Descriptive Statistical Methods Research Articles

MENTORING IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

ANNOTATION Rationale. During the period of rapid development of science and medical technologies, the professional and working environment is faced with the urgent task of finding mechanisms and tools for increasing the level of professional competencies and practical skills of medical specialists in the process of professional socialization. The sociological study conducted by the authors was focused on identifying factors of successful/unsuccessful professional socialization of young medical specialists, one of which is mentoring. Purpose of the study. Determining the role of the mentoring institution as a factor influencing the success/failure of professional socialization of medical specialists. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted among clinical residents of the Far Eastern State Medical University. A total of 184 respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire using a Google form. To solve the research problems, methods of analysis, comparison and generalization of the obtained data, analysis of regulatory documents, survey results and secondary data from sociological research were used. At the level of data processing and work with source material, descriptive statistics methods provided by SPSS and EXCEL software were used. Results. In the course of a sociological study conducted by the authors, the most pressing problems of introducing and implementing mentoring practices in the healthcare system were identified. The role of the mentoring institution as a socializing factor influencing the success/failure of professional socialization of medical specialists is also determined. The study formulates tasks for further research into the process of professional socialization of medical specialists from the point of view of identifying factors of a positive and destructive nature, and the role of socialization institutions in this process. Conclusion. Problems in the implementation of mentoring practices in healthcare related to the low mentoring activity of practicing medical specialists have been identified. A special need for the implementation of mentoring practices was identified at the stage of postgraduate training (clinical residency) by 83% of respondents and at the stage of starting independent professional work by 61% of respondents. Respondents expressed a positive attitude towards the introduction of mentoring in healthcare: 90% of respondents indicated that having a mentor when obtaining a medical specialty is mandatory.

Comparison of the preclinical quality of analgesia of emergency physicians and paramedics based on trauma patients

Adequate prehospital pain management is acritical component of emergency medical services. With the introduction of the paramedic profession and the Paramedics Act in Germany, the basis for more extensive competencies of paramedics was established. In many emergency medical service areas it is thus possible for paramedics to perform analgesia and sedation with esketamine/midazolam according to pre-established instructions and/or standard operating procedures. This study assessed the quality of analgesia administered to trauma patients by paramedics compared to emergency medical service physicians. The study included trauma patients who received prehospital administration of analgesia by either emergency medical service physicians or paramedics and were subsequently admitted to the central emergency department of the Saarland University Hospital. Astandardized data collection form was used to collect information from the emergency service protocol and initial emergency department assessment. The evaluation employed descriptive statistical methods and a total of 207 completed records were analyzed. Both professional groups achieved significant pain reduction and fulfilled the criteria for effective pain management (pain reduction: emergency medical service physicians 5.5 ± 2.0/paramedic 4.4 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). Emergency medical service physicians, however, more frequently attained ahigher reduction in numerical rating scale scores and administered oxygen. Notable differences were observed in the range of medications used and the dosages. This study could show that prehospital analgesia is comparable between emergency medical service physicians and paramedics in terms of effectiveness for trauma patients if the indications are correctly set, while observing pre-existing instructions. With their competencies paramedics are able to perform an effective and safe analgesic treatment within the framework of preformulated procedural instructions, which can be equal to that of an emergency medical service physician.

Modifikasi Produksi dan Biaya Bahan Bakar Minyak pada Kapal Ciremai

Some of the main research problems are the lack of fuel efficiency use, difficulties in loading and unloading process, the refueling process tardiness and the ships route’s delay of the determined and planned routes that could affect the Ciremai Ship’s On Time Performance (OTP). The research aims to determine and analyze the effect of production and fuel oil cost modifications based on the income of Ciremai Ship and its implications for its financial performance after “Three in One” modification. This research used Descriptive statistical analysis method and hypothesis testing using SmartPLS-3. The research sample was taken from the entire routes of Ciremai Ship over the last four years of 48 months. The secondary research data was taken from the financial reports related to production modifications, fuel oil costs, the income and financial performance of the ship. Research findings show that the production modifications have a direct influence on financial performance while fuel costs and income do not have a direct influence on it. The production modifications do not have a direct effect on income instead fuel costs have a direct effect on income and production modifications do not have an indirect effect on financial performance through income.

Investigating the State of Self-Harm and its Relationship with Suicidal Ideation in College Students: Evidence from a Cross-sectional Study in Southern Iran

Introduction Self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation as two important psychological challenges can have irreparable consequences for students. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the state of self-harm and its relationship with suicidal ideation in students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 students of different fields at Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in the south of Iran between June and September 2023. Data were collected using two standard questionnaires of the Beck scale for suicidal Ideation (BSSI) and self-harm behaviors. Descriptive statistics methods were used for the scores of self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also used to check the correlation between these two main variables, and statistical tests such as t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare averages between groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23. Results Self-harm behaviors were at low, average, high, and very high levels in 24%, 67%, and 9% of students, respectively. Also, Suicidal ideation was in low, moderate, and high (readiness to commit suicide) levels in 5.6%, 3.4%, and 1.05% of students, respectively. Furthermore, 89.95% of students also had no suicidal thoughts. There was a statistically significant correlation between self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation of students (p&lt;0.001, r=0.667). Also, the mean score of self-harm behaviors, including dormitory residents (p=0.02), males (p=0.04), singles (p=0.001), undergraduates (p=0.003), and unemployed (p=0.01) was significantly higher than others. In addition, the average score of suicidal ideation was significantly higher in students living in the dormitories (p=0.03), including singles (p=0.005), undergraduates (p=0.02), and unemployed (p=0.04) than in others. Conclusion It is suggested that the officials of student, counseling, and cultural affairs of universities improve the living conditions of students in dormitories, pay attention to the needs of students, and try to solve their mental and psychological problems, as well as provide employment and marriage of students to reduce their self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation. Additionally, government policy interventions, such as routine mental health care screening programs for students and timely interventions to solve mental health problems, are suggested.

Extra-digestive manifestations of celiac disease

Introduction. Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, presenting with a diverse range of symptoms that extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract. The condition’s systemic nature is evidenced by its extra-digestive manifestations, which can affect various organs including the skin, joints, liver, and nervous system. Methods. This descriptive, retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center, focusing on adult patients diagnosed with CD who exhibited extra-digestive symptoms. Data were extracted from medical records of patients admitted between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2024. Variables included demographic information, primary diagnosis, and associated extra-digestive manifestations. Descriptive statistical methods were employed for data analysis. Results. The sample included 108 patients with CD, the mean age was 43.21 years, with a predominance of females (76.85%). Iron deficiency anemia was the most common extra-digestive manifestation, affecting 20.37% of patients, followed by hypoproteinemia (18.52%) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (14.81%). Co-occurrence analysis revealed frequent combinations of conditions, such as anemia with cardiovascular diseases and depressive disorders. Notable associations with neurological conditions like gluten ataxia and peripheral neuropathy were also observed. Conclusion. This study highlights the extensive extra-digestive manifestations of celiac disease, underscoring its systemic impact. The high prevalence of autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid polyarthritis among CD patients reflects the need for holistic management strategies. Discrepancies between our findings and existing literature, particularly regarding skin and neurological conditions, emphasize the need for further research to better understand these associations and the long-term effects of a gluten-free diet.

A Cross-sectional Study - Relationship Between Rice-based Diet and Prevalence of Obesity among Adults in University of Cyberjaya

Background: It is evidently known that a high-fat and high-sodium dietary pattern and a sedentary lifestyle are one of many major risk factors to metabolic syndrome. However, people often overlook the association between rice-based dietary patterns and high BMI. In many Asian countries, as such in Malaysia, where their daily dietary pattern involves rice-based meals, the prevalence of obesity among adults has increased significantly over the past years. Thus, it is of our concern to investigate the association between rice-based dietary pattern and high BMI. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to study the association between rice-based and rice-dominant dietary patterns and high BMI among the adults in the University of Cyberjaya. Methodology: 180 participants, comprised of staff and students of University of Cyberjaya aged 18-65 years old were recruited through convenience sampling method. Microsoft forms and physical form questionnaire hand-outs were used to collect and organise the data. Descriptive statistical methods and chi-square were done for data analysis. Results: No significant association between rice-based dietary pattern and high BMI (P=0.349) found. However, it was observed that rice-dominant dietary pattern had a strong association with high BMI (P=0.006). Conclusion: While incorporation of rice in daily diet was not significantly associated with risk of high BMI, consuming rice dominantly as part of daily dietary pattern was strongly associated with overweight and obesity among the study population.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of substance abuse among adolescent in south-west Nigeria

Aim: Gaining understanding of the knowledge, perception, and practice of substance abuse among Adolescent in southwest Nigeria. Study Design: A non-experimental research design was used for the study, and a total of 133 respondents were selected from cross sectional administered questionnaire in selected secondary schools in Owo Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out at Achievers University Owo, Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology: Questionnaire from the respondents was used, was simple comprising of logically and easily understandable questions relating to the topic and answering the research question. The questionnaire was made to measure what it is supposed to measure as accurately and consistently as possible. The statical results of the descriptive data were obtained using the Statical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) and relevant descriptive and inferential statistical method was employed. Results: The results revealed a total of 133 students from four different schools in Ile-East Local Government area in Ondo State, Nigeria. The demographic data showed that there were more males among these schools representing 60.2% of the entire sample size. Majority of the sample size also showed between 15 and 16 years old representing 47.4% and 21.8% respectively. 91.7% of them had received information about substance abuse, most of them from their peers (49.6%) and school (27.8%). 78.2% of the respondents indicated, that they had never used psychoactive substance before, majority gave several reasons such as it is a bad for their health which took most reason (38.3%), other reasons include fear of the repercussions (11.3%), and other gave no reason (17.35). Minority of them admitted having used psychoactive substances at a time (21.8%) and 125 of this minority agree that they used it occasionally, when it is available and at parties. 34.6% of the respondents had a family members that abuses drugs or other psychoactive substances, most of them were relatives (15.8%) and their fathers (12.8%), which shows influence family members and relatives have on substance abuse. Conclusion: The adolescents were analyzed to have fair knowledge of substance abuse, its effect as well as a fair attitude towards it.

Uncovering Ethical Behavior: A Causal Factors Perspective of Control Systems and Compensation

This research examines the effects of internal control, compliance, management remuneration, and work ethic on auditors' ethical behavior. The study involved 46 auditors from a public accounting firm in Central Jakarta, using purposive sampling. Both quantitative and descriptive statistical methods, along with multiple linear analysis, were employed. Data was collected through a questionnaire assessing internal control, compliance, management compensation, work ethic, and auditors' ethical behavior. Findings reveal that internal control and compensation significantly influence auditors' ethical behavior. However, management compensation alone does not have a significant effect. Work ethic also has a substantial impact on ethical behavior. Collectively, internal control, compliance, management compensation, and work ethic significantly affect auditors' ethical behavior. Managerial implications include the necessity for robust internal control systems to prevent unethical conduct and designing management compensation structures that do not incentivize unethical behavior.

State of the vaginal biocenosis depending on the species diversity of lactobacilli

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common reproductive health problems in women. Lactobacillus spp. play a leading role in the vaginal biocenosis and provide local antimicrobial defense, but not all species are equally capable of protecting the vaginal ecosystem from pathogens. Diagnostic methods in practical healthcare do not allow identification of Lactobacillus spp. species, which limits the ability to comprehensively assess the status of the vaginal biocenosis. We conducted a study in which we compared microscopy data of the examined smear with the detection of Lactobacillus spp. and other microorganisms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the species composition of Lactobacillus spp. from the vagina depending on morphologic characteristics and composition of associated flora. The study included 64 conditionally healthy women of reproductive age from 18 to 35 years old. The study of species composition of the vaginal biocenosis and typing of lactobacilli was carried out by real-time PCR methods. The obtained results were processed using generally accepted methods of descriptive and ordinal statistics. During the study, it was found that the vaginal biocenosis was dominated by species of Lactobacillus spp. L. crispatus, L. vaginalis, L. iners and L. jensenii. L. johnsonii was rarely found, and L. acidophilus was not detected. Typing results showed that the vagina was more frequently colonized by more than one species of Lactobacillus spp. while a single species of Lactobacillus spp. was detected less frequently. A correlation was found between Lactobacillus spp. species and bacilli thickness. If thick bacilli are detected in gynecological smear microscopy, they belong to the species L. crispatus, which has high colonization resistance and is a factor in the stability of the vaginal biocenosis. If smear microscopy reveals thin bacilli, then these are species of L. iners and L. jensenii. These representatives of Lactobacillus spp. are not directly related to the dysbiotic state of the vagina, but may indicate the possible development of dysbiosis in the future.

Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Sustainability in Education

This research aimed to analyze the bibliometric properties of literature on sustainability within the educational sphere. Utilizing a descriptive survey approach alongside bibliometric analysis, the study evaluated the scholarly outputs and foundational dynamics of this area. Data sourced from the Web of Science (WoS) database facilitated the examination of 1,587 articles on sustainability in education. Employing descriptive statistical methods, the study mapped out the thematic landscape of sustainability in education. It encompassed distribution assessments of scholarly works by geographical location, identified leading scholars, pivotal publications, and key journals, and conducted co-authorship evaluations to delineate the scholarly network. Moreover, analyses of trending topics and strategic diagrams, coupled with word cloud visualizations, were executed. The research unveiled those scholarly discussions on sustainability in education commenced in 1995, expanding over the ensuing three decades to encompass 1,587 articles authored by 4,169 contributors across 492 distinct outlets. The United States emerged as the foremost contributor to this body of research. Drawing on these insights, the study offered directions for future inquiries and practical applications in the field. .

Opportunities for Upper Management Positions for Women Employees

Gender inequality persists in Sri Lanka due to structural and cultural barriers, impacting women's economic, political, and personal prospects. It has observed significant gender disparities remain in job positions and executive levels in many Sri Lankan companies. This research aims to uncover the reasons behind these imbalances and identify barriers hindering women's career advancement, ultimately contributing to gender equity solutions. It encompasses three specific objectives: scrutinizing the criteria for job promotions in the company, identifying barriers hindering women's advancement, and evaluating the impact of women-specific characteristics on career progression. Data collection involved surveying 32 females at the managerial level and conducting exploratory studies with male counterparts. Both primary and secondary data sources were used, with inferential and descriptive statistical methods applied for analysis. This research delves into the complex landscape of gender inequality within the company. External factors like political connections shape promotions, while organizational, social, and individual factors collectively contribute to the disparity. Low female representation in decision-making roles, cultural stereotypes, and the absence of female role models pose substantial hurdles. While women specific characteristics may not heavily influence promotions, addressing these multifaceted barriers is vital for advancing gender equality in the workplace.

Dementia patients in palliative care according to data from the German National Hospice and Palliative Care Register (2009–2021)

BackgroundPeople with dementia are less in focus of palliative care research than other patient groups even though the awareness of their palliative and end-of-life care needs is rising. Empirical data analyses on people with dementia in palliative care services are lacking.AimTo explore the prevalence of dementia diagnoses as per the ICD criteria among users of various palliative care settings and to compare use of palliative services, care pathways, and outcomes in people with and without a dementia diagnosis.DesignWe conducted retrospective analysis of dementia diagnoses as per ICD (F00-F03/G30) in the German National Hospice and Palliative Care Register between 2009 and 2021. The analysis used methods of descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Bonferroni correction for alpha error inflation.Setting/participantsWe limited the analysis to the subsample of people aged over 64.ResultsThe prevalence of dementia in the different settings of palliative care was lower than in the age-comparable population: Of the 69,116 data sets included in the analysis, a small minority (3.3%) was coded with dementia as the principal diagnosis. Among patients on inpatient palliative care wards, 0.8% (148 of 19,161) had a dementia diagnosis, as did 2.2% (52 of 2,380) of those under hospital palliative care support teams and 4.3% (2,014 of 46,803) of those receiving specialized palliative care at home.ConclusionsThe records of the German National Hospice and Palliative Care Register suggest that the prevalence of dementia is lower than one might expect from general population data, though numbers are in line with international studies on proportion of dementia patients receiving palliative care. Future research could usefully examine whether this discrepancy stems either from omissions in coding dementia as patients’ principal diagnosis respectively from lapses in documentation of a dementia diagnosis previously made, or from barriers to accessing palliative care services or even displays being excluded from palliative care when trying to access it.Trial registrationNo registration.

A study of Firm Leaders

This research was conducted to evaluate and measure the capabilities of management and operating small and medium-sized enterprises in Hai Phong City. Small and medium-sized enterprises in Hai Phong City with limited resources are facing fierce competition in the context of increasingly deep international integration. A survey was conducted through the analysis of survey data from 210 respondents working in small and medium-sized enterprises in Hai Phong City, including middle managers and employees. Analytical methods such as independent t-tests and ANOVA analyses are used to test and measure the scales. Analysis results based on descriptive statistical methods, comparison methods with an independent T-test, and ANOVA analysis show that, there is no statistically significant difference in the capabilities of management and operating small and medium-sized enterprises in Hai Phong City of Leaders between these different genders, job position, labor scale, and main business sectors. There is a statistically significant difference in the capabilities of management and operating small and medium-sized enterprises in Hai Phong City of Leaders between these different academic levels, and professional seniority. This research uses the contents of the theoretical and practical basis for human resource management in general and the capabilities of management and operating firm leaders in particular. Within the context of international economic integration, these variables are useful solutions for SMEs. The paper's primary contribution is findings that benefit the SMEs in Hai Phong City in the improvement of their scale expansion and business performance. Therefore, SMEs should focus on enhancing the capacity of their board of directors, thereby improving their leadership and management capabilities and contributing to improved business performance.

The Fingerprint of Scalp-EEG in Drug-Resistant Frontal Lobe Epilepsies.

Scalp-EEG incompletely covers the frontal lobe cortex. Underrepresentation of frontobasal or frontomesial structures, fast ictal spreading, and false lateralization impede scalp-EEG interpretation. Hence, we investigated the significance of scalp-EEG in the presurgical workup of frontal lobe epilepsy. Using descriptive statistical methods and Pearson chi-squared test for group comparisons, we retrospectively investigated postsurgical outcome, interictal epileptiform discharges (iiEDs), and electrographic seizure patterns on scalp-EEG in 81 consecutive patients undergoing resective epilepsy surgery within the margins of the frontal lobe. Postoperatively, patients with frontopolar iiEDs (n = 7) or concordant frontopolar iiED focus and seizure-onset (n = 2) were seizure free (n = 7/7, Engel Ia). MRI-positive patients with frontopolar iiEDs or frontopolar seizure-onset (n = 1/8 Engel Id, n = 7/8 Engel Ia) underwent surgery without stereo-EEG. Thirteen of 16 patients with frontolateral (n = 8/10, Engel Ia), or left frontobasal (n = 5/6, Engel Ia) seizure-onset undergoing further stereo-EEG, were seizure-free postoperatively. Seizure-onset prevalent over one electrode (n = 37/44 Engel I, p = 0.02), fast activity (FA)/flattening at seizure-onset (n = 29/33 Engel I, p = 0.02), FA/flattening during the seizure (n = 38/46 Engel I, p = 0.05), or focal rhythmic sharp-/spike-/polyspike-and-slow waves during the seizure (n = 24/31, Engel Ia, p = 0.05) were favorable prognostic markers. Interictal polyspike waves (p = 0.006 for Engel Ia) and interictal paroxysmal FA (p = 0.02 for Engel I) were unfavorable prognostic markers. Frontopolar scalp-EEG findings serve as biomarkers for predicting favorable surgical outcome in lesional frontal lobe epilepsy. Consequently, careful analysis of scalp-EEG assists in bypassing stereo-EEG in these patients.

The Relationship between the Lifestyle of the Allogeneic Stem Cell Donors and the Number of Donated CD34+ and CD3+ Cells

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered as the last treatment option in many life-threatening diseases. The number of donated cells can affect transplantation success. This study attempted to investigate the relationship between the health-promoting lifestyle of allogeneic stem cell donors and the number of donated CD34+ and CD3+ cells. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive correlational study in which 100 peripheral blood stem cells donors participated. A demographic form and health-promoting lifestyle profile-II questionnaire were distributed to participants, and then cell separation was started. Afterward, the results of CD34 + and CD3 + cell counts, as well as other clinical parameters of the participants, were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: The results showed that the mean total health-promoting lifestyle profile score for hematopoietic stem cell donors was 2.876±0.461. There was no significant relationship between the health- promoting lifestyle score and the number of CD34+, CD3+ cells and CD3+/CD34+ ratio. A positive and significant correlation was found between the weight of the donors and the number of CD34+ (P &lt; 0.001) and CD3+ cells (P = 0.001). The number of CD34+ cells was significantly different between women and men (P = 0.009). Conclusion: Lifestyle had no significant effect on the number of CD3+/CD34+ cells. Moreover, the number of CD34+ cells was significantly higher in men, so males should be preferentially recruited as donors for the HSCT procedure.

STRATEGIC PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS IN INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES

Objective: The objective of this research is to examine the organizational structure and operational characteristics of industrial businesses, investigate components of strategic planning guidelines, and develop a structural equation model, with the aim of achieving sustainable success for industrial enterprises. Theoretical Framework: Content analysis method is a theoretical framework used to examine the presence and concepts of qualitative data. The framework is used to summarize findings and recommendations, from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, into frequency values. Survey research framework is a structured approach that guides design, implementation, and analysis of surveys to gather data from targeted populations. The framework is used in quantitative research component, to collect and analyze data using descriptive and inferential statistics Method: Qualitative research involved conducting in-depth interviews with 9 experts and facilitating focus group discussions with 11 qualified individuals. Quantitative research is conducted through surveys to 500 industrial business executives, utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multivariate statistics. Results and Discussion: Findings from developed structural equation model indicated good alignment with observational data, with a Chi-square value of 0.094, Chi-square ratio of 1.115, goodness-of-fit index of 0.954, and a root mean square error of approximation of 0.015. Research Implications: Strategic planning is significant in business operations. Well-formulated business strategies will impact managerial efficiency, creating opportunities and enhancing a competitive advantage for industrial enterprises. Originality/Value: Findings revealed four significant factors contributing to success in industrial enterprises, listed in descending order of importance: 1) adaptive skills, 2) digital technology, 3) collaboration, and 4) organizational support.

Prevalence and factors associated with poor sleep quality among nurses in COVID-19 wards

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the working conditions of nurses, leading to a detrimental effect on their sleep quality. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors among nurses working in COVID-19 wards in Kermanshah, Iran. A total of 97 nurses were selected through simple random sampling from COVID-19 wards. Data was collected using a demographic information sheet and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including chi-square and multiple logistic regression, were used for data analysis. The results showed that 74.2% (n = 72) of the nurses experienced poor sleep quality. Significant associations were found between poor sleep quality and work experience (p = 0.045) as well as the type of work shift (p = 0.001). However, no significant relationships were observed between poor sleep quality and factors such as age, sex, body mass index, overtime hours per month, physical activity, or underlying diseases. The high prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses working in COVID-19 wards underscores the necessity of implementing targeted interventions to address this issue. In this regard, in addition to periodic shift schedule changes and reductions in working hours, it is necessary to adopt purposeful measures to improve working conditions and enhance the physical and mental health of nurses. These measures may include providing sufficient human resources to reduce the workload and fatigue of nurses, appropriate scheduling of working hours, and the implementation of stress management programs.

Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis from South-Central China.

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and drug resistance (DR) characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in South-Central China. EPTB inpatients who were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were retrospectively included in a study at a provincial TB hospital in Hunan, a province in South-Central China, from January 2013 to December 2021. Demographic, clinical, and drug susceptibility data were retrieved from TB treatment records. Descriptive statistical methods and a Chi-squared test were used to analyze the epidemiological and DR characteristics of EPTB patients. A logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors of rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant (RR/MDR)-EPTB. A total of 1,324 cases were included. The majority of EPTB patients were in the age range of 20-29 years, were predominantly men (male-to-female ratio: 2.03), and were farmers (65.63%). Most EPTB cases were found in 2013 and 2017 from 2013 to 2021. The most prevalent subtypes of EPTB were lymphatic TB (29.83%, 395/1,324), multiple EPTB (20.85%, 276/1,324), and musculoskeletal TB (14.65%, 194/1,324). Musculoskeletal TB and genitourinary TB predominantly presented as exclusive EPTB forms, while lymphatic TB and pharyngeal/laryngeal TB often co-occurred with pulmonary TB (PTB). Drug susceptibility testing results showed that total DR rates (resistance to any of RFP, isoniazid [INH], streptomycin [STR], and/or ethambutol [EMB]) and RR/MDR rates in EPTB were 25.23% and 12.39%, respectively. Musculoskeletal TB exhibited the highest rates of total DR (31.40%), INH resistance (28.90%), STR resistance (20.10%), EMB resistance (6.20%), MDR (13.90%), and poly-DR (6.70%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that patients aged from 20 to 59 years (compared to those aged 10 years), workers (compared to retirees), and EPTB patients from the south and west of Hunan (compared to those from the east of Hunan) were at an increased risk of developing RR/MDR EPTB (all OR values > 1). Our study provided a detailed account of the epidemiological and DR characteristics of EPTB in Hunan province, China. The significant DR rates, particularly in musculoskeletal TB cases, highlight the need for timely diagnosis, effective drug susceptibility testing, and the development of more effective treatment regimens for EPTB, especially targeting musculoskeletal TB treatments.

ANALYSIS OF REAL GDP GROWTH DURING THE PANDEMIC BASED ON DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRY CATEGORIES

Economic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic has become the primary focus in establishing the sustainability and resilience of a country's economy. Economic disparities have also become more evident during this time. Nations with advanced technology can adapt more quickly, while others struggle to catch up.Economic growth serves as a reflection of resilience and adaptation amid sudden changes. Innovation, collaboration, and resilience are key factors in navigating challenges and building a strong economic foundation for the future.This research will utilize the Real GDP Growth variable to understand how a country's economy has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will categorize the researched countries based on their classification as either developed or developing nations. The period under examination spans from 2020 to 2022, employing descriptive statistical methods. The data utilized in this study is sourced from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a measurement of Real GDP Growth. The objective of this research is to ascertain the real GDP growth in developed and developing countries during the COVID-19 period within the specified timeframe.

The study of modern professional competences for pharmaceutical positions that determine the effective activities based on the analysis of opinions of pharmacy professionals

Aim. To study modern professional competencies – hard skills (including knowledge, abilities, skills) and soft skills (personal skills) that determine the effective activity of pharmacy professionals (PP) in certain pharmaceutical positions (pharmacy manager, pharmacist, pharmacist’s assistant) and determine the most important of them for pharmacy retail in today’s conditions. Materials and methods. To collect and process data, such scientific methods as the analysis of literary sources, the method of questionnaire survey, the method of comparison, comparison, and generalization, were used. The results of the analysis were processed using licensed software products of Microsoft Office Excel. The methods of descriptive statistics and statistical analysis, such as the Epitools service (Ausvet Ltd., Australia), a STATISTICA 13 statistical package (TIBCO Software Inc., USA) were used to process the questionnaire data. Results. As part of our study, a survey, in which 200 PP took part, was conducted. The questionnaire contained open-ended questions, in which it was necessary to specify 3-5 hard skills (professional skills) or soft skills (personal skills) that are necessary for the effective performance of the professional duties of PP in the relevant position, as well as select one of the most important ones from this list. At the same time, three positions were differentiated: pharmacist, pharmacist’s assistant, and pharmacy manager. According to the survey results, hard skills and soft skills, which, according to the majority of PP, were the most necessary for each position. were identified. Conclusions. Based on the results of the study conducted, it has been found that the actualization of professional competences and soft skills is an important step for effective work by position in pharmacy institutions in today’s conditions. It has been determined that such soft skills as sociability, responsibility, stress resistance, honesty, intelligence, purposefulness, hard work, love for the profession, experience, energy and reliability are equally important for the positions of a pharmacist, pharmacist’s assistant and pharmacy manager. At the same time, specific hard and soft skills are distinguished for each of the positions: empathy and attentiveness are more important for pharmacists and pharmacist’s assistants, while organizational skills, managerial qualities, desire for professional development and knowledge of legislation are important for pharmacy managers. Responsibility is a key quality for pharmacy managers, professionalism and knowledge – for pharmacists, and attentiveness – for pharmacist’s assistants. Differences in the perception of the importance of these hard and soft skills are also related to the age, qualification and type of pharmacy institutions where respondents work.