Nevin Manimala

West Afr J Med. 2026 Apr 30;43(1):29-34.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is the extent to which a healthcare facility fulfils patients’ expectations. It is a critical and integral part of patient-oriented healthcare, serving as a key indicator for measuring the quality of care provided to patients. Assessing patients’ satisfaction with care is a way of obtaining feedback from patients, which can be a measure of the effectiveness of healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the level of patient satisfaction with services received at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, to improve healthcare services.

METHODS: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH). The BHUTH is a private tertiary hospital located in Plateau State’s capital city of Jos, the North-central region of Nigeria. Participants were selected conveniently from the outpatient clinics and wards. The data was collected using the Long-form Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-III) and included the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. There are seven domains in the PSQ-III, namely General satisfaction, Technical quality, Interpersonal care, Communication, Financial aspects, Time spent with the doctor, and Access/availability/convenience. Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 27.

RESULTS: There were 236 respondents. A little more than half (51.7%) of the patients were in the 18 – 39 years age group, and more (59.7%) were females. A majority (62.7%) of the responders had attained a tertiary level of education. The overall patient satisfaction rate was 67.6%. Only 52.5% of patients reported having a high general satisfaction, 56.4% were highly satisfied with the financial aspects of healthcare services, and 86.0% had high satisfaction with the communication.

CONCLUSION: This study has revealed an overall average patient satisfaction. Among the domains of satisfaction assessed, communication had the highest rate of satisfaction, and the financial aspect of healthcare services was among the lowest rates of patient satisfaction. These findings can help prioritize strategies for improving healthcare services.

PMID:42177807

Matern Child Nutr. 2026 Jul;22(3):e70203. doi: 10.1111/mcn.70203.

ABSTRACT

Achieving good treatment coverage and outcomes for acutely malnourished children is challenging in resource limited and remote settings. Inclusion of treatment within integrated community case management (iCCM) programmes has shown promise, but evidence is limited. We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial in rural villages within the districts of Hargeisa, Gabiley, and Faraweyne in Somaliland. We compared treatment coverage and outcomes between 18 villages implementing iCCM, where cases of malnutrition (mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 12.5 cm and/or oedema) were referred to MCH clinics, and 19 villages implementing iCCM +, where malnutrition treatment was provided by family health workers (FHW) at village level. Coverage was measured in a closed household cohort at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. Treatment outcomes were determined in an open cohort of cases that were identified by the iCCM FHW and followed up on each month. The prevalence of acute malnutrition diagnosed using MUAC was four-fold lower compared to that diagnosed using weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ) (3% vs. 13%). This larger than expected difference resulted in the study being underpowered. Treatment coverage was 27% and 23% in the control and intervention arms at baseline and increased sharply in the intervention arm with an adjusted difference of 20 percentage points. However, the improvement was not statistically significant (adjusted OR 2.55 (95% CI 0.4, 18.8) p = 0.344). Cases were more likely to start treatment in the intervention arm (difference 71.9% (95% CI 58.1, 85.7) p < 0.001), but relapse and non-response were more frequent (p = 0.041 & p = 0.004). Over diagnosis of acute malnutrition by FHW was high, with 67.4% and 77.4% of cases being misdiagnosed in the control and intervention arm, respectively. While the integration of malnutrition treatment with iCCM shows potential for improving treatment coverage in some contexts, careful consideration should be given to the level of training and supervision required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN31437934. Registered 3/10/2023.

PMID:42177798 | DOI:10.1111/mcn.70203

Int J Epidemiol. 2026 Apr 17;55(3):dyag060. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyag060.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exposure to heat and cold are associated with adverse birth outcomes, but whether ambient temperature affects embryonic and early fetal development remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between ambient temperature exposure during early pregnancy and crown-rump length (CRL).

METHODS: Data from the Generation R Next Study (2017-2021) were analysed, with findings replicated in the Generation R Study (2002-2006), both population-based cohorts based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Weekly mean temperatures were modeled from the last menstrual period onward at a spatial resolution of 100 × 100 m by using the UrbClim™ model. The CRL was measured via 2D ultrasound at approximately 8, 10, and 12 weeks’ gestation in pregnancies with regular menstrual cycles. Distributed lag nonlinear models were applied.

RESULTS: In Generation R Next (N = 1378; mean maternal age 31.9 years), higher temperatures during the first 9 weeks were associated with a smaller CRL at 12 weeks {e.g. -7.2 mm [95% confidence interval (CI) -12.0, -2.3] at 19.2 vs 9.0°C during weeks 1-6}. Colder exposures during the first 11 weeks were also associated with a smaller CRL [-7.6 mm (95% CI -11.9, -3.3) at 3.6 vs 9.0°C during weeks 1-11]. No associations were observed for CRL at 8 or 10 weeks. Similar associations with cold, but not heat, were observed in the replication cohort (N = 1520).

CONCLUSION: Moderate cold and heat exposure during early pregnancy may affect fetal development as early as the first trimester. These findings indicate that early gestational development may be sensitive to ambient temperature and, as environmental conditions shift, may have potential clinical implications for birth outcomes and long-term health.

PMID:42177794 | DOI:10.1093/ije/dyag060

Aging Ment Health. 2026 May 24:1-8. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2672087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations among emotional intelligence (EI), self-actualization, and future time perspective (FTP) in community-dwelling older adults, and to determine whether EI and self-actualization predict FTP.

METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 265 adults aged ≥ 60 years was recruited from community older adults clubs. Validated measures of EI, self-actualization, and FTP were administered via structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS: Participants reported moderate EI and self-actualization and moderate-to-high FTP. FTP correlated positively with EI (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and self-actualization (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). In regression analyses, EI (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and self-actualization (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) independently predicted FTP, explaining 37.9% of its variance.

CONCLUSION: EI and self-actualization are key psychological resources associated with a more expansive FTP in later life. Interventions that strengthen emotional and personal development may support motivation, resilience, and healthy aging. However, the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling approach limit causal inference and generalizability of the findings.

PMID:42177787 | DOI:10.1080/13607863.2026.2672087

Arch Suicide Res. 2026 May 24:1-13. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2026.2675592. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gatekeeper training is a widely endorsed strategy for suicide prevention education, yet its effectiveness in real-world healthcare settings remains underexplored. Within the Zero Suicide framework, training the healthcare workforce to recognize and respond to suicide risk is a key implementation component.

OBJECTIVE: This evaluation examined whether a suicide prevention gatekeeper training implemented at an academic medical center was associated with differences in self-perceived suicide prevention competencies among healthcare employees.

METHODS: Pre- and post-training questionnaires were administered to employees at University of Utah Health who participated in gatekeeper training between 2023 and mid-2025. A total of 1,658 completed questionnaires were analyzed, assessing self-reported competencies in suicide risk identification, referral knowledge, supportive listening, and comfort initiating conversations about suicide.

RESULTS: Results demonstrated statistically significant differences across all self-reported domains, with medium-to-large effect sizes for referral knowledge and warning sign recognition. Differences were consistent across years and among both patient-facing and non-patient-facing staff.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest higher self-perceived suicide prevention competencies in post-training responses within a large real-world healthcare system setting. These results support the role of workforce training as a core component of the Zero Suicide framework. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs and objective behavioral measures to assess sustained impact and inform best practices.

PMID:42177782 | DOI:10.1080/13811118.2026.2675592

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2026 May;9(5):e70569. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.70569.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acral melanoma (AM) is a distinct melanoma subtype associated with delayed diagnosis, aggressive progression, and poor prognosis once distant metastasis occurs. However, prediction models specifically designed for distant metastasis risk stratification in AM remain limited.

AIMS: This study aimed to develop and internally evaluate a machine learning-based model for individualized distant metastasis risk stratification in patients with AM.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical data of 1822 patients with AM diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 were extracted from the SEER database. Patients were divided into training and internal test sets at a ratio of 7:3 using stratified sampling. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with distant metastasis, and six machine learning algorithms were developed and compared. SMOTE was applied only to the training set to address class imbalance. Multivariate logistic regression identified sentinel lymph node biopsy as an independent protective factor, whereas higher N stage and lower median household income were independent risk factors. Among the evaluated models, LightGBM showed relatively balanced overall performance and was selected as the optimal model. SHAP analysis identified N stage, sentinel lymph node biopsy record, and median household income as the most important predictors.

CONCLUSION: The LightGBM model demonstrated moderate predictive performance for distant metastasis risk stratification in patients with AM. This model may serve as a research-oriented tool for individualized risk assessment, although external validation using independent real-world cohorts is required before clinical application.

PMID:42177779 | DOI:10.1002/cnr2.70569

J Econ Entomol. 2026 May 24:toag142. doi: 10.1093/jee/toag142. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a major pest of California strawberries, where feeding injury from nymphs and adults leads to fruit deformation and economic losses. Management relies heavily on insecticides, with supplemental mechanical removal using bug vacuums. Insecticide resistance and inconsistent vacuum efficacy have prompted interest in non-chemical alternatives. Ultraviolet-C light is currently used for powdery mildew management in California strawberries but has not been evaluated for efficacy against L. hesperus. This study assessed the ovicidal effects of ultraviolet-C on L. hesperus and determined LD50 and LD90 values for 1st, 3rd, and 5th instars. In laboratory assays, ultraviolet-C exposure at 350 J/m2 significantly reduced egg hatch compared to the control, while higher doses (650 and 1,000 J/m2) did not differ statistically. In the field-applied ultraviolet-C treatments, the 2024 results did not show significant hatch reductions, whereas the 2025 results showed a significant reduction in egg hatch at 1,015 J/m2. Dose-response modeling showed high lethal thresholds, with LD50 values ranging from 19,527 to 25,591 J/m2 across instars. Occasional molting disruption and wing deformities were observed after 5th instars molted into adults. These findings suggest that ultraviolet-C is not a viable stand-alone strategy for controlling L. hesperus nymphs but may offer a slight ovicidal effect. Further research is needed to evaluate sublethal effects and to explore integration with mechanical control methods, particularly in organic production systems where effective chemical strategies are limited.

PMID:42177777 | DOI:10.1093/jee/toag142

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2026 May 24:1-22. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2671839. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Personal technology might offer effective and efficient options for supporting successful self-management following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Its use in UK rehabilitation remains unclear. This study explores healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experience and attitudes towards using personal technology for self-management following mTBI.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of UK HCPs working in mTBI services was conducted, recruiting via social media, professional networks and snowball sampling. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Ninety-two HCPs responded representing a range of professions and mTBI services; not all services were mTBI specific. A variety of self-management interventions and outcome measures were reported. Among HCPs who offered self-management interventions (n = 55), 75% reported developing their own materials instead of using evidence-based resources. Fewer than half (n = 43, 47%) reported using personal technology to support self-management. Of those who did, most emailed resources or signposted patients to websites. Most (95%) participants agreed personal technology should be used in rehabilitation. Barriers included cost to patients and services, HCP/patient confidence with technology and concerns about losing face-to-face interactions.

CONCULSIONS: Despite HCPs receptiveness to digital self-management interventions, findings suggest personal technology is not routinely used in UK mTBI services. Personal and organisational implementation barriers need to be addressed to ensure people with mTBI benefit from personal technology for self-management. Further work should identify and test adoption strategies.

PMID:42177775 | DOI:10.1080/17483107.2026.2671839

West Afr J Med. 2026 Apr 30;43(1):22-28.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, the burden of critical illness and risk factors for mortality remains poorly described. This study describes the epidemiology of patients admitted at the children’s emergency ward (EW) and risk factors for Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and in-hospital mortality (IHM).

METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients admitted to the Children’s EW of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1st December 2022 to 30th November 2023. Patient’s demographics, presenting clinical features and diagnosis at admission were extracted. The primary outcome was PICU admission. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospital stay and IHM.

RESULTS: There were 649 patients; 421(64.9%) were <5 years old. Median age was 2.3 (interquartile range 0.8-7.0) years. Most common presenting features were dyspnoea [269 (41.4%)], vomiting [182 (28%)] and hypoxaemia [188 (29%)]. At presentation, 51 (7.9%) and 63 (10.3%) had altered mental status and seizures, respectively, while the most common diagnoses were sepsis [250 (39%)], malaria [192 (30%)], and pneumonia [165(26%)]. At presentation, 217 (33.5%), 110 (16.9%), 48 (7.4%), and 32 (4.9%) required oxygen, blood transfusion, fluid bolus, and inotropes, respectively. Twenty (3.1%) patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 101 (15.6%) required PICU admission. Median duration of hospital stay was 5 (interquartile range 3-9) days, while IHM was 74 (6.6%) patients. On bivariate analysis, gender, dehydration, breathlessness, dyspnoea, cyanosis, cold extremities, thready pulses and altered mental state were associated with mortality, while breathlessness, hypoxaemia, dyspnoea, dehydration, cyanosis, thready pulses, cold extremities, convulsion and altered mental status were associated with PICU admission.

CONCLUSION: Shock state and hypoxaemia were associated with poor outcomes in paediatric emergencies. The introduction of basic critical care services will reduce the burden of adverse outcomes.

PMID:42177770

J Aging Soc Policy. 2026 May 24:1-25. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2026.2673813. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Caregiver-employees provide unpaid adult care while simultaneously managing employment. The negative health and employment impacts incurred by caregiver-employees have drawn attention to caregiver-friendly workplace policies internationally, which is the focus of this research. Aging populations and changing workforce demographics present challenges for work-life balance. Using PRISMAs methodological guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy to explore the availability of carer-friendly workplace policies was implemented using 17 databases, as developed in consultation with a health science (SS) and a commerce (IP) librarian. Articles included in the review were published between May 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023, written or translated to English, and specifically discussed the provision of unpaid adult care. A total of 45 articles were included in the review, with 53 unique workplaces identified. Using descriptive statistics and content analysis, this study specifically names organizations, their location, and the carer-inclusive policies currently being offered. Workplaces in the finance, technology and healthcare industry/sectors offered the most caregiver-friendly accommodations. Web/App based supports are emerging rapidly among workplaces. Organizational culture change was found to be the most prominent transformative support. The results of this study can inform international policy in response to adapting labor markets to increasing demands of unpaid care.

PMID:42177768 | DOI:10.1080/08959420.2026.2673813