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Nursing Open Jul 2024To determine how nurses' experiences with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected their knowledge, awareness, and compliance related to the use of personal...
AIM
To determine how nurses' experiences with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected their knowledge, awareness, and compliance related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.
DESIGN
A descriptive cross-sectional study.
METHODS
A total of 247 nurses in South Korea participated in this study between May 10 and 19, 2023. An online self-report questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and occupational characteristics, COVID-19 experience, knowledge, awareness, and compliance related to the use of PPE. Factors affecting compliance were analysed using hierarchical multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
Mean age of the nurses was 31.92, and 94.3% were women. Most had a bachelor's degree or higher and the mean clinical experience as a nurse was 6.45 years. Knowledge of the use of PPE was 8.45 out of 10, awareness was 3.52 out of 5, and compliance was 4.28 out of 5. Knowledge and awareness were correlated with compliance related to PPE use. Awareness (β = 0.234, p < 0.001), knowledge (β = 0.218, p < 0.001), experience caring for COVID-19 patients (β = 0.234, p = 0.004), optional fourth dose vaccine (β = 0.150, p = 0.017), clinical experience (β = 0.140, p = 0.022), and COVID-19 infection control education (β = 0.115, p = 0.037) were found to have a significant impact on compliance.
CONCLUSION
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses' knowledge and awareness of PPE use was a crucial factor in compliance. factors such as clinical experience, experience in caring for COVID-19 patients, optional vaccination, and completion of COVID-19 education also influenced compliance. We hope that these factors can provide a basis for developing training programs for nurses to respond to future emerging infectious diseases.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Personal Protective Equipment; Female; Adult; Male; Republic of Korea; Surveys and Questionnaires; SARS-CoV-2; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Pandemics; Nurses; Guideline Adherence
PubMed: 38958036
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2235 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2024Coronary atherosclerosis detected by imaging is a marker of elevated cardiovascular risk. However, imaging involves large resources and exposure to radiation. The aim...
BACKGROUND
Coronary atherosclerosis detected by imaging is a marker of elevated cardiovascular risk. However, imaging involves large resources and exposure to radiation. The aim was, therefore, to test whether nonimaging data, specifically data that can be self-reported, could be used to identify individuals with moderate to severe coronary atherosclerosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We used data from the population-based SCAPIS (Swedish CardioPulmonary BioImage Study) in individuals with coronary computed tomography angiography (n=25 182) and coronary artery calcification score (n=28 701), aged 50 to 64 years without previous ischemic heart disease. We developed a risk prediction tool using variables that could be assessed from home (self-report tool). For comparison, we also developed a tool using variables from laboratory tests, physical examinations, and self-report (clinical tool) and evaluated both models using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, external validation, and benchmarked against factors in the pooled cohort equation. The self-report tool (n=14 variables) and the clinical tool (n=23 variables) showed high-to-excellent discriminative ability to identify a segment involvement score ≥4 (area under the curve 0.79 and 0.80, respectively) and significantly better than the pooled cohort equation (area under the curve 0.76, <0.001). The tools showed a larger net benefit in clinical decision-making at relevant threshold probabilities. The self-report tool identified 65% of all individuals with a segment involvement score ≥4 in the top 30% of the highest-risk individuals. Tools developed for coronary artery calcification score ≥100 performed similarly.
CONCLUSIONS
We have developed a self-report tool that effectively identifies individuals with moderate to severe coronary atherosclerosis. The self-report tool may serve as prescreening tool toward a cost-effective computed tomography-based screening program for high-risk individuals.
PubMed: 38958022
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.124.034603 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024As a topic of widespread concern in the fields of mental health and public health, social anxiety has many negative impacts on the physical and mental health of...
OBJECTIVE
As a topic of widespread concern in the fields of mental health and public health, social anxiety has many negative impacts on the physical and mental health of contemporary college students. Therefore, this study aims to provide new ideas for solving the problem of social anxiety among college students by exploring the potential mediating role of social support and psychological capital in the relationship between physical activity and social anxiety.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 874 college students from five universities in Shandong Province. Various self-report tools such as physical activity rating scale, social support scale, positive psychological capital scale, and social anxiety scale were used to collect information needed for this study. Related data. Use this to conduct descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation effect analysis.
RESULTS
The results showed that physical activity was significantly positively correlated with college students' social support ( = 0.354, < 0.01) and psychological capital ( = 0.448, < 0.01), and social support was significantly positively correlated with psychological capital ( = 0.556, < 0.01), the above three are significantly negatively correlated with social anxiety ( = -0.326, -0.381, -0.432, < 0.01); the mediation effect analysis shows that physical activity has a significant direct effect on college students' social anxiety The effect value is -0.136, accounting for 43.31% of the total effect; social support and psychological capital both play a separate mediating role between physical activity and social anxiety among college students, with effect values of -0.064 and -0.073 respectively, accounting for the total effect. 20.38, 23.25%, and also played a chain intermediary role, with an effect value of -0.041, accounting for 13.05% of the total effect.
CONCLUSION
Current research shows that physical activity can not only directly reduce social anxiety among college students, but also indirectly alleviate social anxiety among college students by increasing the level of social support and psychological capital. This has important reference significance for helping college students in China and even around the world overcome social anxiety.
PubMed: 38957885
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1406452 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024A national additional risk minimization measures (aRMMs) program was implemented to train pharmacists for safe supply of non-prescription Viagra Connect (VC) to erectile...
PURPOSE
A national additional risk minimization measures (aRMMs) program was implemented to train pharmacists for safe supply of non-prescription Viagra Connect (VC) to erectile dysfunction (ED) patients in United Kingdom (UK). A survey aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aRMMs.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, web-based survey enrolled ED patients who purchased at least 1 supply of VC in UK, using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Patients were assessed for the suitability of VC and received appropriate advice from pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS
The final sample had 297 patients, who reported that pharmacists inquired about blood pressure and heart comorbidities (91.9%), relevant illnesses (87.9%), medications (86.5%), ED diagnosis (82.2%), and were advised to consult their doctor regarding ED (51.2%). Furthermore, 85.5% of patients were advised on how to take VC correctly, 82.2% on possible side effects for which they might have to discontinue taking VC and consult their doctor, 80.1% on being informed that ED could be caused by underlying conditions. About 65.0% reported that they had visited (19.2%) or planned to visit (45.8%) their doctor. A majority (68.7%) also indicated that they had received advice on lifestyle modifications to manage their ED-related health risks.
CONCLUSION
This survey provided a reasonable confirmation of the effectiveness of the VC aRMMs program and assurance that ED patients, when requesting and purchasing VC in UK pharmacies, are assessed appropriately for suitability of VC and receive the appropriate advice from pharmacists.
PubMed: 38957611
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S440339 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.... 2024To assess pain outcomes, stress levels and body awareness among patients with chronic pain and explore potential associations between these variables.
OBJECTIVE
To assess pain outcomes, stress levels and body awareness among patients with chronic pain and explore potential associations between these variables.
DESIGN
An explorative study.
METHODS
Patients with chronic pain in primary and specialist care were assessed regarding pain intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; 0-10 point scale) and stress levels using the Stress and Crisis Inventory (SCI-93; 0-140). To assess body awareness, multidimensional assessment of interoceptive awareness (MAIA; 0-5), a widely used self-report measure of interoceptive bodily awareness was used.
RESULTS
Participants ( = 42) reported an average NRS of 4.4, elevated stress levels and low body awareness. Stress levels were moderately correlated with pain intensity ( = 0.53; < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.72) and number of pain sites ( = 0.58; < 0.001; 95% CI 0.32-0.76). The regression analysis showed that pain outcomes predicted stress level scores and explained almost 50% of variance ( = 0.47, < 0.001). Moreover, shorter pain duration predicted a higher body awareness ( = 0.04).
CONCLUSION
In patients with chronic pain, high pain intensity and multiple painful sites seem to be associated with impaired stress regulation. The patients had low body awareness, which was negatively influenced by pain duration.
PubMed: 38957475
DOI: 10.2340/jrmcc.v7.13374 -
Journal of Asthma and Allergy 2024This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of uncontrolled asthma among children with current asthma in four US states. We also determined the rates and...
Asthma Control and Associated Factors Among Children with Current Asthma - Findings from the 2019 Child Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System - Asthma Call-Back Survey.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of uncontrolled asthma among children with current asthma in four US states. We also determined the rates and correlates of asthma-related hospitalization, urgent care center (UCC), or emergency department (ED) visits.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS
We analyzed the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS) datasets. Asthma control status was classified as well-controlled or uncontrolled asthma based on day- and night-time asthma symptoms, activity limitation or use of rescue medications. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the correlates of uncontrolled asthma and asthma-related hospitalization or UCC/ED visits.
RESULTS
Among 249 children with current asthma, 55.1% had uncontrolled asthma while 40% reported asthma-related hospitalization or UCC/ED visits in the past year. Non-Hispanic ethnicity, ages of 0-9 and 15-17 years, household income <$25,000, and not having a flu vaccination had higher odds of uncontrolled asthma. Conversely, asthma self-management education and households with two children compared to one were positively associated with uncontrolled asthma. For healthcare utilization, male and non-Hispanic children, along with those from households earning <$25,000 exhibited higher odds of asthma-related hospitalization and UCC/ED visits.
CONCLUSION
Uncontrolled asthma and asthma-related visits to UCC/ED and hospitalization are common among children with current asthma. These outcomes are influenced by low household income and male sex, among other factors which call for multi-faceted interventions by healthcare providers and policymakers. Targeted strategies to effectively manage asthma and reduce the need for emergency healthcare services are recommended.
PubMed: 38957434
DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S465550 -
Cureus Nov 2023There is a strong association between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic performance in medical students.
BACKGROUND
There is a strong association between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic performance in medical students.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the relationship between EI and academic performance among medical students at Tabuk University.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in clinical years in the Faculty of Medicine, Tabuk University, Tabuk City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Each study participant received a self-administered questionnaire composed of two parts: demographic data and the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT).
RESULTS
The present study included 203 of the clinical-phase medical students. The academic achievement level was not associated with the students' gender (p = 0.194) or academic level (p = 0.278). Female students had a significantly higher total SSEIT score than male students (p < 0.001). The sixth-year students had a significantly higher perception of emotion than the fourth-year students (p = 0.029). Students with excellent academic achievement had higher mean scores for managing others' emotions (p = 0.004) and utilization of emotion compared to those with fair and very good levels (p = 0.042).
CONCLUSIONS
Some components of EI correlate with academic performance, gender, and academic level. Further research should be launched to assess the correlation between EI and academic performance among all medical students in all regions of KSA. Students can benefit by attending workshops and courses in universities to develop the students' EI because of its impact on their academic performance.
PubMed: 38957196
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49301 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Jul 2024Nanobodies (Nbs) serve as powerful tools in immunoassays. However, their small size and monovalent properties pose challenges for practical application. Multimerization...
Nanobodies (Nbs) serve as powerful tools in immunoassays. However, their small size and monovalent properties pose challenges for practical application. Multimerization emerges as a significant strategy to address these limitations, enhancing the utilization of nanobodies in immunoassays. Herein, we report the construction of a -specific fenobody (Fb) through the fusion of a nanobody to ferritin, resulting in a self-assembled 24-valent nanocage-like structure. The fenobody exhibits a 35-fold increase in avidity compared to the conventional nanobody while retaining good thermostability and specificity. Leveraging this advancement, three ELISA modes were designed using Fb as the capture antibody, along with unmodified Nb422 (FbNb-ELISA), biotinylated Nb422 (FbBio-ELISA), and phage-displayed Nb422 (FbP-ELISA) as the detection antibody, respectively. Notably, the FbNb-ELISA demonstrates a detection limit (LOD) of 3.56 × 10 CFU/mL, which is 16-fold lower than that of FbBio-ELISA and similar to FbP-ELISA. Moreover, a fenobody and nanobody sandwich chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (FbNb-CLISA) was developed by replacing the TMB chromogenic substrate with luminal, resulting in a 12-fold reduction in the LOD. Overall, the ferritin-displayed technology represents a promising methodology for enhancing the detection performance of nanobody-based sandwich ELISAs, thereby expanding the applicability of Nbs in food detection and other fields requiring multivalent modification.
Topics: Ferritins; Single-Domain Antibodies; Salmonella; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Limit of Detection; Antibody Affinity; Antibodies, Bacterial; Immunoassay
PubMed: 38957086
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03606 -
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.) Jul 2024The authors sought to determine whether providing recipients of supported employment with individual budgets from which they could purchase employment-related goods and...
OBJECTIVE
The authors sought to determine whether providing recipients of supported employment with individual budgets from which they could purchase employment-related goods and services would improve employment and financial outcomes.
METHODS
Sixty study participants were recruited from an individual placement and support (IPS) program and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive IPS services only (N=32) or IPS services with a 12-month $950 flexible fund called a career account (N=28). Participants receiving IPS and a career account met with staff who helped them identify employment goals and create a budget for purchases directly tied to these goals. The primary outcome was competitive employment; secondary outcomes included job tenure, days worked, total earnings, and financial well-being. Outcomes were analyzed by using adjusted generalized linear models (GLMs) with binary logistic, negative binomial, and linear distributions.
RESULTS
The proportion of participants who achieved competitive employment was largely similar for those in the career account+IPS group (54%) and in the IPS-only group (47%). However, the GLM analysis revealed that career account+IPS participants had significantly longer job tenure, more total days of employment, and higher total earnings than IPS-only participants. Feelings of financial well-being increased significantly among career account participants, whereas financial well-being declined among control participants. The amount of career account dollars participants spent was positively and significantly associated with longer job tenure, more days employed, and higher total earnings.
CONCLUSIONS
Combining flexible funds with IPS-supported employment achieved some superior outcomes compared with IPS only. Further research is needed to assess the longer-term effects of this practice and its cost-effectiveness.
PubMed: 38957051
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230597 -
International Journal of Occupational... Jul 2024Lobstering industry workers are known to have poor overall health and low safety records, but there is still a gap in information concerning Canadian lobster fishers....
Lobstering industry workers are known to have poor overall health and low safety records, but there is still a gap in information concerning Canadian lobster fishers. This study aimed to report occupational health and safety characteristics of an Atlantic Canada community of lobster fishers and to assess differences between captains and deckhands. Twenty-eight participants (10 captains, 18 deckhands) were questioned and self-reported on lifestyle, general health status, work-related musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries. The data collected reveal both groups' high prevalence of cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health issues. Captains reported more occupational exposition and health issues, and showed poorer lifestyle habits than deckhands. Fishers reported potential solutions to reduce occupational risks, presented as three types: lifestyle, working behaviours and leadership. This study evaluated a community of Canadian lobster fishers regarding their occupational health and safety. Potential avenues for mitigating occupational risk specific to this community will nurture future implementation.
PubMed: 38956927
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2366634