Tag: pubmed

Invest Educ Enferm. 2026 Mar;44(1). doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e10.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a group intervention for smoking cessation in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals who stop using nicotine, based on Afaf Meleis’ Transition Theory.

METHODS: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample of 15 volunteers. The intervention was led by a qualified nurse and structured in two stages: an intensive phase with weekly sessions during the first three months (total of 12 sessions) and a maintenance phase with biweekly sessions from the fourth to the sixth month (total of 6 sessions). Data was collected at three time points: baseline (before the intervention), three months later, and at the end of six months from the start of the intervention. The following instruments were used: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence.

RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in nicotine dependence was observed throughout the study. The percentage of “very high” dependence decreased from 46.7% to 6.7% between the first and third assessment points. A significant decrease in trait anxiety was observed (p = 0.028), while no significant differences were found in depressive symptoms across the three assessment times. At the third assessment, a positive correlation was identified between the level of dependence and situational anxiety levels.

CONCLUSION: The group intervention studied had a positive impact on the smoking cessation process, reflected in reduced nicotine dependence and lower anxiety levels, highlighting the importance of collective support in coping with dependence.

PMID:41980251 | DOI:10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e10

Invest Educ Enferm. 2026 Mar;44(1). doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e08.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify areas of innovation in internationally registered patents focused on diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS: This is a quantitative technological prospecting of international patents, from 2020 to 2024, in the World Intellectual Property Organization database, using the descriptor “diabetic foot”.

RESULTS: 1372 patents were found, with the largest number of registrations originating from China (76.38%), the United States (4.74%), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (3.8%), and India (3.1%). The areas of innovation of the patents were classified into treatment (82.1%), prevention (12.2%), and evaluation (5.7%). Among the patents, 72.8% correspond to medical devices and 27.2% to pharmaceutical compounds.

CONCLUSION: The global trend is towards patents for the treatment of diabetic foot complications.

PMID:41980249 | DOI:10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e08

Invest Educ Enferm. 2026 Mar;44(1). doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e05.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions and professional career plans of senior student nurses studying in various nursing colleges in India.

METHODS: A cross-sectional E-survey was conducted pan-India through a Google form, and a total of 456 responses were received after obtaining voluntary consent. Data were collected through a self-structured Perception rating scale and a Professional career plan performance assessment.

RESULTS: The majority of participants were young, unmarried females from western India, primarily pursuing a B.Sc. Nursing by personal choice. Regarding perceptions of the nursing profession, only 39.9% of participants had a high perception towards the nursing profession. 28.9% of senior student nurses intend to work abroad after completing their program. While 78.9% wish to stay in the profession, 21.1% consider changing careers, primarily due to a lack of respect. Perception scores were significantly associated with age and gender, showing that younger students and females had high perception regarding the nursing profession. Regression analysis confirmed that age had a negative and gender had a positive effect on perception.

CONCLUSION: The study concludes that age and gender significantly influence nursing students’ perceptions of the profession. It is recommended to implement targeted educational and motivational programs to enhance nursing students’ perception.

PMID:41980246 | DOI:10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e05

Invest Educ Enferm. 2026 Mar;44(1). doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e04.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To validate a new Spanish version of the Perception of Nursing Humanized Care Behaviors Scale (PCHE) in hospitalized adults in Chile.

METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional validation study of the PCHE scale was conducted with the participation of adults admitted to four hospitals in Chile. The research was carried out in three stages: (i) linguistic adaptation and content validation through expert judgment; (ii) assessment of internal consistency and preliminary construct validity of the adapted and revised instrument; and (iii) evaluation of the validity and reliability of a proposed abbreviated version of the scale. A total of 1720 patients were selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Following linguistic adaptation and expert review, a pilot test was conducted with 40 patients; after revisions, the 32-item instrument with four response options was applied to a first sample of 344 patients. Subsequently, the response scale was expanded from four to seven options and administered to a second sample of 202 patients. Cognitive interviews and a preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were also conducted, resulting in a reduction of the instrument from 32 to 15 items. Finally, in a third sample of 1,134 patients, an EFA and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.

RESULTS: The original 32-item instrument with four Likert response options showed limitations in item comprehension, relevance, and factorial structure. After adjustments, a 15-item scale was obtained, from which a single dimension-humanized care-emerged, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93.

CONCLUSION: The abbreviated PCHE instrument, reduced from 32 to 15 items, is valid and reliable for use in hospitalized adult patients in Chile.

PMID:41980245 | DOI:10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e04

Invest Educ Enferm. 2026 Mar;44(1). doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e03.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To predict academic resilience based on demographic and psychological factors among undergraduate nursing students in India.

METHODS: Cross sectional survey was conducted for 759 nursing undergraduates. We chose four nursing institutions from various regions of India to serve as the sample unit. Data was collected virtually via a self-administered questionnaire using the Bharathiar University Resilience Scale (BURS), a coping inventory, and a psychological well-being questionnaire. Log-binomial regression was used to predict academic resilience, and independent student t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare resilience scores and the relationship between independent variables.

RESULTS: The primary demographic factors linked to greater academic resilience were, male undergraduates, between the ages of 24 to 30 years, enrolled in private institutions with family income of <10000 INR (1 US dollar = 87.98 INR) and institutes located in north India. Psychological well-being and academic resilience were significantly positively correlated, while cognitive coping strategies and academic resilience were significantly negatively correlated. Regression analysis demonstrates that higher psychological well-being score increases the likelihood of achieving high academic resilience. In a similar vein, they might experience a decrease in academic resilience if they were adopting a cognitive coping style.

CONCLUSION: The study’s findings revealed that sociodemographic and psychological variables can be predictors of academic resilience in undergraduate nursing students from India. These findings can help universities to develop target strategies to promote students’ resilience and reduce the risk of poor mental health among this population.

PMID:41980244 | DOI:10.17533/udea.iee.v44n1e03

JMIR Hum Factors. 2026 Apr 14;13:e81230. doi: 10.2196/81230.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Images play an important role in reducing stigma related to mental health, which often is distorted in the media. In recent years, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to generate images related to mental health. However, first reports suggest that AI-generated images do not depict mental health conditions accurately. In-depth studies on the topic of mental health representations in AI-generated images are still missing.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to analyze and compare the visual representation of depression in mass media and in AI-generated images.

METHODS: The methodologies used were discussion groups (15 participants) and a quasi-experimental online survey (792 interviewees), aimed at people with depression and young people.

RESULTS: The results showed that both the images used in the media and those generated by AI reproduced stereotypes and stigmas about depression. However, participants considered AI-generated pictures to be more stereotypical, stigmatizing, and more likely to have a negative impact on people with depression. In contrast, media images were considered more appropriate, realistic, inclusive, and that better reflected the relationship between gender and depression. Statistically significant differences were observed between the control and test groups in both people with depression and young people (P<.001), indicating that when people were aware of what images were AI-generated, they tended to reject them to a greater extent.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering the current trend toward the widespread use of AI in mental health communication, it is crucial to promote closer collaborations between science journalists, AI developers, and mental health experts, including patients’ associations, as well as a shift toward user-participatory AI design.

PMID:41980240 | DOI:10.2196/81230

Neurology. 2026 May 12;106(9):e214931. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000214931. Epub 2026 Apr 14.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Interest in plasma biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders is growing, but their reliance on glomerular filtration makes kidney function a key potential confounder. This study assesses the effect of kidney function (eGFR) on plasma biomarkers of neurodegeneration and on their accuracy for detecting cerebral amyloidosis.

METHODS: This observational study aims at studying the effect of kidney function on blood biomarkers through simultaneous measurements of creatinine, plasma, and CSF biomarkers (Aβ42, Aβ40, p-tau181, p-tau217, neurofilament light chain [NfL], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], and brain-derived tau [BD-tau]), as well as plasma biomarker ratios (Aβ42/Aβ40, p-tau217/Aβ42, NfL/p-tau217, and p-tau181/Aβ42), in the ALZAN cohort of patients. This prospective multicenter cohort (#NCT05427448), recruited across Montpellier, Nîmes, and Perpignan hospitals, included patients from November 2022 to July 2024 who met the following criteria: age ≥18 years, informed consent, and concomitant CSF and blood sampling. To determine the association between plasma biomarkers and kidney function, we performed univariable linear regression analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 420 patients were included (mean age: 71.1 years, %female: 53.2) and subdivided into 3 groups according to eGFR value (ml/minute/1.73 m²): <60 (n = 36), [60-90] (n = 194), and >90 (n = 190). All mean plasma biomarker levels were significantly higher in the eGFR < 60 group. Except for p-tau217, a statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between eGFR and individual plasma biomarkers. Furthermore, age-adjusted univariable linear regression analysis revealed an association between eGFR and all plasma biomarkers. Kidney dysfunction significantly impaired the specificity of several biomarkers (p-tau181, GFAP, NfL, and BD-tau; p < 0.001) for detecting cerebral amyloidosis (CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 < 7%), whereas p-tau217 was unaffected. It is important to note that ratio-based plasma biomarkers were not influenced by reduced kidney function.

DISCUSSION: Impaired kidney function was linked to increased plasma cerebral amyloidosis biomarkers, but ratio-based measures (especially p-tau217/Aβ42) showed stable sensitivity and specificity for detecting cerebral amyloidosis across all eGFR groups. Additional studies including more patients with lower eGFR values in diverse diagnostic settings are needed to clarify the influence of kidney function on these biomarkers.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This Class II evidence shows that kidney function influences individual blood biomarkers used for cerebral amyloidosis detection, but not their ratios.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: NCT05427448.

PMID:41980230 | DOI:10.1212/WNL.0000000000214931

Age Ageing. 2026 Apr 4;55(4):afag093. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afag093.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Falls in older adults are a major health concern. Risk factors include medications, but uncertainty remains about potential fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs). This nationwide cohort study examined whether non-selective beta-blocker eye drops (timolol) increase the risk of fall-related injuries compared to topical prostaglandin analogue (TPA) eye drops.

METHODS: Using registry data from all Danish residents, we included individuals aged ≥65 years who initiated timolol (n = 52 019) or TPA (n = 72 885) between 1996 and 2023. Propensity score matching was applied to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome covered hospital-treated fall-related injuries while the secondary outcome was fall-related fractures specifically.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in the risk of fall-related injuries or fall-related fractures for timolol vs. TPA users at 14, 90 or 365 days of follow-up, before or after propensity score matching. Predefined subgroup analyses showed an increased risk of fall-related injuries among individuals aged ≥80 years [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.50] and among users of ≥3 FRIDs (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.44).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that timolol eye drops are not associated with a significantly increased risk of fall-related injuries in the overall population of older adults. However, a marginally significant increased risk of fall-related injuries was seen among the oldest individuals and those concurrently using multiple FRIDs. These findings underscore the importance of considering a patient-centred approach when prescribing medications that could be potentially harmful.

PMID:41980196 | DOI:10.1093/ageing/afag093

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2026 Apr 14;14:e78637. doi: 10.2196/78637.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Respiratory dysfunction frequently occurs during the acute phase of stroke and is associated with reduced ventilatory capacity, respiratory muscle weakness, and increased pulmonary complications. However, delivering standardized respiratory training during hospitalization is often constrained by staffing and service continuity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of a hospital-based comprehensive mobile-based respiratory training program (CMRTP) added to conventional rehabilitation in people with acute stroke who are inpatients.

METHODS: This single-center, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled 40 patients within 2 weeks after stroke onset with respiratory dysfunction (forced vital capacity <80% predicted). Participants were randomized (1:1) to CMRTP plus conventional rehabilitation or conventional rehabilitation alone. The CMRTP was delivered via the WeChat-based AIRHUB platform and performed 20 minutes twice daily, 5 days per week for 2 weeks, either independently or with caregiver assistance as needed. The primary outcome was change in forced vital capacity from baseline to week 2. Secondary outcomes included forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and modified Barthel index. All outcomes were assessed face-to-face by a blinded senior physician, and all analyses followed an intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS: Of 56 screened patients, 40 were randomized, and 39 completed the study. Adherence to the CMRTP reached 96%, and no serious adverse events occurred; mild, transient events (fatigue, dizziness, and hyperventilation) were recorded. Compared with the control group, the CMRTP group demonstrated greater improvement in forced vital capacity at week 2 (mean difference 0.77 L; 95% CI 0.39-1.16; P<.001; η²=0.32), with additional between-group differences in maximal inspiratory pressure (P=.001; η²=.25), maximal expiratory pressure (P<.001; η²=.08), and modified Barthel index (P=.001; η²=.26). No significant group differences were found for forced expiratory volume in 1 second or peak expiratory flow.

CONCLUSIONS: A 2-week hospital-based mobile respiratory training program is feasible and safe in people with acute stroke who are inpatients and yields clinically meaningful improvements in respiratory function and daily functional performance when added to conventional rehabilitation.

PMID:41980186 | DOI:10.2196/78637

JMIR Hum Factors. 2026 Apr 14;13:e81343. doi: 10.2196/81343.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that 37% to 92% of patients presenting to hospital emergency eye clinics (EECs) could be seen in commissioned community optometrist enhanced service schemes (ESSs), reducing pressure on hospital services and moving eye care into the community. Digital triage tools may have the potential to support effective triage and use of ESSs.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a recently developed online symptom triage tool in real-world EEC practice and assess its usability and acceptance by patients.

METHODS: This was a prospective, real-world study comparing automated dispositions suggested by the eye+dot online triage tool with nursing triage, using ophthalmologist dispositions and subsequent clinical findings as the reference standard. Patients aged 13 years and older were sent an SMS text message invitation to use eye+dot prior to their scheduled EEC appointment. Age, time required to complete the symptom questionnaire, and acceptability (using an in-application visual Likert scale) were also recorded. The accuracy of the different triage methods at assigning patients to eye assessments within 24 hours, 48 to 72 hours, or a week based on symptom urgency was compared. Eye+dot’s accuracy in identifying patient suitability for ESSs was analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 282 eligible patients with a mean age of 53.14 (SD 19.8; range 13-92) years were included. The mean eye+dot test duration was 5.6 (SD 2.4) minutes, with 80.4% (168/209) of patients rating the test as good or excellent. For high-acuity symptomatology (defined via retrospective ophthalmologist recommendation for assessment within 24 hours), sensitivity was similar between eye+dot and nurse triage (58/76, 76.3%; 95% CI 65.2%-85.3% and 65/76, 85.5%; 95% CI 75.6%-92.5%, respectively; P=.19). However, eye+dot specificity was significantly higher (132/206, 64.1%; 95% CI 57.1%-70.6% vs 47/206, 22.8%; 95% CI 17.3%-29.2%; P<.001). Of 224 urgent nursing dispositions, 203 (90.6%) patients were downrated (considered suitable for nonurgent assessment) by ophthalmologist assignment, and 93 (41.5%) were downrated by eye+dot. In total, 90.8% (256/282) of the patients were considered suitable for ESS assessment through eye+dot triage. A total of 56.6% (145/256) of these patients subsequently received only medical advice without specialist investigations or management at their EEC visit, suggesting suitability for community eye care.

CONCLUSIONS: Eye+dot-automated triage has similar sensitivity but superior specificity to nursing triage for identifying high-acuity symptomatology. This small study suggests its potential to improve patient scheduling in EECs throughout the working week and improve the use of community services. A larger study is planned to establish the utility of the triage tool and develop an implementation model to scale up and spread the technology.

PMID:41980184 | DOI:10.2196/81343