Self-administered Questionnaire Research Articles

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Persian Version of the Harris Hip Score

BackgroundThe Harris hip score (HHS), a self-administered questionnaire, is widely used to evaluate hip pathology affecting health-related quality of life and physical function. This study’s purpose was HHS translation to Persian (HHS-Pr) and validation in patients with different hip pathologies. MethodsTranslation and cultural adaptation followed existing guidelines. Hip pathology patients (n = 151) completed the HHS, 12-Item Health Survey, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Criterion validity was determined from comparisons between the HHS measures and the different corresponding WOMAC domains. Internal consistency used Cronbach’s alpha (α), content validity the “content validity index,” and floor/ceiling effect the end-range 15%. Test-retest reliability used the intraclass correlation coefficient (subsample n = 30) at 3-7 days that compared baseline with a repeated measure. Measurement precision and change sensitivity used longitudinal assessment (subgroup n = 30) from the standard error of the measurement and minimal detectable change. ResultsCross-cultural adaptation required minor wording changes. The mean HHS-Pr was 57.77 ± 19.69. Criterion validity was significant with the WOMAC (r = −0.76) and 12-Item Health Survey Physical Component Summary (r = 0.47). Internal consistency was high before (α = 0.75) and after standardization (α = 0.86). Content validity was satisfactory (content validity index = 0.88). No floor/ceiling effects were found. Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85) was excellent, as was standard error of the measurement (raw score = 5.8) and minimal detectable change (raw score = 11.4). ConclusionsThe HHS-Pr demonstrated adequate validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change. These psychometric properties sufficiently measure functional status in patients with hip pathologies in a Persian-speaking population.

The Influence of Opinion Leaders on Consumer Buying Behavior Among Millennials in Klang Valley

Opinion leaders have emerged as individuals with social influence who serve as the core of an interpersonal communication network. The social trends have made opinion leaders significantly influence buying behavior, especially among millennials. A deeper understanding of the characteristics of opinion leadership is still needed and based on the two-step flow theory, we developed a research framework to study opinion leaders’ influence (trust, credibility, and originality) on consumer buying behavior. A simple random sampling method was used, and the sample comprised 398 millennials in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Regarding the relationships involving the opinion leaders’ elements, Pearson correlation analysis found that the trust (r=0.545; p=0.00), credibility (r=0.518; p=0.00), and originality (r=0.398; p=0.00) of opinion leaders are significantly related to consumer buying behavior. Multiple regression analysis was then applied to examine the most influential opinion leader factors on millennials’ buying behavior. The result showed that this model contributed a total of 30.7% and that trust (β = 0.368, p = 0.000) is the most influencing factor on millennials buying behavior. Marketers will have an updated perspective on the influence of opinion leaders on consumer buying behavior knowing the profiles of opinion leaders is extremely beneficial for consumers to make wise purchase decisions.

Evolution of work conditions for employees driving for work in France based on data from the 2003, 2010 and 2017 SUMER surveys (Surveillance Médicale des expositions aux risques Professionnels)

IntroductionThe occupational road-accident risk on public roads and the work conditions for professional driving is still an important issue in occupational health despite lower road-accident rates. This study presents the evolution over time of the work-related constraints for these employees based on the Sumer surveys carried out in 2003, 2010 and 2017. MethodData from the 2010 and 2017 surveys were restricted to match the scope of the 2003 survey in order to enable prevalence data to be compared in equivalent populations. The main variable of interest was “driving (car, truck, bus, and other vehicles) on public thoroughfares” for work (during the last week of work: yes/no). Work time characteristics, work rhythm, autonomy and scope for initiative, collective work group, standards and evaluations variables were completed by the occupational health physicians. A self-administered questionnaire was also provided to employees and contained the Job Content Questionnaire, which assesses decision latitude, social support and psychological demands, the reward scale of Siegrist questionnaire, the hostile behaviour with inspired questions for Leymann, sick leave and work accidents during the past 12 months and job satisfaction. Finally, prevention in the workplace was also completed by the occupational health physicians. ResultsAbout 25% of employees in France were exposed to work-related driving in 2017, which was stable in comparison with 2003 and 2010. However, the population was older and there were more females, more often from the clerical staff/middle manager category and working in companies with fewer than 10 employees. Employees exposed to work-related driving were also more frequently exposed to sustained work schedules and physical constraints, but less exposed to psychosocial risks. ConclusionsThe percentage of employees exposed to occupational road accident risk, i.e., exposure to work-related driving, remained stable at about 25% in 2017 compared with previous surveys. These employees were also more frequently exposed to sustained work schedules and physical constraints, but less exposed to psychosocial risks. Practical ApplicationsPrevention campaigns on work-related road accident risk should be provided to all employees in all companies since all jobs can be concerned.

Seeking higher order construction of cognitive abilities in a psychosocial learning environment

<span lang="EN-US">In this study, we created a psychosocial learning environment consisting of five types of interaction, namely: student collaboration; specific learning objectives and curriculum coherence; learning facilities; independent learning; and constructivist instruction. This research aimed to determine the scope in which the five modes of contact improved students’ learning outcomes in higher order cognitive abilities. This quantitative study involved form four accounting students (N=352) in Malaysia who completed a self-administered questionnaire that included the higher order cognitive abilities (HOCA) test, the instruments of students’ perceived learning environment, and zone-specific demographic data. The results showed two of the five inventory of students’ perceived learning environment (ISPLE) scores. Specific learning objectives and curriculum coherence, were the most significant predictors and strongly correlated with higher order cognitive abilities. Even the components of the psychosocial learning environment impact HOCA in most subjects. However, researchers have obtained new findings that explain other factors that need to be studied to evaluate or encourage HOCA in accounting subjects. Thus, the researcher suggests further research using self-learning methods through modules to assess and promote HOCA in accounting</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span>

Empirical investigation of drivers, motivations and barriers for implementation of integrated continuous improvement system: a case of Ethiopian manufacturing industries

PurposeContinuous improvement in an integrated approach is a philosophy developed over decades based on a set of management practices. It comprises enhancement methodologies that escalate success as well as diminishes letdowns. The state-of-the-art literature finds a variety of practices for the execution of continuous improvement (CI) system. However, it is rare to find an empirical study with an inclusive system that considers various practices in one frame for improving competitiveness. With this outlook, therefore, this study aims originally to identify drivers, motivations and barriers for the application of integrated CI system, and then conduct an empirical investigation within the context of Ethiopian manufacturing industries.Design/methodology/approachJustification of the problem, extensive review of literature, identification of practices, developing research framework, investigational analysis of the empirical study using reliability and descriptive statistical analysis and identifying leading drivers (unique practices and common factors), motivations and barriers are the research approaches used in this study. Furthermore, the primary data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) 23 and the findings were triangulated to relate to the existing state-of-the-art literature.FindingsThe findings indicate 17 common factors associated with human, strategic, operational, technology, structure, resource and information factors; 21 unique practices of just-in-time (JIT), lean-six sigma (LSS), supply chain management (SCM), total productive maintenance (TPM), and total quality management (TQM) methodologies; 20 barriers connected with internal and external issues and 17 motivations linked to operational, innovation and business results are identified. In general, the empirical analysis discovers the practices are noteworthy and commonly supported by a least of 52% of the respondents. As a result, the first five prominent common factors, barriers, unique practices and motivations are also supported by a minimum of 72%, 73.9%, 65.8% and 75% of the respondents, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsEven though this is the first-ever study in the Ethiopian manufacturing sector with the focus on integrated CI practices of JIT, TQM, TPM, SCM and LSS initiatives, some limitations have existed and the major limitations of the study are, targeted merely small number manufacturing companies despite the fact that there are hundreds of companies implementing CI system in Ethiopia, and the data collected were only based on the perception of the respondents, and other information’s like annual reports was not employed to support the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study underlined that the implementation of drivers in relation to common factors and unique practices supported by exterminating barriers in manufacturing industries of Ethiopia enables to enhance competitiveness through attaining operational, innovation and business results though it requires a practical case application to prove this perception-based analysis.Originality/valueThough there are a number of studies published on integrated continuous improvement, currently it is found that there is no literature focused on the identification and empirical investigation of drivers (common factors and unique practices), motivations and barriers for application of integrated CI system with the focus of JIT, TQM, TPM, SCM and LSS initiatives. Therefore, this is the first-ever study, and the empirical analysis of the study discovered that identified practices are providing valuable insights for manufacturing industries which will be on board on this voyage including institutions, practitioners and other sectors.

Impact of Intergenerational Shokuiku (Food and Nutrition Education) Programs on Alleviating Loneliness in Japanese Communities across Ages

As loneliness is a risk factor for mental and physical health problems in various age groups, this study aimed to explore the impact of the intergenerational Shokuiku (food and nutrition education) program (IGSP) on loneliness in a Japanese community. This single-arm intervention study conducted between 2022 and 2023 included children (n = 21), guardians (n = 16), university students (n = 3), and older adults (n = 6). The IGSP was a one-day program that included participants making and eating their own bread, butter, and sorbet. Loneliness was measured using the Five-item Loneliness Scale for Children (Five-LSC; Japanese) and the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (Japanese; for adults) with other direct questions. Social capital, including civic participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity, was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The Five-LSC score significantly decreased post-intervention (p = 0.04). There was a significant increase in adults who reported not feeling lonely (p = 0.001). However, the UCLA Loneliness Scale scores did not show any significant changes. A positive change in social cohesion, including community contribution (p = 0.001) and attachment (p = 0.002), was observed among adults. This study suggests that IGSPs have a positive impact on loneliness in children and a partly positive one in adults. These findings emphasize the potential of intergenerational programs to reduce loneliness in communities.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain among physical therapists: A cross-sectional study in Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, Japan.

This study aimed to determine the actual working conditions and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among physical therapists in Japan, and the risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) and upper limb pain (ULP). A cross-sectional study of physical therapists in the Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey contents included questions regarding personal, work-related, and musculoskeletal pain factors. Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with LBP and ULP. Responses from 1,479 participants were included in the analyses. The prevalence of LBP at the time of the survey and in the past one year was 40.1% and 74.3% in female, and 37.8% and 69.9% in male, respectively. The prevalence of ULP was 34.8% and 64.2% in female, and 27.2% and 53.3% in male. The number of patients who performed manual therapy per day, worked using a fixed-height bed, performed manual therapy, had job dissatisfaction and stress, were over 40 years old, and slept less than 6 hours were associated with LBP and ULP. Assistance task was a risk factor only for LBP, and female only for ULP. The prevalence of LBP and ULP among physical therapists in Japan was as high as that in nurses and care workers. Work-related factors associated with LBP and ULP were identified among physical therapists. Thus, to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders, measures to reduce the physical burden from the perspective of occupational health are required.

Factors associated with work engagement among specialist nurses in china: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe positive impacts of work engagement among specialist nurses on retention, organizational commitment, and quality of care are well-documented. However, there is a lack of research on the specific differences in work engagement among specialist nurses. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the level of work engagement among specialist nurses in China and identify its influencing factors.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in China from April to July, 2023, with 724 nurses selected from 22 hospitals through convenience sampling involved. The survey was conducted by using self-administered general information questionnaires and work engagement scales. Questionnaire Star was employed as the online data collection tool. The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and stepwise regression analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from the study.ResultsAmong specialist nurses in Xiamen, China, who had a response rate of 97.10%, an average work engagement score is 140.35 (SD=18.17), with the highest score for the work attitude at 4.65 (SD=0.52) and the lowest score for the work recognition at 4.09 (SD=0.85). It was shown through regression analysis that factors such as career satisfaction, involvement in challenging case discussions, marital status, gender, presence of promotion advantage and title accounted for 14.5% of the total variance in the model and were significant explanatory variables that could predict work engagement.ConclusionIt is shown that specialist nurses in Xiamen, China have a high level of work engagement. It is imperative for nursing managers to prioritize the work engagement of specialist nurses, provide the specialist nurses with ample development opportunities and room for growth, and effectively promote the overall development of specialist nurses by improving work engagement in various aspects.

Dietary Survey of Japanese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on a Low-Carbohydrate Diet: An Observational Study

The nutrient intake of persons with diabetes placed on a low-carbohydrate diet remains unclear. This study aimed to assess nutrient intake in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with a low-carbohydrate diet. The brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire was used to collect the dietary information of 335 outpatients at Kitasato Institute Hospital, while their clinical characteristics were collected from their electronic medical records. The median age, HbA1c level, and body mass index of the participants were 68 (60–74) years, 49 (45–55) mmol/mol [6.7 (6.3–7.2)%], and 24.0 (21.8–26.7) kg/m2, respectively; median energy intake was 1457 (1153–1786) kcal/day; and protein–energy, fat–energy, and available carbohydrate–energy ratios were 18.6 (15.7–21.4)%E, 36.8 (31.6–43.2)%E, and 34.6 (26.0–42.4)%E, respectively. As the available carbohydrate–energy ratio decreased, the fat–energy ratio increased significantly. The total dietary fibre and salt intake were 7.1 (5.6–8.4) g/1000 kcal and 6.5 (5.6–7.5) g/1000 kcal, respectively. Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus placed on a low-carbohydrate diet had a fat-to-energy ratio exceeding 30%, while the fat–energy ratio increased as the carbohydrate–energy ratio decreased.

Role of influencer–follower congruence in influencing followers’ food choices and brand advocacy: mediating role of perceived trust

PurposeThis study attempts to encapsulate the idea of influencer marketing in the food sector and the vital role played by food influencers in shaping the dietary preferences, tastes and decisions of their social media followers and turning them into brand advocates.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey of 383 social media users, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was undertaken to validate the proposed research design. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology was used to analyze the data and test the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results confirm the validity and reliability of the research model. The research revealed the positive influence of influencer–follower demographics and attitude congruence on followers’ food choices, which in turn leads to followers’ delight and significantly impacts their brand advocacy. It also depicts how followers’ perceived trust in an influencer mediates the relationship between their similarity with the influencers, their food choices and brand advocacy.Originality/valueThe study proposes a new theoretical framework and empirically tests the effectiveness of influencer marketing in influencing social media users’ food choice behavior and brand advocacy through the medium of followers’ congruence with social media influencers. The findings offer noteworthy theoretical and managerial implications for academicians as well as marketing practitioners.

What inhibits “speaking up” for patient safety among healthcare workers? A cross-sectional study in Malaysia

BackgroundIn healthcare, “speaking up” refers to when healthcare workers raise concerns regarding patient safety through questions, sharing information, or expressing their opinion to prevent harmful incidents and ensure patient safety. Conversely, withholding voice is an act of not raising concerns, which could be beneficial in certain situations. Factors associated with speaking up and withholding voices are not fully understood, especially in strong authoritarian societies, such as Malaysia. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with speaking up and withholding the voices of healthcare workers in Malaysia, thus providing suggestions that can be used in other countries facing similar patient safety challenges.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Sarawak State, Malaysia. Data were collected from 474 healthcare workers from 43 departments using a self-administered questionnaire for speaking up and withholding voices measures in 4 weeks prior to data analysis as well as socio-demographic factors of healthcare workers (sex, age group, profession, department, weekly work hours for patient care, years of employment in the hospital, and the hierarchical level) and speaking up related climate of the working environment were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was performed to find out (adjusted) odds ratio of frequent speaking up and withholding voices.ResultsNurse compared to doctors and healthcare workers with short weekly working hours were more likely to speak up. Healthcare workers in emergency and intensive care department, those with short years of employment, and those who worked at low hierarchical levels were less likely to speak up. Healthcare workers in discouraging environment towards speaking up were more likely to withhold their voices.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the characteristics of healthcare workers who speak up and those who withhold their voices in Malaysia. To ensure patient safety and prevent harm, it is essential to establish an encouraging environment that promotes speaking up and prevents withholding voices among healthcare worker, especially in circumstances where multiple types of healthcare workers with different socio-demographic backgrounds work together.

Medical Students’ Clinical Knowledge of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and compare the clinical knowledge implications of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) preservice education between pre-clerkship and junior clerkship medical students. Methods: This observational comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised and included questions on sociodemographic data, duration of IMCI preservice training, knowledge of the participants concerning the IMCI objectives and information on a range of childhood conditions. Results: A total of 97 medical students were included in the study. The majority of students (42.3%) had received 2 lectures in IMCI preservice training. The role of the IMCI approach in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality was advocated by the majority of students (80.8% in the junior-clerkship [JCR] group and 73.3% in the pre-clerkship group). The awareness of the IMCI component of improving the health system was higher in JCR compared to pre-clerkship participants (P = 0.044). When compared to pre-clerkship students, the JCR participants demonstrated a slightly higher awareness of skin pinch (P = 0.038), chest indrawing (P = 0.008), anaemia assessment based on nail bed examination (P = 0.002), diagnostic assessment of malnutrition based on palm examination (P = 0.018), sucking capacity in breastfeeding (P = 0.025), and vaccines such as those for tuberculosis (P = 0.001), pneumococcal (P = 0.018) and rotavirus (P = 0.007). Conclusion: The majority of students displayed good IMCI knowledge and JCR students showed better knowledge compared to pre-clerkship candidates. Keywords: Pediatrics; Disease Management; Students; Undergraduate Medical Education; Oman.

Dentists' perspectives, practices, and factors associated with informed consent process for fixed prosthodontic treatment: a cross-sectional study of kampala metropolitan area, Uganda.

Dentists have a legal and ethical obligation to obtain informed consent from patients before carrying out treatment. In Uganda, the process of obtaining informed consent in dentistry is not well documented. The aim of the present study was to determine dentists' perspectives and practices regarding informed consent to fixed prosthodontic treatment (FPT) in Kampala Metropolitan, Uganda. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 dentists from July to September 2023. Data were collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire that included both closed- and open-ended questions. The questionnaire included items on participants' sociodemographic information, perspectives, and practices about informed consent for FPT. Perspectives were rated using ten items on a five-point Likert scale. The minimum possible total score was 10, and the maximum possible score was 50. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used to summarize and analyze the quantitative data, and the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Open-ended items were analyzed using content analysis. The majority (83.9%) of the participants were general dentists with working experience ranging from 1 to 38 years and a median of 8 years. The majority were familiar with the concept of informed consent and had positive perspectives regarding its use for FPT. The mean score for perspectives was 39.27 (SD, 5.42). However, there were variations in the practices of the dentists. More than three-quarters (87.6%) reported that they always obtained the patient's informed consent before FPT. Less than a third (29.4%) obtained written consent for FPT. About half of the dentists provided information regarding the procedure, benefits, and risks of treatment during the consent process. Bivariate analysis showed that the use of written consent for FPT was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with having a work experience of more than 10 years and having had training involving informed consent after undergraduate studies. The present study provides baseline data regarding perspectives and practices regarding informed consent for FPT among dentists in Uganda. It is recommended that regular training courses be developed to highlight the importance of improved informed consent practices for patient protection and to instruct dentists about obtaining valid informed consent. There is a need for future research to streamline guidelines for the informed consent process in dental care in Uganda.

Turkish Hematologists' Preferences for Relative Donor Selection: Results of a Multicenter Survey.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a widely utilized treatment for various hematological diseases. While selection criteria for unrelated donors are well-established, there is a lack of consistency and standardization in the selection of related donors. To investigate the current approach of hematologists to the selection of relative donors at Turkish hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) centers. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, distributing a self-administered questionnaire to 95 adult and pediatric transplantation centers in Turkey to investigate their approach to related donor selection for allo-HSCT. The questionnaire collected data on various aspects including the center's experience in performing allo-HSCT, patient groups treated, number of allo-HSCT procedures conducted between 2015 and 2021, preferences for related donors, considerations in related donor selection (such as gender and past pregnancies), guidelines utilized for related donor selection, upper age limit for related donors, and the use of specialized advanced analyses for elderly donors. The response rate to the survey was 38.9%. Variability was observed across centers in gender consideration and the impact of past pregnancies on related female donor rejection. Different guidelines were employed for related donor selection, with the European Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) guidelines being the most commonly used. Regarding the upper age limit for related donors, 8.1% of centers accepted an upper age limit of 55, 48.7% preferred an upper age limit of 65, and 43.2% even selected related donors aged 65 and above. The lack of standardized guidelines for related donor selection in HSCT centers leads to variability in criteria and potential risks. Collaboration among centers is essential to establish consensus and develop standardized protocols.

Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Long-Acting: Overview of Injection Guidance, Injection Site Reactions, and Best Practices for Intramuscular Injection Administration

Abstract Background Cabotegravir (CAB) + rilpivirine (RPV) dosed monthly or every 2 months is a complete long-acting (LA) regimen for the maintenance of HIV-1 virologic suppression. Across the Phase 3/3b trials, the most frequently reported adverse events were injection site reactions (ISRs). Methods We present pooled ISR characteristics and outcomes for participants receiving CAB+RPV LA through Week 96 of the FLAIR and ATLAS-2M studies, and survey results from healthcare providers (HCPs) giving injections (e.g. injectors) in the ATLAS, FLAIR, and ATLAS-2M studies to determine optimal injection techniques. Surveys were anonymous, self-administered online questionnaires that queried provider demographics, injection experience, and techniques to minimize pre-/post-injection discomfort. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Overall, 8453 ISRs were reported by 801 participants receiving ≥1 injection of CAB LA/RPV LA. Most ISRs were mild to moderate in severity (Grade 1–2, 99%), with a median (interquartile range) duration of 3 days (2–4), and rarely led to withdrawal (2%). Surveys were completed by 181 HCPs across 113 sites. Pushing the intramuscular injection at slow speed (66%), bringing the medication to room temperature (58%), and relaxing the gluteus muscle before injecting (53%) were ranked as effective pre-injection/injection procedure practices for minimizing pain. Most injectors (60%) indicated that a prone position provided optimal patient comfort, and 41% had no preference on injection medication order. Conclusions Taken together, the data demonstrating favorable tolerability with CAB+RPV LA injections over the long term and simple techniques routinely used by injectors to help optimize the administration of CAB+RPV LA injections.

Lack of association of atopic dermatitis severity and morphology with asthma onset and control.

Asthma is one of the most well-recognized comorbidities of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the relationship of AD severity and morphology with asthma characteristics in adults is not well defined. To understand associations of AD severity and morphology with comorbid asthma age-of-onset and control in adults with AD. A cross-sectional, dermatology practice-based study was performed in adults (≥ 18years) with AD and history of asthma (N = 252). Self-administered electronic questionnaires were completed by patients, including demographics, patient-reported outcomes measures of AD severity, history of asthma, age-of-onset, and Asthma Control Test (ACT). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine relationships between AD severity and morphology with asthma age-of-onset and control. The mean ± standard deviation ACT score was 21.7 ± 4.3 (range 5-25), with 55 (21.8%) having ACT scores ≤ 19 indicating poorly controlled asthma. AD severity and morphology were not associated with adult-onset asthma or poor asthma control. AD severity and morphology were not consistently associated with comorbid asthma age-of-onset or control in adults with AD.

Nicotine Dependency Levels Among Adult Electronic Cigarette Smokers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are a recent method to deliver nicotine with less harmful effects than traditional cigarettes. Studying nicotine dependence in adult EC users is a crucial area, but few measures are available to evaluate nicotine dependence induced by EC. Our study aims to estimate the levels of nicotine dependency among adult EC smokers using a modified Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (e-FTND) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to identify EC-associated sociodemographic and smoking-related factors affecting nicotine dependency. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on adults 18 years of age and older in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 2023 to March 2024. Data were collected from the participants using a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire, and nicotine dependence was assessed using the modified e-FTND. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation were applied. Chi-square was used to assess the association between categorical variables. Ordinal regression was used to predict the nicotine dependency levels with different variables. A total of 344 participants were included in the study. The mean e-FTND score for EC users was 4.14 ± 2.45. Females had a lower likelihood of experiencing higher dependence compared to males (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.85). Using ECs for more than three years was associated with higher odds of increased dependence (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.28, 7.98; p < 0.001). The use of Pod system devices lowered the odds of developing high nicotine dependence (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.75; p = 0.01) compared to Iqos device users, while mechanical Mod device users exhibited a trend towards higher dependence, although it was not statistically significant. Nicotine concentration in ECs had a significant impact on the degree of nicotine dependence. Higher concentrations were associated with increased odds of higher dependence (12-18 mg: OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.55, 6.91; >18 mg: OR = 4.53, 95% CI: 2.37, 8.75; p < 0.001). Most exclusive EC users in the study developed a moderate nicotine dependence level. The EC device type and nicotine concentration were significant drivers of nicotine dependence. Additionally, the personal characteristics of the users, such as male gender and duration of use, were associated with a higher risk of dependence. An in-depth understanding of the magnitude of nicotine dependence among EC users will enhance the opportunity for tailored health-enhancing interventions and policies.

Nurses’ Refusal to Report Medication Administration Errors in a Ghanaian Municipality: Uncovering the Barriers with a Quantitative Approach

Introduction. Effective​ self-reporting of medication administration errors (MAEs) is crucial for patient safety globally, yet underreporting persists as a significant challenge, hindering policy interventions. Despite extensive studies on barriers to MAE reporting by nurses, limited attention has been given to this issue in Ghana. This study aimed to explore the reasons behind nurses’ reluctance to report MAEs, contributing to a broader understanding of this critical issue. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among registered nurses at two public health facilities in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 153 respondents using stratified and simple random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and logistic regression, were employed to analyze 150 completed questionnaires using SPSS version 23, with a significance level set at P&lt;0.05. Results. The majority (60.7%) of nurses reported MAEs, primarily to the ward in-charge (72.0%) and documented in the incidence book (54.3%), while only 9% reported to patients. Reasons for nonreporting included fear of criticism (34.5%), litigation (19.5%), losing practice licenses (18.6%), and stigma (17.7%). Significant correlations were found between nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, marital status, years of practice, and rank) and their self-reporting of MAEs (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. Despite high levels of self-reported MAEs among nurses, fear remains a pervasive barrier to reporting. Addressing the culture of blame, criticism, and stigma is imperative to enhance nurses’ confidence in reporting MAEs globally, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering patient safety on a broader scale.

Digital Dilemma of Cyberbullying Victimization among High School Students: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Associations with Stress and Mental Well-Being

Cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive problem among high school students, with potentially severe consequences for their mental well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and associations of cyberbullying with stress and mental well-being among high school students in Zagazig, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 562 high school students using a random sampling technique. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Cyberbullying Scale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, multiple regression, mediation, and logistic regression analyses were employed for data analysis. The prevalence of cyberbullying victimization was 38.3%, with 20.6% exposed to two or three cyberbullying behaviors and 4.1% exposed to four or more. Female students, those under 18 years old, those with lower educational achievement, and those with higher daily internet use were more likely to experience cyberbullying. Cyberbullied students reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress and poorer mental well-being compared to non-cyberbullied students. Perceived stress likely mediated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and general psychological health. Cyberbullying is a significant problem among high school students in Zagazig, Egypt, with detrimental effects on their stress levels and mental well-being. Targeted interventions and prevention strategies are needed to address cyberbullying and promote the well-being of adolescents in the digital age.

Resting energy expenditure differs among individuals with different levels of perceived thermal sensitivity: A cross-sectional study.

Metabolic rate has been used in thermophysiological models for predicting the thermal response of humans. However, only a few studies have investigated the association between an individual's trait-like thermal sensitivity and resting energy expenditure (REE), which resulted in inconsistent results. This study aimed to explore the association between REE and perceived thermal sensitivity. The REE of healthy adults was measured using an indirect calorimeter, and perceived thermal intolerance and sensation in the body were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 1567 individuals were included in the analysis (women = 68.9%, age = 41.1 ± 13.2 years, body mass index = 23.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2, REE = 1532.1 ± 362.4 kcal/d). More women had high cold intolerance (31.8%) than men (12.7%), and more men had high heat intolerance (23.6%) than women (16.1%). In contrast, more women experienced both cold (53.8%) and heat (40.6%) sensations in the body than men (cold, 29.1%; heat, 27.9%). After adjusting for age, fat-free mass, and fat mass, lower cold intolerance, higher heat intolerance, and heat sensation were associated with increased REE only in men (cold intolerance, P for trend = .001; heat intolerance, P for trend = .037; heat sensation, P = .046), whereas cold sensation was associated with decreased REE only in women (P = .023). These findings suggest a link between the perceived thermal sensitivity and REE levels in healthy individuals.