Category: Statistics

Scand J Psychol. 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/sjop.70088. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental language disorder (DLD) are neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) that share etiological factors and frequently co-occur. Despite this, they have rarely been studied together-particularly in relation to functional outcomes. In this study, we investigate the association between the developmental pattern of sustained visual attention in infancy and number of diagnoses, and map the clinical profile of 6-year-old children. A cohort of 6-year-olds, originally recruited in infancy due to elevated (n = 42) or low (n = 7) likelihood of ASD, were assessed for sustained visual attention, diagnostic outcomes, general adaptive functioning, intellectual abilities, and language skills. Participants were grouped based on the number of NDC diagnoses (ASD, ADHD, DLD, and/or Subthreshold ASD) they received at follow-up. We could not find statistical support for an association between sustained visual attention and number of diagnoses. Findings revealed no significant differences in adaptive functioning, intellectual abilities, or language skills between children with no diagnosis (n = 24) and those with a single diagnosis (n = 15). However, children with two or more diagnoses (n = 10) scored significantly lower in general adaptive functioning, intellectual ability, language production, and verbal comprehension compared to those with only one or no diagnosis. The results indicate that compared to children with only one diagnosis or no diagnosis, children with two or more diagnoses scored lower on several key functional domains, emphasizing the need to prioritize children with multiple diagnoses or confirmed functional impairment in clinical settings. Moreover, the findings indicate that a single diagnosis in preschool-aged children should not be a stand-alone outcome measure in sibling studies, if the goal is to identify early processes that predict meaningful differences in everyday functioning.

PMID:41802979 | DOI:10.1111/sjop.70088

Womens Health Issues. 2026 Mar 9:S1049-3867(26)00032-0. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2026.01.007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Engagement with routine health care services before pregnancy provides an opportunity for providers to identify and address preexisting conditions or behaviors that may be associated with adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Research demonstrates the importance of timely and adequate prenatal care (PNC) to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examines the relationships between routine health care utilization in the year before pregnancy, PNC adequacy, and gestational age at birth in Mississippi residents who recently gave birth.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, secondary analysis of Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from 2016 to 2021 was completed. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and generalized linear models for complex survey design were conducted. Variables of interest included health care utilization in the year before pregnancy, PNC adequacy, and gestational age at birth. The adequacy of PNC was reported as a categorical variable using the Kessner Index.

RESULTS: Among a sample of 6,552, 52% engaged in routine health care in the year before pregnancy; participants who engaged in routine health care in the year before pregnancy had a higher probability of receiving adequate PNC compared with those who did not (p = .009). Compared with those without, participants with health insurance had a higher probability of receiving routine health care in the year before pregnancy and adequate PNC (p < .001). Compared with those with lower incomes, participants with higher incomes had a higher probability of receiving routine health care in the year before pregnancy and adequate PNC (p < .001). The probability of adequate PNC was 77%, with white participants having a higher probability of receiving adequate PNC than Black participants (p < .001).

CONCLUSION: Routine health care utilization in the year before pregnancy increases the likelihood of receiving adequate PNC. Providers should maximize opportunities in the prepregnancy period to address health concerns and lifestyle choices that will impact future pregnancies. Additional research focused on the barriers to routine health care is warranted as researchers seek to understand high maternal and infant mortality rates.

PMID:41802973 | DOI:10.1016/j.whi.2026.01.007

Environ Int. 2026 Mar 9:110153. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110153. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41802969 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110153

Environ Int. 2026 Mar 9:110154. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110154. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The systematic review by Mevissen et al. (2025, Environment International) evaluated the evidence on the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in laboratory animals and concluded with a high certainty of evidence (CoE) that exposure to RF-EMF increases the risk of malignant glioma and malignant schwannoma in the brain and heart, respectively. Deviating from their pre-published systematic review protocol, the authors did not perform meta-analyses. Instead, they based their assessment on whether or not statistically significant increases in tumour rates were observed in the included studies. One positive finding was deemed sufficient to conclude an adverse effect of RF-EMF exposure in a specific organ, thereby setting the target of the CoE rating for that organ. Here, we question this approach because it does not consider all the available evidence, and highlight further methodologically inconsistent decisions, while laying out a quantitative alternative based on the protocol and common guidelines for systematic reviews. Re-assessing the eligible long-term carcinogenicity experiments, we consider important studies to be sufficiently similar to be combined in a meta-analysis (MA). We calculate odds ratios as the effect measure and perform MA as well as dose-response MA. Rating the results using GRADE and OHAT guidance, we downgrade the CoE for imprecision due to the very wide confidence intervals of the pooled odds ratios, and upgrade the CoE for malignant heart schwannomas because of a positive exposure-response association, concluding moderate and low CoE for carcinogenicity of RF-EMF exposures in the heart and brain, respectively. In summary, our quantitative assessment of the evidence results in lower CoE conclusions than those of Mevissen et al.

PMID:41802968 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110154

J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):169-173. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical instruction plays a vital role in allied health education, including supervising students learning to manage patients presenting with persistent pain.

PURPOSE: Investigate if the number of hours of pain science continuing education (PSCE) influenced physical therapy Clinical Instructors (CIs) confidence, knowledge, beliefs, and practice patterns related to persistent pain.

METHODS: The survey included pain science knowledge, PSCE hours, beliefs, confidence, and practice patterns related to persistent pain. A Mann-Whitney-U test was utilized for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: 44 responses were received. CIs completing p≥11 hours had improved knowledge (p=0.047), confidence (p<0.001), and beliefs (p=0.021) related to managing persistent pain.

CONCLUSION: Additional PSCE has the potential to positively impact CIs ability to mentor PT students.

PMID:41802966 | DOI:10.21091/jah.2026.01022

J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):163-167. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01021.

ABSTRACT

Healthcare students must be prepared to work with vulnerable populations. Because of the complexity of these individuals, an interprofessional approach is crucial. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interprofessional service-learning experience on students’ self-reported attainment of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. Thirteen students (physical therapy and pharmacy) participated in the experience and completed the full pre and post Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Scale (ICCAS). After participating in the experience, students showed a statistically significant improvement in 17 of the 20 items on the ICCAS. Of those 17 items, 14 exceeded the minimal detectible change. Participation in a single interprofessional experience improved students’ self-reported score of attainment of the IPEC core competencies.

PMID:41802965 | DOI:10.21091/jah.2026.01021

J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):81-86. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01009.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Up to 15% of U.S. higher education students have a learning disability (LD) such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dysgraphia, which impacts academic skill acquisition. Limited research exists on students with LDs in healthcare science programs, and their representation in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is unknown. This study aimed to explore the presence of students with LDs in Alabama DPT programs and to examine their perceptions of how their LDs impacted them and whether programs provided adequate accommodations.

METHODS: A 12-item online survey was distributed to 326 students across five Alabama DPT programs.

RESULTS: Ninety-two students completed the survey; these students were mostly female (n=72) and in the age range of 23-24 years old (n=51). Data revealed that students with LDs were present in these programs. Some reported that their LDs influenced their ability to gain admission and that accommodations during enrollment were insufficient. However, most students felt their LDs would not hinder their clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that DPT programs should acknowledge the growing presence of students with LDs, address potential barriers to admission, and ensure effective accommodations are provided. Encouraging students to utilize accommodations offices could enhance their academic experience. The confidence of students with LDs in their clinical abilities should inspire both prospective students and DPT programs to support diversity in physical therapy education.

PMID:41802955 | DOI:10.21091/jah.2026.01009

J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):69-75. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01008.

ABSTRACT

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate patient sexual behaviors (IPSBs) directed toward physical therapy students in the United States. Secondary objectives were to estimate whether IPSB is primarily performed by individuals with cognitive impairments, whether students report IPSB, whether students find their clinical instructor (CI) or faculty members’ responses helpful, and whether students receive training on IPSB in school. A survey was distributed to 793 individuals who had graduated from physical therapy programs in the United States within the prior year. Respondents were asked if they had experienced specific IPSBs during their clinical experiences, the cognitive status of the individuals engaging in those behaviors, and whether they told anyone about their worst experience. If a respondent told a CI or a faculty member, they were asked if that individual’s response was helpful. 68 responses were received, and 80.9% reported experiencing IPSB. For most inappropriate behaviors, respondents indicated that cognitively intact individuals were the most common offenders. 62% of respondents reported their worst experience of IPSB to their CIs, but only 8% reported the experience to faculty. When reported, most respondents found their CI or faculty member’s response helpful. Over half received training on IPSB in school.

PMID:41802954 | DOI:10.21091/jah.2026.01008

J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):41-47. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01005.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Financing of professional physical therapy programs has shifted over the last decade with tuition increases of over 100% during this timeframe despite only a 10% rise in salaries.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the debt burden of students enrolled in full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs to determine the percentage of students likely to be negatively affected by debt service upon graduation.

METHODS: A survey was distributed to responders (N = 703) who represented 1st-year (35%), 2nd-year (34%), and 3rd-year (31%) students from public (45%) and private (52%) institutions.

RESULTS: Responders borrowed $101,444 ± $53,102 to pay for their program (median $100,000, mode $150,000). Almost 50% of students enrolled in private programs reported the total debt (undergraduate loan plus DPT loan) would surpass the $150,000 threshold identified as benchmark for net present value. As a percentage of salary, the sample would pay approximately 20% to service the debt in 120 months (10 years) and the debt would only represent 10% of salary if the repayment was made over a period of 25 years.

CONCLUSION: As a result of this borrowing and repayment, graduates should expect financial burdens, professional choices based on income, and impacts on personal decisions.

PMID:41802951 | DOI:10.21091/jah.2026.01005

J Allied Health. 2026 Spring;55(1):33-40. doi: 10.21091/jah.2026.01004.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Certified surgical technologists (CSTs) promote asepsis principles due to their specialized education, help¬ing to minimize surgical site infections (SSIs). However, closing the empathy gap could support understanding and commitment to aseptic technique and improve outcomes.

METHODS: A single intervention, randomized posttest control group design was used to study the effect of a patient experiential video on the state empathy and aseptic technique performance of a convenience sample of CSTs (n = 133). The predictive ability of empathy and safety on CST exam scores was also examined. Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) controlling for CST exam scores, independent t-tests, and regression analysis.

RESULTS: Differences between the means for the experimental and control groups were not significant. There was a statistically significant increase in mean associative empathy scores between the groups of 1.18 points, 95% CI [-0.01, 2.36], t(131) = 1.96, p < 0.05, d = 0.341. Empathy and safety scores statistically significantly predicted CST score (adjusted R2 = 0.14, p < 0.005). The aseptic safety score added significantly to the prediction, p = 0.001.

CONCLUSION: The significant difference in associative empathy scores produced by a patient-presented video could reduce the empathy gap, reduce psychological reactance, and improve aseptic techniques for CSTs.

PMID:41802950 | DOI:10.21091/jah.2026.01004