bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-centered approaches to communicating ear, nose, and throat advancements: Bridging the knowledge gap
Authors: Salunkhe Rahul M. , Salunkhe Shradha R. , Prashant Rashmi , Ingale Mayur H. , Tayade Motilal C. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for optimal care outcomes, particularly in the field of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine. Our study aimed to explore patient-centered communication approaches in the context of ENT advancements to bridge the knowledge gap between healthcare providers and patients.

Methods:
A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and medical record reviews for this cross-sectional observational study. A total of 120 patients and 40 ENT clinicians were included in the study, with data collected over a 1-year period. Demographic characteristics, patient understanding, satisfaction with communication, preferences for receiving information, and themes identified from qualitative interviews were analyzed.

Results:
The study revealed high levels of patient understanding and satisfaction with communication from ENT providers. Verbal communication was the most preferred method for receiving information, followed by written materials and online resources. Qualitative interviews identified themes emphasizing the importance of clear communication, desire for shared decision-making, and the need for accessible information. The survey among 40 ENT practitioners reveals that 25% utilize multimedia platforms frequently, 50% occasionally, 20% rarely, and 5% never.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the importance of patient-centered communication in enhancing patient understanding, satisfaction, and engagement in ENT healthcare speciality. By prioritizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and accessible information, healthcare providers can influence patients to play an active role in their care and improve healthcare outcomes.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of primary health physicians in Saudi Arabia in prescribing vitamins and minerals as treatment for hair loss
Authors: Aljulifi Mohammed Zaid , Mubki Thamer , Alaboody Ziyad Mohammed , Alamri Ammar Nasser , Altariqi Waleed Mohammed , Alharbi Bader Salem , Almohaimeed Abdulaziz Fahad 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose/Background:
Hair loss is a common presentation in primary care. This condition is caused by telogen effluvium and alopecia, among others. Several factors such as drugs, trauma, and emotional and physiological stress can lead to the development of hair loss in addition to vitamin and mineral deficiency. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of primary health physicians in Saudi Arabia on the use of vitamins and minerals for the treatment of hair loss with the research question of what is the knowledge and practice level among primary physicians in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding hair loss.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was carried out in primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire included two parts; the first one is the personal information such as age, sex, year of experience, and current medical ranking. The second part included questions assessing the knowledge and practice of using vitamins and minerals for treatment of hair loss. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results:
A total of 146 physicians were included in the final analysis with a mean age of 41.65 (SD = 12.71). Slightly over half (54.1%) were juniors being general practitioners or residents. The mean knowledge score was 12.6 (SD = 2.83), and the mean practice score was 8 (SD = 3.43), with no difference between the total score between the senior and junior physicians, while some significant differences were noted in some items of both scores. No significant association was noted between knowledge and practice scores.

Conclusion:
The findings show the low scores of knowledge and practice among doctors about the causes and treatment of hair loss. Guidelines should guide practice regardless of seniority. Future studies should address each group separately.
Parents’ views on pediatric COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhusayn Khalid , Basudan Loay , Jnaid Hussam , Alkhunizan Muath , Abdulkarim Ahmed , Alodhaibi Khitam , Sultana Habiba , Alsulaiman Thamer , Alendijani Yaser , Khan Abdul Rahman , Alkhenizan Abdullah 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
To end the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to reach herd immunity. A successful pediatric COVID-19 immunization program is the only way to achieve this goal. The objective of this study was to determine the views of parents in Saudi Arabia on the COVID-19 vaccine in children.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study took place within the Family Medicine Pediatric clinics at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH and RC). All parents of patients of Family Medicine Pediatric Clinics at KFSH and RC, Riyadh, were invited to participate in this study between January 2022 and June 2022. A culturally sensitive and specially designed questionnaire was administered using an interview-based model.

Results:
Safety concerns were the primary reason for vaccine hesitancy among parents, with 29.7% of parents expressing concerns about side effects and 25.1% not knowing where to get reliable information about vaccines. Negative information and lack of perceived need were also important factors, with 17.1% and 18.3% of parents citing these reasons, respectively. Poor knowledge about vaccines was a significant predictor of parental vaccine hesitancy. Mothers had more concerns about the efficacy and safety of vaccines than fathers.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrated a negative attitude toward the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine among parents in Saudi Arabia. A higher level of awareness about the vaccine was significantly associated with planning on having the vaccine. There is a need for effective awareness programs for better pediatric COVID-19 vaccine-related education to increase the acceptance of the vaccine among parents in Saudi Arabia.
Seroprevalent study of cytomegalovirus infection in the regions of Jharkhand
Authors: Sundi Anita , Roopa Nilamber , Gupta Piyalee , Irfan Sana , Kar Tarun Kumar 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a type of beta herpesvirus widespread in all human populations. It is estimated that up to 80-100% of adults worldwide and most infections are harmless and can cause severe health complications in infants, like hearing loss and developmental issues. Still, immunocompromised individuals can experience serious complications from the virus. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the prevalence of this virus in our country, and no studies have been reported on the rate of CMV transmission yet.

Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the levels of IgM antibodies against Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela Kharsawan using an ELISA test.

Methods:
An indirect ELISA test was performed to detect anti-CMV IgM and the period of study was from January’2021 to June’2023.

Results:
The examination tested 55 people for the TORCH profile of CMV parameters from regions of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela Kharsawan. Here, 17 people (30.09%) were IgM positive by ELISA.

Conclusions:
The serological data confirms that CMV is not being monitored and recognized in the general population, which limits our study between CMV infection, disease, and clinically diagnosed outcomes. This understanding is crucial for the healthcare and policy sectors. Thus, we recommend implementing a surveillance and mindfulness program for at least one-fourth of the population in Jharkhand and continuing to explore and develop effective vaccines to control CMV infections.
Self-medication practices among university students at a public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bin Abdulrahman Khalid , Alharbi Abdulaziz Khalid , Alhaddad Abdulrahman Mohammed , Alshaya Abdulaziz Mohammed , Aldayel Abdullah Sultan , Aljumaiah Muath Abdullah 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Self-medication is a concern at the global level. It comes with complications and different health issues. This study measures the prevalence, influential factors, and reasons behind self-medication.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The prevalence and influential factors were measured between September and November 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). We used frequencies and percentages to present categorical variables. Using a convenient sampling technique. Factors associated with using self-medication and the differences between students of the medical college and their non-medical counterparts were assessed using Pearson’s Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05.

Result:
We initially received 410 responses on the online platform. However, we excluded seven responses from those who disagreed to participate and 12 from participants outside Riyadh. The majority of the participants were female (67.5%). Three hundred nineteen (319) participants indicated that they had ever used self-medications, accounting for a prevalence of 81.6%. Regarding the reasons for self-medication, the most frequently cited factors were ‘previous experience’ (66.5%) and ‘time-saving’ (50.2%). Additionally, the primary source of drug information utilized for self-medication practices was predominantly from ‘relatives/friends’ (62.4%) and ‘pharmacologists’ (48.0%). Medications were primarily used for headache (76.8%), fever (48.6%), and pain (47.3%). The most commonly used classes of drugs used for self-medication were painkillers (84.0%), vitamins (42.0%), and eye drops (32.9%).

Conclusion:
The results showed that the prevalence of self-medication is high in the surveyed population. There has been an association between monthly income and the prevalence of self-medication. As pharmacists are the second most common source of drug information, it is essential to increase responsibility and avoid marketing and personal benefiting behavior as they are considered a reliable source of information in the population. Healthcare organizers can utilize our study to educate people about the adverse effects of self-medication.
Impact of yoga-based interventions on cognitive and autonomic functions in major depressive disorder population
Authors: Sharma Sunidhi , Kacker Sudhanshu , Saboo Neha 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cognitive and autonomic dysfunction is increasingly being recognized as an important clinical dimension in major depressive disorder.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a combined approach of yoga and diet intervention on cognitive and autonomic functions in individuals with major depressive disorders.

Methods:
This experimental observational study was conducted at RUHS College of Medical Sciences and Associated Hospitals, Jaipur, on the major depressive disorder population of either sex cognitive function (mini-mental score, Montreal cognitive protocol A and B, P300 latency and amplitude) and autonomic function parameters (frequency and time domain) were recorded at baseline and after three months of a combined approach of yoga and diet intervention.

Results:
This study compared cognitive and autonomic function parameters at baseline and after three months of yoga and diet intervention in a major depressive disorder population. Analysis revealed a significant decrease in body mass index (<0.05), systolic blood pressure (<0.001), Hamilton rating scale for depression (<0.001), P300 latency (<0.001), standard deviation of NN interval (SDNN) (<0.001), and mean heart rate (<0.001), whereas there was a significant increase in mini-mental score (<0.001), Montreal cognitive protocol A and B (<0.001), high frequency (HF) (<0.001), root mean square standard deviation (RMSSD) (<0.001), and PNN50 (<0.001) after a combined approach of yoga and diet in the study group as compared to control group participants.

Conclusions:
Yoga and diet combined may be an effective adjunct therapy for improving brain health and mental performance, lowering the risk of depression by affecting the neurotransmitter system and raising vagal tone which contributes to learning and memory.
Needs assessment of military medicine education curriculum in medical students and upcoming challenges
Authors: Khoshi Abolfazl , Raeeszadeh Mohammad , Moghaddam Jamal Akhavan , Goodarzi Hassan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
The curriculum of military medicine for medical students of universities of military medical sciences is a priority and a practical goal. Paying attention to the educational needs of students creates vitality and motivation among students for better learning and improving the learning environment. Frequent monitoring and updating of the content of military courses and modern teaching improve the quality and quantity of the military medicine curriculum.

Materials and Methods:
This applied, inductive, and exploratory descriptive was conducted in a single cross-sectional and qualitative method. The data were collected using the brainstorming method and individual and collective Delphi techniques. The population included the medical students of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, who completed the course in military medicine. The data were collected by purposive sampling and classified until the saturation limit was reached. EXCEL 2019 and MAXQDA2020 software were used for data analysis.

Findings:
This research was carried out in collaboration with the military medicine department of the university to identify the needs of students in the military medicine curriculum. First, the findings were collected in 22 axes. In the next step, the needs were prioritized in the four main components of the combat medicine curriculum (1 goal, 2 content, 3 teaching strategy, 4 evaluation), and the results were extracted.

Conclusion:
Identifying the needs of students; improving the current military medicine curriculum; paying attention to individual differences, interests, and talents of students; and enhancing the motivation and level of satisfaction of students are the study results.
Utilization of telemedicine services of institute of national importance in the western region of INDIA: A mixed-method study
Authors: Joshi Krupal , Modi Bhautik , Katoch CDS 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial healthcare tool, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering risk-free contactless communication between physicians and patients. In India, the introduction of official guidelines in 2019 and initiatives like the “e-Sanjeevani” national teleconsultation portal have accelerated telemedicine’s adoption. However, the utilization and satisfaction levels of telemedicine services in Institutes of National Importance (INI) remain underexplored.

Objective:
This mixed-method study aims to describe the utilization of telemedicine services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, an INI in western India, and assess patients’ satisfaction with these services.

Methods:
Data was collected from patients availing telemedicine services through the e-Sanjeevani portal at AIIMS Rajkot between February and December 2022. Quantitative analysis included patient demographics, specialty attended, location, call duration, and wrong call rates. Qualitative analysis involved interviews with patients to assess their experiences and satisfaction levels. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for quantitative data and Atlas Ti for qualitative data.

Results:
A total of 12,442 doctor-to-doctor and 7,876 patient-to-doctor consultations were recorded, with a diverse age distribution (21-40 years, 45.4%). Most patients were from medical specialties, with general medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Dermatology being the highest. The data revealed a wide geographic distribution, with over 70% of cases from more than 200 kilometers away. Despite some challenges, including a 38.2% wrong call rate, the telemedicine services were well-received, with 96% of respondents reporting overall satisfaction.

Conclusion:
Telemedicine services at AIIMS Rajkot have shown high user satisfaction and accessibility, highlighting their potential in improving healthcare delivery and access, particularly in remote areas. However, efforts to enhance digital literacy and address challenges are necessary for further optimization of telemedicine services.
Assessment of the pattern of antibiotic resistance among microorganisms isolated from the culture medium prepared from hospitalized patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Davarpanah Mohammad Ali , Vares Vazirian Sara 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Antibiotic resistance has become quite a challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections in the world. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the pattern of antibiotic resistance among microorganisms isolated from the culture medium prepared from hospitalized patients.

Methods:
The type of study was cross-sectional descriptive. The antibiotic resistance pattern of positive samples collected from patients who got hospitalized in Shahid Faghihi hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences between 2020 and 2021 using the disc diffusion method according to CLSI standards was measured. Then the data were entered into SPSS version 22 software and analyzed with appropriate statistical tests.

Results:
Of all positive samples, 69.7% were Gram-negative and the rest were Gram-positive. The most frequent Gram-negative bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii (31.4%), Escherichia coli (25.3), and Klebsiella pneumonia (21.2%), and the most frequent Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (79%), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (15.4%), and Enterococcus (3.6%). The resistance rate of Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeroginosa against ciprofloxacin was 91.4%, 74.3%, and 52.3%; the resistance rate against gentamicin was 90.5%, 54.3%, and 43.9%; the resistance rate against Piperacillin-Tazobactam was 85.6%, 65%, and 43.1%; the resistance rate against imipenem was 97.1%, 57.9%, and 65.4%; and the resistance rate against colostin was 1.9%, 0%, and 3.4%, respectively. The resistance rate of Staphylococcus aureus against cefoxotin and vancomycin was 42.7% and 2.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:
Finally, we concluded from this study that microorganisms isolated from patients have developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics.
Accessory breast tissue—A matter for exigence!
Authors: Tomey Vandana S. , Shivsharan Pradeep S. , Kalbande Shubham S. , Joshi Madhulika S. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The accessory breast tissue is found in 6%. It is seen commonly in the axilla. It is asymptomatic or causes pain, restricts arm movement, causes cosmetic problems, or causes anxiety. We evaluated symptoms, signs, investigations, treatment, and postoperative complications of women with accessory breast tissue.

Methods:
Our cross-sectional study was conducted in the Surgery OPD, Nagpur, on 52 women who presented with accessory breast tissue in the period from January 2019 to October 2023.

Results:
In this study, of 52 patients, the majority, that is, 38 (73.07%) patients, presented with uneasiness due to the position of mass followed by 25 (48.07%) with swelling in the axilla. Twelve (23.07%) patients presented with pain in mass in premenstrual and menstrual periods, and seven (13.46%) patients with accessory nipples. Fifty (96.15%) patients had axillary swelling. One (1.92%) patient each had swelling in groin and thigh. Thirty-six (69.2%) patients had sonography findings consistent with breast-like tissue. In nine (17.30%) patients, findings suggested lipoma. Surgical excision was conducted in 52 (100%) patients. In 43 (82.69%) patients, histopathology was consistent with simple breast tissue. In six (11.53%) patients, it was fibroadenoma, and in three (6.76%) patients, histopathology was suggestive of carcinoma. Twenty-eight (53.84%) patients had no complications. Thirteen (25%) patients had an allergy to sticking, six (11.53%) patients had uneven scar, and four (7.69%) patients had hypertrophy of scar.

Conclusion:
In our study, in the majority of patients, the site of accessory breast tissue was axilla. It caused uneasiness. Surgical excision was conducted in all patients. Postoperative complications were the least.
A cross-sectional survey of ocular problems after COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers at a teaching hospital
Authors: Mishra Santosh Kumar , Kumar Naveen , Kumari Arti , Verma Anant Kumar 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV2). The impact of the pandemic is becoming more apparent now on various tissues and body organs. Limited knowledge is present about the characteristics, duration, and long-term sequelae of ocular problems post-COVID-19 infection. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and analyze the ocular problems occurring in healthcare workers after COVID-19 infection.

Material and Method:
This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. The participants were healthcare workers who were exposed to COVID-19 infection ≥6 months back. A questionnaire was prepared. Responses were evaluated and analyzed. Patient consent and institutional committee permission were taken as per norms.

Result:
A total of 210 healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 >6 months back responded with complete answers. The maximum number of respondents was between the ages of 31 and 60 (73.3%). The pre-covid ocular problems were present in 25% of the participants, especially in those having chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, or both). Post-ocular problems were faced by 60% of the participants, which was significant (P < 0.01). Dry eye, itching, and foreign body sensations were present in 60% of those facing ocular problems (P < 0.01). Ocular surface manifestations were more common.

Conclusion:
A knowledge, understanding, and awareness about ocular problems and their long-term sequelae in post-COVID-19-infected patients will help in early diagnosis and better management of such patients.