Demographic Variables Research Articles

Effectiveness of an educational intervention in enhancing end-of-life care understanding and decision-making in African Americans.

To develop an effective, targeted educational intervention that can serve as a teaching tool to educate African American (AA) populations, especially the elderly, on end-of-life (EOL) options prior to critical care. A survey was used to assess the level of preparation and determine deficits in knowledge regarding EOL choices in the AA community of Saginaw, Michigan, before and after educational intervention. We used a paired-sample t-test to assess changes in understanding about EOL planning options, McNemar's to test changes in intention to use hospice and palliative care, and Spearman correlations to identify demographics influencing change of outcomes. Outcome scores associated with multiple demographic variables were regressed on these demographics. Our data indicated that the intervention was an effective teaching tool in educating the AA population on EOL choices. Significant changes were observed in understanding of EOL options, concerns about palliative and hospice care, and intention to use palliative and hospice care. Age and education were also associated with selected outcome changes. AA patients are more likely than other ethnic groups to choose life-sustaining measures at the end of their lives, leading to patients not receiving care to help them die peacefully. This decision is partly based on lack of knowledge of the available EOL care options. This study provides evidence needed for physicians to increase their educational efforts with the AA population regarding EOL options. An educational tool like the one developed in this study may be helpful and lessen the time of education so that physicians can answer questions at the end of the session and empower individuals and communities to take an active role in creating a culture of wellness at the EOL and decreasing morbidity.

Pediatric Insight to Humanitarian and Trauma Crisis Response: Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

Pediatric patients account for disproportionate medical resource utilization in times of disaster and war. This was demonstrated in 2021 during Operation Allies Refuge/Operation Allies Welcome (OAR/OAW) following withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC), a U.S. military hospital in Germany, played a pivotal role in medical support for evacuees from Afghanistan, including critically injured children. The objective of this study is to define the injury and disease patterns of pediatric patients admitted to LRMC during OAR/OAW. A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients was performed to extract data elements including demographic variables, mechanism of injury, primary and secondary diagnoses, length of stay (LOS), LOS in the intensive care unit (ICU), number of days requiring mechanical ventilation, procedures, and final disposition. Injury patterns were determined based on diagnosis codes and procedures performed. A total of 82 pediatric patients ≤17 years of age were identified. Of these, 37.8% (N = 31) were infants born at LRMC to families who had evacuated. Infants had a median LOS of 3 days (range 1-14 days), with 3 infants requiring neonatal ICU care. Outside of births, the most common reason for admission was infection (39.2%, N = 20), followed by those injured in the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan (25.5%, N = 13), chronic medical conditions (19.6%, N = 10), and acute medical/surgical needs (15.7% N = 7). HKIA blast victims had longer lengths of stay, were more likely to require ICU admission, and underwent more procedures. This study provides a snapshot of pediatric care needs at one institution in the setting of a complex disaster that was affected by both mass population evacuation and a bombing event. Although patients with infections constituted the majority of non-birth pediatric admissions, HKIA blast victims required the most resource utilization. The need for pediatric-trained medical providers and pediatric equipment is crucial in upholding a high standard of care in military support hospitals during disaster relief operations.

Vitamin D binding protein polymorphism is associated with body weight in females.

Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) polymorphism has been linked to parameters related to metabolism, but the problem in hypertensive patients has not been well characterized. The current study sought to characterize the distribution of DBP phenotypes in patients diagnosed with essential hypertension, and evaluate the possible relationships with cardiovascularrisk. We studied 411 Caucasian patients with essential hypertension. DBP phenotypes were determined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis on serum samples. A review of clinical and laboratory measurements for each patient including blood pressure, serum lipids, and body mass index (BMI), as well as rates of diabetes diagnosis, was conducted and compared across DBP phenotypes. A matched control group (n=141) was utilized for initial comparisons. DBP phenotype distribution in the study population was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and parallelled the control group. We found no significant differences for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, lipoprotein(a), or other demographic variables, between DBP phenotypes. Unexpectedly, DBP 2-2 phenotype was associated with a significantly higher BMI, and a greater diabetes prevalence in patients, especially in females. Notably, serum triglyceride levels in females classified as DBP 2-2 were also significantly elevated suggesting the possible metabolic consequences are gender specific. DBP 2-2 phenotype appears to be linked to adverse metabolic features in hypertensive patients, particularly among women. These findings support a potential role for DBP genetic variation as a determinant of obesity and diabetes risk, highlighting the need to consider sex-specific genetic influences in metabolic syndrome risk assessments.

Peran Manajemen Waktu Terhadap Work-Life Balance pada Karyawan Divisi Human Resource di DKI Jakarta

Work competition is increasing, causing work-related stress among employees. To manage work stress, employees are expected to have time management skills. Furthermore, research shows that time management skills can create work-life balance, which improves individual quality of life. Although many studies have examined the influence of time management on work-life balance, none have specifically investigated this in the Human Resource (HR) profession. The HR profession carries different workloads compared to other positions. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of time management on work-life balance among employees in the Human Resource Division. Using a quantitative approach with purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 104 HR employees through questionnaires. The results indicate that time management significantly influences work-life balance with a contribution of 27.3% (R² = 0.273; p < 0.001). This finding shows that the better the time management skills of employees, the higher the level of work-life balance they experience. Further analysis shows that demographic variables such as gender and marital status do not significantly affect the relationship between time management and work-life balance. However, the number of children shows potential marginal influence, and daily working hours significantly affect the relationship between time management and work-life balance. Therefore, it is important for companies not only to promote time management skills but also to consider daily workload to improve employees’ work-life balance, especially in the Human Resource division

Use and Perceptions of Oncology CT Structured Reports in Australia and New Zealand.

Structured oncology template (OT) reports are preferred by physicians. Promoted in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) since 2008, this study investigates the current OT use in ANZ and perceptions around OT reporting. An online survey was created and sent to > 350 ANZ radiologists, aiming to gain insight into the current rates of OT reporting, demographic variations, OT types, implementation and perceived advantages and limitations. Statistical analyses were descriptive. Of 164 respondents, 21% never used an OT; 49% used OTs for > 75% of oncology reports, highest rates were those with 10-20 years of experience (29/61) and reporting > 10 oncology CTs per week (10-20 cases 74% and > 20 cases 72%); 72% used tumour, lymph node and metastases headings; 57% used OTs for all diagnosed cancers; 37% used measurement tables; 70% used subjective terms in their conclusion; and only 4% used synoptic reports. Most selected advantage was 'More clarity and increased communication with clinicians'. Most selected disadvantage was 'lack of experience in template reporting' for those using an OT and 'Inflexible and limits creativity' for those who did not. OT use is supported across ANZ. Use is higher in those reporting more oncology cases and with 10-20 years of experience. OT reports are perceived as beneficial by those using them, while those who do not perceive them as inflexible.

Bloating and distention patients form 6 distinct latent clusters based on symptoms, diet, psychosocial and quality of life parameters.

Bloating, distention, and gas-related gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequently reported by patients across the spectrum of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). We aimed to characterize these using latent class modelling in a large multi-national survey. A nationwide survey of adults in the US, UK, and Mexico used quota sampling for demographic balance. It included Rome IV diagnostic questions, Intestinal Gas Questionnaire (IGQ), Patient Health Questionnaires for anxiety and depression (PHQ-4) and somatization (PHQ-12), quality of life (PROMIS Global-10), and lifestyle questions. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed using 'depmix' in RStudio 4.2.3. 3,471 subjects experiencing bloating and/or distention (mean age 43 years, 57% female) were included. Using 42 demographic and pertinent clinical variables, LCA revealed 6 distinct clusters. The first two clusters demonstrated limited to moderate impairment in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and with both characterized by some degree of dietary and supplement associations, however, cluster 2 lacked specific triggers observed in other clusters. The subsequent two clusters showed favorable HRQoL and mild gas-related symptoms, with only cluster 4 exhibiting distinct dietary triggers. The final two clusters, associated with bowel dysfunction, showed a higher prevalence of IBS-C and IBS-M in cluster 5, and IBS-D in cluster 6. These bowel dysfunction clusters exhibited severe gas symptoms in the preceding 24 hours and greater HRQoL impairment compared to the other four clusters. Notably, cluster 5 was linked to dietary triggers, whereas cluster 6 was defined by psychosocial comorbidities. Bloating and distention patients are likely driven by variable influences of dietary, psychological and bowel dysfunction. Further studies are needed to identify mechanisms and titrate treatment suited to specific mechanistic drivers.

Short-term outcomes of locking mini-fragment plate fixation for treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femur fractures.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mini-fragment plate fixation of trochanteric fragments in Vancouver B2 femur fractures. Pre-contoured plates are generally used in the proximal femur of Vancouver B2 fractures to secure trochanteric fragments. However, stout pre-contoured plates are a potential source of symptomatic implants in a sensitive location, and alternatives such as mini-fragment fixation have not yet been reported. In this case series, we retrospectively reviewed 5 patients who underwent operative treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femur fractures with locking mini-fragment plate fixation. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded for all patients. Outcome measures including post operative dislocation, infection, mortality, additional procedures, malunion or nonunion, fixation failure, time to ambulation, and instability were recorded and compared to historical alternatives, such as fixation with pre-contoured plates. No patients experienced fixation failure, nonunion or malunion, or underwent reoperation. One patient died postoperatively due to medical comorbidities. One patient developed mild hip pain around the implant postoperatively with no need for revision. Mini-fragment plate fixation demonstrated no incidence of fixation failure or nonunion and is safe in the treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femur fractures. This technique represents a promising alternative in the management of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femur fractures for surgeons hoping to avoid symptomatic implants without compromising fixation.

Digital empowerment for innovative teaching: application and mediating effects of information technology in physical education teachers’ practices

IntroductionAs innovative teaching and technology integration become increasingly important in physical education (PE), challenges remain in equipping teachers with necessary skills and resources. This study explores the current situation and relationship between PE teachers’ use of information technology (IT) for innovative teaching.MethodsA sample of 217 PE teachers completed a questionnaire measuring demographic variables, IT teaching, and innovative teaching performance. Quantitative analyses, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression, were conducted using SPSS.ResultsResults showed significant differences in IT teaching based on gender (t = −2.15, p < .05) and equipment adequacy (F = 4.24, p < .01). Participation in research and advanced education led to higher innovative teaching, especially in evaluation and management (t = 3.14, p < .01). IT teaching positively predicted innovative teaching performance, with document software having the strongest impact (β = .28, p < .001) on assessment and management. Mediation analysis revealed that teaching methods and content fully mediated the relationship between IT teaching and assessment and management.DiscussionThe findings suggest that IT integration allows PE teachers to create more diverse and innovative learning experiences. However, challenges related to teachers’ IT skills and school technology infrastructure need to be addressed. Implications for teacher training, technology policies, and curriculum design are discussed. Future studies could adopt longitudinal designs and mixed methods to further investigate the dynamic processes and mechanisms underlying technology-enhanced innovation in PE.

Maternal-antenatal attachment in young pregnant women: Social support, mentors, and fear of childbirth.

The goal of this study was to examine correlates of maternal-fetal attachment in a diverse sample of young pregnant mothers. Although studies have looked at social determinants of health and maternal-fetal attachment, none have examined correlates that may be more prevalent in younger populations including prenatal drug use or fear of childbirth. We analyzed data from a prospective cohort of 154 pregnant adolescents and young adults (75.5% Black/African American, 15.6% white, 7.5% biracial, 1.4% other) ranging from 14-21 years old. Participants were recruited early in pregnancy and completed online surveys during each trimester of pregnancy. Maternal fetal attachment was measured with the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) between 30-36 weeks gestation. A linear regression model was constructed to determine the independent contributions of demographic variables (age, race, sexual minority status), maternal mental health, substance use, and social support to maternal-fetal attachment. Third trimester social support, presence of a natural mentor, not having a younger partner, and lower fear of childbirth were associated with higher MAAS scores, and therefore greater maternal fetal attachment, accounting for 32% of the variance in MAAS scores. Maternal age, substance use, and psychological symptoms were not significantly related to maternal fetal attachment in this sample. Social support and patient education to lessen fear of childbirth should be the target of interventions to improve maternal-fetal attachment in adolescent and young adult women. Fostering and supporting mentorship may also be a promising avenue to improve maternal-fetal bonding in younger patients. More research is needed to better understand the impact of perceived health, body dissatisfaction, physical fitness, healthcare access, pre-existing OB/GYN conditions, fear of breastfeeding, history of emotional neglect, and future child rearing support to address gaps in knowledge within this field.

Assessing the level of digital literacy among Bachelor of Education (Natural Sciences) undergraduates in an open and distance learning context

This study investigated the digital literacy skills of Bachelor of Education (Natural Sciences) undergraduates at a Sri Lankan university which offers its programmes via an open and distance learning mode. The research employed a mixed method research design. A questionnaire was administered to 40 students to evaluate their digital literacy levels and explore demographic variations. Data analysis using non-parametric tests revealed a moderate to high overall proficiency, with the highest mean score in safety and security and the lowest in communication and collaboration. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated no significant gender-based differences across the five digital literacy domains. The Kruskal-Wallis H test showed no significant differences in most digital literacy skills across age groups and levels of study, except for safety and security, where younger students showed higher proficiency. Ordinal logistic regression suggested that gender, age, and level of study did not significantly influence overall digital literacy levels. The findings highlight the need for continued efforts to enhance digital literacy, particularly in communication and collaboration, for all students, while also noting the strengths in safety and security, especially among younger learners.

Normative corneal biometric parameters in African populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the importance of corneal biometric parameters in ophthalmology, there is limited comprehensive data on these measurements in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. This study systematically reviewed the evidence on corneal biometric parameters of Sub-Saharan African populations, focusing on their variability, influencing factors, and implications for clinical practice and public health interventions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies published between January 2003 and December 2023 were identified through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a specific focus on African populations. Inclusion criteria comprised non-interventional studies reporting central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, radius of curvature, or horizontal corneal diameter (HCD) of eyes of continental Africans. Data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses, with heterogeneity assessed using the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses examined variations by geographic region, measurement instrument, and sex. Twenty-eight studies with a total of 14,009 participants were included. The pooled mean CCT was 553.35µm (95% CI: 548.52-558.18µm), with regional variations ranging from 555.66µm in West Africa to 510.17µm in Southern Africa. Males exhibited slightly higher CCT values compared to females (539.11µm vs. 533.78µm). Additional parameters assessed included mean corneal curvature (43.07 D), radius of curvature (7.70mm), and HCD (11.59mm). Variability in the measurements was attributed to demographic, geographic, and methodological factors. Corneal biometric parameters exhibit substantial regional and demographic variability in SSA. These findings underscore the importance of population-specific data in enhancing diagnostic precision and guiding the development of regionally tailored clinical protocols. Further research is needed to address current knowledge gaps and improve eye care outcomes across the African continent. This research received no specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Examining housing deficit in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria in the light of SDG 11

This paper examines housing deficit in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria in the light of SDG 11. SDG 11 constructs formed the basis of investigating housing deficit challenges and proffering a sustainable framework to reduce housing deficit in Ado-Ekiti. Economic, demographic and standard of housing facilities variables of housing deficit were analyzed in the study. These include; cost of building materials, home ownership rate, land acquisition or consumption rate, description of area of residence as an indicator of slum housing or urban sprawl and access to green and public spaces, respectively. Data were collected directly from sampled respondents in residential development corridors and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Likert scale. Variables were clearly defined, specified and coded. Questionnaires were subjected to Cronbach’s alpha test to ascertain its validity. Economic and demographic variables had 0.77 Cronbach’s alpha, while standard of housing facilities had 0.74 Cronbach’s alpha validity. Findings from this study revealed that, the cost of building materials was very expensive (38.3%), fair rate of home ownership (48.2%), increased city growth in terms of land consumption rate (54.9%, 2000-date), unplanned city expansion (slum housing) and limited access to green areas (-0.29 mean deviation) were the signs of housing deficit in Ado-Ekiti in the light of SDG 11 components. The study recommends (1) establishment of industries producing quality, affordable building materials and also provision of incentives for improved access to affordable, resilient housing and increase home ownership, respectively in the study area, (2) equity in the distribution of infrastructural facilities at all regions, (3) slum upgrading and the transformation of under-utilized land to affordable, quality housing for all, and (4) implementation of the global flagship initiative “safe cities, green, public spaces” in Ado-Ekiti through concerted effects by relevant stakeholders.

Global demographic and etiological variations of retinal vasculitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis: International Uveitis Study Group (IUSG) Retinal Vasculitis Study (ReViSe) Report 1.

Global demographic and etiological variations of retinal vasculitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis: International Uveitis Study Group (IUSG) Retinal Vasculitis Study (ReViSe) Report 1.

Association of urinary pesticide metabolites and iodine with thyroid volume in school-aged children.

Association of urinary pesticide metabolites and iodine with thyroid volume in school-aged children.

Joint association of frailty index and biological aging with all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a population-based longitudinal cohort study.

Joint association of frailty index and biological aging with all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a population-based longitudinal cohort study.

Prevalence of reactive allergens in contact patch testing studies using the Brazilian standard battery: a systematic review.

Prevalence of reactive allergens in contact patch testing studies using the Brazilian standard battery: a systematic review.

Incidence of Hypoparathyroidism Following Total Thyroidectomy in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh.

Total thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure for MNG and thyroid malignancies with or without lymph node metastasis. Post total thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism is not so uncommon. Understanding the prevalence of temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism in post-total thyroidectomy is very important for improving patient outcomes. This prospective observational study was conducted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2023 to December 2023 where 92 cases were selected purposively who underwent total thyroidectomy for MNG and thyroid malignancy without extra thyroidal extension. The incidence of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy, demographic variables, and postoperative day of onset of hypocalcemia were analyzed. Data collection was done through patient records and postoperative follow-ups. This study revealed that 23.0% of patients experienced hypoparathyroidism post-operatively. Hypoparathyroidism was most prevalent among patients underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid malignancy (47.83%) compared to those undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease (17.39%). The majority of hypocalcemia cases (60.87%) occurred on the second postoperative day. Among the 23 cases of postoperative hypoparathyroidism temporary hypoparathyroidism was 69.57% and permanent hypoparathyroidism was 30.43%. After total thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism remains a significant complication. Early identification and management of at-risk patients is necessary to reduce the severity of this complication.

Reduction of food insecurity over time: An unattainable reality for the poorest families?

Reduction of food insecurity over time: An unattainable reality for the poorest families?

Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients after Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To assess the quality of life in pediatric patients who have undergone cataract surgery and identify clinical and demographic variables that influence visual recovery and QoL outcomes. Study Design: Descriptive observational. Place and Duration of Study: Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. From March 2021 to March 2023 Methods: A total of 230 pediatric patients who had undergone cataract surgery between the ages of 6 months and 12 years were enrolled from a tertiary eye care center. To evaluate the impact of surgery on children’s quality of life, two validated instruments were used. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was employed to assess general health-related quality of life across physical, emotional, social, and school-related domains. Results: The mean post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.20 ± 0.34 to 0.48 ± 0.29 logMAR (p < 0.001). Over 68% of children achieved a BCVA of 0.5 logMAR or better. The mean total PedsQL score was 74.6 ± 12.5, with highest scores in physical functioning (81.2 ± 10.3). Children who underwent bilateral surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and good compliance to amblyopia therapy reported higher QoL scores. Significant correlations were found between better visual outcomes and improved QoL (r = -0.61, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Cataract surgery significantly improves both visual function and quality of life in children, especially when performed early and supported by proper rehabilitation. Clinical success should be evaluated not only by visual acuity but also through QoL outcomes. Keywords: Pediatric cataract, Visual acuity,Quality of Life, Amblyopia

Risk factors for failed below knee amputation in patients with diabetes.

Risk factors for failed below knee amputation in patients with diabetes.