Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Anemia in Reproductive Age Group Women Attending in General Health Check-up in the Tertiary Care Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Background: Anemia is common, particularly among women in Southeast Asia and other Asian countries. In reproductive-age women (15-49 years), increased demand without adequate supply often leads to deficiency. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia in this group. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) visiting Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital August 1st 2024 to October 20th 2024, following ethical approval. Exclusions included those with chronic diseases, incomplete data, heavy menstrual loss, or pregnancy complications. A convenience sampling method was used, yielding 372 participants. Data were recorded in MS Excel and analyzed in SPSS. Results: Our study of 372 participants (mean age 35.39 ± 8.73 years) found that 22.8% were women aged 40-44 years. BMI analysis showed 43% were overweight, and 34.1% had normal BMI. Blood group distribution was 27.4% A+ and 28.8% B+, with A- being the least common (0.3%). Most participants (75.3%) were from the Hill region, and 71.8% were unmarried. Anemia prevalence was 24.46%, highest in the 45-49 age groups and lowest in the 20-24 groups. Anemia was more common in the underweight (44.44%) and very obese (50%) groups and most prevalent among Terai region women (35.59%). Conclusion: The study found a significant prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age, with higher rates observed in specific age groups, BMI categories, and geographic regions. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address anemia in vulnerable populations.

Workplace violence against medical students during clinical practice and its relevant factors: a mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Our study aims to describe the status of workplace violence against medical students during clinical practice, which consists of its prevalence, types, perpetrators, students’ responses and influences on them, reasons for workplace violence and to determine some relevant factors of this issue through both quantitative questionnaire and qualitative interview. A descriptive cross-sectional study with mixed methods was conducted on 320 students from the second-year to the sixth-year classes at Hanoi Medical University from August 2022 to February 2023. The questionnaire was based on the WHO questionnaire survey ‘Workplace violence in the health sector – country case studies research instruments – Geneva 2003’. 10 students from quantitative research who completed the questionnaire, experienced at least one type of workplace violence and consented to continue taking part in the research were chosen for in-depth interviews. The prevalence of students witnessing and/or experiencing workplace violence was 35.6% and 19.4% of the sample population had experienced at least one kind of workplace violence. Medical staff were the most common perpetrators. 86.8% of students who were exposed to workplace violence did not report the incidents for a variety of reasons. The major reasons leading to workplace violence related to patients, patients’ relatives and students, among which the first-ranked ones were the patients’ education level and their unsatisfied expectations. Some relevant factors to workplace violence against medical students were determined by quantitative analysis such as students’ grade (OR = 3.09) and region (OR = 3.31) and were explored additionally by qualitative interview such as the student management of the instructors, students’ personality, attitude and appearance as well as hospital environment. Based on the research findings, establishing prevention methods, which require action from both individuals (students, medical staff) and organizations (universities, hospitals) is recommended.

Evaluation of accuracy of Phenotypic methods in the detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a variant of Staphylococcus aureus; responsible for a significant share of the infectious load. Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of already in vogue phenotypic methods of identification of MRSA keeping in view the gold standard method of mec-A gene detection using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of different phenotypic methods (Cefoxitin Disc Diffusion, Oxacillin Disc Diffusion, Oxacillin Screen Agar, and MIC of Oxacillin by Agar Dilution Method) with the genotypic method (PCR). Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Microbiology Lab, Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi from October 2021 to September 2022, after attaining the formal approval from Institutional Ethical Review Committee (Riphah/IIMC/IRC/21/73), using non-probability sampling technique. A total of 222 samples of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from all the clinical specimens received at Microbiology lab at Pakistan Railway Hospital. Among those isolates, 150(67.5%) were Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 72(32.4%) were Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results of Phenotypic methods were compared with the results of PCR by using Chi-square formula. The sensitivity and specificity of Cefoxitin Disc Diffusion method was 62.5% and 96.6%, Oxacillin Disc Diffusion method was 65.3% and 93.3%, Oxacillin Screen Agar technique was 81.9% and 96% while that of Oxacillin MIC by Agar Dilution was 91.6% and 89.3% respectively. Oxacillin screen agar demonstrates the better phenotypic technique for detection of MRSA in routine practice.

Evaluating the usability of Iran's national comprehensive health information system: a think-aloud study to uncover usability problems in the recording of childcare data.

Health information systems play a crucial role in the delivery of efficient and effective healthcare. Poor usability is one of the reasons for their lack of acceptance and low usage by users. The aim of this study was to identify the usability problems of a national comprehensive health information system using the concurrent think-aloud method in the recording of childcare data. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the health centers of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2020. Ten healthcare providers as system's users were purposively selected to evaluate the system. To identify problems, a concurrent think-aloud evaluation was conducted. Two administrators of the system designed scenarios for ten childcare data recording tasks. By analysing the recorded files, usability problems were identified. The severity of the problems was then determined with the help of the users and problems were assigned to usability attributes based on their impact on the user. A total of 68 unique problems were identified in the system, of which 47.1% were rated as catastrophic problems. The participants assigned 47 problems (69%) to the user satisfaction attribute and 45 problems (66%) to the efficiency attribute; they also did not assign any problems to the effectiveness attribute. The problems identified in the national comprehensive health information system using the think-aloud method were rated as major and catastrophic, which indicates poor usability of this system. Therefore, resolving the system problems will help increase user satisfaction and system efficiency, allowing more time to be spent on patient care and parent's education as well as improving overall quality of care.

Determining the Relationship Between Sleep Problems, Shock Pain, and Shock Anxiety in Patients With ICD.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep problems, shock pain, and shock anxiety in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and the affecting factors. The population of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of all patients who underwent ICD implantation in university hospital (N = 200), and the sample consisted of patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study (n = 132). Data were obtained using a "General Information Form", the "Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS)", the "Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)", the "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)", and the "Visual Pain Scale (VPS)". The mean age of the patients was 66.13 years. The VPS was 6.40±3.36; the mean FSAS score was 29.98±8.46; the mean PSQI score was 8.02±3.81; the mean ESS score was 7.59±4.10. PSQI had a statistically significant correlation with the total FSAS score (p<0.001) and a statistically insignificant correlation with ESS (p>0.001). Age, sex, marital status, smoking status, cohabitants, previous ICD shocks, the status of lying on ICD, and fear of dislocation of ICD affected the total FSAS score; sex, employment status, history of heart attack, defined sleep disorder, awakening from sleep due to nightmares, and cessation of breathing during sleep affected the total PSQI score; history of previously defined sleep disorder, history of heart attack, use of medication for a sleep disorder, the pain felt when lying on ICD, and pain experienced during ICD shocks affected the total ESS score. The mean shock VPS scores differed between patients who received an ICD shock during sleep and those who were awakened by nightmares. It was found that the shock anxiety and shock pain scores of ICD patients were above average, that they had poor sleep quality, and that their sleepiness was at the level of "normal but increased daytime sleepiness".

Assessing the interdependency among effectiveness, satisfaction and efficient use of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) by health professionals in Ghana.

The success of an electronic health records (EHR) system is dependent on the effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of these systems by health professionals. This paper explores the interdependency among effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of Lightwave Health Information Management Systems (LHIMS) which is an EHR by health professionals. A non-interventional descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed for this research. The study used stratified random sampling for the selection of participants. The population for the study was all the health professionals in the Central Region of Ghana. The number of health professionals who responded to the questions was 1126. The findings suggest that understanding the interdependency of efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction is crucial for the successful implementation and adoption of LHIMS in healthcare organisations. The study investigated the interdependence among effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of the LHIMS by health professionals, and found a positive but weak significant relationship between these factors. Inconclusion, this study aimed to assess the interdependency among effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of LHIMS by health professionals. The. results support a positive but weak significant relationship between satisfaction, effectiveness, and efficient use of the LHIMS. These findings have implications for policymakers and hospital management in their efforts to improve the use of LHIMS. Policymakers can focus on any one of the three usability areas to enhance LHIMS use, with visible effects across the other two domains.

INCREASED COST BURDEN ON PATIENTS OF MENTAL DISORDERS CORRELATED WITH POOR MEDICATION ADHERENCE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: This study was planned to evaluate the correlation between cost borne by the patient and medication adherence in common mental disorder patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional drug utilization study was undertaken in 200 patients. Pattern of psychotropic drugs usage was analyzed as per WHO/INRUD guidelines and average monthly cost borne by the patient/hospital per prescription was correlated with medication adherence of the patients. Results: The average monthly costs borne by patients and hospital were observed to be more during the pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic time. It was observed that patients bearing some cost on their own had significantly lower medication adherence compared to those patients whose cost of treatment was borne by the government-funded hospital (p-value of 0.017). The medication adherence in patients of mental disorders was found to be negatively correlated to the cost was borne by the patients. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the total cost borne by the patients as well as the financial burden on government-funded hospitals.

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of technology addiction in adolescents: associations with food addiction, emotional eating, and body weight status.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of technology addiction (TA) in adolescents, as well as investigate the association of TA with food addiction and emotional eating by body weight status. Adolescents (n = 1388) completed a questionnaire that featured socio-demographic characteristics, the Game Addiction Scale (GAS), the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMD), the dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (dYFAS-C 2.0), and the Emotional Eating Scale Adapted for Use in Children and Adolescents (EES-C). The body mass index (BMI) Z-score was classified according to the World Health Organization. TA was present in one-fifth of adolescents, and boys were four times more likely to develop a digital game addiction (p < 0.001). A 1-point increase in the GAS score is associated with a 1.08-point increase in the dYFAS-C-2.0 score and a 0.5-point increase in the total EES-C score (p < 0.001). A 1-point increase in the SMD score was also related to an increased of 1.21 and 1.26, respectively (p < 0.001). All of these positive associations were significant in adolescents with overweight (p < 0.001). Given the rapidly increasing prevalence of TA among adolescents, its association with food addiction, emotional eating, and body weight status is worrisome, and our findings shed light on the relevance of developing strategies to reduce the prevalence of TA in this population.

Overlap syndrome of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and juvenile polyposis syndrome: ten years follow-up-case series and review of literature.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal vascular dysplasia characterized by the presence of mucocutaneous telangiectasia and arteriovenous malformations in solid organs. The Curaçao criteria and/or detection of ALK1, ENG, and SMAD4 gene mutations are used for diagnosis. Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS) is diagnosed according to the number and localization of juvenile polyps, and family history of JPS. Both entities have a low prevalence. Mutation of SMAD4 leads to a combined syndrome of these two conditions called HHT-JPS Overlap Syndrome. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics associated with this condition focusing on long term follow up and review of the literature. A cross-sectional descriptive study of HHT-JPS cases from an HHT Institutional Registry was designed. Patients were eligible for this case series if they fulfilled both HHT and JPS diagnostic criteria and/or mutation on SMAD4. A comprehensive review was conducted on the clinical phenotype associated with HHT and its gastrointestinal involvement. Fourteen patients from eleven families in 788 previously HHT-diagnosed patients met the inclusion criteria. The ages ranged between 25 and 70 years old and 12 were females. In addition to the typical signs/symptoms of HHT, two distinct phenotypes were observed. Nine patients predominantly exhibited initially upper, while five showed predominantly initially lower gastrointestinal involvement. Numerous musculoskeletal and cardiovascular anomalies were also identified. The observed phenotypic diversity, particularly in gastrointestinal involvement, underscores the need for tailored clinical approaches. Comprehensive assessments identified associated musculoskeletal and cardiovascular anomalies, emphasizing the systemic nature of HHT-JPS.

Prevalence and Determinants of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Children living with Epilepsy in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder in children with its management centered on the use of anti-seizure medications (ASM). However, many children do not achieve seizure control despite being on the appropriate ASM. Hence, caregivers may seek complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) therapies. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and types of CAM used by children with epilepsy in a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the factors that determines their use. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among children diagnosed with epilepsy and their caregivers. Participants were recruited using a convenient sampling method, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistic was performed using IBM SPSS while Pearson’s chi-square test was used to identify significant associations. Results: The prevalence of CAM use was found to be 84.3%, the use of CAM is a risk for poor adherence to ASM. Family members were the main influencers in the decision to use CAM, and the majority of parents/caregivers did not consult their children’s healthcare providers before incorporating these therapies. Significant factors influencing the use of CAM includes: being a male (P=0.01), higher seizure frequency (P=0.002), multiple ASM use (P=0.01), and the presence of comorbidities (P=0.04). The most common CAMs used were prayers, kernel or crude oil and scarifications. Conclusion: CAM use among children with epilepsy is common and is a cause of poor adherence to ASMs with its untoward effects. It is crucial for healthcare providers to proactively inquire about the use of CAM with caregivers during the management of childhood epilepsy and to educate them on the possible risks specifically regarding drug adherence, compliance and poor seizure control.

Characteristics of temper tantrums in 1-6-year-old children and impact on caregivers.

Temper tantrums are common behavioral difficulties in children. Although they are generally considered a normal part of development, certain characteristics-such as aggression, prolonged duration, and frequent occurrences-have been linked to psychological issues and can negatively impact both the child and their caregivers. To study the prevalence and characteristics of temper tantrums in children aged 1-6 years at daycare and in kindergarten in Thailand as well as the impact of problematic and non-problematic tantrums on their caregivers' emotional well-being. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2021. The main caregivers of the participants completed self-reported questionnaires that collected their demographic information and the temper tantrum characteristics and impacts on the caregivers' emotions. Data from 211 children were included in this study. The mean child age was 4.4 ± 1.2 years. Two hundred and one (95.3%) parents reported that their children had at least one tantrum behavior, of which verbal were the most common (94.5%). One hundred and eleven (55.2%) children had tantrums defined as problematic: exhibiting aggressive physical behavior, duration >15 min, frequency > 3 days/week. The mean emotional burden scores of the children's problematic and non-problematic temper tantrums on their parents were 23.3 ± 8.4 and 17.7 ± 8.3 (maximum, 55; p = 0.001), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference. Tantrums are common in children aged 1-6 years, but their expression varies. Problematic tantrums were reported for approximately half of the children and significantly impacted their caregivers' emotions. Therefore, children with problematic tantrums and their families should receive assistance.

Smoking Pattern among Adult Popultation of a Village in Raozan Upazila, Chattogram

Background: Smoking seems to be a symbol of adulthood during stress and loneliness to many people. It is well established that most adults start tobacco use in late childhood or adolescence and continue lifelong. This study aimed to determine the smoking pattern among adult populations in a selected community of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2022 among adult populations in Raozan Upazila of Chattogram. 120 adults were included in the study by convenience sampling and information were collected by face to face interview. Various statistical analysis were performed. Results: Out of 120 respondents 115(96%) were male, 20(10%) were illiterate, 50(42%) were labor and 60(50%) belonged to lower middle class. Among the total respondents, 93(77%) were married. From the study, it was observed that majority 42(30%) belonged to age between 51-60 years. Out of 120 smokers, almost 90(75%) smoked cigarettes and only 12(10%) used to chew tobacco leaves. Among the smokers, 70(58.3%) used to smoke outside the house while only 6(5%) used any hidden place to smoke. Regarding health related problems, 51(42.5%) had breathing problems and 37(30.8%) had cough. 110(91.67%) used to smoke regularly whereas 10(8.33%) used to smoke ocassionally. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, little is known by the people regarding the harmful effects of smoking and associated risk factors. Special regulations and actions should be implemented to curb current adolescent smoking patterns. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 40-43

User perceptions of aspects related to the use of the activity chair: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Introduction: Little is known about the use and aspects impacting the use of the activity chair, which is a device supporting seated activities in everyday life. The aim was to understand (a) purpose of provision, (b) frequency and magnitude of use, (c) barriers impacting use, (d) instruction provided and (e) overall satisfaction with the activity chair. Method: This is a cross-sectional study involving 141 adult activity chair users. Data were collected through telephone interviews using a study-specific questionnaire with 21 items. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the quantitative results, and data-driven text analysis was conducted to analyse open-ended question responses. Results: Most respondents (87%) were provided the activity chair for kitchen work, 87% used the device on a daily basis, 75% used the device for additional activities beyond the provision purpose, 65% experienced barriers impacting use, instructions varied, with 28% receiving none and 16% had received activity-based training, 85% were satisfied with the activity chair. Conclusion: The activity chair appears to be regularly utilised and appreciated by respondents. However, improved device provision, particularly concerning activity-based training in relevant context and systematic follow up, may be required to reduce barriers impacting use. Findings emphasise the importance of learning from users.

Medical complications and advance medical decision-making in the minimally conscious state

ABSTRACT Objectives Medical complications occur frequently in MCS and influence advance medical decision-making. This study aimed to report on medical complications and advance medical decision-making in a nationwide group of MCS patients. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, clinical and advance medical decision-making characteristics were collected in a survey, completed by the treating physician. Results The MCS population consisted of 32 patients: 65.6% traumatic etiology, 68.8% male. Patients had a median of five complications: hypertonia/spasticity (81.3%) and pneumonia (50.0%) occurred most frequently. Most patients had curative goals: three patients had a fully curative treatment scenarios, 29 a curative scenario with ≥ 1 treatment restrictions, two a palliative and two a symptomatic scenario. Conversations about advance medical decision-making were complicated by disputes with next of kin, inability to evaluate medical treatment because of medical instability, next of kin not being ready to discuss medical treatment, or a treatment scenario explicitly based on requests of next of kin. Conclusion Medical complications are common in MCS patients and advance medical decision making was complicated. This legitimates realization of specialized care across acute, post-acute and long-term care. Further longitudinal research into advance medical decision-making is recommended.

Descriptive study on the overload of the main caregiver of cancer patients with tumour asthenia in Salamanca.

The incidence of oncology patients is increasing due to the ageing of the population and advances in research leading to early diagnoses. This has resulted in an increase in the care required for patients at all stages of their illness. To describe the current situation of the overload of informal caregivers of cancer patients with tumour asthenia belonging to the Medical Oncology Service of the University Health Care Complex of Salamanca and the Palliative Care Unit of the Hospital de los Montalvos, we employed the following. This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study conducted at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca and the Palliative Care Unit of the Hospital de los Montalvos from February to May 2023. The study involved 75 informal caregivers of oncology patients with tumour asthenia. Data was collected through interviews, which included sociodemographic information and measurement scales. The study employed the Barthel Scale, PERFORM questionnaire, and Reduced Zarit Caregiver Overload Scale to assess the informal caregivers' ability to care for cancer patients with tumour asthenia. Of the caregivers, 58.7% were female, and the mean age was 60.0 years (± 14.10). Over half (50.7%) of the caregivers experienced high levels of overload, making it impossible to care for the patient. Among patients with tumour asthenia, 37.3% were totally dependent, and 8.0% were moderately dependent. Of these caregivers, 58.7% had no prior caregiving experience, 80.7% had no training, and 77.3% never received help in caring for the patient. In the Medical Oncology service of the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca (CAUSA) and the Palliative Care Unit of the Hospital de los Montalvos, over one third of caregivers of oncology patients with tumour asthenia experienced caregiver overload. Variables such as the patient's age, the caregiver's age, the number of care hours, and the willingness to seek help can influence the perception of overload. This can worsen the effective care of the patient. It is important to consider these factors when providing care.

KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MODE OF DELIVERY IN PRIMARY GRAVIDA WOMEN

In Pakistan, childbirth knowledge among primary gravida women—those experiencing pregnancy for the first time—plays a crucial role in shaping their decisions regarding the mode of delivery. Misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and social pressures significantly influence these women’s preferences, often leading to an increased rate of elective caesarean sections (CS) without medical necessity. Understanding the knowledge level regarding delivery options in this population is essential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding the mode of delivery among primary gravida women attending antenatal care at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, and to identify gaps that may influence their decision-making. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting 150 primary gravida women at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic questions and items related to knowledge and perceptions of vaginal and caesarean deliveries. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with descriptive statistics used to summarize findings. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.986, and validity was established through the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. Results: The findings indicated that 34.7% of participants had poor knowledge regarding the mode of delivery, 62.0% had moderate knowledge, and only 3.3% demonstrated good knowledge. Most participants preferred CS due to fear of labor pain and misconceptions about vaginal delivery risks. A majority (90%) of respondents viewed seeing the baby immediately after vaginal delivery positively, and 44% believed that the emotional relationship with the baby is enhanced following vaginal delivery. Informal sources, primarily relatives and friends, were the main sources of delivery-related information, contributing to persistent knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Conclusion: The study reveals significant knowledge gaps among primary gravida women regarding delivery options in Pakistan, with many women favoring CS due to fear and lack of accurate information. Structured antenatal education programs are necessary to address misconceptions and empower women to make informed decisions about their delivery mode. Improved education could reduce unnecessary CS rates and support healthier maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Enhancing Resurrection Practices for Unusable General Inventory Items in Hospital Settings

Background: Effective patient care in hospitals relies on the proper functioning of medical equipment. Malfunctioning general inventory items, such as patient beds, wheelchairs, and saline stands, pose significant challenges to hospital operations and patient care. D.G.H. Negombo needs help maintaining these items due to limited financial resources and inadequate technical expertise.Objective: To improve the resurrection practices of selected unusable general inventory items at D.G.H. Negombo.Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from August 1, 2022, to November 15, 2023, and involved three phases: pre-intervention (assessment), intervention (implementation), and post-intervention (evaluation). Data collection methods included key informant interviews (K.I.I.), self-administered questionnaires (S.A.Q.), and desk reviews. The study targeted general inventory items marked for condemnation and included unit heads and maintenance technicians in its scope.Results: Pre-intervention assessments identified key issues such as inadequate technical skills, poor coordination, and insufficient infrastructure. Interventions implemented included skill development workshops, improved documentation practices, and enhanced communication strategies. Post-intervention evaluations demonstrated significant improvements in repair times, resource availability, and satisfaction among unit heads. Notably, 78% of wheelchairs, 79% of patient trolleys, and 76% of patient beds were successfully resurrected.Conclusions: The interventions enhanced the resurrection of unusable general inventory items, extended equipment lifespans, and achieved substantial cost savings.

A case study on COVID-19 infected patient&amp;rsquo;s experience - challenging journey at Colombo East Base Hospital- Mulleriyawa

This study investigates the patient experience within the COVID-19 treatment centre at Colombo East Base Hospital, Mulleriyawa, amidst the global pandemic. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over one month, involving 30 participants recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires assessing various aspects of care, including staff interaction, cleanliness, health education, counselling, and attention to health-related matters. Results indicate high levels of satisfaction among participants across multiple care domains, with the majority expressing satisfaction with staff interaction, cleanliness, health education, counselling, and attention to health-related matters. These findings underscore the healthcare delivery system's effectiveness in meeting patients' diverse needs and expectations during the pandemic. The study highlights the importance of patient-centred care in promoting positive patient experiences and outcomes, particularly in the context of public health emergencies. Recommendations include sustaining and enhancing best practices in healthcare delivery, prioritizing infection prevention and control measures, and promoting effective communication and patient education. By prioritizing patient-centred care and continuous quality improvement initiatives, healthcare providers can ensure the safety, satisfaction, and well-being of patients amidst crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Comparative Analysis of Human Resource for Health at three Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka: Availability and Workload

Background: This study investigates the availability and workload of Human Resources for Health (HRH) at three major teaching hospitals in Sri Lanka: National Hospital Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH), and Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH). Understanding these hospitals' operational capacities and efficiency is crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data sources. Data extraction sheets were distributed to relevant hospital administrative personnel. The study analyzed bed strength, staff numbers, patient admissions, outpatient visits, and surgical throughput. Comparisons were made to evaluate efficiency and resource utilization across the three hospitals.Results: NHSL has the highest bed strength (3,321 beds), followed by CNTH (1,836 beds) and CSTH (1,242 beds). Bed occupancy rate was highest at NHSL at 75.76%, whereas CSTH and CNTH recorded 75.51% and 61.68%, respectively. Bed turnover was highest at CSTH (10.83/month), while the average length of stay was found to be lowest at CSTH (2.09 days). NHSL employs 1,135 doctors and 3,554 nurses, CSTH employs 537 doctors and 529 nurses, and CNTH employs 418 doctors and 607 nurses. NHSL handled the highest number of admissions and clinic patients, while CNTH had the highest number of clinic patients per doctor, indicating a higher operational efficiency but more significant strain on healthcare providers.Conclusions: NHSL, CSTH, and CNTH exhibit significant differences in operational capacities and efficiencies. To balance workload and improve healthcare outcomes, strategic resource management, enhanced staffing, and improved operational systems are recommended. Future studies should explore patient satisfaction and outcomes to improve policy decisions further.

Assessment of Training Needs of the Office staff (Management assistants and Development Officers) in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of healthcare administration, the role of hospital office staff is pivotal for maintaining the seamless functioning of the hospital. Training Needs Assessment is a proactive approach to aligning the skills of hospital office staff with the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape, ensuring compliance and promoting excellence in administrative practices and, consequently, contributing to improved patient outcomes.Objective: This study aims to identify the training needs of hospital office staff in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL).Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in NHSL with the office staff from June to August 2023. The total population was 181. Among them, 123 people were selected from simple random sampling proportionately to the category. The self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire assessed the activities and capabilities of office staff necessary for their daily tasks. Participants were asked to score these activities based on their importance and current performance level. Mean scores for the importance of the training areas and current performances were calculated, and gaps were identified by subtracting. Training needs with the highest gaps (gap equal or more than 2) were prioritized as training needs for office staff in NHSL.Results: Procurement for the public sector, handling audit inquiries, file management including personal file management, salary conversion, pension management, gathering, organizing, analyzing statistically, &amp; disseminating data and information were prioritized as training needs for next year.Conclusions and recommendations: Those prioritized training needs were included in the next year's (2024) annual action plan with the permission of the Deputy Director General -NHSL.