Tag: nevin manimala

BMC Psychol. 2024 Apr 23;12(1):225. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-01731-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Academic procrastination is a widespread phenomenon among students. Therefore, evaluating the related factors has always been among the major concerns of educational system researchers. The present study aimed to determine the relationship of academic procrastination with self-esteem and moral intelligence in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences students.

METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 205 medical sciences students. Participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria using the convenience sampling technique. The data collection tools included a demographic information form, Solomon and Rothblum’s Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Lennick and Kiel’s Moral Intelligence Questionnaire, all of which were completed online. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (multivariate linear regression with backward method) in SPSS software.

RESULTS: 96.1% of participating students experienced moderate to severe levels of academic procrastination. Based on the results of the backward multivariate linear regression model, the variables in the model explained 27.7% of the variance of academic procrastination. Additionally, self-esteem (P < 0.001, β=-0.942), grade point average (P < 0.001, β=-2.383), and interest in the study field (P = 0.006, β=-1.139) were reported as factors related to students’ academic procrastination.

CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, the majority of students suffer from high levels of academic procrastination. Furthermore, this problem was associated with low levels of self-esteem, grade point average, and interest in their field of study.

PMID:38654390 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-024-01731-8

Int Breastfeed J. 2024 Apr 23;19(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s13006-024-00637-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The collection of data on ‘infant feeding at hospital discharge’ is used to monitor breastfeeding outcomes, health service benchmarking, and research. While some Australian states have clear definitions of this data collection point, there is no operational definition of ‘infant feeding at hospital discharge’ in the Australian state of New South Wales. Little is known about how midwives interpret the term ‘infant feeding at hospital discharge’, in particular, the timeframe used to calculate these important indicators. The purpose of this study was to explore midwives’ and nurses’ practices of reporting ‘infant feeding at hospital discharge’ in the Australian state of New South Wales.

METHODS: An online survey was distributed across public and private maternity hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. The survey asked midwives and nurses their practice of reporting ‘infant feeding at discharge’ from categories offered by the state Mothers and Babies report of either “full breastfeeding”, “any breastfeeding”, and “infant formula only”. The Qualtrics survey was available from December 2021 to May 2022.

RESULTS: There were 319 completed surveys for analysis and all 15 NSW Health Districts were represented. Some participants reported using the timeframe ‘since birth’ as a reference (39%), however, the majority (54%, n = 173) referenced one of the feeding timeframes within the previous 24 h. Most midwives and nurses (83%, n = 265) recommended 24 h before discharge as the most relevant reference timeframe, and 65% (n = 207) were in favour of recording data on ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ since birth.

CONCLUSION: This study identified multiple practice inconsistencies within New South Wales reporting of ‘infant feeding at hospital discharge’. This has ramifications for key health statistics, state reporting, and national benchmarking. While the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative accreditation requires hospitals to demonstrate and continuously monitor at least a 75% exclusive breastfeeding rate on discharge, only 11 New South Wales facilities have achieved this accreditation. We recommend introducing an option to collect ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ on discharge’ which is in line with participant recommendations and the Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation. Other important considerations are the updated World Health Organization indicators such as, “Ever breastfed”; “Early initiation of breastfeeding” (first hour); “Exclusively breastfed for the first two days after birth”.

PMID:38654388 | DOI:10.1186/s13006-024-00637-w

Orthop Surg. 2024 Apr 23. doi: 10.1111/os.14042. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The reported date in the repeat surgical intervention for adolescent lumbar disc herniation (ALDH) after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) was quite scarce. This study aims to introduce cases of repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH and assess the incidence, chief causes, repeat surgery methods, and surgical outcomes of repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH.

METHODS: A retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted on patients undergoing repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH at four tertiary referral hospitals from January 2014 through August 2022. The incidence of repeat surgeries, chief causes, strategies for repeat surgeries, and timing of repeat surgeries were recorded and analyzed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) scores and the modified MacNab criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS: A total of 23 patients who underwent repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH were included. The chief causes were re-herniation (homo-lateral re-herniation at the same level, new disc herniation of adjacent level). The repeat surgery methods were revision PELD, micro-endoscopic discectomy (MED), open discectomy and instrumented lumbar inter-body fusion. The NRS scores decreased significantly in follow-up evaluations and these scores demonstrated significant improvement at the last follow-up (p < 0.002). For the modified MacNab criteria, at the last follow-up, 18 patients (78.26%) had an excellent outcome, and the overall success rate was 86.95%.

CONCLUSION: This study’s data suggest that young patients who underwent repeat surgery improved significantly compared to baseline. The chief cause was re-herniation. Revision PELD was the main surgical procedure, which provides satisfactory clinical results in young patients who underwent repeat surgeries.

PMID:38654387 | DOI:10.1111/os.14042

Contracept Reprod Med. 2024 Apr 24;9(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s40834-024-00283-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Puerperal sepsis, is a significant factor in maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in regions with lower income levels where maternal mortality rates are highest. However, it can be largely avoided if detected in time. Recognizing and dealing with the root causes early is essential in addressing this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia.

METHODS: An institutional-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 266 postpartum women (88 cases and 178 controls) from October 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023. For each case, two controls were chosen using a systematic random sampling approach. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire and medical record review. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between puerperal sepsis and independent variables. variables that had a crude association in the bivariable analysis (p < 0.25) were entered and analyzed by a multivariable binary logistic regression model to identify statistically significant factors. In the final model, Adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the strength of the association. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

RESULT: Rural residence (AOR = 6.9; 95% CI:2.77-17.10), having no formal education (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.55, 10.76), cesarean section delivery (AOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.30, 11.00) and complication during pregnancy (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.96, 11.10) were independent determinants of puerperal sepsis.

CONCLUSION: Place of residence, maternal education level, mode of delivery, and complication during pregnancy were determinants of puerperal sepsis. It is crucial to implement education and awareness initiatives aimed at mothers, ensure universal access to healthcare services, advocate for evidence-based delivery protocols, and conduct comprehensive antenatal screenings.

PMID:38654384 | DOI:10.1186/s40834-024-00283-x

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2024 Apr 23;16(1):87. doi: 10.1186/s13195-024-01451-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While evidence supports cognitive reserve (CR) in preserving cognitive function, longitudinal validation of CR proxies, including later-life factors, remains scarce. This study aims to validate CR’s stability over time and its relation to cognitive function in rural Chinese older adults.

METHODS: Within the project on the health status of rural older adults (HSRO), the survey included baseline assessment (2019) and follow-up assessment (2022). 792 older adults (mean age: 70.23 years) were followed up. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was constructed using cognitive reserve proxies that included years of formal education, social support, hobbies, and exercise. We examined the longitudinal validity of the CR factor using confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance and explored the association of CR with cognition using Spearman’s correlation and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE).

RESULTS: The results showed that CR’s CFA structure was stable over time (T0, χ²/df: 3.21/2; RMSEA: 0.02, and T1, χ²/df: 7.47/2; RMSEA: 0.05) and that it accepted both configural and metric invariance (Δχ²/df = 2.28/3, P = 0.52). In addition, it was found that CR had a stable positive relationship with cognitive function across time (T0, r = 0.54; T1, r = 0.49). Furthermore, longitudinal CR were associated with MMSE (β = 2.25; 95%CI = 2.01 ~ 2.49).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provided valuable evidence on the stability and validity of cognitive reserve proxy measures in rural Chinese older adults. Our findings suggested that cognitive reserve is associated with cognitive function over time and highlighted the importance of accumulating cognitive reserve in later life.

PMID:38654379 | DOI:10.1186/s13195-024-01451-6

J Health Popul Nutr. 2024 Apr 23;43(1):55. doi: 10.1186/s41043-024-00548-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyse the correlation between blood glucose control and the severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with diabetes.

METHODS: Clinical and imaging data of a total of 146 patients with diabetes combined with COVID-19 who visited our hospital between December 2022 and January 2023 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into the ‘good blood glucose control’ group and the ‘poor blood glucose control’ group based on an assessment of their blood glucose control. The clinical data, computed tomography (CT) appearance and score and the severity of COVID-19 infection of the two groups were compared, with the severity of COVID-19 infection being the dependent variable to analyse other influencing factors.

RESULTS: The group with poor blood glucose control showed a higher lobar involvement degree and total CT severity score (CTSS) than the group with good blood glucose control (13.30 ± 5.25 vs. 10.38 ± 4.84, p < 0.05). The two groups exhibited no statistically significant differences in blood lymphocyte, leukocyte, C-reaction protein, pleural effusion, consolidation, ground glass opacity or crazy-paving signs. Logistic regression analysis showed that the total CTSS significantly influences the clinical severity of patients (odds ratio 1.585, p < 0.05), whereas fasting plasma glucose and blood glucose control are not independent factors influencing clinical severity (both p > 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of CTSS prediction of critical COVID-19 was 0.895 with sensitivity of 79.3% and specificity of 88.1% when the threshold value is 12.

CONCLUSION: Blood glucose control is significantly correlated with the CTSS; the higher the blood glucose is, the more severe the lung manifestation. The CTSS can also be used to evaluate and predict the clinical severity of COVID-19.

PMID:38654371 | DOI:10.1186/s41043-024-00548-w

J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2024 Apr 23;21(1):60. doi: 10.1186/s12984-024-01354-5.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate users’ driving performances with a Power Wheelchair (PWC) driving simulator in comparison to the same driving task in real conditions with a standard power wheelchair.

METHODS: Three driving circuits of progressive difficulty levels (C1, C2, C3) that were elaborated to assess the driving performances with PWC in indoor situations, were used in this study. These circuits have been modeled in a 3D Virtual Environment to replicate the three driving task scenarios in Virtual Reality (VR). Users were asked to complete the three circuits with respect to two testing conditions during three successive sessions, i.e. in VR and on a real circuit (R). During each session, users completed the two conditions. Driving performances were evaluated using the number of collisions and time to complete the circuit. In addition, driving ability by Wheelchair Skill Test (WST) and mental load were assessed in both conditions. Cybersickness, user satisfaction and sense of presence were measured in VR. The conditions R and VR were randomized.

RESULTS: Thirty-one participants with neurological disorders and expert wheelchair drivers were included in the study. The driving performances between VR and R conditions were statistically different for the C3 circuit but were not statistically different for the two easiest circuits C1 and C2. The results of the WST was not statistically different in C1, C2 and C3. The mental load was higher in VR than in R condition. The general sense of presence was reported as acceptable (mean value of 4.6 out of 6) for all the participants, and the cybersickness was reported as acceptable (SSQ mean value of 4.25 on the three circuits in VR condition).

CONCLUSION: Driving performances were statistically different in the most complicated circuit C3 with an increased number of collisions in VR, but were not statistically different for the two easiest circuits C1 and C2 in R and VR conditions. In addition, there were no significant adverse effects such as cybersickness. The results show the value of the simulator for driving training applications. Still, the mental load was higher in VR than in R condition, thus mitigating the potential for use with people with cognitive disorders. Further studies should be conducted to assess the quality of skill transfer for novice drivers from the simulator to the real world. Trial registration Ethical approval n ∘ 2019-A001306-51 from Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud Mediterranée IV. Trial registered the 19/11/2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov in ID: NCT04171973.

PMID:38654367 | DOI:10.1186/s12984-024-01354-5

BMC Psychol. 2024 Apr 23;12(1):223. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-01707-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depression in medical students was greater than in the general population. Knowing of predictive factors for depression among medical students is useful. The objectives of this study included the assessment of personality traits as well as the association between the personality traits and the presence of symptoms of depression, and suicidal ideation among medical students covering several regions of Thailand.

METHODS: From April to July 2023, a cross-section study was conducted. The participants included first to sixth-year medical students studying at three Faculties of Medicine in Thailand; Prince of Songkla University; Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; and Chiang Mai University. Using the online process, the questionnaires were composed of three sections; demographic data; the International Personality Item Pool-NEO (IPIP-NEO), Thai version; and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Thai version. Demographics, personality traits, depression, and suicidal ideation were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented as frequency, mean, and standard deviation (SD) or median and interquartile range (IQR). The association between independent variables and the presence of depression was identified using binary logistic regression analysis, and the association with suicidal ideation was identified using ordinal logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: The 868 medical students participated in this study. Most of them were female (63.5%), Buddhist (82.0%), and first-year medical students (31.8%). The mean age (SD) was 20.8 (2.2) years, and the mean cumulative Grade Point Average (SD) was 3.5 (0.4). They reported the median (IQR) score of PHQ-9 as 6.0 (3.0-9.0), 238 participants (27.4%) presented with depression, and 138 (15.9%) participants reported suicidal ideation. According to the IPIP-NEO, participants with depression or suicidal ideation had higher Neuroticism scores and lower Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness scores compared to those without such issues. An increase in the Neuroticism score was linked to higher odds of depression, while an increase in the Conscientiousness score was associated with lower odds of depression. Suicidal ideation significantly increased with higher Neuroticism scores and the presence of a psychiatric illness.

CONCLUSIONS: More than a quarter of Thai medical students reported depression. A higher Neuroticism and lower Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness scores related to depression. Therefore, medical schools may benefit from knowing medical students’ personality traits, to identify coping mechanisms and predict those at a higher risk of developing depression in the future.

PMID:38654365 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-024-01707-8

J Ovarian Res. 2024 Apr 23;17(1):86. doi: 10.1186/s13048-024-01402-7.

ABSTRACT

Target-driven cancer therapy is a notable advancement in precision oncology that has been accompanied by substantial medical accomplishments. Ovarian cancer is a highly frequent neoplasm in women and exhibits significant genomic and clinical heterogeneity. In a previous publication, we presented an extensive bioinformatics study aimed at identifying specific biomarkers associated with ovarian cancer. The findings of the network analysis indicate the presence of a cluster of nine dysregulated hub genes that exhibited significance in the underlying biological processes and contributed to the initiation of ovarian cancer. Here in this research article, we are proceeding our previous research by taking all hub genes into consideration for further analysis. GEPIA2 was used to identify patterns in the expression of critical genes. The KM plotter analysis indicated that the out of all genes 5 genes are statistically significant. The cBioPortal platform was further used to investigate the frequency of genetic mutations across the board and how they affected the survival of the patients. Maximum mutation was reported by ELAVL2. In order to discover viable therapeutic candidates after competitive inhibition of ELAVL2 with small molecular drug complex, high throughput screening and docking studies were used. Five compounds were identified. Overall, our results suggest that the ELAV-like protein 2-ZINC03830554 complex was relatively stable during the molecular dynamic simulation. The five compounds that have been found can also be further examined as potential therapeutic possibilities. The combined findings suggest that ELAVL2, together with their genetic changes, can be investigated in therapeutic interventions for precision oncology, leveraging early diagnostics and target-driven therapy.

PMID:38654363 | DOI:10.1186/s13048-024-01402-7

Hum Resour Health. 2024 Apr 23;22(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s12960-024-00907-y.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: India has the largest cohort of community health workers with one million Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). ASHAs play vital role in providing health education and promoting accessible health care services in the community. Despite their potential to improve the health status of people, they remain largely underutilized because of their limited knowledge and skills. Considering this gap, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)^® India, in collaboration with the National Health System Resource Centre (NHSRC), implemented a 15-h (over 6 months) refresher training for ASHAs using a telementoring interface. The present study intends to assess the impact of the training program for improving the knowledge and skills of ASHA workers.

METHODS: We conducted a pre-post quasi-experimental study using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach. The quantitative survey (n = 490) assessed learning competence, performance, and satisfaction of the ASHAs. In addition to the above, in-depth interviews with ASHAs (n = 12) and key informant interviews with other stakeholders (n = 9) examined the experience and practical applications of the training. Inferences from the quantitative and qualitative approaches were integrated during the reporting stage and presented using an adapted Moore’s Expanded Outcomes Framework.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in learning (p = 0.038) and competence (p = 0.01) after attending the training. Participants were satisfied with the opportunity provided by the teleECHO™ sessions to upgrade their knowledge. However, internet connectivity, duration and number of participants in the sessions were identified as areas that needed improvement for future training programs. An improvement in confidence to communicate more effectively with the community was reported. Positive changes in the attitudes of ASHAs towards patient and community members were also reported after attending the training. The peer-to-peer learning through case-based discussion approach helped ensure that the training was relevant to the needs and work of the ASHAs.

CONCLUSIONS: The ECHO Model ™ was found effective in improving and updating the knowledge and skills of ASHAs across different geographies in India. Efforts directed towards knowledge upgradation of ASHAs are crucial for strengthening the health system at the community level. The findings of this study can be used to guide future training programs. Trial registration The study has been registered at the Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2021/10/037189) dated 08/10/2021.

PMID:38654359 | DOI:10.1186/s12960-024-00907-y