Demographic Profile Research Articles

Non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernias: results of transabdominal and transthoracic surgical approaches at a fourth-level hospital.

The objective of this study is to elucidate the clinical and demographic profiles, as well as perioperative outcomes, of patients undergoing surgery for non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernias. Additionally, it aims to analyse these outcomes based on the surgical approach employed (transthoracic versus transabdominal). This retrospective, observational study was conducted at a single center and involved patients diagnosed with non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernia who underwent either emergency or elective surgery between July 2007 and March 2023. Clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of these patients were compared using appropriate statistical tests.The research protocol for this observational, retrospective, and comparative study followed the Declaration of Helsinki's ethical requirements. The need for Clinical Research Ethics Committee approval was waived according to our institutional law because the study was a retrospective cohort study based on anonymous data of patients. Informed consent was waived because this study involved the secondary analysis of patient medical records. Additionally, this study followed the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies. The analysis included 22 patients being 59.1% men, with median age of 61years. The predominant clinical presentation was restrictive lung disease (40.9%). The majority of cases (68%) had traumatic aetiology with a median defect size of 4cm (range of 3-8cm). Elective surgery was performed in 15 cases (68.1%) and transthoracic approach was employed in 13 patients (54.5%). Postoperative major morbidity reached 27.2% and mortality within 30days was 9.1%. Emergency surgeries accounted for 44.4% of transabdominal interventions, compared to 23% in the transthoracic subgroup (p = 0.376). There were no statistically significant differences between the transabdominal and trasnthoracic approaches in terms of global postoperative complications (88.8% vs. 84.6%, p = 1), major complications (44.4% vs 15.4%, p = 0.734), mortality (11.1% v 7.6%, p = 1) and recurrence (11.1% vs 7.6%, p = 1). Postoperative stay was significantly shorter in the transthoracic subgroup (6days vs. 14days, p = 0.011). Non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernias are characterized by significant postoperative major morbidity and mortality rates, standing at 27.2% and 9.1%, respectively, accompanied by a recurrence rate of 9.1%. Both transthoracic and transabdominal approaches demonstrate comparable short- and long-term outcomes.

Using Clustering Methods to Map the Experience Profiles of Dementia Caregivers

Using Clustering Methods to Map the Experience Profiles of Dementia Caregivers

Epidemiological Profile of Hearing Deficiency in a Tertiary Care Hospital (2019-2022)

Abstract Introduction This study is an attempt to view the demographic profile of individuals presenting with hearing loss in an urban referral hospital with the help of available database of pure tone audiometry results over a three years period. Materials and methods It is adescriptive epidemiologicalstudy over a period of 3 years conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) of an urban referral hospital.The subjects presented with a complain of hearing loss were investigated with pure tone audiometry. Subjects below 10 years of age or with gross mental or physical disabilities were excluded. The results of pure tone audiometry done were analyzed followed by systematic analysis. Results A total number of 3536individuals inclusive of1980 males and1556 females were studied. Nearly, 570 individuals suffered B/L hearing loss (16%) which was again mostly Sensori-neural. Sensori-neural hearing loss was the most common hearing loss near about 52%.Mixed Hearing loss accounted for 13%.Conductive hearing loss accounted for 35 %. Mild hearing loss (25-40dB) accounted for maximum bulk of the patients.The bulk of the population comprised of people in their middle age (30-60) and elderly (>60 years). Conclusion The demographic profile of hearing loss in an urban population is the ground work for any comprehensive planning to resolve the issue. In our study the increased burden of mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss as seen in the elderly population and increased prevalence of conductive hearing loss as seen in the young population shows us how respective management protocols can be instituted for the target populations.

Toxicological Impact of Brick Kiln Emissions on the Liver of Brick Kiln Workers and Residents

Pakistan is the third-largest brick-producing nation in South Asia, behind China and India. In Pakistan, there are over 20,000 brick kilns and 1.8 million brick kiln employees, 50% of them are in Punjab. Brick kilns in rural Punjabi communities like district Narowal still use antiquated methods and are subject to bad laws, which has a negative impact on people's health. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Narowal district from January 2021 to January 2022 to examine the toxicological effects of brick kiln emissions on the liver. The participants were divided into three groups based on their demographic profiles in order to examine the relationship between appropriate liver function indices, such as ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin, and demographic factors like age, BMI, smoking index, and length of employment among exposed (residents and workers) and control groups. The outcome demonstrated that exposed workers and residents had mean ALT (p, 0.001), AST (p, 0.001), and ALP (p, 0.002) levels that were considerably higher than reference values. Bilirubin, a measure of the liver, remained negligible. Blood chemistry tests cannot establish the presence of liver disorders. Therefore, molecular-based follow-up investigations are required to assess the health concerns related to emissions from brick kilns.

Histopathological study of lungs, kidney and spleen in death due to burns

Burn injuries occur universally and have plagued mankind ever since antiquity till the present day. As burns continue to be a major problem, a prospective study of demographic and pathological profile in deaths due to burns was conducted at the Department of Pathology Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hubballi. To study the demographic profile, histopathological changes in lungs, kidney and spleen and to find the cause of death in cases due to burns. : The present study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Karnataka institute of medical sciences, Hubballi, during the period of one year from 1-11-2014 to 31-10-2015. Total of 44 cases with burn injuries were used as material for study purpose and the collection of tissues were done for histopathology examination. This study includes 44 autopsy cases of death due to burn, of which majority were females. The age of the subjects ranged from 13 years to 65 years. Maximum numbers of victims were found in the age group of 21-30 years were 22 cases (50.00%).Most of the female victims were married and housewives. Most common manner of the burn were said accidental burns in 27 cases (61.36%) and 13 cases (29.54%) were due to suicidal burns, 4 cases (9.09%) were homicidal burns.Burns were more common in females most were married. Age group most commonly found was between 21-30 years of age probably related to dowry related issues, inexperience in cooking styles, house hold works, and inability to bear stress. Most common place of burns were kitchen. Most common manner of burns were said accidental. Most common cause of burns was due to said kerosene spill over or self pouring. TBSA involved more than 76%, in maximum number of cases. Maximum finding were seen in lung. Most common findings were diffuse alveolar damage, acute tubular injury and congested splenomegaly.

Diabetes Insipidus After Endoscopic Endonasal Pituitary Macroadenoma Resection, Correlation of Patient and Surgery-Related Risk Factors

Purpose: To identify patient and surgery related factors that could predict the development of postoperative central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study conducted at a single-institution tertiary referral center. Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery for pituitary adenoma between November 2018 and April 2023 were recruited. The main outcome measures collected include age, gender, comorbidities, tumor type, postoperative diabetes insipidus, intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, flow of CSF leak, number of layers required for repair, the use of nasal packing, and hospital length of stay. Results: A total of 20 patients developed DI postoperatively. Patients demographic and comorbidity profile did not correlate with DI development. The encounter of an intraoperative CSF leak was correlated with post-op DI (X2(1) =18.35, p<0.001) with a RR of 2.7 (CI=1.37-5.28). The use of nasal packs was also correlated with post-op DI (X2(1) =10.17, p=0.001) with a RR of 1.8 (CI=1.15-2.87). Defects requiring a two or more layers for reconstruction also correlated with post-op DI compared to single layer repairs (X2(1) =12.15, p<0.001) irrelevant of the materials used. Development of DI post-op correlated with an increased hospital length of stay (t(64) = -3.35, p =0.001). Conclusion: The physician should be careful when evaluating patients with pituitary adenomas in the postoperative period, particularly those with intraoperative CSF leak, nasal packing, and those who underwent multilayer reconstruction of the surgical defect.

Schools’ Technological Research Services Towards Teachers’ Career Professional Development

This study assesses the level of technological research services provided by schools and their impact on teachers’ careers and professional development. It aims to identify significant differences in these aspects based on school types and teachers’ demographic profiles. The study utilized a concurrent mixed-research design and involved 212 junior and senior high school teachers from the Technical-Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) track in selected secondary schools across the Zamboanga Peninsula. The findings indicated that schools in the Zamboanga Peninsula generally provided technological research services that moderately satisfied teachers. These services contributed to enhancing teachers’ knowledge, upgrading their skills, and emphasizing attitudes and ethical standards. The study concluded that schools’ technological research services significantly influenced teachers’ career and professional development, with no significant differences based on school types or teachers’ demographic profiles. Based on these findings, an intervention plan was proposed, including a school-based management plan, a training development plan, and a contingency plan. These interventions are intended to improve services and support teachers’ career and professional growth. The study also recommended integrating technology into educational research services to foster a culture of research, aligning with DO No. 16, S.2017. Keywords: Schools’ technological research services, admission process, training, consultation, evaluation, utilization, teachers’ career and professional development, knowledge, skills, attitude, ethical standards

Management of innovation and technology to guide financial education for guayaquil families

The work presented addresses the field of financial education and its necessity, starting from the identification of gaps within the surveyed population among families in the city of Guayaquil. There is a significant demand among young adults and those with lower incomes, indicating the urgency to provide tools and resources to improve personal financial management. Additionally, the widespread preference for interactive learning methods, such as applications and games, underscores the need to integrate technology and innovative approaches into financial education programs to increase participation and engagement. The diversity in educational and socioeconomic levels within the sample emphasizes the importance of designing programs that are accessible and adaptable to different demographic profiles, which implies offering a variety of resources and learning modalities to meet the individual needs of the population. Lastly, the low prior participation in financial education programs highlights the need to increase awareness and promotion of these programs among the population, involving implementing effective dissemination strategies to inform people about the availability and benefits of financial education. Taken together, these findings support the importance of developing financial education programs that are accessible, innovative, and tailored to the needs of the target population, in order to promote greater financial literacy and contribute to overall economic well-being.

Health Problems Faced by Elderly and Services Offered by Old Age Home/Aafiat, Lahore, Social Welfare Department, Punjab

The demand for increased physical as well as psychological healthcare facilities is driving up concerns about an ageing population, especially in resource-constrained countries. Older adults in Pakistan experience insecurity due to a number of social and economic causes. In such situations, when conventional family care is unavailable or the elderly lack resources like housing, old age homes offer services to the elderly. The present quantitative study aimed to ascertain the demographic profile of the elderly population residing in an old age home or Aafiat, investigate the factors that contribute to their residence in an old age home, examine the physical and mental health challenges experienced by those receiving residential care, and find out the elderly population's satisfaction level with the services provided by the old age home. However, this article merely addressed the issues with older people's physical and mental health and how satisfied they were with the services and facilities the old age home offered. It was a cross-sectional study, and in order to gather data, interviews were conducted with each of the 25 inmates who were present at the Lahore old age home/Aafiat. According to the findings, the majority of respondents expressed high satisfaction with the level of services received; however, the data revealed that the elderly in the old age home experienced several challenges linked to their physical and mental health.

Gambling participation and risk after COVID-19: Analysis of a population representative longitudinal panel of Australians.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling participation and levels of gambling harm across populations during the pandemic is now addressed in a well-established body of empirical literature. This study aimed to measure the longer-term implications of COVID-19 on gambling participation and levels of gambling harm. Population-based cohort study using group-based trajectory modelling. Australia, using gambling participation, problem gambling risk, sociodemographic and psychosocial data from 2019 (pre COVID-19), 2020, 2021 (during COVID-19) and 2023 (post COVID-19). A population representative survey of Australian adults, including four waves collected in April 2019 (n = 2054), November 2020 (n = 3029), October 2021 (n = 3474) and January 2023 (n = 3370), with a subset (n = 3160) of the sample having longitudinal data available. Participants were asked which gambling activities they participated in over the past 12 months for money. Problem gambling risk was measured by the nine-item Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). There was an overall reduction in gambling participation during COVID-19 and return to pre-pandemic levels for most gambling activities by 2023. The longitudinal analysis yielded four trajectories of gambling participation from 2019 to 2023, including individuals who (1) never gambled (25.0% of the longitudinal sample; n= 789); (2) engaged in non-problematic gambling (59.8%; n= 1888); (3) ceased gambling during COVID-19 and started again post pandemic (10.7%; n= 337); and (4) engaged in high risk gambling (4.6%; n= 146), with particular demographic and psychosocial profiles and patterns of participation in specific gambling activities related to these trajectories. Although overall gambling participation rates decreased at the population level in Australia during COVID-19, by 2023 participation in gambling appeared to have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels. Patterns of gambling behavior before, during and after the pandemic appear to be heterogeneous.

Consumer Awareness and Willingness Level at Banlat Gas Stations Regarding Biofuel Act: Bases for Sustainable Energy Transition and Education Strategies

In the pursuit of sustainable energy practices, the study focuses on assessing the awareness and willingness of selected respondents at 11 well-known gas stations in Banlat regarding the Biofuel Act. Against the backdrop of global efforts to mitigate environmental impact and promote renewable energy sources, understanding consumer perspectives becomes paramount. This study aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between consumer awareness, demographic characteristics, and their willingness regarding the Biofuel Act. Using a quantitative research approach with 440 respondents sampled through quota sampling, the study examines the demographic profile (age, education, socio-economic status). Findings show most respondents are aged 23–44, with bachelor’s degrees, and from the lower-middle-income bracket. While awareness of the Biofuel Act is low ("Slightly Aware"), there's notable willingness ("Somewhat Willing") to support it. There's a weak relationship between demographic factors and awareness, except for education level, which has a moderate impact, suggesting higher education correlates with greater awareness. Similarly, demographic factors show weak correlation with willingness. These insights are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to refine consumer education strategies and promote sustainable energy practices.

Exploring language assessment literacy: A case of perceived needs of two stakeholder groups in Egypt

AbstractStakeholders in exam‐driven countries are responsible for developing test‐related tasks to assess the quality of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning. Hence, the language assessment literacy (LAL) of different stakeholders has to be investigated. This mixed‐methods study explored the required LAL competencies among two groups of Egyptian EFL supervisors and teachers and examined the impact of participants' demographic profiles on choosing LAL competencies. The groups prioritized their needs for assessment in language pedagogy. While supervisors were highly demanded to develop and administer language assessments, teachers were highly interested in developing their skills at assessment scoring and rating. Teachers' selection of LAL competencies was influenced by age, educational degree and professional training; whereas supervisors' LAL was impacted by experience and educational degree. The findings of interviews shed light on participants' perceived needs for LAL knowledge and skills, the challenges of achieving LAL, and ways for improvement.

Assessing Demographics, Perceptions, and Participation: A Study on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Effectiveness and Improvement Suggestions

The Sangguniang Kabataan is an important institution in the Philippines that represents the interests of youth and engages them in local governance. This study examines the perceptions of young Filipinos regarding the Sangguniang Kabataan’s (SK) participation in local government, focusing on understanding how youth perspectives influence the efficacy of SK initiatives. The research integrated a descriptive quantitative research design. A total of 32 participants were involved in the study, providing insights into their demographic profiles, perceptions of SK duties and functions, levels of participation in SK activities, and suggestions for improving SK officials and their activities. The findings reveal that while respondents generally recognize the importance of the SK in representing youth in local government, there are areas where its effectiveness can be enhanced, such as in implementing youth-focused programs and initiatives. The study also highlights barriers to youth participation in SK activities, including lack of awareness and time constraints. Recommendations for improving youth engagement in the SK include prioritizing advocacy for youth-related issues, enhancing communication with young individuals, and focusing on initiatives that address critical issues like poverty, education, and mental health. By implementing these recommendations, the SK can better serve the needs and aspirations of the youth population and create a more responsive and inclusive local governance structure.

Competency of Senior High School Teachers in Assessment and Reporting in Goa District, Philippines

This study investigated the competency of teachers in assessment and reporting. This involved the forty-five Senior High School teachers in the public secondary schools in the Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Camarines Sur, Goa District, Philippines. A survey questionnaire was utilized to gather data from the respondents on which strands and indicators were rooted in the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST). The study results showed that teachers possessed a Moderately High Level of Competency in all strands along with assessment and reporting. The results further revealed a significant difference between teachers’ competency and demographic profiles when they are grouped according to their educational attainment and status of employment. It recommends that teachers should engage in professional development to continuously increase their knowledge and improve their teaching competencies to do better in their teaching profession.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL TUBERCULOSIS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN INDIA

Background: Musculoskeletal tuberculosis a major cause of mortality and morbidity in India and other developing countries. Musculoskeletal TB comprises around 10 to 30% of all EPTB cases. Even though skeletal tuberculosis is an important debilitating disease, the literature in statistical data regarding the socio-demographic distribution and clinical presentation of disease is very scarce. Objective: To study the socio- demographic and clinical profile of musculoskeletal tuberculosis patients reaching the Orthopaedics Department in a tertiary care hospital in India. Methodology: 186 patients with musculoskeletal tuberculosis who have completed treatment were called for a follow up and data regarding demographic, person and illness related factors affecting disease were collected and were tabulated and represented in various charts and diagrams, and analysed. Results: Almost equal sex distribution was seen. Maximum proportion (26%) of the patients were belonging to 40-49 age group, with a mean age of 49.6 years. Patients with age <40 had less incidence compared to middle aged and elderly patients. Maximum number of patients were belonging to upper lower class (102 out of 186). Spine was the commonest site involved among the 138 cases. Spinal involvement was predominant in dorso- lumbar junction followed by thoracic spine and lumbar spine. 100% patients had pain as the presenting complaint and other complaints were not consistent. Only 16% of the patients had history of pulmonary tuberculosis and history of contact with tuberculosis case was present in 25% cases. 28% cases were diabetic and other comorbidities were less frequent. 19% of the cases had multi drug resistance. Conclusion: It was seen that Musculoskeletal tuberculosis is most frequently seen in middle age with majority of spine affected cases. The study reinforces the acquaintance of tuberculosis with low socioeconomic status and to some extend the debilitating diseases. It often has an atypical presentation leading to delay in diagnosis.

Evaluation of Vulnerable age Group of Measles and its Outcome in Under Five Children

Background: Measles continues to be a major public health problem worldwide, with a high mortality and morbidity. Unvaccinated young children are at highest risk of measles and its complication including death. Objectives: To assess the vulnerable age group of children for measles under five years of age and also to evaluate the demographic profile, common clinical complication, seasonal variation and outcome of measles among children of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This Retrospective observational study was done in the Infectious disease’s hospital, Dhaka during the period of July 2018 to June 2019.The data, were collected, compiled and analyzed. Result: During the study period, a total of 74 confirmed measles cases were selected. Among them, 0-<6-month age group were 21.62%, 6 months to <9 months were 40.54%, 9 months to <15 months were 9.46% and 15 months to <60 months were 28.38%. Highest number of measles cases were admitted in February (14.9%), March (16.2%) and April (14.9%) which are mainly the spring and early summer and lowest in winter. Most common complications of measles were pneumonia and diarrhea. Conclusion: Children below nine month of age who did not reach the vaccination age were found most vulnerable for measles. Occurrence of measles found predominantly in spring and early summer. Pneumonia and diarrhea are the common complications. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2022; VOL 46 (2) : 76-81

FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF FINTECH IN NEPAL

Fintech is the rapidly growing sector has had a profound impact on the global world, transforming various aspects of financial services and shaping the way people manage their money and engage in financial transactions. According to (Thakor, 2020) “FinTech is the use of technology to provide new and improved financial services by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to offer innovative, efficient, and user-centric solutions”. It's important to note that the FinTech landscape is constantly evolving, so there may have been further developments since then. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is utilized to analyze the degree that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, policy measures and the demographic profile has kinds of impact on the adoption of Fintech in Nepal. The total of 65 questionnaire sample was collected as verified samples for analysis. It was found that 3 factors had a significant positive relationship with the adoption except perceived risk which showed negative relationship. Nevertheless, male respondents were reported to have higher intention as compared to female respondents. Keywords: Fintech, TAM, UTAUT, Innovation

Research letter: the role of customer fear of missing out on purchase intention

ABSTRACT Despite the recent popularity of social media as a powerful marketing channel, limited studies have examined how customer personalities influence their reactions toward social media content. Thus, this study examines the role of a customer psychological characteristic known as fear of missing out (FOMO) in the formation of anticipated emotion (i.e. elation, envy, comfort, and expense regret) and purchase intention toward a restaurant based on social media marketing. Using surveys, the study collected information on 345 social media users. A SmartPLS estimation shows that customer anxiety over missing out is a strong indicator of anticipated emotions toward the restaurant experience. Specifically, positive impacts of anticipated envy and comfort on customer purchase intentions are found. However, customer anticipated expense regret toward future experiences negatively influences behavioural intentions. Finally, this study examines differences in relationships between FOMO, anticipated emotions, and purchase intentions across demographic profiles (i.e. gender, age, income, and education).

Parental involvement in public school programs and activities in Omar District, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education – Sulu: Teacher’s perspective

This study is descriptive-exploratory research determining the extent of parental involvement in public school programs and activities as perceived by teachers at Omar District, Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education, Sulu. Employing weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test for independent samples, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s r test of correlation. The following are the findings of this study: 1) Out of 100 teacher-respondents, the great majority are within 31 years old and above age brackets, are female, and most have 6–10 years of service and a bachelor’s degree. All the sub-categories subsumed under the extent of parental involvement in public school programs and activities, as perceived by teachers at Omar District, Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education—Sulu, are all rated as “highest extent,” with a total weighted mean score of 4.67, 4.61, 4.59, and 4.52 with a standard deviation of .15786,.20728,.19589, and .28588, respectively, by the teacher-respondents at Omar District, Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education—Sulu. 3) Generally, there is no significant difference in the extent of parental involvement in public school programs and activities, as perceived by teachers at Omar District, Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education—Sulu, when data are grouped according to their demographic profile. 4) Generally, the sub-categories subsuming the extent of parental involvement in public school programs and activities, as perceived by teachers at Omar District, Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education—Sulu, are moderately correlated, which means there is but not strong interdependency among the subcategories subsumed.

Clinical Spectrum and Frequency of Bone Marrow Infiltration in Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and Objectives: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid malignancy that affects peripheral lymph nodes as well as organs like lungs, liver and bone marrow. It has 05 types. The clinical features of HL include lymphadenopathy and constitutional 'B' symptoms (fever, night sweats & weight loss). This study was conducted to describe the clinical spectrum and frequency of bone marrow infiltration in Hodgkin lymphoma patients presenting to Hematology department of AIMC Lahore.Methods: This descriptive study has utilized data of known cases of HL, referred by Oncology department for bone marrow biopsy from January 2019 to December 2022, retrieved from medical records. Information was noted regarding demographic profile of the patient along with the clinical features, type of HL and infiltration of bone marrow. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0.Results: The study consisted of 24 HL patients between 10 to 60 years of age. The median age was 41 years. There were 21 male (87.5%) and 03 female (12.5%) patients (male-to-female ratio: 7:1). Lympha-denopathy was the predominant clinical feature present in all 24(100%) patients followed by 'B” symptoms in 09(37.5%) cases while bone marrow infiltration was present in 7 (29.1%) patients.Conclusion: Lymphadenopathy serves as a distinctive clinical feature of Hodgkin lymphoma and presence of bone marrow infiltration may be reasonable factor for accurate disease staging.Keywords: Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphoid malignancy, bone marrow infiltration, staging