Cross-sectional Survey-based Study Research Articles

Meal Timing Habits among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. The global rise in noncommunicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, is a growing concern worldwide. Unhealthy dietary behaviors, specifically the habits of skipping breakfast and consuming late dinners, have emerged as key dietary behaviors with significant health implications. Methods. This cross-sectional survey-based study aimed to investigate meal-timing habits among adults in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on breakfast skipping. Results. The study included 2,262 participants, of whom 58.0% were women and 42.0% were men. It found that 31.4% of participants had less than three meals per day, and 74.2% reported snacking. Moreover, 16.8% of participants skipped breakfast and 18.9% of participants had late dinner. Females were found to be 1.3 times more likely to skip breakfast than males (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6, P = 0.04 ), while unemployed individuals were three times more likely to skip breakfast than those with full-time jobs (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.3–7.1, P = 0.01 ). Conclusion. The study highlights a high prevalence of breakfast skipping and late evening dinners among adults in Saudi Arabia, particularly among females and unemployed individuals. Targeted interventions to promote healthy eating habits are needed to improve nutritional status and prevent chronic diseases in this population.

Musculoskeletal disorders among dental students: a survey from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are injuries affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons due to improper working conditions with serious consequences on health and career. Dentists were found to be at greater risk of developing WMSD compared to other healthcare providers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSD among dental students in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey-based study recruited dental students across the kingdom using respondent-driven sampling technique. Data was collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal scale and a validated, self- administered, close-ended questionnaire which assessed WMSDs predisposing factors, enabling factors and musculoskeletal disorders consequences and management. The questionnaire was administered in both Arabic and English languages and was distributed online using google forms. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, Chi-square test or Fisher Exact test was used where appropriate and Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of developing WMSDs.ResultsThe prevalence of WMSD was 87% (95% CL; 83.9% to 90.3%) among the 462 respondents. Gender, study year, type of practice, having clinics for left-handed, hours of clinical practice, sitting in the proper position while working, use of coping strategies were significantly associated with WMSD prevalence (P < 0.05). Males were OR = 10 times at higher risk of WMSD compared to females (P = 0.0001). Those with daily clinical practice were OR = 5 times at higher risk of WMSD than those who have weekly practice. Those practicing walking, workout, and yoga showed lower prevalence of WMSD (OR = 0.377 & 0.323, p = 0.015, 0.010 respectively).ConclusionsThe prevalence of WMSD among dental students in KSA was high. Males and those with prolonged clinical sessions were at greater risk of WMSD. There is a need for awareness campaigns to educate dental students about risk factors of WMSD. Collegesy, dental colleges should adopt policies in reducing WMSD among their students.

Addiction prevention &amp; mental health support in Hungarian elementary schools: a mixed-methods study

Abstract Substance and behavioural addictions are growing problems of children and adolescents, and prevention requires reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors, such as mental health support (MHS). The current Hungarian policy emphasises the role of schools in addiction prevention (AP), but few data exist on school-level implementation. This was a mixed-methods study supported by the Scientific Foundations of Education Research Program of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, investigating the implementation of AP and MHS in Hungarian elementary schools (N = 2892) with a nationwide cross-sectional survey-based study and by focus groups on teachers’ views about such programmes and ways to improve them (37 teachers from 21 schools). Schools covered the topics of tobacco (74%), drugs (71%), alcohol (62%), and electronic devices (61%) most commonly. Of schools, 55% had regular MHS programmes, and this differed significantly by school type and size. More addiction-, and mental health-related topics were covered with greater diversity of implementers (p &amp;lt; 0.001). A school environment conducive of MHS was more prevalent with higher frequency of community building within the teaching staff (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that school type, support for teachers’ work, and diversity of implementers were significantly associated with the quality of implementation of AP and MHS. Six themes emerged from the focus groups: development of addictions and mental health, health education, role of teachers in addiction prevention, cooperation, factors hindering addiction prevention at schools, and factors supporting it. Teachers claimed that they can do the most for children's health at school, but they need support for effective implementation. Our results indicate the importance of school characteristics in AP implementation and call for the support and empowerment of teachers and greater organisational capacity to ensure the effectiveness of school-based AP and MHS. Key messages • Multistakeholder engagement approaches are necessary to address a wider, more diverse range of addiction-related topics in the school curricula. • The training and mental health support of teachers and their collectives are important intervention points that should be invested in to increase the effectiveness of addiction prevention.

Herpes zoster vaccine awareness and acceptance among adults in Saudi Arabia: a survey-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHerpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Despite the recommended herpes zoster vaccine for individuals aged ≥ 50 years, its uptake remains low in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and awareness of herpes zoster and its vaccine in individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online survey distributed via social media.ResultsAmong 402 participants, 57.2% had heard of the shingles vaccine, but only 7.7% received it. However, 53.2% expressed willingness to be vaccinated. Multivariable analysis revealed that those aged 56–60 were 1.8 times more likely to accept the vaccine than those aged 50–55 years (p = 0.03). Men were 1.9 times more likely to accept the vaccine than women (p = 0.01). Additionally, participants with a primary education were 16.1 times more likely to accept the vaccine than those with a higher education (p = 0.01).ConclusionThis study highlights the need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and the public in Saudi Arabia regarding shingles and its vaccine. The low vaccine uptake calls for effective strategies, such as awareness campaigns and provider reminders. Primary education and vaccine hesitancy influence willingness to be vaccinated.

Adverse Effects Reported and Insights Following Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccination.

Vaccines are promising strategies for controlling COVID-19; however, COVID-19 vaccine side effects play a central role in public confidence in the vaccine and its uptake process. This study aimed to provide evidence on the post-vaccination early side effects of the BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine. This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022 among recipients of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine, using a questionnaire-based survey. Our final sample consisted of 657 participants, including 392 women. Among the study cases, only 103 (15.7%) participants received one dose of vaccine, and the rest received both doses (N = 554, 84.3%). Systemic symptoms (first dose: N = 187, both doses: N = 128) were the most commonly reported events after vaccination, and among them, injection site pain (first dose: 19.3%, both doses: 12.9%) was the most prevalent adverse effect. All reporting events were mild and resolved in less than 3days without hospitalization. Among the participants, females and young people aged 35-65 were more prone to manifest side effects (N = 169, 53.3%) after the vaccine injection. Furthermore, our results revealed that the recipients who were suffering from underlying diseases, including diabetes, renal disorder, and respiratory illness, reported fewer adverse responses after vaccination in comparison with healthy individuals. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 may lead to some adverse reactions in recipients. However, the frequency of post-vaccination early side effects differed in people, but all responses were slight and temporary.

Investigating Awareness Regarding Travel-Related Infectious Disease Prevention in a Metropolitan Area.

The rise in international travel has led to an increase in travel-related infectious diseases. It is predicted that by 2030, the number of international travelers will reach 1.8 billion, with over 250 million people affected globally. This issue also has an economic impact, as the eradication of travel-related infectious diseases leads to a loss of USD 12 billion in tourism. To understand the association between demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to travel-related infectious diseases, a cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among 1191 individuals in the metropolitan city of Naples, Italy. Multiple linear regression was performed over three models. The results revealed that knowledge about travel-related infectious diseases was positively associated with age, female gender, non-smoking habits, being single, and higher education attainment. The attitude towards travel-related infectious diseases was positively associated with being female, non-smoking habits, being single, higher education attainment, and a higher level of knowledge. A statistically significant association was observed between behaviors and non-smoking habits and between higher levels of knowledge and attitudes. To address this issue, public health programs could be implemented to improve behaviors in the general population. Overall, this study provides valuable information about the determinants of knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to travel-related infectious diseases in the general population.

The Patient Experience of Prior Authorization for Cancer Care

Prior authorization (PA) requires clinicians and patients to navigate a complex approval pathway. Resultant delays and denials can be particularly problematic for patients with cancer, who often need urgent treatment or symptom management. To investigate the patient perspective of PA for cancer-related care, including perceptions about the process, outcomes (including delays and denials), and patient administrative burden. This cross-sectional, anonymous survey used a convenience sample of patients with PA experience. Participants were recruited using social media and email lists of US-based cancer advocacy organizations from July 1 to October 6, 2022. Prior authorization for any cancer-related service. Delays to care, outcome of PA, communication, and changes in anxiety (measured on a scale of 0-100, with 0 indicating no anxiety and higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety) and trust. Of 178 respondents (158 women [88%], 151 non-Hispanic White respondents [84%], 164 respondents [92%] <65 years), 112 (63%) reported that their cancer care was approved and given as recommended, and 39 (22%) did not receive recommended care due to delays or denials. Most respondents (123 [69%]) reported a PA-related delay in care; of those with delayed care, 90 (73%) reported a delay of 2 or more weeks. Most respondents (119 [67%]) had to personally become involved in the PA process; 35 (20%) spent 11 or more hours dealing with PA issues. Overall, the PA experience was rated as bad (70 [40%]) or horrible (55 of 174 [32%]); ratings were associated with the length of delay (ρ = 0.36; P < .001) and the time spent on PA (ρ = 0.42; P < .001). Self-reported PA-related anxiety was higher than usual anxiety (mean [SD] score, 74.7 [20.2] vs 37.5 [22.6]; P < .001) and was correlated with delay length (ρ = 0.16; P = .04), time spent on PA (ρ = 0.27; P < .001), and overall PA experience (ρ = 0.34; P < .001). After PA, 159 respondents (89%) trusted their insurance company less, and 148 respondents (83%) trusted the health care system less. Patient involvement in the PA process was associated with increased odds of distrusting their insurance company (β = 6.0; 95% CI, 1.9-19.2) and the health care system (β = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-8.1) and of having a negative experience (β = 6.6; 95% CI, 3.1-14.3). This survey-based cross-sectional study of the patient experience with PA highlights an adverse outcome of PA: 22% of patients did not receive the care recommended by their treatment team because of PA. Most respondents experienced a delay in recommended oncology care, and delays were associated with increased anxiety, a negative perception of the PA process, and patient administrative burden.

The palm or the plate? An assessment of dietary guideline promotion, awareness, and preferences among Saudis: cross-sectional survey

BackgroundDietary Guidelines for Saudis are offered and promoted in two forms: the Healthy Food Palm and the Saudi Healthy Plate. However, public awareness, recognition, and engagement with these guidelines is not well studied. Understanding the factors behind dietary guideline promotion, awareness, recognition, and use may lead to greater optimization of and engagement with the guidelines. This study aims to assess recognition of and public engagement with the My Palm and My Plate dietary guidelines as well as dietary guideline awareness, perceptions, and preferences among Saudis.MethodsTo compare awareness, knowledge, and usability between the Healthy Food Palm and the Saudi Healthy Plate dietary guidelines, a cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among Saudi adult males and females above 18 (n = 674) between October 2021 and January 2022. Participants were split into groups based on age and gender. T-test and χ2 tests were used to determine differences between groups for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.ResultsMost participants were unaware of the Healthy Food Palm and the Saudi Healthy Plate guidelines, with only 11.1% and 30.3% able to recognize guideline-associated visual illustrations, respectively. However, nearly half of the participants correctly identified the number of food groups in the Healthy Food Palm and Saudi Healthy Plate. As well, more than half of the sample preferred the Saudi Healthy Plate, while one-quarter of the sample preferred neither guideline. In terms of future public health promotion, participants identified that “convenience and availability” (29.6%) and “my own health” (28.6%) were the most influential dietary choice factors with “social media campaigns” (2.4%) and the involvement of “an influencer” (3.1%) being the least influential dietary choice factors.ConclusionsImplementation of and public awareness of dietary guidelines is less than optimal, and opportunities exist for greater information dissemination and public engagement. Measurement and ongoing evaluation of public dietary guideline awareness and use and a more in-depth understanding of dietary choice influences and behaviors are important considerations for dietary guideline development and promotion.

Simulation-based education in anaesthesiology residency training in Europe: A survey-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundSimulation-based medical education (SBME) is an important tool for actively improving the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. Despite the growing popularity and proven effectiveness of simulation-based education, understanding the extent and scope of its use in European anaesthesiology residency training is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of simulation-based training for anaesthesiology trainees in Europe. MethodsWe conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study to assess the current status of simulation-based education in anaesthesiology residency training in Europe. The online distributed survey included 56 items, aiming at trainees’ perspectives of availability in general and different types of SBME, implementation in national training programs, benefits and barriers. Regional, year of-training-dependent and workplace-associated distribution patterns of answers were analysed. ResultsWe collected responses from 268 anaesthesiology trainees from 37 different countries. Most trainees had participated in an anaesthesia-related simulation course, with the highest response rate in northern and western European countries. Anaesthesia-related simulation courses were included in the training programs of almost all respondents, regardless of the region, but perceptive availability varied significantly throughout Europe. The most taught topics using simulation included advanced/basic life support, airway management and management of polytrauma patients. The most frequently reported barriers to simulation were costs, followed by a need for more protected educational time. ConclusionThe study revealed discrepancies between the European countries as perceived by trainees. Further research is needed to explore the reasons behind these differences and promote greater access to simulation-based education across Europe.

Understanding Factors Contributing to Vaccine Hesitancy in a Large Metropolitan Area.

Vaccine hesitancy has become a major global concern, leading to a significant decrease in the vaccination rate, with the World Health Organization recognizing it as one of the top ten threats to public health. Moreover, the health cost generated is evaluated to be 27 billion dollars per year in the US alone. To investigate the association between demographic variables and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to vaccination, a survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 1163 individuals. Three models were used to perform a multiple linear regression analysis. In Model I, knowledge about vaccinations was found to be associated with smoking habits, education, and marital status. In Model II, attitudes towards vaccinations were significantly associated with sex, smoking habits, education, marital status, and knowledge. In Model III, behaviours related to vaccination were associated with sex, smoking habits, having children, knowledge, and attitudes. One potential solution to improve behaviours related to vaccinations in the general population is to implement specific public health programs, which can be a cost-effective intervention. This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to vaccinations in the general population.

Interprofessional Education in Health Informatics (IPEHI) for Health Sciences Programs.

Given the significant changes the healthcare system has undergone recently; information technology has become an indispensable tool. To properly train future healthcare providers, it is vital to introduce information technology courses in Health Sciences programs. The provision of healthcare services now requires teamwork, which has led to the need for interprofessional education in health sciences schools. Therefore, this study explores the necessity of introducing Interprofessional Education in Health Informatics (IPEHI) in health sciences programs. Additionally, the structure and content of the course were assessed. A mixed-method approach was employed in this study to explore the need for health informatics interprofessional education among individuals with a health-related science background and who possessed health informatics expertise through work experience or formal post-graduation education. Following a cross-sectional survey-based study, expert subjects from academia and the workplace were convened for Delphi meetings to create an IPEHI course founded on the CAHIIM competency framework. 128 questionnaires were collected from three cities in Saudi Arabia. Of all the respondents, 80% agreed that the present health sciences education should be expanded. Additionally, 74% of them agreed that the proposed IPE-HI (Interprofessional Education in Health Informatics) would enhance their knowledge and positively impact the healthcare system. During the second phase, eight experts were invited to identify seven domains, which include health information science and technology, social, behavioral and information science and technology applied to health, information science and technology, leadership, social and behavioral aspects of health, professionalism, and interprofessional collaborative practice. The results emphasize the need for introducing an IPE-HI, as previous studies have also shown that educating health professionals in health information technology is crucial. IPEHI plays a crucial role in producing competent health science graduates. Consequently, experts have developed and validated a proposed IPE-HI course.

Prevalence of Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases in Patients Visiting the Dental Outpatient Department of Sindh, Pakistan

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to evaluate the awareness of oral health workers in identifying the prevalence of oral manifestations of systemic diseases in patients visiting the Dental Out-Patient Department of Sindh, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY A descriptive, cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from October to December 2021. The study was conducted in various institutes from all over Sindh, Pakistan. An online, well-structured questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and distributed to the participants through social media platforms in the dental community. Using the Open-Epi software regarding a parent article, the sample size of this study was calculated. Keeping the confidence interval at 95% and the desired percentile at 50, the total sample size was calculated to be 100. Around 175 questionnaires were given out to the candidates. RESULTSThe results showed that 81% male and 19% female participated, including 45% postgraduate trainees, 30% house officers, and 25% general dentists. 80% detected 2-3 systemic diseases in a patient, with 75% observing oral manifestations preceding systemic illness diagnosis. The majority favoured treating underlying ailments (75%), and prevalent conditions included hypertension (90%), diabetes (80%), anaemia (75%), and lichen planus (40.7%). CONCLUSION Oral health workers play a vital role in the initial and early identification and multidisciplinary medical management of various systemic diseases. A coordinated approach between physicians and dentists in diagnosing and managing these conditions is necessary to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.

Emotional and Social Dimensions of the Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Survey-based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially in children, demands continuous attention and support from parents. Managing T1D can be a herculean task, which could even affect parenting. These challenges could become intense when the child reaches adulthood. In this study, we aim to understand the emotional and social dimensions experienced by parents raising children diagnosed with T1D, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges they encounter in fulfilling this crucial caregiving role. Methods: As part of the Kesavadev Trust Type 1 Diabetes Project Sweet Stars initiative, an ongoing project since 2016, a T1D education camp was organized in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, in November 2022. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were assessed using a prestructured questionnaire. A set of 12 questions were assessed on a scale ranging from “not at all” to “to a greater extent.” The camp attendees who were willing to participate were included in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings of the survey. Categorical variables were presented as frequency (%), while continuous variables were summarized as mean (standard deviation) or median (Q1, Q3) based on the results of the Shapiro–Wilk normality test. SPSS version 27 was used for all the analyses. Results: A total of 64 parents participated in the study. Nearly half of the survey participants did not experience it to be challenging to be the parent of a child with diabetes 46.9%, while 23.4% expressed that to a greater extent, they found it to be challenging. 55.6% of parents stated that their child’s diabetes did not affect their work life, while 20.6% expressed that it affected their work life to a lesser extent. 36.7% of the parents expressed that they were concerned about their child’s risk of low blood sugar to a greater extent. The parent-school relationship was reported as great (50%). The parents expressed that their peers at school are sympathetic to their children to a greater extent (26.7%). 38.1% of the parents reported their child has access to a dietitian during hospital visits. More than half of the parents were satisfied with the doctor’s care and support (51.7%). The majority (37.7%) of parents were also worried to a greater extent regarding the child’s future complications. Conclusion: The study sheds light on the emotional and social dimensions experienced by parents raising children with T1D. Recognizing and addressing these factors is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for parents who are facing the challenges of raising a child with T1D.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Egypt: a cross-sectional study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy is a major problem. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on a sample of the Egyptian population using an online survey distributed through social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. The questionnaire was composed of five parts: part I describing the research questionnaire and its aim, part II assessing the demographic data, part III assessing knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 infection, and part IV and V evaluating knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines, factors affecting vaccine acceptance and participants' attitude toward vaccination. Regression models were used to assess factors associated with vaccine acceptability. A total of 24376 responses were included in the statistical analysis. Females represented more than two-thirds of the study sample (70.5%,) and 18-24 years was the most commonly reported age group. Around one-third of the sample were healthcare professionals (HCPs). Only 14.3% of the participants received or registered to receive the vaccine, while 47% refused to be vaccinated. Regression analysis revealed that male gender, secondary education, older age, married or divorced status, presence of comorbidities, and higher level of knowledge regarding the vaccine were significantly associated with high vaccine acceptance. The most important vaccine attributes influencing vaccine selection in the current work were efficacy and safety. Vaccine hesitancy is currently a major challenge. Governments should design educational campaigns that provide trusted data related to vaccine efficacy and safety to encourage vaccination and enhance awareness.

Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Concerning Antibiotic Use in a Large Metropolitan Area: Implications for Public Health and Policy Interventions.

The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics pose a grave threat to public health, contributing significantly to the accelerated development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and increased rates of morbidity and mortality, making it a leading cause of death globally. To examine the relationship between demographic variables and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning antibiotic use, a survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1158 individuals. The questionnaire included two sections: in the first section, participants' socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed; the second investigated knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning antibiotics utilization using a total of 36 questions. Descriptive statistics were used, and then a multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) using three models was carried out. In Model I, knowledge about antibiotics exhibited correlations with smoking habits and educational attainment. In Model II, attitudes were significantly associated with gender, smoking habits, age, education, relationship status, and knowledge. In Model III, behaviors related to antibiotics were correlated with educational attainment, having children, knowledge, and attitudes. Implementing tailored public health programs could be a cost-effective intervention to enhance behaviors associated with antibiotic use in the general population. This study offers valuable insights into the determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antibiotics in the general population.

Determinants Of Intention To Emigrate Among Final Year Medical Students And Junior Doctors In Ghana

Objective: Historically, doctors left the shores of Ghana for professional development and greener pastures; however, the institution of Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to train postgraduate doctors locally significantly reduced the rate of emigration. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey-based study of final year medical students of the University of Ghana Medical School, house officers and medical officers working at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Demographic data, Push Factors (poor conditions of service, lack of equipment and facilities, and economic instability) and Pull Factors (better career opportunities, shorter length of training programmes, family or spouse living abroad and improved conditions of service) were collected and analysed. Results: Of the 189 respondents, 94.18% intended to pursue postgraduate medical education, with greater than half wanting to go outside Ghana due to push factors. The existence of a well-established postgraduate training programme in Ghana, was a consideration that could influence their decision to stay for 24.27% of the participants who wished to emigrate, however for 65.05%, this did not influence their decision. Other factors like the Covid-19 pandemic had no impact on the decision to emigrate among most respondents. Conclusion: Physician emigration, although dynamic, is not as rife as it was two to three decades ago in Ghana. This study recommends a review of existing policies and strategic planning among all stakeholders to ensure that postgraduate training is locally attractive to stem the possibility of another cycle of brain drain.

Therapeutic adherence and assessment of satisfaction patients with multiple myeloma treated with immunomodulatory drugs in a "real-world" study: Experiences of the Polish Myeloma Group.

Therapeutic adherence (TA) is one of the most important factors influencing the effectiveness of treatment. Oral anti-cancer drugs are increasingly used to treat malignancy including multiple myeloma (MM). Our study aimed to determine TA of patients with MM treated with IMiDs, to identify TA risk factors, and to determine satisfaction with medical care during the treatment with IMiDs. A cross-sectional survey-based study involving adult patients with MM treated with IMiDs. Between January 2021 and May 2021, 267 patients with MM were enrolled in the study. The dosing schedule was declared as easy by 71.8% of patients, as standard for 24.0%, and difficult for 4.2% of patients. During MM treatment, 85.0% of patients did not skip any IMiDs dose, and 87.6% did not skip the IMiDs dose in the last cycle of chemotherapy. Identified factors affecting TA included the treatment duration and education level. In addition, depending on the patient's well-being, gender, and household companionship influenced TA. Satisfaction with medical care during the treatment with IMiDs was declared by 95.5% of patients with MM. In our cohort, 95.5% of patients were satisfied with the information they received from the hematologist during treatment with IMiDs. Patients with MM treated with IMiDs are highly adherent to treatment. With time from the beginning of treatment, patients need more attention and motivation to adhere to the therapy rules.

Knowledge and Attitudes towards Epilepsy of Croatian General Student Population and Biomedical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Epilepsy causes a significant burden to patients as it is linked with various somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, social issues, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. Improving the population's knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy patients could be beneficial as it could raise social awareness and lead to more social support for patients. For those reasons, a survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine Croatian students' knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy. A previously developed survey questionnaire was adapted for the Croatian setting and distributed online to the students (n = 544). Croatian students generally had positive attitudes towards people with epilepsy (median score 28.0, interquartile range 29.0-26.0, with the minimum possible score being 0.0 and the maximum 30.0), with the female gender (B (male) = 0.664 (95% CI -1.158, -0.170), p = 0.009), biomedical education (B (other) = -0.442, (95% CI -0.823, -0.061), p = 0.023), and personal experience in the form of witnessing the seizure (B = 0.519 (95% CI 0,098, 0.940), p = 0.016) as predictors of more favorable attitudes. Overall knowledge was satisfactory concerning most items, with the exception of first aid measures and risk factors. Educational intervention targeting bio-medical students and other students who might, in their future professional lives, be responsible for people suffering from epilepsy is needed to improve the gaps in their knowledge.

Adherence to Recommended Immunization Schedules in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Biologics and Small Molecule Therapies

Introduction: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on biologic therapies are at increased risk of infections, emphasizing the importance of immunization. This study aimed to assess vaccination prevalence among patients with IBD on specific biologic therapies. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted at an IBD center, including patients receiving different biologic therapies from 1 January 2022 to the 30 April 2023. Demographic and vaccination data were collected using patient electronic records and patient interviews. Results: A total 394 patients (100%) received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. A total of 79 patients (20%) received the influenza vaccine, 40 patients (10.2%) were vaccinated against hepatitis A (HAV), and 34 patients (8.6%) received the pneumococcal vaccine. From the 103 female patients who are eligible to take human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, only 7 (6.8%) received it. Out of the 100 eligible patients above the age of 50, only 9 (9%) received the herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine. Conclusion: The uptake of certain vaccines such as Hepatitis B (HBV), seasonal influenza, HAV, pneumococcal, HZ and HPV vaccines among patients with IBD were below expectations. These findings highlight the need for interventions to improve patients’ awareness and adherence to prevent infectious complications in patients with IBD.

Financial Literacy Among Medical Trainees and Faculty: A Pilot Study.

Medical education systems are trained to produce efficient, thorough clinicians. These programs provide limited training on personal finances. The current socioeconomic climate for medical trainees includes increasing education debt and stagnating reimbursement. We conducted a survey-based cross-sectional pilot study at an academic institution targeted at residents, fellows, and attendings of all medical specialties. Our aim was to understand baseline levels of financial literacy at different training and career stages, which can inform targeted interventions to improve this crucial aspect of physician well-being. Asurvey was devised with the assistance of a certified financial planner. This survey was distributed at an academic institution targeting residents, fellows, and attendings. The survey was anonymous, and no identifying data were collected.Two reminders were sent to subjects to complete the survey. A total of 50 physicians completed the survey in 2021.There were eight responses from interns, 14 responses from residents (post-graduate year 2 or later), 14 responses from fellows, and nine responses from attendings. The majority of our respondents reported not having any particular financial education, and over 70% of respondents reported that their graduate education had not provided them with the tools needed for personal financial success. Financial education and financial literacy are important topics that need to be further incorporated into the medical education pathway.Physicians are not well equipped in this realm, and further training is necessary.This study provides pilot data that highlightimportant aspects of physician knowledge and practices in regard to finances.