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OBJECTIVE To translate and validate the heat wave knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior scale (HWKAPBS) in Greek. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece with a convenience sample of 147 individuals. We assessed test-retest reliability, internal reliability, face validity and construct validity. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients, the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20, and Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Moreover, we performed confirmatory factor analysis to assess the construct validity of the HWKAPBS. RESULTS Intraclass correlation coefficients for the four constructs (knowledge, awareness, practice, behavior) ranged from 0.918 to 0.993 (p<0.001 in all cases). All model fit indices in the confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable. Thus, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure of the original version of the HWKAPBS with the four structures: knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior. Correlations between awareness, practice and behavior constructs were very high and statistically significant (p<0.001 in all cases). Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 for the knowledge construct was 0.611. Moreover, Cronbach's coefficients alpha for the awareness, practice and behavior constructs were 0.929, 0.866, and 0.766, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The HWKAPBS is a brief, reliable and valid tool to measure knowledge, attitudes and practice of the general public about heat waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To quantitatively and qualitatively explore the emergency calls received by the National Center of Emergency Care (Greek acronym: EKAB) in the region of Attica for the period 2019-2021. METHOD Retrospective descriptive analysis of the database recording calls to EKAB for the peri-pandemic and pandemic period. RESULTS The average number of calls per year was 350,000, two thirds of which resulted in the further use of emergency services. In the first year of the pandemic crisis (2020), calls decreased by 14% compared to 2019. During the first lockdown calls decreased by 33%. Considerable reductions were observed for calls related to trauma and motor vehicle accidents (21%) and cardiovascular events (22%). The proportion of calls resulting in refusals of transportation to hospital increased. Moreover, calls for "psychiatric/suicide attempts" increased in 2020. CONCLUSIONS This was the first study using realworld data to explore the response of EKAB to the demand for emergency medical services (EMS) before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic crisis. The study shed light to the composition of demand and the changes induced by SARS-CoV-2. The findings were consistent with the reported experience of other emergency services across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To identify an appropriate cut-off point for the "Quiet Quitting" Scale (QQS), in order to discriminate quiet quitters from those with a low level of quiet quitting. METHOD A cross-sectional study in Greece during June 2023 was conducted. We recruited adult employees from every job sector and achieved to obtain a convenience sample. The Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was used to calculate the best cut-off point for the QQS. In that case, "Job Satisfaction Survey" (JSS), "Copenhagen Burnout Inventory" (CBI), "Single Item Burnout" (SIB) measure, and turnover intention score as external criterions were used. For each criterion, a dichotomous variable was created with the use of medians or suggested values from the literature as cut-off points. RESULTS A significant predictive power of QQS for job satisfaction assessed by JSS, and for job burnout assessed by CBI and SIB measure were found. The best cut-off point for the QQS was found to be 2.06. In that case, the highest values for Youden's index (0.34) and AUC (0.73) were found, while the 95% confidence interval for the AUC ranged from 0.70 to 0.76. Sensitivity and specificity of QQS were 0.68 and 0.66, respectively (p<0.001). Therefore, employees with QQS score ≥2.06 as quiet quitters, and those with QQS score <2.06 as non-quiet quitters were considered. CONCLUSIONS The best cut-off point for the QQS was 2.06. Employees with QQS score ≥2.06 as quiet quitters can be described as quiet quitters. Further research should be conducted to validate the present results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To highlight the best practices of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Public Health in Greece, by strengthening prevention, health promotion strategies, and social policy in current epidemiological challenges. METHOD Asthma patients from the community enrolled in the "Asthma School", where they were screened, diagnosed and trained. Best practices of the outpatient Pulmonology Unit of the Model Health Center of the urban type of Peristeri were evaluated, highlighting the primary health care (PHC) reorientation policy. The Pulmonology Unit has developed a strategy for preventing respiratory problems and providing health education. This strategy was implemented in collaboration with the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, now the Hellenic National Public Health Organization, the Municipality of Peristeri, and the Ministry of Health. RESULTS A total of 113 people attended the "Asthma School", of which 69.03% were women and the mean age was 51.07±14.59 years. The Pulmonology Unit operated to high standards, with the vision of developing a dynamic system, according to National Health Policy. Emphasis was placed on the quality of PHC, as respiratory problems concern a major public health problem for society. The majority of participants reported that their asthma was well controlled in the last four weeks (p<0.05). Improvement was recorded in terms of adopting prevention, with an increase of 30% in patients visiting the Health Center for preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS Targeted education of asthma patients is important in PHC, leading to better compliance and treatment effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of leadership styles on strategic leadership, as well as the integration and commitment to a change plan within a hospital environment. METHOD A quantitative study was conducted to measure the impact of leadership styles on the following factors: (a) strategic leadership, (b) integration of change, and (c) commitment to change. The research sample consisted of 280 employees working in general hospitals located in the area of Thessalia, Greece. The questionnaire used included several tools to measure the variables mentioned above. RESULTS The research revealed that the transformational leadership style's idealized influence and inspirational motivation characteristics were the most frequently adopted, while the passive laissez-faire style was the least utilized. Furthermore, the findings of this study showed a positive connection between both transactional and transformational leadership styles with the factors of strategic leadership, integration of change, and commitment to change. In contrast, the laissezfaire style exhibited a negative relationship with the variables of strategic leadership, integration of change, and commitment to change. CONCLUSIONS Effective leadership plays a crucial role in managing a health institute and successfully implementing a strategic organizational change plan. The commitment and integration of healthcare employees are essential assets for the successful execution of organizational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing, inflammatory skin disease with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. The aim of this consensus was to investigate the unmet medical need in the management of adult patients suffering from moderate-to-severe AD in Greece. Initially, an extensive literature review was conducted on diagnosis, epidemiology, disease burden, treatments and AD guidelines to develop preliminary statements. In the second phase, these statements were validated, new ones were added when necessary, and finally, voted through the Delphi method by a consensus panel of medical experts-dermatologists. In the third and final phase, the validated statements were presented to a second consensus group of clinical expert-dermatologists for final vote and strengthening of the consensus. In total, 15 clinicians participated in the processes of formulation, validation and voting of 35 statements. In the final consensus, agreement rates ranged from 75% to 100% on 97.14% of the total statements. The prevalence and burden of moderate to severe AD is high, necessitating better therapeutic management of the disease. Therefore, there is an emerging need for new, more effective and safer treatment options in moderate to severe AD in Greece. New biological therapies and small molecules are supported by high efficacy and a favorable safety profile. The development of Greek guidelines and a therapeutic protocol, defining the prescribing framework for the new innovative therapies, would significantly contribute to the optimization of the disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To translate and validate the Greek version of the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ). METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 164 nurses and physicians working in the primary health care sector. The original version of the EBPQ was translated into Greek and we estimated internal reliability, content validity, and construct validity. We conducted factor analysis in order to estimate the structure of the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted to assess the reliability of the EBPQ. RESULTS Our three-factor model explained 65% of the variance and confirmed the original version of the EBPQ: (a) practice, (b) knowledge/skills, and (c) attitudes towards evidence-based practice. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient for the entire questionnaire was 0.91, indicating excellent internal reliability. Spearman's correlation coefficient for all items in test-retest assessment was >0.7 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The EBPQ was found to be a short, valid and reliable tool to assess the practice, attitude and knowledge/skills associated with evidence-based practice in Greek health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To examine the psychological impact of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the university community in Greece and Cyprus. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a total sample of 308 faculty and students. Mental health was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while the EQ-5D-L was used to assess quality of life. Changes in habits like smoking and drinking were also examined. In addition, the relation between mental health and physical health (as measured with the McGill Pain Questionnaire [SF-MP]) was studied. Various statistical tests (mostly non-parametric) were implemented. RESULTS During lockdown, the members of the academic community switched to online education and experienced a restriction of indoor and outdoor activities. Overall, caffeine consumption increased (p=0.024), while alcohol consumption reduced (p<0.001). Most participants had normal levels of anxiety and depression; however 17% were classified as abnormal cases. Those with high levels of anxiety experienced high levels of depression (p<0.001). Increasing smoking was related to higher anxiety (p=0.027). Higher pain intensity was also significantly related with higher levels of mental health problems (all p<0.05). The quality of life was satisfactory. However, those with higher pain intensity, as well as those with changes in daily habits, such as smoking, had significantly lower quality of life (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Lockdown periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have had a negative effect on the university community. The change in work routine and daily habits and restrictions of activities were associated with psychological consequences and mental distress, including anxiety and depression. Mental health issues lower the general quality of life and thus special attention should be given to self-care or targeted interventions for groups at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate self-perception of body weight, intention to change body weight and behaviors related to weight control in a population of adolescent students of two public high schools in Attica, Greece. METHOD Students from a General High School and a Vocational High School located in Attica participated in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire based on the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention and included questions about self-perception of body weight, intention to change body weight, and behaviors to control it. In addition, information regarding height, weight and socio-demographic data was collected. RESULTS The questionnaire was answered by 309 students. 23.2% of them were overweight, 3.5% obese and 8.4% underweight. Overweight and obesity prevalence was higher in boys compared to girls. 14.6% of boys and 22.6% of girls with normal weight considered that they were overweight. 30.8% of students tried to lose weight, while 25.6% made efforts to maintain their weight. Exercise was the most common weight-control method, used by the students at a rate of 46.1%, while 32.8% reported that they were on a weight loss diet to lose or maintain weight in the last month. 7.4% of students abstained from food for at least 24 hours, 3.6% used medicines and 2.3% adopted the induction of vomiting and or use laxatives. CONCLUSIONS Educational programs on the healthy ways to control body weight during adolescence are considered necessary in order to prevent behaviors that pose risks to the health of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To explore the elasticity of the primary health care (PHC) private offices in Greece during the pandemic crisis, and to identify the features that make an independent private practice resilient to unfavorable situations. METHOD A survey of clinical and economic activities was conducted among general practitioners, internists and pediatricians working in private practice in Thessaloniki. The participants were questioned about their practice during the first (March to May 2020) and second (October to December 2020) phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out. RESULTS A significant drop in visits was reported during the pandemic, while telemedicine consultations increased. Profits were reduced, with variation depending on the size of the office and the specialty of the doctor. Most physicians received some sort of financial aid from the government, but overall, the consequences of the pandemic were not catastrophic for their private practice. CONCLUSIONS PHC private offices in Thessaloniki survived the difficulties caused by the pandemic, despite a loss in income. The private practitioners adjusted to the new policies that were implemented during this health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the association of the type and intensity level of exercise with the 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a sample of adult men and women in the Attica region of Greece. METHOD An epidemiological survey, the ATTICA study, was conducted during the period 2002-2012; 1,514 men and 1,528 women, aged 18-89 years, with no cardiovascular or other chronic diseases, were enrolled voluntarily at baseline examination. The data on 2,020 participants who provided accurate information on 10-year CVD incidence, and demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics, were used in the final analysis for this study. Regarding physical activity, participants were classified into subgroups, according to the type, i.e., aerobic, resistance or mixed exercise, and intensity, i.e., low, moderate or high, as measured using metabolic equivalence of energy expenditure (MET). RESULTS In the male participants, an independent protective role of aerobic exercise was demonstrated, compared to no exercise, in reducing CVD risk by 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34, 0.75). The contribution of specific forms of exercise, including walking and participation in team sports, in preventing the development of CVD, also appeared to be significant. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise, i.e., 3-6 METs, compared with low-intensity exercise, i.e., 0-3 METs, was associated with a 51% reduction in CVD morbidity and mortality (95% CI: 0.27, 0.87), in the male participants, after adjusting for confounding factors. An inadequate, low intensity level of physical activity (<3 METs) was reported by the majority of the study participants, specifically, 56.8%. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the beneficial role of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity in the protection of cardiovascular health in adults, and particularly in men, and highlight the need for formulation of more effective strategies to enhance physical activity levels in the adult population of Attica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To explore the elasticity of the primary health care (PHC) private offices in Greece during the pandemic crisis, and to identify the features that make an independent private practice resilient to unfavorable situations. METHOD A survey of clinical and economic activities was conducted among general practitioners, internists and pediatricians working in private practice in Thessaloniki. The participants were questioned about their practice during the first (March to May 2020) and second (October to December 2020) phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out. RESULTS A significant drop in visits was reported during the pandemic, while telemedicine consultations increased. Profits were reduced, with variation depending on the size of the office and the specialty of the doctor. Most physicians received some sort of financial aid from the government, but overall, the consequences of the pandemic were not catastrophic for their private practice. CONCLUSIONS PHC private offices in Thessaloniki survived the difficulties caused by the pandemic, despite a loss in income. The private practitioners adjusted to the new policies that were implemented during this health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the association of the type and intensity level of exercise with the 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a sample of adult men and women in the Attica region of Greece. METHOD An epidemiological survey, the ATTICA study, was conducted during the period 2002–2012; 1,514 men and 1,528 women, aged 18–89 years, with no cardiovascular or other chronic diseases, were enrolled voluntarily at baseline examination. The data on 2,020 participants who provided accurate information on 10-year CVD incidence, and demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics, were used in the final analysis for this study. Regarding physical activity, participants were classified into subgroups, according to the type, i.e., aerobic, resistance or mixed exercise, and intensity, i.e., low, moderate or high, as measured using metabolic equivalence of energy expenditure (MET). RESULTS In the male participants, an independent protective role of aerobic exercise was demonstrated, compared to no exercise, in reducing CVD risk by 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34, 0.75). The contribution of specific forms of exercise, including walking and participation in team sports, in preventing the development of CVD, also appeared to be significant. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise, i.e., 3–6 METs, compared with low-intensity exercise, i.e., 0–3 METs, was associated with a 51% reduction in CVD morbidity and mortality (95% CI: 0.27, 0.87), in the male participants, after adjusting for confounding factors. An inadequate, low intensity level of physical activity (<3 METs) was reported by the majority of the study participants, specifically, 56.8%. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the beneficial role of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity in the protection of cardiovascular health in adults, and particularly in men, and highlight the need for formulation of more effective strategies to enhance physical activity levels in the adult population of Attica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Effective patient blood management constitutes a persistent challenge for healthcare systems and public health across Europe. Especially in Greece, a country with a traditionally high prevalence of β-thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies, it is critical to ensure availability of blood to cover the needs of systematically transfused patients. A recent prospective study highlighted a potential gap in meeting future needs in red blood cell units in Greece for transfusion-dependent patients with β-thalassemia over the next 15 years. The present study, which is part of the pan-European initiative "Blood & Beyond", discusses current challenges and proposes structured activities with measurable outcomes to increase and sustain blood supply and optimize blood demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors that affect the acceptance of vaccines and especially those for COVID-19, in Greek primary healthcare workers (HCWs) and members of the general adult population of the city of Thessaloniki. METHOD The study was based on a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 29 questions. The first 13 questions were related to the demographic characteristics of the sample, and 16 questions were designed to evaluate the acceptance of vaccines in general and the COVID-19 vaccine in particular. Responses were collected from a sample of 235 adults. Associations were determined by Pearson’s Chi-square test. RESULTS Several factors affect the reluctance of HCWs and members of the general population to be vaccinated, among which age, gender, parenthood and job specialty were the main factors associated with hesitancy. Citizens were in favor of the compulsory vaccination for health professionals, while the majority of HCWs disagreed with this policy (p=0.019). Younger participants, especially unmarried citizens without children, reported that they do not trust the efficacy of the expert committee (p=0.0002) and the beneficial effects of the vaccines on public health (p=0.00001). The majority of the females reported that they do not trust the experts (p=0.0032). CONCLUSIONS The attitudes towards the vac)cination program of HCWs and the general population should be assessed by governments in order to plan strategies to manage hesitancy and gain the trust of the people and protect public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of life (QoL) and its determinants, in patients with acne vulgaris in Greece. Morover to investigate the correlation of the degree of disability with the severity of the acne, and identify the factors that exert an adverse effect on QoL. METHODA cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted with a cohort of 150 patients with acne vulgaris, aged 16–30 years, who attended the Outpatient Dermatology Department of the “Evangelismos-Ophthalmiatrio-Polyclinic” General Hospital of Athens over a period of six months. QoL was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI). The severity of the acne vulgaris was determined using the Leeds scale. Correlation analysis was conducted with demographic and clinical variables. All the patients signed an informed consent form for their participation in the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS), version 21.0 was used for analysis of the data. RESULTS Greater severity of acne vulgaris was shown to be associated with worse scores on the QoL scale. The QoL of women was more severely affected compared the QoL of the men. A higher educational attainment appeared to be associated with worse QoL of patients with acne. Longer duration and greater severity of the disease was associated with worse scores for symptoms and feelings, and with adverse effects on personal relationships. CONCLUSIONS Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disease, occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults. Effective and efficient management of acne vulgaris should take into consideration both the physical and the psychosocial effects of the disease. A comprehensive therapeutic approach to acne vulgaris should address symptoms, QoL impairment and the impact on feelings, personal relationships and leisure time activities, especially for female patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the Heath Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of refugees and migrants living in a temporary camp in Greece, and to identify their healthcare needs and the barriers they face in access to health services. METHOD A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2020. The accessibility and healthcare barriers questionnaires, developed by Ay and colleagues, and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) to assess HRQoL were administered to 132 residents of the Skaramangas temporary refugee camp in Greece. Descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS), version 21.0. RESULTS For health care, the participants visited either social clinics (35.8%) or healthcare centers (23.3%), receiving services mostly free of charge (93.2%) and mostly from a general practitioner (56.7%) or an unspecialized doctor (12.5%). High demand for dental services was observed (39.2%), followed by primary health care (PHC) for acute childhood diseases (29.6%), and emergencies (28%). Less in demand were PHC for chronic diseases (12%), hospitalizations (6.4%), family planning counseling (5.6%), and specialist consultation (3.2%). Difficulty of access was reported for dental services, vaccinations and surgeons. The main obstacles reported were of a structural and economic nature, followed by cognitive issues. Higher scores were reported on the physical health subscales of SF-36 than the mental health subscales. Younger age and Afghan origin appeared to have a positive effect on some of the SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS Refugees and migrants report moderate barriers and poor access to healthcare services. The assessment of their HRQoL, according to SF-36, suggests that refugees and migrants are in need of additional psychosocial services to improve their mental health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of lockdown on pain and stiffness, associated with changes in daily habits, work routine and activities, in the academic community in Greece and Cyprus. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted with 308 university faculty members and students. Pain was measured with the short form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and pain intensity, stiffness, daily activities and work routine changes were assessed. RESULTS Daily habits and work routine changed during lockdown, with an increase in sedentary mode, and the changes were significantly related to pain (p<0.05). Most participants reported stiffness, especially after prolonged sitting, which was reduced when they exercised, especially with walking or running (p=0.013). Pain was significantly greater during lockdown (p<0.001), primarily in the back and neck, but also in the form of headache/migraines. The respondents perceived their pain mainly as “tiring-exhausting”. Sitting for long hours significantly increased pain intensity (mean score=4.35, on a scale from 1 to 6). CONCLUSIONS Working from home indirectly forces university faculty members and students into a sedentary lifestyle. Online teaching and learning entail prolonged sitting in front of the computer, which is associated with bad sitting postures, disturbed sleep habits and long periods of physical inactivity. These are related to stiffness and pain, especially in the back, neck and head. As the pandemic continues and distance learning is expected to remain as an alternative mode in universities, even after the pandemic, emphasis should be given to the occupational health of people in the academic community. Intervention strategies are needed to prevent chronic musculoskeletal problems, with promotion of awareness of ergonomic training and ergonomic working arrangements at home, and encouragement of physical exercise of any type, especially walking or running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

OBJECTIVE To explore the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 in the general population in Greece, to gauge the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression, and to examine the association between perceptions and socio-demographic variables and mental health status. METHOD Telephone interviews were conducted with a random, representative sample of 1,041 participants across Greece in the period 10th-14th April 2020. Knowledge and perceptions were assessed with a specially constructed questionnaire, mental health status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and sociodemographic and physical characteristics were recorded. RESULTS According to the responses, COVID-19 has evoked diverse opinions in the general public, especially with respect to its similarity to common influenza, its mode of transmission (airborne), the belief that it is manufactured, and whether it is out of control. The responses to DASS-21 showed the prevalence of moderate/severe/extreme cases to be 22.3% for depression, 15.9% for anxiety, and 13.1% for stress. Those who acknowledged the dangerous nature of COVID-19 for certain groups exhibited higher stress and depression scores. Respondents who believed that the coronavirus is manufactured and those neutral towards its transmission by air, had higher anxiety, stress and depression scores, while those who agreed that the virus is out of control had lower stress scores. Women, young people, residents of urban areas, those residing in households with a member vulnerable to the virus, individuals with high educational attainment and respondents of lower socio-economic status, all manifested higher risk of mental health problems, as did people who endorsed the view that the virus was manufactured and served specific purposes. CONCLUSIONS Health education intervention, telepsychiatry and mental health promotion strategies are urgently needed for mitigating the psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the degree of satisfaction of the parents of hospitalized children with the quality and results of the care provided, and to exploration of various aspects of the hospital facilities and procedures (i.e., accessibility, availability of resources, infrastructure, hospitalization and treatment procedures) associated with parental satisfaction in the state health system of Greece. METHOD A cross-sectional anonymous study was conducted with 120 parents of children who were hospitalized for more than 3 days in the general medical and surgical clinics of the Athens General Children's Hospitals "Aghia Sophia" and "Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou". The research instrument used was the Swedish Pyramid Quality of Care Questionnaire: Parents' Version. RESULTS The satisfaction of the participating parents was at high levels, with a total score of 80.2%. The attitude of the medical and nursing staff (satisfaction score 93.11%), the medical and nursing care (92.32%), and the information provided about the illness/condition of the child (84.75%), were the highest contributors to this score. The lowest levels of satisfaction concerned the accessibility of health services (66.16%), and the working environment of the staff (68.14%), two dimensions that were highly-moderately correlated with the total satisfaction score. Dissatisfaction with waiting times was related mainly to clinical and laboratory tests, but the more serious the child's condition, the greater was the satisfaction with the waiting time. The main expectation of the parents was good treatment and access to appropriate hospital care, and they evaluated as the main result of treatment the relief of the child and information about his(her) condition. CONCLUSIONS Parental satisfaction with hospital pediatric care is at very high levels, mainly due to the perceived attitudes, knowledge and skills of the medical and nursing staff and the information they provide. Problems of accessibility, lack of infrastructure and the work intensity and overload of the hospital personnel are the factors that were perceived to limit the quality of the services provided, and therefore the satisfaction of the parents. Change of strategy, applying the family-centered model in state pediatric hospital care, could increase its quality and the effectiveness and efficacy of the pediatric healthcare services of the Greek National Health System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with common rheumatic diseases. METHOD A cross-sectional study was carried out during September-November 2018 in the Southern Aegean, Greece, collecting data from 465 patients. The SF-36 scale was used, with levels of QoL compared between three groups of patients: (a) Those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) only, (b) those with RA and other rheumatic diseases, and (c) those with another rheumatic disease. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 58.6 ±13.9 years, and 75.9% were females; 64.3% were diagnosed with RA, 18.5% with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 17.2% with spondyloarthritis. All the patients were found to have moderate to low levels of QoL, according to the scores on SF-36, with the highest mean level in "mental health" compared with "general health" (57.0 vs 39.1, p<0.001). A significant difference was found between the scores on the two main components, "mental health" and "physical health" (52.1 vs 41.2, p<0.001). Patients with RA and other rheumatic diseases recorded lower scores on physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health than the other two groups (p<0.05), and in the total "physical health" and "mental health" components (p<0.01). A higher likelihood of low QoL was found in "physical health" for patients with RA and other rheumatic diseases (OR: 1.89, p=0.042) and for low QoL in "physical" and "mental health" in females and patients with increased comorbidity (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS All the health-related QoL components of patients with rheumatic diseases were found to be more impaired in patients with a combination of RA and other rheumatic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Hellenic Medicine / Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes is the property of Athens Medical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)