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PloS One 2024Understanding patient satisfaction is key to advancing pharmacy services and improving health outcomes. There is a lack of a translated and psychometrically validated...
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist Services Questionnaire (PSPSQ) 2.0 into the Arabic language among people with diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Understanding patient satisfaction is key to advancing pharmacy services and improving health outcomes. There is a lack of a translated and psychometrically validated tool in the Arabic language to measure patient satisfaction with pharmacy services.
OBJECTIVE
To translate the English version of the PSPSQ 2.0 into Arabic language, culturally adapt, and verify its reliability and validity.
SETTING
A community pharmacy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
METHOD
A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2021 and June 2022 among patients with diabetes attending a community pharmacy. The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research good practice guidelines for linguistic translation and cultural adaptation were used to translate and culturally adapt the English version of PSPSQ 2.0 into Arabic. The Arabic version of PSPSQ 2.0 was subjected to factor analysis using principal component analysis with varimax rotation to evaluate its validity and Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the reliability of PSPSQ 2.0.
RESULTS
A total of 129 (68.2% male, and mean age 50 (SD: 11.9) years) patients with diabetes participated in the study. The analysis was undertaken for the items in each of the three domains of PSPSQ 2.0: quality of care, interprofessional relationship and overall care. Exploratory factor analysis revealed validity of 92.7%, 80.5% and 96.2%, respectively. The Arabic version of PSPSQ 2.0 had high internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha scores 0.99, 0.95 and 0.98 for the three measured domains, respectively. The sample adequacy was 0.924.
CONCLUSION
The PSPSQ 2.0 was successfully translated and culturally adapted into the Arabic language and had acceptable validity and reliability to measure patient satisfaction with services provided by pharmacists in community pharmacies.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Patient Satisfaction; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Diabetes Mellitus; Saudi Arabia; Language; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Translations; Reproducibility of Results; Psychometrics; Pharmacists; Translating; Community Pharmacy Services
PubMed: 38935668
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298848 -
PloS One 2024The role of non-kin caregivers, such as friends, neighbours, and acquaintances, in providing end-of-life care is significant but often overlooked in research and policy...
BACKGROUND
The role of non-kin caregivers, such as friends, neighbours, and acquaintances, in providing end-of-life care is significant but often overlooked in research and policy discussions. These caregivers provide extensive support for individuals in end-of-life care, in addition to or instead of family members. However, there is limited evidence in the literature regarding the experiences, burdens, and benefits of non-kin caregivers.
AIMS
The aim of this research is to examine the role and contributions of non-kin caregivers in end-of-life care. The study intends to uncover their experiences, associated challenges, benefits, and requirements for support.
METHODS
In order to achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, gathering data through structured questionnaires from approximately 150 non-kin caregivers and in-depth interviews with up to 25 participants. The questionnaires will measure the impact, burden, and benefits of caregiving. The Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, the Benefits of Being a Caregiver Scale, the Family Inventory of Needs, the Positive Mental Health Scale, a Graphic Closeness Scale, and selected items of the Eurofamcare Common Assessment Tool for socio-demographic and caregiving-related data will be used. Quantitative data will be analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28 for descriptive analysis and group comparison. The objective of the qualitative in-depth interviews is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the personal experiences, motivations and support needs of members of the non-kin caregivers cohort, who are as heterogeneous as possible in terms of gender, socio-economic status, and facility with the German language. The qualitative data from the interviews will be examined using MAXQDA software, adopting a grounded theory approach for analysis.
DISCUSSION
This research will develop a comprehensive framework that captures the nuanced experiences of non-kin caregivers at the end of life. The framework will identify areas where support for non-kin caregivers is lacking and where further research is needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) (Registration N° DRKS00033889; date of registration: 05 April 2024). The study is searchable under the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the German Clinical Trials Register number.
Topics: Humans; Caregivers; Terminally Ill; Surveys and Questionnaires; Terminal Care; Family; Male; Female
PubMed: 38935665
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306282 -
PloS One 2024The Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Self-Report (LPFS-SR) operationalizes Criterion A of the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders. The current study...
The Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Self-Report (LPFS-SR) operationalizes Criterion A of the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders. The current study aimed 1) to examine the internal consistency of the Portuguese version of the LPFS-SR in a community sample and a clinical sample, 2) to compare non-clinical participants (N = 282, Mage = 48.01, SD = 10.87) with two samples of clinical participants, one composed of patients with a personality disorder diagnosis (PD sample, n = 40, Mage = 46.18, SD = 13.59) and the other of patients with other psychiatric diagnoses (OD sample, n = 148, Mage = 49.49, SD = 11.88), with respect to LPFS-SR dimensions and total score, 3) to examine the capacity of the LPFS-SR to discriminate between samples through the ROC curve analyses, and 4) to examine the factor structure of the Portuguese version of the LPFS-SR. The Portuguese version of the LPFS-SR revealed adequate internal consistency results, akin to the original data, in the community and clinical samples. The community sample differed significantly from both clinical samples in all the LPFS-SR dimensions and total score. The ROC curve analysis indicated an optimal cut-off for the total score of 272.00, corresponding to a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 89%, in the PD vs. community samples. The LPFS-SR total score discriminative capacity between the PD and OD samples was lower, albeit also significant (area-under-the-curve of .63; p = .027; 95% CI: .52-.74). The current study provided evidence of the LPFS-SR's unidimensionality in both community and clinical samples. Although this study has limitations, its findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the LPFS-SR construct, as well as to its cross-cultural validation.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Self Report; Middle Aged; Adult; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Personality Disorders; Portugal; Personality; Psychometrics; ROC Curve; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 38935649
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300706 -
PloS One 2024The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine...
OBJECTIVE
The patterning cascade model of crown morphogenesis has been studied extensively in a variety of organisms to elucidate the evolutionary history surrounding postcanine tooth form. The current research is the first to use a large modern human sample to examine whether the crown configuration of lower deciduous and permanent molars aligns with expectations derived from the model. This study has two main goals: 1) to determine if metameric and antimeric pairs significantly differ in size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp spacing, and 2) assess whether the relative distance among early-forming cusps accounts for observed variation in accessory cusp expression.
METHODS
Tooth size, intercusp distance, and morphological trait expression data were collected from 3D scans of mandibular dental casts representing participants of the Harvard Solomon Islands Project. Paired tests were utilized to compare tooth size, accessory trait expression, and relative intercusp distance between diphyodont metameres and permanent antimeres. Proportional odds logistic regression was implemented to investigate how the odds of greater accessory cusp expression vary as a function of the distance between early-developing cusps.
RESULTS/SIGNIFICANCE
Comparing paired molars, significant differences were identified for tooth size and cusp 5 expression. Several relative intercusp distances emerged as important predictors of cusp 6 expression, however, results for cusp 5 and cusp 7 did not match expected patterns. These findings support previous quantitative genetic results and suggest the development of neighboring crown structures represents a zero-sum partitioning of cellular territory and resources. As such, this study contributes to a better understanding of the foundations of deciduous and permanent molar crown variation in humans.
Topics: Humans; Tooth Crown; Molar; Dentition, Permanent; Morphogenesis; Tooth, Deciduous; Odontogenesis; Male; Child; Female
PubMed: 38935640
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304455 -
PloS One 2024The successful unfolding of many social interactions relies on our capacity to predict other people's action goals, whether these are proximal (i.e., immediate) or...
The successful unfolding of many social interactions relies on our capacity to predict other people's action goals, whether these are proximal (i.e., immediate) or distal (i.e., upcoming). The present set of studies asks whether observers can predict the distal goal of two-step action sequences when presented with communicative modulations of the first movement component of the sequence. We conducted three online experiments in which we presented participants with animations of a box moving to a first target location before moving onwards to a final, either near or far, target location. The second movement component and the target locations were occluded. After observing the first movement, participants were asked to select the most likely final target location, i.e., the distal goal of the sequence. Experiment 1 showed that participants relied on the velocity modulations of the first movement to infer the distal goal. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that such predictions of distal goals are possible even when the second movement in the sequence does not contain any velocity information, thus suggesting that the information present in the first movement plays the major role in the process of linking movements to their distal goals. However, Experiment 3 showed that under some circumstances the second movement can also contribute to how observers predict a distal goal. We discuss these results in terms of the underlying simulation processes that enable observers to predict a distal goal from the observation of proximal communicative modulations.
Topics: Humans; Goals; Male; Female; Adult; Communication; Young Adult; Movement
PubMed: 38935629
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306072 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant global issue. To eliminate LF as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends multiple rounds...
BACKGROUND
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant global issue. To eliminate LF as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends multiple rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). In certain scenarios, including when elimination targets have not been met with two-drug MDA, triple-drug MDA (using ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole) is recommended. In this study, we report on antigen (Ag) and microfilaria (Mf) prevalence in eight primary sampling units (PSUs) in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug MDA.
METHODOLOGY
In 2023, community surveys were conducted in eight PSUs that had been surveyed previously in 2018 (between 1.5 and 3.5 months post triple-drug MDA) and 2019 (six to eight-months post triple-drug MDA). Fifteen houses were randomly selected in each PSU with household members aged ≥ 5 years invited to participate. Blood samples were tested for Ag and Mf.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Ag-positive participants were observed in six of the eight PSUs, and Ag prevalence was significantly above the 1% threshold in four PSUs. The presence of Mf-positive participants in five PSUs confirms the presence of residual active infections.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
This study provides evidence of persistent LF transmission in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug MDA, confirming that one round was insufficient for interruption of transmission in this setting. Our findings highlight the negative impact of delaying MDA rounds, for example, due to public health emergencies.
Topics: Elephantiasis, Filarial; Humans; Mass Drug Administration; Albendazole; Samoa; Diethylcarbamazine; Ivermectin; Male; Female; Adult; Filaricides; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Animals; Young Adult; Child; Prevalence; Antigens, Helminth; Drug Therapy, Combination; Child, Preschool; Wuchereria bancrofti; Aged
PubMed: 38935622
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012236 -
PloS One 2024[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303858.].
Correction: Motivating factors for physical activity participation among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative study applying the motivation, opportunity, and ability model.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303858.].
PubMed: 38935615
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306494 -
PloS One 2024In South Africa, uptake of HIV services remains lower amongst men compared to women, resulting in poorer clinical outcomes. Several factors contribute to this situation,...
INTRODUCTION
In South Africa, uptake of HIV services remains lower amongst men compared to women, resulting in poorer clinical outcomes. Several factors contribute to this situation, including stigma, confidentiality concerns, inconvenient clinic operating hours, fear of an HIV-positive test result, and long-waiting times. Additionally, women living with HIV are frequently identified whilst accessing other routine services, particularly antenatal and well-baby care. Novel approaches and strategies are needed to increase men's routine utilization of health services. For many men, fatherhood is an important part of being a man. Maternal, neonatal and child health services (MNCH) present an opportunity to improve male engagement with routine health services and subsequent uptake of integrated HIV care. However, men's involvement in MNCH services remains low. This study explored the concept of fatherhood and factors influencing men's involvement in MNCH services.
METHODS
This was an exploratory, qualitative study. Three focus group discussions (FGDs), involving 33 male participants, were conducted with men living in communities across Johannesburg. Men were recruited by male peer counsellors, employed by Anova Health Institute under the men's health programme. Data was collected between May and July 2021. Authors had no access to information that identify individual participants during or after data collection. Data were transcribed inductively and analyzed thematically using NVivo software.
RESULTS
The study found that male participants were eager to be involved in MNCH services. They valued fatherhood and were making concerted efforts to be involved fathers. However, multiple factors influenced men's involvement in MNCH services. Barriers included sociocultural norms, employment commitments, boredom and disengagement while waiting for services, negative staff attitudes and long waiting times. Participants identified multiple facilitators that would encourage their attendance at MNCH services including positive staff attitudes, quick service, active engagement, positive affirmations by health care workers and the visibility of male health workers' in MNCH spaces.
CONCLUSIONS
The study highlights that men strongly desire to be involved fathers and included in MNCH services. HIV programmes should support this and harness it to actively engage men in HIV services. However, to encourage greater male involvement in MNCH, socio-economic and healthcare system related factors need to be addressed when designing strategies that create more inclusive, family-orientated, male-friendly, and integrated MNCH services.
Topics: Humans; Male; South Africa; HIV Infections; Fathers; Adult; Female; Focus Groups; Infant, Newborn; Qualitative Research; Child; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Child Health; Social Stigma; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38935612
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296955 -
PloS One 2024Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) refers to the secondary damage to myocardial tissue that occurs when blood perfusion is rapidly restored following...
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) refers to the secondary damage to myocardial tissue that occurs when blood perfusion is rapidly restored following myocardial ischemia. This process often exacerbates the injury to myocardial fiber structure and function. The activation mechanism of angiogenesis is closely related to MIRI and plays a significant role in the occurrence and progression of ischemic injury. In this study, we utilized sequencing data from the GEO database and employed WGCNA, Mfuzz cluster analysis, and protein interaction network to identify Stat3, Rela, and Ubb as hub genes involved in MIRI-angiogenesis. Additionally, the GO and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes highlighted their broad participation in inflammatory responses and associated signaling pathways. Moreover, the analysis of sequencing data and hub genes revealed a notable increase in the infiltration ratio of monocytes and activated mast cells. By establishing key cell ROC curves, using independent datasets, and validating the expression of hub genes, we demonstrated their high diagnostic value. Moreover, by scrutinizing single-cell sequencing data alongside trajectory analysis, it has come to light that Stat3 and Rela exhibit predominant expression within Dendritic cells. In contrast, Ubb demonstrates expression across multiple cell types, with all three genes being expressed at distinct stages of cellular development. Lastly, leveraging the CMap database, we predicted potential small molecule compounds for the identified hub genes and validated their binding activity through molecular docking. Ultimately, our research provides valuable evidence and references for the early diagnosis and treatment of MIRI from the perspective of angiogenesis.
Topics: Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Humans; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Biomarkers; Transcription Factor RelA; Protein Interaction Maps; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Gene Expression Profiling; Angiogenesis
PubMed: 38935597
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300790 -
JMIR Formative Research Jun 2024Serious illness conversations may help patients avoid unwanted treatments. We previously piloted the telehealth Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) for older adults with...
BACKGROUND
Serious illness conversations may help patients avoid unwanted treatments. We previously piloted the telehealth Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we aimed to understand the experience of the telehealth SICP from the clinician's perspective.
METHODS
We studied 10 clinicians who delivered the telehealth SICP to 20 older adults with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Quantitative outcomes included confidence and acceptability. Confidence was measured using a 22-item survey (range 1-7; a higher score is better). Acceptability was measured using an 11-item survey (5-point Likert scale). Hypothesis testing was performed at α=.10 (2-tailed) due to the pilot nature and small sample size. Clinicians participated in audio-recorded qualitative interviews at the end of the study to discuss their experience.
RESULTS
A total of 8 clinicians completed the confidence measure and 7 clinicians completed the acceptability measure. We found a statistically significant increase in overall confidence (mean increase of 0.5, SD 0.6; P=.03). The largest increase in confidence was in helping families with reconciliation and goodbye (mean 1.4, SD 1.5; P=.04). The majority of clinicians agreed that the format was simple (6/7, 86%) and easy to use (6/7, 86%). Clinicians felt that the telehealth SICP was effective in understanding their patients' values about end-of-life care (7/7, 100%). A total of three qualitative themes emerged: (1) the telehealth SICP deepened relationships and renewed trust; (2) each telehealth SICP visit felt unique and personal in a positive way; and (3) uninterrupted, unrushed time optimized the visit experience.
CONCLUSIONS
The telehealth SICP increased confidence in having serious illness conversations while deepening patient-clinician relationships.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04745676; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04745676.
PubMed: 38935428
DOI: 10.2196/58503