Cross-sectional Questionnaire-based Study Research Articles

A Study Protocol to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Oral Health among Nursing Students in DMIHER (DU)

Abstract Background: Nursing student’s dental health education model is aimed at orienting nursing students with oral health knowledge so that these students must be knowledgeable about dental health to implement it in their daily practices, and thus, they can play a vital part in health education and serve as the ideal role model for patients and the community. Therefore, a questionnaire-based survey is to be conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to oral health among nursing students in Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: Around 440 nursing students will be participating in the questionnaire-based cross-sectional study for 2 months. The population will be taken from the nursing college of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. The validated questionnaires will be circulated among the nursing students with the consent of the participation for the participants in study. After receiving the feedback of the questionnaires, the data will be observed, analyzed, and resulted. Expected Results: More than 80% is expected to have knowledge that toothbrushing prevents caries and gingival bleeding, and bleeding gum indicates gum disease. More than 90% may show a positive attitude toward the importance of oral health and considered that it is as important as other systemic health. Around 90% of students are expected to have a positive attitude toward dental floss and mouthwash helps in keeping the teeth clean. More than 90% of students are expected to brush their teeth twice daily and around 50% of students are expected to visit dental clinic regularly for routine dental checkup. Conclusion: The present study will show significant knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding oral health among nursing students. Therefore, our study’s findings might fill the void and provide a sound basis for developing evidence-based oral health reinforcement programs to reduce the discrepancy in oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices.

Assessment of the Level of Knowledge About Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Community Sample From Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease affecting pregnant females, and it carries a major risk of short and long-term health problems for both mothers and their offspring. Multiple factors like advanced maternal age, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of GDM. The current guidelines recommend screening all pregnant females for risk factors during the first trimester with subsequent testing of the blood glucose level at 24 weeks gestation. Lack of awareness about GDM is a main contributing factor in the delay in screening and diagnosis of GDM with subsequent fetal and maternal complications. This study aims to identify the level of knowledge about GDM among the adult population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Material and methods A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conductedto identify the level of knowledge about risk factors, prevention, and treatment of GDM in a community sample from Saudi Arabia. A self-administered electronic questionnaire was designed, tested for validity and reliability, and distributed through social media platforms. It consisted of 18 questions asking about the socio-demographic characteristics, the type of hospital in which the participant receives their medical care, whether the participant heard about GDM or not, and if they knowsomeone with GDM, in addition to questions to assess the level of knowledge about risk factors, complications, prevention, and treatment of GDM. The total score of knowledge was calculated. The multivariate regression analysis test was employed to analyze the relationship between various demographic variables and the level of knowledge about GDM among the study population. A p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 539 (100%) participants completed the questionnaire: 263 (48.8%) of them were in the age category (18-25 years), 440 (81.6%) of them were females, 307 (57%) had a bachelor's degree, 275 (51%) were single, 454 (84.2%) had heard about GDM, and 258 (47.9%) of them have or know someone with GDM. The total score of knowledge revealed excellent, good, fair, and poor levels among 334 (62%), 140 (26%), 49 (9%), and 16 (3%) of participants, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model revealed that participants who received health care from governmental hospitals heard about GDMand had or knew someone with GDM were positively associated with a higher level of knowledge. Conclusions The findings revealed that among participants, 62% showed excellent knowledge about GDM, although, the other 38% had non-optimal levels of knowledge. Awareness campaigns are recommended to improve the level of knowledge about this disease, its risk factors, treatment, and complications.

Awareness of Dental Trauma Management among Primary School Teachers of Visnagar: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study

Aims: The current study assessed school teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding emergency dental trauma management in Visnagar, Gujarat. Settings and Design: The cross-sectional survey required participants to complete a validated, closed-ended self-administered questionnaire. Subjects and Methods: The questionnaire, which consisted of 15 questions, was completed by 326 primary and secondary school teachers. Demographic information, knowledge about the teeth most commonly affected by trauma, emergency care, and attitudes toward storage media, etc. were included. This questionnaire also tested the willingness of teachers to participate in future dental trauma management workshops. Statistical Analysis Used: An Excel spreadsheet was used to methodically collect and compile the data, which was then subjected to a statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.0. (Chicago, IL, USA: IBM Company, SPSS Inc.) The descriptive data were percentage-based. The Chi-square test was used to do inferential statistics. Results: Among 343, a total of 326 (95.04%) school teachers responded. Forty percentage of teachers possess knowledge regarding the emergency treatment of dental trauma, 47.90% of teachers were aware about pedodontists, and 93% of teachers showed a willingness to participate in training. Conclusions: The current survey findings indicate that educational activities should be developed to improve preschool teachers’ awareness of the need to treat traumatized teeth at once.

Dental photography for children: A global survey.

Clinical photographs are now considered an essential element for accurate and objective dental records. Very little information exists on dental photography in children and the factors that can influence the dentist's decision to take dental photographs. This study aimed to assess the current use, attitude and confidence of paediatric dentists using clinical dental photography of children worldwide. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study distributed online to paediatric dentists around the globe. The survey was completed by 390 dentists. The majority of participants (82.3%, n = 321) took dental photographs of their patients, and over 74% of the participants were confident in taking dental photographs. Sixty-nine dentists (17.7%) did not take photographs. Seventy-four per cent (n = 240) of those who take dental photographs and 47.8% (n = 33) of those who do not take dental photographs reported an effect on the child's behaviour. The majority of participants expressed interest in receiving further training. Most paediatric dentists take dental photographs of their patients and value their role in the behavioural management of the child patient. Paediatric dentists need further training in children's dental photography, including guidance on proper image recording, storage and transfer.

Perception of undergraduate medical students on learning physiology: A descriptive cross-sectional study in a medical school of South India.

Understanding the various principles in physiology is very important for medical students to apply their knowledge in clinical practice. Most of the students learn physiology just to clear exams. There is a need to understand the student's perception on the significance of learning physiology in medical colleges, its role in clinical practice, research, and the subject of career choice. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in a medical college in Karnataka, India. A total of 100 medical students studying in year 2 MBBS were enrolled into the study. Responses were collected, validated, and analyzed to understand the perception. All the participants (100%) felt physiology is an important subject in the medical curriculum and 93% of participants felt physiology knowledge was essential to become a better doctor. It was observed that 48% of the participants were interested in pursuing research in physiology and only 24% of the participants agreed on considering physiology as a carrier option. Medical students perceived physiology as an important and interesting subject in the medical curriculum. However, only few of the students were inclined to do research in physiology and agreed on pursuing physiology as a carrier option. The scope of study in physiology is vast due to the large variety of interdisciplinary topics included in different systems. Subsequent decrease in job opportunity, lack of awareness of research opportunities, and lower pay scale in the medical colleges in India lead to less interest in students for considering physiology as a carrier option.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding urinary tract infections living in peripheral areas of Pakistan: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the most common infections affecting women during pregnancy, which – if left untreated – may lead to severe consequences for both mother and infant health. Low socio-economic status and educational attainment levels, inappropriate personal hygiene practices – especially in rural women – may lead to an increased risk of developing UTIs. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women – who are living in peripheral areas of the Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan – regarding UTIs, according to the Health Belief Model (HBM). MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out using a 91-item questionnaire, including six HBM domains. Data collection was performed with convenience sampling among pregnant women in hospitals between July and September 2021. Statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, χ2-tests) were carried out using IBM SPSS 25.0. Results98.4% (n = 243) of the respondents were married, 77.7% (n = 192) were housewives, 41.7% (n = 103) attended up to an intermediate college education, while 43.7% (n = 108) were in their first trimester. Majority of women (81.8%) had positive attitudes towards UTI-related knowledge-acquisition, and most of them (94.7%) had good hygiene practices; on the other hand, only around half of the participants (55.5%) had acceptable knowledge levels. Advanced age (p = 0.005) and higher educational attainment levels (p = 0.025) were associated with better attitudes, while higher income levels were associated with better knowledge (p < 0.001). In the HBM domains, major obstacles noted by the respondents’ were finding it difficult to go for a urine/laboratory test and feelings of hesitation to refuse intimacy with their husband while having a UTI; on the other hand, good hygiene practices were not denoted as a barrier to prevent UTI occurrence. Participant age and the responses in the perceived benefits domain showed significant associations (p < 0.05). ConclusionAs attitudes towards learning were overwhelmingly positive, our results suggest that educational interventions may enhance rural women's knowledge regarding UTIs, which may helpful in the prevention of recurrent infections and the associated health risks for the mother and fetus.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Pilgrims During the 2023 Hajj Season: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage, brings together over two million pilgrims in the city of Makkah to participate in a series of rituals. Given the physically demanding nature of the Hajj, pilgrims are susceptible to musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and exhaustion. MSK pain and injuries are frequent occurrences among pilgrims, necessitating an assessment of the scope of this issue. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSK injuries among pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj season. Methods This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that was conducted in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the 2023 Hajj season. Results A total of 463 pilgrims were included in the analysis. The most frequently reported types of injuries were muscular injuries (169, 45.4%), primarily characterized by pain (99, 58.6%), muscle spasms (55, 32.5%), and muscle tears (eight, 4.7%). The second most commonly reported MSK injury was bony injuries (97, 26.1%), which included fractures, followed by 79 cases (21.2%) of joint injuries, predominantly featuring pain (69, 87.3%) and joint prolapse (10, 12.7%). Notably, 27 pilgrims (7.3%) suffered from ligament injuries, including tears. Regarding the mechanisms or causes of these MSK injuries, the most frequently reported factors were fatigue (206, 55.4%), falls (76,20.4%), crowding (34, 9.1%), accidents (30, 8.1%), and the use of wheelchairs (14, 3.8%). Additionally, it is noteworthy that muscular injuries were more prevalent among all age groups, particularly among young-aged pilgrims, while joint injuries were more common among elderly pilgrims. Conclusion MSK injuries are prevalent among pilgrims, with muscular injuries being the most frequently encountered. This underscores a noteworthy public health concern that necessitates attention from the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia.

Effects of training module regarding learning management system (LMS) on knowledge and attitude of dental undergraduates toward use of LMS

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in knowledge and attitude of dental students regarding learning management system (LMS) after receiving a specific training regarding the same. Material and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was done among the 2nd and 3rd-year students of Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing ten questions. The training module was designed including a didactic session and trouble shooting session for the students. Results: When analyzed, a maximum number of students showed increased knowledge and positive attitude toward LMS after the module. Few students were not using LMS but a maximum number of questions were with a higher percentage of positive responses. There is much awareness and knowledge about LMS after the module. Conclusion: It is critical to train the students regarding various aspects of LMS and its technical details to make navigation easier. The use of information communication technologies in learning involves efforts from not only teachers but also students to make it an effective way of learning. Regular follow-ups and troubleshooting will help maximize students’ active participation in online learning using LMS. Students’ feedback and necessary upgradation of the system are strongly recommended to achieve optimum learning output using LMS.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Elderly Among Doctors and Medical Students: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

There is a continuous rise in the total number and percentage of elders globally, and as such, they are expected to utilize healthcare services more often. Therefore, this study aimed to determine doctors' and students' current knowledge and attitudes toward elders and compare those findings with other studies worldwide. The specific objectives of this study were to determine and compare the differences in attitudes between medical students and doctors regarding geriatrics. This comparison will focus on the following four key domains: social values, resource distribution, compassion, and medical care. Another objective was to assess the knowledge of medical students and doctors regarding geriatric topics. This assessment will help determine the necessity for interventions such as educational programs and workshops on geriatrics. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted by disseminating a Google Forms survey to medical students and doctors. The survey included the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Geriatrics Attitudes Scale and the UCLA Geriatrics Knowledge Test. Data was analyzed using SPSSversion 29.0.2.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). A total number of 126 medical students and 72 doctors filled out the survey. Both medical students and doctors demonstrated moderate scores on the attitudes scale, with overall average scores of 2.92 out of 5 and 2.93 out of 5, respectively. As for knowledge, medical students achieved an average score of 41%, while doctors attained an average score of 43%. This study provides significant insights regarding the knowledge and attitudes of students and doctors and attitudes towards geriatrics. The moderate attitudes score and poor knowledge score across both groups indicate the need for medical educators in Oman to further emphasize and teach about geriatrics in medical curricula.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practices towards Common Zoonotic Diseases in and around Bahir Dar City, North Western Ethiopia

The problem of zoonoses diseases is a global public and veterinary health concern. Globally coordinated and well-established research efforts are essential to successfully fighting and reducing the health burden of zoonoses. In our study area, the interplay of intense livestock animals, agricultural activities, and poor health services characterized the high risks of zoonotic diseases. Thus, people suffer from easily preventable diseases with hygiene and good-quality food. The main objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices of people handling farm animals and their products toward common zoonotic diseases; and (ii) estimate the associated risk factors influencing their knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to August 2022. A simple random sampling technique was followed to select respondents. Multivariable logistic regression model analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. The overall level of knowledge, attitude, and prevention practice for the major zoonotic disease was 52.5%, 68.6%, and 39.4%, respectively. Rabies, tuberculosis, taeniasis, anthrax, and brucellosis were the major zoonotic diseases selected by respondents in the study areas. The age of respondents, training status, educational status, and farm location were significantly (P &lt;0.05) associated with the level of knowledge and prevention practice against zoonotic diseases. This study revealed that the level of knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices for major zoonotic diseases in Bahir Dar City were relatively poor. Therefore, a concerted effort among various government and nongovernment stakeholders, including veterinarians, public health officials, and environmental experts, is needed to create and raise awareness among livestock producers about the transmission and control methods and the economic and public health importance of zoonotic diseases.

Dietary guidance from GPs - what do patients report?

Diet can have a major impact on health. In this study, we surveyed the extent to which the subject of diet was raised by patients in general practice and which patients desired such discussions. We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of patients ≥18 years of age at GP practices in Western Norway in 2022. The questionnaire consisted of nine questions about dietary knowledge, the desire to receive dietary guidance and lose weight, and medication use. Logistic regression was used to identify groups more likely to report a desire to receive guidance on how diet affects health. A total of 2105 of the 2531 (83%) invited patients ≥18 years of age completed the questionnaire, and 2075 of these were included in the analysis. One in three had raised the subject of diet with their GP. A total of 96% reported having the knowledge they needed about diet, 56% wanted advice or guidance on how diet affects health, 62% wanted to lose weight and 40% reported being confused by diet/dietary advice. Younger patients, men, patients with lower levels of education, patients who wanted to lose weight and patients taking medication for chronic conditions more frequently wanted advice/guidance on how diet affects health. Over half of the patients in the GP practices wanted advice/guidance on how diet affects health. Knowing who is more likely to want guidance can be useful for prioritising which consultations are appropriate for providing guidance on diet and health impacts.

Investigation of Dental and Oral Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Support Needs from a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Perspective.

The current literature lacks scientific research on child and adolescent psychiatrists' (CAPPS) perspectives on dental and oral health. This study aims to investigate the opinions and approaches of child and adolescent psychiatrists and their patients regarding oral and dental health. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among members of the Professional Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in Germany. Out of the association members, 10.9% (n = 109) participated, with 5.2% (n = 52; 38f/14m) completing the questionnaire. Dental and oral health topics were discussed with one-fifth of the patients (19.2%), while 11.5% reported that they were "never" a part of their therapy. Patient-related concerns about dental and oral health were primarily brought into the context of child and adolescent psychiatric work. Dental treatment anxieties were prominent. Only 3.8% of the participants regularly assigned diagnoses related to dental status. The CAPPS employ a bio-psycho-social model for the genesis of oral health-related conditions in Children and Adolescents with Special Needs. CAPPS have a foundation in relationship-based work for assessing oral and dental healthcare and providing recommendations for further dental care. Regional networking and science must be further developed.

Dermatologists' and Rheumatologists' Adherence to the Latest Recommendations for Screening of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used to manage the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic and dermatologic disorders. However, HCQ retinopathy is aserious side effect becauseeven after the drug is discontinued, irreversible vision loss may occur and may continue to progress.According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO),the recent recommendation for HCQ dosing is ≤5 mg/kg of real body weight, with baseline ophthalmologic screening during the first year of HCQ treatment and yearly screening after five years of continuous use of HCQ medication, unless the patient is at high risk or symptoms have developed.Nonetheless, this study aims to assess dermatologists' and rheumatologists' adherence in Saudi Arabia to the 2016 AAO HCQ retinal toxicity guidelines. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on dermatologists and rheumatologists in Saudi Arabia. It was conducted between August and September 2022 and questionnaires were sent to dermatologists and rheumatologists via their professional emails or accounts. The collected sample consisted of 635 participants; males and females represented 54% and 46%, respectively; 47.6% were consultants; 50.1% were rheumatologists; and 49.9% were dermatologists. Approximately 28.2% of the participants reported treating one to three patients with HCQ in the previous year. Only 45.4% of the respondents stated that the ideal recommended HCQ dose for reducing the risk of retinopathy is "≤ 5 mg/kg of the real body weight." More than 50% of the respondents stated that systemic lupus erythematosus was the most common disease for which they used HCQ. Additionally, 36.5% of the physicians screened patients during the first year of HCQ treatment. We found significant associations between practice levels and specialty practice-related questions with a p-value of less than 0.05, except for the specialty practice-related question, "What is the most common disease for which you use HCQ?" with a p-value of 0.074. Also, we found significant associations between all demographic variables and screening-related variables with a p-value of less than 0.05, with two exceptions: no significant associations were found between specialty area and the screening-related question, "Do you recommend screening tests for all patients starting treatment with HCQ?" at p = 0.270, and gender and the screening-related question, "When would you recommend screening tests for a patient without risk?" at p = 0.142. Dermatologists and rheumatologists in Saudi Arabia have shown poor adherence to the most recent AAO recommendations. Educating physicians and patients about the AAO guidelines is needed for HCQ to be used in a way that is both effective and safe.

Prevalence of Dementia and its Correlation with Cognitive Function in Elderly Post-Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke dementia (PSD) is a clinical entity that encompasses all types of dementia following an index stroke, which may affect up to one third of stroke survivors. Unlike physical disability after stroke, cognitive function usually worsens over time and are often overlooked with detrimental impacts on the quality of life of survivors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This work is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Elderly post-stroke patients participated in this study. We adopted Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS) and The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) we recorded the prevalence of dementia and its correlation with cognitive function in elderly post stroke patients. RESULT: Data of 46 participants was analysed. The mean age group was above 60years, as this study was conducted in elderly post-stroke patients. In this study 41% females and 59% males participated based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two components were collected using Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS) and The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that in present scenario of post stroke patient. the sub items of questionnaire (MMSE) and (DSRS) have increased values indicating towards risk factor of dementia and cognitive functions in post-stroke elderly patients in Pravara Rural Hospital is mostly when the age increases as shown significant correlation in Group B with age group of 60-70 years. whereas in Group A with age group of 71-80 years shows that there is no significant correlation. Hence, our study concluded that there is a co-relation of dementia and cognitive function in elderly post stroke patients. So, it determines that the correlation between dementia and cognitive function is more significant at age 71-80 hence, statistically proved.

PERSPECTIVE OF THE DOCTORS IN A NEW MEDICAL COLLEGE OF NORTH-EAST INDIA REGARDING THE NATIONAL LIST OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES

Objectives: To collate the perspectives of doctors regarding the national list of essential medicines (NLEM) and thus assess the factors affecting adaptation and implementation of NLEM at the state or institution level. Methods: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among the doctors of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, which is a new medical college and a tertiary care hospital in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh. The study was carried out for 6 months. The participants were explained the purpose of the study and requested to fill out the questionnaire and return it immediately. Data analysis was performed using simple statistical methods such as percentages and proportions. Results: Out of 73 participants, 63% were aware of NLEM, while 37% were unaware of the term NLEM. Only 17.8% of the doctors are satisfied that the drugs in the latest NLEM suffice for most of the medical conditions they come across in their daily practices. Only about 39.7% of the doctors frequently prescribed the drugs from the NLEM list in their routine practice. The majority (61.6%) of them agree that there should be a separate essential drug list supplementary to the World Health Organization list in every tertiary care medical college. Conclusion: The concept of NLEM offers the most cost-effective solution to healthcare needs. The selection of the medicines in the list or a separate state or institutional list according to the needs of the regional population can cater to most of the healthcare needs.

Assessment of the Quality of Life of the Caregiver of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Tertiary Health Care Facility

Background: Long-term care for patients with chronic kidney disease, whether in the pre or post-dialysis period, has a destructive impact on patients and their caregivers that can significantly worsen their quality of life. Objectives: To assess the quality of life (QOL) among caregivers of children suffering from chronic kidney disease and to identify the possible factors affecting their quality of life. Subjects and methods: Between March 2023 and May 2023, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at King Saud Medical City for caregivers of all pediatric patients aged from 6 months to 14 years with CKD stage-3B and beyond who have been followed up for at least three months in the pre or post-dialysis period since 2015. The study applied the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) to evaluate the caregivers’ quality of life. Result: A total of 95 caregivers were involved in the study. The age ranged between 24 and 53 years, with an arithmetic mean of 39.3 and a standard deviation of (± 6.6) years, and almost two-thirds (65.3%) were Saudi nationals. Most pediatric patients were on peritoneal renal dialysis (41%), whereas 29.5% were on hemodialysis. The mean and SD of the overall score was 56.10 ± 17.40 out of a possible range of 0-100. Regarding its domains, the highest score was observed regarding the social domain (62.11 ± 21.12), whereas the lowest was the physical domain (49.55 ± 18.42). After controlling for confounding, married, high socio-economic, and more educated caregivers have higher QOL scores than singles, low socio-economic, and lower knowledgeable caregivers, and the three factors together were responsible for approximately 41% variability of the QOL score (r – square = 0.406). Bivariate Pearson correlation showed significant correlations among different quality-of-life domains (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between quality-of-life scores and demographic characteristics of chronic kidney disease caregivers; they need the highest support to cope with their delicate patients.

An assessment of treatment compliance using the Morisky scale-8 tool in adult hypertensive patients of Eastern India.

Adequate management of hypertension is crucial for decreasing the likelihood of cardiovascular ailments and associated complications. Nonetheless, in the Indian context, maintaining compliance with prescribed hypertensive therapies presents a notable hurdle, impeding the attainment of favorable health outcomes. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the prevalence of treatment adherence and explore the diverse factors that impact adherence patterns among individuals diagnosed with hypertension. A community-based cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among the diagnosed hypertensive patients from 12 purposefully selected villages of Khagaul block, Patna. A total of 262 participants were recruited in the study by using non-probability sampling. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used for measuring adherence. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 21.0 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis of data. As per MMAS scores, 10 (3.8%) had high, 133 (50.8%) moderate, and 119 (45.4%) poor adherence. However, good adherence was reported among geriatric patients [1.65 (1.01-2.7)], those with a history of absence of comorbidities [2.15 (1.21-3.85)], more than 5 years' duration of hypertension [3.2 (1.89-5.41)], once-a-day drug intake [2.8 (1.61-4.87)], and having controlled blood pressure [5.2 (3.08-8.96)]. Controlled blood pressure (AOR = 0.048, 0.023-0.098), perception of high benefit of treatment [0.497 (0.255-0.97)], and absence of comorbidity [0.016 (0.168-0.832)] were identified as predictors of good treatment adherence. Overall medication adherence in the current study was 54.6%. Achieving treatment adherence frequently demands proactive patient engagement, highlighting their active role in disease management. Also, involving the patient's caregivers can offer an additional tactic to tackle non-adherence stemming from forgetfulness of the patient.

Adherence to Medications in Patients with Ischaemic Heart Disease in Oman.

This study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to medication among patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in Oman and assess the related factors. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among patients with IHD attending the outpatient clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, was performed between January and December 2021. A total of 105 patients (mean age = 49.9 ± 11.1 years, 78.1% male) were recruited. Most of the patients (80%) reported taking the medications by themselves; 77 (73.3%) patients said that over the preceding 2 weeks, they had missed at least 3 doses of their medication. The reasons for missing the medications included forgetting (100%), having to take too many tablets (57%), feeling that the tablets are not effective (48%) and having to take the tablets too often each day (23%). The factors responsible for patients failing to take medications could not be identified. Medication adherence was low among patients with IHD in Oman, with high pill burden being the most common reason for non-adherence. Physicians must bear this in mind when reviewing patients.

Questionnaire-based assessment on knowledge, attitude and practice of fixed-dose combination in medical undergraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital, Kanpur

Background: Aim was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of second-year medical undergraduates towards FDC. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among second-year medical undergraduates of GSVM, medical college, Kanpur in the form of a pre-test, and after sensitizing the students about FDC, the same questionnaire was given as a post-test. Results: A total of 251 students, 157 students participated in the pre-test and 140 participated in the post-test. The percentage of male students in pre and post-test were more (58% and 61.4%) compared to female students (42% and 38.6%). After conducting a post-test survey, there is a significant improvement in knowledge and attitude toward FDC. Conclusions: The inclusion of FDC in the undergraduate curriculum is a good initiative by NMC but there is a need to conduct more CME, symposiums, and workshops in medical colleges to update the knowledge regarding FDC among medical undergraduates.

Measuring patient activation: the utility of the Patient Activation Measure administered in an interview setting

BackgroundPatient activation is an emerging field in healthcare research concerning knowledge, skills, and confidence of patients in managing their health. This is particularly important for patients with chronic diseases, who often require more complex care management and self-care skills. However, due to temporary or longer-lasting visual impairments, certain patient groups cannot answer a questionnaire independently. The main objective is to investigate the psychometric properties of the German Patient Activation Measure® (PAM) survey in an everyday clinical setting where it has to be read aloud.MethodsOutpatients with macular edema participated in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The study assessed patient activation by the PAM® survey, self-rated health, self-efficacy, quality of life, and general mood. Interviewers read questionnaires aloud to patients. Psychometric properties of the PAM® survey were investigated by item response theory (IRT), Cronbach’s α and trait–trait correlations.ResultsThe analysis included N = 554 patients. Median age was 69 (IQR 62.0–76.0) years and mean overall activation score 74.1 (SD 13.7). All items showed ceiling effects. Empirical reliability from the IRT model and Cronbach’s α were 0.75. The PAM® survey showed a Spearman correlation of 0.54 with self-efficacy, 0.51 with quality of life and 0.34 with general mood.ConclusionThe read-aloud PAM® survey has been shown to provide to adequate measurement precision and convergent validity to be used as a screening tool in an everyday clinical setting. Objective assessment in an interview setting with the PAM® survey is possible. PAM® items are good in distinguishing lower to middle activated patients, but not patients with high activation. Further, issues with structural validity need more investigation.