Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

The relationship between risk and prevention awareness of infectious diseases and health literacy among prisoners

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between the health literacy and the awareness of risks and prevention awareness of infection disease among prisoners. Study designA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1350 prisoners at an L Type Closed Penal Execution Institution in Turkey, using comprehensive criteria to ensure the inclusion of a diverse participant pool. MethodData was collected via face-to-face interviews using the “personal information form,” “health literacy scale (HLS),” and “communicable diseases risk awareness and protection Scale (CDRAPS).” Both scales exhibited high reliability. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were conducted to evaluate the relationships between the dimensions of these scales. ResultsThe study was completed with 1031 prisoners. The participants' mean age was 38.65 with a majority being single (69.2%) and high school graduates (46.3%). A weak positive correlation (r = 0.448, P = 0.000) was observed between the CDRAPS (mean score 135.98 ± 24.00) and the HLS (mean score 89.85 ± 22.30), indicating health literacy explained a 20% variance in communicable diseases risk awareness and prevention. Furthermore, a significant relationship was established considering multiple variables including age, marital and educational status, family health personnel presence, smoking and alcohol use, and comorbidities, showing a combined effect on disease risk awareness and prevention (R2 = 0.203, β = 0.458, P = 0.000). ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance for governments and policy makers to implement preventive and educational programs that are focused on public health, aiming to increase prisoners' health literacy and awareness of infectious diseases.

Feasibility and face validity of two patient reported outcome measures for nausea: Preferences of children with cancer

PurposeTo optimize recognition and management of nausea in children with cancer using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and to identify preferences of children with cancer regarding two validated tools: the Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scale and the Pediatric Nausea Assessment Tool (PeNAT). Design and methodsThis quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study (n = 34) used bespoke questionnaires to measure feasibility and face validity of the BARF and the PeNAT. Feasibility included the items: understanding, ease of use, and communication. Face validity was studied in terms of the degree in which the faces of both PROMs corresponded with children's feelings of nausea. A descriptive and comparative analysis of the data was performed. ResultsBoth the BARF and the PeNAT were rated by the children as feasible, and no significant differences were found. However, regarding the item communication, the PeNAT did not reach the cut-off value (≥80% of all children scored neutral, agree or totally agree on the Likert scale). Regarding face validity, only the BARF reached the cut-off value and corresponded significantly better with children's feelings of nausea than the PeNAT. ConclusionAccording to children with cancer, only the BARF is both feasible and meets criteria for face validity. Therefore, the BARF is recommended as a PROM for reporting nausea in children with cancer. However, possible differences between age groups should be taken into account for future research. Practice implicationsThis study will help health care professionals in making a patient-centered and informed choice when using a PROM for measuring nausea in children with cancer.

Dating violence prevalence and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of dating violence (DV) and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC), Nepal.DesignA descriptive cross-sectional...

Seroprevalence and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in middle-sized cities of Burkina Faso: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Since March 2020, COVID-19 has evolved from a localized outbreak to a global pandemic. We assessed the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in three towns in the Centre Sud region of Burkina Faso. A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three middle-sized cities in Burkina Faso's Centre Sud region, from June to July 2021. Subjects aged 16 or over at the time of the survey were considered for this seroprevalence study. The Biosynex COVID-19 BSS rapid test was used to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) against SARS-CoV-2. A standardized questionnaire was also administered to collect additional information. A total of 2449 eligible participants (age ≥ 16 years) were identified. Serological tests for COVID-19 were performed in 2155 individuals, of which 2143 valid tests were retained and analyzed. Out of the entire sample, 246 positive tests were observed, corresponding to a prevalence of 11.48%. Prevalence was 9.35% (58 cases) in Kombissiri, 12.86% (80 cases) in Manga and 11.99% (108 cases) in Pô. By gender, 13.37% of women (164 cases) tested positive, and 8.95% of men (82 cases). Women accounted for 66.67% of all positive test subjects. The results from the multivariate analysis show a significantly higher seroprevalence in women (p = 0.007), people over 55 years old (p = 0.004), overweight people (p = 0.026) and those with drinking water sources at home (p = 0.013). The results of this study show that the COVID-19 virus also circulates in the population of middle-sized cities in Burkina Faso, far more than officially reported by the information service of the government of Burkina Faso, given the lack of systematic testing in the general population in the country. The study also highlighted the greater vulnerability of women, older and overweight individuals to the epidemic. The preventive measures put in place to fight the pandemic must take these different factors into account.

Use of Maternal and Reproductive Health Services During and After Donor Funding in Nzega District, Tanzania

One of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Therefore, maintenance of the application of maternal and reproductive health practices to Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) is crucial throughout women’s lifetime. To find out whether this was happening, the study on which this paper is based examined the socio-demographic characteristics of women who had received maternal and reproductive health services in public health facilities and the extent of application of the maternal and reproductive health practices. A clinic-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on women attending reproductive and child health clinics. Data were collected in 2023 from 121 respondents, mainly using a questionnaire that included a 54-point index summated scale to determine the extent of application of various maternal and reproductive health practices during and after donor funding. The points scored on the scale were expressed as per cents and compared using a paired samples t-test. The results showed an increase in the application of maternal and reproductive health practices after donor funding (49.1% during donor funding and 52.7% after donor funding), but the extents did not differ significantly (p = 0.308; effect size, r = 0.093). Among other things, the results were influenced by the women’s socio-demographic characteristics. The increase shows that the application of the practices is likely to increase. Based on the findings and conclusion, it is recommended that the Government of Tanzania and other relevant stakeholders at all levels should take necessary measures to intervene with respect to various socio-demographic characteristics including age, gender, and marital roles, so that they cannot compromise the application of maternal and reproductive health practices in the research area

Patient factors that lead to presentation delay in breast cancer among Sri Lankan women: A cross-sectional study

Background: Breast cancer (BC) poses a significant public health concern as it is the most common cancer detected among women worldwide. Early detection and intervention are associated with better prognosis and survival. A primary reason for the rising mortality and morbidity in developing countries is the lack of patient education and practice early detection programs and presentation. Aims and Objectives: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of delayed presentation and the factors lead to delay among BC patients in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01, 2023, to June 30, 2023 among women diagnosed with BC attending two selected state hospitals in Sri Lanka. All women with histological diagnosis of early, locally advanced, or metastatic BC attending for treatment were included and women with recurrent BC and concomitant other cancers were excluded. Presentation delay was defined as ≥3 months. The calculated sample size was 396. Results: About 47.5% of our study population (n=188) had a presentation delay of more than 3 months. The main reasons for the delay in presentation were, being unaware that BC is a major problem in Sri Lanka, difficulty in accessing healthcare, and not being able to find time due to family and social commitments. Women who had not been practicing self-breast examination had a significant association with presentation delay (OR=3.26, 95% CI - 0.090–0.362, P=0.001). The participants who were having a presentation delay were also more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer (OR=2.86, 95% CI - 2.573–3.153, P=0.000). Conclusion: Our study population depicts a good knowledge related to BC symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods. However, very few are practicing them. There is also a significant delay of presentation due to various factors. Awareness and good practices would lead to early detection and diagnosis and improve overall survival.

Study of Aerobic Bacteria from Surgical Site Infection and their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern at a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern Nepal

Background: The surgical site infections are the third most common nosocomial infection. The most common organism is Staphylococcus aureus. Nepal has a 4-7% overall prevalence rate for surgical site infection. The study objective was to find out the aerobic bacteria from surgical site infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center with effect from September 2022 to September 2023 approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Pus samples were taken from the postoperative wound infection site and submitted to the microbiological laboratory for culture and sensitivity. Gram-positive aerobic bacteria and gram-negative aerobic bacteria were isolated and identified by standard microbiological procedures. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was done on Muller-Hinton agar using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. The result was interpreted according to clinical and laboratory standard institute guidelines. Results: The rate of surgical site infection was 22.24% and the most common organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All the gram-positive cocci were sensitive to linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin and gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam and cefepime. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the most common aerobic bacteria isolated from surgical site infection in our setting was found to be Staphylococcus aureus. This study also showed that the gram-positive aerobic bacteria were most susceptible tolinezolid, and teicoplanin, and gram-negative aerobic bacteria were sensitive to meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, and cefoperazone/sulbactam.

Special education teachers' involvement and perceived barriers to delivering oral health education for students with disabilities-A cross-sectional study.

Dental caries is prevalent among children, including those with disabilities. Although the World Health Organization recommends school-based oral health promotion (OHP) programmes involving teachers, limited research has explored teachers' roles and perspectives. To assess special education teachers' involvement and difficulties regarding oral health education (OHE), attitudes towards OHP and barriers to oral healthcare access for students with disabilities (SWDs). This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, involved 264 special education teachers using a validated, self-administered questionnaire, and descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. Only 39% of teachers incorporated OHE into their teaching, and just 20.8% received training for OHE delivery. Teachers showed strong support for integrating OHE into the curriculum (84.1%) and a no-sugar policy (78%). There was, however, less support for school-based toothbrushing (39%). OHE barriers included insufficient resources (56.1%), limited knowledge (29.2%) and misconceptions about primary teeth removal (47.4%). The three most common barriers to oral healthcare access were extended waiting lists (75.0%), long waiting times (73.1%) and fear of dental equipment (67.4%). This study highlights the need for collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators and parents to enhance OHE and reinforce OHP for SWDs within special education and beyond.

Superficial Veins in the Cubital Fossa Regions among the Nepalese and Indian Medical Students of a Medical College in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background The veins in the upper limb are classified as superficial or deep, with deep veins, such as the venae comitantes and axillary vein, coming after the major arteries. The subcutaneous tissue contains the superficial veins, which link to the deep veins. These veins include the basilic, cephalic, median cubital, and median antebrachial veins. These superficial veins are clinically significant for phlebotomy, transfusion, and cardiac catheterization, and it joins the median cubital vein at the elbow. It is essential to comprehend the structure and patterns of cubital superficial veins in order to design dialysis access and minimise hazards. Materials and Methods Studying the superficial venous organisation in the cubital fossa of 192 MBBS preclinical sciences students, ages 18 to 24, was a cross-sectional observational study carried out at the Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in Nepal. A tourniquet and skin marker/tailor's chalk were used in the study to examine 384 anterior aspects of the arms. Six sets of veins were distinguished from the skin's veins. Tiny veins, cubital wounds, or thick tissue layers disqualified students. Results A study of 192 preclinical sciences students at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar found that type II variant was the most common venous pattern in the cubital fossa region, followed by type I in 24.75%, and the lowest being the type VI pattern in 3.35%. Conclusion It was discovered that the patterns of superficial veins at the cubital fossa did not significantly alter based on the gender or nationality of the individual. Overall, the most common venous pattern was type II, though type I was more frequently seen in female subjects but the difference was statistically insignificant.

Burden of osteoarthritis in Indonesia: A Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex and common condition, especially affecting the knees due to their weight-bearing role. Traditionally seen as a degenerative disease, OA is now understood to have both mechanical and inflammatory causes. Despite its increasing prevalence, there is limited data on OA in Indonesia, resulting in low awareness among clinicians and the public. The aim of this study was to describe the OA burden in Indonesia, focusing on its prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLD) from 1990 to 2019, using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the prevalence, incidence, and YLD of OA in Indonesia from the GBD study 2019. OA prevalence and YLD were compared to other countries according to similar social demographics and geographical proximity. OA YLD was also compared to the top causes of death and disability YLD in Indonesia. The study found that OA cases in Indonesia more than doubled from 1990 to 2019, with increases of 153.12% in males and 143.36% in females. Similar trends were observed for knee OA. The age-standardized prevalence rate in Indonesia increased by 10.03% in males and 8.42% in females, and these were higher compared to China, India, Singapore, and the global average. Younger people had a higher OA prevalence rate growth than older groups. The incidence rate for OA also rose significantly, with males seeing a 10.89% increase to 290 per 100,000 people and females with an 8.57% increase to 384 per 100,000 people. Despite lower overall burden rates compared to some countries, Indonesia experienced significant growth in YLD due to OA (12.16% in males and 9.65% in females) since 1990. Although OA was less burdensome than stroke, diabetes, low back pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its YLD growth rate was higher. In conclusion, OA prevalence and incidence in Indonesia significantly increased from 1990 to 2019, with a notable rise among younger populations. OA had a higher YLD growth compared to several other major diseases in Indonesia, highlighting the need for early detection and preventive measures, particularly for the younger population.

Medication Adherence and its Determinants among Type 2 Diabetic Patient in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Diabetes mellitus imposes vast social, health, and economic impacts on individuals and countries in the long term.Inadequate medication adherence is a major factor leading to poor and suboptimal glycemic control among patients with DM, which catalyzes the magnitude of this problem and leads to the development of diabetic-related complications. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in medicine and endocrine OPD of Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital.A convenience sampling technique was deployed using a structured interview schedule consisting of a medication adherence scale having a 4 Likert scale. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics including, frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were demonstrated by using tables and pie charts. Inferential statistics were used to find out the association between the level of adherence and selected variablesand also determinants associated with non-adherence. Results: From a total of 228 study respondents, more than half (59.65%) of them were non-adherent to their anti-diabetic medication. Glycemic control and the type of drug taken were found to be significantly associated with the level of medication adherence. Patients with tend to forgetfulness, far distance from health facilities, fear of dependency on drugs, and symptoms of hypoglycemia will likely have greater odds to be non-adhered to medications. Conclusion: Medication adherence among diabetic patients in the present study is non-adherent. Glycemic control and the type of drug taken were associated with level of adherence

Outcome of Cataract Surgery among Eye Camp Patients of Eastern Nepal

Background: Outreach camp is helpful for reducing the prevalence of blindness due to cataracts and refractive error. The objective was to evaluate the visual outcome of cataract surgery among camp patients operated at a high volume center of Eastern Nepal. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study design was used. The comprehensive eye screening program was conducted and those having cataracts were referred to base hospital for cataract surgery, patients were reexamined at the base hospital again and a small incision cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens was implanted at Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Biratnagar and Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan. The pre-operative vision was taken during screening and post-operative vision was taken after one-month by performing refraction by trained personnel. Data were extracted from the hospital record; analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. Descriptive analysis by using frequency, parent age and association was done by using Chi square test with a P-value <0.05 considered as significant. Results: A total of 1426 camp patients were operated. Among them 1113 (78%) were visited after one month post operative follow up at the campsite. There were 744 (52%) female and bilateral affected eyes were 735(52%). Pre-operative presenting visual acuity was <3/60 (37%), which was reduced to (0.2%) after one month follows up of cataract surgery. There was a significant association in pre-operative VA with aided one month to follow up VA. Conclusion: The outcome of the cataract surgery of camp patients operated at base hospitals was good in high-volume hospitals. Follow up after one month was good practice to provide services and measure the outcome of cataract surgery.

Unchanged incidence of major adverse events amidst rising surgical interventions for osteoporotic vertebral fractures, 2015-2021.

Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) is a common condition in the aging population, often leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Here, we analyzed treatment trends and incidence of major adverse events in patients hospitalized for OVF. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, using a large Japanese hospital administrative database. The cohort included hospitalized patients aged 65years or older, admitted for OVF from January 2015 to December 2021. The primary outcomes were the trend in the proportion of the patients undergoing surgery for OVF and the incidence of major adverse events within 30days of admission. As a secondary outcome, we evaluated the trend in hospitalization costs. The study cohort consisted of 14,714 patients, with a mean age of 82.4years. There was a significant increase in surgical interventions for OVF, from 3.7% of patients in 2015 to 9.8% in 2021 (p < 0.001). The incidence of major adverse events remained unchanged, with a risk ratio of 1.09 (95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 1.35) in 2021 compared to 2015. Average hospitalization costs increased significantly, from $7,570.6 (SD 6,047.0) in 2015 to $9,502.9 (SD 7,231.5) in 2021 (p < 0.001). Despite a significant increase in the proportion of surgical intervention for OVF, no reduction in the risk of major adverse events was observed between 2015 and 2021. Surgeons and policy makers need to interpret these findings and work towards an optimized approach to the management of OVF in the aging population.

Correlation between the Visual Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score in Patients with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects about 210 million males as of 2010 (6% of the population). BPH is the most common disease of men above 50 years of age. BPH is a major cause of morbidity in the ageing men. Lower urinary tract symptoms, are a collective term for the symptoms of disrupted voiding in males, which has long been associated with BPH. Materials and Methods: Study was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Urology, Nobel medical college, Biratnagar, Nepal over a period from January 2022 to December 2022. The entire Patient with visiting urology clinic of the provisionally diagnosed as BEP was enrolled in the study with approval of institutional review committee. Results: We enrolled a cohort of 75 patients who had been diagnosed with BEP. The mean age was 51.31 years. The mean prostate size among these individuals was measured to be 45.63 grams, and their mean Prostate-Specific Antigen level was determined to be 3.57.We observed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.536) with statistical significance (p &lt; 0.01) between VPSS total and IPSS total. Out of total, 35 (47%) completed VPSS alone without any assistance while filling IPSS only 9 (12%) could complete one. Median time for completing VPSS versus IPSS was 60sec and 300 sec respectively. Conclusion: In assessment of symptom severity visual prostate symptom score is equally effective as International prostate symptom score in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia presenting with Lower urinary tract symptoms. All parameters of visual prostate symptom score is significantly correlated with International prostate symptom score.

The Relationship between Healthy Vascular Aging with the Mediterranean Diet and Other Lifestyles in the Spanish Population: The EVA Study.

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 501 individuals aged 35 to 75 years were recruited from five health centers by random sampling stratified by age and sex (55.90 ± 14.24 years, 49.70% men). HVA was determined in two steps. Step 1: Subjects with vascular damage to the carotid arteries or peripheral arterial disease were classified as non-HVA. Step 2: The study population was classified by age and sex using the percentiles of the vascular aging index (VAI), with VAI ≤p25 considered HVA and >p25 considered non-HVA. The VAI was estimated using the following formula (VAI = (log (1.09) × 10 cIMT + log (1.14) cfPWV) × 39.1 + 4.76. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured with the SphygmoCor® device, and carotid intima-media thickness using Sonosite Micromax® ultrasound. Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, alcohol and tobacco use were recorded through validated questionnaires. Physical activity was assessed with the ActiGraph-GT3X® accelerometer. The mean VAI value was 61.23 ± 12.86 (men-63.47 ± 13.75 and women-59.04 ± 11.54; p < 0.001). HVA was found in 18.9% (men-19.9% and women-17.8%). In the multiple regression analysis after adjusting for possible confounding factors, the mean VAI value showed a positive association with alcohol use (β = 0.020) and sedentary hours per week (β = 0.109) and a negative association with hours of activity per week (β = -0.102) and with the number of healthy lifestyles (β = -0.640). In the logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for possible confounding factors and compared to those classified as non-HVA, subjects classified as HVA were more likely to show MD adherence (OR = 0.571), do more than 26 h per week of physical activity (OR = 1.735), spend under 142 h per week being sedentary (OR = 1.696), and have more than two healthy lifestyles (OR = 1.877). The results of this study suggest that the more time spent doing physical activity and the less time spent in a sedentary state, the lower the vascular aging index and the greater the likelihood of being classified in the group of subjects with HVA.

Antibiotics Utilization Pattern in a Children’s Medical Center in North of Iran

Background: The development of a system for rational use of antimicrobials seems mandatory. Furthermore, since hospitals do not share the same bacterial flora and have different patterns of antibiotic therapy the purpose of the present study is to perform a Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) on the pattern of antibiotic administration in patients hospitalized in 17 Shahrivar Pediatric Hospital, RASHT, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted in a one-year period (2021-2022), 560 patients were randomly selected and their medication data were collected based on the gender and age as well as the type, dose, duration of antibiotic therapy and the results of bacterial cultures and also susceptibility of the infectious microorganisms. Results: The average age of patients was 53.56 months with 46.9% of them being less than 24 months old. The highest rate of antibiotics administration belonged to the infectious diseases ward (30%) and 33% of antibiotics were prescribed by pediatric infectious diseases specialists. The result of most of the cultures was reported as negative (98.38%), the most prevalent microorganism was Escherichia Coli from urine cultures (2.38%) and Staphylococcus Aureus from sputum cultures (14.28%). The highest prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (51.2%) and vancomycin (45.6%). It was determined the antibiotic stipend was 15.6% of the whole budget for purchasing medicine. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop a guideline regarding the prescription of antibiotics in children's departments, which reduces empiric treatment and the requirement to adjust the drug after a negative culture.

Sexual function, health functionality, and quality of life in females with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a cross-sectional study.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can have several consequences on sexual function, which can lead to worsened quality of life. The study sought to assess sexual function and its association with health functionality and quality of life in females with PAH. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in pulmonary circulation outpatient clinics from January 2022 to March 2023 in females diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Assessment was carried out through the application of the Female Sexual Function Index, the 36-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, and the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form Survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and JASP, and Spearman's correlation tests were applied between the instruments, with a P value <.05 considered significant. A total of 91 females were assessed. It was identified that 90.1% of females had sexual dysfunction, with worse scores in females with sexual dysfunction in the domains of satisfaction, arousal, and desire, with average health functionality and quality of life. There were significant correlations between the domains of mobility, getting along, life activities, and the overall functionality score with some domains of sexual function, especially arousal and satisfaction. We found significant correlations between some domains of quality-of-life assessment with the domains of desire, arousal, and satisfaction, and with the overall score of sexual function assessment, as well as strong correlations between health functionality and quality of life. The data reinforce the need for rehabilitation programs and social support for this population. This is one of the few studies to evaluate sexual function, quality of life, and health functionality in women with PAH. Due to limitations in data collection, we were unable to assess certain factors such as hormone levels and a history of sexual abuse. We identified a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in females with PAH with mild functional impairment and a moderate quality-of-life score with correlations between sexual function, health functionality, and quality of life.

Examining School Nurses' Knowledge and Confidence Related to Their Intention to Screen for and Report Child Sexual Abuse: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a preventable national public health problem that results in adverse health consequences. Research suggests youth experiencing CSA are often of school age. Screening for early detection of health issues is integral to school nurse (SN) practice. Still, there is little evidence that routine screening when CSA is suspected is occurring in schools, despite recommendations that it should be. Lack of confidence and knowledge related to screening and reporting for CSA contribute to a SN's missed opportunity for early intervention. The aim of this study was to describe SNs' knowledge and self-efficacy associated with screening for and reporting suspected CSA in school settings. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The Child Abuse Report Intention Scale was sent to over 2,000 members of the National Association of School Nurses. Among SN respondents (N = 123), the main findings showed almost half reported being concerned a youth was experiencing CSA but may have missed identifying it. Self-efficacy and professional responsibility were predictors of SNs' intention to screen as well as knowledge about obvious and serious signs of abuse were predictors of SNs' intention to report in this sample. An educational partnership between forensic nurse examiners and SNs can facilitate improving SNs' knowledge about nonspecific physical and behavioral indicators of abuse that are not overtly obvious. The development of a screening tool specific for use by SNs can empower their confidence to screen by providing a resource for them to use as a guide when they are uncertain about the evidence.

WHO/INRUD Drug Prescribing Indicators in the Emergency Ward of a Teaching Hospital, South East of Iran

Background: Rational drug use is an important issue in all healthcare settings. Core drug use indicators have been developed by World Health Organization/ International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD). The prescribing indicators measure healthcare providers’ performance in five key areas of drug usage. The aim of this study was to evaluate WHO/INRUD indicators of prescribing in emergency ward of a teaching hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Emergency Ward of teaching hospital from March 2022 – March 2023. A standard prescribing indicators form was utilized to collect the required data using WHO drug prescribing indicators. Besides the rate of intravenous fluids and narcotic analgesics administration was evaluated. Index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was also calculated for each month and the mean of 12 IRDPs represent the emergency ward IRDP. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Antibiotics were prescribed in 34% of studied prescriptions and ceftriaxone was the most widely used antibiotic (33.8%). Index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was 0.73 for polypharmacy, 0.93 for generic name prescribing, 0.88 for antibiotic prescribing, 0.1 for injectable drug use and 1 for formulary-based drug prescription. Total IRDP for the emergency ward was 3.64 (from optimal value of 5). IV fluids and narcotics were prescribed in 61.1% and 8.3% of studied prescription respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that although our overall IRDP value is below the WHO standard but it is about other neighbor countries. Our condition regarding IV drug administration showed a huge difference with WHO standards. It shows we need more input and regulations in this regard.

Lesbian and bisexual breast cancer survivors' post-treatment resource needs.

The purpose of our study was to identify and describe determinants of lesbian and bisexual breast cancer survivors' post-treatment resources. We used a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The data reported here were gathered as part of OUT: The National Cancer Survey, administered electronically from September 2020 to March 2021 via social media and community partners. We used descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and thematic analysis to analyze survivor perceptions of information availability, treatment environment, care plans, social support, and health. Of those who participated in the survey, (N =430) 366 identified as lesbian, and 64 identified as bisexual. Mean age was 58.6 years (range 21 - 91 years). Fewer than 11% of our sample indicated they could find helpful information about being a queer person with cancer during their treatment. Over 75% of our sample that received a cancer survivorship care plan indicated that their plan did not include resources for queer individuals. Affirming cancer treatment environments and resources tailored to the needs of lesbian and bisexual breast cancer survivors are critical for reducing disparities. Survivorship care plans should include resources for queer individuals as a part of holistic cancer care.