Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Examining the relationship between occupational health and safety practices and productivity levels in private health facilities in the central region of Ghana

IntroductionLiterature has established that offering protection for workers’ health and safety is one method of preserving an organization’s human resources and increase worker productivity. The purpose of this study was to examine occupational health and safety practices among selected private hospitals in the central region of Ghana and how it affects work productivity.MethodsThis study was a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 344 healthcare workers at sixteen (16) selected private health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana, through the convenience sampling technique. Data entry and analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).ResultsA greater majority of the respondents exhibited positive perceptions and attitudes towards occupational health and safety protocols. The healthcare facilities of almost 6 out of every 10 sampled respondents had high compliance levels with occupational health and safety measures. Also, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between OHS implementation and overall productivity (r(344) = 0.255, p < 0.018). This relationship remained significant after controlling for demographic variables through partial correlation analysis (r(344) = 0.272, p = 0.015), indicating a stable and consistent association. The most mentioned potential areas for improvement to optimize employee well-being and productivity were safety training, safety satisfaction and feedback and management safety commitment while the least mentioned were safety reporting, safety involvement and working environment.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that the implementation of OHS measures has a positive and significant relationship with the overall productivity of healthcare workers in private health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana.

Favouring Factors and Germs Involved in Infection of Open Leg Bone Fractures at Bonzola Hospital in Mbujimayi: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose : Leg bone fractures are the most common skeletal fractures of the pelvic limb. The aim of this study was to determine the factors favoring infection of open leg bone fractures, and the germs involved. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Bonzola Hospital in Mbujimayi, D.R. Congo, from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021, and included patients with open leg bone fractures. The association between a factor and the occurrence of infection was assessed using the correlation test (considered significant if p ≤ 0.05). Results: Fracture site infection was found in 60.3% of open fractures, dominated by Staphylococcus aureus. Factors significantly associated with the occurrence of this infection were time from trauma to first aid, treatment received prior to hospital admission, type of treatment received prior to hospital admission (in a health center), prolonged time from trauma to hospital arrival, context of admission to Bonzola Hospital (emergency), Gustilo fracture type (II and III) and first bone treatment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Open leg bone fractures are common. Infection occurs particularly in Gustilo and Anderson types 2 and 3. There are controllable factors associated with the occurrence of infection.

Vaccination Adherence Among Parents of Preschool-Aged Children

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to vaccination in the general population poses a major obstacle to achieving epidemiological well-being. AIM: To assess vaccination adherence among parents of preschool-aged children in selected cities in Russia and Belarus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an anonymous online survey administered to parents whose children attended preschool institutions in Almetyevsk, Kazan, Makhachkala, Nizhny Novgorod, and Rybnoye in Russia and Gomel in Belarus. The questionnaire included 16 items with single or multiple response options. Overall, 801 participants were surveyed. Statistical analysis was performed using R 4.3.1 (RStudio). Proportions with 95% confidence intervals and standard errors (P ± p) were calculated. The independent-sample t-test was used for normally distributed variables and the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test for asymmetrically distributed variables. RESULTS: A positive attitude toward vaccination was reported by 76.2 ± 11.7% of respondents (range across cities: 56%–91%). The main motivations for vaccinating children were protection against serious infections (68.8% ± 7.3%), concern about access to educational institutions (16.2% ± 9.6%), and recommendations from healthcare providers (9.1% ± 5.8%). Negative attitudes were identified in some parents, including fear of adverse reactions (13.5%), concerns about vaccine safety (8.3%), and the belief that children should only be vaccinated against the most dangerous diseases (9.1%). Furthermore, 47.6% of the respondents expressed interest in receiving additional information about vaccination. The preferred sources of information were consultations with pediatricians (78.3%), printed educational materials (28.3%), dedicated websites (23.2%), lectures on clinic websites (17.2%), and hotline consultations (15%). Only 11.9% of the respondents favored information obtained through social media. CONCLUSION: Some parents of preschool-aged children in Russia and Belarus demonstrate negative attitudes toward vaccination. Parents show a strong willingness to receive information from healthcare professionals.

Nutritional Status and Actual Dietary Practice of Lung and Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients at Nghe An Oncology Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Malnutrition remains a prevalent and critical issue among hospitalized cancer patients, particularly those with lung and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In low- and middle-income countries such as Vietnam, cancer-related malnutrition may be further aggravated by limited access to nutritional support services. However, data on the nutritional status of Vietnamese cancer patients is limited. This study aimed to assess lung and GI cancer patients' nutritional status and actual dietary intake at Nghe An Oncology Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from February to June 2023. Adult inpatients with confirmed lung or GI cancer were randomly selected. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), categorizing patients as well-nourished (A), moderately malnourished (B), or severely malnourished (C). Dietary intake was assessed via a 24-hour dietary recall and analyzed using the Vietnamese food composition tables. Nutrient intake was compared with the Vietnamese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) standards. Results: Among 100 patients, 72% were classified as malnourished, with 52% falling into PG-SGA category C and 20% in category B. Nutritional status showed no significant differences based on sex, cancer type, or duration since diagnosis. The median daily energy intake was 1,305 kcal, accounting for 72% of the RNI. Despite a lower absolute intake, females achieved a higher percentage of their RNI than males. Intake of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids met 80%, 70%, and 90% of the RNI, respectively. Intakes of vitamins A and C exceeded RNI, particularly among male patients, while vitamins B1, B2, and niacin were consumed below recommended levels. Mineral intake was also insufficient: calcium met 65% of RNI, iron 48%, and magnesium 80%. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized cancer patients, along with substantial gaps between actual dietary intake and nutritional requirements.

BLOOD CULTURE PROVEN COMMON BACTERIAL PATHOGENS IN PATIENTS ADMITTED IN THE PEDIATRIC UNIT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) in pediatric populations represent a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Rapid identification of causative bacterial pathogens and determination of their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles are essential for timely intervention and effective management of sepsis. Objective: To determine the spectrum of bacterial pathogens isolated from blood cultures and assess their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns among pediatric patients admitted with sepsis at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Department of Pediatrics, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 23 January 2025 to 23 April 2025. Methods: Blood samples were collected aseptically from pediatric patients meeting the clinical criteria for sepsis and processed using an automated BACTEC system. Standard microbiological techniques, identified bacterial isolates, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with Chi-square tests applied to evaluate associations between categorical variables. Results: Among 145 enrolled patients, 117 (80.7%) demonstrated positive blood cultures. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen (27.4%), followed by Escherichia coli (23.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.2%). Staphylococcus aureus exhibited 100% sensitivity to vancomycin, while imipenem showed high efficacy against E. coli (95%) and K. pneumoniae (90%). Notably, substantial resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was observed. A statistically significant association was found between male gender and a higher incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p=0.045). Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus remains the leading cause of pediatric bloodstream infections, and emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns pose a serious challenge to empirical therapy. Routine surveillance of bacterial pathogens and their resistance profiles is imperative to guide effective antimicrobial stewardship and improve clinical outcomes in Pakistan's pediatric population.

Genetic and Non-genetic Correlates of Imatinib Pharmacokinetics and Side Effects of Imatinib in Palestinian Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment with imatinib mesylate often faces challenges due to inter-patient variability in drug response and adverse effects. Genetic polymorphisms in enzymes involved in imatinib metabolism, such as CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, may contribute to this variability. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of CYP2C8*3, CYP2C8*4, and CYP3A4*22 among CML patients and evaluate their impact on imatinib exposure and side effects. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on Palestinian CML patients receiving 400mg daily imatinib between June 2021 and August 2022. Genetic analysis and plasma imatinib levels were determined, along with assessment of demographic and clinical parameters. Results revealed significant associations between CYP2C8*3 genotype and lower imatinib trough concentrations, while CYP2C8*4 and CYP3A4*22 variants showed no significant effects. Imatinib C0 levels correlated with treatment duration but not with age, gender, or weight. Notably, higher C0 levels were linked to specific side effects, including fluid retention, diarrhea, myalgia, and anemia. These findings suggest that pharmacogenetic factors, particularly CYP2C8*3 genotype, may influence imatinib exposure and treatment outcomes in CML patients.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on Clinical Profile and Outcome of Delirium in the Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Semi-Closed Intensive Care Unit

INTRODUCTIONDelirium in mechanically ventilated patients is associated with a poor outcome. Delirium in mechanically ventilated patients is associated with a poor outcome, including increased length of stay, frequent medical complications, increased cost of care, and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis prospective study was done in 67 patients of age ≥18 years who underwent mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours in a level three intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital for one year. The ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee was obtained before enrolment in this study The whole sampling method was used in our study. The Confusion Assessment Method-ICU and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale were used to diagnose and motor subtype delirium, respectively, along with a checklist to assess risk factors. All data was transferred to the excel sheet and transferred to a statistical package for the social sciences-16. The risk factors were analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTSOf the 67 ICU admissions, 34 (38.4%) developed delirium. Mixed delirium was the most common motor subtype 36 (53.73%). The mean duration of delirium was 5.41±4.62 days.Hypoxemia, acute respiratory failure, and history of alcohol intake were identified as risk factors for delirium. Delirious patients had a longer length of stay in the ICU (11.8 ±8.1 vs 7.4±7.7 days) and duration of mechanical ventilation (5.1 ± 2.0 vs 2.5±1.6), with no impact on mortality, reintubation and unplanned extubation. CONCLUSIONHypoxemia, acute respiratory failure, and history of alcohol intake were identified as the risk factor for mortality in mechanically ventilated delirious patients that should be identified early to prevent complications such as longer length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation in the semi-closed intensive care unit.

Profile of Abnormal Cardiotocography and Perinatal Outcome at Term Pregnancy – A Descriptive Study in a Tertiary Centre of Nepal

INTRODUCTIONIdentification of fetal distress and intervention in time accordingly can have good perinatal health. Different modalities can be used for identifying fetal distress depending upon the resources and settings. This study aims to find the abnormalities of cardiotocography (CTG) in identifying fetal distress and its utility in perinatal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODSThis was hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study for 6 months in patients with term pregnancy in cephalic presentation having abnormal CTG findings. RESULTSOut of 198 patients, 53% were multigravidae. Variable deceleration was seen in 74 (37.3%), late deceleration was notified in 30 (15.1%), and persistent tachycardia was seen in 22 (11.1%). Meconium stained liquor was observed in 114 (57.6%). Cord around neck was present in 40 (20.2%). APGAR score less than 7 at 5 minutes was notified in 120 (59.4%), reception of resuscitation was in 100 (50.5%), NICU admission was done in 50 (25.2%), neonatal deaths within 72 hours were 4 (2%) which were observed in CTG with variable and late deceleration, however no still birth was recorded. CONCLUSIONCardiotocography interpretations help in identifying fetal distress which in-turn determines the perinatal outcome.

Insights into healthcare workers’ perceptions of electronic medical record system utilization: a cross-sectional study in Mafeteng district, Lesotho

BackgroundElectronic medical record (EMR) systems have significantly transformed how healthcare data is created, managed, and utilized, offering improved legibility, accessibility, and support for clinical decision-making compared to paper records. In Lesotho, the system was implemented to enhance patient care, track patients, and generate reports for evidence-based programming. It is imperative to understand how healthcare workers (HCWs) perceive the system as frontline end-users; thus, the aim of the study was to explore HCWs’ perceptions of the system, focusing on perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU) and factors influencing acceptance and utilization in Mafeteng district.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted; 145 healthcare workers from 17 health facilities were invited to participate. The Technology Acceptance Model was incorporated into a self-administered questionnaire. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and the constructs of PU and PEU using Stata/BE 18.0. Multiple regression examined HCWs’ perceptions, while verbatim text from participants clarified quantitative findings.ResultsThe study had a 49% response rate (n = 71). Most participants were female (70.42%; n = 50), with registered nurse midwives as the most common profession (45.07%; n = 32). A large proportion reported ‘good’ or ‘very good’ computer skills (43.66%; n = 31). For PU, 87.32% found the EMR system useful, 83.1% agreed it improves job performance, and 83.1% said it saves time. For PEU, 85.91% found the system easy to use, 81.69% could recover from errors, and 85% could remember task procedures. Network connectivity and electricity supply were cited as barriers to the effective use of the EMR system in health facilities, resulting in interruptions in service delivery. The characteristics of sex and profession had no significant impact on PU and PEU, while both qualification (p = 0.035) and computer skills (p = 0.007) were significant, indicating a positive association with greater PEU of the EMR system.ConclusionHCWs in the Mafeteng District exhibited positive attitudes toward the EMR system, recognising its usefulness, ease of use, and efficiency. Sustaining computer literacy and addressing infrastructural challenges could further enhance the successful implementation and adoption of the system, ultimately improving patient care outcomes.

Factors Contributing to Refusal of Testing in the Pediatric COVID-19 Suspect Population

Background: Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, and strategies like vaccination, social distancing, and extensive testing have played crucial roles in controlling its spread. Diagnosing COVID-19 in children is particularly challenging due to their susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. Studies have indicated that suspected patients often refuse COVID-19 testing.Objective: This study aimed to identify pediatric patients whose parents refused COVID-19 testing despite clinical symptoms and physicians' advice and to highlight significant factors contributing to this refusal.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. After consent was obtained, data was collected from the parents of 146 pediatric patients suspected of having COVID-19 using a predesigned proforma. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed.Results: The study showed that 78% (114) of parents refused COVID-19 testing for their children, while 22% (32) agreed. The primary reasons for refusal were: parents believing their child had another illness despite medical advice, fear of side effects, lack of knowledge, fear of quarantine, illiteracy, viewing COVID-19 as a social taboo, and fear of a positive test result.Conclusion: Illiteracy and lack of knowledge were major factors contributing to testing refusal and influenced other reasons as well. Through social and electronic media, it is essential to increase awareness and reduce the fear associated with the disease. Clinicians can play a significant role in educating parents. Enhancing awareness and alleviating fear may lead to greater testing acceptance, contributing to accurate disease statistics and benefiting future research.Keywords: COVID-19, Illiteracy Quarantine, Refusal, Testing.

Pattern of Cystic Lesion of the Jaws on Radiographs in Patients Reported Reporting to Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat

Background: Jaw cystic lesions are a significant concern in dental practice, often leading to functional and aesthetic complications if not identified and treated promptly. Objective: To determine the pattern and location of jaw cystic lesions on radiograph.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Saidu College of Dentistry analyzed 137 panoramic radiographs with cystic lesions. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Radiographs were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling and classified based on clear operational definitions. Data on demographics and lesion characteristics were recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, stratification by gender and location, and chi-square testing.Results: The mean age was 37.7 ± 15.6 years with 56.9% males. Radicular cysts were the most common (47.45%), followed by dentigerous cysts (32.12%), odontogenic keratocysts (18.98%), and eruption cysts (1.46%). Radicular cysts were mainly found in the anterior maxilla and mandible, dentigerous cysts in the mandibular angle, and odontogenic keratocysts in the mandible body. Eruption cysts were exclusive to the posterior maxilla. Gender distribution was not significant (p = 0.89), but lesion location showed statistical significance (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Radicular cysts are the most common cystic lesions, particularly in the anterior maxilla and mandible. Clinicians should be aware of the distinct patterns of jaw cystic lesions to ensure early diagnosis and effective management, minimizing morbidityKeywords: Dentigerous cyst, Eruption cyst, Jaw cysts, Odontogenic keratocyst, Panoramic radiographs, Radicular cyst.

Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness and complications readiness among mobile Pokot nomadic pastoralist pregnant women in Tiaty Sub-County, Baringo County-Kenya

BackgroundMaternal mortality in Kenya remains unacceptably high. Mobile pastoralist communities, Pokot community included take the greatest burden of these maternal deaths. Knowledge of obstetric danger signs is important for the prevention of pregnancy and birth complications as it influences pregnant women to prepare for birth and complications. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of obstetrics danger signs and their effect on Birth Preparedness and complications Readiness among mobile Pokot nomadic pastoralist in Kenya.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 pregnant Pokot nomadic pastoralist women using a multistage sampling technique. Chi-square (X2) was used to test the association between categorical variables and a P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsMajority of the women demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding obstetric danger signs, with 80% (n = 220) recognizing these danger signs during pregnancy and 69.1% (n = 190) during labour. However, despite this awareness, the overall Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) remained low, with only 28% (n = 77) adequately prepared and 77% (n = 212) were unprepared.ConclusionHigh awareness of obstetric danger signs among Pokot pastoralist women has not translated into adequate birth preparedness and complication readiness. To reduce maternal mortality especially in these pastoralists and unsettled communities where services are unpredictable and disrupted by frequent movements, government and other stakeholders must implement powerful, targeted actions that address their unique challenges such as robust mobile clinics and outreach services, community based birth preparedness programs, emergency transport networks, maternity waiting homes, improved referral systems, culturally sensitive health education and policy and infrastructural investments. These bold, community-centered interventions can significantly reduce maternal deaths and improve maternal health outcomes among Kenya’s pastoral populations.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PYODINE-IODINE PLEURODESIS IN MALIGNANT PLEURAL EFFUSION

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of advanced malignancies, leading to significant morbidity due to symptoms such as dyspnea and cough. Chemical pleurodesis is a widely used palliative procedure for managing recurrent MPE. Povidone-iodine, an easily available and cost-effective agent, has been suggested as an alternative sclerosing agent with promising results. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of povidone-iodine pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pulmonology, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 02-December-2024 to 02-April-2025. Methods: 157 patients aged between 18 and 65 with confirmed MPE were enrolled. All patients underwent pleurodesis using 20 mL of 10% povidone-iodine mixed with 40 mL normal saline, administered via a 28-French chest tube placed in the sixth intercostal space. Efficacy was assessed by clinical symptom resolution (dyspnea and cough) and radiographic clearance of pleural effusion at six weeks post-procedure. Safety was evaluated by monitoring for adverse events, including fever (≥38.0°C), nausea, and dizziness. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, with descriptive statistics reported. Associations were assessed with chi-square tests where appropriate (p-value &lt; 0.05 considered significant). Results: The mean age of patients was 44.81 ± 13.37 years. The overall efficacy rate of pleurodesis was 86.6%. Fever occurred in 22.9% of patients, nausea in 17.8%, and dizziness in 9.6%. Safety was maintained in 84.1% of cases, indicating a favorable tolerance profile. Conclusion: Povidone-iodine pleurodesis demonstrated high efficacy and a favorable safety profile in managing malignant pleural effusions, offering an effective, affordable, and well-tolerated option for palliation with minimal complications.

Double Defense: How Cerclage and Progesterone Team Up to Prevent Preterm Birth

Background: Preterm birth due to cervical insufficiency has a huge physical and emotional toll on pregnant women. Cervical cerclage and progesterone combination in appropriately selected patient can prolong pregnancy till term.Objective: To determine the effectiveness of combined transvaginal cervical cerclage and oral progesterone in preventing preterm birth.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 102 pregnant women who underwent history and ultrasound indicated transvaginal cerclage and oral progesterone(dydrgesterone) 100mg twice daily till 34 weeks of pregnancy, were followed up till delivery to ascertain the success rate of cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth .Results: In this study success rate in terms of full-term vaginal delivery &gt; 37 weeks was seen in 34(94.4%) patients in the age range 18-25 years,57(98.3%) in the age range of 26-33 years and 8(100%) in age range of 34-41years. Mean maternal BMI and parity were 23.4±2.3 and 2.3±1.6 respectively.Conclusion: Preterm births in pregnant women with suspected cervical insufficiency, can be effectively prevented by transvaginal cervical cerclage and oral progesterone combination.Keywords: Cervical cerclage, Cervical insufficiency, McDonald's cerclage Preterm birth, Progesterone.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Status among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Cardiac Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Background: Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of occupational exposure to the Hepatitis B virus infection, making vaccination crucial for infection prevention. This study aims to assess vaccination coverage and identify factors influencing uptake among HCWs at a tertiary cardiac center. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre (SGNHC), involving 479 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedical staffs, and support personnel. Data were collected using a structured electronic and paper-based questionnaire, ensuring comprehensive coverage of vaccination history and awareness. Results: Participants had a mean age of 32.79 ± 9.0 years, with 43 (8.98%) males and 436 (91.02%) females. Of the 479 workers, 179 (37.36%) received complete vaccinations, while 215 (44.89%) received incomplete doses, and 85 (17.75%) had no record of vaccination. The primary reason for non-vaccination was a lack of awareness, reported by 58 (12.11%) of participants; knowledge of the required doses of the vaccination series was 74.11% and 19.62%, respectively Conclusion: In conclusion, the vaccination coverage among healthcare workers at this tertiary cardiac center is low, primarily attributable to inadequate knowledge and awareness. Institutional policies mandating HBV vaccination and education initiatives are recommended.

Professionals' Perceptions of the Management of Digital Competence Sharing in Healthcare and Associated Background Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To describe professionals' perceptions of the management of digital competence sharing in healthcare and associated background factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study. The study used an online survey involving 227 healthcare professionals from three public and one private healthcare organisation in Finland. Data was collected using the management of digital competence sharing (MDCS) instrument and analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Based on the professionals' perceptions, the overall management of digital competence sharing was weak. They perceived the highest level of creation of a friendly and safe digital organisational atmosphere while the lowest level of provision of resources and opportunities for digital competence sharing. Background factors, including gender, age, work experience in healthcare, organisation and clinical environment, showed statistically significant differences in how professionals perceived the management of digital competence sharing. The results emphasised the need for increased managers' attention to digital competence development, prioritising and supporting digital competence sharing among healthcare professionals. The results can be utilised in healthcare management to enhance the digital competence sharing among healthcare professionals and the use of existing digital competence to benefit the work community. The importance of digital competence is increasing among healthcare professionals, but at the same time, they perceive inadequate management support in this area. This study revealed limited management of digital competence sharing in healthcare organisations, particularly among older professionals and those in inpatient and primary care settings. These results can be applied in managers' training to support and promote digital competence among healthcare professionals. The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. There is no patient or public contribution.

Trans Umbilical Lap Assisted Appendectomy (Two Port Technique) A Modern Approach Of Treatment Of Appendicitis

Background: Incisions used for open appendectomy vary widely, but the most common is proposed by McBurney. The cosmetic result is poor when the incisions are oblique, horizontal, or vertical. TULAA is considered a minimally invasive technique combining simplicity, short operative time, low costs, and low rate of complications Aim: to assess the practicality of two-port laparoscopic appendicectomy (TPA) treatment of appendicitis Patients and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 100 patients over the age of 16 with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Following an approval from the ethics committee, patients were subjected to two-port laparoscopic appendicectomy over a 6-month period. Results: The mean operative time was approximately 57.9 minutes with an 11% conversion rate to open surgery. Hospital stays averaged 3.6 days and 9% of patients developed intra-abdominal abscesses. A higher body mass index was identified as a significant predictor of complications. Conclusion: Two-port TULAA is a feasible, safe, and cosmetically advantageous alternative to conventional appendectomy methods. Further multicenter studies with extended follow-up are recommended to confirm these promising outcomes. Larger trials needed..

EXPLORING THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS REGARDING BETA THALASEMIA AMONG THE PARENTS OF PATIENTS IN DISTRICT SWAT

Background: Thalassemia is a hereditary condition that affects globin chain synthesis in varying ways, and affect the hemoglobin production. The study objective was to determine the level of awareness among the parents of patients diagnosed with beta-thalesemia (βT). Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study design was used to collect data from the parents of patient that regularly visit the blood transfusion centers in district swat from February to March 2024. The sample size of the study was 235 using purposive sampling technique, while data was collected through reliable and valid questionnaire. The study was approved by the ethical review committee while informed consent were taken from each participant. Data were analyzed through SPSS 22 as descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In the current study majority of the parents were female 146 (62.1%), age group 31-40 years 164 (69.8%), house wife's 67 (28.5%), having monthly income 21000 to 50000 107 (45.5%), and parents with no education and matric 60 (25.5%). The majority of the patient level of awareness was good (42%), followed by poor awareness (31%), while 27% of the participant answer were neutral. Most parents are aware of prohibited foods, thalassemia signs, prevention tests, complications, drug avoidance, regular lab investigations, thalassemia genetic disorder, blood-related marriages, and HIV as blood-borne diseases. Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of the participant level of awareness was good, but a national basis campaign is required that address the preventive strategies to prevent thalassemia.

Prevalence of depression among diabetic patients and its relationship to diabetes self-care activities, disease profile, and social factors in Khartoum State, Sudan: A cross-sectional study.

Depression is common among individuals with diabetes mellitus, yet many cases go undiagnosed. It is linked to poorer treatment outcomes. However, data from developing countries remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of depression among diabetic patients in Khartoum State. It also examined the association between depression and diabetes self-care activities in addition to other clinical and personal factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 diabetic outpatient clinics in Khartoum State. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, while diabetes self-management behaviors were evaluated using the Self-Reported Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire. Clinical and personal characteristics were also collected. Associations between depression and various factors were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a P-value of less than .05 considered statistically significant. A total of 163 participants were included. The overall prevalence of depression among diabetic patients was 86.5%, with the majority experiencing minimal (33.1%) and mild (30.1%) depression. Depression was significantly associated with the type of diabetes medications (P = .011) and a family history of psychiatric illness (P = .001). Depression was also significantly linked to the loss of a close person (P-value = .001) and lack of social support (P-value = .018), as well as various aspects of diabetes self-care activities. This study revealed a high prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in Khartoum State. Depression was strongly associated with various diabetes self-care activities as well as other clinical and personal factors. Integrating mental health support into diabetes care programs is essential to improve outcomes. Future population-based studies with more robust methodologies are recommended.

Impact of health beliefs and risk perception on willingness to undergo osteoporosis assessment among perimenopausal and menopausal women in primary care: a descriptive cross-sectional study

BackgroundOsteoporosis holds significant clinical importance as a major risk factor for fractures and the associated consequences of chronic pain, disability, loss of independence, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. Studies have found varied levels of knowledge, risk perception and health beliefs about osteoporosis. The impact of health beliefs and risk perception on willingness to undergo osteoporosis assessment was not known. This study thus aimed to determine the factors that impact the willingness of peri-menopausal and menopausal women to undergo Bone Mineral Densitometry for osteoporosis assessment.MethodsThe study was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilising self-administered questionnaires. Women aged 50 years and above were recruited via convenience sampling from a cluster of public primary care clinics in Singapore. The Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) was modified with permission for local context with good validity and reliability. The modified OHBS had 19 items in five subscales: perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis (risk perception), benefits and barriers to calcium intake, and benefits and barriers to exercise. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors that impacted willingness to undergo osteoporosis assessment.ResultsOf 342 women who participated in the study, the mean age was 62.29 years, most were Chinese (75.3%), married (85.3%) and had secondary education (53.4%). Only 15.2% had a family history of osteoporosis and 10.9% were classified as high risk for osteoporosis. Two-thirds of participants (66.1%) were willing to undergo osteoporosis assessment. Logistic regression found that women of Chinese ethnicity, older age, history of fractures and those with higher risk perception and exercise benefits scores were more likely to be willing to undergo osteoporosis assessment.ConclusionThe study highlighted pertinent sociodemographic and clinical factors as well as risk perception and health beliefs that impacted willingness to undergo osteoporosis assessment. Knowledge of these factors will be useful when developing interventions to improve preventive behaviours for osteoporosis and increase uptake of osteoporosis assessment for those at risk.