Work Status Research Articles

Pooled prevalence, spatial variation and associated factors of HIV testing uptake among multiple sexual partners in Sub Saharan Africa: Spatial and multilevel analysis.

Uptake of HIV testing is vital for the early diagnosis of HIV infection and initiation of treatment, which are used to eliminate the disease's progression and reduce HIV-related mortality. Even if determining HIV testing is imperative to prevent HIV/AIDS among multiple sexual partners who are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, most of the countries in Sub Saharan Africa did not fulfil the global targets of UNAIDS. Moreover there is a paucity of literature on spatial variation and factors associated with HIV testing among high-risk groups in SSA. This study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence, spatial variation and determinants of HIV testing uptake among multiple sexual partners in Sub Saharan Africa. The Demographic and Health Surveys data conducted between 2011 and 2021 in 30 Sub-Saharan Africa countries was used to analyze total weighted sample of 56,210 multiple sexual partners. Exploratory spatial data analysis, with countries as the unit of analysis was conducted using ArcGIS V10.7.1 and Sat Scan V 10.1 soft wares. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with the HIV testing uptake. The Adjusted odds Ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the strength of association and their statistical significance. The spatial patterns of HIV testing uptake were found to be non-random. Primary clusters were identified around western and central sub- regions. Multiple sexual partners who were ever married, those attended primary level and above education, those from rich wealth status, aged above 24 years, having good HIV related knowledge, and exposed to media were positive association with HIV testing uptake. However, being male, having working status and living in rural area were negatively associated with HIV testing uptake. At the community-level, multiple sexual partners from communities in Eastern and southern sub regions, countries with upper middle income and countries with the survey year after 2014 were more likely to utilize HIV testing services compared with their counterparts. In this study, the pooled prevalence of the HIV testing uptake among multiple sexual partners was found to be lower than the universal target and showed differences in HIV testing uptake across Sub-Saharan Africa region. Both individual and community-level factors affected HIV testing uptake among multiple sexual partners. Stakeholders should implement interventions to help increase the uptake of HIV testing among those risky groups in this region.

Differences in Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Tears in Young Versus Old Individuals.

Background The etiology of rotator cuff tears is thought to be multifactorial with current literature that varies with regard to identifiable risk factors. The purpose of this retrospective review was to identify risk factors for full-thickness rotator cuff tears and determine whether they differ in young versus older individuals. Methods To determine the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tear, 1,561 patients with a shoulder MRI were reviewed.If a tear was present, it was further classified into a partial or full-thickness tear. Demographic variables and clinical data were collected and analyzed with a two-sided Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and a Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Age and BMI were dichotomized using receiver operator curves. Results Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, BMI, sex, race, and work status were all factors that variably affected a patient's risk of experiencing arotator cuff tear, with different factors carrying more influence on outcomes within those who are older versus those who are younger. Gender and race were found to differ as risk factors between young and older individuals. Conclusion We were able to identify risk factors overall associated with increased odds of sustaining a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Our analyses also showed differences in the effect of gender and race as risk factors between young and older patients with rotator cuff tears. This finding may aid clinicians in counseling patients on more specific risks for their given age.

Impacts of X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa and Patient Pathways in European Countries: Results from the Cross-sectional EXPLORE XLRP-1 Physician Survey.

X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is a rare, incurable, vision-threatening, genetic disease. In this study, we aimed to reveal the real-world burden of this disease from the viewpoint of retina specialists and geneticists involved directly in XLRP care and to identify unique insights that may not otherwise be available through typical clinical studies or health economic research. In this exploratory, cross-sectional study (EXPLORE XLRP-1), retina specialists (n = 20) and geneticists (n = 5) in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK provided anonymized insights on their experiences managing patients with XLRP (n = 80) via an online survey and 60-min telephone interview. Survey respondents reported that patient independence decreased over time, where 37% of patients were considered "completely autonomous" at diagnosis versus 23% at the last consultation. At their last visit, 45% of patients were active in the workforce; 67% (12/18) of "completely autonomous" patients had active working status compared with 13% (1/8) of "completely dependent" patients. The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 4years and varied among countries. In 78% of patients, XLRP was confirmed by genetic testing, the rate of which varied among countries (range, 50-94%), taking up to 6months to receive results. Specialists identified unmet needs in XLRP management including more standardized assessments of quality of life (QoL) as well as easier and earlier access to specialists, genetic testing, patient support programs, and effective treatment options. The diagnosis, genetic testing, and management pathways among patients with XLRP can vary considerably. There is a need for more standardized diagnosis and management pathways, and QoL assessments, due to the major impact that XLRP has on patients' lives.

Comparison of Quarter Life Crisis in Adolescents

Quarter Life Crisis is a new term related to the stages of human socio-emotional development. Approaching the age of 25, individuals usually have to face new life situations such as work and marital status, as well as changes in mindset that are more mature from adolescence to adulthood. This situation also makes individuals at the peak of self-maturity, when entering the age of 25, question their own lives, doubt their own choices, feel confused about the things they are living, and begin to recall the past. The type of research used for this research is qualitative with interview techniques. The primary data source is in the form of interviews regarding their understanding of the quarter life crisis. Our secondary data sources are information from journals or other internet sources. Interview results show that individuals in early adulthood who experience a quarter life crisis feel anxious and afraid, which is caused by uncertainty about the future, social pressure, hormonal changes, and others. In the publication, we present two contents on the Instagram page (reels and feed).Our reels upload reached 714 views until October 16, 2023 at 4.10 PM. Meanwhile on Instagram feeds, our content reached 36 users within 15 hours through mass media the information conveyed can be accessed more widely and spread quickly. It is expected that this social campaign can change several aspects of the target audience, such as awareness, attitude, & action.

The Knowledge Need of the College Students on Sexual Health and Their Attitude Towards Sexual Education

Objective: In this study it is aimed to determine the information needs of university students about sexual health and their attitudes towards sexual education. Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study from quantitative research methods. The research was carried out with the participation of 989 students between September 2021 and January 2022. The data were collected by the researchers using the personal information form, sexual health form, and Attitude towards Sex Education Scale, which were prepared online by the researchers through the Office 365 program. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the students participating in the study was 19.76±1.32 and 77.8% of them were female. It was found that the sociodemographic characteristics of the students, studying in the health department, the place of residence, the education and working status of their parents were found to have a statistically significant effect on their attitudes towards sexual education. Especially, 69.1% of the students wanted to have a sexual health counseling center in the university. It was determined that approximately one fourth of the students related to sexual health received training on this subject, and 58% stated that they wanted to receive training from the health personnel and 15.3% from the counseling center. It has been determined that students need family planning education. It was found statistically significant that students who had knowledge about family planning methods had higher attitudes towards sexual education. Conclusion: It can be suggested to establish advisory boards that students can benefit from in cooperation with universities and health institutions.

More than sleep problems? Testing five key health behaviors as reasons for quality of life issues among shift workers

BackgroundThe shift work schedule is a common work arrangement that can disrupt typical sleep-wake rhythms and lead to negative health consequences. The present study aims to examine the effect of shift work on health-related quality of life (QoL) and explore potential behaviorial mediators (i.e., sleep, eating, exercise, smoking, drinking).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4,449 petroleum workers in southwest China. Data on shift work status, health behaviors, and physical and mental health QoL were collected. We tested our model using path analysis and the Monte Carlo approach among 2,129 included participants.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, shift work did not exhibit a significant direct association with QoL. However, shift work indirectly related to poorer physical health quality of life via less frequent healthy food consumption; shift work also indirectly related to poorer mental health QoL via both less frequent healthy food consumption and physical exercise. No significant indirect effects were found via sleeping, smoking, or drinking.ConclusionsResults suggest that shift work presents a challenge for QoL among Chinese petroleum workers due to their lesser engagement in two specific health behaviors: healthy eating and physical exercise. Healthy eating and exercise may present an even more prominent threat to shift workers’ QoL than sleep and substance use. Strategies targeting shift work schedule as well as eating and exercise behaviors may help protect against poor QoL and adverse physical and mental health outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Food Sovereignty in Nepal : A Current Appraisal

Food sovereignty issue is integrated with agro ecology, climate and environmental justice, right of food workers, agrarian reform and justice to women and peasants. Despite of the promises of food security by the use of new practices and technologies global hunger has significantly increased. Industrial food production and indiscriminant use of chemical fertilizers pesticides have caused air, water and soil pollution and consequently environment and human health has been seriously impaired. Nepal being a developing economy could hardly endow all her possible resources just to address food security issue, hence the food sovereignty issue remained veiled till 2075B.S. Present study aims to enquire the working status of food sovereignty principal on real grounds in the country. The study is based on secondary data and is quantitative in nature. As pre design it is descriptive and prescriptive both. The study examines efficacy of food sovereignty principal on six pillar of it which are: focus on food for people; Value food providers; localize food system; puts control locally; builds knowledge and skills and work with nature. Examining through facts and figures, it is found that there is food crisis in the country with its quantity and nutritive value. The extended net works of cooperative throughout the country may play significant role in activating food sovereignty principals. Existences of middle man, poorer financial assistance, poorer insurance coverage, limitation of minimum price support policy to fewer crops are some of the major problems. In addition land fragmentation, diminishing wet and dry land area are additional bottlenecks. Indiscriminant use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides pose a crucial problem to practice organic farming. Activities as river bed farming, tharu alu cultivation, Jhol mal preparation, kitchen gardening, community seed bank and use of local biochar are working well with positive outcomes to support food sovereignty efforts.

Inequalities in Access to Diabetes Technologies in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study from Türkiye.

To determine inequalities in access to diabetes technologies and the effect of socioeconomic factors on families with children with type 1 diabetes. In this multicenter cross-sectional study, parents of children with type 1 diabetes completed a questionnaire about household sociodemographic characteristics, latest HbA1c values, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump use of children, the education and working status of parents. These characteristics were compared between technology use (only-CGM, only-pump, CGM+pump, no technology use). Among 882 families, only-CGM users, only-pump users, and CGM+pump users compared with no technology users, adjusting for age, sex, region, education levels, number of working parents, and household income. Children living in the least developed region had lower odds of having only-CGM (OR=0.20, 95%CI 0.12-0.34) and having CGM+pump (OR=0.07, 95%CI 0.03-0.22) compared with those living in the most developed region. Children with parents who had not finished high school had lower odds of having only-CGM (Mothers: OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.66; fathers: OR=0.32, 95%CI 0.18-0.60) or both CGM+pump (OR=0.27, 95%CI 0.11-0.64; fathers: OR=0.34, 95%CI 0.15-0.79) rather than no-technology compared to children whose parents has a university degree. Every $840 increase in the household income increased the odds by 5% for having only-CGM (OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.09) and CGM+pump (OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.08). Socioeconomic factors such as education, regions, and income were associated with inequality in access to technologies. The inequalities are more prominent in access to CGM while CGM had a bigger contribution to glycemic control.

The Legal Situation for Orphan Works Under the Republic of Albania's Copyright Regime

The development of digital technology has revolutionized the public's access to and utilization of protected works. Pre-existing analog works can now be easily converted into digital formats, providing users with various reuse opportunities. Libraries, museums, archives, and other cultural heritage institutions have embraced the digital revolution by digitizing their cultural and scientific collections. In addition to preserving these invaluable assets, they also aim to provide online access to their materials. However, despite their valuable efforts, these institutions often face significant challenges in locating and identifying the copyright holders to obtain the necessary authorization. This can lead to uncertainties regarding the legality of making these works available online, as using copyrighted materials without prior consent can expose them to the risk of copyright infringement claims. In the Republic of Albania, where cultural heritage institutions are also grappling with these challenges, the potential for infringement underlines the urgent need for efficient mechanisms to handle copyright-related matters when undertaking such ambitious projects. This article aims to present and analyze legal solutions that can facilitate the use of orphan works without infringing on copyright. It also delves into the potential challenges that may arise in implementing such legislation. Additionally, this article outlines the procedure for termination of orphan work status and the requirements for a reasonable compensation calculation for reappearing authors/right holders. Finally, it recommends further improvements to copyright and related rights legislation. Received: 20 March 2024 / Accepted: 16 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024

Affordability and adherence gains for Medicare Part D low-income subsidy recipients when low-income subsidy benefits expanded in 2024.

The lowest-income beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program receive "full subsidies" that waive the premium and deductible and impose minimal copayments. Those with slightly higher incomes and assets may be eligible for "partial subsidies." Prior to 2024, individuals receiving partial subsidies faced reduced Part D premiums and deductibles and paid 15% coinsurance. Under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, recipients of partial subsidies were upgraded to full subsidies beginning in 2024. The objective of this pilot study was to assess whether the new policy is likely to reduce cost-related nonadherence to prescribed medications- a common problem faced by older adults even among those receiving subsidies. To compare cost-related nonadherence among partial- vs full-subsidy recipients with similar characteristics. We used 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data for the study. The Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey is uniquely suited for this work because it contains administrative data on low-income subsidy enrollment plus extensive survey-based information on financial resources necessary to establish program eligibility and rates of cost-related nonadherence. Explanatory variables included sociodemographic characteristics, economic resources, work status, and health variables. We found that the partial-subsidy group reported significantly more cost-related nonadherence (39% vs 22%; P = 0.01) arising both from a lower propensity to fill some prescriptions (23% vs 12%; P = 0.03) and to more delays in filling others (29% vs 8%; P = 0.03). The differences were more pronounced for women and racial and ethnic minority groups in contrast to men and majority populations, respectively. Because the study samples were small, we could not conduct a detailed regression analysis. The magnitude of cost-related nonadherence effects associated with partial-subsidy cost sharing suggests that the Inflation Reduction Act policy to expand low-income subsidies may boost medication adherence, most notably among women and racial and ethnic minority groups.

Determinants of multimorbidity among elderly population in maharashtra, India: Logistic regression analysis.

Population aging is an emerging global trend. Because of decreasing fertility rates and improved healthcare, the lifespan of elderly population increased. Consequently, proportion of elderly population is increasing at an alarming rate. This is accompanied by an increased recognition of the occurrence of multimorbidity and associated mortality risks. So, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of multimorbidity among elderly population in Maharashtra with its variation among socio-demographic spectrum, functional health and health behaviors. Sample of elderly population aged > 60 years were selected to examine multimorbidity and its associated risk factors. Statistical methods such as Chi-square test were used to show the association between multimorbidity and other covariates. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to understand the effects of predictor variables on multimorbidity. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve Analysis was carried out to improve the performance of the classification model by using a modified cut-off probability value. Z scores were calculated to compare model performance in training data and test data. The prevalence of multimorbidity in Maharashtra in training data and test data was found to be 32.8% and 32.9%. Residence, living arrangement, MPCE Quintile, marital status, work status, education, tobacco consumption, physical activity, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and self-rated health of elderly population were important determinants that exert a significant adverse effect on multimorbidity. Prediction percentages indicate that appropriate actions should be undertaken to ensure good quality of life for all the elderly in Maharashtra.

A novel boost power converter suitable for bearingless switched reluctance motor with wider rotor teeth

Abstract Aiming at the problem that the excitation current build-up speed of the bearingless switched reluctance motor with wider rotor teeth (BSRMWR) is too slow during commutation, this paper proposes a simple structured boost power converter. When the motor is commutation, it uses the winding demagnetization energy to quickly establish the excitation current for the latter phase winding and realizes the low torque ripple operation of the motor on the basis of ensuring the stable levitation of the motor. The topology and working status of the novel power converter are analyzed. On this basis, a 12/8 pole single-winding BSRMWR driving system based on the novel boost power converter is constructed. Through Matlab/Simulink simulation, the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel power converter are verified.

Research on Transformer Fault Diagnosis Based on Voiceprint Signal

Abstract As an important part of the power system, the operating status of the transformer will have a direct impact on the stability and reliability of the power system. In view of the problems of high diagnosis cost and low accuracy of diagnosis results in existing fault diagnosis technology, this paper takes advantage of the obvious difference between the voiceprint signal of the transformer under normal and fault operating conditions and applies it to transformer fault diagnosis, which can effectively reflect its internal working status and fault conditions, helping operation and maintenance personnel promptly discover equipment defects and locate fault causes. In order to accurately realize transformer fault diagnosis, this paper uses the improved hybrid frog leaping algorithm to optimize the fault diagnosis algorithm of support vector machine parameters for fault diagnosis, which further improves the accuracy of fault diagnosis and is of great significance for accurately identifying transformer fault states.

一般論文] 〈사단법인 대한상이군인회〉 동래군분회 회칙 문건의 발굴 및 해제

This paper introduces specific aspects of the ‘Bylaws’ of the Dongnae-gun branch among the recently unearthed ‘Documents’ written by Cho Man-ho, who was the administrative head of the branch of 〈the Korean Disabled Veterans Association(‘the Association’)〉, and its revocation. By reprinting the ‘Rules’ in their entirety and presenting empirical data, such as contemporary newspapers, literature, and media materials, that show the actual conditions of disabled veterans before and after the organization of ‘the Association’, social and political situations, the organization, and the dissolution process, our study attempted to approach the reality of ‘the Association’ more objectively. There are two different ‘Rules’, which contain regulations on monetary and financial transparency and on principles as well as the organizational aspect, administrative system, and work regulations of the branch of ‘the Association’. ‘The Association’, possessing a history of formation and dissolution (absorption) during the Korean War, had significance for its existence as an autonomous and legal organization of the disabled veterans at that time and as the parent body of the current Korean Disabled Veterans Association. Nevertheless, the little had been known about detailed aspect of the organization for the lack of record of its administration, work, and activity status. Therefore, it was difficult to shed light on the organization of ‘the Association’, itself. In this situation, the ‘Cho Man-ho Documents’ not only has historical value that can empirically and specifically shed light on the early organization, administration, and work system of ‘the Association’, but also one that dispels prejudice and misunderstanding about ‘the Association’. This is also significant in that it has the potential to expand the research into the actual living conditions of the disabled veterans in the early stages, as well as into investigation on the support, veterans, welfare, and medical policies for them.

Evaluation of Awareness Levels of Family Violence in Accordance with Some Variables of Adult Individuals

In this study, the comparison of domestic violence awareness based on various socio-demographic variables (age, gender, education level, marital status, number of children, family structure, income level, employment status, place of residence, region of residence, previous exposure to violence) intended. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 753 people, 508 women (67.5%) and 245 men (32.5%), aged 18 and over, living in Turkey. The "Domestic Violence Awareness Scale" (AİŞFÖ), the reliability and validity of which was studied by Özyürek and Kurnaz (2019), was used in the questionnaire form. In addition, the socio-demographic information of the participants was included. The research is based on examining domestic violence awareness based on demographic variables. In this context, quantitative approach and cross-sectional design were preferred while conducting the research. The model of the research was designed in the scanning model. The data obtained as a result of the research were analyzed in the SPSS-25 statistical program. In the analysis of the data; Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, frequency and percentage values, t test and anova tests were applied. As a result of the analyzes made; It was determined that the awareness of domestic violence showed a significant difference according to the gender and working status of the participant group.

Return to Work After Breast Cancer Treatment: An Electronic Health Record-based Study in North Norway.

Breast cancer treatment may interfere with work ability. Previous return-to-work studies have often focused on participants who were invited to participate after treatment completion. Participation varied, resulting in potential selection bias. This is a health-record-based study evaluating data completeness, both at baseline and one year after diagnosis. Correlations between baseline variables and return to work were also analyzed. This is a retrospective review of 150 relapse-free survivors treated in Nordland county between 2019 and 2022 (all-comers managed with different types of systemic treatment and surgery). Work status was assessed in the regional electronic patient record (EPR). A 65-years age cut-off was employed to define two subgroups. At diagnosis, occupational status was assessable in all 150 patients. Almost all patients older than 65 years of age were retired (79%) or on disability pension for previously diagnosed conditions (19%). Data completeness one year after diagnosis was imperfect, because the EPR did not contain required information in 19 survivors. The majority of those ≤65 years of age at diagnosis returned to work. Only 14 of 88 patients (16%) did not return to work. Postoperative nodal stage was the only significant predictive factor. Those with pN1-3 had a lower return rate (68%) than their counterparts with lower nodal stage. This pilot study highlights the utility and limitations of EPR-based research in a rural Norwegian setting, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, individualized interventions to support breast cancer survivors in returning to work. The findings underscore the importance of considering diverse sociodemographic and clinical factors, as well as the potential benefits of long-term, population-based studies to address these complex challenges.

Is the Spectrum of Bacterial Infection in Open Long-bone Fractures of the Lower Limb Changing?

Introduction: Recent literature suggests a significant risk of infection by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in open Grade III fractures. Our prospective study aimed to identify the rate of infection with multidrug-resistant GNB (MDR-GNB) in open Grade III fractures and also study its clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2015 to May 2017 on Gustilo and Anderson Grade III open long-bone fractures of the lower limb. Demographic data, injury details, time from injury to receiving antibiotics, and index procedure were noted. Length of hospital stay, number of additional surgeries, and occurrence of complications were also noted. In infected open fractures, bacteriology and resistance pattern of the isolated microorganism were noted. Clinical outcomes of all included study patients were measured at 9 months. Results: A total of 231 patients with 275 open fractures involving femur, tibia, or fibula were studied. There was clinical suspicion of infection in 84 patients (36.4%) with 99 fractures (36%). Culture was positive in 43 patients (51.2%). MDR-GNB infection was seen in 19 patients representing 8.2% of all included study patients. Patients with MDR-GNB infection required a significantly higher percentage of additional surgical procedures than patients with non-MDR-GNB infection (2.2% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.0001) and had a lower return to work status (5.3% vs. 30.7%, P = 0.03), suggesting MDR-GNB infections have a worse outcome. Conclusion: Our study showing a high rate of MDR-GNB infection in open fractures highlights the therapeutic challenges involved in treating this nosocomial problem. MDR-GNB infection in open fractures is a serious cause of morbidity and poor outcome.

Research on Predicting the Status of Returning to Work for Injured Workers Based on the ICF Upper Limb Vocational Ability Assessment System

<i>Objective</i>: To verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the ICF Upper Limb Vocational Ability Assessment System (ULVAAS) in assessing the occupational capacity of patients with upper extremity injuries. <i>Methods</i>: The ICF-ULVAAS tool was applied to assess the work ability of 119 patients and suggestions for returning to work were given. After discharge, their work status was determined through telephone follow-up for 3 months. The evaluated resumption of work suggestions were compared and analyzed with their actual resumption of work status, in order to verify the predictive accuracy of the ULVAAS. <i>Results</i>: The K coefficient of consistency between the predicted return to work suggestion based on the assessment of upper limb occupational ability and the actual work status of the patient after discharge was 0.322 (p<0.001), with an overall accuracy of 85.71%. The consistency between the therapist's advice on resuming work and the patient's actual resumption of work status is not significantly correlated with their educational background and occupational nature. <i>Conclusion</i>: The ULVAAS based on the ICF can effectively assess the vocational ability of patients with hand and upper extremity injuries, and provide appropriate recommendations for returning to work based on the assessment results.

Disability Associated with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Analysis of a Cross-Sectional US Patient Survey.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional status. However, few studies have evaluated chronic GVHD-related disability and specific activity limitations from a patient perspective. The objective of this analysis was to assess physical, cognitive, and work disability, and describe factors predictive of disability in patients with chronic GVHD in the potentially employable general workforce. The cross-sectional, online, Living With Chronic GVHD Patient Survey was administered in 2020 to adult US patients who reported an active chronic GVHD diagnosis (i.e., within the previous 5years) following HSCT. Data included demographics, diagnosis, work status, chronic GVHD symptoms per the Lee Symptom Scale (LSS), and effects on daily living activities. Descriptive and correlational analyses informed composite disability definitions: (1) severe cognitive disability, (2) severe physical disability, and (3) work disability. Of 137 respondents with GVHD included in this analysis, 47.0% reported severe cognitive disability, and approximately two-thirds each reported severe physical disability (67.4%) and work disability (62.8%). Chronic GVHD severity/duration, symptoms (Lee Symptom Scale), and number of transplant specialists consulted were associated with all types of disability (univariable analyses). Severe cognitive disability was associated with the number of transplant specialists consulted, severe physical disability with female sex, and work disability with nonwhite race. In this analysis, we found that the presence of specific symptoms and the number of transplant specialists consulted were associated with all types of severe disability; female sex was predictive of severe physical disability and nonwhite race of work disability. These findings add to the understanding of chronic GVHD-associated disability, suggest a need for improved social support for patients, and highlight potential indicators for those most in need.

Evaluating an Autistic Burnout Measurement in Women.

This study evaluated the suitability of an unpublished autistic burnout assessment tool, focusing on autistic women. Distinguishing autistic burnout from conditions like depression or anxiety is crucial for effective interventions, emphasizing the need for nuanced research and refined measures in understanding and addressing autistic burnout. The Dutch version of the AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure (AABM-NL) was evaluated within a sample of 45 autistic women from the Autism Expertise Center. Preliminary findings of the AABM-NL scores demonstrated promising evidence of good internal consistency and convergent validity. Positive associations were observed between AABM-NL scores and a Likert scale assessing identification with autistic burnout, as well as with an instrument measuring physical and psychological complaints (SCL-90-R; Symptom Checklist-90-Revised). Specifically, anxiety, somatization, cognitive-performance deficits, and depression were correlated with the severity of autistic burnout. There was no significant difference between work status and the severity of autistic burnout, implying no employment-related connection. The AABM-NL effectively differentiated between women with and without autistic burnout, with 62 points as a suitable cut-off point. However, these results may not be generalized to women requiring daily living support, individuals beyond outpatient psychiatric settings, or those in institutionalized populations. The preliminary findings provide empirical evidence supporting the use of the AABM-NL as a potential tool for assessing autistic burnout in women receiving outpatient psychiatric care. Its implementation may contribute to programs aimed at recognizing and preventing autistic burnout in women. Further research is needed to enhance intervention strategies for mitigating the risk of autistic burnout.