Proper Care Research Articles

A IMPORTÂNCIA DO ACOMPANHAMENTO ODONTOLÓGICO DURANTE O PRÉ NATAL

The study addresses the hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy that directly affect the oral health of the pregnant woman and can have an impact on the baby. The objective of the work is to highlight the importance of prenatal dental care, addressing the most prevalent oral diseases in pregnant women, the impacts of these conditions on fetal development, the necessary care in the clinical management of pregnant women, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in care. The methodology was based on an integrative literature review, using databases such as PubMed, Scielo, and Google Scholar, with descriptors in Portuguese and English. Studies published between 2009 and 2024 that discuss dental interventions in pregnant women and the relevance of prenatal dental care were included. The results indicate that gingivitis and periodontitis are common conditions during pregnancy, potentially leading to complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Proper dental care, carried out in a multidisciplinary manner, contributes to the prevention of these problems and improves the well-being of both the pregnant woman and the baby.

Outcomes and Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality of Systemic-to-Pulmonary Shunts in a Tertiary Hospital in Thailand.

A systemic-to-pulmonary shunt is the palliation of choice for many children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. However, significant morbidity and mortality related to these procedures and the postoperative course still exists. We aim to report our outcomes of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts as well as to define certain risk factors for adverse events. We retrospectively collected data from the electronic medical records of Ramathibodi hospital from January 01, 2013, to April 30, 2024. Demographic data, operative, and postoperative details were collected and reviewed. Inclusion criteria included patients whose primary operation was a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. Exclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and whose medical record data were missing significant information. There were initially 56 patients eligible for our study. After exclusion, the total number of patients enrolled was 42. Overall the results were excellent, with only one operative mortality, no discharge mortality, and four reinterventions. Outcomes between different shunt types, shunt sizes, surgical approaches, and diagnoses were statistically similar. We demonstrate that systemic-to-pulmonary shunts are a safe and reliable procedure based on our results at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. We emphasize meticulous surgical techniques as well as utilization of proper and reproducible postoperative care protocols to optimize patient outcomes.

New Age Parenting and Its Impact on Child’s Oral Health: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

Abstract Background: With increased globalization, East culture is meeting West culture and parenting style has been completely changed. Children depend significantly on their parents for provision, instruction, and supervision of crucial preventive oral hygiene habits. The education level and awareness of parents regarding preventive oral health measures play a pivotal role in this aspect. Therefore, it becomes imperative to evaluate and educate parents about proper oral hygiene care for their children, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the child. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess an impact of new age parenting on oral health of their children. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 204 parents of children aged 5–10 years, consisting of 27-item questionnaires containing four domains of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice, which was distributed among the participants. A descriptive analysis was done using IBM SPSS software (version 22.0 Chicago, IL, USA). Results: It was surprising to note that 32.84% of parents were unaware about the specialist dentist is available for children. About 65.69% of parents had low level of knowledge regarding oral health of their children. The correlation among knowledge, attitude, and practice was determined to be highly statistically significant (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study concluded that knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral health care of children are low among new age parents and there is a need to educate these parents regarding the same.

Oral health-related beliefs among a sample of pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario: a descriptive study.

Unfavorable beliefs about oral health and dental treatment during pregnancy can lead to the avoidance of dental care and the underutilization of dental services, adversely affecting adherence to good oral hygiene practices and, consequently, the health of the fetus. This study investigated the commonly held oral health beliefs among pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants were recruited from the Family Medicine Obstetrics Clinic in London, Ontario, Canada. Eligible participants were pregnant women aged 18 or older, excluding those unwilling to participate. Participants completed a 33-item self-administered questionnaire, including three open-ended questions about oral health beliefs and their impacts on pregnancy, which were analyzed for this study. Thematic analysis in NVivo identified key patterns, while analysis determined the most common beliefs and the degree of diversity in responses. Responses were categorized into sub-themes, and the frequency and percentage of each category were calculated. A total of 130 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 40.7% (n = 46) believed that oral health impacts their child's health, 48.2% (n = 53) believed that dental treatment affects fetal health, and 64.4% (n = 76) believed that pregnancy influences their oral health. Many beliefs regarding oral health during pregnancy regarded infection risks. Participants held negative beliefs about the effects of antibiotics, analgesics, and dental x-rays during pregnancy. Common beliefs about the impacts of pregnancy on oral health included developing conditions, such as tooth sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis, as well as a loss of minerals to the fetus. This study revealed important misconceptions and concerns about oral health and dental treatment among pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario. The findings highlighted the need for enhanced oral health education for pregnant women to address these misconceptions and promote proper care during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to focus on dispelling myths, emphasizing the safety of necessary dental treatments, and reinforcing the significance of maintaining good oral health for maternal and fetal well-being.

Uterine Rupture Due to Oxytocin Overdose Leading to Dystocia in a Labrador Bitch

A three-year-old Labrador bitch brought to the TVCC-FVAS-BHU-Mirzapur, with the history of whelped one dead puppy 12 hrs before further no progress of delivery. The bitch administered with a total dose of 30 IU of oxytocin intramuscularly but there was no progress. Abdominal palpation revealed presence of fetal like mass and per-vaginal examination revealed presence of fetal parts in the birth canal. The bitch was treated with oxytocin @ 0.2 IU/kg body weight slow IV with 25% dextrose 0.2ml/kg body weight slow IV, a dead male fetus was removed through mutational operation after 15 minutes, after that no puppies were palpable. Radiographic examination revealed presence of four fetuses in the abdominal cavity. It was then decided to go for cesarean section. The surgical operation was done as per the standard routine procedures. The bitch was treated with antibiotic and analgesic for 3 days. The bitch had uneventful recovery with proper postoperative care. In the present study we concluded that the dystocia was due to uterine rupture and this can be corrected through exploratory laparotomy.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Migrant Workers and Public Policy in Case of Malaysia & Indonesia

B The COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic has changed the world altogether to a different plane. It has disrupted economy, health, family, society, etc. and there is no one left who has not been affected by it. Public Policy in case of migrant workers finds important place in this calculation. For, they play an important role in many of the economies, and still are the most vulnerable section of people who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their problem emanates from various angles like that of being a legal or illegal (unaccounted) migrant worker, vulnerabilities emanating from lack of bargaining power with their employers and host nations, lack of safety working and hygienic living conditions, access to proper affordable health care facilities, etc. For the international migrant workers (who crosses border from home state to another state for purpose of employment or better economic aspirations), things have been really difficult in these pandemic times in terms of how they were treated by the authorities in the host countries and what kind of national public policy measures was taken to assure their physical health and mental wellbeing, engaging with them to assuage their psychological trauma caused due to various pressures and stress, economic condition, etc. Women migrant workers were more affected in way of losing their jobs, livelihood, family pressures and responsibilities. This paper looks into the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the migrant workers, particularly with a focus on public policy measures taken in Malaysia and Indonesia, as these two nations contributes major chunk of migrant workers (inward and outward respectively) in the south-East Asian region. Apart from detailing the problems faced by the migrant workers during the pandemic times, this paper will dwell deep into the kinds of national public policy measures implemented towards the migrant workers as a response to the pandemic condition and its impact. In addition, this paper will also look into the role and policy of international organisations and NGOs towards the same. Apart from analyzing the problems and identifying the gaps in the approach of the respective governments, recommendations are also made to the public policy makers to improve the effect of their public policies and actions towards the migrant workers, on the basis of highlighting some good practices that are followed in other states.

Sociopsychological factors of drug abuse among young females in Bangladesh and gender-specific vulnerabilities: Aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 5.

Drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. The research aims to analyze the factors influencing young females to take drugs in Bangladesh. This exploratory study was carried out using a qualitative research method. Primary data were collected via in-depth interviews. Seventeen addicted young women from Bangladesh were chosen for this study by a snowball sampling technique. The data from the interviews were thoroughly examined. Intimate relationships with family and friends have the greatest impact on women's drug use. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and SDG target 3.5, the study underscores the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by young women. The findings revealed several factors that significantly impacted drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh, including the influence of social groups and peers, family-related issues, inadequate awareness and education on drugs, the ready availability of drugs, and psychological factors such as stress and curiosity. Additionally, women who use drugs often face severe social stigma and gender-based violence, which deters them from seeking help and exacerbates their addiction. Limited access to health services due to economic and societal constraints further hinders their ability to receive proper care and support. Implementing strategies that address these gender-specific factors will not only help mitigate drug abuse but also contribute to improved public health outcomes and advance sustainable development.

Therapeutic potency of marine collagen/pectin scaffolds - Fabrication, characterization and evaluation

Skin is an important vital organ that must be given proper care and protection from external damage and harmful microbes. If injured, it must be treated with an ideal wound dressing material with potent hemostatic and non-toxic properties. In the present study, fish collagen (FC) was extracted from the fins and tails of Black pomfret (Parastromateus niger). The isolated fish collagen was homogenized with pectin (P) and freeze dried to obtain fish collagen/pectin (FC/P) scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed the porous nature of scaffolds with intermittent holes. UV–Visible and Fourier infrared spectroscopic analyses demonstrated the physicochemical properties of FC/P scaffolds. Hemolytic assay performed using human blood demonstrated the percentage of hemolysis as 0.5 %. In vitro blood clotting assay carried out to determine the hemostatic behaviour displayed the formation of blood clot within 60 s in the presence of FC/P scaffolds. 95 % of cells were viable with the highest concentration of FC/P scaffold used for MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Scratch wound assay demonstrated complete closure of wound in FC/P scaffold treated cells after 48 h of treatment. Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay showed the development of new blood vessels within 6 h of incubation with the FC/P scaffolds, thereby proving their angiogenic potency. These results indicate the potential use of FC/P scaffolds as effective biomaterials for tissue regenerative applications.

Demystifying Obesity: Understanding, Prevention, Treatment, and Stigmas.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. There is still significant stigma associated with it, which can lead to discrimination and create additional barriers for people who are already in treatment. On the other hand, it is noted that it can have serious implications for health and predisposition to noncommunicable chronic diseases. In this sense, the objective of this study was to carry out a narrative review involving all current elements for understanding, prevention, treatment, and debate of stigmas related to obesity. A search was conducted in 2024 for original articles, randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines in the following databases: Pubmed, Scielo, Web of Science, CrossRef, and Google Scholar. The publication period was from 2014 to 2024. Obesity is influenced by a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It is encouraging to see that various emerging points have been identified across different fields such as histology, physiology, genetics, weight loss, and public policy. These obesity areas certainly warrant attention and future studies. Researchers can delve into these topics to deepen their understanding and potentially uncover novel insights. The management should be multifactorial and individualized for each patient. Public policies also play a crucial role in combating obesity, including health promotion, prevention of excessive weight gain, early diagnosis, and proper care of patients. It is crucial that society begins to see the disease as an extremely complex element and not as a moral failure or lack of willpower. This requires a change in the way people talk about obesity, as well as practices that support people instead of stigmatizing them. Obesity does not have a specific address, color, or race. It belongs to everyone and should be regarded as a global public health problem.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Educational Package in Terms of Knowledge Regarding Essential New Born Care among Mother in the Postnatal Wards of Selected Hospital, Nadiad

BACKGROUND: The neonatal period, covering the first 28 days of life is a vital stage marked by significant physiological changes and the new borns adjustment to the crucial for the baby’s survival and long term health. Proper new born care is essential in decreasing neonatal illness and death promoting healthy growth and development. Worldwide neonatal mortality is a major public issue, especially in low and middle income nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 2.4 million children die within their first month of life annually, with most of these deaths happening within the first week. Infection are a leading cause of neonatal mortality, responsible for about one-third all neonatal deaths. New born are practically vulnerable to infection due to their underdeveloped immune system. Education on essential new-born care, covering aspects like infection prevention, breastfeeding thermal care, and immunization, plays a critical role in decreasing these fatalities. Postnatal wards offer a special chances to educate mothers about essential new-born care. During this period mothers are typically more open to learning and incorporating new practice that can benefit their infants. Tailored educational programs designed for postnatal mothers of essential new-born care practice and encourage their adoption. AIM This study assess the effectiveness of an educational package design to enhance mothers' knowledge regarding essential new born care in selected hospital in Nadiad. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational package on mothers' knowledge about essential new born care in post natal wards. METHODS A quasi experimental study design was employed. The study include 40 mothers in post natal wards from selected hospital in Nadiad. Participants were divided into two groups: An experimental group receiving the educational package and a control group receiving standard care. Pre-test and post- test knowledge assessments were conducted using a structured questionnaire. INTERVENTION: The educational package comprised informative flip book interactive session focus on essential new born care such as breast feeding, hygiene, immunization and recognizing dangerous sign.RESULTS: The pre-test knowledge scores of both groups were comparable. Post intervention, the group showed a significant increase on knowledge scores compared to the pre- test. Statistical analysis using paired T test revealed that the educational package effectively improved mother’s knowledge of essential new born care (p< 0.05). The educational package significantly enhanced mother’s knowledge regarding essential new born care in post natal wards. Implementing such educational interventions can improve new born health outcomes by empowering mothers which crucial care. Further studies are recommended to assess long term retention of knowledge and its impact on new born health.

TREATMENT OF TOOTH AVULSION: A CASE REPORT

Dental trauma (DT) refers to injuries caused by impacts to the teeth and/or the hard and soft tissues within or outside the oral cavity. Among the various types of DT, avulsion, characterized by the complete displacement of the tooth from its socket. The success of treatment depends on timely management and proper professional care during and after reimplantation in preserving the tooth in the oral cavity. This study describes a case report of an avulsion of the upper left central incisor (21) that underwent reimplantation. The patient, a 10-year-old boy, had a history of bicycle fall, presenting with extraoral injuries to the cheek and chin, lip abrasions, and avulsion of tooth 21. The tooth was stored in milk and reimplanted 30 minutes after the accident. Clinical and radiographic examinations showed no bone fractures but revealed mobility of teeth 11 and 12 and avulsion of tooth 21. Treatment included cleaning, repositioning of the avulsed tooth, stabilization with a semi-flexible splint, and administration of antibiotics and analgesics. Endodontic therapy with mechanical instrumentation was successfully initiated after 20 days. This case highlights the importance of proper tooth storage and timing of reimplantation, leading to the restoration of patient’s aesthetics, chewing function, and self-esteem.

ASSISTÊNCIA DE ENFERMAGEM NA SAÚDE MENTAL DOS PORTADORES DE LINFANGIOLEIOMIOMATOSE

The importance of providing quality and knowledgeable care, and recognizing the impact generated on the mental health of patients with a rare disease, such as Lymphangioleiomyomatosis or LAM, advocating nursing care as essential. Objective: to highlight and inform the need for nursing care in the mental health of patients with LAM. Method: this is a bibliographic review, based on articles selected from the databases: Scientific Electronic Library (SciELO), Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Tisiology, Google Scholar and the Ministry of Health. The inclusion criteria were articles that were published in the year 2020 to 2024, except for some cases where it was necessary to search for slightly older articles for a more complete research. Results: the nursing team, because it is on the front line of care and has a greater bond with patients, becomes responsible for providing proper care to people who have a rare disease, such as LAM, as this generates psychological illness. Knowing the subject, studying it and providing adequate assistance, thus reducing the impacts generated by this disease. Thus, providing guidance regarding the concept of LAM, the symptoms that may arise, how to reduce them, respecting the entire process and providing the emotional support they need. Conclusion: the presence of a nurse is necessary to provide the appropriate assistance to these patients. It is extremely important to have knowledge of LAM and its harms to the mental health of patients, enabling this professional to be able to provide the best possible care to a patient with a rare disease.

Comparison of Outcomes of Bell’s Palsy Patients Treated with Steroid and Steroid with Antiviral Drug in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Bell’s palsy is the most common acute mononeuropathy associated with idiopathic unilateral facial weakness, characterized by facial asymmetry. Though steroids have effectiveness in managing Bell’s palsy, the use of antiviral is still debatable. Objective: To compare the outcome of Bell’s palsy with treatment by steroid versus combination of steroid and antiviral drugs. Methodology: A prospective analytical study was performed on 84 patients with acute Bell’s palsy attending at Neurology outpatient department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2014 to June 2016. The patients were divided into two groups purposively after initial assessment as per House-Brackmann grading system (HBS). Group-I patients were treated with oral prednisolone and oral valacyclovir and Group-II patients were treated with oral prednisolone only. Both groups received facial exercises as per demonstration and proper eye care throughout the study period. Follow-up was done after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 3 months for collection of data about recovery according to reassessment. Results: The analysis revealed that recovery rates at all 3 follow-ups were higher in the combination group than that of the prednisolone-only group [29(67.44%) versus 18 (43.90%) at 2nd week follow-up, 35(81.39%) versus 25(60.97%) at 4th week follow up and 40 (93.02%) versus 30(73.17%) at 3rd month follow-up]. Moreover, the expected recovery rate was higher in severe Bell’s palsy patients in the combination group than in steroid-alone group (22, 88.0% complete recovery versus 13, 54.17% complete recovery at the end of 3 months of treatment) [p=0.034]. haemorrhagic shock, spinal cord damage, septic shock and crush syndrome. Conclusion: The study showed antiviral (valacyclovir) plus steroid (prednisolone) to be more effective than steroid (prednisolone) alone in the treatment of Bell’s palsy. Moreover, outcome was more favorable in combination groups presenting with severe disease. Lessen their severity. Journal of Monno Medical College December, 2023; 9 (2):58-62

Diabetes-related skin problems and proper cosmetic care as a simple and affordable way to correct them: A review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable epidemic. The number of people with this pathology is growing every year. DM leads to a decrease in quality and life expectancy due to vascular complications. However, the manifestations of diabetes are varied, including possible skin manifestations, which often receive insufficient attention. This article analyzes and summarizes current knowledge about dermatological complications in patients with DM, with an emphasis on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these problems. This article focuses on xerosis, intertrigo and disorders of the skin's protective mechanisms during the development of diabetic foot. The article is aimed at developing practical recommendations for endocrinologists on skin care in patients with diabetes, in order to improve their quality of life and prevent complications. The need to expand patient education on skin care in Diabetes Schools is also discussed.

Exploring Veteran Mental Health Disparities: A Comparative Analysis of Rural and Urban Communities in the Midwest of the United States.

Veterans face unique mental health challenges influenced by their service experiences and post-military transitions into civilian life. Geographic location also plays an integral role in impacting veterans' outcomes and access to proper care. The purpose of this case study is to examine disparities between rural and urban veterans in the Midwest using data collected from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Self-reported bad mental health days among veterans in rural and urban regions across twelve Midwestern states were analyzed through direct rate estimation and small area estimation techniques utilizing RStudio software. Higher rates of poor mental health days were ultimately observed among urban veterans in most states through both analyses. The results of the direct rate analysis revealed 13.5% of veterans reporting 14 + poor mental health days per month versus 9.5% in rural areas. Likewise, the results of the small area analysis demonstrated 12.2% of veterans reporting 14 + days of poor mental health days per month in urban areas versus 9.8% in rural areas. This highlights the significance of environmental stressors and social determinants of health in differentially impacting mental health outcomes. Thus, tailored interventions utilizing interdisciplinary teams are needed to meet the unique barriers for veterans in different geographic contexts. Despite the cross-sectional nature of the study and reliance on self-reported data, this case study provides valuable insights for mental health disparities among Midwest veterans. Creating a more equitable and accessible mental health landscape for veterans will require targeted and collaborative approaches.

Study on the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Diabetic Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

AIM: To study the treatment pattern of diabetic foot ulcer and to assess the effect of patient counselling on diabetic foot ulcer patients. OBJECTIVE: 1. To study the various modalities of treatment used for Diabetic Foot Ulcer patients in a tertiary care hospital. 2. To assess the effect of patient counselling on diabetic foot ulcer patients with standard questionaries METHODS: The protocol was reviewed, revised, and approved by the Institutional Review Committee of MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital before commencement of the study. Over the course of six months, a tertiary care hospital conducted prospective research. Following the giving of written informed permission, diabetic patients with foot ulcers of both genders who were visiting the hospital were invited to participate and enrolled. A total of 150 patients participated in the study. The patients were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria mentioned. The study was attempted to improve the patient’s knowledge and attitude towards the self-management of diabetic foot ulcer. And thus, patient counselling is an essential component of clinical pharmacy practice in hospital. RESULTS: In this study, majority of the study participants belonged to the age group 61-70 years (30.7%) of age. 22% of the study participants were of the age group between 51-60 years of age. Majority (64.7%) of the study participants were males. In this study, Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (Revised 2015) was used and an improvement in the total score was found i.e., from 18.27+5.85 before counselling jym oof ff\c b to 44.07+4.70 post counselling which was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). Thus, a proper foot care education program has been shown to reduce the risk of ulceration. CONCLUSION: The present study was conducted to study the effect of patient counselling on diabetic foot ulcer patients using NAFFC score. Majority in the study belonged to 61-70 years and were males. Most of them had type 2 DM and grade 1 foot ulcer. In this study, Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (Revised 2015) was used and an improvement in the total score was found i.e., from 18.27+5.85 before counselling to 44.07+4.70 post counselling which was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). NAFFC score played an important role in the study to assess the functional outcome among diabetics with foot ulcers. Though there is development of new therapies for the management of diabetic foot ulcers, a high rate of failure ending with amputation still exists. Hence a counselling session to the diabetics with foot ulcers can prevent further complications.

Current trends in hair care in men

Hair care is essential for men for a variety of reasons, spanning from esthetics to overall health. A clean scalp reduces the risk of hair concerns in men such as seborrheic dermatitis and bacterial infections. Engaging in regular hair care routines can be a form of self-care, contributing to a sense of well-being and personal satisfaction. Proper hair care can also help reduce the risk of damage and hair loss. Avoiding harsh treatments and using appropriate products can preserve hair health and prevent excessive shedding. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy hair growth. This review discusses hair cosmetics and its importance in men.

Postoperative Otoplasty Care With ChatGPT-4: A Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Patient Concern and Education.

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to alter the size, shape, or position of the ear by using permanent stitches. Its main purpose is to correct protruding ears, a condition known as prominauris. After the surgery, it is crucial to provide proper care to ensure successful recovery. However, obtaining timely medical advice can be difficult, especially in remote areas or places with limited resources. To address this issue, incorporating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT)-4 into postsurgical care could help fill the gap in patient education and support. This study aims to assess whether ChatGPT4 can be a reliable, accurate, and effective method for answering the most common patient questions and concerns post-otoplasty. The main objective was to assess the AI chatbot's capacity to deliver precise, concise, and pertinent information, especially in situations where health care professionals are limited in availability. In this study, over 50 patients were engaged, and ChatGPT4 was employed to present the same 5 common postoperative questions post-otoplasty surgery care. The AI chatbot's responses were analyzed for accuracy, response time, clarity, and relevance. The chatbot could potentially provide timely assistance, answer questions, and address concerns related to postsurgical care in otoplasty. The responses exhibited a perfect accuracy rate of 100%, closely corresponding to existing medical guidelines. This study explores the potential of AI-driven solutions to enhance patient education and support, especially in areas where access to health care professionals may be limited. However, professional medical advice is crucial in postoperative care and cannot be replaced by ChatGPT-4. By leveraging AI tools like chatbots, individuals in remote or resource-limited settings can potentially receive valuable information and guidance, contributing to successful rehabilitation and overall health care outcomes. Ethical considerations around the use of AI in health care must also be carefully addressed to ensure patient privacy, data security, and appropriate clinical oversight.

Peculiarities in household solid waste management in Nigeria: a quick review

Evidence abounds to indicate the prevalence of indiscriminate disposal of household solid waste as a practice in Nigeria. This practice contributes to green crime and jeopardizes public health. Therefore, the focal point of several academic papers has been household solid waste management. The objective of the current study was to make a rapid review on practices that scholars have recommended for household members to take proper care of their waste made of paper, cellophane, plastic, metal and wooden material and the peculiarities of these recommended practices in Nigeria with implications for waste management practices in developing countries worldwide. The study adopted the systematic review method to explore findings in the available relevant studies that were published within the years 2017 and 2023 to depict the current situations of the study’s subject matter in Nigeria. The current study sorted out these findings into themes. The review pinpointed several recommended practices such as zero-waste policy, waste minimization/reduction, and various disposal methods to manage the household solid waste and the major factors responsible for the setbacks these practices have faced. The review further highlighted gaps in existing studies which could form the basis for prospective studies on household solid waste management.

Improving the Accuracy of Patient Self-Care After Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement wound stitches are typically not removed until two weeks after the operation. Therefore, patients with joint replacement must be able to execute proper wound care after discharge from the hospital to reduce the risk of wound infection. Prior data from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's orthopedics ward indicate only 69% of joint-replacement patients are able to perform wound care properly at home. Potential causes for this noted by patients include age-related forgetfulness, being unable to discern redness or swelling in the wound, and language comprehension difficulties (i.e., Taiwanese vs. Mandarin). Poor rates of wound care may also be attributable to incomplete wound care education by nursing staff and wound care education being provided without adequate practice on the day of patient discharge. This project was implemented to improve the accuracy of wound self-care performed by patients after joint replacement surgery and to enhance their related knowledge and wound-care technical correctness. A wound care education checklist, wound care cue cards, wound care video clips, wound condition red flag cue cards, and customized wound care pack were proposed and implemented. The rate of accuracy of wound self-care performance increased from 69% pretest to 98% posttest, showing the intervention to have effectively improved post-discharge wound care quality. To effectively improve the post-discharge accuracy of wound self-care in patients with joint replacement, the consistency of post-surgery wound care education given by nursing staff to patients should be improved, patients should be reminded of wound assessment and care steps, and patients should be aware that wound abnormalities require an immediate return to the hospital for follow-up treatment.