Information Practices Research Articles

Patterns of gabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users

ObjectiveUnderstanding the clinical and demographic profile of patients on gabapentinoids can highlight areas of prescribing disparities, inform clinical practice, and guide future research to optimize effectiveness and safety of gabapentinoids for pain management. We used a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries to examine trends, patterns, and patient-level predictors of gabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users. MethodsUsing a national Medicare sample between 2014 and 2020, we examined factors associated with gabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users. We included Medicare eligible long-term opioid users with no prior gabapentinoid use. The primary outcome was gabapentinoid use after the long-term opioid use episode. Logistic regression was used to test the association with gabapentinoid use for year, age, sex, race/ethnicity, region, Medicare entitlement, low-income status, frailty, pain locations, anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid morphine milligrams equivalent. ResultsGabapentinoid use among long-term opioid users increased from 12.6% in 2014 to 16.8% in 2019 (p < .0001). Factors associated with increased gabapentinoid use were Hispanic ethnicity, back pain, nerve pain, and moderate or high opioid usage. Factors associated with decreased gabapentinoid use were older age and Medicare entitlement due to old age. ConclusionsVariation of gabapentinoid use by socio-demographics and insurance status indicates opportunities to improve pain management and a need for shared therapeutic decision making informed by discussion between pain patients and providers regarding safety and effectiveness of pain therapies. Our findings underscore the need for future research into the comparative effectiveness and safety of gabapentinoids for non-cancer chronic pain in various subpopulations.

Real-world Effectiveness and Tolerability of Interferon-free Direct-acting Antiviral for 15,849 Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Multinational Cohort Study.

As practice patterns and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) vary geographically, a global real-world study from both East and West covering all GTs can help inform practice policy toward the 2030 HCV elimination goal. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of DAA treatment in routine clinical practice in a multinational cohort for patients infected with all HCV GTs, focusing on GT3 and GT6. We analyzed the sustained virological response (SVR12) of 15,849 chronic hepatitis C patients from 39 Real-World Evidence from the Asia Liver Consortium for HCV clinical sites in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe between 07/01/2014-07/01/2021. The mean age was 62±13 years, with 49.6% male. The demographic breakdown was 91.1% Asian (52.9% Japanese, 25.7% Chinese/Taiwanese, 5.4% Korean, 3.3% Malaysian, and 2.9% Vietnamese), 6.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 1% Black/African-American. Additionally, 34.8% had cirrhosis, 8.6% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 24.9% were treatment-experienced (20.7% with interferon, 4.3% with direct-acting antivirals). The largest group was GT1 (10,246 [64.6%]), followed by GT2 (3,686 [23.2%]), GT3 (1,151 [7.2%]), GT6 (457 [2.8%]), GT4 (47 [0.3%]), GT5 (1 [0.006%]), and untyped GTs (261 [1.6%]). The overall SVR12 was 96.9%, with rates over 95% for GT1/2/3/6 but 91.5% for GT4. SVR12 for GT3 was 95.1% overall, 98.2% for GT3a, and 94.0% for GT3b. SVR12 was 98.3% overall for GT6, lower for patients with cirrhosis and treatment-experienced (TE) (93.8%) but ≥97.5% for treatment-naive patients regardless of cirrhosis status. On multivariable analysis, advanced age, prior treatment failure, cirrhosis, active HCC, and GT3/4 were independent predictors of lower SVR12, while being Asian was a significant predictor of achieving SVR12. In this diverse multinational real-world cohort of patients with various GTs, the overall cure rate was 96.9%, despite large numbers of patients with cirrhosis, HCC, TE, and GT3/6. SVR12 for GT3/6 with cirrhosis and TE was lower but still excellent (>91%).

The UTHealth Houston Adult Cardiovascular Genomics Certificate Program: Efficacy and Impact on Healthcare Professionals.

The demand for genetic services has outpaced the availability of resources, challenging clinicians untrained in genetic integration into clinical decision-making. The UTHealth Adult Cardiovascular Genomics Certificate (CGC) program trains non-genetic healthcare professionals to recognize, assess, and refer patients with heritable cardiovascular diseases. This asynchronous online course includes 24 modules in three tiers of increasing complexity, using realistic clinical scenarios, interactive dialogues, quizzes, and tests to reinforce learning. We hypothesized that the CGC will increase genomic competencies in this underserved audience and encourage applying genomic concepts in clinical practice. Required course evaluations include pre- and post-assessments, knowledge checks in each module, and surveys for module-specific feedback. After 6 months, longitudinal feedback surveys gathered data on the long-term impact of the course on clinical practice and conducted focused interviews with learners. The CGC was accredited in September 2022. Principal learners were nurses (24%), nurse practitioners (21%), physicians (16%), and physician assistants. Scores of 283 learners in paired pre- and post-assessments increased specific skills related to recognizing heritable diseases, understanding inheritance patterns, and interpreting genetic tests. Interviews highlighted the CGC's modular structure and linked resources as key strengths. Learners endorsed confidence to use genetic information in clinical practice, such as discussing genetic concepts and risks with patients and referring patients for genetic testing. Learners were highly likely to recommend the CGC to colleagues, citing its role in enhancing heritable disease awareness. The CGC program effectively empowers non-genetic clinicians to master genomic competencies, fostering collaboration to prevent deaths from heritable cardiovascular diseases, and potentially transforming healthcare education and clinical practice.

Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among Children with Spina Bifida in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study to Inform Policy and Practice

Congenital myelomeningocele, or spina bifida (SB), is the predominant congenital anomaly of the central nervous system. Beyond its implications on neonatal mortality, SB impacts the long-term quality of life in affected children. This study sought to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children with SB treated at Ethiopia's leading pediatric neurosurgical facility. Set at Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this hospital-based cross-sectional study spanned from June 30 to September 30, 2022. It incorporated 232 children, using data gathered through interviewer-led questionnaires. The HRQoL was measured using the PedsQL 4.0, a 23-item generic scale. The study's participants had a median age of 5years (interquartile range=3 to 6years). The aggregate mean scores on the PedsQL 4.0 tallied at 68.59±18.01. The lowest scores emerged from queries on school participation, whereas physical and emotional functioning registered the highest scores. Through multiple regression analyses, variables such as family income, monthly household income, number of children, and the presence of a neurogenic bladder showed strong association with HRQoL. This study fills a gap in the literature providing information on the HRQoL and its associated factors for children with SB in low-resourced settings. We champion the proactive integration of quality-of-life metrics into neurosurgical care policy and practice. Given the enduring consequences of SB, interventions honing the HRQoL can steer children toward realizing their intrinsic and enhance societal participation and contribution.

Pulmonary Embolism and Systemic Thrombolytic Therapy: An In-Depth Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends

Background: Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition often resulting from deep vein thrombosis, with significant morbidity and mortality. Thrombolytic therapy is a common treatment, particularly in high-risk cases. Despite numerous studies on pulmonary embolism, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends and impacts, especially regarding thrombolytic therapy, is lacking. Methods: This bibliometric analysis utilized the Web of Science database to collect and evaluate literature published between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2023. A total of 282 articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix R, focusing on publication trends, citation counts, and collaborative networks. Results: The analysis identified a progressive increase in pulmonary embolism-related publications, peaking in 2020 and 2022. The United States led in publication volume, followed by Turkey and China. Despite high publication numbers, Turkey's citation count was relatively low, highlighting potential gaps in research impact and quality. The study also revealed that European countries exhibit stronger international collaborations compared to the United States. Key research trends shifted post-2018 towards topics such as mortality, bleeding, COVID-19, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a detailed overview of the research landscape on pulmonary embolism and thrombolytic therapy, highlighting evolving research priorities, the significance of funding opportunities, and the importance of international collaborations. The study's insights can guide future research directions and inform clinical practices, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.

Burden and factors influencing intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable burden with food handlers serving as potential carriers. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of these parasites varies across regions, and accurate data in the study area is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study collected stool samples from food handlers alongside a structured questionnaire gathering socio-demographic and hygiene practice information. Stool specimens were screened for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered into EpiData software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was deemed statistically significant if the p-value was less than 0.05. A total of 257 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City participated in the study. Of these, 33.5% (86/257) were found positive for one or more intestinal parasites, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 28.0-39.5%. The study identified nine types of intestinal parasites, with E. histolytica/dispar (8.2%, 21/257) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%, 17/257) being the predominant parasites, followed by hookworm (3.5%, 9/257) and S. mansoni (2.3%, 6/257). The prevalence of mixed infections was 9.3% (24/257). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasitic infection and the educational level of food handlers. In this study, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was detected indicating poor hygiene practices of the food handlers at the study site. Even the prevalence of mixed infections was high. Regular training, strict adherence to personal hygiene and food-handling practices, and routine inspections and medical checkups for food handlers are crucial.

Comparison of Outpatient and Inpatient Consultations Requested from Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Objective: This study aims to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatry consultations and to compare characteristics of outpatient and inpatient consultations. Methods: A total of 354 patients who were consulted to child and adolescent psychiatry department of a university hospital were included in the study. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics of patients, departments requesting consultation, diagnoses, and treatment methods. Results: The cases included in the study had a mean age of 10.6±4.8 years,with 51.4% being girls. Adolescent girls formed the majority of the inpatient group. The pediatric neurology outpatient clinic had the highest frequency of requested consultations (22.3%), and the most common reason for consultation was a suicide attempt (12.1%). Of the cases for which consultation was requested, 67.8% were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder, and the most common diagnoses were anxiety disorders, with 12.7%. In the inpatient group, impulsive suicide attempts and depressive disorders were more frequent compared to the outpatient group, while intellectual disability was less common. Parent education was provided for 97.2% of the cases, pharmacological treatment was recommended for 44.6% of the cases, and the most commonly prescribed medications were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Psychotherapy and special education were significantly more common in the outpatient group compared to the inpatient treatment group. Conclusion: The current study revealed significant differences in consultations requested from child and adolescent psychiatry between the outpatient and inpatient groups regarding consultation reasons, diagnoses, and treatment modalities. The findings provide valuable information for clinical practice and service development.

Health information management systems and practices in conflict-affected settings: the case of northwest Syria

BackgroundIn conflict settings, as it is the case in Syria, it is crucial to enhance health information management to facilitate an effective and sustainable approach to strengthening health systems in such contexts. In this study, we aim to provide a baseline understanding of the present state of health information management in Northwest Syria (NWS) to better plan for strengthening the health information system of the area that is transitioning to an early-recovery stage.MethodsA combination of questionnaires and subsequent interviews was used for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select twenty-one respondents directly involved in managing and directing different domains of health information in the NWS who worked with local NGOs, INGOs, UN-agencies, or part of the Health Working Group. A scoring system for each public health domain was constructed based on the number and quality of the available datasets for these domains, which were established by Checci and others.Results & conclusionsReliable and aggregate health information in the NWS is limited, despite some improvements made over the past decade. The conflict restricted and challenged efforts to establish a concentrated and harmonized HIS in the NWS, which led to a lack of leadership, poor coordination, and duplication of key activities. Although the UN established the EWARN and HeRAMS as common data collection systems in the NWS, they are directed toward advocacy and managed by external experts with little participation or access from local stakeholders to these datasets.RecommendationsThere is a need for participatory approaches and the empowerment of local actors and local NGOs, cooperation between local and international stakeholders to increase access to data, and a central domain for planning, organization, and harmonizing the process. To enhance the humanitarian health response in Syria and other crisis areas, it is imperative to invest in data collection and utilisation, mHealth and eHealth technologies, capacity building, and robust technical and autonomous leadership.

Dimensional model of socioemotional learning built on a large‐scale sample of Chilean students

AbstractEven though Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a central domain in education, there is still a lack of clarity in the underlying conceptual models guiding educational efforts and insufficient empirical evidence supporting these models. The Chilean Agency for Quality in Education developed a socioemotional questionnaire as part of the Comprehensive Learning Diagnosis (DIA), administered in educational institutions nationwide. Its underlying conceptual model considers nine SEL competencies structured into three dimensions: Individual, Communal, and Civic, mapping onto the Chilean educational curriculum and learning goals relative to SEL. Even though this model was built based on a thorough revision of existing approaches to SEL and assessment tools, this dimensional structure has not been empirically tested. This study explores a dimensional model of SEL based on a large‐scale sample of Chilean students assessed through the DIA (882,553 7th–12th graders). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to determine the dimensional structure, also testing for invariance by educational level (basic vs. secondary education) and gender. EFA evidenced a three‐dimensional structure, with factors labeled as individual, relational, and socio‐moral based on their composition. CFA confirmed these dimensions with adequate fit indices. Factorial invariance of the identified model was found between basic and secondary school students, and between boys and girls. The study allowed for the construction of a theoretical model of SEL based on a large‐scale sample. The identification of a moral factor as a key dimension of SEL constitutes a novel and promising perspective, in line with recent research providing new insights into SEL. Further evidence regarding the reliability and validity of the instrument should be analyzed. Also, the proposed SEL model should be tested in different countries and populations to broaden our understanding of SEL and inform educational policies and practices.

People with sensory processing sensitivity connect strongly to nature across five dimensions

Human connections to nature are critical to the sustainability of life on Earth. Nature connections are often linked with pro-environmental behaviors. Therefore, a better understanding of the nuances of human-nature connections can help inform policies and practices to advance sustainability. Connections to nature research has rarely investigated nuances like the nature connections of subpopulations or distinguished between types of nature connections. This article reports on an investigation of the subpopulation of highly sensitive individuals (HSPs), a group comprising about one-third of the general population thatexhibits higher levels of sensitivity to stimuli, greater depth of processing, and stronger emotional and physiological reactivity to both positive and negative stimuli than the general population, a suite of traits known as “sensory processing sensitivity” or “environmental sensitivity.” We assessed the nature connections of this group across five nature-connection types: material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical. We found that HSPs hold deeper nature connections than less sensitive individuals with respect to all five connection types. Additionally, variability in nature-connection scores decreased as sensitivity increased, showing a significant trend. Future research can investigate links between nature connections and pro-environmental behavior in this population and the potential mediating role of specific psychological characteristics. We also recommend that researchers consider including sensitivity in future connections to nature assessments.

Problematic Gambling Behavior in a Sample of Gamblers: The Role of Alexithymia, Dissociation Features, and External Locus of Control.

Gambling disorder is a severe condition that significantly compromises the lives of those affected. In light of this clinical relevance, the literature on the antecedents of this form of addiction is constant and continually evolving. Consistently with this framework, the present research aimed at investigating the role of some risk factors in gambling disorder, with a specific focus on alexithymia, dissociation, and locus of control. The research involved a sample of 290 participants (183 males and 107 females; Mage = 34.43, SD = 14.65) who practice gambling at least occasionally. They completed an online survey including the South Oaks Gambling Screen, Twenty-Items Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Dissociative Experience Scale-II, and Locus of Control of Behavior. ANOVA and a moderated-mediation model were implemented to analyse the collected data. Results showed that 19.0% of the participants were At Risk and Problem Gamblers, while 27.6% fell into the category of Problematic Gamblers. Problematic Gamblers showed significantly higher levels of alexithymia, dissociation, and external locus of control. Moreover, a significant association between alexithymia and the severity of problematic gambling behaviour was found and was significantly mediated by absorption (a dissociation feature). Furthermore, the external locus of control significantly moderated this indirect effect. The role of gender as a covariate was also investigated. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on gambling disorder and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.

Updating the Informational and Control Practices in the Sustainability Agenda

Abstract Research purpose. The sustainability concept embraces a wide scope of linked practices: green thinking, sustainability informational and management assurance, ESG reporting and scoring, responsible and impact investment, stability measurements, and others. Significantly expanding beneficiary's and stakeholders' circle needs information to build and implement a policy providing ESG values creation and meeting their requirements in relevant sustainable agenda. This is why it is important to create a transparent information landscape and to shape new highlights in management and decision-making. The article is aimed at exploring specific ways to transform information and management practices, primarily accounting, ESG-reporting, analysis, and assurance to create a transparent information environment for sustainability. Design / Methodology / Approach. The study is designed as a qualitative analysis of existing information and related practices to identify gaps in the information needed by stakeholders for decision-making with that practically generated in the current environmental momentum. It involves summarising, categorizing, and interpreting open access sources data, such as unidirectional studies, non-financial reporting and ESG-rankings databases, program documents, frameworks and standards for sustainability and "responsible" reporting, professional audit analytics, and others. Logical and comparative analysis was used for data processing. The study’s theoretical framework is based on accounting theories, particularly the Interpretative paradigm. Findings. The possibilities were assessed following proposed approaches to upgrade the up-to-date system of informational-verifying appraisal practices by the requirements of a proper ESG environment. A holistic system layout was suggested, including information and control practices employed to provide sustainability. The main part of the recommendations refers to accounting and reporting for sustainability. New accounting ESG objects to display in this system were identified. It developed an integrated balance model of total capitals and their sources engaged and ESG -value-creating, taking for the basis traditional balance theory. Given the diversity of corporate non-financial reporting, classification characteristics for ESG reporting were suggested, and two key models of ESG reporting were defined. Recommendations were made in the field of design and methodology for information support of sustainability. Originality / Value / Practical implications. The article is the author's vision of the problems and ways of advancing traditional information practices in the context of global sustainability management requests. Recommendations for the holistic system of sustainability governance, informational support creation, transformation of accounting, ESG-reporting, other linked practices, streamlining, and methodological development of information activities that can be used in the practical field and employed in programmatic, advisory, and regulatory documents that structure the information field of socio-economic life.

Independent Long COVID Journalism as a Lens for Critical Information Literacy: Conversations with The Sick Times Founders Betsy Ladyzhets and Miles W. Griffis

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the acceleration of climate change illuminate how difficult it can be to make sense of information about wicked problems—that is, issues that are highly complex and have no simple or complete solutions (Rittel &amp; Webber, 1973). One approach to grappling with wicked problems is to consider the information practices that different people, communities, or professions use to make sense of those issues. In this Perspectives piece, I explore possible ways to practice and teach about critical information literacy by looking to the views, experiences, and professional practices of two independent journalists who report on an urgent but still under-reported wicked problem: Long COVID. Betsy Ladyzhets and Miles W. Griffis are the co-founders of the website The Sick Times, which is dedicated to reporting on Long COVID and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Following highlights from their interviews with me about their work, I consider potential implications of these journalists’ experiences for practicing and teaching critical information literacy.

A Multimethod Exploration of Moral Distress and Moral Injury Among Health Care Assistants Working in Psychiatric Settings

Moral distress and moral injury among health workers yield adverse physical, psychological, and labor force outcomes. Research is limited on how psychiatric healthcare assistants experience these issues. In this multi-method study, we conducted a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews to examine moral distress and injury among psychiatric healthcare assistants. Almost half screened positive for moral injury. Three qualitative themes emerged: 1) hierarchies prevent contributions to care; 2) trust as a factor in de-escalating patient violence; and 3) navigating psychosocial challenges. Further research is recommended to investigate how to best support and inform practice and policy changes for psychiatric healthcare assistants.

Investigating spatial patterns and determinants of tourist attractions utilizing POI data: A case study of Hubei Province, China

Exploring the spatial distribution characteristics of tourist attractions and the influencing factors is of significant importance for destination development, yet little relevant research has been conducted. This study explores the spatial patterns and determinants of tourist attractions using Hubei Province of China as a case based on the POI (Points of Interest) data, combined with standard deviation ellipse, GeoDetector method and so on. The results show that: (1) The distribution of tourist attractions in Hubei Province is concentrated in Wuhan and Huanggang. (2) The overall spatial patterns of tourist attractions in Hubei Province show a trend of “overall dispersion, partial concentration”, with the direction of northwest-southeast. (3) The permanent population, passenger traffic volume, per capita GDP, and the added value of the tertiary industry are the primary factors influencing the spatial distribution of tourist attractions in Hubei Province. Additionally, topography and river systems factors also impact their distribution. This study provides critical information for theory and practice in terms of tourism resources optimization.

Writing Instructors’ Intentional Integration of the Information Literacy Framework

This article presents an exploratory study that examines how 11 first-year writing instructors’ conceptualizations of information literacy evolved over the course of their participation in an inquiry group co-developed and co-facilitated by the Libraries’ teaching faculty and the Director of Composition &amp; Rhetoric at a public university in the United States. The authors developed a coding schema to identify the presence of information literacy-related themes and practices in pre- and post-program course syllabi and in reflective pieces submitted by instructors. The findings revealed that instructors’ use and applications of the ACRL Framework increased after the program, showing greater personal engagement as evidenced by more preferential application of frames most relevant to their learning goals. Moreover, instructors integrated those frames more fully into their instructional practices. The authors’ analysis of instructor-created artifacts provides a unique lens into disciplinary instructors’ conceptualizations of and approaches to information literacy while examining the impact of one path for collaboration and scalability of information literacy integration within a curriculum.

Deconstructing Technostress: A Configurational Approach to Explaining Job Burnout and Job Performance

Understanding how technostressors lead to technostrain, such as high job burnout or low job performance, has become a core question in information systems (IS) research and practice. To unpack this relationship, we build on general systems theory to argue that the next step for technostress research is to go beyond examining the independent influences of technostressors and discuss how their interdependencies lead to technostrain. To illustrate our argument empirically, we use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and identify four configurations of high- and low-intensity technostressors that lead to high job burnout and one that leads to low job performance. We show that three types of interdependencies among technostressors, i.e., complementarity, contingency, and substitution, form configurations that lead to technostrain. Within these configurations, high-intensity technostressors can mutually enhance their effects and low-intensity technostressors can buffer the impact of other high-intensity technostressors on technostrain. The results help to explain why organizational interventions that address independent technostressors may fail if they do not account for the interdependencies among technostressors. Our work provides evidence of the need to further develop theories that explain how and why interdependencies among technostressors lead to technostrain.

Mobile Device Forensics Framework: A Toolbox to Support and Enhance This Process

Cybercrime is growing rapidly, and it is increasingly important to use advanced tools to combat it and support investigations. One of the battlefronts is the forensic investigation of mobile devices to analyze their misuse and recover information. Mobile devices present numerous challenges, including a rapidly changing environment, increasing diversity, and integration with the cloud/IoT. Therefore, it is essential to have a secure and reliable toolbox that allows an investigator to thwart, discover, and solve all problems related to mobile forensics while deciphering investigations, whether criminal, civil, corporate, or other. In this work, we propose an original and innovative instantiation of a structure in a forensic toolbox for mobile devices, corresponding to a set of different applications, methods, and best practice information aimed at improving and perfecting the investigative process of a digital investigator. To ensure scientific support for the construction of the toolbox, the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was applied, which seeks to create new and unique artifacts, drawing on the strength and knowledge of science and context. The toolbox will help the forensic investigator overcome some of the challenges related to mobile devices, namely the lack of guidance, documentation, knowledge, and the ability to keep up with the fast-paced environment that characterizes the mobile industry and market. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-011 Full Text: PDF

Mind the gap: Comparing parents' information needs about impending preterm birth to current clinical practices using a mixed methods approach

ObjectiveTo identify parents' information needs about impending very preterm birth and compare these needs to current information practices in the Netherlands. MethodsStep 1: We surveyed N = 203 parents of preterm infants to assess their information needs. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Step 2a: We collected information resources from hospitals (N = 9 NICUs) and via an online search. These materials were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Step 2b: We compared findings from Steps 1-2a. ResultsWe identified four themes pertaining to parents' information needs: (1) participation in care, (2) emotional wellbeing, (3) experience/success stories, and (4) practical information about prematurity. Clinicians' communicative skills and time were considered prerequisites for optimal information-provision. Notably, hospital resources provided mainly medical information about prematurity with some emphasis on participation in care, while parent associations mainly focused on emotional wellbeing and experience/success stories. ConclusionWhile parents demonstrate clear information needs about impending very preterm birth, current information resources satisfy these partially. InnovationOur multidisciplinary research team included both scholars and veteran NICU parents. As such, we identified parents' information needs bottom-up. These parent-driven insights will be used to design an innovative, tailored information platform for parents about impending very preterm birth.

Fluid Intake and Hydration Strategies of Bodybuilders In the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Bodybuilding athletes in Capricorn district of Limpopo province adhere to various hydration practices. However, the extend at which these athletes adhere to the fluid intake and hydration guidelines during sport engagement is unknown. Research objectives: This study aimed to determine the fluid intake and hydration practices of bodybuilders in Capricorn District of Limpopo province and adherence to the guidelines thereof. Furthermore, to investigate the association of fluid intake with the demography of athletes. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was used to obtain 66 part-time bodybuilders in the Capricorn district. Demographic information and hydration practices of the athletes were collected during training days. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the athletes' fluid intake and hydration practices. Pearson's correlation test was used to associate hydration practices with the athletes' educational status and source of hydration information. Athletes were 24 (± 4.2) years old, engaged as bodybuilders for 2.3 (± 1.5) years, training once a day (61%), for 2.2 hours (males) and 2.0 hours (females). Athletes used pure water before (51%), during (47%) and after training (57%). Social media (47%) and the internet (25%) were used as sources of hydration information. There was no significant correlation between hydration practices and demographics. Conclusion: Fluid intake of athletes was suboptimal. Athletes consumed mostly pure water before, during, and after their training sessions. Therefore, athletes’ fluid intake (amount) and hydration strategies (type and timing of fluid) did not adhere (mostly suboptimal to) sports nutrition standards. This poses a risk for dehydration during sport.