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Worldwide, nephrolithiasis is a disease with an increased frequency of presence and symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life (QoL) and the factors influencing it in patients who have undergone pigtail catheter placement. Α cross‐sectional study was implemented in 85 patients from the Urology Clinic/University General Hospital of Crete, Greece, recruited during November 2022 and January 2023. Patients' demographic and medical history profile were recorded and their QoL and state anxiety status assessed using the SF‐36 and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐S) scales based on multiple logistic regression analysis. The majority of patients were female (55.3%) and the mean age of all was 53.7 years (±11.5). QoL was moderate to high while 30.6% and 35.3% of patients presented high quality of Physical and Mental Components, respectively. For Anxiety, moderate mean scores were found while 62.4% presented high anxiety. Patients with low/moderate State Anxiety compared with their counterparts had better QoL in the SF‐36 subscales (p < 0.05). In the Physical Component, higher odds of high QoL appear to be found in females versus males (odds ratio, OR = 8.68, p = 0.008), in higher income categories (OR = 5.74, p < 0.001) and in patients with low/moderate anxiety (OR = 12.87, p < 0.001), while in the Mental Component higher odds were found for higher income categories (OR = 2.19, p = 0.018) and patients with low/moderate anxiety (OR = 7.20, p = 0.001). Better QoL in patients with nephrolithiasis and pigtail is associated with female gender, higher living standards and lower state anxiety, allowing more effective interventions by health professionals to alleviate patients' symptoms and empower them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the life of patients undergoing chronic periodic hemodialysis. It negatively affects their social, economic and family status, and particularly their psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of the quality of life (QoL) and psychological burden of patients undergoing hemodialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 63 patients. Τhe majority were men (63.5%), and the mean age of the patients was 66.7 years (±12.9) with 61.9% aged 65–89 years. Data collection was performed in 2021 using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF™) research tools, and their relationships were assessed using parametric and non-parametric methods. Moderate to mild levels of Anxiety and Depression were found. Physical and Mental Composite Scores were mild to moderate, with the Mental Composite Score being significantly higher (p < 0.05). Anxiety and Depression were significantly correlated with lower QoL (p < 0.05), while a higher educational level was correlated with lower Depression Symptom Levels and higher QoL for Disease Symptoms, Disease Effects, Physical Functioning, Vitality and Overall Health (p < 0.05). A higher number of years of hemodialysis was correlated with lower levels of Anxiety and higher levels of Quality of Sleep (p < 0.05). Ease of Access to the Hemodialysis Unit was correlated with lower levels of Social Support (p < 0.05). The highest Mental Composite Scores were also correlated with a higher level of education, with patients living in urban areas, and with a higher monthly income (p < 0.05). Patients with moderate or severe levels of Anxiety and Depression had a lower QoL in the Physical and Mental Composite Scores, indicating their dependence on the appropriate medical, nursing and social environment in order to attain higher levels of well-being, leading to the improvement of patients' health. This study was not registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the association of critical thinking (CT) and emotional intelligence (EI) versus CT and learning environment (LE) in order to investigate which has the greatest influence EI or LE. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 s-year healthcare university students in two nursing and one medical schools from three universities in Greece, between October and December 2020. Critical Thinking Disposition Scale, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form were administered. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, with five steps, was used to compare the associations of CT and EI to CT and LE. Participants' mean age (years) was 20.9 (6.6 SD); 82.6% female; 86.8% studying nursing. Students mean scores were moderate to high for CT disposition (44.7 ± 4.68). The general characteristics (age, gender, and school) were not significantly associated with CT (p > 0.05). However, CT was positively associated with LE (UCB = 0.064 & p < 0.001) and EI (UCB = 1.522 & p < 0.001). Moreover, CT seems to be associated in a higher degree (R2 change adj = 0.036 & p < 0.001) with emotional intelligence (UCB = 1.522) than with learning environment (UCB = 0.064). Our findings suggest a different more optimal pathway for educators to improve the CT of their students through EI and not with LE as believed till now. By focusing on improving EI, educators may help their students become critical thinkers, who will provide better quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate how parents of children, adolescents, and young adults with DM1 perceived quality of life and psychological burden during the lockdown period of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 110 parents in Greece in spring 2021. Perceived quality of life was measured using the Parent Diabetes Distress Scale, and psychological burden was measured using the Spielberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, and both were assessed with correlational analysis. Overall, 79.1% of the parents were females ,while the mean age of all was 44.4 years (±5.8). PDDS was found to be moderate (mean 2.42 ± 0.76): 63.6% of respondents had moderate/high distress. The highest mean score was for Teen Management Distress and the lowest for Healthcare Team (3.02 vs. 1.49, p < 0.001). STAI was found to be moderate to high, with a higher mean score for state versus trait anxiety (49.8 vs. 48.0, p = 0.006). Increased distress or poorer parents' quality of life was related with the highest number of hyperglycemic episodes (β = 0.25, p = 0.002), the fewest hypoglycemic episodes (β = −0.18, p = 0.024), and the highest parental trait anxiety (β = 0.04, p < 0.001). Parents were found with moderate-to-high distress and anxiety, and their correlation also shows that there is an urgent need for suitable education of parents on managing the disease to improve quality of life and eliminate health risks to all involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care physicians and residents towards the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Greece during March 2021. The population frame for the study was a list of currently practicing primary care physicians and residents who were registered within one of the main associations of general/family medicine in Greece. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for practices at higher levels (vs. lower) in relation to knowledge, attitudes, and general characteristics of participants. Overall, 194 participants completed the survey (e-response rate: 38.4%). In total, 94% of participants were familiar with official recommendations regarding SARS-CoV-2, and 88.7% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 or promptly intended to be. Physicians working in the private sector had a higher average practices score when compared to physicians working in the public sector (87.6 vs. 81.9, p < 0.05). Higher levels of attitudes predicted greater odds for higher levels of practices (odds ratio = 4.18, p < 0.05). Despite the relatively high COVID-19 vaccination rate of physicians, several participants were unvaccinated due to a then unscheduled first dose appointment. Attitudes were the only determinant for more proper practices towards the prevention of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Thalassemia is one of the most common genetic disorders in the Mediterranean region, and is therefore considered a serious public health issue. In chronic conditions of this kind, survival and quality of life (QOL) of the patients are of the utmost importance and are influenced by psychological and social constraints. The current study aimed to examine various factors affecting the psychological burden, focusing on anxiety and depression levels, as well as the quality of life (QOL) of people suffering from thalassemia in Crete (Greece). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 in 119 patients suffering from thalassemia from three hospitals. Validated scales were used to assess the relative parameters using multivariate regression analysis. Results: The data sample comprised 56 men (47.1%) and 63 women (52.9%) with an overall mean age of 39.7 years (± 8.5). Most of the participants exhibited low levels of anxiety/depression and high quality of life. Moreover, quality of life was found to relate positively with health status (p < 0.001), but multivariate logistic regression revealed that every unit on the anxiety score significantly increases the odds ratio for a lower quality of life score (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.19–2.32) or a reverse relationship with health status (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–1.00). Conclusion: Overall, the patients were found to have a fairly normal life, resembling the standards of the general population. They are highly aware of their quality of life and exhibit low levels of anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To report on ehealth literacy levels in nurses and to explore its associations with the nursing practice environment. Background: Nurses increasingly use the Internet and associated technologies to seek health‐relevant information and manage their health. Introduction: High ehealth literacy is a predictor of better health outcomes in diverse populations but its levels and work‐related determinants have not been adequately explored in direct‐care nurses. Methods: The sample for this cross‐sectional study consisted of 200 staff nurses and nursing assistants in Greece. Participants reported during February–March 2019 their sociodemographic and work‐related characteristics on a self‐administered questionnaire which included the "electronic Health Literacy Scale"—eHEALS, and the "Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index"—PES‐NWI. Crude and adjusted logistic regressions were performed. Findings: In adjusted models, participants that scored higher on the "Collegial nurse–physician relationships" and "Nurse participation in hospital affairs" dimensions of the clinical environment had higher odds of reporting better ehealth literacy. The lowest item score in eHEALS was related to not being able to make health decisions using Internet information. Discussion: Nurses' ehealth literacy was positively associated with some dimensions of the hospital practice environment. Nurses reported higher ehealth literacy scores in comparison to other studies; however, they were not confident in distinguishing reliable health information from Internet sources. This is quite alarming because it can directly impair the ability of nurses to provide relevant and up‐to‐date evidence‐based care. Conclusion: This is the first study to report internationally on the positive associations of a good working environment with nurses' ehealth literacy levels. Implications for Nursing and Nursing Policy: Nursing policy should address the ehealth literary of nurses and integrate it into continuing professional education initiatives. Special focus should be put on nurses' ambiguity in distinguishing which ehealth information is reliable and can guide nursing practice. This should be combined with efforts to improve the nursing clinical environment and increase nurses' participation in hospital decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To construct weight, height, head circumference and body mass index (BMI) percentile growth curves for Greek children 0–6.7 years old and to compare the BMI means and upper limits with both available Greek national and international data. Methods: Data were obtained from six cross-sectional and one longitudinal study, which included single, term healthy neonates, recruited at birth and followed until 6.7 years. A total of 12,619 measurements were performed on 7034 boys and girls from five counties in Greece in 1988–2005. The per gender-age percentile estimations were based on Box-Cox power transformations to normalize the data. BMI values were compared with available national data and with the CDC 2000 Growth Charts, the Euro-Growth Study, WHO 2006 Growth Standards and IOTF BMI values. Results: The mean birth weight was 3.5 kg in boys and 3.3 kg in girls, and all mean levels of body measurements were lower in girls than boys. The per gender-age mean BMI values were closer to the data of the Euro-Growth Study and significantly different from previous national and available international data. The 85th percentile of BMI was found significantly higher than all the international data. Conclusion: These growth curves could serve as an additional reference for Greece. That the 85th BMI percentile of this study was higher than all available data should be seriously addressed. Therefore, the growth patterns of preschool children from the present study could serve as approximate indicative values and assist in assessing the health level of the Greek child population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking is among the health risk behaviors taken up by many adolescents with lifelong consequences and associations with multiple health risk behaviors. Smoking and smoking initiation in adolescence involves an interaction between micro-, meso-, and macro systems, including neighborhoods and the greater community.Objectives: To examine the associations of individual social and economic capital with self-reported health, life satisfaction, and smoking behavior in adolescents.Methods: Using a multistage random sampling of junior high school students (16–18 years old) in Crete, Greece, 703 adolescents (90.2% 16 years old; 55.6% girls, participation rate 84.2%) completed an anonymous questionnaire based on HBSC study and the Youth Social Capital Scale (YSCS) during April–June 2008. Multiple logistic regression models were performed adjusted for potential confounders.Results: Adolescents with high participation in their neighborhoods and communities (higher structural social capital) displayed lower odds for daily smoking; those feeling unsafe (lower cognitive social capital) were at greater odds of daily smoking. Adolescents with less friends and acquaintances had lower odds of having tried tobacco products. Smoking was not related to any economic capital variables (perceived affluence, paternal and maternal employment status). Adolescents with low/medium versus high total social capital were at higher odds for low life satisfaction and fair/bad versus excellent self-rated health.Conclusions/Importance: Social capital theory may provide a better understanding in identifying the social context that is protective or harmful to adolescents' smoking. Public health organizations at all levels need to incorporate social capital theory in their interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives/Aim: This article reports the results of an observation study, aimed at exploring an association between spirituality, religiousness, and sense of coherence in a population group residing in a rural area of Crete, Greece. Study Design and Methods: The study was conducted during the period 2007-2009. Subjects aged 65 years and older (n = 118) living in two remote and rural villages in the Heraklion county (Crete) were eligible. Eighty-nine people (51 women and 38 men) participated. Demographic data were obtained, and all participants were asked to complete the Greek version of the self-reported Royal Free Interview for Spiritual and Religious Beliefs, and the Sense of Coherence Scale. Results: Most participants reported strong religious beliefs and this was found to be related with increased age. Widowed participants expressed greater religiousness and spirituality (p = 0.029). The total score for Sense of Coherence was negatively correlated with gender (women have lower scores, p < 0.05), marital status (widows presented lower scores, p < 0.001), and increased age. A strong positive correlation of the Sense of Coherence score with the Spiritual Scale as measured by three questions of the Royal Free Interview was also identified (p = 0.039). Conclusions: The impact of gender and marital status seem to be emerging determinants in defining sense of coherence among inhabitants of rural Crete. The positive association between religious/spiritual beliefs and sense of coherence deserves further attention to promote a multidimensional approach in its study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between empathy and mobile phone dependence levels of the nursing staff in a public hospital in the island of Crete, using a cross-sectional study design. Data from 109 staff nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs) were collected via the Greek version of the Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the correlation between empathy and mobile phone dependency. The total mean score for TEQ was 33.9 (±5.7). Accordingly, the total mean score for MPDQ was 22.9 (±6.1). High mobile phone dependence was found in 4.7% of the participants. A statistically significant difference was found between HCAs and staff nurses, with HCAs presenting a higher mean empathy levels (TEQ) (36.5 vs. 32.6) and lower dependence levels (MPDQ) (18.9 vs. 24.5) than staff nurses. A significant correlation between empathy and dependence was found between dependence and the altruism empathy subscale, with higher dependence being correlated with lower altruism. The participants' levels of empathy do not seem to be affected by mobile phone dependence. However, empathy appears to be strongly determined by increased age and professional status. Nurses' dependence on mobile phones is a complex phenomenon that requires attention. Educational programs on empathy and information on the proper use of mobile phones by the nursing staff should be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]