Impact Scores Research Articles

Characteristics of children with a psychiatric disorder in 1999, 2004 and 2017: an analysis of the national child mental health surveys of England.

While research has described the profile of children with poor mental health, little is known about whether this profile and their needs have changed over time. Our aim was to investigate whether levels of difficulties and functional impact faced by children with a psychiatric disorder have changed over time, and whether sociodemographic and family correlates have changed. Samples were three national probability surveys undertaken in England in 1999, 2004 and 2017 including children aged 5-15 years. Psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA), a standardised multi-informant diagnostic tool based on the tenth International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The impact and difficulties of having a disorder (emotional, behavioural or hyperkinetic) were compared over time using total difficulty and impact scores from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Analyses explored the impact of having any disorder, as well as for each disorder separately. Regression analyses compared associations between disorders and sociodemographic factors over time. Parent- and adolescent-reported total SDQ difficulty and impact scores increased between 1999 and 2017 for children and adolescents with disorders. No differences were noted when using teacher ratings. No differences in total SDQ difficulty score were found for children without a disorder. Comparison of sociodemographic correlates across the surveys over time revealed that ethnic minority status, living in rented accommodation and being in the lowest income quintile had a weaker association with disorder in 2017 compared to 1999. Our study reveals a concerning trend; children with a disorder in 2017 experienced more severe difficulties and greater impact on functioning at school, home and in their daily lives, compared to children with a disorder in earlier decades. Research is needed to identify and understand factors that may explain the changing nature and level of need among children with a disorder.

Diagnostic and prognostic performance of the LiverRisk score in tertiary care

Diagnostic and prognostic performance of the LiverRisk score in tertiary care

Tinnitus reduction in patients with single-sided deafness: the effect of cochlear implantation, bone conduction devices, and contralateral routing of sound hearing aids investigated in a randomized controlled trial.

Single-sided deafness (SSD) is often accompanied by tinnitus, resulting in a decreased quality of life. Currently, there is a lack of high level of evidence studies comparing different treatment options for SSD regarding tinnitus reduction. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the effect of a cochlear implant (CI), bone conduction device (BCD), contralateral routing of sound (CROS), and no treatment on tinnitus outcomes in SSD patients, with follow-up extending to 24 months. A total of 120 adult SSD patients were randomized to three groups: CI, a trial period with first a BCD on a headband, then a CROS, or vice versa. After the trial periods, patients opted for a BCD, CROS, or no treatment. At the start of follow-up, 28 patients were implanted with a CI, 25 patients with a BCD, 34 patients had a CROS, and 26 patients chose no treatment. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were completed at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. The CI and BCD groups showed significantly decreased tinnitus impact scores. The CI group showed the largest decrease, which was already observed at 3 months of follow-up. Compared to the baseline, the median THI score decreased by 23 points, the TQ score by 17 points, and the VAS score by 60 points at 24 months. In the BCD group, the TQ score decreased by 9 points, and the VAS decreased by 25 points at 24 months. The HADS anxiety and depression subscale showed no indication for anxiety or depression at baseline, nor at 24 months, for all groups. In this RCT, SSD patients treated with a CI or BCD showed an overall decrease in tinnitus impact scores up to 24 months compared to baseline. The CI group reported a stable and the largest reduction. Cochlear implants appear to be superior to BCD and CROS, and no treatment for achieving partial or complete resolution of tinnitus in patients with SSD. Netherlands Trial Register, www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/26952, NTR4457, CINGLE trial.

Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Glucose Control and Quality of Life Among Type 1 Diabetic Patients in Madina City: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Diabetes is a growing global health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide and in Saudi Arabia in particular. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers real-time glucose levels, alerts, and 24/7 coverage, making it an affordable treatment option. The study aimed to assess CGM's effect on diabetes control and quality of life among type 1 adult diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study enrolled Saudi adults diagnosed with type I diabetesand was conducted from 1 April 2024 to 30 May 2024 in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from patients' medical records and the diabetes quality of life questionnaire (DQoL). This study enrolled 317 participants, mostly male (52.1%) and a mean age of 34.34±12.28 years. After three months, the HbA1c levels significantly decreased (p<0.001). Older participants reported lower overall quality of life and satisfaction with their level of well-being when using CGM. Univariate analysis found that age had a significant negative association with the total score (B=-0.062, P=0.049) and satisfaction (B=-0.109, P=0.011. Marital status significantly affected the impact score (B=0.567, P=0.024). Education level notably affected satisfaction (B=-0.906, P=0.008)and monthly income influenced satisfaction (B=-1.25, P=0.033). However, multivariate analysis showed that age, education level, and monthly income did not significantly (p>0.005) affect the CGM impact, quality of life, and satisfaction. These findings indicate that CGM significantly improved diabetes control, while improved quality of life was not significant. The impact, quality of life, and satisfaction were influenced by age, marital status, education, and income level, though not statistically significant independent predictors. Therefore, we recommend longitudinal studies, controlling for confounders.

Data inaccuracy quantification and uncertainty propagation for bibliometric indicators

Abstract This study introduces an approach to estimate the uncertainty in bibliometric indicator values that is caused by data errors. This approach utilizes Bayesian regression models, estimated from empirical data samples, which are used to predict error-free data. Through direct Monte Carlo simulation—drawing many replicates of predicted data from the estimated regression models for the same input data—probability distributions for indicator values can be obtained which provide the information on their uncertainty due to data errors. It is demonstrated how uncertainty in base quantities, such as the number of publications of certain document types of a unit of analysis and the number of citations of a publication, can be propagated along a measurement model into final indicator values. Synthetic examples are used to illustrate the method and real bibliometric research evaluation data is used to show its application in practice. Though in this contribution we just use two out of a larger number of known bibliometric error categories and therefore can account for only some part of the total uncertainty due to inaccuracies, the latter example reveals that average values of citation impact scores of publications of research groups need to be used very cautiously as they often have large margins of error resulting from data inaccuracies.

Assessing the impact of organic and inorganic micropollutants released from a wastewater treatment plant on humans and aquatic environment, Al-Hoceima city, Morocco

Wastewater contains a variety of compounds qualified as pollutants. These undergo incomplete treatment in wastewater treatment plants. The objective of this study is to determine the potential impacts on humans and aquatic environment of 46 organic and inorganic micropollutants using the USE-tox® model. The concentrations used in this study are obtained by analyzing raw and treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant of the city of Al-Hoceima, Morocco. The total human health impact score is 10−2, generally varying between 10−3 and 10−9. Ba, Hg, Zn and Cd had the highest score with a percentage of 92 % of the total score. For the aquatic environment, impact was estimated for 25 compounds. Pyrene, Anthracene, Benzo(a)Anthracene, Fluoranthene and PCB-77 were the major contributors with an impact ranging from 3.43E+02–1.21E+01 PDF.m3.d. With a value of 3.43E+02, Pyrene had the highest impact, contributing 73 % by itself.

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Sciatica Pain and Treatment Methods Among the Population of Qassim in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Sciatica, a pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, can cause significant suffering and functional limitations. Understanding individual populations' knowledge and attitudes about sciatica pain is crucial for designing targeted interventions and enhancing healthcare delivery, especially in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude towardsciatica pain and treatment methods among the population of Al-Qassim in Saudi Arabia. Methods and materials:This online cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, with numeric data presented as mean ± SD and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Correlation analyses included the Chi-squared test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The study received 398 responses, from mostly female (n=305, 76.6%)and Saudi adults aged under 30 (n=248, 62.3%). Most participants sought treatment for sciatica pain from a specialist doctor (n=28, 56.0%) or a general doctor (n=10, 20.0%). Physical therapy was the most common self-treatment method (n=11, 32.4%), followed by painkillers and muscle relaxants (n=10, 29.4%). Knowledge and attitude towardsciatica were generally low (mean score: 3.54 ± 2.61 out of 9), with only 70 (17.6%) showing good knowledge. Most respondents recognized practices like spinal imaging, surgery as a last resort, and exercise/sitting habits as impacting sciatica outcomes. Traditional therapies like massage, cupping, acupuncture, and cautery were considered beneficial. Educational level significantly impacted knowledge scores, with higher mean scores among postgraduate education holders and bachelor's degree holders (mean scores: 4.06 ± 2.48 and 3.98 ± 2.53, respectively). Age, gender, occupation, nationality, and region showed no significant differences in mean knowledge scores. Attitude scores were similar across sociodemographic spectra, with younger respondents having slightly more positive attitudes. Conclusion: The study showed poor knowledge, influenced by education levels, and neutral attitudes about sciatica among residents of Al-Qassim. Therefore, educational programs and engagement of healthcare stakeholders are recommended to raise awareness and improve knowledge and attitudes.

Validation of the food inflation impact on consumer behavior scale: a comparative measurement instrument with focus on food security

This study aimed to compare the change in consumer behaviour in the face of high inflation with respect to food security in the Turkish population by developing a 3-factor The Impact of Food Inflation on Consumer Behaviour (IFI-ConB) scale. Item generation and expert evaluation, item purification by preliminary application, and final administration were conducted. The moderate to severe food insecure individuals exhibited a higher inflation impact score on food consumption patterns, food shopping behaviours, and food purchasing motives factors compared to secure to mild insecure individuals. A positive correlation was found between the inflation impact score by IFI-ConB and the price motive for food choice. The primary food choice motive was health among the secure to mild insecure individuals, while for the moderate to severe food insecure individuals, it was price. The findings indicate that food insecure individuals are more affected by high food inflation compared to food secure individuals.

The Association Between Autism Symptomatology and Adaptive Functioning Over Six Months: Findings from the Pilot Phase of the PARC Study.

In the context of developmental trajectories, the association between adaptive functioning and core autism symptomatology remains unclear. The current study examines the associations of adaptive behavior with autism symptom sub-domains and with different facets of symptom expression. Participants include 36 children with a recent diagnosis of autism (33 males; mean age = 56.4 months; SD = 9 months). Families were recruited in the context of the Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) project. Parents filled out questionnaires at two time points, six months apart, regarding their child's autism symptoms and adaptive functioning. The longitudinal relationship between adaptive functioning and autism symptoms was investigated using Mixed Linear Model analyses: one assessing the relationship between general symptom levels and adaptive functioning, and another examining the associations between symptom frequency and impact with adaptive functioning. We conducted Pearson correlation tests at both time points to assess the associations between symptom sub-domains and adaptive functioning. Findings showed that higher autism symptoms associated with lower adaptive behavior skills, and that this association remained stable over time. Autism impact scores did not significantly relate to adaptive skills, as opposed to frequency scores. Associations between adaptive functioning and autism symptom sub-domains strengthened over time. These findings suggest that adaptive functioning is associated with parent-report autism symptomatology, and that this association changes and, on average, becomes stronger over time. Findings may indicate that frequency and impact of symptoms have differential roles in the development of adaptive skills and are worthy of further exploration.

Machine Learning for Evaluating Hospital Mobility: An Italian Case Study

This study delves into hospital mobility within the Italian regions of Apulia and Emilia-Romagna, interpreting it as an indicator of perceived service quality. Utilizing logistic regression alongside other machine learning techniques, we analyze the impact of structural, operational, and clinical variables on patient perceptions of quality, thus influencing their healthcare choices. The analysis of mobility trends has uncovered significant regional differences, emphasizing how the regional context shapes perceived service quality. To further enhance the analysis, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values have been integrated into the logistic regression model. These values quantify the specific contributions of each variable to the perceived quality of service, significantly improving the interpretability and fairness of evaluations. A methodological innovation of this study is the use of these SHAP impact scores as weights in the data envelopment analysis (DEA), facilitating a comparative efficiency analysis of healthcare facilities that is both weighted and normative. The combination of logistic regression and SHAP-weighted DEA provides a deeper understanding of perceived quality dynamics and offers essential insights for optimizing the distribution of healthcare resources. This approach underscores the importance of data-driven strategies to develop more equitable, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare systems. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of perceived quality dynamics within the healthcare context and promotes further investigations to enhance service accessibility and quality, leveraging machine learning as a tool to increase the efficiency of healthcare services across diverse regional settings. These findings are pivotal for policymakers and healthcare system managers aiming to reduce regional disparities and promote a more responsive and personalized healthcare service.

Sleep duration, chronotype, health and lifestyle factors affect cognition: a UK Biobank cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo explore the nuanced relationship between sleep patterns, chronotype, quality and the influence of health and lifestyle factors on cognitive performance.Design, setting, participantsThis cross-sectional analysis used ordinary least squares regression...

Social life cycle hotspot analysis of future hydrogen use in the EU

Abstract Purpose The widespread use of hydrogen in the EU aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions may involve complex value chains (e.g. importation from third countries) with potential effects (positive or negative) on the different sectors of society. Achieving sustainable hydrogen deployment must be motivated not only by environmental and economic aspects but also by social responsibility and the search for human well-being. Given this, and the scarcity of studies currently available on prospective social impacts of hydrogen production, the present purpose of this article is to unveil and assess the main social impacts linked to the future hydrogen value chains. Methods The methodological approach adopted in this article encompasses the following steps: (i) analysis of two potential value chains for hydrogen use in EU: an on-site option, where hydrogen is produced and used in the same European country, and an off-site option, where hydrogen is produced in a European country different from its usage involving more unit processes, in terms of storage and transport activities, and working time to deliver the same quantity of hydrogen. This framework will include (i) scenario analysis and a forward-looking perspective taking into account the critical raw materials employed across the entire value chain, (ii) identification of a list of relevant social impact categories and indicators through a systematic procedure, (iii) social hotspot analysis using Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) to assess the selected representative value chains, and (iv) conducting scenario analysis and subsequently interpreting of results. Results and discussion The off-site value chain shows a relatively worse social performance (6 to 72 times) than the on-site value chain across most selected indicators due to the more complex value chain. Although the identification of social hotspots depends on the specific social indicator under evaluation, the power source components (wind and solar PV) manufacturing processes and the relatively increased complexity of the off-site option highly conditioned the social performance of the hydrogen value chains in most of the indicators considered. A scenario analysis was carried out comparing both value chains with two additional locations for hydrogen production: Northern Africa and Western Asia. The findings indicate that the on-site value chain presents the lowest impact scores. For the off-site option, the production of hydrogen in a European country is the most preferable scenario in terms of the social indicators evaluated. Conclusions According to findings, producing hydrogen in a different location than where it is consumed increases the social impacts of its deployment. Measures at mid and long term should be considered for improving the social impact of hydrogen deployment in Europe. This includes increasing reuse and recycling, responsibly sourcing raw materials, and creating regulatory frameworks ensuring safe working conditions across global value chains. Furthermore, this article highlights the crucial role of the S-LCA methodology in evaluating social aspects as a support for targeted policy interventions, and the need to adapt this to the specific case study. At the same time, it acknowledges that other relevant social aspects that can influence the social sustainability of the hydrogen technology are not captured with this methodology (in particular social acceptance, affordability and energy security). Improvements in selecting indicators and refined geographical and temporal representations of the value chains to better represent hydrogen technologies and future size market are research gaps filled in the present scientific work.

D-Impact of the Various Strategies on the Author's Impact Score

D-Impact of the Various Strategies on the Author's Impact Score

Poster 285: Two-Year KOOS Improvement after Unloading Treatment With Implantable Shock Absorber in Post-Meniscectomy Patients

Objectives: Meniscectomy is a common orthopaedic procedure designed to improve symptoms. However, partial or full meniscectomy can reduce the structure’s ability to absorb and distribute normal joint load, which can result in post-meniscectomy pain. Subjects with and without previous meniscectomy and knee OA were treated with an implantable shock absorber (ISA) to unload the medial compartment. The purpose of this study was to compare subjects with and without previous meniscectomy who were treated with the ISA to evaluate if prior meniscectomy impacted outcomes scores. The objective was to determine if prior meniscectomy impacted two-year KOOS outcomes for patients treated with an implantable shock absorber. Methods: Eighty-one (81) subjects had the ISA implanted, and 23 subjects (28%) previously underwent partial (22) or full (1) medial meniscectomy. Subjects in the medial meniscectomy arm were 50.9 years old compared to 51.4 years old in the non-meniscectomy arm (p=0.8). The two arms were comparable for other baseline demographics, such as BMI, OA disease severity and duration of symptoms. Baseline and 2-year improvements in KOOS subscales were recorded. Results: Subjects with and without previous meniscectomy reported similar improvements in KOOS scores at two years. The post-meniscectomy group reported KOOS Pain improvement of 41.3 points from baseline, compared to a 47.3 point improvement in the non-meniscectomy group (p=0.2584) at two years. Similarly, the meniscectomy group reported a 43.6 improvement in KOOS ADL, compared to a 45.9 point improvement in the non-meniscectomy group (p=0.7075). Subjects reported similarly high levels of improvement in the post-meniscectomy arm compared to the non-meniscectomy group (38.2 vs. 51.4, p=0.1108) on the Sports/Rec Activities scale of KOOS. Through two years, none (0%) of the meniscectomy group underwent a conversion to arthroplasty, and study safety events were comparable between the two arms (p=0.2109). Conclusions: At two years, the implantable shock absorber provided dramatic improvement on KOOS subscales for subjects with prior meniscectomy and knee OA that is comparable to the improvement for subjects without history of meniscectomy. While this study population was more of a general OA population and not a sports-oriented population, the improvement in KOOS Sports/Rec was notable for the post-meniscectomy cohort. Given the attractive safety profile, the ISA is a potential treatment for patients with post-meniscectomy pain, and the treatment should be evaluated further in this population.

Psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on professional resilience and self-care on nurses: an example of Ankara

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted nurses, who are frontline care providers, with high infection risk, disease transmission to relatives, and adverse psychosocial effects. This descriptive and correlational study examines the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on 224 nurses, focusing on their professional resilience and self-care during active care of COVID-19 patients from December 2022 to August 2023. Data was collected through demographic information forms, questionnaires, and scales. Structural equation modeling was used for the relational dimension of the study. The mean score of the nurses’ COVID-19 Pandemic Psychosocial Impact Scale was 85.43 (SD = 22.08), while the Skovholt Practitioner Professional Resiliency and Self-Care Inventory had a mean score of 135.64 (SD = 19.73). A statistically significant low-level negative relationship between the scale scores (r = -0.220). The COVID-19 pandemic’s psychosocial impact scores significantly impact personal vitality and stress, indicating a direct negative effect on these factors, according to structural equation modeling results.

Achieving research impact in medical research through collaboration across organizational boundaries: Insights from a mixed methods study in the Netherlands

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, university medical centres (UMCs) bear primary responsibility for conducting medical research and delivering highly specialized care. The TopCare program was a policy experiment lasting 4 years in which three non-academic hospitals received funding from the Dutch Ministry of Health to also conduct medical research and deliver highly specialized care in specific domains. This study investigates research collaboration outcomes for all Dutch UMCs and non-academic hospitals in general and, more specifically, for the domains in the non-academic hospitals participating in the TopCare program. Additionally, it explores the organizational boundary work employed by these hospitals to foster productive research collaborations.MethodsA mixed method research design was employed combining quantitative bibliometric analysis of publications and citations across all Dutch UMCs and non-academic hospitals and the TopCare domains with geographical distances, document analysis and ethnographic interviews with actors in the TopCare program.ResultsQuantitative analysis shows that, over the period of study, international collaboration increased among all hospitals while national collaboration and single institution research declined slightly. Collaborative efforts correlated with higher impact scores, and international collaboration scored higher than national collaboration. A total of 60% of all non-academic hospitals’ publications were produced in collaboration with UMCs, whereas almost 30% of the UMCs’ publications were the result of such collaboration. Non-academic hospitals showed a higher rate of collaboration with the UMC that was nearest geographically, whereas TopCare hospitals prioritized expertise over geographical proximity within their specialized domains. Boundary work mechanisms adopted by TopCare hospitals included aligning research activities with organizational mindset (identity), bolstering research infrastructure (competence) and finding and mobilizing strategic partnerships with academic partners (power). These efforts aimed to establish credibility and attractiveness as collaboration partners.ConclusionsResearch collaboration between non-academic hospitals and UMCs, particularly where this also involves international collaboration, pays off in terms of publications and impact. The TopCare hospitals used the program’s resources to perform boundary work aimed at becoming an attractive and credible collaboration partner for academia. Local factors such as research history, strategic domain focus, in-house expertise, patient flows, infrastructure and network relationships influenced collaboration dynamics within TopCare hospitals and between them and UMCs.

Changing the availability and positioning of more vs. less environmentally sustainable products: A randomised controlled trial in an online experimental supermarket

Food purchasing behaviours are shaped by the choices available to shoppers and the way they are offered for sale. This study tested whether prominent positioning of more sustainable food items online and increasing their relative availability might reduce the environmental impact of foods selected in a 2x2 (availability x position) factorial randomised controlled trial. Participants (n = 1179) selected items in a shopping task in an experimental online supermarket. The availability intervention added lower-impact products to the regular range. The positioning intervention biased product order to give prominence to lower-impact products. The primary outcome was the environmental impact score (ranging from 1 “least impact” to 5 “most impact”, of each item in shopping baskets) analysed using Welch's ANOVA. Secondary outcomes included interactions (analysed via linear regression) by gender, age group, education, income and meat consumption and we assessed intervention acceptability (using different frames) in a post-experiment questionnaire. Compared to control (mean = 21.6), mean eco quintile score was significantly reduced when availability & order was altered (−2.30; 95%CI: 3.04; −1.56) and when order only was changed (−1.67; 95%CI: 2.42; −0.92). No significant difference between availability only (−0.02; 95%CI: 0.73; 0.69) and control was found. There were no significant interactions between interventions or by demographic characteristics. Both interventions were acceptable under certain frames (positioning emphasising lower-impact products: 70.3% support; increasing lower-impact items: 74.3% support). Prominent positioning of more sustainable products may be an effective strategy to encourage more sustainable food purchasing. Increasing availability of more sustainable products alone did not significantly alter the environment impact of products selected.

Arm morbidity and financial difficulty in breast cancer survivors.

Long-term upper extremity symptoms after breast cancer treatment may impact patient-reported financial difficulty. In this cross-sectional investigation, we hypothesized that severity of arm symptoms would be associated with greater financial difficulty. Stage 0-III breast cancer patients treated at our institution from 2002 to 2012 were recruited for a 2018 survey study appraising disease-specific patient-centered outcomes using EORTC-QLQ-BR23 and EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaires. The association between Arm Symptom (AS) score and Financial Impact (FI) score was assessed, adjusting for clinically relevant variables. Of 1126 interested participants, 882 (78%) responded to surveys. Three hundred fourteen (36%) with incomplete responses were excluded. Median time from surgery was 9years; 181 (32%) and 117 (21%) had mastectomy with or without reconstruction, 126 (22%) received postmastectomy radiation (PMRT), and 221 (39%) underwent axillary lymph node dissection. 76 (13%) reported some degree of financial difficulty; 10 (2%) the highest degree of difficulty. Of 217 (38%) patients experiencing arm symptoms, 60 (28%) had severe symptoms. Seven (70%) of those with highest degree of financial difficulty had severe arm symptoms. Younger age at surgery (p = .029), mastectomy with reconstruction (p = 0.003), Hispanic ethnicity (p < 0.001), PMRT (p = 0.027), recurrence (p < 0.001), and higher AS score (p < 0.001) were associated with greater financial difficulty. On multivariable analysis, AS score, younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and recurrence remained associated with financial difficulty. In this study, younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and arm morbidity were associated with increased risk for financial difficulty. Clarifying how treatment-related adverse events such as arm morbidity increase financial hardship may guide interventions to mitigate this burden.

Measurement properties of the Iranian version of the breast cancer perception scale (BCPS) according to the COSMIN checklist

BackgroundBreast cancer is a prevalent cancer characterized by its aggressive nature and potential to cause mortality among women. The rising mortality rates and women’s inadequate perception of the disease’s severity in developing countries highlight the importance of screening using conventional methods and reliable scales. Since the validity and reliability of the breast cancer perception scale (BCPS) have not been established in the Iranian context. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the measurement properties of the BCPS in women residing in Tabriz, Iran.MethodsThe present study comprised a cross-sectional design, encompassing a sample of 372 Iranian women. The participants were selected through a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique conducted over a period spanning from November 2022 to February 2023. The measurement properties of the Iranian version of BCPS were assessed following the guidelines outlined in the COSMIN checklist. This involved conducting various steps, including the translation process, reliability testing (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error), and methodological tests for validity (content validity, face validity, construct validity, and hypothesis testing). The study also investigated the factors of responsiveness and interpretability. The presence of floor and ceiling effects was assessed.ResultsThe internal consistency of the scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a satisfactory value of 0.68. Additionally, McDonald’s omega (95% CI) was computed, resulting in a value of 0.70 (0.66 to 0.74). Furthermore, the test-retest reliability was evaluated, revealing a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.99). The CVI, CVR, and impact scores of the BCPS were determined to be 0.98, 0.95, and 3.70, respectively, indicating favorable levels of content and face validity. To assess construct validity, an examination of the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on a set of 24 items. This analysis revealed the presence of six distinct factors, which collectively accounted for 52% of the cumulative variance. The fit indices of the validity model (CFI = 0.91, NFI = 0.96, RFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.90, χ2/df = 2.03, RMSEA = 0.055 and SRMR = 0.055) were confirmed during the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The overall score of BCPS exhibited a ceiling effect of 0.3%. The floor effect observed in the overall score (BCPS) was found to be 0.5%. Concerning the validation of the hypothesis, Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.55 was obtained between the BCPS and the QLICP-BR V2.0. This correlation value signifies a statistically significant association. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the minimum important change (MIC) of 3.92 exhibited a higher value compared to the smallest detectable change (SDC) of 3.70, thus suggesting a satisfactory level of response.ConclusionsThe obtained findings suggest that the Iranian version of the BCPS demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties for assessing the perception of breast cancer among Iranian women. Furthermore, it exhibits favorable responsiveness to clinical variations. Consequently, it can serve as a screening instrument for healthcare professionals to comprehend breast cancer and as a reliable tool in research endeavors.

(012) THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION ON THE EXPERIENCE OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Abstract Introduction Endometriosis affects an estimated one in ten people assigned female at birth (AFABs) worldwide (WHO, 2021), yet it remains understudied. In particular, there is a lack of literature on the impact of endometriosis on marginalized groups, including those with underrepresented sexual orientations (USOs). In the present study, I examine the impact of identifying with a USO on the experience of living with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside of the uterus. Symptoms can include severe pelvic pain especially during menstruation, pain with intercourse and bowel movements/urination, nausea, fatigue, and infertility, and can have a profound effect on quality of life (Gao et al., 2006). There is presently no cure, with surgical excision being the gold standard for treatment; however, this is costly, often ineffective for long-term relief, and largely inaccessible (WHO, 2021). Although endometriosis is not classified as a sexual health disorder, it can have an enormous impact on sufferers' sexual function, including, but not limited to, painful sex, desire/libido, and satisfaction (Yang et al., 2021). There is limited research on the impact of identifying with a USO on the experience of living with endometriosis. A review of the literature found only one study that mentioned sexual orientation, in which one participant mentioned that it was easier to cope with the pain “because vaginal penetration was not essential to her sexual relationship” (Wahl et al., 2021). Objective The goal of the present study was to determine how identifying with a USO affects AFABs’ experience of living with endometriosis. Methods 150 AFAB participants between the ages of 20-50 years old (M = 31.93, SD: 6.75) who had been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis completed a Qualtrics survey. Participants reported their sexual orientation using the following categories: asexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual, queer, heterosexual, and other. Due to the small number identifying as USOs (N = 31), participants were coded as either USO or heterosexual for analysis. The impact of endometriosis was measured using the Endometriosis Impact Questionnaire (EIQ, Moradi et al., 2019), which consists of six subscales assessing its impact on different aspects of participants’ lives. Results An independent-samples t-test revealed that participants who reported identifying with a USO had higher EIQ impact scores on the physical, psychological, and social subscales than heterosexual participants (all p’s &amp;lt; .008). However, the effect of endometriosis on participants’ fertility appeared to have a lower impact for USO than for heterosexual participants (p = .008). Additionally, it took longer for USOs to be diagnosed (M = 12.58 years) than for heterosexual participants (M = 7.62, p = .002). Conclusions These results suggest practitioners and health educators need to consider the sexual orientation of patients with endometriosis. These results also make a valuable contribution to the psychological, public health, and women’s sexual health literatures that will help practitioners better understand, interact with, and treat patients who identify with a USO. Disclosure No.