-
Frontiers in Public Health 2024According to the various screening programs conducted, the prevalence of tobacco use among UAE Nationals is high. A considerable increase is also seen in various forms...
BACKGROUND
According to the various screening programs conducted, the prevalence of tobacco use among UAE Nationals is high. A considerable increase is also seen in various forms of smoking is seen among young military men during deployment which results in loss of physical health, less productivity, readiness and increased health care utilization. Also smokers are more likely to develop other addictions and chronic medical conditions.
AIM
To estimate the prevalence of smoking among national military service recruits in the United Arab Emirates and to find its relation with various factors: socio-demographics, lifestyle, comorbidities, and military environment.
METHODS
A cross sectional study was conducted amongst national service recruits selected by random stratification through a self-administered anonymized questionnaire which was distributed to a final sample of 369 patients. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi square, percentage and frequencies were used to present the data where applicable. A < 0.05 was considered to be significant.
RESULTS
The prevalence of smoking among national military service recruits was 41.6%. As the level of education increased the prevalence of smoking decreased. Smokers with insufficient income, divorced or widowed recruits tend to smoke more as against single and married recruits. Smoking rates were decreased in those who exercise regularly. There was a significant relationship between smoking status and chronic diseases. Smoker gatherings inside military campus encouraged initiation of smoking or its continuity. About half of the smokers were not satisfied with environment at military facilities.
CONCLUSION
Smoking has high prevalence among national service military recruits. For this reason, a goal directed future plan toward screening of smokers among recruits and assigning them to smoking cessation clinics and educational seminars prior to joining the national service is the need of the hour.
Topics: Humans; Male; United Arab Emirates; Military Personnel; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Smoking; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adult; Female; Adolescent
PubMed: 38947351
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1335545 -
Journal of Healthcare Leadership 2024Little is known about the long-term efficacy of virtual leadership training for physicians. This study compares two highly similar groups of Obstetricians-Gynecologists'...
PURPOSE
Little is known about the long-term efficacy of virtual leadership training for physicians. This study compares two highly similar groups of Obstetricians-Gynecologists' (OB-GYN) 6-month post-program changes in competency and skills after experiencing equity-centered leadership training in a virtual or in-person format.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS
Using a retrospective pre- and post-test method, we collected 6-month post-program data on 14 competencies for knowledge gains and skills use, comparing the virtual cohort (2021, n = 22) to the in-person cohort (2022, n = 33) in 55 total participants. Qualitative data from open-ended feedback questions informed on skills relevancy and professional impact since program participation.
RESULTS
Data indicate strong, statistically significant knowledge and skills retention in both cohorts, with 63% of the virtual and 85% of the in-person participants responding. Data indicate participants report the course having a positive impact on their healthcare provision and nearly all report they made changes to their communication and leadership approaches in the 6-months after the program. 59% of the virtual and 55% of the in-person cohorts report new leadership opportunities since their participation and that the course helped prepare them for those roles. Qualitative data support the need for the training, specific elements of the training these physicians found particularly helpful, and that the learning was "sticky", in that it stayed with them in the months post-program. There was a clear stated preference for in-person experiences.
CONCLUSION
Either virtual or in-person leadership training can result in long-term (6-month) significant retention and application of knowledge and skills in physicians. While limited in size, this study suggests that in-person experiences seem to foster more effective bonds and also greater willingness to participate in post-program follow-up. Physicians find equity-centered leadership training to impact their subsequent communication and leadership practices and they report career benefits even in 6-month follow-up.
PubMed: 38946733
DOI: 10.2147/JHL.S455105 -
Urology Jun 2024To explore the relationship between racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities and self-reported work productivity in urinary incontinence females.
Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities and Self-Reported Work Productivity in Urinary Incontinence Females Using the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Data.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities and self-reported work productivity in urinary incontinence females.
METHOD
This was a retrospective observational and secondary analysis of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases database trials. We included females with stress urinary incontinence and ≥ 21 years old. The primary outcome was self-reported work productivity evaluated using a proportional-odds regression model. A backward elimination method was utilized to create a final reduced model. The socioeconomic predictors were age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, personal income, and language.
RESULTS
We included 1252 participants with a median age of 52 years old. Whites accounted for 76.2% of total participants, while Hispanics constituted 11.4% only. Work productivity of Hispanic or non-Hispanic other group was greatly affected compared to whites (OR: 1.771, p value: 0.0008 and OR:1.592, p value= 0.0231 respectively). Work productivity of patients with higher education was less affected compared to less educated patients. Married females were less likely to report being greatly affected in work productivity than non-married females (OR 0.663, p-value 0.0005). Age, income, and language were not predictive of the outcome variable in the final model.
CONCLUSION
Our finding showed that racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities play an important role in individuals' work productivity. Future research is needed to the influence of social determinants of health not captured by racial and socioeconomic factors.
PubMed: 38945489
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.06.060 -
Clinical Imaging Jun 2024As the field of medicine witnesses evolving attitudes towards work-life balance, barriers to family planning emerge as an important theme. Though these challenges have...
PURPOSE
As the field of medicine witnesses evolving attitudes towards work-life balance, barriers to family planning emerge as an important theme. Though these challenges have been investigated in many fields, there has been little work done on this subject within radiology. Here we present the first formal survey of radiologists on topics related to family planning.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this single-institution prospective study, a 40-question comprehensive survey was developed and distributed via email. Responses from 76 participants were analyzed.
RESULTS
Of the 76 respondents, a diverse number of ages, points in the career path, and practice settings were represented. A majority of respondents were male (52/76; 68 %) and married (56/75; 73.7 %). Respondents reported a miscarriage rate of 25 %, which is slightly higher than the reported rate for the general population of 20 %. Significantly more female respondents reported a negative stigma associated with being pregnant as a radiologist as compared to their male colleagues (60.9 % vs. 15.4 %; p < 0.001)). Male respondents reported significantly less parental leave than their female colleagues, most commonly reporting zero weeks of leave as compared to 10 weeks for female respondents (p < 0.001). Numerous respondents cited lack of childcare support as a major issue.
CONCLUSION
We have identified several key areas of concern, including a need for improving parental leave policies, addressing pregnancy stigma, and increasing access to childcare support. Overall, our study lays the groundwork for discussions and policy changes within radiology at both the institutional and national level to ensure the continued interest of trainees and satisfaction of radiologists.
PubMed: 38945060
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2024.110208 -
Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ Jul 2024Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system and is characterized by an underdeveloped or...
Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system and is characterized by an underdeveloped or absent uterus and vagina. A 17-year-old unmarried female was admitted into the Department of Endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh in November 2023 for evaluation of primary amenorrhea and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. She was the 5th issue of non-consanguineous marriage delivered at term by normal vaginal delivery. Her growth pattern and developmental milestones were normal. She had no history of galactorrhea, chronic or cyclic pelvic pain, thyroid dysfunction, excessive exercise, psychiatric illness, or drug abuse. There was no history of such type of illness in her family. She was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus two years back without classic symptoms, and at that time, her blood glucose was 22 mmol/L. She was prescribed metformin and gliclazide. She had no history of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crises, or hospital admission. On examination, her body build and nutritional status were normal. Anemia, jaundice, edema, dehydration, lymphadenopathy, acne, hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, abdominal striae and vitiligo were absent. Her blood pressure was 110/70 without the postural drop, thyroid gland was not enlarged, anthropometric measurements were normal and BMI was 18.4 kg/m2. Her tanner stage was P5 & B4. Genital examination revealed normal female external genitalia, and a blind vaginal pouch was found. Other systemic examinations revealed no abnormality. On laboratory reports, her blood glucose was uncontrolled (HbA1c-10.2%) with glycosuria. Thyroid function test and gonadal hormones were normal. Ultrasonogram of the abdomen revealed uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina are absent, and an ectopic left kidney.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Amenorrhea; 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development; Congenital Abnormalities; Mullerian Ducts; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38944743
DOI: No ID Found -
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Jun 2024Nails accumulate the alcohol metabolite, ethyl glucuronide (ETG), and the cannabis metabolite, carboxy- delta-9-THC over 3-6 months. Few studies have examined nail...
BACKGROUND
Nails accumulate the alcohol metabolite, ethyl glucuronide (ETG), and the cannabis metabolite, carboxy- delta-9-THC over 3-6 months. Few studies have examined nail toxicology testing's sensitivity and specificity and the agreement between nail testing and self-reported alcohol and marijuana use.
METHODS
In an ongoing clinical trial, 1101 veterans completed initial telephone questionnaires and were then asked to mail nail clippings for substance use analysis. We examined sensitivity and specificity of ETG and carboxy- delta-9-THC in nails compared to self-report of alcohol use patterns (the AUDIT-C) and substance-related harms (alcohol and THC subscales of the ASSIST). We then examined factors associated with discordance between nails and self-report.
RESULTS
Almost two-thirds (707/1101) of respondents mailed in nail clippings. Those with returned nails were disproportionately married, white race, older, and less depressed. At a threshold of 8pg/mg, sensitivity was only.50 to detect risky alcohol use and.49 to detect alcohol-related issues. Sensitivity for marijuana issues was only.61. Specificity was greater than.77 for all measures. Factors associated with positive nails/negative self-report (i.e. false positives) for risky alcohol use on the Audit-C included more pain and being unmarried; false positive nails for alcohol-related issues on the ASSIST were associated with being unmarried and non-Hispanic ethnicity. False positive nails for THC-related issues on the ASSIST were associated with being African American, Hispanic, and having had legal issues.
CONCLUSIONS
At standard cut-offs, nail measures had low sensitivity and higher specificity. The groups who disproportionately submit positive nails/negative self-report could have substance use patterns not adequately captured by self-report, inaccurate self-report due to social pressures, or distinct drug metabolism.
PubMed: 38943713
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111358 -
The Journals of Gerontology. Series B,... Jun 2024To assess how the role of neighbors and friends in people's networks changes with age and how this is affected by cohort, marriage, employment, and socioeconomic status....
OBJECTIVES
To assess how the role of neighbors and friends in people's networks changes with age and how this is affected by cohort, marriage, employment, and socioeconomic status. The hypothesis is that for most aspects of the network, friends lose 'importance' as people become older, with neighbors gradually becoming more dominant in the non-kin network.
METHODS
Data are used for people aged 55-90 between 1999-2019 from the Swiss Household Panel (N=5,585). Four network aspects were measured: size, contact, practical support, and emotional support. Measures for neighbors and friends were compared and analyzed with fixed-effects and hybrid-effects regression models on person-year observations.
RESULTS
The sizes of both network segments declined with age but more strongly for friends than neighbors. Contact with friends was stable but contact with neighbors increased. Support from friends declined whereas support from neighbors was stable. Direct comparisons revealed that the relative share of neighbors vis-à-vis friends increased as people age. Friends were more common and supportive vis-à-vis neighbors for divorced and widowed people than for married people, but this gap declined with age. The share of neighbors increased with retirement, especially for men. The share of neighbors vis-à-vis friends was also larger for people with less income and education and this gap did not change with age.
DISCUSSION
In the non-kin part of older adults' networks, proximity eventually becomes dominant. This finding is interpreted in terms of rising needs, greater opportunity for local contact, and friend mortality risks, all favoring the neighbor segment of the network.
PubMed: 38943523
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae108 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) Jun 2024Low back pain (LBP) is a common public health problem resulting in workforce loss.
BACKGROUND
Low back pain (LBP) is a common public health problem resulting in workforce loss.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the LBP status and its affecting factors among drivers in a city in southeast Turkey.
METHODS
This cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was conducted among 323 drivers. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
The mean age of the drivers was 41.7±11.5 years (min: 19, max: 70), and 83.9% were married, and all were men. LBP was found in 59.4% of drivers. It was significantly higher in drivers with poor socioeconomic status, dissatisfied with their life, having a chronic illness, physically inactive, having sleep disorders, exposed to bad road conditions, prolonged vibration, high physical- psychological workload, and a family history of LBP (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between age, education level, and BMI with LBP (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
There is limited study on this subject in Turkey. Further studies can raise awareness about this issue and create an educational plan.
PubMed: 38943415
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230059 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD Jun 2024Marital factor has been associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but there is limited evidence on the impact of holistic marital history over time.
BACKGROUND
Marital factor has been associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but there is limited evidence on the impact of holistic marital history over time.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to examine association of marital history with cognition.
METHODS
The study included 24,596 dementia-free participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). Holistic marital history was collected at baseline, categorizing participants into five groups: widow-single, widow-remarried, divorce-single, divorce-remarried and married based on the first two marriages. Dementia was collected at follow-up through self-report or from a delegate if the participant was deceased. For 15,355 participants, the Chinese Mini-Mental Status Examination (CMMSE) was administered at both baseline and follow-ups. Cognitive impairment was defined as a follow-up CMMSE score below 18, and rate of cognitive change was calculated as the change in CMMSE score between consecutive visits divided by the duration.
RESULTS
Compared with married older adults, widow-single group had significantly higher risk of dementia (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05, 1.54), cognitive impairment (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.17, 1.47) and significantly faster decline of MMSE score (β -0.09, 95% CI -0.17, -0.01). Meanwhile, widow-remarried group had significantly lower risk of dementia, cognitive impairment and slower MMSE score decline than widow-single group, although the differences were only significant among female but not male.
CONCLUSIONS
In this prospective cohort, married older adults and those widowed but with a second marriage had significantly better cognition than widowed individuals who did not remarry.
PubMed: 38943391
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-240176 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Jun 2024Hemodialysis is one of the treatment methods for chronic kidney disease, which is a common disease around the world. The problems that occur during the hemodialysis...
BACKGROUND
Hemodialysis is one of the treatment methods for chronic kidney disease, which is a common disease around the world. The problems that occur during the hemodialysis process may cause discomfort in patients. Therefore, it is important to regularly evaluate the concept of comfort in hemodialysis patients.
AIM
To determine the comfort level of patients undergoing hemodialysis and the associated factors.
METHODS
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 95 patients who had been undergoing hemodialysis for at least 6 months. Data were collected using the sociodemographic characteristics form and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale (HDCS).
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 58.37 ± 16.62 years. The median duration of hemodialysis was 5 (1-25) years. A total of 51% of the patients were male, 54.7% were married, 34.7% had completed primary school, and 85.3% had a comorbid chronic disease. The mean hemodialysis comfort score was 23.85 ± 6.93. The mean score was significantly higher in male patients (P = 0.041) and those without comorbid chronic disease (P = 0.013). There was a significant negative correlation between the age of hemodialysis patients and the mean hemodialysis comfort score (r = -0.260, P = 0.011).
CONCLUSION
The comfort level was significantly better in hemodialysis patients who were male, those without comorbid disease, and those who were younger. There is a need to periodically assess the comfort level of hemodialysis patients and intervene when necessary in order to improve their quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Male; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Turkey; Adult; Aged; Patient Comfort; Quality of Life; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Surveys and Questionnaires; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 38943304
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_890_23