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Introduction: Empirical evidence shows that many family carers, especially immigrants, experience considerable health disadvantages and poorer quality of life. Australia has a rapidly increasing multicultural population, officially referred to as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people. This paper explores similarities and differences in the carer profile and physical and mental health of CALD and non-CALD family carers. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted of self-reported family carers aged 18 years and older. Identical paper and online survey modes were provided to enable choice. Key variables included demographic and carer profile, diagnosed chronic physical health conditions, and validated scales such as CESD-12 and MOS-SF12, including derivative composite Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS, respectively) scores. The sample comprised 649 participants (CALD = 347, non-CALD = 302). The analyses included univariate, bivariate, and multivariable linear regression analyses for three outcome variables: PCS, MCS, and CESD-12. Results: CALD carers were comparatively younger and married, and 54% had university-level education (29% in the gfvnon-CALD group). Women were primary carers in both groups (67.4% versus 72.2%). The weekly care hours were higher for non-CALD carers. Both groups had below population-referenced scores for mean PCS and MCS values. For CESD-12, non-CALD respondents had higher scores (17.5 vs. 11.2, p < 0.022). Regression analyses showed significant differences for demographic, carer, and physical health variables across the three outcome variables. Discussion and Conclusion: Women have a higher domestic workload, which, when combined with high care hours, adversely impacts physical and mental health. The need for improved and culturally aligned care support systems is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gold standard treatment for periprosthetic joint infections is the two-stage revision that includes the spacer placement before definitive reimplantation. The management of PJI affects patients' joint function and, subsequently, their mental health. Even though significant advances have been achieved, little to no attention has been paid to the psychological implications. So, based on standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), this study aimed to clarify the effect of spacer treatment of infected hip and knee arthroplasties on patients' mental health. Methods: We performed research on the literature on PJIs in the English language using the MEDLINE database with the search strings "spacer" OR "spacers" AND "hip" OR "knee" AND "SF-12" OR "SF-36" OR "EQ-5" OR "mental" OR "depression" OR "anxiety." The reference lists of selected articles were also hand-searched for any additional articles. Results: A total of 973 published papers were extracted, and 9 papers were finally included. A total of 384 patients who underwent spacer placement for PJI were identified. Of these 384 patients, 54% were female. The mean age ranged from 62 to 78.2 years. Of the11 papers identified for this review, 4 analyzed only hip spacers, including 119 patients; 4 only knee spacers, evaluating 153 patients; while a single study included 112 patients for both joints. Conclusions: Patients with the spacer are living in a state of mental upset, albeit better than the preoperative state. Clinical improvement with the review is not assured. The alteration of mental state turns out not to be transient for all the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This scoping review aims to map the available literature and provide an overview of the published articles discussing the impact of electronic prescribing on medication errors and pharmacy workflow. Methods: The literature search was conducted using PubMed®, Web of Science®, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews®, as well as grey literature reports, using the search terms and related components of "pharmacists", "electronic prescribing", "medication errors", and "efficiency". The search included all articles that were published from January 2011 to September 2023. Twenty-two relevant articles were identified and fully reviewed, ten of which were included in this review. Results: Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) provides a solution for some of the challenges that are associated with handwritten and paper prescriptions. However, the implementation of e-prescribing systems has been recognized as a source of new unforeseen medication errors in all the reviewed articles. Productivity in community pharmacies has been affected with receiving electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) and having to deal with the issues that arise from them. The pharmacists' interventions were not eliminated with e-prescriptions compared to other prescription formats. The most frequently reported reason for intervention was related to incomplete instructions in the field of directions of use. Other common challenges with e-prescriptions were related to missing information, quantity, inappropriate dose, dosage form, and drug. Discussion: This review demonstrates the scarcity of research about the impact of electronic prescribing on medication error and efficiency in community pharmacies. In the literature, most of the studies had mainly focused on hospital pharmacies. The literature search demonstrated that there are still some barriers to overcome with e-prescribing systems and that medication errors were not fully eliminated with e-prescriptions. New errors have been identified with e-prescriptions, all of which caused delays in processing, which affected the productivity of the pharmacy staff, and could have negatively impacted patients' safety if not properly resolved. Conclusion: e-Prescribing solved some of the challenges associated with illegibility of handwritten prescriptions. However, more time is required to allow e-prescribing systems to mature. Further training for prescribers and pharmacists is also recommended before and after the implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: COVID-19 has a lasting impact on mental health, particularly within the Hispanic/Latinx communities. This paper empirically investigates the post-COVID-19 presence and severities of depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, among adults in a predominantly U.S.-born Hispanic/Latinx community in South Texas composed primarily of Mexican Americans. Methods: Multiple statistic regression models were applied to data from 515 adults in Nueces County who completed all questions in a survey from convenience sampling between June 2022 and May 2023. Depression was assessed using both standard PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 measurements. Results: Of the 515 participants, 377 (64.5%) were Hispanic, and 441 (85.6%) had a high school education or higher, reflecting the county's demographics. About half of the participants (47%) reported mild/moderate to severe depression. The regression model estimation results reveal that female participants, those not in full-time employment, and individuals with disabilities were more likely to feel depressed after COVID-19. Middle-aged adults demonstrated greater resilience to depression compared to other age groups. Notably, non-Hispanic participants in the study reported higher levels of depression compared to their Hispanic counterparts. Additionally, COVID-19-related experiences, such as testing positive for the virus, being hospitalized, or having a history of depression before COVID-19, were associated with higher levels of reported depression. Conclusions: COVID-19 has significantly impacted the mental health of this predominantly U.S.-born Hispanic/Latinx community. These findings can assist healthcare providers and policymakers in developing targeted strategies to tailor interventions aimed at enhancing mental health well-being, reducing disparities, and fostering overall improvement within the Hispanic/Latinx community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing frailty from middle age onward offers valuable insights into predicting healthcare expenditures throughout the life cycle. Objectives: This paper examines the use of physical frailty as an indicator of healthcare demand across all age groups. The originality of this work lies in extending the analysis of frailty indicators beyond the typical focus on individuals under 50 years old to include those in mid-life and older. Methods: For this study, we used a database where frailty was measured in 2012 in a sample of individuals aged 15 to over 90. These individuals were tracked for their healthcare expenditures from 2012 to 2016. Results: Among the sample of 6928 individuals, frailty in 2012 resulted in a statistically significant increase in costs at the 5% level for the population aged 15 to 65. We applied multilevel linear regression models with year fixed effects, controlling for demographic factors, education level, precarity, social dimensions, lifestyle factors (e.g., vegetable consumption), physical activity, emotional well-being, and medical history. A Hausman test was conducted to validate the model choice. For mortality rate analysis, Cox models were used. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that physical frailty provides valuable information for understanding its impact on healthcare expenditure. The effect of frailty on mortality is particularly significant for the elderly population. Moreover, frailty is a predictor of healthcare costs not only in older adults but also across the entire life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Digitalization in medicine is steadily increasing. Complex treatments, scarce personnel resources and a high level of documentation are a constant burden on healthcare systems. The balancing between correct manual documentation in the digital records and limited staff resources is rarely successful. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adherence between documentation and lack of documentation in the treatment of critical care patients. Material and Methods: For the evaluation, data from the hospital information system (HIS) of several intensive care units (ICU) were examined in conjunction with data collected from a checklist. All boluses of sedatives, analgesics and catecholamines were documented paper based across all shifts and all weekdays and compared with corresponding digital data from the HIS (2019–2022) of previous years. Results: 939 complete digital patient records revealed a massive under-documentation of the medication administration compared to that applied according to the checklist. Only 12% of all administered catecholamines, 11% of α2-agonists, 33% of propofol, 92% of midazolam and 46% of opioids were found in the digital recordings. In comparison, the effect was more pronounced on weekdays compared to weekends. In addition, the highest documentation gap was found in the comparison of early shifts. Comparing neurosurgical vs. internal vs. anesthesiologic ICUs there was a highly significant difference between anesthesiologic ICUs compared with other disciplines (p < 0.0001). Discussion: Our data shows that there is a remarkable documentation gap and incongruence in the area of applied boli. Automated documentation by connecting syringe pumps that enter data directly into the HIS can not only reduce the workload, but also lead to comprehensive and legally required documentation of all administered medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify the factors that are positively or negatively impacting students' well-being and their academic engagement. We used partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using the data collected through a questionnaire from four countries: Romania, Turkey, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. The model includes seven factors that influence the well-being of students and indirectly their academic engagement: stressors in the students' lives; professors' support; social support from family and friends; the students' perceived satisfaction in their lives; engaging in activities during their leisure time; self-exploration regarding their careers; and environmental exploration regarding their careers. The results show that all factors, except for stressors and environmental exploration regarding their careers, positively influence the students' well-being and thus their academic engagement. These findings are useful for university professors and managers in better organizing activities to increase academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippines is a source of labor for many countries. Roughly 10 million overseas Filipinos are working and living outside of the Philippines. This paper examines the association between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, educational level, and income) and self-rated physical and mental health, access to healthcare, and health habits among immigrant Filipinos living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Through convenience sampling, Filipino migrants (n = 103) aged 18 years and above participated in the online survey between October 2022 and March 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square. Almost all respondents self-rated their health as excellent and very good. Female respondents are more affected by mental health. Most are enrolled in the Universal Health System of Spain (public insurance). There is more utilization of private health insurance among respondents aged 60 years and above and high-wage earners. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are associated with males. More than half of the respondents perform weekly exercise occasionally or never. These findings suggest a potential need for targeted interventions with an emphasis on the practice of preventive health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, especially among financially disadvantaged migrants with lesser health access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical reasoning is an essential component of nursing. It has emerged as a concept that integrates the core competencies of quality and safety education for nurses. In cooperation with five European partners, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (IPS) realized the "Clinical Reasoning in Nursing and Midwifery Education and Practice" project as part of the Erasmus+ project. As a partner, our team designed a multiplier event—the student training course. The aim of this report is to describe the construction and development of this clinical reasoning training course for nursing students. We outline the pedagogical approach of an undergraduate training course on clinical reasoning in 2023, which we separated into four stages: (i) welcoming, (ii) knowledge exploration, (iii) pedagogical learning, and (iv) sharing experience. This paper presents the learning outcomes of the collaborative reflection on and integration of the clinical reasoning concept among nursing students. This educational experience fostered reflection and discussion within the teaching team of the nursing department regarding the concept, models, and teaching/learning methods for clinical reasoning, with the explicit inclusion of clinical reasoning content in the nursing curriculum. We highlight the importance of implementing long-term pedagogical strategies in nursing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evaluation of post-nephrectomy social health in living kidney donors is essential. This systematic review examines their emotional need for social relatedness post-donation. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Results: Among the screened records, 32 quantitative and 16 qualitative papers met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative research predominantly utilized questionnaires featuring generic items on social functioning. However, a minority delved into emotional and social dimensions, aligning with qualitative studies emphasizing the importance of social connection and perceived social support post-donation. Specifically, post-donation changes in connecting with others encompass a sense of belongingness, heightened autonomy, shifts in concern for the recipient's health, and continued care by shielding the recipient from personal health issues. Social acknowledgment and social support from both close and extended networks are reported as relevant for recovery after nephrectomy. Discussion: These findings underscore the necessity for targeted measures of emotional needs and social functioning to effectively assess post-donation adjustment. They also inform the identification of key health themes for kidney donor Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To actively respond to the challenges posed by population aging, people are paying more and more attention to healthy behavioral lifestyles, and the impact of social capital as an informal system on health behaviors cannot be ignored. This paper explores the impact of social capital on health behaviors of middle-aged and older adults based on 2020 CHARLS data. Using binary logistic regression models, we discussed the association between social capital and five health behaviors. The results suggest that structural social capital significantly increases physical activity and physical examination behaviors among middle-aged and older adults but also decreases the probability of abstinence behaviors. Cognitive social capital increases the probability that middle-aged and older adults will have a reasonable amount of sleep and physical activity. However, it also decreases the probability that smoking cessation behaviors will occur. Further attention needs to be paid to the role of social capital, the creation of a harmonious social environment and the enhancement of social trust, the strengthening of communities and grass-roots social organizations, and the provision of more platforms for the participation of middle-aged and older adults in social activities, to improve the quality of the healthy lives of middle-aged and older adults and, in turn, to promote the establishment of healthy behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to verify if older adults with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder are more prone to euthanasia and identify factors that interfere with their satisfaction with health and capacity for well-informed decisions. Material and Methods: The study applied a paper questionnaire composed of a sociodemographic section and a battery of scales (to assess depression, anxiety, cognitive performance, suicide risk, therapeutic adhesion, functionality, loneliness, attitude towards euthanasia, decision pattern, personality, empathy, and health status) in the Psychogeriatric Unity of Senhora da Oliveira Hospital in Portugal. The sample was collected by convenience to include patients and controls of the same age. Six months later, a reassessment was performed. Patients and controls were compared using descriptive statistics and a multiple-regression model. Results: A total of 114 patients and 25 controls were included. Eighty-one point six percent of patients had four or fewer years of schooling. Contrary to controls, they presented mild depressive and anxiety symptoms, loneliness feelings, worse cognitive performance, a more fragile personality, higher personal distress, and a poorer health state. No statistically significant differences were found between controls and patients regarding their attitudes towards euthanasia. Patients more favourable to euthanasia had higher empathic concern, conscientiousness, and fantasy, and lower personal distress. Discussion and Conclusion: When addressing euthanasia in these patients, it is crucial to ensure they are fully self-determinate and that all the necessary treatment and support are available. It may not be the case when the educational level is low and a mild disease persists, significantly affecting their well-being and cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of reduced dental treatment and education infrastructure in the Tanzanian highlands affects the oral health situation of both the general population and local healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status of healthcare workers at Ilembula Lutheran Hospital (ILH), Tanzania, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 134 healthcare workers (62 women, 72 men; mean age 36.48 ± 9.56 years, range 19–59 years; median age 35.00 years) participated in this cross-sectional study, conducted from 12 February to 27 February. A dental examiner trained in oral health screening performed the oral health data collection. Data collection was performed by probability sampling using the Ilembula Data Collection Form—Oral Health (IDCF-Oral Health) questionnaire distributed in paper form. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Institute for Medical Research/Tanzania. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF/T) index proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used with the associated caries measurement method and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Details regarding edentulism, nutritional habits, and socio-economic factors were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression (α = 0.05). The average DMF-T index was 3.33 ± 0.82, with age, gender, meal frequency, and soft drink consumption significantly influencing the index. No evidence of dental plaque was detected in 43.3% of the participants. Of the participants, 32.8% required prosthetic treatment (Kennedy Class III), while 16.4% needed it for acute malocclusions. Oral hygiene products were used in 97% of cases. A total of 35.8% of the participants had an OHI-S score of up to 1.0, with (p < 0.001) age and (p < 0.001) sex having a significant influence on the index. The current oral health situation of healthcare workers at ILH shows a moderate need for restorative and prosthetic treatment in rural Tanzania. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no change in the need for dental treatment, which may be explained by the generally restricted access to dental healthcare in the investigated region. The development of an interdisciplinary oral health prophylaxis system could help to reduce the need for future treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaps abound in the literature about what happens when people living with deafblindness or dual sensory impairment (DBDSI) go to the hospital. Anecdotally, from my lived experiences and professional work, as well as from within communities, stories are told about how hazardous it is to be a patient in an Australian hospital for those living with DBDSI. This paper outlines a quantitative component of a mixed-methods study examining the intricacies of these experiences. The research objective was to discover what hospital interactions looked like for patients living with DBDSI. A constrained question set was used, namely, the Australian hospital experience question set (AHPEQS 2017). It asked patients about key factors in their hospital interactions. The results form a distressing snapshot of care and communication interactions. Experiences of flouting protective conventions, dehumanisation, neglect, discrimination, disparate care, inaccessible consent forms, and a lack of communication predominate. The participants reported experiences from multiple different hospitals, so these findings suggest a broad culture of failing to provide patient-centred care and accessible-to-the-patient communication. The findings showcase the urgency for more research and remedial actions to be undertaken by both professionals and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss that arises from various causes at different stages of life has a direct impact on individuals' physical and mental well-being. This paper aimed to evaluate the employment, workplace adaptation, productivity, and professional success of individuals who have hearing loss and whose hearing loss is corrected with a cochlear implant. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected between November 2022 and March 2023 with the participation of individuals with cochlear implants living in several settlements in all regions of Türkiye. A total of 142 participants with severe hearing loss who were corrected with a cochlear implant were included in this study. The survey method was used to collect data for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions and was distributed to the participants online. In the first part of the questionnaire (questions 1–10), the general characteristics of implant patients were investigated. In the second part (questions 11–32), the positive or negative effects of implantation on the work lives of the participants were evaluated. Almost half of the research group (49.3%, n = 70) consisted of women, and the mean age of the participants was determined to be 35.8 ± 14.8 years. There was no significant difference between gender, educational status, implanted side, working time, working style (physical, desk), and factors affecting work life (p > 0.05). Professional satisfaction and success at work increased significantly more in those with acquired hearing loss (p = 0.010). Post-implantation workplace compliance, success, and productivity were found to be higher in those with acquired hearing loss (p = 0.013). Hearing loss had a significantly less negative impact on work performance in those implanted in childhood than in those implanted in adulthood (p = 0.043). It was observed that hearing loss had a greater negative impact on the work life of married people (p = 0.006). Cochlear implantation greatly enhances workplace satisfaction, increases self-confidence, and has a positive impact on the future of profoundly deaf individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everyday technology (ET) has been defined as the broad set of devices and artefacts that are currently present in people's lives both inside and outside of the home. A subgroup within ET is known as everyday information and communication technologies (EICTs). The main characteristic of these technologies is that they can facilitate or disrupt the engagement of individuals in their daily activities. This scoping review aims to identify what is known about how ET can function as facilitators or barriers to occupations, such as the social participation of older adults. The proposed scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and checklist. The scoping review was conducted across five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycoINFO [EBSCO]) to identify published, peer-reviewed records. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria. This review considered studies concerning the use of ET or EICTs in community-dwelling adults aged over 60 years, with or without cognitive impairment or dementia. All of the articles were in English, and reviews were not included. Eleven papers were selected and showed that despite the increasing demand for technologies of daily life and the digitalization of society and processes, according to our research, few studies addressed the limitations in the social participation of older adults. In conclusion, ET can provide a way to promote and maintain the personal autonomy for older adults in community dwellings. However, cognitive impairment hinders the use of electronic technologies and increases perceived problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in gamified physical activity has been driven by its potential to benefit student mental health. Integrating gamified practices for mental health improvement represents a significant innovation within multidisciplinary approaches to enhancing mental well-being. This review follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases, primary sources for education-related studies. Thirteen papers were analyzed, yielding important insights into the relationship between gamified physical activity and mental health. The findings indicate that gamified physical activity positively influences adolescents' mental health and well-being. Additionally, there is a need for improved application and game design to enhance learning within school contexts. Tailoring exergames to fit specific disciplines and school-related characteristics can promote healthier mobile application usage and offer significant benefits for the mental health of young individuals. The difference between this study and previous ones is that it focuses on mobile applications for encouraging active living to improve quality of life and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Europe's aging population presents challenges such as a shrinking labor force, pressure on health services, and increased demand for long-term care. This study assesses the functional profile, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of older adults in the Central Alentejo region of Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 868 older adults in Portuguese long-term care facilities across the Évora district. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, elderly nursing core set patient information, a health questionnaire with nine responses, and WHO Quality of Life Assessment (short version) scores. Results: Nearly half of the participants needed assistance with care. Women (OR = 1.46) and those with cognitive impairment (OR = 10.83) had higher impaired functionality, while education (OR = 0.52) and being overweight (OR = 0.52) were inversely related to functional dependence. Quality of life scores ranged from 56.4 (physical) to 66.6 (environmental). Moderate depressive symptoms were found in 17.1% of participants, with 9% having moderately severe to severe symptoms. Higher dependence doubled the likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.18). Discussion and Conclusions: High rates of depression and functional dependence correlate with a low perception of quality of life, highlighting the need for research to promote and protect the health of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eye care health promotion interventions aim to encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours that impact eye health and vision impairment, as well as increase the use of eye care services. Thus, this study aims to explore and describe the perceptions of eye care coordinators on the implementation of eye care health promotion interventions in rural Limpopo Province. Methods: This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study employed individual in-depth interviews to collect data from 10 district eye health coordinators. Participants were purposely sampled between June and July 2024. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo version 12. Results: The study revealed seven key themes: human resources in eye health, resource management, policy and governance, eye care services, innovation in eye health, community and patient engagement, and coordination and referral systems. Conclusions: In summary, our study offers important insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementing eye care health promotion interventions. A recommendation is made to address identified challenges such as workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure, fragmented policies and outdated technologies. Policymakers and eye health professionals can work towards achieving the goals of universal health coverage (UHC) in eye health, ultimately improving eye health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Adolescence represents a period of heightened vulnerability to risky sexual behaviours. In Portugal, adolescents are initiating sexual activity at increasingly younger ages, making it relevant to characterise their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods at an earlier stage of their development. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving the application of a questionnaire to 750 ninth-grade students from Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal. The questionnaire covered topics such as perceptions of sexuality, knowledge of sexuality and STIs, methods of transmission prevention, and sources of information. Results: The mean age was 14.4 years, with 19.9% reporting having already initiated sexual activity. Overall, the knowledge about sexually transmitted infections was low, with a score of 7.08 out of a maximum score of 18. Condoms and immunisation were well-recognised preventive measures, but many misconceptions persisted. Better knowledge is associated with better attitudes regarding the likelihood of having sexual intercourse. Conclusions: This study reveals adolescents' limited knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, misconceptions about prevention, and reliance on peers and the internet over trusted sources, highlighting the need for comprehensive sexual education in middle school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To provide more effective pregraduate patient safety education, understanding medical students' perceptions of patient safety before pregraduate patient safety education is necessary. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine patient safety awareness among medical students at the time of admission and compare it with that among controls. Methods: In the 2019 academic year, 132 medical school freshmen enrolled at Teikyo University and 166 age-matched, non-medical students enrolled at an affiliated institution within the Teikyo University organization were surveyed using an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire divided patient safety awareness into three categories: perception, knowledge, and attitude, which were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale (Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.77). To assess overall patient safety awareness, the total scores were calculated for the item groups on "perception", "knowledge", and "attitude" and compared these scores between the two groups. Results: The total scores (mean ± SD) were 104.2 ± 10.2 for medical students and 88.8 ± 9.6 for controls (p < 0.001). In the "perception" and "attitude" item groups, a higher proportion of medical students provided a positive response than controls. In particular, medical students were more motivated to learn about patient safety than the controls. In the "knowledge" item group, neither medical students nor controls provided a high proportion of positive responses. Conclusions: Medical students demonstrated a higher awareness of patient safety than controls and showed a strong sensitivity to patient safety from the time of enrollment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with congenital color vision defects (CVDs) are at greater risk of misidentifying colors, necessitating an investigation into their ability to distinguish colors accurately. This study aimed to assess how individuals with CVDs perceive the colors in the Worth four-dot (W4D) and duochrome tests. It also explored whether individuals with CVDs require more detailed instructions from optometrists and eye care providers during these tests. Method: Thirty-two participants with congenital CVDs were recruited for this study. Participants with ocular diseases were excluded based on a brief questionnaire. The participants underwent a W4D test to determine the colors of four circles and the duochrome test without using filters. Result: All the participants correctly identified the W4D colors, except for five participants (15.62%). Furthermore, among all the participants, two (one with deuteranopia and one with protanopia) failed to identify the colors correctly in the duochrome test (6.25%). Conclusions: The findings suggest that in the context of optometric assessment, it could be essential for optometrists to incorporate a preliminary inquiry into a patient's ability to identify colors prior to performing diagnostic tests such as the W4D or duochrome tests. Incorrect responses from patients with CVDs might mislead optometrists regarding the proper outcomes of the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13) is a thirteen-item measure of eco-anxiety, with four dimensions: (1) affective symptoms, (2) rumination, (3) behavioural symptoms, and (4) anxiety about personal impact. Being a recently developed questionnaire, data on its psychometrics are limited. The aim of this study was to introduce a Polish version of the HEAS-13 and examine its psychometric properties. Methods: Our sample consisted of 634 Polish-speaking adults, with ages ranging from 18 to 67 years. We assessed the HEAS-13's factor structure, internal consistency, test–retest reliabilities, and its concurrent validity via relationships with climate-related variables, psychopathology symptoms, and well-being. We put emphasis on examining the discriminant validity of the HEAS-13 against general psychological distress. Results: As expected, the Polish HEAS-13 demonstrated strong factorial validity with an intended four-factor structure. The internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities of the scale were good and moderate, respectively. Higher levels of eco-anxiety were associated with higher environmental concerns, the experience of climate change (i.e., one's perception of being affected by climate change), pro-environmental behavioural engagement, climate change worry, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as lower levels of well-being. We empirically supported the strong discriminant validity of the HEAS-13, demonstrating that eco-anxiety was separable from general psychological distress. We also noted that females, younger people, and those with lower educational levels experienced higher eco-anxiety. To facilitate the use of this measure, we propose a potential screening cut-off value for the HEAS-13, which can indicate meaningfully elevated levels of eco-anxiety. Conclusions: Overall, the Polish version of the HEAS-13 has strong psychometric properties, usefully enabling the examination of climate-related anxiety. Our findings highlight its potential in cross-cultural research and healthcare practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Maternal mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) in antenatal women are major public health challenges. This study aimed to determine the levels of SAD in antenatal women and associate the selected variables with them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected primary health centers (PHC) in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The pregnant women were selected using systematic randomization, and their SAD levels were assessed using the perceived stress scale (PSS), the state anxiety scale (SAS), and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Linear regression was used to associate factors related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: Out of 346 antenatal women, 4% had a high level of stress and 27.2% had a moderate level of stress. Regarding the level of anxiety, 2.6% of them had high anxiety, and 32.9% had moderate anxiety. Around 32 (9.2%) women had moderate depression, and 4 (1.2%) had severe depression. The mean score of SAD was 11.99, 28.88, and 4.73, respectively. A linear regression proved that there was an association between stress and age, occupation, gestational age (GA), gravida, para, abortions, and social support (SS) (p < 0.05). Anxiety was associated with age, GA, gravida, para, abortions, past obstetrical complications, and SS (p < 0.05). Depression was related to age, education, occupation, para, abortions, past obstetrical complications, and SS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Due to the prevalence of SAD in pregnancy, the screening of these conditions and awareness creation about the associated factors can help to identify potential risks earlier and prevent maternal and fetal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Today, the public does not want to be just a passive consumer of health services. Patients often expect to be informed and involved in decisions about their health. With better doctor–patient communication, patients are more likely to follow treatment recommendations. Material and methods. The study was conducted using a face-to-face survey method on a group of 203 adult, independent patients from 2021 to 2022 at a medical facility, i.e., a rehabilitation clinic. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of doctor–patient communication in terms of patient rights. One of patients' rights is the right to information about their health condition and treatment methods and the right to ask questions when the doctor does not provide details about the treatment or diagnosis or when it is not understandable. Doctors providing information to the patient and the opportunity for the patient to ask questions are key elements in the process of making informed decisions regarding further medical treatment. Therefore, patients were divided into two groups: active (+) and passive in communication (−) with doctors. Results. Patients who were active in communication (33%) wanted to ask questions or had the opportunity to ask the doctor questions, and thus, they were able to take an active part in the discussion with the doctor. In contrast, patients who were passive in communication (67%) did not want to ask questions or did not have the opportunity to ask the doctor questions, and therefore, their active participation in the discussion and thus their right to ask questions may have been limited. The authors' survey shows that respondents with active communication were significantly more likely than patients with passive communication (almost 100% vs. 86%) to obtain information about their condition (p = 0.002), diagnostic methods (p = 0.003), therapeutic methods (p = 0.00007), treatment results, and prognosis (p = 0.0008). Moreover, almost all respondents with active communication as opposed to respondents with passive communication (95% vs. 52%) rated communication with doctors highest (on a scale from 0 to 5), including credible and professional approach to patients (p < 0.0001), providing information in clear and simple language (p < 0.0001), answering questions asked by patients (p < 0.0001), openness and kindness (p < 0.0001), maintaining professional confidentiality (p < 0.0001), or emotional support (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. Hence, the primary key element of the medical consultation is appropriate amount and content of information given to the patient, providing explanations and answering questions. Also importantly, according to the results, active communication between patients and doctors was significantly influenced by female gender, higher education, and a positive evaluation of communication with doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global health crisis, impacting physical, and mental well-being, particularly among those who have recovered from the illness. This study aimed to assess the mental health status of patients recovered from COVID-19 in Macau, focusing on the impact of sequelae of COVID-19, and identifying demographic factors associated with poor mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted involving 494 adults who had recovered from COVID-19, with 426 participants included in the final analysis. Mental health was evaluated using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), with scores ≥3 indicating poor mental health. Results: This study revealed a high prevalence of poor mental health, affecting 71.8% of the respondents. Binary logistic regression identified experiencing COVID-19 sequelae (OR = 5.727, 95% CI: 2.973–11.031), being in the age groups of 26–45 (OR = 4.227, 95% CI: 1.754–10.185), or 61, and above (OR = 18.072, 95% CI: 3.590–90.962), being male (OR = 0.501, 95% CI: 0.257–0.979), being married (OR = 5.714, 95% CI: 1.919–17.016), and dissatisfaction with family relationships (OR = 2.957, 95% CI: 1.228–7.119) as significant risk factors for poor mental health. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical need for targeted psychological support for patients recovered from COVID-19 in Macau, particularly for those with sequelae, and those in vulnerable demographic groups. The findings suggest that specific age groups and individuals with sequelae may face higher mental health risks, indicating the necessity for prioritized interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the dyadic dynamics of benefit finding, stigma, and suicide risk on the depression severity of individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers. Methods: We prospectively recruited a total of 72 individuals with schizophrenia and 72 caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia from a medical center in Taiwan between August 2022 and July 2023. Patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers were assessed using the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, Benefit Finding Scale, Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue, Suicide Assessment Scale, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results: The most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses in the caregivers were depressive disorders (29.2%). Using structural equation modeling, we found that patients' suicidal risk (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) may contribute to the severity of depression in individuals with schizophrenia. We also found that caregivers' BF degree (β = −0.25, p < 0.01) and suicidal risk (β = 0.64, p < 0.001) may contribute to the severity of depression in the caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. Furthermore, we found that caregivers' suicidal risk (β = 0.28, p < 0.05) and caregivers' stigma (β = −0.31, p < 0.01) level may contribute to the severity of depression in individuals with schizophrenia. Discussion: Clinicians should actively manage caregivers' stigma and provide positive reinforcement for caregivers' BF, as this may help reduce depression in both caregivers and individuals with schizophrenia. Additionally, assessing suicide risk in both groups is essential for preventing suicides among individuals with schizophrenia and caregivers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide remains a major global public health concern, ranking among the leading causes of death worldwide. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in preventing suicide, yet their attitudes and beliefs about suicidal behavior can significantly impact the quality of care provided to individuals at risk. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the attitudinal beliefs of Colombian healthcare professionals regarding suicidal behavior and their attitudes toward suicide attempts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 354 healthcare professionals, including interns, from fields such as medicine, nursing, and nursing assistance. Participants completed the Attitudinal Beliefs Questionnaire about Suicidal Behavior (CCCS-18) and the Attitudes Towards Suicide Attempt Scale (ASETSA). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationship between professional experience and attitudes toward suicidal behavior. Results: The findings revealed that many participants exhibit attitudes that legitimize suicide in cases of extreme suffering, such as in terminal illness. However, there were significant gaps in comprehensive approaches to suicide prevention, with varying levels of commitment to individual and institutional support. Clinical experience was identified as a key factor in shaping these attitudes, with more experienced professionals showing a nuanced understanding of suicide triggers and prevention. Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of ongoing training programs that not only improve technical knowledge but also address misconceptions and stigmas related to suicide. These findings have direct implications for developing targeted interventions and educational programs within the Colombian healthcare context to ensure more compassionate and effective care for individuals at risk of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCD) is a relatively uncommon health condition in many countries, but it is prevalent in Saudi Arabia mainly due to the high incidence of consanguineous marriages. Regrettably, there are elevated rates of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and blood transfusions, leading to poor quality of life and significant financial strain. Objective(s): This study aimed to assess the frequency of blood transfusions, out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPEs), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in SCD patients. Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that involved SCD patients at a university-affiliated tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The patients' medical and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained from the electronic medical records. Data on HRQoL and OOPEs were collected through a questionnaire-based interview. To present the baseline characteristics, descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used. In addition, various statistical tests, including the Chi-Square test, Student t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, were performed. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients consented to participate and were included in the analysis. Almost 53% of the patients were females. The mean age of the sample was 31 years, while the age-adjusted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 24.33 years (p-value < 0.0001). Most patients (83.05%) reside in Riyadh with a monthly family income of less than USD 2666.67 (75.42%). Monthly OOPEs were, on average, USD 650.69 ± 1853.96, and one-third of the adult patients reported income loss due to illness, further exacerbating their financial strain. High frequency of blood transfusion (β = −0.0564, p-value = 0.0066) and higher number of comorbidities (β = −0.10367, p-value = 0.0244) were negatively associated with the HRQoL among adult patients. On the other hand, adult patients with higher levels of education had better HRQoL (β = 0.05378, p-value = 0.0377). Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the negative impact of SCD on patients' HRQoL and financial well-being. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive systemic approaches to address the challenges posed by SCD in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Most of the research in assisted reproduction has focused on the stressful situation experienced by women or couples looking for a desired pregnancy; however, the stress experienced by assisted reproduction professional teams is seldom studied. The present study aims to evaluate burnout and its relationship with workplace stressors among assisted reproduction professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to conduct an online self-assessment national survey, sent to all members of the Spanish Association for Fertility. The questionnaire contained sociodemographic and occupational questions about stressors in the workplace and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) to assess the three subscales of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Results: The percentages showing high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in the whole sample were 41.8% and 43.2%, respectively. Additionally, low personal accomplishment was displayed in 42.6% of the respondents. Embryologists stand out for presenting the highest percentages of burnout (emotional exhaustion = 72.1%; depersonalization = 48.1%; low personal accomplishment = 48.1%), whilst psychologists showed the lowest percentages in high emotional exhaustion (32.3%) and depersonalization (24%), and gynecologists in low personal accomplishment (28.5%). Working under pressure was the stressor most experienced by the sample (76.6%) and the one that better predicted the three subscales of burnout. Conclusions: This study highlights the close relationship between high levels of burnout and workplace stressors and shows the need to reduce workplace stressors to improve the well-being of professionals working in assisted reproduction, and, consequently, that of the patients they look after. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Republic of Korea is progressively becoming a super-aged society, emphasizing the need for regular physical activity among older adults because it has physical, psychological, and social benefits. Recently, increasing depression and suicide rates have been reported among older adults living alone. However, research that considers older adults' living situations is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between health-promoting behaviors (HPB), physical self-efficacy (PSE), exercise adherence, and sports commitment among older adults aged ≥ 65 years who participated in sports activities and investigate the influence of their living situation. Methods: The participants were 452 individuals aged ≥ 65 who lived in the metropolitan areas of Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gwangju Provinces, Republic of Korea, and who regularly participated in sports activities (men = 283, women = 169). This study was conducted from January to May 2024. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and multi-group analysis. Results: Structural equation modeling showed that the research model was appropriate, and all five paths showed statistical significance. The identity of the model was verified in the multi-group analysis, but path coefficients differed between older adults living alone and those living with family members. HPB significantly affected PSE, exercise adherence, and sports commitment among both groups of older adults. However, the impact of PSE on exercise adherence and sports commitment was not statistically significant among older adults living alone. Conclusions: The results highlight the need to consider older adults' living situations when establishing regular physical activity. Efforts should also be made to promote regular exercise participation among older adults living alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This cross-national study focuses on adolescents who provide care and support to family members or significant others. Current evidence regarding their mental health and solutions to strengthen it is limited and mostly available in a few countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a primary prevention intervention for improving the mental health and well-being of adolescent young carers (AYCs) aged 15–17 years in six European countries. The intervention was based on a psychoeducational program and tools adapted from the Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor, and Values (DNA-V) model. Methods: We designed a randomized controlled trial with 217 AYCs participating in the study, either in the intervention or control group. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and a 3-month follow up. Results: The results were mixed, as positive improvements in primary (i.e., psychological well-being and skills) and secondary (school/training/work functioning) outcomes were shown by the experimental group but, in most cases, they were not statistically significant. The qualitative data supported positive claims about the intervention and its appropriateness for AYCs. Conclusions: The study implementation during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the consortium to adapt the design and may have influenced the results. More long-term studies are needed to assess similar mental health programs with this hard-to-reach target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are increasing mental health concerns in the construction industry workforce, with stress being a primary concern. This qualitative study investigates stress experiences and the management of stress in office-based and on-site workers in the UK building construction sector. This study can provide key insights for construction, but also potentially other industries which struggle with high stress levels among their employees. Methods: A total of 40 semi-structured interviews (20 on-site/20 office-based) were conducted at large-scale building construction projects in the southeast UK. Framework method analysis was used to derive an understanding of stress in the workplace and coping strategies. Results: The study identified two major themes: the negative influence of work stress on personal and professional wellbeing, and the management of stress through proactive and reactive coping strategies. Results indicated that on-site workers frequently cited high workloads, tight deadlines, and safety concerns, whereas office-based workers tended to highlight job complexity and organisational pressures. Both population sub-groups reported stress affecting their work performance, with site-workers having the added concern of physical health and safety. Coping strategies among workers tended to rely on support networks, outside-the-workplace hobbies, and boundary-setting, among others. Conclusions: Stress remains a significant problem in the workplace and affects wellbeing; however, there are ways to mitigate the stress. Our findings could provide a foundation for intervention development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is gaining attention for its potential in cognitive function assessment and intervention. AI robots and agents can offer continuous dialogue with the elderly, helping to prevent social isolation and support cognitive health. Speech-based evaluation methods are promising as they reduce the burden on elderly participants. AI agents could replace human questioners, offering efficient and consistent assessments. However, existing research lacks sufficient comparisons of elderly speech content when interacting with AI versus human partners, and detailed analyses of factors like cognitive function levels and dialogue partner effects on speech elements such as proper nouns and fillers. Methods: This study investigates how elderly individuals' cognitive functions influence their communication patterns with both human and AI conversational partners. A total of 34 older people (12 men and 22 women) living in the community were selected from a silver human resource centre and day service centre in Tokyo. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and participants engaged in semi-structured daily conversations with both human and AI partners. Results: The study examined the frequency of fillers, proper nouns, and "listen back" in conversations with AI and humans. Results showed that participants used more fillers in human conversations, especially those with lower cognitive function. In contrast, proper nouns were used more in AI conversations, particularly by those with higher cognitive function. Participants also asked for explanations more often in AI conversations, especially those with lower cognitive function. These findings highlight differences in conversation patterns based on cognitive function and the conversation partner being either AI or human. Conclusions: These results suggest that there are differences in conversation patterns depending on the cognitive function of the participants and whether the conversation partner is a human or an AI. This study aims to provide new insights into the effective use of AI agents in dialogue with the elderly, contributing to the improvement of elderly welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The importance of family carer dementia education is highlighted in research, practice guidance, and policy. Less attention is paid to how facilitators learn and prepare for their role. This research aimed to explore and describe facilitator learning experiences within a bespoke Scottish Carers' Academy designed around a theory-guided approach called Care Empathia. A healthcare and university partnership ensured integration with services and the fusion of dementia higher education know-how with clinical practice expertise. Methods: Nineteen facilitator questionnaires were completed from two Carer Academy hubs; thirteen participated in online focus groups. Results: The questionnaire findings highlighted the learning gained from being a facilitator, observing expert facilitators in action, and listening to the testimonies of family carers. The framework analysis of the focus group data identified six themes, including safe learning approaches, the art of facilitation, emotional work, team learning, and leadership. These findings highlight the importance of facilitator preparation and the advantages of co-delivery models that combine clinical and practice education expertise. Conclusion: Facilitators need to understand how to walk the talk of theory-guided educational models, be open to reciprocity in learning, and be prepared for the emotional work of delivering trauma-informed practical dementia care education to family carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study aims to map the trends in obesity prevalence over the past four years and to describe the health, behavior, and psychological factors of people living with obesity in Saudi. Method: This is a secondary data analysis using the Sharik Health Indicators Surveillance System (SHISS) from 2020 to 2023. The SHISS dataset comprises cross-sectional telephone interviews carried out quarterly across all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Recruitment of participants was restricted to Saudi resident adults only. Results: The study analyzed data from 92,137 participants, with a balanced region and gender distribution. The average age of participants was 36.83 ± 13.68 years. The prevalence of obesity showed minor fluctuations over four years, with the highest at 22.2% in 2020 and lowest at 21.4% in 2023. This study showed that a slight decline in daily smoking rates was observed from 2020 to 2023 across all categories. Participants living with obesity reported a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables compared to their not with obesity counterparts. In addition, participants living with obesity engaged less frequently in physical activities compared to those without obesity. Moreover, people living with obesity have higher incidence rates of depression and anxiety, as well as various of chronic diseases. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex factors affecting obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Despite progress, ongoing health promotion and disease prevention are crucial to address the persistent challenges driven by behavioral and socio-economic factors. Continued surveillance and longitudinal studies are essential to track trends in obesity, smoking, and physical activity, ensuring that health initiatives align with population needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The healthcare professional who performs sedation for digestive endoscopy procedures is usually the nurse. Therefore, knowledge and training on the part of the nurse is an important factor for the correct sedation of the patient and may affect, among other factors, the quality of health care and the recovery and well-being of the patient. Objective: To determine the training opportunities and resources available to the specialists involved in digestive endoscopy services in hospitals in Spain in which sedation is performed by the nursing staff. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed in the Digestive Endoscopy Service at Toledo University Hospital and nearby hospitals in central Spain. The sample consisted of 75 nurses who administer sedation in digestive endoscopic procedures. Results: Regarding the training of nurses, the vast majority were generalist nurses, and only a small percentage obtained specialized training through ongoing training. Most had been working in the service for more than two years, and very few had previous experience in sedation, although the vast majority currently applied sedation. Life support training was also critical. There were significant differences in the availability of resources between different hospitals. Conclusions: The training of nurses who perform sedation in digestive endoscopy services could be improved since there is a high proportion of personnel without specific training in sedation before starting to work in the service. It is crucial to implement targeted and ongoing training programs to improve competencies in this area, as they are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Given the variability in resources and personnel training that exists between different hospitals, it seems important to establish standards at the institutional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This qualitative study sought to explore patient experiences with technologies used in the Community Health in a Virtual Environment (Co-HIVE) pilot trial. Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in mental healthcare, and user acceptance is critical for successful adoption and therefore clinical impact. The Co-HIVE pilot trialled a model of care whereby community-dwelling patients with symptoms of depression utilised virtual appointments and remote monitoring for the assessment and management of their condition, as an adjunct to routine care. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, participants for this study were patients with symptoms of moderate to severe depression (based on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), who had completed the Co-HIVE pilot. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded, transcribed clean-verbatim, and thematically analysed using the Framework Method. Results: Ten participants completed the semi-structured interviews. Participants reported experiencing more personalised care, improved health knowledge and understanding, and greater self-care, enabled by the remote monitoring technology. Additionally, participants reported virtual appointments supported the clinician–patient relationship and improved access to mental health services. Conclusions: This experience of participants with the Co-HIVE pilot indicates there is a degree of acceptance of health technologies for use with community mental healthcare. This acceptance demonstrates opportunities to innovate existing mental health services by leveraging technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Italy, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for over 5 million prevalent cases and requires long-term multidisciplinary management. The most frequent KOA symptom is pain. The aim of the survey is to provide a national overview of the current management of moderate-to-severe pain associated with KOA from both clinicians' and patients' perspectives. Methods: An exploratory qualitative survey was conducted in Italy between July and October 2023. The survey participants were members of four national scientific societies and two patient associations who were invited to participate via email and given an online questionnaire. Questions included a mix of single and multiple responses and scalar items. Results: In total, 1473 clinicians and 150 patients with KOA completed the questionnaire. Patients rated knee pain as both the most burdensome symptom and the most frequent reason for treatment dissatisfaction and seeking consultation. One in two patients declared that they were unsatisfied/little satisfied with the current prescribed analgesic treatments. The clinicians surveyed preferentially prescribed intra-articular hyaluronic acid, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/paracetamol, non-pharmacological intervention, and intra-articular corticosteroids. The clinicians' selection of analgesic therapy often failed to adequately meet patients' expectations for pain relief. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the current unmet needs of patients with KOA in Italy and call for new approaches to effectively optimize the management of KOA-associated pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP) significantly impacts the well-being of healthcare professionals and patient safety. While the SVP has been explored in various healthcare settings, there are limited data on its prevalence and associated factors among nurses in Austria. This study investigates the prevalence, symptomatology, and preferred support measures for SVP among Austrian nurses. Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted September to December 2023 using the SeViD questionnaire (Second Victims in German-speaking Countries), which includes the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression using the bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrapping method based on 5000 bootstrap samples. Results: A total of 928 participants responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 15.47%. The participants were on average 42.42 years old and were mainly women (79.63%). Among the respondents, 81.58% (744/912) identified as Second Victims (SVs). The primary cause of becoming an SV was aggressive behavior from patients or relatives. Females reported a higher symptom load than males, and higher agreeableness was linked to increased symptom severity. Notably, 92.47% of SVs who sought help preferred support from colleagues, and the most pronounced desire among participants was to process the event for better understanding. Conclusions: The prevalence of SVP among Austrian nurses is alarmingly high, with aggressive behavior identified as a significant trigger. The findings emphasize the necessity for tailored support strategies, including peer support and systematic organizational interventions to mitigate the impact of SVP on nurses and to improve overall patient care. Further research should focus on developing and implementing effective prevention and intervention programs for healthcare professionals in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Developing and cultivating mindfulness exerts a positive effect on psychological and cognitive performance. Sharpening the skill requires continuous mindfulness-based training (MT), which can be challenging for people leading busy lives. Therefore, the current study examined whether trait mindfulness can be improved by a flexible and brief MT program of self-breathing using a pre–post intervention design. Methods: Trait mindfulness was assessed using the Japanese version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before the intervention (pre), after 2 weeks (during), and 4 weeks after the intervention started (post). Data were analyzed using the Friedman test followed by the Dunn–Bonferroni correction. Results: The study sample consisted of 22 healthy participants aged from 20 to 60 years with no previous experience with yoga or meditation equivalent to MT. The mean number of days of MT practice was 26.4, and 11 participants had interruptions. The median values of pre-, during-, and post-total FFMQ scores were 115.5, 123, and 129, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the total pre and post (p < 0.001) and during and post (p = 0.002) FFMQ scores, though a medium effect was found (r = 0.30) only between the pre and post scores. Of the five sub-scales of FFMQ, significant differences were observed only between pre and post Observing (p = 0.01), Nonreactivity (p < 0.001), and Describing (p = 0.01), and during and post Nonjudging (p = 0.016), and Nonreactivity (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the simple, brief, and flexible self-breathing method employed in this study has a substantial effect on fostering trait mindfulness and, therefore, can be adopted by people with hectic daily schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, poses significant risks to physical health, leading to a reduced quality of life (QoL), increased disability, and higher mortality rates among older adults. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent the cascading effects of sarcopenia, including falls, fractures, and hospitalization. This study determined an optimal cut-off point of the SarQoL® score that can serve as an effective screening tool among community-dwelling Korean older adults. Methods: The study involved 451 South Korean older adults, assessing the correlation between SarQoL® scores and sarcopenia as defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. Participants completed the Korean version of the SarQoL questionnaire. Results: Findings revealed that individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia had significantly lower SarQoL® scores compared to non-sarcopenic participants, with a cut-off score of ≤58.5 providing good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.768, sensitivity = 69.3%, specificity = 75.2%). Conclusions: These results underscore the questionnaire's reliability and validity in screening for sarcopenia-related QoL impairment and its potential utility as a clinical tool. Implementing the SarQoL® in routine assessments could improve clinical outcomes by enabling earlier and more precise identification of sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental healthcare for children and adolescents with a history of childhood abuse constitutes a major public health issue. Indeed, abuse exposes children to severe and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) but also to neurodevelopmental and psychological repercussions impacting the developmental trajectory. Trauma-focused care is essential to avoid the chronicization of symptoms and disorders. Objective: The aim of this prospective case series study was to investigate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on complex post-traumatic symptoms and associated psychiatric disorders in adolescents with a history of abuse. Method: Twenty-two adolescents, aged 12 to 17, who had been abused during childhood were included. All adolescents met ICD-11 criteria for complex PTSD. Subjective measures of PTSD and associated psychiatric disorders were taken before (T0) and after 3 months of EMDR therapy (T1). Results: The average PTSD symptom score on the CPTS-RI significantly decreased from 40.2 to 34.4 after EMDR, indicating improvement in post-traumatic symptoms. A significant decrease in the average depression score (CDI from 18.2 at T0 to 10.6 at T1), anxiety score (R–CMAS from 21.3 at T0 to 13.3 at T1), emotional regulation score (ALS from 29 at T0 to 10.8 at T1), insomnia score (ISI from 18.5 at T0 to T1 of 9.2 at T1), and harmful use of alcohol and drugs score (ADOSPA from 2.3 at T0 to 0.3 at T1) was observed after EMDR therapy, as well as an increase in quality of life (CBCL 4–16 score from 57.9 at T0 to 77.4 at T1). Conclusions: The results of this study are encouraging and suggest that EMDR may be effective in the symptom management reducing post-traumatic symptoms and certain comorbid disorders frequently seen in adolescents who have experienced childhood abuse. Further research is needed on adolescent populations suffering from cPTSD (e.g., randomized controlled trials with control groups and other therapies or evaluating the action of the different phases of the study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Developed countries report specific issues regarding the declining midwifery workforce, and their shortage could have serious consequences for women's sexual and reproductive health. The aim was to understand the perception of autonomy among midwives working in Spain, as well as factors related to their intention to leave the profession and their work environment. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. Population: midwives working in Spain in any field (clinical, research, teaching, or management). Results: A sample of 1060 midwives was obtained. Of these, 53.7% (n = 569) feel autonomous in their work, 92.4% (n = 978) perceive that their profession frequently suffers from external interference, 46.6% (n = 494) have experienced sexist behaviors at work, and 53% (n = 561) have considered leaving the profession in the last year. Midwives with less than 10 years of experience (57.7%), those aged 31–45 years (59.8%), those with temporary contracts (38.3%), and those working in hospital care (71.9%) show a higher rate of considering leaving the profession (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Considering the current midwifery workforce crisis in Spain, it seems urgent to improve the working conditions of midwives to ensure the continuity and quality of women's sexual and reproductive healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Regular follow-up treatment is important for the management of diabetes and to reduce the risk of complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the proportion of adult diabetic patients who miss appointments, in addition to the potential correlation between personal characteristics, personality, and the context of family structure and characteristics and missed appointments by adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires and the patient medical records of 106 individuals who received healthcare services at the Khon Kaen Province primary care unit. Data were gathered from 1 November 2023 to 28 December 2023. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and Chi-Square statistics were used to evaluate the relationships with multivariate analyses via multinomial logistic regression and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The majority of patients in the sample, 39.62%, regularly missed appointments. There was a significant association between occasionally missed appointments and middle adulthood (p-value 0.013) and regular exercise (p-value 0.025). A moderate level of the agreeableness personality trait showed a significant association with missed appointments (p-value 0.042). Conclusions: It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient's personality and family characteristics to effectively plan their healthcare and provide optimal support for diabetes treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for informed decision making in cancer care. Communication aids that can help prostate cancer patients optimize their involvement in treatment care planning are not widely used in the U.S. This research details the adaptation and validation process of a patient prompt list for localized prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment decisions. Methods: This process occurred in three steps: Step 1 involved gathering usable questions from the literature; in Step 2, we evaluated the tool's content via expert (N = 6) feedback; and in Step 3, we assessed the usefulness of the prompt list with patients (N = 30). Results: Sixty percent of candidate questions (20/33) were retained for inclusion after achieving acceptable item-level content validity index (range: 0.83–1.00) and scale-level content validity index (S-CVI = 0.96) scores. The final 20 questions were classified into 5 domains (1: Treatment Options and Information, 2: Side Effects, Risks, and Recovery, 3: Emotional and Social Support, 4: Logistical and Practical Concerns, and 5: Future Health Considerations) through a card sorting exercise with a subset of patients (N = 3) and providers (N = 2). Most patients rated the prompt list as "useful or very useful" both to themselves (80%, N = 24) and to other men presenting with prostate cancer (83%, N = 25). Conclusions: The participatory process used to develop and validate the prompt list offers insights for the development of similar tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The goal of our research is to demonstrate how the combination of Rectal wall Plication (RP) and robotic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (VMR) results in a safe and effective operation that provides superior outcomes for patients with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS). Methods: In a total of 78 women with ODS with posterior compartment prolapse, 30 had VMR whereas 33 received VMR plus RP. We assessed VMR and VMR + RP's efficacy and safety, as well as their influence on quality of life and sexual function. Results: At the median follow-up, both groups' POP-Q categorization scores for the posterior compartment decreased (p < 0.001). In terms of quality of life, the PISQ-12 showed an increase in sexual quality (30.12 ± 7.12 vs. 35.98 ± 5.98 in the VMR group and 29.65 ± 6.45 vs. 29.65 ± 6.45 in the VMR + RP group, p = 0.041). In the VMR + RP group, the number of sexually active patients with at least two sexual interactions per month rose (p = 0.033). At the median follow-up, the ODS score values differed significantly (7.11 ± 1.65 vs. 1.88 ± 1.89, p = 0.013). Conclusions: The combination of rectal wall plication and ventral mesh rectopexy may result in improved bowel function and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with Colorectal Cancer (CRC), tumour-intrinsic characteristics and treatment received with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of data from 805 survivors from the MCC study was conducted. HRQoL was assessed through a general and specific questionnaire, SF-12 and FCSI (Colorectal Symptom Index). Statistical analyses were performed with linear regression with adjustment for sociodemographic variables, stage at diagnosis and histological grade. Results: Participants had survived a median of 7.9 years from diagnosis (IQR 7.1–8.5 years). Age at diagnosis, sex and area showed a clear association with HRQoL in both physical and mental dimensions of the SF-12 questionnaire. A direct association between CRC recurrence was also found in the PCS-12 and MCS-12 dimensions and radical surgery in the PCS-12. Regarding the scores in FCSI questionnaire, statistically significant differences were observed by sex, age and area, with older women being the most impaired (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age, sex and area was associated with lower scores of HRQoL among CRC survivors. Knowing the determinants related to HRQoL would allow us to lay the groundwork to develop strategies that help reduce morbidity and mortality, relapses and increase HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Emergency Medical Response Systems (EMRSs) play a vital role in delivering medical aid during natural and man-made disasters. This quantitative research delves into the analysis of risk and effectiveness within Serbia's Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with a special emphasis on how work organization, resource distribution, and preparedness for mass casualty events contribute to overall disaster preparedness. Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of 7 sections and a total of 88 variables, distributed to and collected from 172 healthcare institutions (Public Health Centers and Hospitals). Statistical methods, including Pearson's correlation, multivariate regression analysis, and chi-square tests, were rigorously applied to analyze and interpret the data. Results: The results from the multivariate regression analysis revealed that the organization of working hours (β = 0.035) and shift work (β = 0.042) were significant predictors of EMS organization, explaining 1.9% of the variance (R2 = 0.019). Furthermore, shift work (β = −0.045) and working hours (β = −0.037) accounted for 2.0% of the variance in the number of EMS points performed (R2 = 0.020). Also, the availability of ambulance vehicles (β = 0.075) and financial resources (β = 0.033) explained 4.1% of the variance in mass casualty preparedness (R2 = 0.041). When it comes to service area coverage, the regression results suggest that none of the predictors were statistically significant. Based on Pearson's correlation results, there is a statistically significant correlation between the EMS organization and several key variables such as the number of EMS doctors (p = 0.000), emergency medicine specialists (p = 0.000), etc. Moreover, the Chi-square test results reveal statistically significant correlations between EMS organization and how EMS activities are conducted (p = 0.001), the number of activity locations (p = 0.005), and the structure of working hours (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Additionally, the results underscore the necessity for increased financial support, standardized protocols, and enhanced intersectoral collaboration to strengthen Serbia's EMRS and improve overall disaster response effectiveness. Based on these findings, a clear roadmap is provided for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and EMS personnel to prioritize strategic interventions and build a robust emergency medical response system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Digital health applications (DHAs) promise to improve disease self-management, but adherence remains suboptimal. We aimed to explore self-monitoring practices of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) patients. A web-survey was conducted over 7 months including RMD patients to study their self-monitoring practices and the potential of DHAs. Methods: Health, sociodemographic, and technology adherence indicators were retrieved for comparison. Regression analyses and unsupervised profiling were performed to investigate multiple patient profiles. Results: From 228 responses gathered, most reported willingness to use DHAs to monitor their condition (78% agreement), although the majority rarely/never tracked symptoms (64%), often due to stable condition or no perceived value (62%). Of those tracking regularly, 52% used non-digital means. Participants with regular self-monitoring practices were more open to use a self-monitoring app (OR = 0.8 [0.6, 0.9]; p = 0.008) and be embedded in multidisciplinary care (OR = 1.4 [1.1, 1.6]; p < 0.001), but showed worse health status (g = 0.4; p = 0.006). Cluster analyses revealed three distinct groups of reasons for not tracking regularly ( χ 2 = 174.4; p < 0.001), two characterised by perceived low disease activity. Conclusions: Effective use of DHAs remains limited and non-digital means prevail in symptom monitoring. Findings suggest that better patient engagement strategies and passive monitoring should be adopted in early development stages of DHAs for better long-term disease self-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]