Practice-related Variables Research Articles

Health care transition rates and associated factors for adolescents with asthma

BackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) with asthma, face increased risks during healthcare transition (HCT) from pediatric to adult care. Despite guidelines advocating for more HCT preparedness, this does not consistently occur in clinical practice. The rates of transition preparation exposure in adolescents with asthma are unknown. Objective(s)Our goal was to understand the rates of HCT exposure among adolescents with asthma in the United States along with predictive characteristics associated with receiving HCT exposure using data from a nationally representative survey. MethodsWe studied adolescents aged 12-17 years old with asthma in the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) dataset. Associations were explored between sociodemographic, health-related and provider practice-related variables and HCT exposure through univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. ResultsOnly 19% of adolescents with asthma from this cohort met criteria indicating they received HCT exposure. In our multivariable analysis, older age, female gender, having a provider actively work with the child to make positive choices about health, a written care plan addressing transition, routine preventive care visits, and a caregiver had someone discuss about health insurance into adulthood were associated with higher odds of HCT exposure. Hispanic ethnicity, lack of insurance, and living in a metropolitan area were associated with lower odds of receiving transitional care preparation but were not significant in the multivariable model. ConclusionsOur findings underscore the need to improve transitional care preparation for adolescents with asthma, with attention needed to address disparities based on sociodemographic factors, including healthcare access.

Knowledge, perceptions, attitude, barriers and facilitators of biosimilars use across specialty physicians and hospital pharmacists: A national survey

ObjectiveTo analyze knowledge, perceptions, attitude, barriers and facilitators of biosimilars uptake across physicians managing immune diseases and hospital pharmacists. MethodTwo structured and closed anonymous online surveys were designed and sent to 41 physicians (rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists) and 32 hospital pharmacists. Sociodemographic and clinical practice related variables were collected. We also gathered information about biosimilars knowledge and importance, access, attitude in clinical practice and perceptions, barriers and facilitators to biosimilars uptake. A descriptive analysis was performed. ResultsSurveys response rate was 100% (hospital pharmacists) and 96% (physicians). We found certain lack of biosimilars knowledge about key aspects including switching, extrapolation, interchangeability or substitution. There was a great variability in the types and brands of biosimilars depending on the hospital. We observed several organization preferences, policies, and practices regarding biosimilars. General perception and attitude to biosimilars was positive. If used, biosimilars were predominantly prescribed in biologic treatment-naive patients (this indication was considered adequate and participants felt comfortable with it). Reluctance to switch in clinical practice was common. The main barriers to biosimilars uptake were the lack of confidence and knowledge. The main facilitators were the development of recommendations from professional associations and societies and the demonstration of interchangeability efficacy. We gathered concerns about biosimilar long term efficacy and safety, lack of real-life data, lack of biosimilars traceability or the risk of biologic reference medicines stock shortages. ConclusionsBiosimilar education and more evidence filling current gaps might help increase prescriber knowledge, comfort and use of biosimilars.

Levels and predictors of nurses’ knowledge about diabetes care and management: disparity between perceived and actual knowledge

BackgroundNurses have a crucial role in managing, educating, and caring for diabetic patients. However, their knowledge should be regularly assessed to avoid preventable complications and reduce costs. Therefore, the present study assessed the perceived and actual knowledge about diabetes among nurses in Hail province of Saudi Arabia and investigated predictors of such knowledge.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 conveniently sampled nurses from all public hospitals and primary healthcare centres in Hail province from September to December 2022. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic and practice-related characteristics of the nurses. In addition, data on nurses’ perceived and actual knowledge about diabetes were collected using the Diabetes Self-Report Tool (DSRT) and Diabetes Basic Knowledge Tool (DBKT) self-report questionnaires, respectively. The mean knowledge scores for demographic and practice-related variables were compared using the independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to identify significant predictors of perceived and actual knowledge. The correlation between perceived and actual knowledge was investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A P-value ˂0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsBased on a highest maximum score of 60 using the DSRT, the mean score of perceived knowledge was 38.4 ± 12.0, corresponding to a percentage mean score of 64%. On the other hand, based on a highest maximum score of 49 using the DBKT, the mean score of actual knowledge was 23.2 ± 9.6, corresponding to a percentage mean score of 47.3% of correct responses. Being Indian, having a diploma or a bachelor’s degree, and having a poor or fair self-perception of competence in diabetes care were predictors of lower perceived knowledge scores, whereas having no access to diabetes guidelines was a predictor of higher scores. However, being non-Saudi and having experience of at least 16 years were predictors of higher actual knowledge scores. The correlation between actual and perceived knowledge about diabetes was negligible and statistically non-significant (r = 0.011, P = 0.055).ConclusionNurses affiliated with public health facilities in Hail province lack adequate knowledge about diabetes, with no correlation between what is perceived to be known and what is actually known. Indian citizenship, having a diploma or bachelor’s degree, not having access to diabetes guidelines, not attending courses/workshops, and having a poor or fair self-perception of competence in diabetes care can significantly predict nurses’ perceived knowledge. However, being non-Saudi (Filipino or Indian) and having at least 16 years of experience can significantly predict their actual knowledge of diabetes.

Prevalence of work-related low back pain and associated risk factors among physiotherapists in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims Low back pain is one of the most widespread public health concerns and physiotherapists frequently experience work-related low back pain. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of low back pain and the factors associated with the consequences of work-related low back pain among physiotherapists in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 among physiotherapists working in Dhaka. A total of 212 male and female physiotherapists, aged between 22 and 40 years, participated in this study. Descriptive statistics (number and percentage) were used to express the prevalence rate and the association between pain and professional practice-related variables was measured by using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Results There were more male physiotherapists (67%) than female therapists (33%). Overall, 25% of participants reported that they had low back pain before they started working as a physiotherapist, which increased to 87.3% after they had started working as a physiotherapist. The most common therapist-related risk was incorrectly using body mechanics (50.5%), working in an awkward position (50%) and repeated bending and twisting movements (49.1%). The most common patient-related risk factor was reported as dealing with a patient who was overweight (44.8%) and the most common work-related factor was reported as lack of sufficient resting time between patients (44.8%). There was a significant association between low back pain with the designation of the therapist, working hours and the number of patients treated in a day. Conclusions Work-related low back pain is prevalent among physiotherapists in Dhaka city. The pain was significantly associated with the designation of the therapist, working hours, and the number of patients treated by the therapist in a day. Preventive strategies, as well as proper patient handling techniques, should be followed while handling patients.

Heartfulness in Vegans, Vegetarians, and Omnivores

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the relation between the choice of a vegan or vegetarian diet as a criterion of sustainability and the aspect of heartfulness. We also analyzed which demographic, diet-related, and mindfulness practice-related variables could predict the different facets of heartfulness. In total, 419 persons participated. After providing demographic, diet-related, and mindfulness practice-related information, participants completed a gratitude questionnaire, a self-compassion scale, a compassion scale, and an equanimity scale. The results show that vegans and vegetarians indicated higher scores than omnivores in some aspects of heartfulness, such as both self-compassion scales. These effects could not be shown for the two equanimity scales and for the gratitude questionnaire. Most aspects of heartfulness could either be predicted by demographic or diet-related variables. The best predictors of the elements of heartfulness were the ecological, ethical, or health-related reasons for choosing their diet stated by the participants, as well as the importance the participants attached to nutrition. This study provides evidence that vegans and vegetarians scored higher in several aspects of heartfulness. Vegans tended to score even higher than vegetarians. Both demographic and diet-related variables could predict heartfulness.

Cultures of support and resilience are associated with certified pharmacy technicians embracing new roles.

Various technological, economic, and regulatory factors are creating opportunities for pharmacy technicians to take on additional responsibilities. Technicians in the broader sense have indicated a preference for expanded scope of duties; however, it is not known what drives technicians' greater inclinations to accept these new roles. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of various work-related factors, such as co-worker support, pharmacist-leadership style, future uncertainty, their own organizational commitment, and personal characteristics of technicians, including their resilience, on pharmacy technicians' willingness to take on emerging responsibilities in pharmacy. A self-administered questionnaire survey was disseminated through email to a national, randomized sample of 3000 technicians certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The questionnaire solicited data on willingness to participate in either of 13 emerging responsibilities as well as resilience, perceived transformative leadership behaviors of supervising pharmacists, future uncertainty, coworker support, organizational commitment, and various personal and practice-related variables. Following the use of principal component analyses for item purification and summation of various scale responses, inferential analyses were conducted via independent sample t-tests, one way analyses of variance, and Pearson's product moment correlation, as appropriate. From 2906 surveys delivered, 878 were returned, with 745 of them providing completed responses on willingness to participate in emerging responsibilities. Willingness on most items/responsibilities was highly rated, with many means being at least 4 on a 5-point scale, though some were lower and perhaps a reflection of less exposure to these by way of their personal experience orpractice setting. Technicians' resilience, their coworker support, organizational commitment, and perceived transformative behaviors undertaken by their supervising pharmacists were all highly associated with willingness to engage. Pharmacists, pharmacy technician peers, and organizations can contribute to a culture that is supportive for pharmacy technicians and may serve to encourage commitment, resilience, and willingness to embrace new, or emerging responsibilities.

Evidence-based Practice among Clinical Nurses in Bahrain: Basis for a Policy Brief

The study aimed to determine clinical nurses' beliefs, knowledge, organizational readiness, and evidence-based practice implementation levels and identify the perceived factors affecting evidence-based practice implementation. A descriptive-correlational in quantitative approach with triangulation was used. Data were gathered through the administration of adapted survey questionnaires along with structured interviews and personal observation to supplement the data. Forty-two voluntarily participated and completed the survey. Frequency, percent, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze and interpret the participants' demographic profile and evidence-based practice-related variables. Regression analysis was used to identify the predictors from the list of variables. For facilitating and hindering factors in the evidence-based practice implementation of clinical nurses, an open-ended question was asked to triangulate the quantitative data. Most of the nurses are female in their middle adulthood, have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and have worked in the hospital as a senior staff nurse for considerable time. The result shows that nurses somewhat truly believe in evidence-based practice, have acceptable evidence-based practice knowledge, probably consider the culture and organizational readiness, and are interested in implementing specific evidence-based practice tasks. Also, it was found that only knowledge of evidence-based practice is a highly significant predictor of evidence-based practice implementation. Perceived facilitating factors include supportive policies, training opportunities, management, and peer support. At the same time, lack of knowledge and insufficient time were recorded as barriers to implementing evidence-based practice. The salient findings were used in crafting the policy brief.

Prevalence of Burnout in Dental Practitioners of Nepal

Introduction: People who do “People work” of some kind are prone to burnout. Dentists are subjected to intense interaction with patients on a regular basis. Burnout is considered a serious professional risk in dentistry. So, this study aimed to find out the prevalence of burnout in dental practitioners of Nepal and its association with different demographic and practice-related variables.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess outcomes among dental practitioners registered with the Nepal Dental Association from June to July 2021. All members were sent an online form to be filled out through emails. The questionnaire consisted of demographic and practice-related variables details along with a 16-item Oldenburg Burnout Inventory to assess burnout. Exhaustion and disengagement were the two components that were assessed with the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v 11.5 was used for data analysis. Mean, standard deviation, percentage were calculated and chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were employed for inferential analysis.
 Results: A total of 155 dental practitioners were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 32.44 years (SD: 5.20). The prevalence of burnout was found to be 69.7%. The number of practitioners with low exhaustion and low disengagement was 18 (11.6%) only. Burnout was more common among younger (p=0.043) and unmarried (p=0.017) participants.
 Conclusions: A big proportion of dental practitioners reported burnout. Further research is warranted to identify the stressors causing burnout. Concerned authorities should take note of this phenomenon and work towards reducing it

Telehealth readiness and its influencing factors among Chinese clinical nurses: A cross-sectional study

Aim/objectiveThis study aimed to assess telehealth readiness among clinical nurses in China and explore the factors that affect their telehealth readiness and the relationships of telehealth readiness and telehealth practice-related variables. BackgroundTelehealth is a new service model that uses information and communication technology to provide professional health care services for resource-poor areas. With the global spread of COVID-19, nurses urgently need to adapt and apply telehealth technology to replace conventional face-to-face treatment. However, nurse-led telehealth services in China are currently only in the pilot phase and the readiness of clinical nurses needs to be assessed to facilitate successful telehealth implementation. DesignA cross-sectional, multicentre study was undertaken with the questionnaire survey method. MethodsData were collected in October-December 2020 used online questionnaires. A convenience sample of 3386 nurses from 19 hospitals in China completed the Chinese version of Telehealth Readiness Assessment Tools. ResultsThe mean score of the telehealth readiness was in the category between 61 and 80 points (mean 61.23, SD 11.61). The percentages of nurses meeting the following levels of telehealth readiness were as follows: low (49.9%), moderate (42.0%) and high (8.1%). Significantly higher domain scores were recorded for nurses in the unmarried, head of responsible nursing group. Moreover, there were positive correlations between telehealth readiness level and service experience, service willingness, mode cognition, manpower allocation and policy guidance. ConclusionsThere are still many factors hindering the successful implementation of telehealth. Nursing educators should formulate telehealth education curriculum and service standards to improve the telehealth readiness of nurses.

Deviant Dosing: A Post hoc Analysis of Pharmacist Characteristics Related to Renal Dosing Decisions

A recent study demonstrated that pharmacists presented with multiple estimating equations deviated from recommended dosing guidance more often than pharmacists who were presented with a single estimate on clinical vignettes. To identify characteristics associated with an increased tendency to deviate from approved recommendations. Participant data were split into 2 cohorts: pharmacists who chose a dose that was inconsistent with dosing recommendations on at least 1 of the 4 vignettes and pharmacists who did not deviate on a single case. Bivariate analysis of demographic- and practice-related variables were conducted between groups using the χ2, Mann-Whitney U, or Student t-test for nominal, ordinal, and continuous variables, respectively. Statistically different covariates between groups (P < 0.05) were assessed using multivariable linear regression. Survey data from 154 inpatient pharmacists, 71 of whom deviated on at least 1 clinical vignette, were analyzed. On univariate analysis, deviator pharmacists were more likely to have completed postgraduate residency training (68% vs 41%; P < 0.05) and board certification (39% vs 20%; P < 0.05). Deviator pharmacists were also more likely to have been presented with multiple renal estimates as opposed to a single estimate and had differing renal dosing practices at baseline (P < 0.05). Following multivariable regression, residency training, mismatched baseline renal practices, and multiple renal estimates remained independent predictors (P < 0.05) of dosing deviation. Higher clinical training, practice variation, and multiple renal estimates may affect renal dosing practices. Prospective, statistically powered studies are needed to verify these hypotheses.

Facets of the psychotherapy relationship: a metaphorical approach.

Although many separate aspects of the psychotherapy relationship have been studied, including empathy, working alliance, and self-disclosure, a metaphorical approach has the potential to generate a more holistic perspective of this phenomenon. Hence, the goal of this study was to explore the nature of the psychotherapy relationship from the psychotherapists’ perspective using a metaphorical approach. In an online survey, a sample of N=373 Czech psychotherapists and counselors rated a set of relational metaphors in terms of how accurately they depicted their roles in their relationships with their clients. The single most endorsed metaphor for the practitioner’s role was a guide. Furthermore, the principal component analysis identified three relational components, namely, Mentor, Resource Supplier, and Remedy Distributor. The associations among these components and multiple practitioners’ variables, including demographic and practice-related variables and theoretical orientation, were explored. These three components represent general dimensions of the psychotherapy relationship that cut across various theoretical orientations and, thus, define psychotherapy relationships in a general sense.

Cervical cancer screening service utilization and associated factors among age-eligible women in Jimma town using health belief model, South West Ethiopia

BackgroundCervical cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer affecting the lives of women. It causes hundreds of thousands of death among women annually worldwide. When a woman is screened for cervical cancer at least once in her life between the ages of 30 and 40, the risk of getting cervical cancer can be decreased by 25–36%. Despite this advantage, the coverage of cervical cancer screening is limited in low and middle-income countries including Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess cervical cancer screening service utilization and associated factors among age-eligible women in Jimma town, South West Ethiopia, 2017.MethodsCommunity based cross-sectional study was used. Seven hundred thirty-seven women were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured interview administered questionnaire. Data were collected on socio-demographic, reproductive factors, knowledge of cervical cancer as well as constructs of Health belief model and practice related variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were taken as statistically significant predictors of cervical cancer screening service utilization.ResultsOf the 737 women, only 15.5% were screened for cervical cancer. The independent predictors of cervical cancer screening utilization were: being government employee [AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.49–6.01], knowing someone who has ever screened [AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.07–6.29], having history of gynecologic examination for any reason (having previous examination that expose women genitalia for physician like examination during child birth, abortion procedure and examination for STI) [AOR =2.84, 95% CI: 1.48–5.45], not preferring gender of physician for gynecological examination [AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.98–6.45], getting advice from health care providers [AOR = 4.45, 95% CI: 2.57–7.70], having good knowledge of cervical cancer screening [AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.47–8.21] and having perceived susceptible for cervical cancer [AOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.64–5.56].ConclusionsThe utilization of cervical cancer screening services was low in Jimma town. Strengthening the screening service is important through raising the awareness of the community towards cervical cancer and screening services.

Religiosity and Meditation Practice: Exploring Their Explanatory Power on Psychological Adjustment.

There has been increased interest in the relationships between religiosity, meditation practice and well-being, but there is lack of understanding as to how specific religious components and distinct meditation practices could influence different positive and negative psychological adjustment outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the explanatory power of religious beliefs and the practice of prayer, focused attention (FA), open monitoring (OM), and compassion meditation (CM) on psychological adjustment, taking into consideration a number of practice-related variables such as session length, frequency of practice and lifetime practice. Psychological adjustment was assessed by means of happiness, positive affect, depression, negative affect, and emotional overproduction. A cross-sectional design was used, with a final sample comprising 210 Spanish participants who completed an online assessment protocol. Hierarchical regressions were performed, including age, sex and psychotropic medication use in the first step as possible confounders, with the addition of religious beliefs and the practice of prayer, FA, OM, and CM in the second step. FA session length was related to all psychological adjustment outcomes: happiness (ΔR2 = 0.09, p = 0.002; β = 0.25, p = 0.001), positive affect (ΔR2 = 0.09, p = 0.002; β = 0.18, p = 0.014), depression (ΔR2 = 0.07, p = 0.004; β = -0.27, p < 0.001), negative affect (ΔR2 = 0.08, p = 0.007; β = -0.27, p < 0.001) and emotional overproduction (ΔR2 = 0.07, p = 0.013; β = -0.23, p = 0.001). CM session length was related to positive affect (β = 0.18, p = 0.011). CM practice frequency was associated with happiness (ΔR2 = 0.06, p = 0.038; β = 0.16, p = 0.041). Lifetime practice of FA was related to happiness (ΔR2 = 0.08, p = 0.007; β = 0.21, p = 0.030) and OM to emotional overproduction (ΔR2 = 0.08, p = 0.037; β = -0.19, p = 0.047). Religious beliefs and prayer seemed to be less relevant than meditation practices such as FA, OM, and CM in explaining psychological adjustment. The distinct meditation practices might be differentially related to distinct psychological adjustment outcomes through different practice-related variables. However, research into other forms of institutional religiosity integrating social aspects of religion is required.

What Matters in Semantic Feature Analysis: Practice-Related Predictors of Treatment Response in Aphasia.

This study investigated the predictive value of practice-related variables-number of treatment trials delivered, total treatment time, average number of trials per hour, and average number of participant-generated features per trial-in response to semantic feature analysis (SFA) treatment. SFA was administered to 17 participants with chronic aphasia daily for 4 weeks. Individualized treatment and semantically related probe lists were generated from items that participants were unable to name consistently during baseline testing. Treatment was administered to each list sequentially in a multiple-baseline design. Naming accuracy for treated and untreated items was obtained at study entry, exit, and 1-month follow-up. Item-level naming accuracy was analyzed using logistic mixed-effect regression models. The average number of features generated per trial positively predicted naming accuracy for both treated and untreated items, at exit and follow-up. In contrast, total treatment time and average trials per hour did not significantly predict treatment response. The predictive effect of number of treatment trials on naming accuracy trended toward significance at exit, although this relationship held for treated items only. These results suggest that the number of patient-generated features may be more strongly associated with SFA-related naming outcomes, particularly generalization and maintenance, than other practice-related variables. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5734113.

Remote sensing and spatial statistical techniques for modelling Ommatissus lybicus (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) habitat and population densities.

In order to understand the distribution and prevalence of Ommatissus lybicus (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) as well as analyse their current biographical patterns and predict their future spread, comprehensive and detailed information on the environmental, climatic, and agricultural practices are essential. The spatial analytical techniques such as Remote Sensing and Spatial Statistics Tools, can help detect and model spatial links and correlations between the presence, absence and density of O. lybicus in response to climatic, environmental, and human factors. The main objective of this paper is to review remote sensing and relevant analytical techniques that can be applied in mapping and modelling the habitat and population density of O. lybicus. An exhaustive search of related literature revealed that there are very limited studies linking location-based infestation levels of pests like the O. lybicus with climatic, environmental, and human practice related variables. This review also highlights the accumulated knowledge and addresses the gaps in this area of research. Furthermore, it makes recommendations for future studies, and gives suggestions on monitoring and surveillance methods in designing both local and regional level integrated pest management strategies of palm tree and other affected cultivated crops.

The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists.

Buddhist-derived meditation practices are currently being employed as a popular form of health promotion. While meditation programs draw inspiration from Buddhist textual sources for the benefits of meditation, these sources also acknowledge a wide range of other effects beyond health-related outcomes. The Varieties of Contemplative Experience study investigates meditation-related experiences that are typically underreported, particularly experiences that are described as challenging, difficult, distressing, functionally impairing, and/or requiring additional support. A mixed-methods approach featured qualitative interviews with Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan traditions. Interview questions probed meditation experiences and influencing factors, including interpretations and management strategies. A follow-up survey provided quantitative assessments of causality, impairment and other demographic and practice-related variables. The content-driven thematic analysis of interviews yielded a taxonomy of 59 meditation-related experiences across 7 domains: cognitive, perceptual, affective, somatic, conative, sense of self, and social. Even in cases where the phenomenology was similar across participants, interpretations of and responses to the experiences differed considerably. The associated valence ranged from very positive to very negative, and the associated level of distress and functional impairment ranged from minimal and transient to severe and enduring. In order to determine what factors may influence the valence, impact, and response to any given experience, the study also identified 26 categories of influencing factors across 4 domains: practitioner-level factors, practice-level factors, relationships, and health behaviors. By identifying a broader range of experiences associated with meditation, along with the factors that contribute to the presence and management of experiences reported as challenging, difficult, distressing or functionally impairing, this study aims to increase our understanding of the effects of contemplative practices and to provide resources for mediators, clinicians, meditation researchers, and meditation teachers.

Palestinian pharmacists' knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people: a cross-sectional study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.MethodsThe study was conducted with a cross-sectional observational design using a questionnaire. A total of 400 pharmacists responded to a 19-statement knowledge test related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. The study was conducted from July 2016 to February 2017. The reliability and internal consistency of the study tool was assessed using the test-retest method and the Cronbach alpha. Categorical groups were compared using the chi-square test and the Spearman rank correlation.ResultsOn the 19-statement knowledge test, the median score was 55.3% with an interquartile range of 21.9%. In a comparison of the demographic and practice-related variables of the pharmacists who scored ≥ 50% on the 19-statement knowledge test with those who scored < 50%, age, gender, and having taken a course on psychotropic medications were found to be significantly associated with performance, as shown by the chi-square test and Spearman correlation.ConclusionPharmacists practicing in Palestine possess less than optimal knowledge of issues related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. Continuing educational interventions and/or training might be helpful in improving pharmacists’ knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.

Aggressive care at the end of life: A study of practice based factors in patients with stage IV cancer.

80 Background: Numerous studies established that early utilization of palliative care-hospice services are beneficial to cancer patients. To reduce the incidence of aggressive care in terminal cancer patients, we conducted a quality improvement study to identify pertinent risk factors and develop interventions. Methods: Through chart review, we retrospectively identified patients with stage IV cancer that were followed by oncology clinic and were admitted to the University Hospital between 8/1/2015-10/31/15. For those patients who died during the last hospitalization or were discharged to hospice care, we obtained demographic, cancer related and practice related variables listed in Table. We used Mann Whitney U test and multivariable regression to find effects of factors related to length of stay (LOS) and cost of stay (COS). Results: Length of stay was significantly prolonged in those receiving chemotherapy within the past month (6 vs 3 p=0.035). Multivariate analyses found that patients with goals of care documented in the clinic had lower COS by 36.7% and LOS by 46.7%. On average, an ICU stay resulted in COS 2.2 times higher. No significant difference was seen in LOS based on a documented palliative care clinic visit or presence of an advanced directive. Conclusions: We identified practice based factors that need improvement including earlier goals of care conversations and less chemotherapy at the end of life. Identifying end stage patients in earlier admissions, collaborating with palliative care, and adding goals of care documentation to clinic note templates, are all interventions we are studying to improve care for end stage cancer patients. [Table: see text]

Awareness about blood donation among donors at a specialized tertiary level public hospital.

Adequate and safe blood supply has remained a challenge in developing countries like ours. There is a high dependency on family replacement and remunerated blood donors in our environment which carries an attendant increased risk of transfusion transmissible infection. This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted at transfusion medicine department of National Institute of Neurosciences &amp; Hospital in Dhaka city during the period January to December 2015 with the aim to assess the awareness about blood donation among donors which includes knowledge and practice of blood donation. A total purposively selected 150 donors were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire which focused on knowledge and practice related variables. The statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS software (Version-21). The associations between the demographic factors were analyzed by using the Chi square test and Fisher’s Exact test. Among 150 donors, 124 (82.7%) were male and 26 (17.3%) were female donors, the mean age of the donors was 28.4 (± 7.2) years. 78 (52.0%) donors knew about the interval of blood donation and 84 (56.0%) knew about the age limit for the donation, but 86 (57.3%), 71 (47.3%) did not know the required Hb level to donate blood and volume of blood in each donation respectively. More than half (56.0%) had past history of blood donation and 103 (68.6%) of the donors showed positive effects like a feeling of satisfaction after blood donation. There were highly significant association found between blood donation and sex (p value.016). A majority (86.9%) of the donors were willing to be regular donors. The donors showed positive effects like a sense of satisfaction after the donation. Creating an opportunity for blood donation by conducting many blood donation camps may increase the voluntary blood donations.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (2): 21-26

Offspring sex ratio of Iranian dentists.

To assess the impact of occupational factors on the sex ratio of dentists' children. A randomly selected 501 Iranian dentists participated in a telephone interview. The participants were contacted by their mobile number to answer questions about demographic variables (gender, age, marriage status), practice-related variables (year of graduation as general or specialist dentist, years of clinical work, working hours, average number of radiographs taken in a day, and spouse's job), and questions about their children (number, gender and date of birth of each child). Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests served for statistical evaluation. Of all participating dentists, 71% were men, about two-thirds were 35- to 50-year olds, and 89% were married. In total, the dentists had 768 children; about 21% had no child. Of all the children, 54% were boys (overall sex ratio=1.17). The offspring sex ratio was 1.13 among male dentists, 1.50 for female dentists, and 1.44 when both parents were dentists. Higher percentages of boys were prevalent among female dentists, younger dentists, and general dental practitioners (p<0.008). Demographic and practice-related factors showed some impact on proportions of both sexes of dentists' children in this study. However, the result needs evaluation in further studies.