants “using over-the-counter sedating antihistamines” (OR = 2.78, 95 % CI = 1.27–6.06, p = 0.01). Severe fatigue was significantly associated with “females” (B = 5.87, t = 2.78, p = 0.006), and “smokers” (B = 5.09, t = 2.52, p = 0.01). On the other hand, “not using sleep aids” demonstrated significantly lower odds for severe insomnia (OR = 0.41, 95 % CI = 0.24–0.68, p = 0.001), and fatigue (B = -10.84, t = -4.81, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAddressing modifiable risk factors such as smoking and sleep self-medications is essential to improve insomnia and fatigue symptoms.

Impact of confrontation to patient suffering and death on wellbeing and burnout in professionals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPalliative care and oncology generate a risk of burnout and psychological distress in professionals. The purpose of this study is to identify both psychopathological and positive factors related to mental health at work. It aims (i) to explore the extent to which these professionals are confronted with suffering, illness, and death; and to explore the prevalence of psychological distress and/or burnout, (ii) to identify potential determinants of burnout and psychological wellbeing at work, (iii) to develop an integrative model of mental health; and to identify frequency and impact of confrontations with death, and (iv) to identify profiles of professionals are at risk of developing a mental health disorder or, conversely, characterized by wellbeing.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in palliative care and oncology evaluating confrontations with death, coping, burnout, psychological distress, personality, self-esteem, well-being and meaning at work. Regressions, clustering, and structural equation modeling analyses were performed.Results109 professionals participated (58% from oncology and 42% from palliative care), of which 79% were female, and 65% were between 30 and 49 years old. Aim i: 30% witnessed an intolerable suffering at least 9 times a month, 45% reported moderate to high levels of burnout, 39% suffered from anxiety and 11% from depression. Aim ii: the determinants of burnout were the personality traits conscientiousness and neuroticism, low meaning of work, and low wellbeing (R2 = 0.44). The determinants of wellbeing were work meaning, depersonalization, self-esteem, fulfillment and low emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.71). Aim iii: the integrative model included both well-being (self-esteem, conscientiousness) and psychopathology (neuroticism, anxiety) parameters, and strongly satisfied the standard SEM goodness of fit indices (e.g., CFI, IFI, and TLI ≥ 0.95). Aim iv: three profiles were identified: (a) a “distressed profile” with a majority of professionals at the patient’s bedside, (b) a “disengaged profile” with professionals working as second-line consultants, (c) a “wellbeing profile” contains profiles of caregivers insensitive to psychological distress and with a high level of positive Impact of confrontation on different areas of their lives.ConclusionsAn integrative approach is essential to understand the full range of mental health issues for professionals. Meaning of work is a key factor in professional interventions that should primarily affect front-line professionals with limited experience.

Barriers for continuous medical education: cross-sectional questionnaire study among danish general practitioners.

General practitioners' (GPs') participation in continuous medical education (CME) is essential for patientcare, wellbeing of the GPs, and healthcare expenditures. A quarter of the Danish GPs did not use their reimbursement for CME in 2022. Knowledge of barriers for participating in CME is limited. To analyse GPs' barriers for participation in CME and patterns in perceived barriers. The study population comprised all 3257 GPs in Denmark, who in May 2023 were registered as entitled to reimbursement for CME. The response rate was 1303/3257 (40%). Based on a question about use of CME, the respondents were divided into frequent, partial, and seldom users. Partial and seldom users answered questions about barriers related to CME (n=726). The presence of barriers was quantified, and a Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to stratify GPs according to their barrier patterns. Most frequent barriers were: Too busy (68%), fully booked courses (47%), and no substitute (41%). Based on the LCA, we found three distinctive patterns, clustering around: GPs from clinics with no tradition for CME (17%), GPs who used time on professional work outside clinic (teaching, organisational work) (43%), and GPs who were personally or professionally affected (40%). Singled-handed and male GPs were slightly overrepresented among seldom-users. We have identified barriers for CME. We found three different profiles of GPs who perceived different patterns of barriers. Identified patters in barriers should be considered in future CME initiatives.

Assessing the Utilization and Effectiveness of YouTube in Anatomy Education Among Medical Students: A Survey-Based Study.

Introduction Learning methodologies, particularly in medical education, are evolving with the integration of internet-based technologies into daily life. As a platform, YouTube has become a significant tool for studying human anatomy among medical students. This study aims to assess the utilization of YouTube in learning human anatomy, the types of audio-visual materials used, and the platform's perceived effectiveness in understanding and memorizing anatomical information. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 200 medical students at a medical college over one year, of whom 195 completed the questionnaire and were included. The questionnaire addressed general YouTube usage, specific usage for medical studies and human anatomy, types of audio-visual materials used, and the perceived effectiveness of YouTube in understanding and memorizing anatomical information. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) for Pearson's chi-square test to determine statistical differences based on gender and year of study. Results The study cohort comprised 195 medical students (average age: 19.8±1.1 years), 62.6% females and 37.4% males. YouTube emerged as extensively utilized, with 94.5% of males and 96.7% of females reporting general usage and 91.8% of males and 89.3% of females utilizing it for medical studies. For human anatomy learning, 93.2% of males and 89.3% of females relied on YouTube. Among the audio-visual materials, PowerPoint presentations were most prevalent, favored by 46.5% of males and 41.8% of females. Regarding effectiveness, 82.1% of males and 83.7% of females affirmed YouTube's enhancement of anatomical understanding, with 89% of males and 85.3% of females acknowledging its aid in memorization. Additionally, 90.4% of males and 87.3% of females recommended YouTube as an anatomy learning tool. Despite observed gender-based preferences for specific content types, no statistically significant differences were discerned in YouTube's usage and perception across genders. Conclusions YouTube is a widely used and effective tool for the study of human anatomy among medical students, facilitating the understanding and memorization of anatomical information. While cadaver dissection remains an irreplaceable part of medical education, the addition of YouTube as a learning resource can enhance the educational experience. Future research should focus on the in-depth exploration of content satisfaction and the potential role of YouTube in the broader anatomy curriculum.

Perception of oral health professionals towards oral health care in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that affects both children and adults and is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Around 9% of worlds’ child population and 20% of India’s is affected by ADHD. A child with ADHD can often have neglected or poor oral hygiene. Attending to the dental treatment of such children can be a challenging task for dentists. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of oral health care towards children with ADHD among oral health professionals. Methods: The study was carried out among 151 oral health professionals using a validated questionnaire. The results were tabulated in an excel sheet and analysed using SPSS software version 22.0. Results: It was found that among the participants, 71.52% had knowledge scores below the mean knowledge score, while 74.83% had attitude scores below the mean and likewise, 53.64% had practice scores below the mean practice scores. A positive correlation was found between knowledge, attitude, and practice by Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient with a highly statistically significant p value of 0.0001 (p&lt;0.05). This signified low knowledge correlated with less positive attitude leading to poor practices. Conclusions: Majority of the participating professionals perceive that their training did not prepare them well to treat ADHD affected children. However, practice levels were better among those with more years of experience.

Addressing fertility in gender-affirming care and its mental health implications: a cross-sectional study from Turkey

Background: Transgender and non-binary (TNB) people may seek gender-affirming treatments and these treatments have well-known effects on fertility. Aims: The goal of this study was to identify TNB people’s desire for parenthood, perspectives on fertility preservation, and how possible involuntary childlessness in the future might negatively impact mental health. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study. Participants self-reported their demographics and perspectives on parenthood and fertility preservation. In addition, they filled out scales for conceptual future parent grief (CFPG), perceived social support, perceived discrimination, satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. Results: A total of 67 participants were included in the study. 58.2% wanted to have children and among them 56.4% preferred genetic parenthood. Of the participants using gender-affirming treatments, 35.1% were not informed about the adverse effects on fertility. 40.3% would utilize fertility preservation if given the opportunity. Analyses suggest that CFPG accounts for 3% of the variation in depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Addressing fertility and CFPG might be important for promoting the psychological well-being of TNB people. This study also highlights the need for revisiting fertility related legal and healthcare aspects of gender affirmation in Turkey.