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Violence and Victims Jul 2024To more effectively respond to sexual assault in the United States, some jurisdictions have created sexual assault response teams (SARTs). SARTs involve members of...
To more effectively respond to sexual assault in the United States, some jurisdictions have created sexual assault response teams (SARTs). SARTs involve members of multiple agencies tasked with responding to sexual assault within a jurisdiction, such as law enforcement, advocates, prosecutors, and sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). Despite hundreds of jurisdictions utilizing SARTs, and the Department of Justice establishing guidelines, SARTs vary across jurisdictions in their form and function. To clarify this, the current research outlines two studies to better understand the logistics and functioning of one SART. In Study 1, for over nearly 2 years, SART meetings were observed and notes were taken on representation of agencies, time spent on cases, and possible challenges. Overall, the SART met consistently, with representation of major stakeholders at each meeting. Stakeholder agencies remained consistent and most time spent in the meetings was on case review. In Study 2, 10 members of SART were interviewed to assess perceptions of SART. These interviews were independently qualitatively coded for both factual and thematic codes. Areas of focus included perceived logistics of the SART and expertise of members that make up an effective SART. Overall, on average, members had been part of the SART for 3.5 years, felt required to attend the meetings as part of their role, and shared that all members (i.e., law enforcement, district attorney, victim advocates, and SANEs) had expertise on differing subjects that effectively made the SART work well. Importantly, qualitative perceptions from members of the SART (Study 2) lined up with the independent observation of SART meetings (Study 1). Ultimately, the results from this body of research could delineate specific actions that a jurisdiction implementing a SART could utilize.
Topics: Humans; Sex Offenses; United States; Law Enforcement; Female; Crime Victims; Interviews as Topic; Male
PubMed: 38955473
DOI: 10.1891/VV-2021-0220 -
Violence and Victims Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to explore potential similarities and differences in the ways boys and girls appraise and interpret their traumatic experiences, and better...
The purpose of this study was to explore potential similarities and differences in the ways boys and girls appraise and interpret their traumatic experiences, and better understand how gender roles, performance, and socialization processes may impact trauma experiences, appraisals, and narratives within the context of trauma-focused treatment. We used thematic analysis to analyze the trauma narratives of youth ( = 16) ages 8-16 who had experienced multiple types ( = 5.38) of child maltreatment and who were receiving Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address clinically elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms. Four themes emerged: variations in the content of negative cognitions, differences in relational emotion, adoption of socially prescribed gender roles, and symptom differences. Although many similarities existed in youth's trauma narratives, differences emerged that point to the importance of social context and the ways gender role expectations and socialization processes influence youth's appraisal of and responses to traumatic events. Findings indicate the importance of considering distress tolerance, relational emotion, gender identity development, and role socialization within the treatment milieu.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adolescent; Child; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Child Abuse; Qualitative Research; Gender Role; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Narration; Socialization; Gender Identity; Sex Factors
PubMed: 38955470
DOI: 10.1891/VV-2024-0003 -
Violence and Victims Jun 2024There is growing evidence suggesting an increased perception of control is associated with reduced psychological distress among survivors of sexual trauma. The current...
There is growing evidence suggesting an increased perception of control is associated with reduced psychological distress among survivors of sexual trauma. The current study advances the extant literature by investigating the association between depressive symptoms, sexual trauma, and an external locus of control or the perception life events are outside one's own control. To do so, we analyze data from the New Family Structures Study, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults ages 18-39. Results from ordinary least square regression analyses suggest sexual trauma and an external locus of control are associated with significantly greater depressive symptoms and that external control exacerbates the association between sexual trauma and depression. Such findings suggest future research should investigate environmental control for sexual trauma survivors in areas such as prenatal care and the justice system.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Internal-External Control; Male; Depression; Young Adult; Sexual Trauma; Adolescent; United States; Survivors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38955469
DOI: 10.1891/VV-2022-0060 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024The validity of the traditional nutritional assessment tools in intensive care settings might be compromised when the patient has conditions such as oedema and... (Review)
Review
Incorporating ultrasonography to the nutritional assessment process in intensive care settings to improve the prescription of enteral and parenteral nutrition: Benefits, practicality, and challenges.
The validity of the traditional nutritional assessment tools in intensive care settings might be compromised when the patient has conditions such as oedema and inflammation. Ultrasound (US) is considered a non-invasive, bedside tool that can be utilized to assess changes in muscle mass. Hence, US could guide healthcare practitioners in identifying the varying degrees of malnutrition and adjusting the nutritional prescription accordingly. This review discusses the currently available data regarding the feasibility and practicality of using US measurements in intensive care settings. Overall, the data suggest that using US as part of the standard anthropometric assessment for critically ill patients is a promising tool to track variations in muscle mass. This has the potential to enhance nutritional prescription and tailor the provision of protein and energy to critically ill patients based on their lean body mass measurements. Therefore, it is recommended to train dietitians on utilizing US for body composition measurements.
Topics: Humans; Nutrition Assessment; Ultrasonography; Enteral Nutrition; Critical Illness; Parenteral Nutrition; Critical Care; Intensive Care Units; Body Composition; Malnutrition
PubMed: 38955453
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240082 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted on male athletes randomly selected from the private athletic centers in Al Madina Al Munawara over 5 months. Data were collected from all participants using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with 33 questions. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and their knowledge, attitudes, and use of anabolic steroids.
RESULTS
Of the 150 male athletes surveyed, 121 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80.6%). Over half were aged between 18 and 23 years (56.2%) and were single (79.3%). Thirty-two percent reported using anabolic steroids, mainly to increase muscle mass, following coaches' advice (46.1%). Key sources included the internet (30.7%), coaches (30%), and friends (27.9%), and non-healthcare professionals. The top motivations were price, coach's/physician's advice, and availability. The perceived benefits included increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, while the perceived adverse effects included kidney/liver damage and sexual problems.
CONCLUSION
One-third of the male athletes surveyed used anabolic steroids, influenced by accessibility and social contact, rather than healthcare guidance. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the long-term health risks, ideally through education provided by sports medicine specialists.
Topics: Humans; Male; Saudi Arabia; Athletes; Young Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anabolic Agents; Adolescent; Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Doping in Sports; Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
PubMed: 38955450
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240244 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To ascertain the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) across diverse donor groups in the Najran province. Additionally, to establish a potential...
OBJECTIVES
To ascertain the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) across diverse donor groups in the Najran province. Additionally, to establish a potential association between the development of TTI and the donors' blood group, as determined by the ABO/Rh blood grouping system.
METHODS
Blood donation data of 4120 donors, spanning from January to December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. The blood were screened for TTI markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc), anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), anti-human immunodeficiency viruses 1 and 2 (anti-HIV1&2), anti-human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (anti-HTLV-1&2), and syphilis antigen.
RESULTS
Positive TTI markers were detected in 10.9% of the donors. The most detected TTI marker was anti-HBc (8.9%), followed by HBsAg (0.7%). Other markers were individually detected in <1% of the donors. Anti-HBc-positive was significantly elevated among non-Saudi blood donors. There was an association between age groups and anti-HCV (=0.002), anti-HTLV (=0.004) and syphilis antigen (=0.02) markers positivity. The AB positive blood group exhibited the most positivity for TTI markers, followed by O positive blood group. Similarly, association was found between ABO group and HBsAg (=0.01), anti-HBc (=0.001), and anti-HCV (<0.001) markers positivity.
CONCLUSION
Emphasis on implementing robust screening measures for donated blood is underscored by this study. There is the need for future study to extensively evaluate TTI status to enhance our understanding of the trend in TTI.
Topics: Humans; ABO Blood-Group System; Adult; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Saudi Arabia; Male; Blood Donors; Retrospective Studies; Female; Middle Aged; Biomarkers; Syphilis; Young Adult; Transfusion Reaction; Prevalence; Adolescent; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Antibodies; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38955448
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240338 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To describe how people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) make decisions using the diffusion of innovation theory model. Decisions occur when individual decision makers engage...
OBJECTIVES
To describe how people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) make decisions using the diffusion of innovation theory model. Decisions occur when individual decision makers engage in activities that guide choices to adopt or reject a particular innovation.
METHODS
This is a descriptive analysis research using a survey method. Data collection was carried out using a decision making questionnaire. The subjects in this research were HIV/AIDS sufferers (PLWHA) who lived in Turen, Indonesia. The number of research subjects was 36 respondents obtained using the purposive sampling technique on January 2023.
RESULTS
The research design used the correlation method with a cross sectional approach and the Spearman correlation coefficient statistical test. The research results show significance (2-tailed) of 0.934 (>0.05). The correlation coefficient results are negative. Where the direction of the correlation produces showed a very weak relationship with a value of 0.014 and the results of the analysis between variables are not the same. This is because the persuasion stage was not tested in the analysis. Research shows that 8 (22.2%) patients rejected the decision making of PLWHA using the diffusion of innovation theory model at the Western Provident Association Turen Foundation, Turen, Indonesia, while 28 (77.7%) patients accepted it. It can be concluded that the majority of decisions made by HIV/AIDS patients at the ADIS Turen Peduli Warga Foundation are accepted.
CONCLUSION
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS sufferers is at a good level, their decision making is mostly accepted and there is a meaningful relationship between knowledge and decision making in using a chatbot innovation. The suggestion from the research is that this chatbot innovation can be a source of further research and help provide education for PLWHA patients in everyday life.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Male; Adult; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision Making; Indonesia; Diffusion of Innovation; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Surveys and Questionnaires; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; Young Adult
PubMed: 38955447
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240032 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To estimate the incidence of post tonsillectomy bleeding and to identify its predisposing factors among the pediatric population.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the incidence of post tonsillectomy bleeding and to identify its predisposing factors among the pediatric population.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study included 1280 pediatric patients (18 years or younger) who underwent tonsillectomy at King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2020. The study sample was divided into 2 groups based on the development of postoperative bleeding and were compared using Chi-square test and independent t-test. Significant variables (-value ≤0.05) were included in the logistic regression model to determine the predictors of bleeding following tonsillectomy.
RESULTS
The bleeding rate following tonsillectomy was 3.4% in 43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-4.5) patients. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the significant predictors of post tonsillectomy bleeding were age ≥12 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.685, =0.027), decreased postoperative oral intake (OR: 4.244, =0.042), and single use of postoperative analgesia (OR: 53.124, <0.001). Out of the 43 patients, 39 (90.7%) patients experienced secondary bleeding, and more than half of the patients who developed bleeding required surgical intervention 27 (62.8%).
CONCLUSION
Tonsillectomy is a safe and common surgical procedure but carries risks for postoperative bleeding. Age ≥12 years, poor postoperative oral intake, and the use of a single postoperative analgesic increase the risk of bleeding. We encourage healthcare providers to ascertain early resumption of oral intake and ensure effective pain management. We recommend a dual alternating analgesic regimen with weight-based dosing for optimal pain control. Furthermore, educating caregivers about the importance of adequate oral intake following tonsillectomy may improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Tonsillectomy; Retrospective Studies; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Child; Incidence; Male; Female; Adolescent; Saudi Arabia; Child, Preschool; Risk Factors; Age Factors; Cohort Studies; Pain, Postoperative; Logistic Models; Infant
PubMed: 38955443
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240253 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To understand the prevalence and survival rates of preterm birth (PTB) is of utmost importance in informing healthcare planning, improving neonatal care, enhancing...
OBJECTIVES
To understand the prevalence and survival rates of preterm birth (PTB) is of utmost importance in informing healthcare planning, improving neonatal care, enhancing maternal and infant health, monitoring long-term outcomes, and guiding policy and advocacy efforts.
METHODS
The medical records of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a diagnosis of prematurity at the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH), Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed between January 2018 and December 2022. Data were collected on birth weight (BW), gender, number of live births, gestational age, mortality, nationality, APGAR score, length of stay in the NICU, and maternal details.
RESULTS
A total of 9809 live births were identified between 2018 and 2022, of which 139 (3.9%) were born preterm. The overall mortality rate of the included sample was 7.19%, whereas the mortality rate according to BW was 38.4% of those born with extremely low birth weight (ELBW). The most common intrapartum complications were malpresentation (15.1%), placental complications (4.3%), and cord complications (3.6%).
CONCLUSION
This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of PTB in the country, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of extremely preterm babies.
Topics: Humans; Saudi Arabia; Female; Premature Birth; Infant, Newborn; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Incidence; Pregnancy; Gestational Age; Infant, Premature; Infant Mortality; Survival Rate; Birth Weight; Infant; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Apgar Score
PubMed: 38955439
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240194 -
Lupus Science & Medicine Jul 2024To determine whether intercurrent infections are a risk factor for subsequent disease flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether intercurrent infections are a risk factor for subsequent disease flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
METHODS
Demographic and clinical characteristics of 203 patients with SLE participating in the Amsterdam SLE cohort were collected at baseline and during follow-up. Collection of data on infections and SLE flares was registry-based and infections and flares were categorised as minor or major, based on predefined criteria. Proportional hazard models with recurrent events and time-varying covariates were used to estimate the HR of SLE flares.
RESULTS
The incidence rates of major and minor infections were 5.3 per 100 patient years and 63.9 per 100 patient years, respectively. The incidence rates of flares were 3.6 and 15.1 per 100 patient years for major flares and minor flares, respectively.In the proportional hazard model, intercurrent infections (major and minor combined) were associated with the occurrence of SLE flares (major and minor combined; HR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.9). The hazard ratio for a major SLE flare following a major infection was 7.4 (95% CI: 2.2 to 24.6). Major infections were not associated with the occurrence of minor flares.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study show that intercurrent infections are associated with subsequent SLE flares, which supports the hypothesis that infections may trigger SLE flares.
Topics: Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Female; Male; Risk Factors; Adult; Middle Aged; Infections; Proportional Hazards Models; Incidence; Symptom Flare Up; Netherlands; Registries; Cohort Studies; Recurrence
PubMed: 38955402
DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001131