Ethical Permission Research Articles

PILOT IMPLEMENTATION OF A MULTICOMPONENT INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN IN THE RISK GROUP IN TERMS OF SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PRESCHOOL PERIOD

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a multicomponent intervention program for children who are in the risk group in terms of social-emotional development in preschool period on children's social-emotional development, behavioral problems and well-being, and parents' competence, parenting relationships and parental stress levels. In line with this purpose, the research has a mixed design feature as it includes quantitative and qualitative dimensions. The qualitative part was conducted with a phenomenological design to evaluate the participants' perceptions of the program, while the quantitative part was designed with a pretest-posttest and control group experimental design. Necessary ethical permissions were obtained for the research. The following scales were administered to the participants according to the criteria for assignment to the groups, primarily voluntariness: Social Skills Assessment Scale, Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ), Social Emotional Well-Being and Psychological Resilience Scale for Preschool Children (PERIK), Perceived Parental Self-Efficacy Scale (PPSE), Parent Stress Scale (PSS), Parenting Relationship Questionnaire (BASC-3) and personal information form. In the statistical analysis of the data, qualitative data were analyzed using MaxQDA-2018 qualitative data analysis program and quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 package program. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and Mann Whitney U test were used in qualitative data. In the experimental group, a significant (p0.05). It can be concluded that the multicomponent intervention program for children in the risk group in terms of social-emotional development in preschool period is effective in the social-emotional development of children. Comprehensive experimental studies on this subject are needed.

Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion: Is it ethical?

Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), a new method of controlled donation after circulatory death, seems to provide more and better organs for patients on organ transplant waiting lists compared to standard controlled donation after circulatory death. Despite its benefits, the ethical permissibility of TA-NRP is currently a highly debated issue. The recent statement published by the American College of Physicians (ACP) highlights the reasons for these debates. Critics' main concern is that TA-NRP violates the Dead Donor Rule. This paper presents an ethical analysis of the objections raised by the ACP against TA-NRP and argues that TA-NRP is not only morally permissible but also morally required where it is financially and technically feasible. To support this conclusion, the concepts of 'resuscitation,' 'intention,' 'irreversibility,' 'permanence,' 'impossibility,' and 'respect' in the context of TA-NRP are explored. Additionally, the ethical permissibility of this procedure is evaluated through the lenses of Utilitarianism, Kantianism, the core principles of bioethics, and the Doctrine of Double Effect. This ethical analysis demonstrates why the ACP's objection lacks a solid moral foundation and conflates moral and legal considerations. This paper also argues that extra measures are needed to ensure the moral permissibility of TA-NRP, emphasizing the importance of informed consent, additional brain blood flow and activity monitoring, and a contingency plan to abort the organ procurement process if a sign of morally relevant brain activity is detected.

The Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Scale-Bilingual Cultural Adaptation: Validity and Reliability Pilot Study in Nursing Students.

To describe and evaluate the psychometric properties (reliability and construct validity) of the Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Scale-Bilingual (MHLaSS-B). This is a methodological study designed in a convenience sample of 271 Portuguese and Spanish nursing students who volunteered to participate in the research. The Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Scale-Bilingual version (Spanish and Portuguese) was used for data collection. MHLaSS-B intercultural adaptation followed three stages: translation, back-translation and pilot test and the thinking-aloud techniques. Content validity was performed by Content Validity Index and Modified Kappa statistic. Construct validity and reliability tests were performed. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Data were analysed using SPSS programs. Ethics committee approval and permission from the institution involved were obtained. The MHLaSS-B has 28 items of one-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha was 0.702. The cumulative variance explained was 23.14%. Respondents show High literacy and Low Stigma (M = 23.4). The availability of the MHLaSS-B allows the general population of Portugal and Spain to have a versatile instrument for assessing stigma and MHL. The MHLaSS-B presents good psychometric properties, and it can be a useful tool for novice health workers to better understand the aspects they should pay attention to manage MHL and stigma successfully. The MHLaSS-B is a reliable, adaptable instrument that is now available and it can be used in investigation, teaching and clinical practice.

Advances in Otorhinolaryngological Community Services: The Hearwho App in Southern Nigeria

Background: Current research recorded hearing loss in 8.5million Nigerians. Hearing loss can be prevented and treated. Most individuals in the communities are unaware. Available hearing screening instruments are not readily accessible in communities. Regular screening is the key. Hence, the introduction of the HearWHO App in the communities, a mobile hearing screener. Aim: To detect hearing loss and otological disorders. - To validate the HearWHO App in the communities - To launch the HearWHO App in the communities. Materials and Methods: Commenced after obtaining due ethical clearance, informed consent and permissions. A 3-year duration study (March 2020 to March 2022). Study centres were 4 motor parks in Benin City Edo State (Muyi line, Faith motors, Iyare motors and Magorawa terminal) and 2 hospitals in Ondo City, Ondo state (General Hospital and Trauma Centre of the UNIMEDTH complexes). Ambient noise was recorded. Total population sampling technique was used. Health education was given. Using the HearWHO App in mobile smartphone connected to earpiece, each participant’s ears were tested. Each ear was regarded as a separate entity. Otoscopy was done. Findings of hearWHO App were compared with Otoscopic findings. Data realized were documented and analyzed with SPSS -23. P value < 0.05 was regarded statistically significant. Results: 175 individuals participated, giving 350 ears examined. There were abnormal HearWHO findings in 77.4% ears compared to abnormal Otological findings in 65.0% ears. Predominant otological disorder was Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Association of HearWHO finding with location was statistically significant (P=0.014). Conclusion and Recommendation: Hearing loss and otological disorders were detected. There was agreement between HearWHO normal findings and normal otological findings. Based on challenges encountered, there is need to develop additional Apps or modify the HearWHO App to ensure Sustainable Developmental Goal -3 (SDG -3). Thus, creating a better future today making impact with mobile technology.

A defense of specialized citizenship

What does it take to be a good democratic citizen? Many scholars emphasize that being a good citizen is difficult because there is so much citizens should know to participate responsibly in politics. These critics implicitly assume that citizens should aspire to be “omnicompetent citizens:” fully informed about the issues of the day, candidates’ stances on them, and relevant scientific knowledge. In this article, I advance an alternative, less demanding standard of good citizenship in which citizens focus their political concern on just a few issues, or even a single one. I defend this model of specialized citizenship from the objection that it licenses myopic and irresponsible decision making by citizens with two complementary arguments. The first draws from the work of Bernard Williams to demonstrate the ethical permissibility of citizens making decisions based on even single issues when they implicate citizens’ fundamental commitments. The second argument suggests that such seemingly blinkered decision-making may, when operating systemically, improve democratic decision making via a division of labor between citizens specializing in different issues. I conclude that there may be less of a tension between the demands of ordinary life and those of a flourishing democracy than previously thought.

Ancient DNA research may be conducted in the absence of consent from descendant communities

Background: Ancient deoxyribonucleic acid (aDNA) research studies the genomes of human ancestors. Since the archaeological remains that carry this aDNA are often those of the non-living ancestors of living humans, one less explored question is whether aDNA research ought to be permissible in the absence of informed consent of descendant communities. We interrogate this question. Method: To address this question, this paper is a primarily conceptual paper that draws on moral norms arising from pre-existing — albeit competing — formulations of harmony in African moral philosophy. This methodological approach is not uncommon and has been accepted as a valid research method. Result: The paper’s methodological approach yields the conclusion that it is ethically permissible to conduct aDNA research on human archaeological remains in the absence of informed consent from descendant communities or individuals. Although we justify the ethical permissibility of conducting research without consent, we also emphasise the importance of consultation with descendant communities — where they are known — and the researchers’ responsibility to share benefits with them before, during, and after aDNA research. Conclusion: The sort of aDNA research that this paper considers permissible is that which is likely to enhance harmonious relationships in relevant ways. aDNA research is advancing rapidly and in proportion to technological advances. To ensure that aDNA research in a more technologically advanced world is undertaken in ethically permissible ways, global research guidelines would be required. Future studies can focus on articulating such guidelines.

Assessment of Diabetic Self-Management Practices of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at Chilenje, Kanyama and Chawama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a rising global health problem which requires continuous self-management practice to prevent acute and chronic complications. However, studies show that few diabetic patients practice the recommended self-management practices. This study aimed at assessing self-management practices among diabetic patients at Chilenje, Chawama and Kanyama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A hospital based cross-sectional analytical design was used for this study. The study population included all adult patients with diabetes mellitus who receive care at Chilenje, Chawama and Kanyama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka District. Fish bowl sampling without replacement was used to select participants and sample size calculated was 167. Data were collected using a structured interview guide adapted from the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26.0 at 5% level of significance. Ethical clearance and permission to collect research data were sought and granted accordingly. Results: This study had a total 167 participants. Overall, the study observed that 122 (73%) patients reported poor self-management practices while only 45 (27%) reported good self-management. Unacceptable fasting glucose level ranges vs. acceptable fasting glucose level ranges (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.99) p- value = 0.049 and 5 – 9 years with diabetes vs. less than 5 years and more than 9 years with diabetes (AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.95) p- value 0.039 were statistically significant predictors of poor self-management practices among diabetic patients. Conclusion: This study showed that majority of diabetic patients had poor self -management practices. The study further observed that patients with unacceptable fasting blood glucose level ranges and those with diabetes for 5 – 9 years were more likely to have poor self-management practices. ...

The Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Commercial Composite Bones and 3D-Printed Bones Produced Using the CJP Technology

Cadaver bones and artificial bones are utilized to perform preoperative studies and education purposes. Cadaver bones are hard to find, require ethical permissions, and have infection hazards. Therefore, commercial artificial bones are preferred in practice. Nonetheless, since these commercial alternatives are standardly produced in an average size and geometry, it is almost impossible to adapt them to a specific surgical simulation. In addition, these artificial bones have relatively high costs, which limits their accessibility. On the other hand, ColorJet printing (CJP), one of the three-dimensional printing technologies, offers a rapid and cost-effective alternative. However, whether the printed 3D-printed models can mechanically comply with artificial bones is unclear. In this study, 3D-printed bones and artificial commercial composite bones were compared in terms of mechanical properties. Compression tests were applied over 14 printed and 14 composite bones using the ISO 5833 standard. Mechanical properties including stress-strain, load to failure, and elastic modulus were calculated, and these results were compared using the two-sample independent t-test, which is one of the statistical analysis methods. Consequently, there was no significant difference between the bone models in terms of stress and failure load values (p

Effects of Speed-Based Interventions to Reduce Bradykinesia in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review Protocol.

Bradykinesia is considered one of the most disabling motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Speed-based interventions are promising for reducing bradykinesia in this population. This systematic review aims to describe speed-based interventions that have been employed for reducing bradykinesia in individuals with PD and verify their effects. This systematic review protocol was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Electronic searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, LILACS and SciELO databases and gray literature sources. Experimental studies that investigated the effects of speed-based interventions on bradykinesia in individuals with PD will be considered. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies, extract data and assess risk of bias using Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and ROBINS-I ("Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions"). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to assed the quality of evidence. This systematic review will offer information regarding which types of speed-based interventions have been investigated for reducing bradykinesia in individuals with PD. This information may be important for clinical decision making and will help identify gaps in the literature that may be useful for the definition of future research objectives and the planning of new trials. Ethical permission is not required for this study. this systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42024543673).

Recognizing the ethical complexity of food policies and the role of the food industry.

Restrictive food policies are often contentious and controversial. Supporters of these policies view them as imperative for achieving public health aims while some opponents view them as overly paternalistic, infringing on consumer choice and potentially inequitable. As a consequence, their ethical status and permissibility are both contested and of importance in decision-making for policy. Traditional ethical analysis of these interventions has examined the ethical implications of the policies according to a direct, linear view of the relationships between government and consumer and the impact of government policy on the consumer. However, this approach to ethical analysis fails to take into account the role of the food industry as the subjects of the policies and intermediaries between government and consumers in the implementation and effectiveness of the policies. The actions of the food industry in response to a policy substantially determine how the policy translates to changes in the food supply and thus, the effect of the policy on consumers. This has significant implications for the ethical status of the policy. As a result, this article calls for complicating the common ethical approach to restrictive food policies by adopting a framing that recognizes the role of the food industry in the implementation of these policies. We then discuss three implications this framing has for ethical analysis: first that ethical analysis must be more nuanced and recognize the potentially complex outcomes of a policy, second that it must be dynamic and ongoing and third that underlying assumptions about policies' effects on choice, effectiveness and equity need to be reconsidered.

Association of Serum Bilirubin and Serum Uric Acid with Glycemic Status in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide and its magnitude in developing countries including Bangladesh is rising rapidly. It is associated with multiple metabolic derangements that result in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The major concern of health management in T2DM patients is to prevent diabetes-related complications which can only be achieved via strict glycemic control. Over the recent past it had been evident that serum bilirubin acts as a powerful antioxidant and upper limit of physiological ranges of serum bilirubin levels are beneficial and negatively associated with oxidative stress and glycemic status. Moreover, high serum uric acid plays an important role as an oxidative stress agent that is associated with poor glycemic control in diabetic subjects. Low serum bilirubin and high uric acid predicted a higher incidence for the development of T2DM and also had adverse impact on glycemic status. So, this study was designed to find out the association of serum bilirubin and uric acid with glycemic status among Type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects. Objective: To evaluate the association of serum bilirubin and uric acid with glycemic status in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from March, 2021 to February, 2022. A total number of 100 subjects were included in this study. Among them, 50 apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects age ranged from 30-59 years were considered as control group (Group A). Another 50 age and gender matched Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without any complication were selected as study group (Group B). Ethical permission was taken from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of SSMC. All the study subjects were selected from the outpatient department of Medicine and Endocrinology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. The study parameters were FPG, HbA1c, Serum bilirubin and serum uric acid. Estimation of study parameters were done in the Department of Biochemistry of SSMC, Dhaka. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version-22. Unpaired t test, Chi Square test, Pearson’s correlation test and Binary logistic regression were performed to analyze the data as applicable. Results: Serum bilirubin level was significantly lower and uric acid level was significantly higher among diabetic subjects in comparison to healthy controls. Comparison of glycemic status (FPG and HbA1c) in between different quartiles of serum bilirubin and uric acid in diabetic subjects were observed. FPG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in Q1 & Q2 compared to Q3 & Q4 of serum bilirubin. However, FPG and HbA1c levels found high in Q3 & Q4 than Q1 & Q2 of uric acid. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation of serum bilirubin with FPG and HbA1c, whereas significant positive correlation of serum uric acid with FPG and HbA1c were observed in study subjects. Binary logistic regression was performed to show the association between several factors and diabetes which were expressed by the coefficients of logistic regression. The risk of diabetes for each factor was expressed as odds ratio (OR). Coefficient for serum bilirubin (showing inverse relation) was significant. In case of serum uric acid, coefficient showed significant positive relationship. Where serum uric acid was strongest predictor of diabetes with an odds ratio of 3.709. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic subjects have lower serum bilirubin and higher uric acid level than that of healthy subjects. Serum bilirubin has an inverse relationship with glycemic status (FPG and HbA1c), whereas uric acid shows positive correlation with glycemic status in diabetic subjects. Hyperuricemia appears to be a risk factor for development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Demographic profile of diarrhoea in malnourished children

Background: Diarrhoeal illnesses impair both weight and height gains, with the most pronounced impacts observed in cases of recurrent episodes. Malnutrition can exacerbate diminished human performance, hinder physical growth, and retard cognitive development, and it is concomitant with increased frequency, duration, and severity of diarrhoeal events. The interrelationship between diarrhoea and malnutrition is intricately linked to factors related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, albeit through distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Recurrent diarrhoeal episodes, infections, and inadequate hygiene practices can exacerbate these outcomes. Essentially, each diarrhoeal episode exacerbates nutritional deficits and fluid loss, thereby intensifying the severity of both malnutrition and dehydration. Aims and objectives were to identify and describe the demographic profile of malnourished children who experience diarrhoea, including age, sex, birth order and immunization status and to evaluate the impact of demographic variables on the severity of diarrhoea in malnourished children. Methods: The present observational study was carried out in Outpatient department as well as inpatient department in department of pediatrics at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospitals after obtaining ethical permission from institution with reference no. ASCOMS/IEC/2024/Meeting-II/FM/15, over a period of six months, w.e.f. 01 January 2024 to 31 June 2024. A total of 260 malnourished children were included in the study after obtaining the informed consent from their parents/guardians. Results: In our study out of 260 malnourished children of age group 6 months to 5 years, 125 had diarrhoeal disease in which 76 (60.8%) were male and 49 (39.2%) were females with male to female ratio was 1.55:1 and majority of the study subjects were in the age group of 1-2 years (60%), followed by 6-12 months (24%), followed by 2-5 years (16%) and out of 76 male malnourished children who had diarrhoea, 52.6% were found to have grade II Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) classification of malnutrition followed by 21%, 18.4% and 8% have grade III, grade I and grade IV respectively whereas out of 49 malnourished female child who had diarrhoea, 34.7% were having grade I IAP classification of malnutrition whereas grade II and grade III were found almost similar numbers 26.5% and 24.5% respectively and 14.3% had grade IV IAP classification of malnutrition. Conclusions: The present study concluded that the malnutrition engenders diarrhoeal manifestations through a variety of mechanisms, while diarrhoea, in turn, exacerbates the degradation of nutritional status. Moreover, 13.6% of cases of diarrhoea becomes chronic has significant implication and highlights the need of early intervention and effective management strategies to prevent acute cases from developing into chronic.

Cracking the code of the slow code: A taxonomy of slow code practices and their clinical and ethical implications.

The ethical permissibility of the "slow code" sparks vigorous debate. However, definitions of the "slow code" that exist in the literature often leave room for interpretation. Thus, those assessing the ethical permissibility of the slow code may not be operating with shared definitions, and definitions may not align with clinicians' understanding and use of the term in clinical practice. To add clarity and nuance to discussions of the "slow code," this manuscript highlights the salient medical and moral components that distinguish resuscitative practices, resulting in a taxonomy that includes nine distinct entries: the Fake Code, Casual Code, Time-Limited Code, Family Code, Contained Code, a la Carte Code, Preventive Code, Passive Code, and Accepted Code. We argue that cogent analyses of the ethical implications of the "slow code" must begin with clear, shared understandings of the practices under debate.

Prevalence and influencing factors with knowledge, attitude, and practice toward anemia among school-going adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh

Background Anemia is a major public health concern; however, research on anemia and its contributing variables is scarce. To address the gap, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of anemia in school-aged adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in two secondary schools at Chandpur, Bangladesh, from January to April 2022. We randomly selected 422 adolescent girls based on prevalence rates from existing research to ensure reliable estimates and a robust study representation. We performed interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire after receiving ethical permission and written informed consent. In addition, physical examination and anthropometric measurements were done, followed by blood testing to identify anemia. Blood hemoglobin was measured using a spectrophotometric method, and quality control was ensured by validated results with control samples. Univariate with multiple logistic regression was employed for analysis to find the association between anemia and all other variables that were adjusted to control the potential effect of confounding variables. Results The overall prevalence of anemia was 37.7% (mild- 33.8% and moderate- 3.9%). In the univariate analysis having a working mother (OR 3.84; 95% CI 1.31–11.26), undernutrition (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.27–4.52), and irregular lunch consumption (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.00–4.60) were associated with anemia. Conversely, being a user of a slab latrine (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40–0.93) and not weekly consumption of pure milk (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.41–0.92) were negatively associated with anemia. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, associated factors for prevalent anemia were working mother [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.65; 95% CI 1.97–29.50], slab latrine user (aOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26–0.79), and irregular lunch consumption (aOR 2.92; 95% CI 1.21–7.03). Conclusion The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh remains high with undernutrition. Anemia is associated with working mothers, slab latrine users, and irregular lunch consumers within the studied population.’ Thus, policymakers may promote school-based nutritional education and lunch programs with iron supplementation and improve sanitary facilities.

Unethical conduct as a multifaceted phenomenon in psychiatric care: Nurse leaders' perspectives.

Background: Mental healthcare can be considered a unique practice due to its ethical characteristics, and an awareness of ethics is crucial when working in a mental health setting. Several ethical challenges exist, and professionals may not always recognize the ethical aspects of psychiatric care. Research on psychiatric care from nurse leaders' perspective is scarce but important, because nurse leaders can impact and cultivate workplace culture. Aim: To explore the phenomenon of unethical conduct in a psychiatric inpatient context from nurse leaders' perspectives. Research design: Qualitative exploratory design. In-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants and research context: Eight nurse leaders from two different healthcare organizations in Finland. Leadership experience ranged between 2 and 30 years. Ethical considerations: Research ethics permission was received from a Research Ethics Board where the researchers are domiciled. Guidelines on good scientific practice as delineated by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity TENK were followed. Findings: Six main categories were generated: Unethical conduct and violations against patients, Unethical conduct and violations against staff, Unethical conduct and violations by staff against other staff, Unethical conduct and violations against leaders, Reasons underlying unethical conduct, and Consequences of unethical conduct and the positive development of psychiatric care. Conclusions: Unethical conduct was seen to be a multifaceted phenomenon, and patients and staff alike can experience and engage in unethical conduct. Unethical conduct against patients was linked to power imbalance (nature of involuntary care, staff attitudes) and a focus on rules based in historical precedent (paternalistic, routine-focused, not patient-centered). Unethical conduct against staff was linked to the nature of involuntary care and patient ill-health. Unethical conduct by staff against other staff was linked to a lack of understanding for others' work, interpersonal chemistry, (length of) work experience, and staff character. Unethical conduct against leaders was linked to leaders being perceived as the organization.

Biomedical moral enhancement for psychopaths.

This study examines the ethical permissibility of biomedical moral enhancement (BME) for psychopaths, considering both coercive and voluntary approaches. To do so, I will first briefly explain what psychopaths are and some normative implications of these facts. I will then ethically examine three scenarios of BME for psychopaths: (1) coercive BME for non-criminal psychopaths, (2) coercive BME for psychopathic offenders, and (3) voluntary BME for psychopathic offenders. I will argue that coercive BME for non-criminal psychopaths is ethically problematic due to issues of cost, invasion of privacy, and stigmatic effects of compulsory diagnosis. Similarly, I will argue that coercive BME for criminals is impermissible due to violations of the rights to bodily and mental integrity. However, I will show that voluntary BME for offenders may be ethically permissible under certain conditions, challenging the critique that the consent of vulnerable prisoners cannot be considered fully voluntary. I argue that when an offender is provided with sufficient medical and legal information, incentives such as the possibility of parole review based on BME results do not preclude the voluntariness of consent. Ultimately, I aim to advance the debate on BME for psychopaths by delineating and defending conditions for the ethical permissibility of voluntary BME.

Assessment of risk of developing diabetes mellitus using Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS) among adult population living in an urban field practice area.

The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple and cost-effective tool for the early detection of undiagnosed cases in the community and is most suited for the Indian population to assess the risk of developing diabetes. To assess the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among the adult population living in an urban area by using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS). To determine associated risk factors among the study population. A community-based cross-sectional study was done among 145 adults in an Urban field practice area under the Department of Community Medicine, Andhra, Medical College, Visakhapatnam. All males and females aged between 20 and 60 years living in the urban field practice area for the past year or more. The known diabetics and severely ill patients were excluded. Ethical permission was obtained and informed consent was taken from all the study participants. Out of 145 study population, 66 people (45.5%) were found to be at the low-risk category, 41 people (28.3%) were in the medium-risk category and 38 people (26.2%) were at high risk based on their IDRS scores. The study showed a statistically significant relationship between factors such as gender, age, increased waist circumference, family history of diabetes mellitus, physical activity, and increased risk score.

The Correlation Between Screen Time and the Probability of Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a collection of neurological, psychological, and developmental anomalies that manifest in early life, affecting individuals across all racial, cultural, and socioeconomic groups. Its prevalence has grown significantly over the past 20 years. Exposure to digital devices has increased alongside the rise in ASD prevalence. Research suggests that prolonged screen time can negatively impact a child's brain development, language, literacy, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between screen time and the probability of developing autism spectrum disorder. Methodology This study employed a case-control design to examine 231 children in Zakho City diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The study was conducted from October 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. The participants included neurotypical individuals and individuals with autism. Data were gathered through standardized questionnaires and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26(Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). The study was approved by the College of Medicine/University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and ethical permission was obtained. Results The study revealed a uniform age distribution between cases and controls, with a majority of male participants and a smaller percentage of female participants. ASD patients had a significantly longer duration of exposure to electronic devices compared to controls, with cases averaging 3.61 hours of screen time daily (t-test: t = 0.0001). Conclusion In summary, screens have a major impact on children's neurodevelopment and may increase their risk of developing ASD. However, no appreciable distinction was observed between children diagnosed with ASD and those without regarding early exposure to screens. Our findings can be used to create guidelines for children's media consumption and to raise awareness of this issue. Further research is needed to evaluate the association.

Associations between maternal health literacy and prenatal micronutrient intake in Hungarian women

Abstract Background Adequate level of health literacy (HL) is an important factor in pregnancy. Low HL may increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications (e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus, low birth weight). This study aimed to measure the levels of maternal HL and its associations with the consumption of folic acid (FoA), vitamin D (VD), and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) during pregnancy in Hungarian women. Methods The questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged among women who gave birth between June and September 2023 (N = 294). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, conception and pregnancy related questions were asked. HL was measured by the Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy (MHELIP) questionnaire (after the Hungarian adaptation); it contains 48 items representing four subscales (maternal health knowledge, search for maternal health information, assessment of maternal health information, and maternal health decision making and behavior). Data analysis was performed by SPSS 29.0. (Ethical permission: 5351) Results The mean age of women was 31.53 +-4.75 years. During pregnancy 84.5% of women consumed FoA, 61.8% VD and 41.8% omega-3 FAs. The total mean score of MHELIP on a scale 0-100 was 78.93 (95%CI: 77.77-80.08); the score of “search for maternal health information” subscale was the lowest [57.68 (95%CI: 56.20-59.16)], and the score of “maternal health decision making and behavior” was the highest [86.75 (95%CI: 85.62-87.87)]. Omega-3 FAs and VD consumption was significantly higher in women with higher total and subscales mean scores (except “search for maternal health information”), while FoA consumption was significant in case of “assessment of maternal health information”. (The results are preliminary.) Conclusions The association between micronutrient consumption and HL supports that using this tool during pregnancy the mothers who needs more support and health information can be identified. Key messages • The Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy questionnaire is a reliable tool for measuring health literacy in Hungarian pregnant women. • Maternal health literacy plays an important role in the healthier lifestyle, including prenatal vitamin/micronutrient consumption.

Factors affecting ageism and depression levels in individuals aged 65 and over living in society

Abstract Background The aging process is perceived negatively by some people. This perception prevents/reduces the happiness that can be gained from the aging process. As a result, depressive symptoms may occur. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the factors affecting ageism and depression levels in individuals aged 65 and over living in society. Methods The sample of the research, which was conducted with a cross-sectional, descriptive design, consisted of 287 individuals aged 65 and over living in a neighborhood on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Data were collected with socio-demographic form, Ageism Questionnaire and Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale-15. T test, variance analysis and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Ethical permissions were obtained. Results Moderate depression was found in 27.5% of individuals with a mean age of 70.80±5.42. Individuals scored below the average (18.48±8.14) on the ageism survey. Ageism scores were higher for men, those aged 85 and over, those with poor economic conditions, those with chronic diseases, those hospitalized in the last year, those with severe and moderate depression, and those who needed help with daily tasks (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between age groups, chronic disease, continuous medication use, hospitalization in the last year, working status, need for help with daily tasks, economic status and depression levels (p < 0.05). Ageism scores of those with severe and moderate depression were found to be high (F = 3.43;p=0.017). Conclusions Variables that are effective in ageism and depression are being aged 85 and over, having a poor economic situation, having a chronic disease, needing help with daily tasks, and receiving inpatient treatment in the last year. The results of this study show that more efforts and resources are needed within the scope of political and social services to reduce ageism in society and the level of depression in older individuals. Key messages • As the level of depression in elderly individuals increases, ageism increases. • Advanced age, economic status, chronic disease, hospitalization and dependence on daily tasks affect depression and ageism.