Prevalence Of Disorders Research Articles

A-310 Neurodevelopmental disorders and hyperlipidemia in HIV-exposed uninfected children in the Bronx, New York

Abstract Background The implementation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has significantly reduced the rates of vertical HIV transmission. With increasing cART coverage, the number of HIV-positive infants has declined, while the number of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants has risen. This group now comprises a rapidly expanding cohort of HIV-affected individuals, currently totaling 16 million and increasing by 1.6 million annually. However, our understanding of the potential in-utero toxicity of cART remains limited. Numerous studies, primarily from Africa, suggest that HEU children may face heightened risks of adverse health outcomes, including growth restriction, increased susceptibility to infections, and neurobehavioral disorders. It is widely recognized that infants with growth restriction are at a greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiometabolic and neurological disorders later in life, which is accentuated by low socioeconomic status. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders and hyperlipidemia in HIV-negative children born to HIV-infected mothers in the Bronx, New York, utilizing retrospective medical records information. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of HEU and age-matched control (HIV-unexposed and uninfected; HUU) children (age 0-15 years) using clinical data obtained from the electronic medical record (EMR) at the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, between 2015 and 2023. Demographic data and documented diagnostic data were collected. Lipid panel results were also obtained from the EMR and stratified by age and testing date. Neurodevelopmental outcome measures were compared between HEU and HUU children using Chi-square and Student’s t-test was used for continuous variables. Results A total of 127 HEU (46% females, 54% males) children and 157 HUU (46% females, 54% males) children were analyzed. Among the HEU children, 12 (9.5%) were diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while only 1 out of 157 (0.6%) HUU children had this diagnosis (p=0.0004). Similarly, a significant number of HEU children were found to have autism spectrum disorder, with 11 (8.7%) affected compared to 2 (1.3%) in the control group (p=0.0036). HEU children also exhibited a higher prevalence of unspecified developmental delay compared to HUU children (14.2% vs 5.1%; p=0.012). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding speech and language delay or learning difficulties. Abnormal cholesterol levels were detected in 33% of HEU children, while 54.5% had abnormal triglyceride levels. These percentages surpass the prevalence of pediatric hypercholesterolemia (7%) and hypertriglyceridemia (10.2%) in the United States. Conclusions Our findings indicate that HEU children born in areas designated as medically underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged, such as the Bronx in the United States, face significant risks of neurodevelopmental disorders and hyperlipidemia. Considering the increasing population of HEU children, even minor rises in adverse health effects could lead to significant public health challenges. To support HEU children in achieving their utmost potential, further studies must be encouraged to understand these children's needs. Moreover, it is imperative to enact policies that facilitate equitable distribution of resources, ensuring timely screening and intervention in underprivileged communities.

Screening for Psychiatric Disorders in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients Waiting for Surgery: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia and somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients who were waiting for surgery and to predict these psychiatric disorders using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). A prospective cross-sectional study. The rhinology ward at our institution, a tertiary hospital. Adult patients (> 18 years) diagnosed with CRS who were admitted to the rhinology ward for endoscopic sinus surgery and were able to understand and complete the study questionnaires. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and SNOT-22. Of the 159 participants recruited, 58 were at risk of depression (defined by PHQ-9 > 4, while 25 with PHQ-9 > 9), 49 were at risk of anxiety (defined by GAD-7 > 4, while 25 with GAD-7 > 9), 81 were at risk of insomnia (defined by ISI > 7, while 51 with ISI > 14) and 69 were at risk of SSD (defined by PHQ-15 > 4, while 24 with PHQ-15 > 9). The SNOT-22 score was closely correlated with the scores of psychometric tests and was an independent predictor of these psychiatric disorders. Patients with a high SNOT-22 score (> 30) are likely to be affected by comorbid psychiatric disorders and should be further evaluated by otolaryngologists. Depression, anxiety, insomnia and SSD are prevalent in CRS patients. Otolaryngologists should have a low threshold to ask the patient about psychiatric symptoms, especially for patients with an SNOT-22 score > 30.

Assessing the knowledge of low back pain among physiotherapists in Spain: A cohort study with pre- and post-educational course evaluation

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder worldwide and physiotherapists are among the primary healthcare professionals assessing and treating the condition. However, scientific knowledge regarding the management of LBP amongst physiotherapists is largely unknown. ObjectivesTo evaluate the level of evidence-based knowledge among Spanish physiotherapists in LBP management and assess knowledge enhancement following the completion of an e-learning course. DesignSingle-arm cohort study with pre-post evaluation. MethodsThis single-arm pre-post study involved 1350 physiotherapists practicing in Spain. Initially, participants underwent a 22-question test on evidence-based LBP knowledge, covering socio-economic impact, characteristics of LBP, rehabilitation goals, psychosocial factors, and high- and low-value interventions. After completing the course, participants took a final test with the same 22 questions in randomized order. ResultsOut of the 1350 physiotherapists enrolled, 857 completed the course. The initial responses demonstrated that almost half of the participants considered medical imaging essential before starting physiotherapy treatment, perceived glucocorticoids as recommended for chronic low back pain, and considered ergonomic adjustments crucial for managing the condition. Individuals who completed their education more than 10 years ago showed a minor improvement in evidence-based knowledge compared to those who recently finished their university degree. Following the course, participants displayed improved knowledge, narrowing prior disparities in error percentages across questions. ConclusionDue to existing gaps in physiotherapists’ evidence-based knowledge of LBP, particularly among those who have worked longer time as physiotherapists, e-learning initiatives may be a feasible approach to support continuous training of physiotherapists.

Ultrasound stimulation of the vagus nerve as a treatment modality for anxiety.

Anxiety is an increasingly prevalent mental disorder, causing widespread hardship and interfering with society's economic progression. Standard treatments include various talk therapies with poor prognoses or drug interventions with complex side effects, both introducing unnecessary burdens to patients. To remedy this, non-invasive ultrasound stimulation to the vagus nerve is a novel, low-cost treatment that is showing promise. Although vagus nerve stimulation is already approved for epilepsy and other conditions, it requires regular maintenance. In contrast, studies using non-invasive ultrasound stimulation have shown preliminary positive results in affecting vagal activity with minimal drawbacks. This review covers a variety of studies investigating the effects of ultrasound stimulation on the vagus nerve. With rising levels of anxiety with each generation, there is a pressing need for more innovative and diverse treatments with fewer costs and more benefits.

Adaptations in glutathione-based redox protein signaling pathways and alcohol drinking across species

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder but there is incomplete knowledge of the underlying molecular etiology. Here, we examined the cytosolic proteome from the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC) of ethanol drinking rhesus macaques to identify ethanol-sensitive signaling proteins. The targets were subsequently investigated using bioinformatics, genetic, and pharmacological manipulations in mouse models of ethanol drinking. Of the 1000+ cytosolic proteins identified in our screen, 50 proteins differed significantly between control and ethanol drinking macaques. Gene Ontology analysis of the differentially expressed proteins identified enrichment in pathways regulating metabolic processes and proteasome activity. Because the family of Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) was enriched in these pathways, validation studies targeted GSTs using bioinformatics and genetically diverse mouse models. Gstp1 and Gstm2 were identified in Quantitative Trait Loci and published gene sets for ethanol-related phenotypes (e.g., ethanol preference, conditioned taste aversion, differential expression), and recombinant inbred strains that inherited the C57BL/6J allele at the Gstp2 interval consumed higher amounts of ethanol than those that inherited the DBA/2J allele. Genetic deletion of Gstp1/2 led to increased ethanol consumption without altering ethanol metabolism or sucrose preference. Administration of the pharmacologic activator of Gstp1/2, carnosic acid, decreased voluntary ethanol drinking. Proteomic analysis of the NAcC cytosolic of heavy drinking macaques that were validated in mouse models indicate a role for glutathione-mediated redox regulation in ethanol-related neurobiology and the potential of pharmacological interventions targeting this system to modify excessive ethanol drinking.

B-248 Enhanced Detection of of Hemoglobin Variants in Clinical Research using Dried Blood Spot and HRAM MS

Abstract Background Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most prevalent genetic disorders, with more than 330,000 affected births occurring annually. Common techniques used in Hb analysis are electrophoretic and chromatographic assays. However, there are challenges to differentiate isomers (i.e., between Hb C and Hb E), very similar masses, or new variants due to their lack of resolution. Mass spectrometry (MS) gained popularity in clinical research because of its robustness and versatility in analyzing a wide range of samples and analytes from small molecules to proteins. Here, we present the top-down analysis for enhanced detection of various hemoglobin variants using Orbitrap Exploris for clinical research. Methods Proteins were directly extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) and analyzed by Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap Exploris™ 240 with BioPharma Option coupled to Vanquish HPLC system. A 3.2 mm disc was punched from the DBS cards to 96 well plate and 50 uL water was added to re-hydrate. For protein precipitation, 150 uL acetonitrile was added and incubated at -20 ⁰C for 15 minutes. After micro-centrifugation, 160 uL of supernatant was removed and 70 uL water was added to resuspend. For LC-MS analysis, 10 uL of supernatant was diluted 8 times with mobile phase A and transferred to another 96-well plate. LC separation was performed on MAbPac RP column 4 um, 1 x 100 mm, and data-dependent acquisition mode was operated. Results With direct protein extraction from DBS, the entire sample preparation time is less than 1 hour. The MAbPac column showed its capability of separating between different chains with minor overlap between normal beta and HbS beta chains. Data processing was performed by ProSightPD, resulting in ∼45% sequence coverage for both normal Hb and HbS beta chains. The mass difference between normal beta and Hb S beta chains is about 30 Da, which results in about 1.6 m/z difference at a charge state of 19. This mass difference can often be hindered by other proteins or interferences from the matrix if the mass analyzer doesn’t have sufficient resolving power. Here we successfully applied Orbitrap resolution at 120,000 to isolate these similar masses for accurate variants or subunits identification including normal alpha, normal beta, Hb S, and delta chains. The confirmation of the delta chain can be beneficial since its abundance is usually less than 0.5% in adults, which shows potential for detecting low abundant variants using this method. Also, the calibration curve was generated to demonstrate the method's feasibility which is not a typical quantitation method for hemoglobinopathies. For quantitation, three most abundant m/z values from 2 charge states were added to TraceFinder for peak area extraction and normal Hb beta chain was used as an alternative internal standard for data processing. The 3-day inter/intraday analysis generated great reproducibility with CV < 10% and LOQ was determined to be 2.5 mg/mL with R2 values >0.994. Conclusions Successful demonstration of a single-step protein extraction directly from DBS and top-down analysis of Hb variant for clinical research.

Prevalence of sleep disorders and association with various occupations among Indian population aged ≥ 45 years: Insight from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)

ABSTRACT Introduction: By scrutinizing the impact of job schedules, workplace culture and stress levels, our study aims to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders among various occupations and its associated factors. The findings promise to enhance the overall well-being, sleep quality and productivity in various occupational settings. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study involving secondary data from the nationally representative Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI Wave I 2017-18) of 35 Indian states and union territories with exception of Sikkim. The study included 59441 Indian volunteers who older than 45 years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to study the association of sleep disorders among various occupations while accounting for other associated factors. Results: Prevalence of sleep disorders was higher among the females (12.66%), unemployed (13.34%), ≥ 60-yr age group (13.45%), those who lived in rural areas (12.35%), those who were illiterate (12.80%) and reported themselves to be widowed, separated or divorced (14.54%), people with no health insurance (11.74%), smokers (12.11%), without physical activity (12.67%) and also rated themselves as poor in the self-rated health status (26.77%). Alcohol consumption was not statistically significant factor for sleep disorders. Conclusions: There is an emerging need for targeted screening, prompt detection and early management of insomnia and other sleep disorders among the high-risk groups. Provision of accessible and affordable screening tools, training skills for early diagnosis at primary care level and/or proper referral services to higher centres form the cornerstone for adequate management of sleep disorders.

Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Rural And Urban School-Going Children With Behavioral And Emotional Disorders

Background: The prevalence of behavioral and emotional disorders among school-going children is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic characteristics influencing these disorders in rural and urban settings in the Meherpur District of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from January 2007 to December 2009, involving 435 school-going children aged 5 to 18 years from both rural (n=214) and urban (n=221) areas of Meherpur District. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected using the Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) tool, validated in Bangla, to diagnose emotional and behavioral disorders based on ICD-10 criteria. Results: The study found significant disparities in socio-demographic factors between rural and urban groups. Rural children were more likely to have illiterate parents, with 37.85% of fathers and 61.21% of mothers being illiterate. Family income was significantly lower in rural areas, with 94.86% of rural families earning less than 10,000 Tk per month. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was slightly higher in rural areas (15.89%) compared to urban areas (14.03%). Major depressive disorder was the most common emotional disorder, while hyperkinetic disorder was the most prevalent behavioral disorder, with no significant differences between rural and urban groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of socio-demographic factors in the prevalence of behavioral and emotional disorders among children in Bangladesh. The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions in rural areas to address educational and mental health disparities, contributing to more equitable health outcomes.

A cross-sectional study of tongue disorders among dental outpatients

PurposeThe tongue is a complex organ that can provide insight into oral and systemic conditions. A variety of disorders, such as geographic tongue, hairy tongue, fissured tongue, macroglossia, microglossia, and others, can be observed. The objective of this cross-sectional study, conducted on a cohort of dental patients, was to examine the prevalence of tongue disorders and their relationship with factors such as demographic data, oral hygiene practices, history of systemic diseases, and bad habits. MethodThe tongues of 772 dental outpatients, comprising 355 males and 417 females, were examined in detail, and the factors associated with tongue disorders were noted. ResultsThe prevalence of tongue disorders was 32.6%. The remaining tongue disorders were as follows: fissured tongue (12.1%), macroglossia (7.1%), geographic tongue (3.4%), hairy tongue (3.6%), coated tongue (3.4%), median rhomboid glossitis (0.5%), ankyloglossia (0.4%), glossitis (0.4%), and microglossia (0.1%). The most prevalent tongue disorder observed in the study cohort was fissured tongue, while both bifid tongue and idiopathic burning tongue syndrome were absent. The prevalence of macroglossia, fissured tongue, and hairy tongue was significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.05, p< 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.005, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of macroglossia, furred tongue, hairy tongue, and glossitis between age groups. ConclusionThe findings of this study identified the most common tongue disorders and their relationship with factors such as systemic history, demographic factors, oral hygiene care, bad habits, and systemic diseases. The significance of tongue appearance in providing insight into the systemic and oral condition of the patient has once again been demonstrated.

Sleep disorders among frontline nurses after the COVID-19 outbreak: a large-scale cross-sectional study.

This large-scale cross-sectional multicenter study aims to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders among frontline nurses in China after the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify potential influencing factors contributing to these sleep disturbances. A total of 2065 frontline nurses from 27 provinces in China participated in an online survey conducted through the Wenjuan Xing platform. Data on demographic characteristics, work-related factors, and mental health assessments, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), were collected. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, t-tests, binary logistic regression, and ROC analysis, were conducted to explore the relationships between various factors and sleep disorders. Over half (52.7%) of the surveyed nurses exhibited sleep disorders, reflecting a considerable post-pandemic impact on sleep quality. Factors such as nursing titles, personality traits, COVID-19 infection status, and exercise frequency showed statistically significant associations with sleep disorders. Extraverted nurses and those who had recovered from COVID-19 displayed a lower risk of sleep disorders, while anxiety was identified as an independent risk factor. The study also identified a nuanced relationship between exercise frequency and sleep quality. The study highlights a high prevalence of sleep disorders among frontline nurses post-COVID-19, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Factors such as nursing titles, personality traits, COVID-19 infection status, exercise habits, and anxiety levels were found to influence sleep quality. Comprehensive support strategies addressing these factors are essential for improving the overall well-being of frontline nurses and, subsequently, sustaining a resilient healthcare workforce. Further research is recommended to explore additional influencing factors and consider diverse nurse populations.

Obstructive Salivary Gland Disorders - A Malaysian Patient Series.

Introduction Obstructive salivary gland disease is a frequently encountered clinical entity that can present to various health practitioners. Obstructive sialadenitis can lead to recurrent infections and debilitating quality-of-life issues. Objective There is a paucity of published data regarding obstructive salivary disorders among the multiracial Asian population. The present study aimed to determine the demographic pattern and risk factors of obstructive salivary gland disorders with the goal of better management of this condition. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary institution over a period of 5 years. Results A total of 256 (9.84 for every 1,000) patients were found to have salivary disorders, 10% of who were diagnosed to have obstructive disorder. Among the obstructive salivary disorders, 76% had sialolithiasis, 19% had recurrent parotitis, and 1 patient had chronic sialadenitis. We observed a small female preponderance for obstructive salivary disorders. This study revealed that smoking is a significant risk factor ( p = 0.041; prevalence ratio = 2.54, 95% confidence interval 1.12-5.78), and smokers were 2.5 times more likely to develop obstructive salivary disorders. There was no statistical correlation between the prevalence and other risk factors like infection, dehydration, intake of medications, history of diabetes mellitus, radiotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. Conclusion Our study results demonstrated that the prevalence of obstructive salivary gland disorders was 0.1%. This study provided a better understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of obstructive salivary disorders, which facilitate timely management and improves quality of life.

State of the Art of Brain Function Detection Technologies in Robot-Assisted Lower Limb Rehabilitation.

Background: With an aging population, the prevalence of neurological disorders is increasing, leading to a rise in lower limb movement disorders and, in turn, a growing need for rehabilitation training. Previous neuroimaging studies have shown a growing scientific interest in the study of brain mechanisms in robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation (RALLR). Objective: This review aimed to determine differences in neural activity patterns during different RALLR tasks and the impact on neurofunctional plasticity. Methods: Sixty-five articles in the field of RALLR were selected and tested using three brain function detection technologies. Results: Most studies have focused on changes in activity in various regions of the cerebral cortex during different lower limb rehabilitation tasks but have also increasingly focused on functional changes in other cortical and deep subcortical structures. Our analysis also revealed a neglect of certain task types. Conclusion: We identify and discuss future research directions that may contribute to a clear understanding of neural functional plasticity under different RALLR tasks. Impact Statement The evaluation of robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation based on brain function detection technology can assess the neurological changes of patients in the rehabilitation process by monitoring brain activities and can also provide more accurate guidance for robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation. By monitoring the patient's brain activity, the robot can adjust according to the real-time status of the patient to achieve more effective rehabilitation training. This has potential impact on improving the rehabilitation effect and speeding up the rehabilitation process of patients.

Prevalence and Severity of Temporomandibular Disorders in A Group of Iranian Musicians

ObjectiveAllegedly playing a musical instrument is a contributing factor to developing TMD signs and symptoms, but the literature is incoherent. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of TMD among amateur musicians for the first time in the Iranian population. MethodsThis is a descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that includes 140 amateur musicians (35 international wind instrumentalists, 35 traditional wind instrumentalists, 35 international string instrumentalists, and 35 traditional string instrumentalists). Forty-eight violinists were studied separately from other study groups. The Fonseca questionnaire was used to evaluate TMD in this sample. A P-value of 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThe Prevalence of the study sample was 72.8%. The prevalence of TMD and the mean severity score among musicians of international wind instruments, traditional wind instruments, international string instruments, and traditional string instruments were 77.1%, 67.6%, 82.8%, and 62.8%, and 30.00 ± 15.52, 32.42 ± 14.92, 30.71 ± 18.75, and 28.57 ± 19.87, respectively. The study groups did not show any significant differences regarding the TMD severity score. The prevalence of TMD was higher among women (P = 0.000017) and wind instrumentalists (P = 0.009). The prevalence of TMD and the mean severity score among violinists were 62.85% and 26.85 ± 20.68, respectively. ConclusionsRegardless of class or category, the prevalence of TMD is high among musicians compared to the available statistics reported previously on the Iranian population in the literature. Moreover, TMD prevalence is higher among wind instrumentalists than string instrumentalists.

Impact of premenstrual tension syndrome on academic performance among female university students from the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study.

Premenstrual tension syndrome can vary in type and severity among females, potentially affecting their academic performance. This study aims to examine the prevalence and severity of premenstrual tension syndrome symptoms in female university students and their impact on academics. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among female university students from Ras Al Khaimah, UAE over 6 months, from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. The updated premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and severity of symptoms. A total of 251 respondents were included in the study. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between PMT and academic performance. The results showed that 78.9% of the participants experienced premenstrual tension syndrome, with 16.3% of them reporting premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The majority of participants reported mild to moderate symptoms, with anxiety and depressed mood being the most common psychological symptoms. In terms of behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms and feeling overwhelmed were the most prevalent. Furthermore, 90% of participants reported a negative impact on their academic performance, with paying attention in class being the most affected. The study also found that PMT disorder had a significant impact on physical activities and extracurricular activities. Our study showed a high prevalence of premenstrual disorders among female students and their influence on physical activity and extracurricular participation. The study highlights the importance of implementing therapies for PMT syndrome and providing support to improve academic performance and overall quality of life.

Evaluating the effects of mental health e-learning on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of allied and healthcare professionals in Senegal

BackgroundDespite the widespread prevalence and substantial burden of mental disorders, they remain significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated. In low- and middle-income countries like Senegal, integrating mental health services into primary care represents the most feasible strategy to bridge the treatment gap. This study aimed to assess the effects of a mental health e-learning program on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of allied and healthcare professionals in Senegal. MethodsAn e-learning platform including 12 interactive modules was used to train 322 allied and healthcare professionals. We evaluated changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as in satisfaction with knowledge and in self-assessed ability to diagnose and manage patients, by comparing data collected before and after the e-learning modules. Qualitative feedback on the satisfaction with the various components of the program was also collected via a post-training survey. OutcomesKnowledge, attitudes and practices scores increased significantly for all modules. Additionally, scores related to satisfaction with knowledge and ability to diagnose and manage patients showed significant improvements (+77.0% and +75.0%, respectively), surpassing the gains observed in knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores (+19.2%, +11.1% and +15.0%, respectively). Mean scores regarding participants’ satisfaction with the various elements of the program ranged from 8.1 to 9.1, out of a maximum of 10. ConclusionAlthough only a limited number of participants completed all 12 modules, the mental health e-learning program showed positive results on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participants. It also increased their confidence and was perceived as a very positive experience by learners.

Effect of General Anesthesia vs Regional Anesthesia on Sleep Disturbance in Elderly Patients After Discharge from the Hospital for 3 Months.

This study aims to investigate the impact of anesthetic methods on the occurrence of postoperative sleep disorders in elderly patients following their discharge from the hospital for 3 months. This retrospective observational cohort study included elderly patients aged >60 years who had undergone general and regional anesthesia from 1 June 2023 to 31 December 2023. These patients were then assessed for sleep by telephone callback using the Athens Insomnia Scale after discharge from the hospital three months later. The duration of pain and sleep disturbance experienced by patients following discharge was also recorded. Following propensity score matching, 308 individuals were included in the study (154 in the GA group and 154 in the RA group). Compared with general anesthesia (11.7%), regional anesthesia (5.2%) reduced the prevalence of sleep disorders in elderly patients after discharge from the hospital. However, the duration of sleep disturbance and pain exhibited no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.818; p=0.211). Regional anesthesia was associated with a reduction in the incidence of sleep disorders in elderly patients after discharge from the hospital for 3 months.

Sleep quality in secure psychiatric healthcare: Inpatient & staff perspectives

The lived experiences of psychiatric inpatients are not well represented in the literature, especially when these experiences pertain to health. Reports regarding sleep health are particularly sparse, despite the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders in this population. The current study aimed to explore inpatient and staff perspectives of inpatient sleep quality to aid the future development of a sleep quality intervention. Fourteen inpatients (average age 43 years, 36 % female) were recruited for individual interviews and eleven staff members were recruited for three focus groups, from a secure psychiatric hospital (England). A semi-structured interview guide facilitated discussions regarding the prevalence and type of inpatient sleep problems, existing support for inpatient sleep problems including medication, and the bidirectional relationships between nighttime sleep and daytime behaviours, such as napping and physical activity. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were developed: Irregular Sleep Schedules, Nighttime Disruptions, The Patient's Bedroom, and Keeping a Routine & Staying Physically Active. Study results can be utilised when developing inpatient sleep interventions, which were identified within the study as being sorely needed. Such interventions could focus on managing daytime sleeping, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity, in order to support good sleep hygiene, foster regular sleep/wake cycles, and improve overall health.

Ergonomic awareness and practices to prevent musculoskeletal disorder among healthcare workers in UAE: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealth professionals are at a higher risk of developing WMSD due to the nature of their work. Ergonomic awareness and practice promote workers' general well-being and safety in the workplace. AimAssess the ergonomic awareness and practice among healthcare workers in the UAE, its relationship with demographic variables and determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in this population. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study among 307 healthcare workers from hospitals in Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah in the UAE. A self-administered online questionnaire was used for data collection. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables. ResultsIn the present study, the majority were female (77.4%). Concerning the nationalities, non-EMR (71.4%) and EMR (28.6%). The majority fell within the age group of 30–39 (39%). Regarding work experience, 58% had over ten years of experience. Results showed that 89.3% had good ergonomic awareness, while 63.5% demonstrated good ergonomic practices. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) were reported by 89.6% of participants, with the most common areas of pain being the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Education level was significantly associated with ergonomic awareness (p < 0.05). Age (P < 0.05) and years of experience (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with ergonomic practice. A significant association was observed between MSD and ergonomic awareness (P < 0.01), with good awareness associated with reported pain. ConclusionA significant occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the neck, low back, and shoulders. The association was observed with education and ergonomic awareness, age and years of experience with practice and MSD and awareness.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among urban school adolescents in Vietnam: The role of youth, family, and school relationships

BackgroundAdolescents frequently encounter a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, predominantly depressive and anxiety disorders, along with various behavioral disturbances. ObjectiveThis investigation aims to delineate the prevalence of depressive disorders among adolescents in urban Vietnam and to elucidate the interrelationships between familial and school-related dynamics and adolescent depression. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022, involving 507 students aged 15 to 17 from high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale - Second Edition (RADS-2) was used to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. Social-demographic characteristics, adolescent-family and adolescent-school relationships, and academic environment characteristics of high school students were interviewed. Multivariate Tobit regression models were employed to discern contributory factors across four domains of RADS-2. ResultsAmong the 507 adolescents, the mean scores on the RADS scale were 15.1 ± 4.2 for the dysphoric mood domain, 16.4 ± 4.0 for the anhedonia-negative domain, 13.1 ± 4.4 for the negative self-evaluation domain, and 12.4 ± 3.7 for the somatic complaints domain. The analysis indicated that adolescents with suboptimal parental relationships, absence of confidants, frequent parental conflicts, exposure to parental arguments, substantial exam-related stress, or overwhelming academic demands were more likely to exhibit elevated depressive symptoms. Conversely, adolescents who were satisfied with their friendships at school and received care, support from teachers or friends, and involved in school's extracurricular activities lower exhibited levels of depression. ConclusionsFindings reveal the significant impact of family and peer relationships, as well as academic stress, on the development of depressive symptoms. These significant results inform the design and development of future interventions aimed at mitigating depression risks among high school students, emphasizing the crucial roles of both educational institutions and family dynamics.

Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Suicide Ideation Among Undergraduate Medical Students in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Studies reported significant levels of psychological morbidity from across the globe among undergraduate medical students. Present meta-analysis aimed to provide a most up to date comprehensive insight into the prevalence of depression, stress, anxiety and suicidal ideation among undergraduate medical students in India. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in three databases PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar from July 2023 to August 2023. Quality of included studies (43 studies, N=15557) was assessed using modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale and data was analyzed using MetaXL version 5.3. Pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals were determined using the random-effects model. Results: The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation was 48% (95% CI: 41-55%) (P 0.000, I2 = 98%), 54% (95% CI 42-58%) (P =0.00, I2 = 98%), 50% (95% CI 45-63%) (P =0.001, I2 = 99%) and 21% (95% CI: 9-35%) (P =0.000, I2 = 98%) respectively. Subgroup analysis showed more females than males students were affected from depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation. Conclusion: High prevalence of psychological disorders in medical students in India emphasize the need for the counselling services to control this morbidity and implement long term policies and programs at institutional level.