bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Online Classes on Physical and Mental Well-Being of Students During Covid-19
Authors: Sharma Manisha , Sharma Pooja
Published: May 2024

Context:

The coronavirus has shut down all schools and universities over the globe. With idiosyncratic upsurge of online learning, nowadays, teaching is undertaken remotely on digital platforms by the use of laptops and mobile phones. Many researches have shown that the excessive or prolonged use of screens can impact mental and physical health. The mental and physical affections include stress, depression, sleep disorders, impact on eyesight, postural pain, hand disabilities, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of online classes on the mental and physical well-being of students due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Settings and Design:

The survey was conducted on an online mode through Google forms. All gender college-going students within the age group of 18–25 years undergoing online classes for a minimum of 1 month were included in the study.

Subjects and Methods:

The assessment of mental health was done using the Perceived Mental Stress Test Scale (Psychological Stress Test) and the Patient Health Questionnaire, whereas for the assessment of the physical health, the Neck disability index, and the Oswestry low back pain disability index was used.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to find the correlation between the duration of online classes and stress, depression, neck, and back disability.

Results:

A significant effect of online classes was found on the mental and physical health of students, 57.3% of population had moderate stress, 32% of population had mild depression, 48% of population had mild neck pain, and 41.3% of population moderate back pain.

Conclusion:

Students' mental and physical health has been affected as a result of longer duration spent online on laptops and phones for classes.
Prognosis in the Functional Status of Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with Physiotherapy and Yoga Exercise Protocols – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dhargave Pradnya , Sendhilkumar Raghupathy , James Tittu Thomas
Published: May 2024

Context:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disease leading to destruction of the skeletal muscles, causing limitations in the activities of daily living, and ambulation at a later stage.

Aims:

The present study intended to identify the effect of add-on yoga with physiotherapy intervention compared to physiotherapy exercise program on the functional status of children with DMD.

Settings and Design:

A randomized controlled study was conducted at the physiotherapy center of a tertiary care hospital.

Subjects and Methods:

The study recruited 124 boys diagnosed with DMD who were randomly divided into two groups. Group I received home-based physiotherapy exercise program and was advised to perform twice daily for all days of the week. Group II was advised to perform physiotherapy and yoga at home. Functional status of the participants was assessed using muscular dystrophy functional rating scale (MDFRS) and timed functional test (TFT), taken at baseline, and on regular intervals of 3 months, up to 1 year.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Repeated measures ANOVA, Fisher's least significant difference analysis, and t-test analysis were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Eighty-eight participants completed the entire study with 45 in Group I and 43 in Group II. Significant time effect was demonstrated in both the groups for MDFRS (P < 0.05) and TFT (P < 0.01) measures, demonstrating beneficial effects of treatment protocols of both groups.

Conclusions:

The study identified that the combined yoga and physiotherapy interventions were as effective as physiotherapy alone.
Social, Economic, Technological, and Environmental Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Alizadeh Gisoo , Gholipour Kamal , Azami-Aghdash Saber , Dehnavieh Reza , JafarAbadi Mohammad Asghari , Azmin Mehrdad , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim
Published: May 2024

Background:

Today, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in both sexes. There are several risk factors for heart diseases; some controllable, others not. However, socioeconomic, technological, and environmental factors can impact CVD as well as exclusive risk factors. Accurate identification and assessment of these factors are often difficult. In the present systematic review, we aimed to explore factors affecting CVD.

Methods:

Multiple databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane) and gray literature were searched. The included studies described at least one determinant of CVD. The framework method was applied to analyze the qualitative data.

Results:

A total of 64 studies from 26 countries were included. The contextual determinants of CVD were categorized into 45 determinants, 15 factors, and 4 main social, economic, technological, and environmental categories. The 15 potentially reversible factors were identified as sociodemographic, violence, smoking, occupation, positive childhood experience, social inequalities, psychological distress, eating habits, neighborhood, family income, rapid technology, environmental pollution, living environments, noise, and disaster.

Conclusions:

Devolution and more efficient health policies are required to achieve further sustained reduction in CVD mortality, increase life expectancy, and reduce its associated risk factors. Policymakers should fully address the value of social, economic, technological, and environmental factors. In fact, a prevention agenda should be developed and updated collaboratively in terms of the determinant factors.
Dietary Patterns in Association with Sleep Duration in Iranian Adults
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Mirzaei Masoud , Fallahzadeh Hossien , Sakhaei Roya , Abolhosseini Hossein , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: May 2024

Background:

Little observational studies have been conducted on the association between diet and sleep. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the associations of dietary patterns with sleep duration in an Iranian population.

Methods:

This study was conducted on the baseline data of two population-based Iranian cohorts: the YaHS-TAMYS and Shahedieh studies. Dietary intakes were assessed in 10451 Yazdi people aged 20–75 years. Dietary habits were derived from answers to a food frequency questionnaire, and a factor analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify dietary patterns. The reported sleep duration was categorized as short (<6 h), normal (6–8 h) or long (>8 h). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and the odds of short and long sleep duration.

Results:

Four major dietary patterns were identified: “healthy,” “western,” “traditional,” and “high-carbohydrate, high-fat.” In the Shahedieh study, participants in the top quartile of the western dietary pattern had greater odds of short (<6 h) and long (>8 h) sleep duration (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.90; P trend <0.001 and OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.90; P trend = 0.014, respectively) than those in the bottom quartile. Also, participants in the highest quartile of the high-carbohydrate, high-fat pattern had higher odds of long sleep duration compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.75; P trend = 0.005). Pooling the two studies revealed that the western dietary pattern was significantly associated with short sleep duration (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.59).

Conclusions:

The western dietary pattern might inversely be associated with sleep duration. Future prospective studies are recommended to confirm these results.
The Reduction of Mortality in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Laforgia Pietro Leonida , Auguadro Carla , Bronzato Sofia , Durante Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Despite the reduction of mortality secondary to cardiovascular diseases observed in the last decades, ischemic heart disease remains the most common cause of death worldwide. Among the spectrum of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction accounts for most deaths. Since the introduction of the coronary care units in the 1960s, and until the latest antithrombotic drugs, myocardial infarction survival improved by 40–50%. However long-term mortality after myocardial infarction has not improved as short-term mortality. Moreover, the decline of mortality has apparently reached a “plateau” in the past 15 years. In this review we describe the steps of the improvement in ischemic heart disease mortality, from the bed rest to the possible future of treating microcirculation. In fact, coronary artery disease is not only a disease of large vessels that can be visualized with coronary angiography. The small network of pre-arterioles and arterioles that supply the myocardium can be also affected in ischemic heart disease. Thus, despite the introduction of effective recanalization strategies for epicardial coronary arteries such as thrombolysis and, more recently, primary percutaneous intervention, some patients may not achieve effective myocardial reperfusion due to microvascular dysfunction or damage after myocardial myocardial infarction. This phenomenon is named no reflow. We believe that no reflow, through the incomplete reperfusion that can account for a higher rate of adverse event in the follow up, should be regarded as one of the open issues in the modern treatment of myocardial infarction.
Differential Diagnosis of Seizure and Syncope by the Means of Biochemical Markers in Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Masoumi Babak , Mozafari Safoura , Golshani Keihan , Heydari Farhad , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Seizure and syncope have similar clinical symptoms but different etiologies. Hence, differential diagnosis is crucial prior to intervention. This study evaluates the diagnostic importance of neuron specific enolase (NSE), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for admitting patients with seizure medical history to emergency department (ED) in order for differential diagnosis between syncope and seizure.

Methods:

Patients with a short-lasting loss of consciousness admitted to the ED were recruited. All patients with a short-lasting loss of consciousness were eligible and EEG was conducted several times and was taken over a long period. Patients were then divided into two groups of seizure and syncope. The biochemical markers levels of all the eligible patients were measured by a reputable laboratory.

Results:

In order to define specificity and sensitivity of different levels of biomarkers and the optimal cut-off points, ROC curves for each biomarker of syncope and seizure patients admitted to ED were performed. AUC for NSE, CPK, and LDH were 0.973 ± 0.023, 0.827 ± 0.047, and 0.836 ± 0.043 respectively in 95% confidence level. Cut-off points for NSE, CPK, and LDH were determined 25.12, 218.09, and 193.88 respectively.

Conclusions:

It was concluded that NSE, CPK and LDH levels were different significantly in seizure patients compared to syncope ones. The seizure group showed an increase in NSE, CPK and LDH level.
Normal Weight Obesity
Authors: Manapurath Rukman M. , Hadaye Rujuta , Gadapani Barsha
Published: May 2024

Background:

According to NFHS-4 survey, obesity has doubled in India. BMI cannot differentiate body fat from lean mass. Normal weight obesity was defined to distinguish people with normal BMI and increased body fat percentage (BF%). In contrast to conventional atherogenic prediction, Apolipoprotein B level is elevated before LDL cholesterol. Adiposity is also known for causing insulin resistance. Hence this study is an attempt to find the correlation of apo B and Insulin sensitivity in predicting future cardiovascular risk among normal weight obese. To study the role of apoB and insulin resistance in predicting cardio vascular risk.

Methods:

269 participants of age group 18-24 in a medical teaching institute were selected for the first phase of the study through systematic random sampling. BF% was calculated with Harpenden skinfold callipers using Jackson Pollock's method. Second phase of the study involved biochemical investigation of 30 NWO participants. ApoB level and insulin sensitivity using HOMA model was estimated. Spearman correlations and simple linear regression were used. Analysis done using SPSSv16.

Results:

Male and Females were 56.4% and 43.6%, respectively. Out of 269, 44 were found to be having NWO. Hence Prevalence was 16.4%. There is a positive correlation found between apoB and insulin resistance with increasing body fat percentage.

Conclusions:

Elevated levels of apo B and insulin resistance are seen in NWO individuals as the BF% increases. NWO should be diagnosed early and thus apoB and insulin resistance can be screened for cardio vascular risk prediction.
The Effect of Low Frequency Noises Exposure on the Precision of Human at the Mathematical Tasks
Authors: Javadi Anis , Pourabdian Siamak , Forouharmajd Farhad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Low-frequency noise is produced from different sources in the working environments such as pumps. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-frequency noise on precision and focusing of the studied subjects.

Methods:

This cross-sectional–interventional study was performed on 13 students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The precision of individual subjects was evaluated using the mental arithmetic test. The sound sources with frequencies of 125, 250, and 1000 Hz at 75, 85, and 95 dB sound pressure levels. Also, the rate of precision was measured before the exposure (time “zero”), and at 45 and 90 min. SPSS (Ver. 26) software was used to analyze the data.

Results:

Comparison of the precision scores of the individuals between the frequencies of 125 and 250 Hz at the sound pressure level of 75 dB and at 45 min (P = 0.032). And 90 min (P = 0.006). And also, the frequencies of 250 Hz and 1000 Hz at the time of 45 min. At the sound pressure levels of 85 dB (P = 0.019). And 95 dB (P = 0.043) and at the time of 90 min. At the sound pressure levels of 85 dB (0.027). And 95 dB (P = 0.009) demonstrated a significant difference.

Conclusions:

We concluded that low frequency noises could reduce the person's precision. While for 125 Hz noises, just increasing of the exposure time was effective on the precision reduction. But for 250 Hz noises, both parameters increasing including exposure time and sound pressure levels, was effective.
Impact of Cigarettes Smoking on Undergraduates’ Lung Health and Functional Performance
Authors: Mohamed Abdelaal Ashraf Abdelaal , Mohamed Mousa Gihan Samir
Published: May 2024

Background:

Cigarettes Smoking is a major social and global health problem. Cigarette smoking continues to be a major contributor to deteriorated health status across different age categories. Clarifying the impact of the cigarette smoking on young adults’ lungs health and functional aspects can serve eliminating further deterioration in health status and establishing proper management regimens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cigarette smoking on lung health (age and functions) and functional performance in the university smoker students.

Methods:

One hundred and Thirty eligible volunteer, current smoker students participated in this study to objectively evaluate their pulmonary functions (including forced vital capacity “FVC”, forced expiratory volume in one second “FEV1”, FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate “PEFr”), lung age and functional performance (via the 6-minutes’ walk test “6MWT”) and compare “the observed” with “the predicted normal” mean values. Data were analyzed via SPSS program using the student t-test.

Results:

There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the “observed” and the “predicted normal” FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFr, lung age, and the 6MWT mean values. The “observed” and the “predicted normal” FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFr, lung age and the 6MWT mean values were [(4.47 ± 0.53, 4.77 ± 0.5 liter), (3.95 ± 0.42, 4.08 ± 0.4 liter), (88.74 ± 7.17, 85.59 ± 4.91%), (550.75 ± 114.96, 572.72 ± 53.02 liter/minute), (32.77 ± 9.44, 21.55 ± 1.37 year), (387.06 ± 56.47, 466.82 ± 18.45 meter)], respectively.

Conclusions:

Cigarette smoking negatively impacts the lung age, functions, and functional performance of the university smoker students; the concept that can be used to encourage prevention and early smoking cessation.
Effect of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products on Liver Enzymes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients in Iran
Authors: Fakhri Moloud , Fakheri Hafez , Azadbakht Mohammad , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Yousefi Seyde Sedighe
Published: May 2024

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver is the most common chronic liver disease. Regarding the side effects of synthetic medicines and the variety of natural products in Iran climate, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of medicinal plants and natural products on liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Iran using meta-analysis.

Methods:

To extract the intended studies, internal and external databases, including SID, Magiran, IranDoc, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinical Trial Registration System of Clinical trial.gov, the ISRCTN system, as well as Clinical Trial Registration System affiliated to the World Health Organization were searched. The obtained data were analyzed in STATA.14 software. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 44 rstudies were reviewed with a sample size of 1298 participant; they were published in the period from 2009 to 2018, silymarin had the highest effect on the reduction of AST (SMD = -2.68), cinnamon excreted the most profound effect on ALT (SMD = -2.69). In addition, cinnamon had the highest effect on gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (SMD:-3.17), and curcumin had the highest effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (SMD = -1.88). In the lipid profile, the effect of medicinal herbs and natural products on lowering total cholesterol and LDL was statistically significant. In the glycemic profile, the effect of medicinal plants and natural products on the reduction of fasting blood sugar, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

As evidenced by the obtained results, the highest effect of using natural products was observed in the reduction of GGT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, respectively; nonetheless, the effect of natural products on ALP reduction was not statistically significant.
The Cutoff of Gonadotropins for Close Evaluation of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Koohmanaee Shahin , Motamed Behrang , Ghorbandoust Sharareh , Badeli Hamidreza , Rad Afagh Hassanzadeh , Dalili Setila , Darabipour Zohre
Published: May 2024

Background:

Turner syndrome is a common genetic disorder in females. It is a disorder characterized by variable number of clinical features, so it needs a multidisciplinary approach for care. Therefore, we aimed to define the cutoff of gonadotropins for close evaluation of cardiometabolic risk factors in Turner syndrome.

Methods:

This is a case-control study on 31 patients with Turner syndrome and 31 healthy individuals. Clinical examination including blood pressure measurement and systems evaluation was performed. Laboratory testing, which included 12-h fasting, assessed lipid profile, glucose, and serum gonadotropin.

Results:

Turner syndrome had a higher BMI, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure than the normal group (P < 0.001) Patients with Turner syndrome had significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and TG-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio compared to the healthy individuals (P < 0.05). With increasing LH and FSH, BMI values, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol increased significantly (P < 0.001). Serum TG levels in Turner syndrome were only positively correlated with LH and not correlated with FSH. The cutoff point of LH and FSH for triglyceride in upper 75 percentile were 31 (sensitivity = 38.1%, specificity = 80%) and 48 (sensitivity = 61.9%, specificity = 70%), respectively.

Conclusions:

Based on dyslipidemia and lower level of ejection fraction, considering cardiometabolic risk factors in lower age groups in Turner syndrome can be recommended.
Sputum Testing as the New Mass Screening Method for COVID-19 Patients in India - A Public Health Perspective
Authors: Saleem Sheikh Mohd , Bhattacharya Sudip
Published: May 2024

In December 2019, an unusual form of pneumonia of unknown origin was identified in Wuhan and soon expanded into an intercontinental pandemic that affected nations all over the world. The unusual pneumonia was subsequently named COVID-19. The management of COVID-19 disease has been highly dependent on the early identification of patients who are positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. For detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in upper or lower respiratory tracts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend strategic sampling approaches. Most countries collect nasopharyngeal swabs and oropharyngeal swabs for rapid viral testing by experienced healthcare workers. Due to the increase in single-day cases, the high cost of RT-PCR, and the requirement for greater coverage in order to detect COVID-19 infections, the screening method has been changed to the Rapid Antigen Test during this phase of the pandemic in India. Considering the limited sensitivity of the fast antigen test compared to the sputum test, and the benefit of having additional resources available from an already established TB network, policymakers should consider implementing COVID-19 with sputum testing. For India, which has 1.3 billion people and limited resources, contemplating a community level sample collection of COVID-19 samples will be an effective decision if scientific data is used for this purpose will be an effective choice for the country with more than 1.3 billion population and limited resources.
Renal Involvement in a Child with COVID-19 Infection and its Management with CRRT
Authors: Yaghmaii Bahare , Nili Fatemeh , Najafi Zeinab , Cheloi Fariba , Moghtaderi Mastaneh
Published: May 2024

Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2) presenting mainly as an acute respiratory illness with interstitial and alveolar pneumonia. It can also affect multiple organs such as the kidney, heart, intestinal tract, blood, and nervous system. We report a 10-year-old boy presenting with severe cough, tachypnea, retraction and respiratory distress, fever, myalgia, oliguria, and anuria thereafter. He had no history of diarrhea, vomiting, or a runny nose. Laboratory findings include leukopenia and lymphopenia. CRP, ESR, and procalcitonin levels were high, but serum LDH was normal. RT-PCR test was positive. In the initial days of admission, he needed mechanical ventilation support due to ARDS and received antiviral drugs, renal replacement therapy, hemoperfusion, and other necessary supportive cares. Thirty-five days later, he weaned from the ventilator and discharged from hospital. Two weeks later, COVID-19 specific IgG was found in serologic test.
Hepato-Protection Effect of Curcumin Against Methylphenidate-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Ahmadinasab Haleh , Motaghinejad Majid , Nosratabad Bahareh Arabzadeh , Bozorgniahosseini Seyedehnahal , Rostami Parastoo , Jafarabadi Golbarg Shabani , Motevalian Manijeh
Published: May 2024

Background:

As a psychostimulant agent, methylphenidate (MPH) abuse can cause serious liver damage. Studies have documented the hepatoprotective impacts of curcumin on liver damage. According to this definition, the purpose of this study is to explain the hapatoprotective effects of curcumin against the hepatotoxicity induced by MPH.

Methods:

Seventy rats were equally divided into seven groups (10 rats per group). Groups 1 and 2 received normal saline (0.7 mL/rat) and MPH (10 mg/kg), respectively for 21 days. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 concurrently received MPH (10 mg/ kg) and curcumin (10, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg, respectively) for 21 days. Group 7 was treated with curcumin (60 mg/kg) alone for 21 days. The hepatic function test key enzymes such as AST, ALP, and histology of liver tissue (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels was studied in the blood samples, and also, the histopathological changes and cell density changes were evaluated in the liver tissue.

Results:

The latest studies have shown that the administration of MPH induces rises in the AST, ALT, and ALP levels and induces degeneration changes in histopathology, whereas curcumin administration at doses of 40 and 60 mg/kg reduced the elevation of MPH-induced hepatic enzyme and inhibited histopathological degeneration in the MPH-treated classes. Curcumin alone (60 mg/kg) did not alter the biochemical and histological parameters.

Conclusions:

Curcumin can function as a hepatoprotective agent against MPH-induced hepatotoxicity.
Predictors of Breast Cancer Screening behavior in Women aged 20-69 Referred to Public Health Centers
Authors: Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Roohparvarzadeh Nasim , Yadegarfar Ghasem
Published: May 2024

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer is a major challenge that can lead to disease progression. Identifying the predictors of breast cancer screening behavior is necessary to promote early detection of breast cancer. This study aims to investigate the predictors of breast cancer screening behavior in women aged 20–69 referred to public health centers.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 17255 women aged 20–69 years old in Isfahan Province referred to Public Health Centers by the multi-stage random sampling method. data were collected based on the paper forms of women's care aged 20–69 at public health centers, Isfahan, Iran, in 2012. Using STATA 14, logistic regression was employed to explore predictors of breast cancer screening behavior at a 5% significance level.

Results:

The mean age of women was 36.75 ± 10.46. About 6006 (34.8%) of women had a history of breast self-examination, and among women aged over 40 years, 17.7% reported ever having a mammogram. The most important factors influencing breast self-examination were age 40–49 (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.06-1.33), history of hormone consumption (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.15-1.33), family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (OR = 14.22; 95% CI: 9.83-20.57. The most important factors influencing mammography were hormone consumption (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.05-1.51), and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (OR = 32.55; 95% CI: 20.08-52.70).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated that the performance of breast self-examination and mammography was low. The frequency of BC screening behavior was higher among women with BC risk factors The results revealed the need for health authorities to pay attention to education in BC detection methods.
Effect of Educational Program Based on Health Literacy Index on Self-Care Ability Among Older Adults
Authors: Ghalenow Hossein Rashki , Nikpeyma Nasrin , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Ansari Mostafa , Pashaeypoor Shahzad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Health literacy index (HLI) was developed to provide a proper framework for educational material in all levels. So, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of education based on (HLI) on the self-care ability among older adults.

Methods:

This randomized clinical trial was conducted with 68 older adults during the period of May–August 2019. The research setting was health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. Samples were selected with considering the inclusion criteria. Then Block randomization was used to assign the participants into two groups. The intervention group for 4 weeks in groups of 8–10 in the intervention group. Self-care ability was measured using a self-care questionnaire in two stages, before and two months after the implementation of intervention. The control group received no education and only used the routine community house services. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 16.0). Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and independent t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean total self-care ability scores in the intervention group were 165.38 ± 10.69 and 184.28 ± 10.07 before and after intervention, respectively. These scores in the control group were 163.65 ± 13.27 and 167.52 ± 13.58, respectively (P < 0.001). The results showed significant differences between the two groups regarding self-care ability after the intervention (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The implementation of education based on HLI significantly improve the self-care behaviors in older adults. It is suggested that this approach should be established to fit of educational content appropriate to the age of the elderly in order to health promotion. Trial Registration: The trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on May 23, 2018, identifier: IRCT20170912036150N1.
Lessons to be Learned
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Atak Muhammed , Morgul Ebru , Barışık Cem Cahit
Published: May 2024

Background:

The world experienced the greatest pandemic of the 21st century with the emergence of a new and readily transmissible the coronavirus disease. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the public towards the pandemic is an essential part of developing effective preventive strategies.

Aim:

The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19) among population in Istanbul.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional and multi-stage, stratified random sampling based on multi-center population of Istanbul. A total of 5,414 persons were contacted and 4361 participants (80.5%) gave consent. The data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses.

Results:

There were significant differences between low education and high educational level with respect to age groups, gender, occupation, income, residence, number of rooms and family members (P < 0.001). Responses concerning knowledge of COVID-19 indicated that subjects with high education level were significantly higher regarding knowledge of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and methods of detecting COVID-19 respectively. Majority of the participants consider COVID-19 risk is higher than AIDS or Cancer (75.8% of low education vs. 67.2% of high education level (P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that monthly income status (P < 0.001), appropriate method of detecting COVID-19 (P < 0.001), occupational status (P < 0.001), medical mask prevent against COVID-19 (P < 0.001), eating or contacting wild animals (P < 0.001), isolation and treatment of people reduce risk (P < 0.001), isolation 14 days (P < 0.001), avoid going to crowded places such as train-metro, bus, restaurants and shopping (P = 0.003), COVID-19 spreads via-respiratory droplets (P = 0.004), afraid of travel (P = 0.026) were significantly associated with COVID-19 knowledge.

Conclusions:

The current study results revealed that the educational level and occupation especially sedentary are correlated positively with knowledge, attitude and practices. This finding is not surprising since higher education levels and professional status are associated with good KAP in most epidemic diseases including COVID-19. Nevertheless, the recent experience with COVID-19 has provided lessons on strategy and policy making.
Menstrual and Reproductive Factors and Risk of Breast Cancer in Iranian Female Population
Authors: Manouchehri Elham , Taghipour Ali , Ghavami Vahid , Shandiz Fatemeh Homaei , Ebadi Abbas , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer in Iranian females. Due to the changes in lifestyle and reproductive risk factors, the BC incidence rate has been rapidly increasing. Knowing risk factors of BC could significantly contribute to improve preventive behaviors. To investigate the relationship between menstrual and reproductive factors and BC in Iranian female population.

Methods:

Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and SID as well as references of included studies were searched. Among relevant published observational studies, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled risk estimates for the risk factors were determined using random-effects models due to the presence of substantial heterogeneity (P < 0.05).

Results:

All of the selected studies had case–control design. There was a positive relationship between maternal age at first pregnancy and risk of BC (OR = 1.79 95% CI: 1.36–2.35). Also, menopausal status was associated with higher risk of BC (OR = 1.60 95% CI: 1.18–2.17), whereas, there was no association between menarche age and increased risk of BC (OR = 0.55 95% CI: 0.29–1.03). History of abortion (OR = 1.21 95% CI: 0.97–1.5), nulliparity (OR = 1.43 95% CI: 0.89–2.31), and breastfeeding history (OR = 0.68 95% CI: 0.42–1.09) were not associated with BC risk.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that age at the first pregnancy and menopausal status were significantly associated with BC risk among Iranian women, whereas menarche age, nulliparity, and history of breastfeeding were not. In regard to the history of abortion, our findings revealed no association with BC, but in high-quality studies, this relationship was significant.
Assessment of Satisfaction with Drug Provision of Antihypertensive Drugs at the Outpatient Level of Privileged Categories of Residens
Authors: Jamil Abuov , Sundetgali1 Kalmakhanov , Laura Seiduanova , Ainur Tekmanova , Daniyar Toksanbayev , Sabit Pazilov , Kanatzhan Kemelbekov
Published: May 2024

Background:

The existing system of outpatient drug provision of citizens allows providing certain categories of citizens and patients with certain types of diseases on a free basis. The purpose of the study is to analysis and evaluate the system of providing preferential categories of citizens with antihypertensive drugs at the level of primary health care.

Materials and Methods:

To determine the level of satisfaction of citizens with drug provision at the outpatient level, 3118 respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire for persons who received free medicines for the treatment of hypertension. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions. They were distributed by sex and age criterion. The ratio of male and female respondents was 51.7% and 48.7%, respectively.

Results:

Thus, the results of a sociological study to study the opinions of the population about the existing system of free outpatient care revealed some organizational and managerial problems. Although that patients with hypertension since 2012 receive drugs for free, 37% noted that they bought at full cost in pharmacies, which should be released free of charge for privileged categories of citizens. Also, 77% of respondents claimed that they were not invited to outpatient organizations to receive drugs.

Conclusions:

In solving the problems of improving the organization and management, it is necessary to take into account regional peculiarities, which allow, based on the use of a set of methods of analysis and forecasting, to assess the state and trends of development, to identify its strengths and weaknesses, to assess the factors of the external and internal environment.
Tobacco Use Pattern, Dependence, Oral Cancer Awareness and Health Education needs Among Urban Slum Dwellers of Jodhpur City
Authors: Joshi Vibha , Joshi Nitin Kumar , Bajaj Komal
Published: May 2024

Background:

The rapid migration from rural to urban region results in mushrooming of slums in India. Urban-slums are comparatively poor vulnerable groups which are mostly affected with oral cancer due to higher exposure to risk factors like tobacco use.

Aims:

To assess pattern of tobacco consumption, awareness about oral cancer and related health education needs in urban slums of Jodhpur city.

Methods:

Study was conducted during July 2018Nov 2018 in slum of Jodhpur city. On the basis of cluster sampling strategy data were collected from 1200 participants regarding tobacco use and perception regarding oral cancer to identify health education needs in urban slums. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, multivariate logistics analysis were used and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 1200 participants were surveyed, out of which 48.5% were males. Among the study population, 58.5% (n = 462/789) males and 41.45% (n = 327/789) females were consuming tobacco in one or more forms. The statistical association between: age and bidi, gutka, zarda consumption; gender and bidi, cigarette, gutka consumption was found to be significant (P < 0.001). The younger population (1530 years) has more willingness to quit tobacco than the older population. (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.092.11). Almost 56% were aware of oral cancer.

Conclusions:

An effective information, education and communication (IEC) strategy for tobacco cessation should be designed with focus on different education needs according to age, gender, and education status of slum population.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Persian Version of Thailand Physical Activity Children Survey Questionnaire
Authors: Khosravi Afifeh , Kelishadi Roya , Selk-Ghaffari Maryam , Hassanmirzaei Bahar , Kordi Ramin
Published: May 2024

Background:

According to the importance of physical activity in the child's physical and mental development and cognitive health, developing a valid, reliable, and comprehensive assessment tool for children's physical activity is mandated. The purpose of this study is the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Persian version of the Thailand Physical Activity Children Survey questionnaire to measure the level of physical activity in children aged between 6–9 years in Iran.

Methods:

This study consisted of three stages, first, the questionnaire translation into Persian language and modification of the sections according to the Iranian culture, then the evaluation of the questionnaire via a pilot study, and finally, assessing the reliability and validity of the tool. Participants of the pilot study were 250 healthy children, aged 6 to 9 years, meeting eligibility criteria, recruited through a stratified cluster sampling method from schools across Tehran.

Results:

The Persian version of the questionnaire demonstrated an acceptable content validity (Content Validity Index between 0.88-1). The test-retest reliability reported the Intra-Class Correlation coefficient in the acceptable range in all sections (between 0.71-1). Cronbach's alpha was reported 0.993, which indicated excellent internal consistency.

Conclusions:

According to the acceptable validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Thailand Physical Activity Children Survey for children aged 6–9 years, it is recommended in research and surveillance studies to determine the level of physical activity of children of that age group in Iran.
Effect of a brief intervention on stress and coping in primary caregivers of children with intellectual disability
Authors: Dhanapal Kaviyabala , Nagarajan Padmavathi , Kaliamoorthy Charanya , Kandasamy Preeti
Published: May 2024

Background:

Intellectual disability (ID) is a global public health concern and it causes a significant amount of distress to primary caregivers. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a psychoeducational module on caregiver's stress and their ability to cope with this disorder.

Methodology:

An experimental one group pretest posttest design was adopted. Family interview on stress and coping questionnaire was applied to 38 caregivers of children with ID. A brief intervention (psychoeducation) was administered after a pretest. After 15 days, a posttest was conducted. The effect was assessed using the paired t-test.

Results:

Majority of the caregivers were females 31 (981.6%). At baseline, 33 (86.8%) subjects showed severe stress, 1 (2.6%) had very severe stress and 4 (10.5%) had a moderate level of stress. Coping was inadequate in 26 (68.4%) and adequate in 12 (31.6%) subjects before the intervention. The results showed that the mean scores of stress were decreased from the baseline score of 2.34 ± 0.23 to 2.05 ± 0.40 and that of coping was increased from 2.32 ± 0.47 to 2.84 ± 0.36 and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Brief intervention (psychoeducation) helps in reducing the stress and improving the coping skills of primary care givers of children with ID.
Clinical description of rare phenomenology of obsessive–Compulsive disorder
Authors: Prasad Sambhu , Manna Chayan
Published: May 2024

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is marked by intrusive thoughts, images, and impulses which are recurrent in nature, disturbing, and senseless. Typical anxiety provoking and distressing themes of the disorder include various forms such as repeated unwanted ideas, repeated urge of hurting to self, fear of contamination, aggressive impulses, sexual thoughts, guilt, and repetitive behaviors to relieve that anxiety in the form of repetitive cleaning, checking, arranging, etc., Here, we tried to describe a phenotypically different and rare form of OCD through a case of a 51-year old lady who had an obsessional fear of her own shadow.
Coping in Caregivers of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorders
Authors: Pahuja Erika , Nischal Anil , Nischal Anuradha , Agarwal Manu , Gupta Bandna , Tripathi Adarsh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is potentially a disabling disorder not only for the patients, but also for their family members, generating an additional burden on caregivers. Burden of care on caregivers may impact their family dynamics and affect the course of the illness. This perception of burden may largely depend on the coping strategies used by the caregivers. Studies have demonstrated that coping varies with socio-demographic variables but there is a dearth of research on coping strategies used by caregivers of OCD in India.

Aims:

To study coping in caregivers of OCD and its association with socio-demographic variables of caregivers and clinical variables of the illness.

Method:

Sixty seven caregivers of OCD were assessed on Cope Inventory. Association of experience of coping with socio-demographic variables of caregivers as well as patients and clinical variables of patients was studied. Result and

Conclusions:

Adaptive coping strategies like “Positive reinterpretation and Growth” and “Active Coping” were used more by males; student, clerical/ shop owner/ farmer; and caregivers of patients with OCD, with mixed obsessional thoughts and acts. Maladaptive coping strategies like “Focus on Venting of Emotions” was used more by caregivers of patients with severe illness. “Acceptance” was used more by young caregivers, spouses and caregivers of patients who received adequate treatment for last 3 months. Considering, adaptive coping efforts may provide protection from stressor of having a family member with OCD, there is an equal need to focus on caregivers along with patients. Training caregivers to use adaptive coping strategies, family interventions, psycho-educating targeted caregivers may lower the burden of illness and help caregivers to appraise the caregiving more favorably rather than taxing.
Poor enrollment of persons with disabilities in niramaya health insurance scheme over a decade under the indian national trust
Authors: Angothu Hareesh , Ajmera Sudhakar , Thanapal Sivakumar , Reddy Krishnareddy Shanivaram , Jagannathan Aarti , Muliyala Krishna Prasad , Thirthalli Jagadisha
Published: May 2024

Background:

Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is offered for persons with disabilities (PwD) under the National Trust Act, 1999, since 2008. There is less awareness among health professionals, PwD, and caregivers about this.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to study the number of enrolled PwD in the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme across the country since its inception.

Methods:

Annual reports of the National Trust were available in the public domain, and information obtained from the National Trust was used for analysis.

Results:

Total enrollments have steadily increased from 36,153 (2008–2009) to 96,716 (2018–2019). Madhya Pradesh state accounted for more than two-thirds of total enrollments in the year 2018–2019, and enrollments from many other states and union territories are lesser than 100.

Conclusions:

After a decade of its launch, less than a fraction of eligible PwD is enrolled in the scheme. Multipronged efforts are needed to promote the enrollment and utilization of the benefits of the Scheme.
Effectiveness of Yoga Nidra Intervention (Meditation) in Improving well-being of an Individual
Authors: Dwivedi Manish Kumar
Published: May 2024

Objective:

The present study has investigated the impact of Yoga Nidra in improving the wellbeing of an individual.

Context:

Thomas argued that there is no precise definition of well-being, and he argued that well-being is intangible, difficult to define, and even hard to measure. The impact of stress causes physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders which result in deteriorating the well-being of an individual. Yoga Nidra relaxes the body at physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Methods:

The comprehensive scale of well-being comprises these factors that are taken into consideration for assessing the well-being at these levels. The study investigated the well-being before and after the administration of Yoga Nidra intervention to the participants. This is a pre- and post test experimental study in which factors of well-being are being explored through extensive literature survey and instrument of well-being has been developed. The various factors were explored through exploratory factor analysis and validated it through confirmatory factor analysis. Results and

Conclusion:

The results showed that there is a significant influence of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components on well-being.
Impact of disability on quality of life and coping in patients with allergic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sharma Himanshu , Sharma Yojana , Patel Nisheet M , Mahida Ankur , Mistry Hansal G , Rangwala Tanya M
Published: May 2024

Context:

Allergic rhinosinusitis (AR) is common disabling disorder which is prevalent more in western India. Most of these patients have chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposes. The present study assessed disability and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in AR that would help to include psychosocial measures along with the drugs treatment.

Aims:

To study to the impact of Disability, QoL and mechanism of Coping in AR.

Settings and Design:

The study was conducted in the ENT out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital over a 3 month period.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with age more than 18 years and without any comorbidity were included in the study. Gujarati versions of Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (for disability), SF-36 survey (QoL) and Coping Strategies Inventory-Short-Form were used.

Statistical Analysis:

SPSS (IBM Corp. Released 2013.IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 1.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used for all analysis. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and correlation were calculated.

Results:

A significant impact of disability on QoL (general health and health change) was noted among these patients (P = 0.505,P= 0.370), more in urban than rural patients with greater distress and significant relationship between engagement and disengagement based coping style (r = 0.701). Conversely, social functioning and engagement based coping style had a negative co-relationship (−0.210). Sample was predominantly male using emotional coping than practical one.

Conclusions:

Faulty coping can lead to increased morbidity which may be altered with disease specific psychoeducation and counseling.