Symptoms Of Side Effects Research Articles

A novel 3D-printed customized nasal mask for improving CPAP adherence and satisfaction for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

To evaluate the performance of a novel 3D-printed customized nasal mask on patient satisfaction and compliance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients prescribed CPAP therapy with suboptimal CPAP compliance using a conventional CPAP mask (<70% of nights with ≥4 hours per night over 4 weeks) were recruited from the sleep investigation unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients underwent a 3D-facial mapping procedure to have a novel 3D-printed customized nasal mask fabricated which was trialed four weeks. CPAP compliance data download of the same period was conducted with their pre-existing conventional mask and customized mask. Questionnaires assessing symptoms of OSA and mask-related side-effects were administered before and after the trial of the customized mask. Thirty patients (twenty-two males and eight females, age 63.3 ± 12.5 years, BMI 31.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2, apnea-hypopnea index 37.3 ± 21.9 events/h [mean ± standard deviation]) were studied. CPAP was used in a greater proportion of nights with the customized mask (85.7 [66.1, 98.2]% versus 63.2 [13.1, 96.8]%, P=0.009) compared to the conventional mask. Hourly CPAP usage was higher with the customized mask (3.8 [2.7, 5.8] hours versus 2.4 [0.3, 5.0] hours, P=0.016) compared to a conventional mask. Patients preferred the customized mask (P=0.008) and reported less mask-related side effects. The novel 3D-printed customized mask improved CPAP usage in patients with suboptimal CPAP compliance. Customized CPAP masks may be a suitable option for patients experiencing poor CPAP compliance from mask-related side effects. Registry: ANZCTR; Title: Conventional vs custom made nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask for treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Pilot study A; Identifier: ACTRN12621001301853; URL: https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382142.

Fatigue and related variables in bladder cancer treatment – Longitudinal pilot study

Fatigue is a significant problem in patients with bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy. This pilot study evaluated fatigue and related variables during a treatment period. Four measurements were made, the first 1 month after the cystectomy, and the next three at an interval of about 3 months each (at 4 months, 7 months, and 10 months after the surgery). In addition to the author's questionnaire (sociodemographic variables and a question about the impact of the disease on the patient's life), the FACIT-F Fatigue (to measure fatigue), NCCN/FACT FBISI-18, version 2 (symptoms, general condition of the patient), HADS (depression, anxiety, and irritability) measures were used. In this study, 21 patients participated in all four measurement periods. The fatigue intensity increased significantly between the first and second measurements and gradually decreased between the third and fourth measurements.As the severity of fatigue increases, can be observed an increase in the sense of the impact of the disease on the patient's life in all except the first measurement.The study revealed statistically significant correlations between fatigue and experiencing symptoms of cancer and treatment at each stage of the study, with the strongest correlations in the second and fourth measurements regarding symptoms of cancer and a stronger correlation in the second compared to the first measurement regarding side effects. At each stage of measurement, the experience of dizziness, lack of appetite, feeling of being sick, and feeling of annoyance from treatment side effects were statistically significantly correlated with fatigue. The intensity of fatigue correlated with the feeling of experiencing difficulties in meeting the needs of the family due to the physical condition in the first measurement (Rho = 0.76), a sense of weakness (Rho = 0.92) and sleepiness (Rho = 0.72) in the second measurement, pain in the third (Rho = 0.77). The greatest number of correlates of fatigue were described in the fourth measurement (all symptoms of cancer and side effects except losing weight).Stress, anxiety, depression and irritability were correlated with fatigue at each of the stages of research except the first one (without differences between the correlation coefficients in the second, third and fourth measurements). Significantly lower levels of fatigue characterised patients who survived over 6 months after the end of the study compared to the first three measurements.

Layered double hydroxide/conductive polymer nanocomposites: Toward multifunctional biocompatible nanoadsorbents for wastewater treatment applications

ABSTRACT Layered double hydroxide (LDH)/conductive polymer nanocomposites combine the promising adsorption capabilities of 2D layered nanomaterials and the electric properties of conductive polymers, resulting in multifunctional adsorbents for wastewater treatment. In this work, a simple in situ polymerization of aniline was conducted in the presence of Zn-Fe LDH to synthesize a Zn-Fe LDH/PANI nanocomposite, which was characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET. The composite showed a particle-like morphology with a size of 30–60 nm and a BET surface area of 23.27 m2/g and was used as an adsorbent for carbamazepine (CBZ). Zn-Fe LDH/PANI removed 98% of CBZ at pH 7, 0.2 g/L, and 40 mg/L CBZ. For biocompatibility, acute toxicity was assessed in vivo for ten days using male albino rats, and probit analysis (after 2, 6, and 24 hours) was used to determine the LD0, LD20, LD50, LD90, and LD100 values, which were calculated to be 890, 1051, 3188, 6371, and 11,300, respectively. During this time, the rats were weighed, and other observations were made, including mortality, behavior, injuries, and any symptoms of toxicity or side effects. Histopathological examination of organs such as the liver, kidney, brain, skin, intestine, and cecum for any pathological alterations was performed. Two green metrics were applied, the Analytical Eco-scale and the Analytical GREEness Calculator (AGREE).

Perioperative duloxetine improves postoperative outcomes after anterior talofibular ligament repair for chronic lateral ankle instability for patients with depression: A prospective randomized clinical trial

BackgroundRecent studies have indicated that depression is associated with persistent postoperative pain and decreased satisfaction following foot and ankle surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of perioperative duloxetine on postoperative outcomes of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) surgical repair for chronic ankle instability (CAI) in patients with depression. We further sought to evaluate patients’ satisfaction and side effects related to duloxetine. Material and methodsPatients undergoing ATFL repair were screened for depression preoperatively with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Among 249 patients who underwent arthroscopic or open surgical Brostrom repair of the ATFL, 120 patients were identified as being “possibly depressed” and were included in the study. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to the duloxetine group (one day preoperatively and for 6 weeks postoperatively), and the other sixty were randomized to the placebo group. Painkillers and opioid consumption, pain scores, and patient satisfaction were recorded at 12, 24, 48, and 72hours postoperatively and at follow-up visits 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Duloxetine-related side effects such as nausea/vomiting and fatigue were also recorded. ResultsThe patients in the duloxetine group reported a significantly longer time to rescue analgesic and reduced opioid requirements (including celecoxib, pregabalin, acetaminophen, and tramadol). The patients experienced decreased pain intensity and greater satisfaction with their pain management at 24, 48, 72h and 1 and 3 months after surgery (p<0.05). The duloxetine group also had significantly better clinical and functional outcomes at 3 and 6 months of follow-up compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). The occurrence and rate of symptoms of duloxetine side effects were not significant. DiscussionDepression is an important factor to consider and address because its presence before surgery can predict poor postoperative outcomes, including more severe postoperative pain, persistent postoperative pain, and increased consumption of painkillers and opioids. ConclusionPerioperative administration of duloxetine following ATFL repair for CAI in patients with depression increased the time to first postoperative rescue analgesic request and reduced both opioid consumption and postoperative pain. This approach also led to a high level of patient satisfaction. In addition, duloxetine improved the quality of recovery without leading to significant side effects. Level of evidenceI; prospective randomized controlled trial.

Korelasi Efek Samping Obat Anti Tuberkulosis dengan Kepatuhan Pengobatan Pasien TB Paru

Pulmonary TB is an infectious disease which is a major problem for health in communities, especially in developing countries. The incidence of TB in Indonesia in 2020 is 301 per 100,000 population, the death rate is 34 per 100,000 population. Pulmonary TB patients who do not comply with taking medication can cause a decrease in the cure rate and an increase in the death rate. OAT side effects are one of the causes of non-compliance. This study aims to determine the correlation of OAT side effects with adherence in pulmonary TB patients. The research design was an analytic observational cross sectional study approach and was carried out at the Asolokobal Health Center with a total sample of 30 respondents. Respondents filled out a questionnaire and gave a checklist on the perceived side effects of OAT, compliance was measured with the Guttman scale, the answers "Yes" or "No". The statistical test used is Chi Square with the alternative Fisher's Exact Test. The results of the study showed that 20 respondents (66.7%) adhered to the level of compliance with mild drug side effects. The level of compliance of respondents with symptoms of severe side effects who adhered to it was 6 respondents (20.0%), the level of compliance of respondents with symptoms of severe side effects who did not comply was 4 respondents (13.3%). Fisher's Exact Test, obtained p value = 0.008. It was concluded that there is a correlation between the side effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs and adherence to treatment of pulmonary TB patients.

Effect of Tila Taila Shirodhara in Anidra - A Case Series

People with insomnia, commonly referred to as sleeplessness, have problems falling asleep. Around 10% to 30% of individuals experience insomnia at any given moment, and up to 50% of people experience it in the course of a single year. Only 6% of people develop insomnia that lasts longer than a month and is unrelated to any problem. The typical first line of treatment are Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes but is restricted only to the mild cases, Moderate or severe cases requires medications like sleeping pills, sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs like Antihistamines, Benzodiazepines etc. The side effect, dependency and withdrawal symptoms of these drugs are not new to the medical sciences. On the antagonistic part Ayurveda can provide a safe and effective non interventional solution to it by Shirodhara a Panchakarma therapeutic measure. In this case series Tila Taila Dhara was used to see the effect on various criteria like Athens Insomnia Scale Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, WHO - Quality of scale (Bref) and Ayurveda Lakshana and an overall improvement of 74.9 % was found in all these criteria’s which was found worth sharing to the medical fraternity for enhancement and its further appraisal.

Two-year evolution of quality of life following radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer

ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the trajectory of quality of life (QoL) over a two-year period after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), addressing the gap in long-term QoL information. MethodsEmploying a prospective longitudinal observational design, we tracked 58 HNC patients who underwent radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, analyzing their QoL using Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2 (SF36v2), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life head and neck-35 (EORTC-QLQ-H&N35) questionnaires for two years post-discharge. The data underwent repeated measures analysis of variance. ResultsOver the two-year follow-up, 10 patients (17.2%) succumbed, and 8 (13.8%) dropped out. SF36v2 physical and role-social component summary scores declined during treatment, requiring 1–2 years for recovery. The mental component summary score remained stable. EORTC-QLQ-30 revealed global health status recovery within one year post-discharge. EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 items like “swallowing,” “senses problems,” “trouble with social eating,” “dry mouth,” “sticky saliva,” “coughing,” and “felt ill” worsened pre-discharge. “Trouble with social contact” improved within a year, while “pain,” “swallowing,” “senses problems,” “trouble with social eating,” and “coughing” improved within two years. “Dry mouth” and “sticky saliva” persisted throughout the two-year follow-up, common symptoms of HNC and treatment side effects. ConclusionsRecovery of specific QoL aspects in HNC patients treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may require up to two years. Prolonged monitoring and management of oral symptoms could enhance QoL. Future research should extend follow-up beyond two years for comprehensive interventions enhancing patient QoL.

Awareness and experiences of side effects and infections during chemotherapy treatment: a cross sectional survey among family caregivers of cancer patients in India

Background: Adequate understanding of side effects and infections is essential for family caregivers to ensure proper management for cancer patients during chemotherapy. The present paper describes the family caregivers' awareness of the symptoms of possible side effects and infections during chemotherapy treatment. Methods: Family caregivers were identified through the lodging facilities near the cancer treatment centres in Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. The cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured interview schedule formulated in the Kobo-collect toolbox and analyzed using IBM-SPSS-Statistics-25. Results: Among the 217 family caregivers aged between 19 to 76 years, 83% were close relatives of the patients. The majority of the family caregivers were able to identify conditions such as hair loss (95%), appetite change (88%), and nausea/vomiting (88%) as side effects of chemotherapy. At the same time, participants recognized the symptoms of infections were less. Unusual vaginal discharge/irritation (57%) and burning/pain with urination (55%) were the commonly recognized symptoms of infections. From the list of symptoms, more than six out of the thirteen side effects and more than three out of seven infections were correctly identified by 82% and 42% of family caregivers, respectively. Conclusions: The family caregivers were largely aware of side effects but not much about infections. Since chemotherapy is an immune suppressive treatment, infection awareness among family caregivers is essential to avoid any serious complications during the treatment period. Communication with family caregivers on 'the symptoms and management' of 'side effects and infections' and when to seek treatment is crucial for cancer treatment success.

EXPERIENCES OF ADOLESCENT WOMEN WHO MARRIED AT AN EARLY AGE IN THE PAYA PASIR DISTRICT OF MEDAN MARELAN

Cases of early marriage are a problem in various countries including Indonesia. Early marriage has an impact on reproductive health and risks experiencing emergencies during pregnancy and childbirth. Early marriage also tends to make children lose their right to play and get an education. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of young women who married at an early age in Paya Pasir Village, Medan Marelan District. The research design used was a qualitative phenomenological research design. The participants in this study were 10 married young women in the Paya Pasir sub-district . The results showed several sub-themes , namely: The causes of early marriage are due to romantic relationships, arranged marriages and economic factors, all participants did not have the mental readiness to face marriage. Experience in intercourse tends to mention surrender because of obligation and not enjoy. During pregnancy, two participants experienced an unexpected pregnancy, and even planned to have an abortion but it didn't happen. The contraceptive used by the participants was of the hormonal type, and all experienced symptoms of severe side effects. Experience in caring for babies all participants have felt anxiety, sadness and crying.

Effect of Ashwagandha Kwatha Dhara in Anidra - A Case Series

Insomnia also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble in sleeping. There are around 10% to 30% of the adults have insomnia at any given point in time and up to half of people have insomnia in a given year and about 6% of people have insomnia that is not due to another problem and lasts for more than a month. The typical first line of treatment are Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes but is restricted only to the mild cases, Moderate or severe cases requires medications like sleeping pills, sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs like Antihistamines, Benzodiazepines etc. The side effect, dependency and withdrawal symptoms of these drugs are not new to the medical sciences. On the antagonistic part Ayurveda can provide a safe and effective non interventional solution to it by Shirodhara a Panchakarma therapeutic measure. In this case series Ashwagandha Kwatha Dhara was used to see the effect on various criteria like Athens Insomnia Scale Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, WHO – Quality of scale (Bref) and Ayurveda Lakshana and an overall improvement of 86.5 % was found in all these criteria’s which was found worth sharing to the medical fraternity for enhancement and its further appraisal.

Educational Needs for Psychiatric Nursing Competencies among Non-Psychiatric Nurses

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize educational needs for psychiatric nursing competencies among 142 non-psychiatric nurses from general hospitals.Methods: Data were collected from November 13 to 19 2022 through self-administered questionnaires consisting of measures of psychiatric nursing competencies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, Borich's needs assessment model, and the Locus for Focus model to determine the priority of educational needs.Results: Non-psychiatric nurses reported that enhancing skills in psychiatric nursing were more significant than improving knowledge and attitude using Borich’s Needs Assessment Model and the Locus for Focus Model. The highest priority educational needs were ‘Skill to distinguish whether symptoms in psychiatric patients are symptoms of mental illness or side effects of psychiatric drugs’, ‘Skill to calm and supportive communication in psychiatric emergency when psychiatric patients are at risk of harm’, ‘Attitude to remain calm about the psychotic behaviors of psychiatric patients’, and ‘Knowledge of non-therapeutic communication that interferes with effective communication with psychiatric patients’. These items should be considered as priorities among the 39 items to improve psychiatric nursing competencies.Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that developing intervention programs to enhance psychiatric nursing competencies are needed among non-psychiatric Nurses.

The Role of MgSO4 in Reducing the Risk of Severe Preeclampsia (PEB) Patients Becoming Eclampsia

Preeclampsia is an increase in blood pressure in pregnant women starting at more than 20 weeks of age. Patients with preeclampsia are given MgSO4 as a preventive therapy for eclampsia, where MgSO4 acts as an anticonvulsant that is safe and commonly used in pregnant women. Oktatin's research (2016) found that all patients who used MgSO4 prophylaxis at RSUD dr. Soetomo Surabaya did not experience eclampsia seizures and without symptoms of side effects or drug interactions. In Hariyanti's research (2016) through a retroprespective cohort approach at Fatmawati General Hospital, it was found that the reduction in eclampsia cases in patients with MgSO4 administration was higher than that in patients without MgSO4 administration. Apart from being an anticonvulsant, MgSO4 also plays a role in protecting the fetus

Adherence to Typical Antipsychotics among Patients with Schizophrenia in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

There has been a recent transition from typical to atypical antipsychotics in managing schizophrenia. This has been attributed to the acute side effects experienced by patients on typical antipsychotics that lead to nonadherence. However, the treatment cost with typical antipsychotics is cheaper (preferred in low-income settings), and there is no difference in the effectiveness, efficacy, discontinuation rate, or side effect symptom burden with atypical antipsychotics. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of nonadherence and the associated factors to typical antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric outpatient clinic at a rural tertiary facility in Uganda. A cross-sectional study among 135 patients with schizophrenia for at least six months on typical antipsychotics (mean age of 39.7 (±11.9) and 55.6% were female) from a rural tertiary facility in Uganda. Data were collected regarding sociodemographics, adherence, insight for psychosis, attitude towards typical antipsychotics, side effects, satisfaction with medications, and explanations from health workers about medications and side effects. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with nonadherence. The prevalence of nonadherence was 16.3%, and the likelihood of being nonadherent was more among the poor (monthly earning below the poverty line). However, having reduced energy was associated with reducing the likelihood of having nonadherence. The prevalence of nonadherence was lower than many previously obtained prevalence and was comparable to nonadherence for atypical antipsychotics. However, to reduce nonadherence, we need all stakeholders (such as the government, insurance companies, and caregivers) to assist patients living in poverty with access to medication.

Side Effects Associated With Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Numerous studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination safety have been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Even thoughthere is less evidence comparing the side effects of different vaccines and a few of them studied the side effects of mixing different platforms of vaccines. This study aimed to evaluate the type and severity of adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination based on the type and platform of received vaccine and to determine factors that contribute to the occurrence of these side effects. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from January to the end of February 2022 among COVID-19 vaccine recipients through an online survey.Based on the type of vaccines received, we categorized our participants into two groups - those who received two doses of either the Pfizer or the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, and those who received mixed vaccination regimen (one dose of Pfizer and one dose of AstraZeneca). The study included 1,340 participants, of which 56.3% received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine while (7%) received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and 8.8% received mixed vaccines (one dose of the Pfizer vaccine and one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine). Pain at the injection site was the most frequent local symptom (37.9%) followed by swelling±redness (27.6%). The local adverse reactions were nearly equal in AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines, whereas these were significantly lower in those who received mixed doses (p<0.001). Fever was significantly higher in mixed vaccination regimens compared to other types (p<0.001). The male gender who received the Pfizer vaccine were at higher risk of developing an adverse reaction following vaccination. Unusual side effects (sleep disorders, menstrual irregularities, and symptoms suggestive of diabetic neuropathy) were also reported. The results suggest the overall safety of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines as well as the mixed vaccination protocol. A heterologous regimen was associated with fewer side effects compared to homologous vaccines. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term side effects.

The Symptom Experience and Management in People with HIV Who Underwent Antiretroviral Therapy During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Bali, Indonesia

Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy does not only provide some benefits but also has side effects that cause symptoms experienced by people with HIV (PWH). Strategies for effective symptom management were needed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore the symptom experience and management strategies in PWH during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative phenomenology design was used. A cross-sectional with purposive and snowball sampling techniques was used from July to October 2021. Eight participants joined an in-depth interview based on the criteria of the participants, such as people who were infected with HIV, 18 years or older, on ARV therapy, and willing to sign the informed consent. Thematic analysis was used after data saturation was reached. Three themes were found in this study; 1) The symptoms of ARV side effects, which included physical and psychological symptoms that appeared in PWH; 2) The symptom management of ARV side effects, which described the history of hospitalization, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management; 3) The symptom condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. The symptom experience of ARV side effects required strategies to manage the appearance of the symptoms, especially those amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study could become fundamental evidence to consider in providing nursing care to PWH and supporting the symptom management model among PWH further.

Between hope and reality: How oncology physicians and information providers of a cancer information service manage patients' expectations for and experiences with immunotherapies

ObjectivesImmune checkpoint inhibitors have established themselves as a further therapeutic pillar in the treatment of various types of cancer. This can create challenges and possible misunderstandings for patients. The aim of this study was to assess the experiences of physicians and information providers in their interactions with patients about immunotherapy. MethodsThe study design was exploratory with qualitative research methodology. We performed focus groups with 8 oncology physicians and 9 information providers of a cancer information service. ResultsIn the coding process, five focal points could be identified: (1) image of immunotherapy, (2) presentation of immunotherapy in the media, (3) hope, (4) creation of an information base, and (5) lessons learned and future directions. Physicians and information providers report that immunotherapy has a very positive image among patients. This seems to be due to the presentation of immunotherapy in the media and the positive associations of people with terms such as the immune system and the body's own defense. ConclusionsIn contrast to chemotherapy, patients are at risk of underestimating the early symptoms of serious side effects of immunotherapy. From the point of view of physicians, the exaggerated expectations of patients regarding the possibilities of immunotherapy are often not met. The challenge for practitioners is to consider patients' expectations to provide balanced information and recommendations. Practical implicationsCommunication skills training and up-to-date information tools should improve physician–patient communication.

Quality of life among cervical cancer patients following completion of chemoradiotherapy at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Tanzania

ObjectiveEffective cancer treatment involves aggressive chemo-radiotherapy protocols that alter survivors’ quality of life (QOL). This has recently aroused the attention not only to focus on clinical care but rather to be holistic and client-centered, looking beyond morbidity and mortality. The study assessed the QOL and associated factors among patients with cervical cancer (CC) after the completion of chemoradiotherapy.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) from September to November 2020. A total of 323 CC patients were interviewed with a structured questionnaire of QOL, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and its cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ-CX24). The QOL domains, socio-demographic and clinical variables were analyzed with Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis on SPSS version 23, and a P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsMore than half (54.8%) of the CC patients had a good overall QOL. Overall, QOL was affected by education (P = 0.019), smoking (0.044), sexual partner (P = 0.000), treatment modality (P = 0.018), and time since completion of treatment (P = 0.021). Patients who underwent external beam radiation suffered from significant side effect symptoms (P < 0.05) while those who underwent combined external beam radiation and brachytherapy had higher functioning in most domains (P < 0.05).ConclusionsA significant improvement in QOL was observed after chemoradiotherapy and was affected by socio-demographic and clinical variables. Thus, calls for individualized care in addressing these distressing symptoms.

The Needs and Experiences of Parents with Psychosis: A Qualitative Interview Study

Over a third of individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder are also a parent. The symptoms of psychosis and side effects of antipsychotic medication can impact on parents’ awareness of the needs of their children and, at times, the parent may be emotionally and practically unavailable to their child. This study assessed the expressed emotion of parents with psychosis and used qualitative methods to investigate their needs and experience in order to identify how best to support this parent group. Twelve parents with a diagnosed psychotic disorder and with a child aged between 3 and 11 years took part in semi-structured interviews. The majority of parents displayed high levels of warmth and low levels of negativity towards their child. Four themes were generated using reflexive thematic analysis: (1) the impact of psychosis on parenting, (2) the need to protect their child, (3) the need to feel normal, and (4) the impact of parenting stress on psychosis. These results showed how parents want to protect their children and feel normal despite experiencing psychosis. They also highlighted the cyclical relationship between parenting stress and psychotic symptoms, whereby psychotic symptoms can impact on a parent’s capacity to care for their child and parenting stress can exacerbate psychotic symptoms.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ-Chinese)

BackgroundsEmotional blunting is regularly reported in depressed patients on antidepressant treatment. It is uncertain whether this phenomenon represents residual symptoms of depression or side-effects of antidepressant treatment. At present, there is no adequate instrument to measure this phenomenon in China. This study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of The Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ-Chinese). MethodsThe study sample comprised of 312 patients with major depressive disorder. All participants were assessed with the ODQ-Chinese, the Beck Depression Inventory-13 (BDI-13), the UKU side effects rating scale (UKU-SERS), and the ‘gold standard’ question related to the participant's experience of emotional side-effects. 20 % of the participants completed the ODQ-Chinese and BDI-13 within 1 or 2 weeks after the initial assessment. ResultsThe Cronbach α statistic was 0.91 for the ODQ-Chinese. It had good split-half reliability. The scale showed excellent test–retest reliability and demonstrated significant correlation with the BDI-13. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting emotional side-effects according to patients' responses to the “gold standard” question were 69 % and 67 % for a cutoff point ≥ 13 of Antidepressant as the cause (AC) domain, AUCs was 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.68–0.79). ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the Chinese version of the ODQ has good validity and reliability. It is an effective self-report measure of emotional blunting symptoms of depression.

Training on monitoring side effects of diabetes mellitus drugs for Persadia members

People with diabetes are often unaware of the side effects of the medications they take, including both oral diabetic medications and insulin. This program is provided in an effort to empower the Indonesian Diabetes Association (Persadia) Semarang City Branch's training on monitoring pharmacological side effects in diabetes mellitus patients who are self-isolating. It is hoped that by participating in this activity, drug compliance would improve, the death rate from diabetes will reduce, and the complexity of comorbidities will be avoided. The results of implementing this program, namely monitoring the side effects of taking diabetic mellitus drugs in Persadia members, can raise understanding of side effect symptoms, resulting in increased adherence to diabetes drug use and better blood sugar control.