Sociodemographic Characteristics Research Articles

Virtual dissection applications in learning human anatomy: international medical students' perspectives.

Understanding human anatomy is fundamental to building medical competencies. This study explored the diverse perceptions of medical students in Saudi Arabia and Egypt concerning virtual dissection applications. Students from different Saudi and Egyptian governmental universities were invited. The online questionnaire covered the sociodemographic characteristics, students' perception of the advantages of virtual anatomy applications, satisfaction with their efficiency, and their recommendation to use them. Comparisons were performed in country-wise and then university-wise patterns. Significance was considered with a P < 0.05. The mean age of 401 participants was 20 ± 1.6. Females were 63% and the males were 37%. Saudi universities participated by 47% and Egyptian universities by 53% with various academic levels. The traditional program covers 25% of the participants and 75% are in integrated programs. Virtual dissection applications were used by 84% of the sample while the remaining 16% did not use them. No significant differences between Saudi participants and those from Egypt in the adopted teaching methods and the usual use of virtual dissection applications. However, significant differences in considering the ease of virtual applications (P = 0.016), their perfectness in lectures (P = 0.04), and their perception (P = 0.034). Also, there was no significant difference in satisfaction while their recommendation differed significantly (P = 0.034). The university-wise comparisons elaborated significant differences in the feasibility, reality, usefulness, preference, and perfectness of virtual dissection applications in lecturing. Technology can be an efficient complementary, not a replacement resource to support the educational process. Also, students' perceptions are valuable in maximizing the educational benefits of curricula.

Socioeconomic Status and Age at Menarche in Türkiye.

The trend in declining age at menarche (AAM) largely continues while body size increases globally. The aim was to investigate trends in AAM, menstrual characteristics, and post-menarcheal anthropometric parameters in adolescents living in an urban area in Türkiye between 1999 and 2018. Female adolescent high school students in the Manisa region were asked about menarche and socioeconomic status (SES). There were 1017 girls in the first study (1999-2001) and 1304 (2016-2018) in the second study. Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Adolescent girls were grouped into three socioeconomic status (SES) groups based on parental education and occupation, and all parameters were evaluated using SES. The mean ± standard deviation for AAM in the first period was 12.82 ± 1.07 years and 12.83 ± 0.9 years in the second. AAM did not differ between the two periods nor between SES groups in either period. Post-menarcheal height, weight, and BMI increased in the second period compared to the first study and across all SES groups (p < 0.05). The whole group AAM was similar in both periods, only 3 months earlier in the second period than in the first period. However, the AAM in girls with a post-menarcheal BMI indicating being overweight or obese was significantly earlier than that of those with a normal post-menarcheal BMI in both periods (p < 0.05). Despite changing sociodemographic characteristics and an increasing trend in height, weight, and BMI in all socioeconomic groups, no change was observed in mean AAM in an urban region of Western Türkiye over 18 years. While the inverse relationship between BMI and postmenarcheal BMI continued in both periods, the decline in AAM became more pronounced over the years in the presence of high postmenarcheal BMI.

Nail clubbing, a dermatologic window into underlying systemic disease – an All of Us Study

Introduction Nail clubbing is defined as distal phalanx thickening resulting in a bulbous appearance of the digit. We aimed to describe non-pulmonary medical conditions associated with nail clubbing using a cross-sectional approach. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the All of Us Research Program, identifying nail clubbing patients by ICD-10-CM and/or SNOMED code. Nail clubbing patients with pulmonary disease (cases) were compared to nail clubbing patients without pulmonary disease (controls). Fisher’s Exact Test/Pearson’s Chi-Squared Test analyzed categorical variables. Independent Two-Sample t-Tests analyzed continuous variables. Odds ratios were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Results In total, 85 participants had nail clubbing, of which 63.53% had a pulmonary disease vs. 36.47% of controls. Overall, across both cases and controls, 22% of patients had chronic liver disease, 17% hypothyroidism, 8% HIV infection, and 5% Graves’ disease/hyperthyroidism. Male vs. female patients with nail clubbing had decreased odds of having concurrent respiratory disease diagnosis (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14-0.92, p=0.03). Conclusion Greater than one third of patients had nail clubbing associated with a non-pulmonary systemic disease and a significant proportion were male. Consideration of a broad differential of pathologies associated with nail clubbing is needed to initiate workup and make appropriate screening referrals.

"Hit a bottleneck": a convergent mixed-methods approach to the Influencing factors and experience of fertility intention among mothers of childbearing age with two children in mainland China.

Fertility rates have been decreasing both worldwide and in China. Although current policies have been aimed at raising the birth rate in China, their overall effects have been unclear. Therefore, exploration of fertility intention and related influencing factors is crucial. This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods combining descriptive and cross-sectional designs with a framework analysis. Convenience sampling was used to select mothers of childbearing age with two children (n = 603), living in Guangdong Province, China. Participants completed an online questionnaire investigating sociodemographic characteristics, as well as determinants and attitudes regarding the third-child fertility intention. Correlation coefficients and multivariate regression analyses were used to present quantitative findings. Eleven interviews were conducted, and a framework analysis method was used for data analysis. The results for the qualitative and quantitative study components were analyzed separately and were subsequently integrated through side-by-side comparison and joint display. Attitudes toward fertility intention were negative, and the rate of fertility intention was 10.4% in Guangdong Province. In the quantitative component, women's age, perceived value of having a third child, and attitudes were found to be factors promoting the intention to have a third child, whereas monthly family income, grandparents' health status, and policy support were found to be factors hindering the intention to have a third child. Four major themes emerged regarding the perceptions and experiences regarding fertility intention in the qualitative component. After integrated analysis, younger age, knowledge regarding policy support, and access to childcare support were found to be factors significantly affecting the intentions of mothers with two children regarding having a third child. Fertility issues require continued attention. Our findings provide a reference for optimizing existing policies to increase fertility intentions. Providing policy support, such as public childcare support, flexible working hours for mothers, affordable childcare, and greater psychological support, would enable mothers to improve their parenting. In addition, increasing the dissemination of knowledge regarding policies is necessary to improve the level of public understanding and promote fertility intention.

Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated With Veterans' Digital Needs.

Telehealth can expand access to care, but digital needs present barriers for some patients. To investigate sociodemographic and clinical associations of digital needs among veterans. This quality improvement study used data collected between July 2021 and September 2023 from Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN), a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiative to systematically screen for, comprehensively assess, and address social risks and social needs. Eligible participants were veterans screened for social risks and social needs during routine care at 12 outpatient clinics, 3 emergency departments, and 1 inpatient unit across 14 VA medical centers. Data analysis occurred between October 2023 and January 2024. The ACORN screening tool was administered by clinical staff. Veterans were considered positive for a digital need if they reported no smartphone or computer, no access to affordable and reliable internet, running out of minutes and/or data before the end of the month, and/or requested help setting up a video telehealth visit. Among 6419 veterans screened (mean [SD] age, 67.6 [15.9] years; 716 female [11.2%]; 1740 Black or African American [27.1%]; 202 Hispanic or Latino [3.1%]; 4125 White [64.3%]), 2740 (42.7%) reported 1 or more digital needs. Adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the adjusted prevalence (AP) of lacking a device among veterans aged 80 years or older was 30.8% (95% CI, 27.9%-33.7%), 17.9% (95% CI, 16.5%-19.2%) among veterans aged 65 to 79 years, 9.9% (95% CI, 8.2%-11.6%) among veterans aged 50 to 64 years, 3.4% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.6%) among veterans aged 18 to 49 years, 17.6% (95% CI, 16.7%-18.6%) for males, and 7.9% (95% CI, 5.5%-10.3%) for females. AP of lacking affordable or reliable internet was 25.3% (95% CI, 22.6%-27.9%) among veterans aged 80 years or older, 15.0% (95% CI, 12.1%-18.0%) among veterans aged 18 to 49 years, 31.1% (95% CI, 28.9%-33.4%) for Black or African American veterans, 32.1% (95% CI, 25.2%-39.0%) for veterans belonging to other racial groups (ie, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, as well as those with more than 1 race captured in their medical record), and 19.4% (95% CI, 18.2%-20.6%) for White veterans. Veterans with dementia were at higher risk of lacking a device (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00-1.48). Veterans with high medical complexity were at higher risk of lacking internet (aRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.11-1.42). Veterans with dementia (aRR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.24-2.01) or substance use disorder (aRR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.00-1.49) were more likely to want help scheduling a telehealth visit than those without. In this quality improvement study of veterans screened for social risks and social needs, there were substantial disparities in digital needs. These findings suggest that routine screening is important to understand patients' digital access barriers and connect patients with telehealth resources to address inequities in health care.

Awareness of environmental carcinogens and cancer risk among Jordanians

BackgroundIn light of the existing body of scientific data, many substances are now recognized or reasonably assumed to be human carcinogens. Public knowledge about modifiable environmental carcinogens is regarded as a crucial first step in primary prevention. This study aimed to assess Jordanians' awareness of some of the recognized environmental human carcinogens and general cancer information.MethodsThis study was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive survey based on a questionnaire completed by Jordanian participants aged 18 or above. The questions consisted of the following sections: socio-demographic characteristics, questions about the prevalent and non-prevalent cancer types in Jordan and general causes of cancer, closed-ended questions to evaluate knowledge about environmental carcinogens as well as factors that influence the development of cancer, source of knowledge about carcinogens and interest in learning about human carcinogens, and the best way for prevention of cancer.ResultsA total of 579 questionnaires were completed. Among respondents, 55.6% (n = 322) had a knowledge score ≥ 8 indicating good knowledge. However, low awareness was demonstrated regarding cancer-causing substances such as wood dust, Nitrosamines, Aflatoxins, Formaldehyde, Naphthalene, Asbestos, Benzene, and Arsenic. A significant portion of the participants failed to categorize infectious pathogens linked to cancer as variables that either cause cancer or raise the risk of developing cancer.ConclusionThis study demonstrated a good level of awareness regarding some environmental carcinogens but also highlighted the lack of knowledge about other environmental carcinogens. These findings may provide a guide for future awareness programs by health authorities.

The perspectives of clinical level medical students on animal-assisted therapy: a study in Ghana

BackgroundThe role of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in complementary and alternative medicine is well acknowledged. AAT is widely patronized, in developed countries such as USA, Canada, and many European countries, but less so in developing countries in Africa including Ghana. For persons in developing African countries and elsewhere to benefit from AAT, healthcare professionals must be acquainted with it recommend it to their patients when necessary. This study therefore assessed the perspectives of clinical-level medical students on AAT.MethodA semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a cross-sectional study from 206 randomly selected clinical-level medical students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 26) and the results were presented in Tables and charts. The association between demographic variables and the knowledge and attitude of the students were determined using ANOVA, while bivariate Pearson’s correlation was used to measure the relationships between continuous variables. Associations were considered significant when p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe knowledge about AAT among the medical students was very poor (0.971 ± 2.407 over 10; 9.7%); almost all of them (≈ 99.0%) had very little or no exposure to AAT in school or at home. The attitude of the students was however averagely positive (3.845 ± 0.748 over 7; 54.9%), with a perceived health benefit of ATT score of 4.768 ± 1.002 (68.1%). The motivation of the students to acquire more knowledge and skills about AAT mostly through lectures and practical sessions (70.9%) was good (4.809 ± 1.221; 68.7%). Female students were significantly more knowledgeable about AAT than their male counterparts (1.5 versus 0.6; p-value = 0.006). No other sociodemographic characteristics had any significant association with knowledge, attitude, and perception of benefit variables. However, a significant positive relationship was found to exist between the students’ knowledge, attitude and perception of animal-assisted therapy (r ≥ 0.236; p-value ≤ 0.001).ConclusionWe conclude that the knowledge about AAT among medical students is inadequate and this is worrying given the beneficial complementary role of AAT in achieving SDG 3. Medical schools and their regulators in Ghana should incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) lessons in their training curricula. For practising medical doctors, topics on CAM should be discussed during their Continuous Professional Development sessions. With better knowledge, physicians would possibly be more willing and confident in recommending this useful complementary and alternative medicine to patients who may seek other forms of therapy besides conventional medicine or which will augment the orthodox medication the patients may have been using to treat their conditions.

Utilization of Psychiatric Hospital Services Following Intensive Home Treatment: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.

Home treatment (HT) has been associated with fewer inpatient treatment (IT) readmission days but lacks evidence on reducing combined psychiatric hospital service use (IT, HT, day clinic). To assess the association of intensive home treatment (IHT) compared with IT regarding readmission rate, social outcomes, and clinical outcomes. This quasi-experimental, nonrandomized trial was conducted from 2020 to 2022 in 10 psychiatric hospitals in Germany. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to compare both treatment models at the 12-month follow-up using standardized instruments and routine hospital data. All patients were screened until the target sample size was reached, based on these criteria: stable residence with privacy for sessions, no child welfare risk, primary diagnosis within International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes F0X to F6X, residence in the catchment area, no commitment order, no acute suicidality or severe aggression requiring hospitalization, capacity to consent, not participating in other interventional studies, sufficient German language skills, no substantial cognitive deficits or intellectual impairment, and no more than 7 days in IHT or IT before recruitment. Statistical analysis was performed from February to November 2023. IHT provided daily acute psychiatric treatment at home, while IT was psychiatric inpatient treatment as usual. The mean treatment duration of the index treatment was 37.2 days for IHT and 28.2 days for IT. The inpatient readmission rate was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were combined readmission rate, total inpatient days, job integration, quality of life, psychosocial functioning, symptom severity, and recovery. Of 1396 individuals, 200 patients receiving IHT and 200 patients receiving IT were included (264 female [65%]; mean [SD] age, 45.45 [15.83] years [range, 18-88 years]). Baseline sociodemographic and psychometric characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. At 12-month follow-up, patients in the IHT group had lower inpatient readmission rate (IHT vs IT: 31.12% vs 49.74% IT; mean difference, 18% [95% CI, 9%-28%; P < .001), combined readmission rate (mean difference, 13% [95% CI, 4%-24%; P < .001), and fewer inpatient days (mean difference, 6.82 days; P < .001) than the IT group. This nonrandomized clinical trial found that patients receiving IHT had a lower likelihood of utilizing hospital-based psychiatric services and spent fewer inpatient days, suggesting that IHT is a viable alternative to IT. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04745507.

Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Optimal and Timely Antenatal Care Uptake in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria: A Cross-Section Study

Background Adequate antenatal care (ANC) visits and early timing are crucial for maternal and foetal health. However, many pregnant women in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria delay ANC initiation and fail to meet recommended visit numbers. This study aimed to identify factors associated with timely ANC initiation and achieving optimal number of ANC visits in these countries. Methods A cross-sectional analysis with data from the most recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS) datasets for Kenya (2022), Nigeria (2018) and South Africa (2016) were used. The study included 35,219 women aged 15–49 who had given birth within the previous two years. The women's sociodemographic and maternal health care-seeking characteristics were summarised using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify associations between explanatory variables, the timing of the first ANC visit, and the frequency of ANC visits. Results Optimal ANC visits (≥4 visits) were 67.2% in Kenya, South Africa (75.5%), and Nigeria (56.9%). Early timing of first ANC visits (≤3 months) was 30.2% in Kenya, 47.3% in South Africa and 18.3% in Nigeria. Factors associated with adequate ANC visits were maternal age, wealth status, and caesarean section, while parity and household size reduced the odds of optimal ANC visits. Maternal age, caesarean section, wealth status, and others were associated with increased odds of early timing of ANC visits. Parity, male-headed households, employed women and women who had a challenge with treatment costs had reduced the odds of timely ANC uptake. Conclusion More than half of the participants had optimal ANC visits, while less than half initiated ANC early. Tailored interventions addressing specific social, cultural, and economic contexts are crucial to improving early ANC visits and the frequency of ANC visits. Mixed methods research could provide in-depth insights into barriers and facilitators of ANC uptake, informing the design of targeted interventions.

Household Consumption of Adequately Iodized Salt: A Multi-Country Analysis of Socioeconomic Disparities.

Despite global efforts to promote universal salt iodization, iodine deficiency remains a public health issue in developing countries. This study assessed the proportion and sociodemographic characteristics of households consuming adequately iodized salt in 49 low- and middle-income countries. Data from DHS surveys of 49 low- and middle-income countries (2005-2021) were used to analyze household iodized salt prevalence. R version 4.0 was employed for statistical analyses. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate overall and regional prevalence. We found that 83.4% of households consume adequately iodized salt, although with high heterogeneity (I2 = 100.0%). The East Asia and Pacific and the Europe and Central Asia regions showed high consumption rates of 87.6% and 87.7%, respectively, while Latin America and the Caribbean presented a significantly lower proportion of 30.8%. The study highlights the need for enhanced public health strategies to increase iodized salt consumption, especially in low-income and rural households. Addressing disparities in access, education, and affordability is crucial for improving iodine intake and preventing deficiency disorders, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Advance care planning readiness among community-dwelling older adults and the influencing factors: a scoping review

BackgroundAdvance care planning (ACP) is pivotal in mitigating end-of-life suffering and ensuring healthcare congruence with the values of older adults and dignity in death. Despite its paramount importance, the current readiness for ACP among community-dwelling older adults and the intricate influencing factors have yet to be explored.ObjectiveTo review the literature focusing on ACP readiness among community-dwelling older adults and the influencing factors.MethodsA scoping review conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycINFO), as well as grey literature databases (OpenGrey and GreyLit.org) were searched to identify studies published in English between January 2012 and March 2023.Results19 studies were selected, comprising 3 qualitative, 13 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods, and 1 review article. The study evaluated the readiness of older adults for ACP by examining their knowledge and attitudes. It categorizes influencing factors into intrinsic and extrinsic levels. This review revealed that the knowledge about ACP among older adults across all settings was limited. However, they had positive attitudes toward it. In addition, intrinsic factors including sociodemographic characteristics, psychological factors, and family relationships, along with extrinsic factors including health care professionals’ attitudes and experience, as well as policies and laws, influenced the ACP readiness among older adults.ConclusionsThis study established the groundwork for future ACP intervention trials, providing a theoretical framework to guide their design and implementation. operationalization.

Treating the Psychological Distress in Children with Adventitious Blindness

Less than half of those who need mental health counseling receive it globally, underscoring the urgent need for psychology-focused intervention. According to data, 30.9% of Nigerians experience psychological anguish. This study investigated the efficacy and moderators of group cognitive behaviour therapy in psychologically distressed schoolchildren with adventitious blindness in Nigeria. A total of 98 students with adventitious blindness were recruited and participated in this study. The participants were assessed at three points using Perceived Emotional Distress Inventory. A mixed model ANCOVA with repeated measures shows that the CBT treatment had a dependable significant effect in decreasing psychological distress. The results showed that sociodemographic factors do not significantly moderate the efficacy of CBT treatment on the reduction of psychological distress in schoolchildren with adventitious blindness. In conclusion, the effect of a group cognitive behavioural therapy had a consistent significant reduction in psychological distress and none of their sociodemographic characteristics moderated the effects. Therefore, cognitive-behavioural practitioners should collaborate with special schools to diagnose and provide CBT treatment to schoolchildren living with adventitious blindness.

Practice and challenges related to regional anesthesia in Amhara regional hospitals, Northwest-Ethiopia: a web-based survey study

BackgroundRegional anesthesia (RA) can improve patient outcomes and reduce perioperative complications including deaths. Despite its benefits, RA is less utilised in low-resource settings. The purpose of this study was to assess practice and challenges related to RA in Amhara Regional Hospitals, Northwest-Ethiopia.MethodsA web- based survey was distributed among 360 anesthetists working in Amhara Regional Hospitals, Northwest-Ethiopia from November 15 - January 30, 2023. An English, semi-structure, self-administered questionnaire was disseminated by email and telegram following ethical clearance. The survey included questions about the use of RA, socio-demographic characteristics of anesthetist, types of practiced regional blocks, and barriers to perform RA. All volunteer respondents who filled online questionnaire during study period were included. The data were coded and analyzed using statistical package for social Sciences (SPSS) software-version 20. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to describe the results.ResultsThe overall response rate was 63.3% (223 out of 360 completed surveys). A total of 132 respondents (36.7%) did not provide a response, and 5 respondents (1.4%) submitted incomplete) surveys. The most frequently self-reported barriers to performing peripheral nerve blocks were a lack of equipment (regional procedure kit including block needle, ultrasound, nerve stimulator, or epidural set) 185 (82.9%), lack of knowledge 171(76.7%), lack of practical skills 112 (50.2%), and lack of drugs/medication 50 (22.4%).ConclusionsThe principal findings indicate that all respondents perform spinal anaesthesia, while the practice of peripheral RA varies. Reported barriers to performing RA are related to knowledge and training, as well as a lack of equipment (there aren’t enough regional procedure kits available that include an epidural set, block needle, nerve stimulator, and ultrasound). A more stringent approach with specific requirements, distinguishing between neuraxial and peripheral blocks, enhance training opportunities for peripheral nerve blocks are required in Ethiopia.

Comparison of hematologic parameters, serum electrolytes, and lipid profiles among dyspeptic patients with and without Helicobacter pylori infection attending Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, South West Ethiopia.

About half of the world's populations are infected with Helicobacter pylori, which may create atherogenic lipid profiles and contribute to atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it has been connected to hematological symptoms like anemia. Even though the high prevalence of H.pylori and its associated complications, including cardiovascular disease and anemia, in Ethiopia, there is little data regarding the risk factors associated with H.pylori infection, such as hematologic parameters, electrolyte imbalances, and lipid profiles. A comparative cross-sectional study design with a consecutive sampling technique was employed at Jimma Medical Center among 108 dyspeptic patients. Five (5) ml of blood samples were collected from each participant, and serum was extracted and analyzed using a COBAS 6000 core for the lipid and electrolyte, and whole blood was used with a SYSMEX XN 550 to determine hematological parameters. Data were entered in to Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Simple descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used to present the socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects. Student t-test was used for data comparison and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. H.pylori infected patients had significantly decreased levels of red blood cell count (p = 0.002), hemoglobin (p = 0.012), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001), platelet count (p = 0.001), and sodium level (p = 0.006) when compared to the uninfected group. However, total cholesterol (p = 0.001), and low density lipoprotein (p = 0.021) were increased in H.pylori infected patients when compared to the uninfected group. This study revealed that H.pylori infection can cause derangements of hematologic parameters, electrolyte imbalances, and alterations of lipid parameters which considered as risk factors for anemia and cardiovascular diseases.

Associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and adherence to self-management behaviours among community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Self-management is vital for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to enhance cognitive health and mitigate the risk of dementia. However, maintaining consistent engagement in self-management strategies can be challenging for older adults with MCI. This study aimed to explore the associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and adherence to self-management behaviours among community-dwelling older adults with MCI. A cross-sectional study involving 467 community-dwelling older adults with MCI was conducted from July to November 2022 across Nanjing, Xuzhou, and Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, China. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as self-management behaviours for MCI, were collected. Multiple linear and binary logistic regressions were employed to identify factors influencing self-management behaviours. Among the four recommended self-management behaviours for MCI, participants adopted an average of 1.37 ± 1.202 behaviours. Physical exercise (n = 239; 51.2%) was the most prevalent behaviour, followed by modifiable risk factors management (n = 156; 33.4%), cognitive training (n = 144; 30.8%), and cognitive function monitoring (n = 103; 22.1%). Higher education level (B = 0.286, P < 0.001), urban employee medical insurance (B = 0.621, P < 0.001), and non-smoking status (B = 0.389, P = 0.002) positively correlated with aggregate MCI self-management behaviours, while older age (B = -0.295, P < 0.001) had a negative association. Marital status, monthly income, employment status, gender, residence, and family history of cognitive disorders were also found to be associated with specific self-management behaviours for MCI. Enhancing adherence to self-management among community-dwelling older adults with MCI is critical. Sociodemographic and clinical factors should be considered to pinpoint at-risk populations and accordingly tailor support strategies.

The mediating role of coping in the relationship between perceived health and psychological wellbeing in recurrent urinary tract infection: the rUTI Illness Process Model

ABSTRACT Background: Recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) is associated with significant symptom and quality of life burden. Given the unique challenges in diagnostics and management, healthcare disillusionment and stigmatisation which distinguish rUTI from other urological conditions, specific identification of the key illness processes experienced by this patient population is required. This study aimed to identify the unique illness processes and perceptions that contribute to quality of life in rUTI, through perceived health status, psychological wellbeing, and coping. Methods: An international sample of adults living with rUTI (N = 389, 96.9% female) completed a cross-sectional survey comprising the following standardised questionnaires: the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale–10 (CD-RISC-10), Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS). Sociodemographic characteristics were also assessed. Structural equation modelling was conducted to identify the underlying constructs which contributed to psychological wellbeing in rUTI, establishing the ‘rUTI Illness Process Model’. Results: The positive relationship between ‘perceived health status’ and ‘psychological wellbeing’ was partially mediated by ‘rUTI coping’, after controlling for the impact of household income and age (p < .001). The model demonstrated a large effect size (R 2 = .81) and good local and global fit. Overall, rUTI coping skills, boosted by resilience and weakened by pain catastrophising, contribute to a significant proportion of the positive relationship between perceived health status and psychological wellbeing in rUTI. A uniquely vulnerable patient phenotype emerges from this new research, with patients who are younger and/or of lower socioeconomic status at greater risk of poorer rUTI health outcomes and psychological wellbeing, potentially requiring further support. Conclusions: The rUTI Illness Process Model establishes the crucial need to clinically characterise the individualised illness perceptions and metacognitive strategies held by people living with rUTI, revealing that patient-centred interventions targeting illness perceptions and coping strategies require prioritisation to enhance patient outcomes and the patient experience of living with rUTI.

Psychosocial Complaints and Life Satisfaction Among Greek University Students: A Pre- and Pandemic-Era Comparison

This study aims to identify and compare the prevalence and risk factors associated with psychosocial and psychological complaints, as well as life and study satisfaction, among Greek undergraduate students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in two phases: initially, from 2018 to 2019 (pre-COVID), through face-to-face surveys, and later, from October 2020 to June 2021 (COVID period), through online surveys. The study, conducted at Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) in Greece, utilized a repeated descriptive and comparative cross-sectional design. The sample comprised 540 and 641 undergraduate students during the pre-COVID and COVID period, respectively. The following questionnaires were used: I. A socio-demographic characteristics form, II. Psychosocial Complaints List (PCL), and III. Satisfaction with Life and Studies Scale (SLSS). During the COVID period, there was an increase of 63% in psychosocial complaints (p &lt; 0.001), as indicated by the PCL total, and a 25% decrease in satisfaction with life and studies (p = 0.001), according to the SLSS, compared to the pre-COVID period. Incidences of “suicidal thoughts”, “sexual problems”, and “extreme psychological distress” nearly doubled (61%, 67%, and 104%, respectively) during the pandemic. Females exhibited a 33% increase in the PCL total during the COVID period compared to males (p &lt; 0.001). These findings highlight the profound impact of pandemic-induced changes on students’ mental health and quality of life. Female gender and the pandemic period itself emerged as significant factors influencing these outcomes. Universities should prioritize the development of comprehensive support services to mitigate these adverse effects.

Towards Healthy and Sustainable Human Settlement: Understanding How Local Communities Perceive and Engage with Spa Tourism Development Initiatives in Rural Areas

This study investigated the intersection of healthy and sustainable human settlement, and land use for spa tourism in rural areas. Recognizing the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of tourism, this research aimed to provide an insight into the young local rural community representatives’ perception of sustainable spa tourism development and to identify whether these attitudes are shaped by their socio-demographic characteristics. The applied methodology was the Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale (SUS-TAS). A total of 254 respondents took part in this research. Using SPSS 30.0.0, the gathered data were subjected to additional analyses based on factor analysis, descriptive statistics, and the general linear model. The results showed a general positive attitude of local community members towards the further development of spa tourism in their communities. The especially important factors were the following: long-term planning of development, environmental protection, negative attitudes towards spa tourism development, economic benefits, as well as community participation. By providing an empirical analysis based on the use of robust tools for measuring youth attitudes, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and community leaders into how they can design and implement tourism strategies that align with sustainability principles while fostering local economic development and environmental stewardship. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the broader discussion on developing healthy, sustainable human settlements that balance economic benefits with ecological and social well-being. Synergy/harmony between communities and their natural surroundings is essential for the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of rural human settlements. Mineral springs and spas facilitate sensory experiences for individuals (both tourists and residents) through the utilization of natural resources and the environment.

Latent cognitive phenotypes in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Clinical, sociodemographic, and neuroimaging associations.

Application of cluster analytic procedures has advanced understanding of the cognitive heterogeneity inherent in diverse epilepsy syndromes and the associated clinical and neuroimaging features. Application of this unsupervised machine learning approach to the neuropsychological performance of persons with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) has yet to be attempted, which is the intent of this investigation. A total of 77 JME participants, 19 unaffected siblings, and 44 unrelated controls, 12 to 25 years of age, were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery (intelligence, language, memory, executive function, and processing speed), which was subjected to factor analysis followed by K-means clustering of the resultant factor scores. Identified cognitive phenotypes were characterized and related to clinical, family, sociodemographic, and cortical and subcortical imaging features. Factor analysis revealed three underlying cognitive dimensions (general ability, speed/response inhibition, and learning/memory), with JME participants performing worse than unrelated controls across all factor scores, and unaffected siblings performing worse than unrelated controls on the general mental ability and learning/memory factors, with no JME vs sibling differences. K-means clustering of the factor scores revealed three latent groups including above average (31.4% of participants), average (52.1%), and abnormal performance (16.4%). Participant groups differed in their distributions across the latent groups (p < 0.001), with 23% JME, 22% siblings, and 2% unrelated controls in the abnormal performance group; and 18% JME, 21% siblings, and 59% unrelated controls in the above average group. Clinical epilepsy variables were unassociated with cluster membership, whereas family factors (lower parental education) and abnormally increased thickness and/or volume in the frontal, parietal, and temporal-occipital regions were associated with the abnormal cognition group. Distinct cognitive phenotypes characterize the spectrum of neuropsychological performance of patients with JME for which there is familial (sibling) aggregation. Phenotypic membership was associated with parental (education) and imaging characteristics (increased cortical thickness and volume) but not basic clinical seizure features.

Личностные особенности и самоотношение лиц с психогенным перееданием

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, excess weight was observed in 2,5 billion adults aged 18 and older. Individuals with obesity suffer from chronic somatic diseases, face social isolation. Understanding the psychological and social factors behind weight gain allows us to develop effective programs to prevent obesity and help people lose weight. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of this study is to analyze the analysis of personality traits and self-attitudes in individuals with excess body mass. &lt;strong&gt;Hypothesis.&lt;/strong&gt; Individuals with psychogenic overeating have an increased level of neuroticism, perfectionism and internal conflict, as well as reduced self-acceptance. &lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods. &lt;/strong&gt;101 people with eating disorders were examined. All respondents were divided into three groups according to the criterion of body mass index (BMI): 1 group - 33 people with pre-obesity and obesity of the first degree, average age 40&amp;plusmn;13 years; 2 group - 20 people with second degree obesity, average age 35&amp;plusmn;12 years; group 3 - 48 people with third degree obesity, average age 44&amp;plusmn;10 years. The socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and medical documentation data were studied. Psychological testing was conducted using: the KON-2006 Neurotic Personality Questionnaire to assess neurotic personality traits, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), a questionnaire to study self-esteem. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;Analysis of the study results showed a high level of neuroticism for individuals with different BMIs in all groups, the violation of self-attitude is primarily associated with the perception of one's appearance, perfectionism is not a personal feature associated with psychogenic overeating. Low self-esteem of external data is combined in them with narcissism and a positive assessment of their personal characteristics. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;The results obtained can be used to develop and improve the effectiveness of psychological weight correction programs for psychogenic overeating, based on taking into account the personal factors of obesity.&lt;/p&gt;