Health Professionals Research Articles

Autism in Children

Austic spectrum disorder is a very common presentation where children present with social communication difficulties. They can have behavioural problems and other times anxiety. Every autistic child is different and they may come anywhere in the autistic spectrum, ranging from sensory difficulties, social adjustment to food, sleep and concentration challenges. The main aim of this article to bring awareness about autism to the society and to give Austic children help and support to be able to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle. It is very important to involve a health care practitioner and get the necessary care and advice from the doctor. It is equally important to organize fun interactive games, activities and book reading for children with Autism to help and support them with their difficulties. All of these things can be done with family support and encouragement, however, it can be very challenging and Children with Autism need professional diagnosis, support in community and teachers to guide them.

Mediating Effect of Job Burnout on the Relationship Between Organisational Support and Quiet Quitting in Nurses.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential mediating role of job burnout in the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting among nurses. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the associations between organisational support, job burnout and quiet quitting. This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. This descriptive and cross-sectional study included a total of 383 nurses. The convenience sampling method was used, and the study was conducted in Türkiye. Self-reported measures, which included organisational support, job burnout and the quiet quitting scale, were completed by using an online version of the scale. Statistically significant associations were found between organisational support, job burnout and quiet quitting. Organisational support had a significant negative effect on quiet quitting. Additionally, job burnout had a positive effect on quiet quitting behaviour. Moreover, job burnout partially mediated the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting. The findings highlight the importance of considering job burnout as a critical factor in mitigating the positive effect of organisational support on quiet quitting. Prioritising the job burnout of healthcare workers plays a significant role in reducing quiet quitting behaviour through organisational support. This study focused on how organisational support and burnout interact with quiet quitting, which is a current issue among nurses, and explained the mediating role of job burnout in the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting. The main findings of this research provide evidence that organisational support influences quiet quitting behaviour. Similarly, job burnout affects quiet quitting behaviour. Moreover, job burnout plays a mediating role in the relationship between organisational support and quiet quitting behaviour. It has been proven that job burnout is a significant barrier to the impact of organisational support in reducing quiet quitting behaviour. This research will have an impact on the management and strategic planning of healthcare organisations. STROBE reporting method has been followed. No patient or public contribution.

Development and Evaluation of a Care Needs Scale for Parents of Children With Tourette Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in school-age children. Although TS is not life-threatening, the tics and comorbidities can impact a child's physical and mental health, as well as interpersonal interactions. Understanding the care needs of parents of children with TS is essential for providing healthcare services that effectively support these children. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the care needs scale for parents of children with TS (CNS-PCTS) in Taiwan. METHODS: This study used a methodological design. The scale was developed by preliminarily identifying relevant items and dimensions through a systematic review of the literature. A pilot test with 30 participants and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed the subscales and items pertaining to the care needs of the parents. Data analysis included content validity, item analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and EFA. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was adopted to assess the discriminant validity of the CNS-PCTS. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six parents of children with TS completed the scale. The scale-level content validity index was 0.92. The EFA revealed that the CNS-PCTS consisted of 13 items, with the factor loadings ranging from 0.656 to 0.83, and covered 3 factors: getting information about TS, assisting children in social engagement, and obtaining parenting support. The discriminant validity showed a positive correlation between the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the CNS-PCTS. Cronbach's α coefficients of the subscales ranged from 0.89 to 0.94, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94. CONCLUSION: The CNS-PCTS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. It helps health professionals understand parents' care needs and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Confirmatory factor analysis can be performed in future studies to provide more rigorous validity.

THE CARE SCENARIO IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR THE BLACK POPULATION

This research aims to analyze inequalities in access to health care for the black population in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil, highlighting the impact of structural and institutional racism on care practices. The overall objective is to analyze the current scenario of care and health promotion in primary care for the black population. The research methodology was a qualitative and descriptive literature review. The research shows that PHC, although it is the gateway to the Unified Health System (SUS), often fails to equitably meet the needs of the black population, resulting in worse health and quality of life indicators. The conclusion points out that it is urgent to implement inclusive public policies and anti-racist practices, in addition to promoting the continued training of health professionals with a focus on the specificities of the health of the black population. The active participation of this population in the formulation of policies and the encouragement of research on their health conditions are essential to promote comprehensive and equitable health.

Changes in Mental Health Services Use Under the ACA in One State: Role of Mental Health Provider Shortages.

This study aimed to examine whether changes in mental health services use under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) differed in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSAs) versus non-MHPSAs. Multiple waves of data from the California Health Interview Survey (2011-2018) were analyzed. The sample (N=10,497) was restricted to adults (ages 18-64) who reported experiencing serious psychological distress (SPD) during the past 12 months. MHPSAs were identified by using scores from the Health Resources and Services Administration and were matched to respondents' zip codes. Weighted logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to identify adjusted changes in the rates of four measures of mental health services use (any primary care visit for mental health reasons, any specialty mental health care visit, any prescription psychiatric medication, and total number of outpatient visits for mental health) before and after implementation of the ACA. Rates of uninsured nonelderly adults with SPD in MHPSAs and non-MHPSAs decreased under the ACA. Changes in rates of specialty mental health services use under the ACA were statistically significant only in non-MHPSAs. Changes in mental health services use did not differ significantly between MHPSAs and non-MHPSAs for any of the four measures. Changes in the four measures of mental health use under the ACA did not differ in MHPSAs versus non-MHPSAs. Future research into the ACA's long-term effects should examine systemic and structural barriers to mental health care and to having sufficient numbers of mental health professionals.

From Polarities and Perspectives of Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Mental Well-Being in the Post-Pandemic Society

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global mental health, with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok playing a crucial role in shaping individuals' experiences and well-being. This mixed-methods study investigates the influence of these platforms on mental health outcomes in the post-pandemic era, combining quantitative surveys ( N = 200) with qualitative interviews ( N = 15) across different age groups. The researchers explored relationships between social media use and mental health indicators, examined age-related differences in experiences, and uncovered themes related to social comparison, body image concerns, and the dual role of social media in providing both support and stress. Findings contribute to the growing body of research on social media's impact on mental health, highlighting the complex nature of social media use and its varied effects on different age groups. This study offers insights for mental health professionals, social media platforms, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions and guidelines for promoting healthy social media use and supporting digital well-being in the post-pandemic context.

Charting a course: Use of Electronic Health Records in skills‐based pharmacy education

AbstractIntroductionCompetent navigation of an electronic health record (EHR) has become a critical skill for health professionals, and pharmacists need to be adept in EHR utilization given the extent of EHR involvement in routine medication management. Limited data exists related to current approaches to teaching EHR skills in pre‐Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (pre‐APPE) pharmacy curricula.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe activities, utilization, and barriers to implementation of teaching EHRs (tEHRs) into pharmacy curricula in skills‐based courses.MethodsFaculty members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance Skills‐Based Education and Assessment Collaborative (BTAA‐SBEAC) were surveyed. The questionnaire included open‐ended questions related to tEHR type, curriculum placement, and current use of tEHRs, as well as barriers to incorporation of tEHRs in the curriculum. Inductive content analysis was used to evaluate qualitative responses.ResultsA representative from all 10 colleges within the BTAA responded. Most programs focused on EHR teaching in the second and third years of the curriculum. All respondents reported having access to a tEHR for internal case building. The tEHR was used by all institutions to allow students to practice in gathering patient information as the first step in the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process. Other activities commonly performed using the tEHR included patient care documentation, medication order verification, prescription processing, and medication reconciliation. Faculty time and cost were barriers identified for successful tEHR implementation.ConclusionMultiple skills are taught through the utilization of a tEHR among the colleges within the BTAA. These activities vary between institutions, and barriers exist that limit expansion and consistent integration across a skills‐based curriculum. Recognition of EHR utilization as an essential pharmacy skill can allow for development of formalized learning outcomes, leading to better support and integration throughout skills‐based courses.

Experiences of Informal Caregivers Caring for Individuals With Chronic Schizophrenia in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

In Asia, many caregivers are culturally obliged to assume the role of taking care of individuals experiencing chronic schizophrenia, even as they grapple with stigma and compassion fatigue. Despite the significance of this phenomenon, the collective experiences of Asian caregivers remain poorly understood. To synthesise qualitative evidence on the experiences of informal caregivers when caring for individuals with chronic schizophrenia in Asia. A search was conducted on seven databases for studies published between 2013 and 2023. The included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. Data extraction was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Qualitative Extraction Form. The data synthesis was based on the framework by Sandelowski and Barroso. Our review included the experiences of 1345 informal caregivers from 57 included studies. The analysis yielded the overarching theme of 'Navigating Challenges, Forging Resilience'. Three themes were identified: (i) challenges in caregiving, (ii) lack of support and (iii) coping and resilience. Our findings highlighted the Asian caregivers' stressors, particularly cultural and traditional factors, a facet often overlooked in the literature. Mental healthcare practitioners must provide caregivers with comprehensive information. Anticipatory guidance is essential during the initial stages of the diagnosis. To negate geographical limitations, caregiver-training sessions can be pre-recorded and posted to online platforms. Finally, cultural and spiritual beliefs can be integrated into the treatment plans for individuals with schizophrenia in the community. Within the institutional setting, mental healthcare practitioners are encouraged to provide caregivers with comprehensible information or training in person and through written or online platforms, which can transcend geographical limitations. Anticipatory guidance is essential, especially during the initial stages of the diagnosis, when confusion and uncertainties are prevalent. Periodic home visits by mental healthcare practitioners can help ease caregivers' concerns and enhance their caregiving confidence. Finally, cultural and spiritual beliefs should be integrated into the treatment plans for individuals with schizophrenia in the community as it promotes cultural acceptability, encourages referrals to appropriate institutions and reduces the stigma of mental healthcare.

Modern Approaches for Improved Healthcare Access and Efficiency: A Critical Analysis

The rapid advancement of technology and the evolving needs of healthcare systems have spurred the development of innovative approaches aimed at improving healthcare access and efficiency. This article critically analyzes modern methods, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic health records (EHR), and integrated care models, exploring their effectiveness, challenges, and impact on stakeholders. Through a balanced examination of case studies, this study highlights both successful implementations and areas of concern, such as disparities in digital accessibility, data security, and system interoperability. The findings underscore the transformative potential of these approaches while calling attention to the regulatory and ethical considerations that accompany them. Recommendations for future strategies emphasize policy development, technology enhancements, and global collaboration to ensure equitable and efficient healthcare access. This analysis offers healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers insights into optimizing these modern solutions while mitigating risks, ultimately fostering a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.

Active rest with exercise for pharmacy workers: an ergonomic approach to prevent musculoskeletal injury risk

This study aims to carefully review published articles examining the effect of active rest with exercise to prevent the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among pharmacy workers. Using the systematic literature review method, data were obtained from a thorough search on Google Scholar. The keywords were "Active Rest AND Exercise AND Injury Risk AND Musculoskeletal AND Pharmacy Worker AND Ergonomics". Additionally, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select articles that align with the study objective. For example, it focused on articles indexed in the Scopus database and published between 2019 and 2024. For standard operationalization, this study followed the PRISMA method. Based on the search results, 6,850 articles were found from various sources. Furthermore, the articles went through several stages of the screening process, in which 8 articles that fit the theme and met the inclusion requirements were selected. The results of this study found that active rest programs had a positive impact on the work productivity, physical activity, and physical fitness of pharmacy workers. In addition, an occupational safety and health (OSH) program, a supportive work environment, and the promotion of an active lifestyle with exercise were also important in improving productivity. Adjustment of active rest programs for specific types of workers, effective behavior change interventions, ergonomic education, and multimodal physical therapy have been shown to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this study support the assumption that a comprehensive intervention program can prevent musculoskeletal injuries, improve employee well-being and comfort, and provide guidance for healthcare practitioners and pharmaceutical company managers in designing effective active rest programs.

Adoption of quick response codes as a digital microlearning tool among clinical nurses: a quasi-experimental study.

The rapid growth of technology forced enormous changes in the provision of healthcare services. Different strategies are used to keep nurses up to date with rapid changes in health systems. Microlearning is one of the new methods of teaching professional skills to health workers. This method is effective in care settings that have many limitations in terms of time and place. However, it is very important to test the acceptability of this method among nurses before practical measures are taken for its widespread use. This study aimed to determine nurses' acceptance rate of quick response code as a microlearning tool in workplace. This is a cross-sectional study was conducted in medical and surgical wards in hospitals affiliated to Guilan University of Medical Sciences. 185 nurses participated in the study. A number of selected medical devices were labeled with quick response codes containing educational content. The eligible nurses were instructed how to use the QR codes. After two months, they were asked to complete a questionnaire adapted from the technology acceptance model 3. SPSS 21 software was used to analyze the data. 166 nurses and 19 head nurses with mean age of 34.26 ± 8.17 years and mean work experience of 10.46 ± 7.64 years completed the questionnaires. Most participants were female, married, with a bachelor's degree, worked on rotating shifts, in medical wards. The findings showed that the acceptance of the quick response code as a learning tool was at a moderate level (M = 66.1, SD = 16.6). Statistically, there was no significant relationship between nurses' demographic characteristics and the total acceptance rate (P > 0.05). However, the analyses at the multivariate level, using multiple linear regression, showed a significant superiority of the total acceptance score in head nurses compared to nurses (b = 7.97, P = 0.047) and in nurses who had previous experience of using quick response codes, compared to colleagues without such experience (b = 5.18, P = 0.036). Based on the coefficient of determination, only 6.1% of the changes in the total acceptance score of quick response codes of nurses are explained by their personal-occupational characteristics (R2 = 0.061). The provision of QR code requirements such as necessary infrastructure and training by the health authorities could increase the acceptance of this tool as a microlearning measure.

Maternal and newborn health prioritization in Yobe State, Nigeria: analysis of stakeholders' perspective.

Maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in conflict-affected northeastern areas of Nigeria, such as Yobe State, are disproportionately higher than those in the rest of the country. There is limited evidence on the factors that influence maternal and newborn health (MNH) policymaking and implementation in this region, particularly with respect to the impact of conflict and context-specific issues. This study explores the political, economic and health system factors that drive the prioritization of MNH policies in Yobe State. The aim of this study was to elucidate the conflict-related factors influencing MNH outcomes, which could inform targeted interventions to improve MNH. The study is a descriptive case study that relies on multiple data sources and is guided by the Health Policy Analysis Triangle. We reviewed national and subnational research, technical reports and policies related to reproductive health and the MNH in Nigeria since 2010. Following stakeholder mapping, we identified and invited prospective participants in the MNH policymaking space. Nineteen stakeholders from the government, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies, and public and private sector health providers in Yobe State participated in the semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were collected from November 2022 through January 2023 and were thematically analysed via Dedoose software. MNH services in Yobe State have received considerable attention through initiatives such as the National Midwifery Service Scheme, free MNH services, training of midwives with deployment to rural areas, and health facility renovations. The effective implementation of MNH services and policies faces challenges due to insufficient funding, and sustainability is hampered by changes in governance and political transitions. The Boko Haram insurgency exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yobe State and disrupted MNH services due to the displacement of populations and the decline in the number of health workers. Additionally, sociocultural and religious beliefs hinder timely access to and utilization of MNH services. Although policies and guidelines for MNH services exist in the state, they are inadequately disseminated to health providers, which affects their effective implementation across facilities. Collaboration and intersectoral coordination platforms exist, but competition and rivalries among unions, political entities, and implementing agencies sometimes impede progress. Enhancing MNH services in Yobe state requires increased commitment for funding through the Northeast Development Commission rehabilitation fund; strengthening the health workforce, safety and retention plan; promoting gender inclusivity within the health sector; and addressing sociocultural barriers to women's health-seeking behaviors. Concrete, time-bound plans for policy dissemination are necessary to ensure effective service implementation.

Vaccine equity implementation: exploring factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines from an equity lens

BackgroundDuring the early phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) were facing challenges in achieving equitable vaccine delivery. Few studies have contextualized global vaccine distributive injustice into national-specific contexts to understand its impact on vaccine delivery from an equity perspective. We aimed to investigate factors influencing equitable COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines and to provide recommendations to enhance equitable vaccine delivery in LMICs to prepare for future health emergencies.MethodsThe Health Equity Implementation Framework was employed to guide this qualitative study. We recruited participants using purposeful and snowballing sampling strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in person, online, or over the phone. A reflective thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze data.ResultsWe recruited 38 participants including seven high-level stakeholders from the public and private sectors, 14 health workers, and 17 community members in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Equitable delivery of COVID-19 vaccines was influenced by an interplay of multiple factors operating in different domains. Contextually, the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus, ongoing scientific advancements, and international negotiations directed national-level vaccine policies. Political commitment and support were recognized as crucial drivers for successful vaccine delivery, with a strong emphasis on health information framing and communication and adherence to human rights principles. The vulnerability of the health system significantly impacted the timely and effective distribution of vaccines. Furthermore, the geographical characteristics of the Philippines presented unique logistical challenges to vaccine delivery. At the recipient domain, individual perceptions of vaccines, shaped by their socioeconomic status, exposure to (mis)information, social influence, and entrenched religious beliefs, played a major role in their vaccine decisions and thus vaccine coverage regionally. Additionally, vaccine characteristics and operational challenges related to its distribution also impacted fair allocation.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the urgent need for LMICs to strengthen their health system resilience and sustainability and use multilevel strategies to build public trust to improve vaccine uptake and coverage. Moreover, each LMIC must be attentive to its unique contextual factors to develop tailored implementation strategies to promote equitable vaccine distribution.

Social media and amblyopia: evaluating content and intent on Instagram

ABSTRACT Introduction: Social media is a widely-used avenue for the public to find health information. In particular, Instagram is a popular social media platform among adults who may have children within the amblyogenic age range, and it may be used to find amblyopia-related information. The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of the amblyopia information on Instagram. Methods: The top 200 publicly available Instagram posts about amblyopia from October to December 2022 were reviewed and scored using the Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose (CRAP) test. Results: A quarter of posts were from healthcare providers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians), and only 3% of posts were specifically from pediatric ophthalmologists. Most posts, however, were from businesses (51%), which were of lower quality than posts by providers. Discussion: Instagram represents a tremendous opportunity to educate the public. Better utilizing this resource may allow medical professionals to broadly spread accurate, unbiased data.

An Exploratory Study of Capacity Assessment in Medical Practice in Ireland.

The current legal test for capacity under the common law is a functional test. It determines whether a person can make a particular decision at a particular time; it focuses on retained abilities rather than on presumed deficits - in order to promote patient autonomy in decision-making. International evidence suggests however that the test is not well understood and consequently not being correctly applied in practice by a range of medical professionals. Donnelly has argued that gaining a better understanding of how capacity assessments are actually employed is essential to improving the quality of assessments. To date, there is little data on how doctors in particular make their assessments in practice. Using a socio-legal methodology, this quantitative study aims to assess understanding of capacity among a group of general practitioners/family medicine doctors in Ireland, and to determine how they assess capacity in clinical practice. Our study found that notwithstanding a lack of confidence in their ability to assess decision-making capacity, that respondents in fact demonstrated a high level of understanding and of ability to correctly apply the functional test in practice.

What Counts as Global Health?

Safe abortion access is an essential aspect of reproductive justice and key to reducing global rates of maternal mortality, yet within the global heath enterprise, the rhetoric of sexual and reproductive health and rights has not yet been realised in practice. Access to safe legal abortion remains inequitable globally and within nations and deaths due to unsafe abortion take their highest toll in the Global South in jurisdictions with restrictive laws. Clandestine abortion access activist networks have been filling this gap offering life, dignity and futures to the people who seek their services. What should we make of clandestine activist networks around the world that help people access medication abortion? Such groups have been important players in women’s reproductive health in many jurisdictions for decades – but have typically, by necessity and design, flown under the radar. If visibility, accountability and humanitarian appeal are essential characteristic of global health work, how do we acknowledge and understand the work of clandestine abortion access activist networks? Does it count as global health? In this essay I offer the notion of ‘critique in action’ to further our understanding of such networks and also consider the idea of abortion access activist networks as an anti-regime of global health.

Challenges and barriers toward conducting research at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background: In healthcare, research is essential for improving disease diagnosis and treatment, patient outcomes, and resource management, while fostering evidence-based practice. However, conducting research in this sector can be challenging, and healthcare workers may face various obstacles while engaging in research activities. Therefore, understanding healthcare workers’ attitudes toward research participation is essential for overcoming barriers and increasing research engagement. In this study, these aspects are examined through the analysis of survey data from a tertiary healthcare institution in Saudi Arabia. Method: Data obtained via a survey conducted between April and November 2022 among the healthcare workers and employees at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Results: The study sample comprised 713 respondents, 61.71% of whom were female, 58.06% were 26–41 years old, and 72.93% had not undertaken any research as employees or affiliates. A significant association was noted between age group and time constraints (p = 0.004) and lack of opportunity for research (p = 0.00), which were among the identified barriers to research participation. A significant association was also found between gender and barriers to pursuing research (p = 0.012). When the 193 (27.07%) participants who conducted research were asked about the challenges they encountered during this process, gender was significantly associated with difficulties in allocating time for conducting research (p = 0.042) and challenges in accessing journals and references (p = 0.016). Conclusion: The study findings highlight the importance of addressing the barriers and challenges in promoting positive attitudes toward research participation among healthcare workers considering their gender and age. In this manner, healthcare institutions can adopt an environment conducive for professional research engagement.

Healthcare worker perspectives on HIV status sharing intervention components for partnered, Black sexual minority men in South Africa

ABSTRACT: Background Globally, there is suboptimal coverage of antiretroviral treatment to treat and prevent HIV. It is crucial for individuals to know their partner’s HIV status so they may use all appropriate and available prevention tools. For sexual minority men in South Africa, a population known to face intersecting forms of marginalization including a disparate burden of HIV incidence, there are challenges to status sharing. Objective We explore perspectives of healthcare workers (HCW) with expertise providing services to sexual minority men to identify strategies to support HIV status sharing. Methods As part of a larger study designed to improve HIV-related health outcomes for sexual minority men, we conducted one focus group discussion (participant n = 4) and two in-depth-interviews with HCW. We used thematic analysis to synthesize qualitative themes and identify corresponding implications for interventions. Results HCW each had 5–23 years of experience. We identified three implementation considerations to support sharing of HIV status: (1) ensuring partner support for sharing status while circumventing risk of personal harms, (2) facilitating concordant couple-based peer support and belonging, and (3) leveraging the strengths of mass media as educational tools. Conclusion HCW highlighted that sharing that one is living with HIV is a sensitive and potentially dangerous process that can be managed by involving both partners in the process. This process may be supported by incorporating HIV status sharing narratives in popular media.

Comparison of ultraviolet C light and isopropyl alcohol for the disinfection of cellular phones in a paediatric intensive care unit setting.

A considerable proportion of cellular phones (cell phones) used by healthcare workers (HCWs) have been shown to be contaminated with pathogenic micro-organisms, making these devices reservoirs to infect susceptible patients. Although many units have well-defined infection control protocols, methods for the decontamination of cell phones are scarce. To compare the efficacy of ultraviolet C (UVC) light with that of 70% isopropyl alcohol in disinfecting cell phones used by HCWs in a paediatric intensive care unit (ICU). A randomised controlled study in a paediatric ICU setting was conducted. Cell phones of HCWs or other personnel entering the ICU were swabbed prior to and after decontamination with either the 70% isopropyl alcohol or UVC light method. The reduction ratio of colony-forming units (CFUs) before and after intervention was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. In addition, the effectiveness of the disinfection methods was compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank paired test. A total of 74 cell phones were acquired from HCWs working in the paediatric ICU. After excluding 5, 69 samples were therefore available for statistical analysis, with 34 samples subjected to disinfection using 70% isopropyl alcohol-based swabs and 35 samples treated with UVC light disinfection. Disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol (z=5.16; p<0.000001) and with UVC light (z=3.28; p<0.005) were individually statistically significantly effective in reducing CFUs. The CFU reduction ratio indicated that disinfection using a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution was 67% more effective than UVC light disinfection (Mann-Whitney U-test score 968; p<0.001). Although both 70% isopropyl alcohol and UVC light disinfection effectively reduced CFUs following decontamination, 70% isopropyl alcohol was determined to be much more effective.

Who Veridicts Health? Health Professional Discourses on Performance and Image-Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs), Health, and Masculinity

This article explores the ways in which Australian health professionals performatively constitute the relationships between performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs), health, and masculinity. It draws on the work of Judith Butler, John Law and Bruno Latour to argue that interviews with health professionals stabilize PIEDs, somewhat paradoxically, as inherently dangerous substances that distort and damage “natural” bodies, and as important medical technologies that can reverse this damage when administered “legitimately.” On the basis of interviews with 20 Australian health professionals who, in the course of their work, encounter men who consume PIEDs, we identify some of the mechanisms through which PIED consumers are excluded from health services, and are sometimes enacted as difficult and deceitful. Rather than taking these as reflecting pre-existing truths about PIED consumers, we show how, when framed within the assumed authority of medical expertise, discourses of “the natural,” health and masculinity produce these realities. Through these entanglements, masculinity is performed as natural to the body, and self-guided, experimental and illicit consumption of drugs constitutes the consumer, his body and his masculinity as unnatural, deceptive, and inauthentic. We conclude by arguing that treating men who consume PIEDs as potential co-experts, acknowledging the uses of PIEDs, and having open discussions could improve health outcomes for this group. Such a move, we propose, might also intervene in the iterative practices that work to regulate so-called “real” and “authentic” masculinities to create more expansive possibilities for men.