bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple primary head and neck squamous cell cancer: Lessons learnt
Authors: Ghogale Kshitish S. , Naorem Raphel , Waghmare Chaitali M.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Aim:

To analyze the demographic profile, treatment outcome, and factors affecting them in multiple primary head and neck squamous cell cancer (MPHNSCC) patients.

Materials and Methods:

Hospital case records of patients with histopathology proven MPHNSCC registered in the radiation oncology department from January 2008 to December 2020 were retrospectively studied. Modified Warren–Gates criteria were used to define MPHNSCC. Demographic and clinical details were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients had histopathology proven MPHNSCC. The median age at diagnosis of an index case was 50 years (minimum 26, maximum 70) with a male to female sex ratio of 22:5. Seventeen (62.96%) patients were tobacco users; either smoked or smokeless. The oral cavity was the commonest sub-site for both an index and second primary malignancy (22 patients; 81.48%) and the majority presented in a locally advanced stage of disease (10; 37.03% and 16; 62.95% for an index and second primary, respectively). The presentation was simultaneous, synchronous, and metachronous in 1 (3.7%), 2 (7.4%), and 24 (88.89%) patients, respectively. Two patients had three sites of MPHNSCC. The average duration of chronicity was 54.37 months (min. 8 and max. 156). MPHNSCC were ipsilateral in 10 (37.04%) patients and re-irradiation was planned for 22 (81.48%) patients with 50% treatment compliance. At the time of the last hospital visit, 18 (66.66%) patients were alive with disease, 7 (25.92%) patients were alive without disease, and 2 (7.40%) patients died of disease.

Conclusion:

A higher percentage of MPHNSCC originated from the oral cavity and the majority presented in the locally advanced stage of disease; despite the site being accessible to self-oral examination. Patient education and physician’s awareness regarding the MPHNSCC are needed.
Radiotherapy for successful symptom control in recurrent refractory endometriosis: A case report
Authors: Antony Febin , Chalissery Jomon Raphael , Gilvaz Sareena
Published: February 2024

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition which induces a chronic inflammatory process, characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus. Treatment options for endometriosis include medical, surgical, or both. Irrespective of the treatment approach, recurrence of symptoms is not rare. We report the use of radiotherapy in a patient with recurrent refractory endometriosis, not responding to conventional treatments. At lower doses, radiotherapy can modulate the inflammatory cascade and can also does ovarian ablation. She was treated using 6MV photons with a four-field box to a total dose of 30Gy in 10 fractions. The pelvic radiotherapy field also included the ovarian remnant. Her symptoms regressed within one week of radiation treatment and is now symptom free for six months, with good quality of life.
Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with breast cancer risk
Authors: Patel Shruti R. , Patel Kinjal D. , Patel Jayendra B. , Patel Prabhudas S. , Shah Franky Dhaval
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Background:

Recent literature suggests that vitamin D signaling has a protective effect against breast cancer risk. Thus, the aim of the present study was to find the association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with breast cancer risk.

Materials and Methods:

Fok1, Bsm1, Apa1, and Taq1 polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and Poly A polymorphism was carried out using PCR-SSCP in 140 breast cancer patients and 155 controls.

Results:

Odds ratio was significantly higher in both homozygous variant genotypes (LL) of Poly A polymorphism of VDR (odds ratio [OR] = 5.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–23.31, P = 0.02) and heterozygous variant genotypes (SL) of Poly A polymorphism of VDR (OR = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.10–13.7, P = 0.03). Fok1, Bsm1, Apa1, and Taq1 polymorphisms of VDR gene were not significantly associated with breast cancer risk.

Conclusion:

Poly A polymorphism at the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of VDR gene was significantly associated with breast cancer risk in West Indian population.
A huge retroperitoneal Castleman’s disease - rare entity
Authors: Jaishanker Sankareswari , D’Cruze Lawrence , Muralidharan Susruthan , Gunabooshanam Barathi , Singh K Balaji
Published: February 2024

Castleman’s disease is a rare angio-follicular lymph node hyperplasia[1,2] have varying presentation and can mimic malignancy. The common locations are mediastinum, neck, axilla, and pelvis but extra nodal sites can also be affected.[3] A 56-year-old patient incidentally found to have mass in the retroperitoneal region by Contract-enhanced computerized tomography (CT). Positron emission tomography scan showed well defined intensely enhancing fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid lesion in the left iliac region with vascularity. Surgery was performed, and pathological diagnosis was hyaline vascular type-stroma-rich variant of Castleman disease. Here, we report a case of huge retroperitoneal Castleman’s disease in a 56-year-old female patient.[4]
Tumour budding in invasive breast carcinoma and its correlation with histopathological prognostic parameters and hormone receptor status
Authors: Kundu Tamanna , Giri Ranjana , Hota Subhransu K. , Sahu Subrat K. , Senapati Urmila
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS

Introduction:

Tumor Budding (TB) is emerging as an important sensitive indicator of aggressiveness over traditional histopathological variables such as lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular invasion because TB at the invasive front was postulated as the first step of invasion and metastasis. But the role of TB in breast carcinoma is not yet standardized.

Aim:

This study aims to assess the prognostic significance of TB in breast carcinoma.

Objectives:

To study and grade TB in invasive breast carcinoma and correlate it with known histopathological prognostic markers and hormone receptor status.

Materials and Methods:

In this ambispective study, 51 cases of invasive breast carcinoma undergoing radical surgery were studied from September 2017 to September 2021. Tumor buds were defined as a single or cluster of up to four tumor cells at the invasive front of the tumor and were counted by using IHC Pancytokeratin in 200X and graded into a three-tier grading system. The correlation between TB with established histopathological parameters and hormone receptor status was studied. A Chi-square test was used and a P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

TB was seen in all cases of invasive breast carcinoma. Grade 1 TB was seen in 37.26% (19/51) of cases and Grade 2 TB and Grade 3 TB in 31.37% (16/51) of cases each. There was a lack of significant correlation between TB with histologic grade, lymph node status, and HER2 neu. Correlation between TB with Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Prognostic stage group was noted but it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Although several studies have confirmed the prognostic value of TB in breast carcinoma, they had used several different methods of assessment. So, there is a need for a standardized method for the assessment of TB in breast carcinoma. Further standardization of TB may add its value as a prognostic factor.
Evaluation of medical equipment management in educational hospitals in Isfahan
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad , Mazaheri Elaheh , Hadian Marziye , Karimi Saeed
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Medical equipment plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and medical education, and each year the major share of hospital costs (about 5%–15% annually) is allocated to the purchase of medical equipment. The selection and allocation of medical equipment should be appropriate and in line with the actual needs of the medical centers, clinical goals, human resources, and the conditions required to ensure safety. The purpose of this study was to study and evaluate current systems of medical equipment management and identify their strengths and weaknesses in Isfahan educational hospitals in 2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a descriptive-applied research that was done in a cross-sectional way in 2018. The statistical population of the research is the authorities of medical equipment and other persons related to the management of medical equipment of selected educational hospitals in Isfahan. The data collection tool is a questionnaire.

RESULTS:

The result of this study was gathered in four areas: medical equipment management, safety, preventive maintenance, and training.

CONCLUSION:

According to this study, there is no comprehensive program in hospitals for how to manage medical equipment, which itself causes the loss of material and equipment capital of the organization. In most cases, the lack of a system for planning and controlling the amount of inventory and purchasing and maintaining medical equipment creates many problems, such as the accumulation and depreciation of equipment or the lack of these facilities in critical situations. In this study, it is suggested initially a scientific control system. Medical equipment is designed so that the hospital's need for equipment at any time of year and the amount of its equipment are clear so that it can be easily decided in this field.
Investigation of the psychometric properties of children's somatization inventory in Iranian adolescents
Authors: Hoseini Sepideh , Jafari Mahdi , Bagajan Kaveh Qaderi , Soleimani Zahra Asl , Sadeghi Meysam , Zolfaghari Shadi , Momeni Aria
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of children's somatization inventory (CSI-24) in a sample of Iranian school adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this study, after translating and back-translating CSI-24, comparisons were made with the original version. The study population consisted of 394 school adolescents. Cronbach's alpha method was used to examine the reliability of the scale. Furthermore, the correlation of the scale with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was evaluated to determine its criterion validity, using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods were applied for construct validity.

RESULTS:

Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of CSI-24 showed its high reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results show the model's satisfactory fitting.

CONCLUSION:

The Persian version of CSI-24 is a useful self-report tool for evaluating the physical complaints of Iranian school adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years.
Knowledge and performance of the Iranian general population in the use of masks during the 2019 coronavirus
Authors: Mirmolaei Seyedeh Tahereh , Geranmayeh Mehrnaz , Salehiniya Hamid , Mohammadi Azam , Ebrahimi Marzieh
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The use of personal protective equipment (especially face masks) has increased in different communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess knowledge and performance of Iranian general population in wearing face masks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted using a valid and reliable questionnaire on 1843 eligible individuals. The questionnaires were shared by Link (www.porsall.com) in groups and social networks. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 24.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).

RESULTS:

The mean age of the participants was 42.84 years (standard deviation: 16.84). The majority had inadequate and low knowledge of masks (69.2%), nearly 30% had moderate (30.1%), and few had adequate and high knowledge of masks. The individuals' knowledge on when to wear a mask was also assessed and the results showed poor and low in 42.2%, 46.9% moderate and high performance in 10.7%. The participants' performance on how to properly wear a mask was also assessed and 12% showed poor, 69.3% showed moderate, and 18.7% showed high performance. Safe removal of masks was also assessed, and the results showed 52% low and poor, 27.6% moderate, and 20.3% high performance. A significant and direct correlation was found between the overall score knowledge and performance regarding use of masks (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

The results showed poor to moderate knowledge and performance of majority of Iranian general population regarding the masks. Therefore, further effective training courses and action plans are needed in Iran given the importance of masks for the prevention of COVID-19, especially in public places. Educational package about how to use the mask and its benefits, through the media and health centers is recommended.
The effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among female adolescent students
Authors: Shiri Sayeh , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh , Esmaeilpour Khalil , Sattarzadeh Niloofar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Adolescence is a stressful time period. Adolescents experience new changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on anxiety (primary outcome), depression, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) of adolescents.

Materials And Method :

This was a quasi-experimental study with pre and postintervention design. One hundred female students aged 16–18 years with mild to moderate anxiety selected through multistage cluster sampling from five educational districts of Tabriz. During six group counseling sessions, students were consulted with the acceptance and commitment approach according to the protocol. Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory and the World Health Organization brief Quality of Life Questionnaire consultation were completed before, immediately after, and 8 weeks after the consultation. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANCOVA.

RESULTS:

The mean anxiety score decreased significantly immediately after the intervention (mean difference [MD]: −4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.9 to − 2.0; P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD: −3.9, 95% CI: −5.8 to − 1.9; P < 0.001). The mean depression score immediately (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks after intervention (MD; −4.2, CI: −1.6 to − 6.8), P < 0.001) declined significantly. The mean overall quality of life score increased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD: 4.7, 95% CI: 7.1–2.3, P < 0.001) compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the female students with the mild and moderate anxiety over time, it can be used as a helpful method in high schools.
The effect of educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on pregnancy anxiety and childbirth outcomes among Iranian primiparous women
Authors: Gandomi Narges , Sharifzadeh Gholamreza , Torshizi Marzieh , Norozi Ensiyeh
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pregnancy anxiety is associated with a diverse birth outcomes. Mothers' education could have a critical role in increasing their self-efficacy to defeat their anxiety and improve pregnancy and child birth outcomes. The study was conducted to examine the effect of intervention based on self-efficacy theory on pregnancy anxiety and child birth outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design on 60primiparous women (26–28 weeks) in Birjand (East Iranian province) from May to September 2017, who were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 8 sessions of 90-min educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory strategies besides the routine prenatal care. Vanden Bergh's pregnancy anxiety questionnaire and checklist of pregnancy and delivery outcomes were used for data collection.

RESULTS:

The level of pregnancy anxiety was similar in both groups before the intervention, but immediately and 1 month after the intervention, the mean score of pregnancy anxiety significantly reduced in the intervention group and significantly increased in the control group (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in mean neonatal weight (P < 0.001) between the two groups. Emergency and elective cesarean section were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in the frequency of preterm delivery between two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The results provide support for the effectiveness of intervention based on self-efficacy theory in reducing pregnancy anxiety and enhancing positive pregnancy outcomes. Hence, theory-based educational interventions may serve as a cost-effective and noninvasive approach to reduce pregnancy anxiety in Iran.
Factors influencing the consumption of fruits and vegetables in diabetic patients based on Pender’s health promotion model
Authors: Ahmadi Tabatabai Seyed Vahid , Esmailinejad Armita Shah , Sadeghi Reza , Zeidabadi Batool
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

To control blood sugar and prevent complications related to diabetes, eating fruits and vegetables in standard amounts is recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the consumption of fruits and vegetables in diabetic patients based on the Pender health promotion model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 diabetic patients in Sirjan; one of the cities of Kerman in Iran in 2020. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire of Pender's Health Promotion Model and a standard Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System questionnaire were used to measure fruit and vegetable consumption. Data were analyzed using SPSS24 software. Data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, linear regression, and path analysis. Significance level <0.05 was considered.

RESULTS:

The study showed that 71.5% of patients consumed fruits three or more times and 52.3% consumed vegetables per week. Employment, income, education, and gender were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable consumption (P < 0.05). Perceived barriers (P < 0.0001, β =0.23), self-efficacy (P < 0.0001, β =0.32), and commitment to action plan (P = 0.002, β =0.20) were the main predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption.

CONCLUSION:

In this study, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of fruit and vegetable consumption in diabetic patients. Therefore, it is necessary to consider health education as well as health promotion interventions based on these variables is considered to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables for diabetic patients.
Mapping of epidemiological determinants of confirmed COVID-19 cases among health-care workers of municipal corporation of Delhi
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Jethani Sumit , Gupta Anshumali , Kamble Bhushan Dattatray , Singh Saudan , Ahlawat Pooja
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus which can spread from person to person. Health-care workers of any medical college and hospital are at more risk to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) than the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological profile of confirmed COVID-19 cases among health-care workers of Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

METHODOLOGY:

A cross-sectional study was planned among 422 health-care workers of Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The questionnaire consisted of questions about sociodemographic data, personal history, and clinical profile such as signs and symptoms and their duration. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21.0, and, Chi-square test and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS:

Mean age of study subjects was 41.1 ± 9.8 years, and males (57.6%) were more as compared to (42.4%) females. Out of total participants, about one-third (36.4%) of study participants were asymptomatic. Study participants with higher education status adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.43 (1.25–4.70), living in overcrowding AOR 3.74 (1.86–7.54), and having some comorbidity AOR 2.78 (1.57–4.92) were at higher risk of being symptomatic.

CONCLUSION:

This study concludes that about one-third of study participants were asymptomatic. Factors such as higher education status, living in overcrowding, presence of some comorbidity, and smokeless tobacco consumption were significantly associated with symptomatic COVID-19 cases. Hence, there is a need to identify these risk factors at an early stage in order to design prevention strategies for better control of such pandemics in future.
Clinical competence of Iranian nurses
Authors: Emami Zeydi Amir , Ghazanfari Mohammad Javad , Azizi Ehsan , Darvishi-Khezri Hadi , Mortazavi Hamed , Osuji Joseph , Karkhah Samad
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

One of the most important steps in increasing the nurses’ professional competence and consequently improving the quality of nursing care is to evaluate nurses’ clinical competency and then take effective actions to enhance it. This study aimed at exploring the clinical competence of Iranian nurses and factors related to it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database, and Iranmedex databases and Google Scholar search engine were searched to February 14, 2020.

RESULTS:

After screening, a total of 25 articles were included. In general, the level of clinical competence of Iranian nurses was at a desirable level. After meta-analysis of the mean score of nurses’ clinical competence, the combined mean was 161.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 137.78–184.48; P < 0.001; I
2 = 99.8%; P value for heterogeneity = P < 0.001) by the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses (CIRN) questionnaire. The summarized mean of clinical competency measured by the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS) questionnaire was 70.75 (95% CI: 60.80–80.70; P < 0.001; I
2 = 99.9%; P value for heterogeneity = P < 0.001). Factors affecting nurses’ clinical competence were age ≥33 years, nursing work experience ≥9 years, and a master's degree in nursing. However, the clinical competence of nurses had a significant negative relationship with job stress.

CONCLUSION:

The level of clinical competence of Iranian nurses was desirable. Studies that used the CIRN, reported the highest and lowest clinical competence in clinical care and professional development dimensions, respectively. Studies that used the NCS, reported the highest and lowest clinical competence in dimensions of work role and ensuring quality, respectively.
Comparison of the effect of in vitro and in vivo exposure on cadaveric anxiety among first year medical and nursing students
Authors: Belsiyal C Xavier , Srivastav Ankit , Ray Sukanya , Prasad M. Krishna , Pakhare Abhijit P. , Rathinam Bertha A. D.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Human anatomy instruction is mostly focused on cadaver dissection and prosected specimen examination. Exposure to cadaver dissection can be a stressful experience that may cause a wide variety of symptoms among students of health sciences. To compare and evaluate the effect of in-vitro and in-vivo exposure on cadaveric anxiety, disgust propensity and sensitivity, and attitude toward death and dying among 1st-year medical and nursing students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

An open-label randomized trial (matched-control experimental design) was conducted among 127 1st-year Medical and Nursing students from a selected Institute of National Importance, Bhopal, India during 2015. The participants were divided into an experimental and control group based on matched trait anxiety scores using the Trait Anxiety Inventory. Followed by preassessment, video demonstration with cadaver dissection (in vitro exposure) was then administered to the experimental group, while the control group had direct exposure to cadaver dissection (in vivo exposure).

RESULTS:

The study showed that there was a statistically significant difference in state anxiety related to cadaver dissection in the experimental group (P = 0.01). However, video-demonstration of cadaver dissection did not have any effect on disgust propensity and sensitivity and attitude toward death and dying.

CONCLUSION:

The findings provided evidence that video-demonstration of cadaver dissection reduced anxiety, although it did not have any effect on disgust and attitudes of death. The dissection hall experience may evoke feelings of anxiety and disgust that need to be addressed through advanced preparedness and coping strategies, especially among medical and nursing students.
The influence of speed and strength training at school on the indicators of attention switching in children aged 13–14 years with different typologies
Authors: Polevoy G. G.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The background is to determine the influence of speed and strength training of schoolchildren aged 13–14 on the indicators of the ability of children with different nervous system strength to switch attention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted on sixty schoolchildren in a class 7, located in the city of Kirov, in Russia. The data were collected using an independent pedagogical experiment. Physical education at the school was held two times a week for 40 min each lesson. Children from class 7a (20 people) were engaged in the usual program and formed a control group. Children from class 7b (20 people) formed an experimental group, they performed an additional set of physical exercises at each lesson, aimed at developing speed and strength abilities. The strength of the nervous system was determined by tapping test, and the indicators of switching the attention of schoolchildren were determined by the test «Method of Numbers». T-student was used.

RESULTS:

After the pedagogical experiment, the indicators of attention switching in the control group improved. In children with a strong nervous system, the indicator was higher by 7%, and in children with a weak nervous system, the indicators increased from 33.7 ± 3.1 s to 32.0 ± 2.9 s. At the same time, in the experimental group, in both subgroups, the indicators increased significantly. Children with a strong nervous system improved performance by 14%, and children with a weak nervous system improved performance from 34.4 ± 3.9 s to 29.2 ± 3.3 s.

CONCLUSION:

The indicators of switching the attention of children aged 13–14 years will improve if they perform physical exercises at each physical culture lesson at school, which are aimed at developing speed and strength abilities. The components of the load for the development of abilities should be differentiated taking into account the strength of the schoolchildren nervous system.
Emotional difficulties in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19
Authors: Nazir Tanzeela , Amin Rehana , Maqbool Masood
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

It is evident that the novel coronavirus disease pandemic inevitably resulted in increased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, and COVID-19 has added risk to women pregnant during the pandemic.

AIM:

The present study was aimed to assess the emotional difficulties in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19. The current study estimated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among 63 pregnant ladies who tested positive for COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was conducted in Child and Maternity Hospital of GMC Anantnag, Kashmir, India, from April to December 2020. A total of 63 pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19 participated in the study. The COVID-positive pregnant ladies were interviewed in the outpatient department of the child and maternity clinic 2 weeks after the infection. The interview scale used was Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS:

We found that the mean age of participants was 33.5 ± 7.4. We found that 38.1% of the females had positive bad obstetric history. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 33.32%, 50.83%, and 60.3%, respectively. In correlation analysis, notably bad obstetric history and working females were significant independent factors for higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The depression was also found more in literate females and the third trimester.

CONCLUSION:

The study indicates high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19. The emotional difficulties were found to be higher in educated and working females. The bad obstetric history was found to be an independent factor for higher levels of emotional difficulties in COVID-positive pregnant females. This calls for extra measures to promote the mental health and resilience of pregnant females, especially during a crisis.
A proposal to activate the role of early intervention programs for the rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome, in light of the Saudi vision 2030
Authors: Al Rubaie Nawal Abdulaziz Mohamed
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Early intervention programs are supremacy in health, psychological, social, and sports care policies in many developed countries, considering the necessity to identify the circumstances and any support required as soon as possible. Consequently, understanding the critical role of mothers of children with Down syndrome in meeting the needs of their children is crucial, as well as developing their capacity to make positive contributions to the psychosocial harmony of their children. Hence, this study aims at determining the real role of early intervention programs in the rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome and identifying the obstacles that prevent early intervention services and programs from achieving their objective and how to treat it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The descriptive-analytical approach was used. In order to achieve these objectives, an online questionnaire consisting of (88) phrases, divided into three areas, was applied to (20) mothers of children with Down syndrome.

RESULTS:

The assessment study concluded several results from the mothers' perspective, indicating that cognitive qualifications were highest at an average of 52.66%, followed by educational qualifications at an average of 50.73%, social qualification at an average of 48.78%, and religious qualification at an average of 48.33%. Finally, psychological qualifications were lowest at an average of 45.22%. The approval rate of all these proposals exceeded 90%.

CONCLUSION:

Based on these results, a proposal for activating early intervention programs for the rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome, in light of the Saudi Vision 2030, was set. It was also recommended to give continuous and intensive courses to mothers, in order to improve their children's skills and self-sufficiency.
Family and school-based educational intervention on fruits and vegetable consumption of female students
Authors: Hashemian Maryam , Abdolkarimi Mahdi , Nasirzadeh Mostafa
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Fruits and vegetable (F.V) consumption is the most pivotal strategy of preventing cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cancers. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of educational intervention based on social cognitive theory (SCT) on consumption of F.Vs among female high schools’ students in Rafsanjan (South of Iran).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study was carried out among 272 students (intervention = 134 and control group = 138) using a multistage sampling method. The instrument used in this study included demographic characteristics, the students’ F.V consumption during the past 7 days and its determinants based on the theory. Educational interventions were made in three sessions for students and two sessions for parents, teachers, and school officials. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 using the statistical tests of Chi-square, independent samples t-test, paired-samples t-test, and univariate model at a significant level of 0.05.

RESULTS:

Three months after the educational program, mean scores and standard deviation of F.V consumption and constructs in the intervention group increased significantly (P < 0.001). Respectively, 22.2% and 36.1% of the changes in the average unit of F.V consumption were the result of the present educational intervention.

CONCLUSION:

The intervention based on SCT with an emphasis on the interaction between student, family, and school has had an effect on F.V consumption behavior. Therefore, in forming behavior, attention is paid to the interaction of individual and interpersonal factors.
Reliability and validity of a satisfaction questionnaire on virtual education in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic era aimed at cardiology faculty members
Authors: Mohebbi Bahram , Sadeghipour Parham , Noohi Feridoun , Maleki Majid , Peighambari Mohammad Mehdi , Hosseini Saeid , Zahedmehr Ali , Moosavi Jamal , Shafe Omid , Alemzadeh-Ansari Mohammad Javad , Farrashi Melody , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza , Ghadrdoost Behshid
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

In the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic era, clinical programs and mandatory hands-on activities have been supplanted by remote teaching to maintain the fundamental capabilities of medical training and to furnish medical students with quality education. Nonetheless, the satisfaction of faculty members with this training method in the current pandemic has yet to be assessed. The aim of this study was to design a Persian questionnaire with appropriate validity and reliability on cardiology professors’ satisfaction level with virtual education.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was devised drawing upon scientific sources and Iranian medical educators’ expertise. Seventeen faculty members in various specialties evaluated the questionnaire concerning face and content validity. Content validity was assessed through the calculation of the content validity ratio (CVR) (values >0.62 were considered acceptable) and the content validity index (CVI) (values >0.79 were considered acceptable), construct validity was evaluated through principal component factor analysis by the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) statistic and Bartlett's sphericity test, internal reliability was measured through the calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and consistency was appraised through the use of test-retest reliability at two different time points.

RESULTS:

The questionnaire had a reliability rate of 95%, indicating high internal validity. Concerning test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 (P < 0.001), demonstrating relatively good stability. The CVI was 0.81, and the CVR was 0.85. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.954, indicating the acceptability of the degree of common variance among the all items.

CONCLUSIONS:

This Persian questionnaire on virtual education aimed at cardiology faculty members in the current pandemic with its low question count and appropriate domains had high reliability and validity. By knowing the level of professors’ satisfaction with the new method of education, it is possible to take steps to better provide specialized medical education to cardiology residents.
The knowledge assessment and reducing the errors of medical certificate of cause of death with sensitization training of physicians
Authors: Akhade Swapnil Prabhakar , Dash Shreemanta Kumar , Akhade Kiran Swapnil
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a vital document issued by a doctor and has a prescribed format published by the World Health Organization. It is an essential tool to obtain scientific and reliable information in terms of the cause of mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge about MCCD and to evaluate the impact of sensitization training on the MCCD among the physicians working in the trauma and emergency department in a Tertiary Care Centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A quasi-experimental quality improvement hospital-based study executed in Trauma and Emergency Department of Tertiary Care Hospital in Chhattisgarh State, India. The physicians posted in the Trauma and Emergency Department were participated in the study and attended the sensitization training session on MCCD. Statistical analysis used; the data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with SPSS version 20 statistical software. Mean scores and standard deviation (SD) were used for pre and posttest data while statistical significance was tested using the paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. The technical and medical errors in MCCD forms were depicted in percentages.

RESULTS:

A total of 54 physicians completed the study, including 42 junior resident doctors, 6 senior resident doctors, and 6 faculties. There was a significant difference in the scores before (M = 4.39, SD = 1.571) and after (M = 7.5, SD = 0.885) the training (t = 17.6, P < 0.0001). The participants showed substantial improvement by reduction in technical errors from 28% to 14% while the medical error also slashed down from 42% to 16%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sensitization and educational training should be carried out consistently on regular intervals to improve the knowledge of physicians regarding the appropriate filling of MCCD and minimize the errors in MCCD, ultimately this will enhance usability and comparability of mortality statistics generated from International Classification of Diseases data.
Nexus between integrating technology readiness 2.0 index and students’ e-library services adoption amid the COVID-19 challenges
Authors: Rahmat Taufik Edi , Raza Saqlain , Zahid Hasan , Abbas Jaffar , Mohd Sobri Fatimah Azzahraa , Sidiki Shehla Najib
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The advent of the pandemic COVID-19 has resulted in a global crisis that resulted in the closure of universities and educational institutions worldwide. This study aims to explore the determinants of students’ intention towards e-library services usage amid the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews the technology-oriented individual attitude based on four dimensions of the technology readiness 2.0 index factors, which affect medical students’ perspectives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The authors provided a self-administered questionnaire to medical students to investigate their e-library adoption attitude during the COVID-19 crisis. The authors distributed 542 questionnaires, received 361 complete responses and analyzed the data through path modeling/partial least squares structural equations modeling technique (PLS-SEM) with the smart PLS software version 3.3.3. The structural equation-modelling tool permits the estimation of results.

RESULTS:

The main finding revealed that medical students have a positive and explicit approach to use the services available at the e-library. Technology use and online services helped students continue their educational needs in the advent of the current pandemic COVID-19. Attitude and subjective norms have significant influence and are strong predictors of intention. However, due to inadequate support for the government side, the perceived behavioural control has an insignificant impact on intention. This paper indicated one of the pioneers investigating the determinants of e-library adoption among medical students based on technology-oriented personality traits, employing the four dimensions of the technology readiness 2.0 index during the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.

CONCLUSION:

The study's findings provide useful insight that offers valuable insights to implement specific strategies from the government officials to address medical students’ uncertainties and increase the technology adoption amid the COVID-19 pandemic in medical education for developing nations.
Psychosocial perception of health-care workers in a COVID-19-designated hospital in eastern India
Authors: Das Subrata , Chakraborty Avik , Chandra Samatirtha
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic, social, and psychological. Frontline health-care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic faced some psychological as well as social issues which are of major concern. The objective of the study is to evaluate the magnitude of mental health problems, namely depression, anxiety, and stress among frontline HCWs as well as their perception on ongoing events and surroundings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It was a prospective, observational study on n = 85 HCWs over a 4-month period. Study participants were sampled purposively in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria; data were collected by online survey method. A semi-structured scale was used: Part A of which assessed the demography and perception of HCWs on surrounding along with ongoing social events and Part B consisted of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 that was used to assess mental health issues. All the associations were tested in percentages and proportions. Statistics was calculated by using SPSS 24th version.

RESULTS:

Majority of the participants were female doctors and belonged to 21–30 years' age group. Most of them were marginally worried of contacting infection (73%) but were substantially apprehensive of transmitting infection to their family (56.5%) and hoped positive outcome ultimately in the form of recovery from infection. Majority (96.4%) gathered information from authentic sources and were confident of adequacy of their knowledge. Majority (88.3%) were satisfied about their occupational safety and responded on scientific solution of pandemic. However, we got a mixed result about their professional appreciation. Depression symptom score was higher than anxiety and stress symptom score in our participants.

CONCLUSIONS:

Doctors and nurses both were suffering from mental health issues, and provision of adequate information and occupational safety may lessen these burdens.
Sexual and reproductive health knowledge among primary school students in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Shih-Hui , Yeo Kee-Jiar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

There is limited research on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge level among very young adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years. Policy makers and educators are unable to address very young adolescents’ SRH needs without proper understanding of their SRH knowledge. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore very young adolescents’ SRH knowledge level and the influences of demographic variables on the respondents’ SRH knowledge level in Malaysian primary schools.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study involved 617 primary five students who were recruited through multistage sampling method from the state of Johor, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.81) which comprised of 38 items related to puberty, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, prevention of child sexual abuse and reproductive systems and reproduction was used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between demographic variables and student's SRH knowledge.

RESULTS:

Based on the results, 28.5% of the respondents had unsatisfactory level of SRH knowledge. Among the four dimensions, the respondents had more knowledge on prevention of child sexual abuse but displayed poorer knowledge on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases topic. The findings indicated female (odd ratio [OR] = 1.464) and Indian respondents (OR = 3.208) are more likely to exhibit poor SRH knowledge which suggested demographic factors exert some extent of influence on primary school children's SRH knowledge.

CONCLUSION:

The findings provide useful insights for the policy makers and educators seeking to improve the comprehensiveness of culturally accepted sexuality education which are essential in promoting young adolescents’ well-being.
Benefits of simulation-based education in hospital emergency departments
Authors: Moslehi Shandiz , Masoumi Gholamreza , Barghi-Shirazi Fahimeh
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The emergency department is one of the most important parts of all hospitals. For this reason, many simulation programs are performed in this department to increase the knowledge, skills, and productivity of health-care workers. The purpose of this study was to identify the benefits of simulation in hospital emergency departments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In the present systematic study, using “AND” and “OR” operators, we searched for the keywords “benefits,” “simulation,” and “hospital emergency department” in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar as well as Persian language databases such SID, Magiran, Irandoc, and Iran Medex. Then, a three-step screening process was used to select studies relevant to simulation and hospital emergency from 2005 to 2021 using the PRISMA checklist, and finally, the obtained data were analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of three main groups, each with several subgroups, were extracted and identified as the benefits of using simulation in hospital emergency departments. They included improving the diagnosis of the disease (rapid prediction of the disease, rapid diagnosis, and patient triage), improving the treatment process (improvement of treatment results, anticipation of admission and discharge of patients, acceleration of interventions, and reduction of medical errors), and improving knowledge and skills (improvement of the speed of decision-making, staff's acquisition of knowledge and skills, simple, convenient, and low-cost training, improvement of staff's preparedness in crisis).

CONCLUSION:

Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested to develop some training programs in order to help staff upgrade their knowledge and performance as well as acquire practical skills and also to improve the diagnosis and treatment process in hospital emergency departments. Virtual methods are also proposed to be applied as potential and cost-effective platforms for learning, teaching, and evaluating the staff of hospital emergency departments.
Explaining the pattern of childbearing behaviors in couples
Authors: Safdari-Dehcheshmeh Faranak , Noroozi Mahnaz , Taleghani Fariba , Memar Soraya
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

One of the most basic life events is fertility or reproduction, which, although known as a social phenomenon, is a complex and multidimensional concept with economic, cultural, political, and religious significance. The present study aims to explain the pattern of childbearing behaviors in couples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study is a focused ethnographic qualitative research. Participants of this study will be 20–35 years old couples who, using purposeful sampling method, will be selected from comprehensive health centers, ultrasound centers, laboratories, premarital counseling centers, offices of obstetricians and midwives, universities, shopping centers, cinemas, parks, restaurants, and entertainment centers in Isfahan, Iran. Sampling will continue considering the strategy of maximum variation in terms of age, occupation, education, and economic status until data saturation is reached. Data will be collected through semi-structured and in-depth individual interviews, focus group discussions, observation, field notes, daily notes, and document analysis. Simultaneous with data collection, the data will be analyzed using the thematic analysis method based on Braun and Clarke's approach.

CONCLUSION:

This present study is expected to lead to a deep understanding and identification of the attitudes, beliefs, and values of couples with regard to childbearing. Moreover, by understanding the pattern of childbearing behaviors of couples, useful information will be provided to the policymakers and planners for effective planning in the field of healthy childbearing. The findings can also be used in reproductive health counseling for newly married couples and community-based interventions.