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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Web Survey of Turkish Pharmacy Students Comparing First and Fifth Years’ Antidepressant Awareness and Stigmatizing Attitudes Regarding Depression and Anxiety

Pharmacy (Basel). 2024 Mar 1;12(2):45. doi: 10.3390/pharmacy12020045.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased day by day. Prejudice, self-stigma, and public stigma, on the other hand, continue to prevent patients from seeking adequate treatment, particularly in traditional communities. In this web-based, cross-sectional study, both the presence of depression and anxiety, and the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of first- and fifth (final)-year pharmacy students were examined via an online survey. The aim was to demonstrate the potential impact of public information and five years of pharmacy school on knowledge, attitude, and awareness. Our study population consisted of first- and fifth-year pharmacy students enrolled in one faculty of pharmacy during the spring semester of 2022-2023. The Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Scale were utilized to measure the presence of depression and anxiety, while the Depression and Antidepressant Awareness and Knowledge Scale (DAKAS) was applied to assess their knowledge, attitude, and awareness. Fifth-year participants (n = 101) exhibited noticeably fewer stigmatizing attitudes than first-year participants (n = 104) (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety scores in first- and fifth-year pharmacy students. Being in the fifth class (OR: 3.690; p = 0.025), being of female gender (OR: 4.653; p < 0.001), and having a relationship with someone who took a psychotropic (OR: 3.060; p = 0.008) were associated with a lower overall stigma score by multiple linear regression analysis. The students’ awareness of antidepressants and familiarity with mental health issues at the end of their pharmacy education were higher and stigmatization behavior was lower than in first-year students. The positive attitudes at the end of their training towards depression will reduce the likelihood of future pharmacists’ patients from being exposed to stigmatization, prevents the formation of an additional stress factor, and likely will improve pharmacy practices.

PMID:38525725 | DOI:10.3390/pharmacy12020045

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Social Prescribing Competence among Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students in Norway

Pharmacy (Basel). 2024 Mar 1;12(2):43. doi: 10.3390/pharmacy12020043.

ABSTRACT

Background and aim: Social prescribing, which links patients to non-clinical services and involves general physicians, has been gaining traction. Community pharmacists, who are integral to primary healthcare, have untapped potential in social prescribing. This study explores social prescribing competence among Norwegian community pharmacists and pharmacy students. Method: A cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous online questionnaire to collect quantitative data was conducted. Inspired by the limited relevant literature, the questionnaire was constructed, pilot-tested, and distributed in a one-week window within a Facebook group for Norwegian pharmacists. The questionnaire comprised 23 questions categorized into demographic details and competence assessment, covering general knowledge, attitude, and barriers/facilitators related to social prescribing. Statistical analyses were employed to determine the competence of the participants. Results: The online questionnaire collected data from 96 participants, primarily females (79.2%), aged 25-34 (40.6%), who were identified as community pharmacists (49.0%). Most (91.7%) worked in community pharmacies, with 31.3% having over 10 years of experience. Despite positive client relationships (93.8%), statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between competence and variables such as work experience, education, or gender. The custom scoring system yielded an average competence score of 1.98 on a 5-point scale, with attitudes and perceptions of participants scoring 3.82. Overall competence was calculated at 3.4, indicating a moderate level. Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal that the participants had limited knowledge regarding social prescribing, emphasizing the need for education. However, the participants showed strong enthusiasm for competence development. This groundwork paves the way for future investigations centered on pilot-testing strategies to boost social prescribing knowledge and engagement among Norwegian community pharmacists and pharmacy students.

PMID:38525723 | DOI:10.3390/pharmacy12020043

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Tissue-Based Genomic Testing in Prostate Cancer: 10-Year Analysis of National Trends on the Use of Prolaris, Decipher, ProMark, and Oncotype DX

Clin Pract. 2024 Mar 19;14(2):508-520. doi: 10.3390/clinpract14020039.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) management is moving towards patient-tailored strategies. Advances in molecular and genetic profiling of tumor tissues, integrated with clinical risk assessments, provide deeper insights into disease aggressiveness. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the pivotal genomic tests supporting PCa treatment decisions, analyzing-through real-world data-trends in their use and the growth of supporting literature evidence.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the extensive PearlDiver™ Mariner database, which contains de-identified patient records, in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify patients diagnosed with PCa during the study period-2011 to 2021. We determined the utilization of primary tissue-based genetic tests (Oncocyte DX®, Prolaris®, Decipher®, and ProMark®) across all patients diagnosed with PCa. Subsequently, within the overall PCa cohort, patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and received genetic testing postoperatively were identified. The yearly distribution of these tests and the corresponding trends were illustrated with graphs.

RESULTS: During the study period, 1,561,203 patients with a PCa diagnosis were recorded. Of these, 20,748 underwent tissue-based genetic testing following diagnosis, representing 1.3% of the total cohort. An increasing trend was observed in the use of all genetic tests. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase over time in the use of individual tests (all p-values < 0.05). Among the patients who underwent RP, 3076 received genetic analysis following surgery, representing 1.27% of this group.

CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis indicates a growing trend in the utilization of tissue-based genomic testing for PCa. Nevertheless, they are utilized in less than 2% of PCa patients, whether at initial diagnosis or after surgical treatment. Although it is anticipated that their use may increase as more scientific evidence becomes available, their role requires further elucidation.

PMID:38525718 | DOI:10.3390/clinpract14020039

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Role of Illness Perception and Self-Efficacy in Determining Quality of Life among Cancer Patients

Clin Pract. 2024 Mar 19;14(2):498-507. doi: 10.3390/clinpract14020038.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The quality of life for people with chronic illnesses like cancer has been shown to be significantly impacted by self-efficacy and perceptions of their illness.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the relationship between cancer patients’ perceptions of their illness, their self-efficacy beliefs, and their quality of life.

METHOD: Conducted from December 2022 to February 2023, this research involved 120 adults undergoing cancer treatment. We utilized the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), the Arabic version of the Cancer Behavioral Inventory Brief (CBI-B), and the Arabic EORTC QLQ-C30, alongside clinical data collection. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Breast cancer emerged as the most common type among participants. A positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and quality of life, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30, particularly in relation to symptom management. Interestingly, all dimensions of illness perception correlated with quality of life, except for control and concerns.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the vital role of nurses and healthcare providers in aiding cancer patients to develop and utilize self-management strategies effectively. The study reveals that a patient’s capacity to manage their illness is significantly influenced by their confidence, understanding of their condition, and overall quality of life. Addressing these aspects can greatly enhance healthcare professionals’ contribution to improving the resilience and well-being of individuals battling cancer.

PMID:38525717 | DOI:10.3390/clinpract14020038

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Breast Cancer Risk Factors among Women with Solid Breast Lesions

Clin Pract. 2024 Mar 18;14(2):473-485. doi: 10.3390/clinpract14020036.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women worldwide and one of the most curable cancers if diagnosed at an early stage. Female patients presenting solid breast lesions are greatly predisposed to breast cancer development, and as such, effective screening of high-risk patients is valuable in early-stage breast cancer detection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to identify the most relevant demographic, reproductive and lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer among women with solid breast lesions living in western Romania, namely the urban region consisting of Timisoara and the rural surrounding regions.

METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2021, 1161 patients with solid breast lesions, as detected by sonoelastography, were divided into two groups: patients with benign lesions (1019, 87.77%) and patients with malignant nodules (142, 12.23%). The malignancy group was confirmed by a histopathological result. Variables including age, BMI, menarche, menopause, years of exposure to estrogen, number of births, breastfeeding period, use of oral combined contraceptives, smoker status, family medical history and living area (rural-urban) were recorded.

RESULTS: It was evidenced by our study that the main risk factors for malignancy were elevated age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.08), BMI (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10), living area (rural) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.13-2.85) and family medical history (negative) (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.43-8.29). The other proposed risk factors were not found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Age and BMI were observed to be the most significant factors for breast cancer risk increase, followed by living in a rural area. A family history of breast cancer was shown to be inversely correlated with cancer risk increase.

PMID:38525715 | DOI:10.3390/clinpract14020036

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Celecoxib Decreases the Need for Rescue Analgesics after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis

Clin Pract. 2024 Mar 18;14(2):461-472. doi: 10.3390/clinpract14020035.

ABSTRACT

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of celecoxib after total knee arthroplasty. Keywords in the PubMed and Scopus databases were used to find article abstracts. Each included clinical trial was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, and we extracted data on postoperative pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest, ambulation, and active range of motion, rescue analgesic intake, and adverse effects. Inverse variance tests with mean differences were used to analyze the numerical variables. The Mantel-Haenszel statistical method and the odds ratio were used to evaluate the dichotomous data. According to this qualitative assessment (n = 482), two studies presented conclusions in favor of celecoxib (n = 187), one showed similar results between celecoxib and the placebo (n = 44), and three clinical trials did not draw conclusions as to the effectiveness of celecoxib versus the placebo (n = 251). Moreover, the evaluation of the rescue analgesic intake showed that the patients receiving celecoxib had a lower intake compared to patients receiving a placebo (n = 278, I2 = 82%, p = 0.006, mean difference = -6.89, 95% IC = -11.76 to -2.02). In conclusion, the pooled analysis shows that administration of celecoxib alone results in a decrease in rescue analgesic consumption compared to a placebo after total knee surgery.

PMID:38525714 | DOI:10.3390/clinpract14020035

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Neurite Damage in Patients with Migraine

Neurol Int. 2024 Feb 29;16(2):299-311. doi: 10.3390/neurolint16020021.

ABSTRACT

We examined neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in patients with migraine. We found that patients with medication overuse headache exhibited lower orientation dispersion than those without. Moreover, orientation dispersion in the body of the corpus callosum was statistically negatively correlated with migraine attack frequencies. These findings indicate that neurite dispersion is damaged in patients with chronic migraine. Our study results indicate the orientation preference of neurite damage in migraine.

PMID:38525701 | DOI:10.3390/neurolint16020021

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of Knowledge and Competencies in Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Using an Escape Room with Scenario Simulations

Nurs Rep. 2024 Mar 22;14(2):683-694. doi: 10.3390/nursrep14020052.

ABSTRACT

To determine the usefulness of combining two methodologies (OSCE and escape room) in a scenario simulation to evaluate a subject, and determine the evaluation of the students of this experience. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with students enrolled in a sexual and reproductive health-care course as a part of their nursing degree. The students had to solve four clinical cases based on the contents of the teaching practices of the subject by solving clues that led them to carry out procedures and techniques and provide care in scenario simulators. Students evaluated the experience using the GAMEX (Gameful Experience in Gamification) scale. Mean differences were estimated with their respective 95% confidence intervals. A total of 124 students participated. Of these, 63.7% (79) solved the clinical cases with their knowledge and skills. Most (80.6%, 100) students stated that they completely remembered and applied the knowledge of the topic during the game. Almost all (98.4%, 122) would recommend this experience. The dimensions with the best rating on the GAMEX scale were “fun”, with an average score of 4.7 points (0.49), followed by “critical thinking”, with 4.2 (0.59). Women presented statistically better scores than men (mean difference: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.55, 2.61). The OSCE combined with an escape room using scenario simulations may be a useful tool to evaluate the subject. In addition, the students were satisfied, had fun, and recommended the experience. This study was not registered.

PMID:38525698 | DOI:10.3390/nursrep14020052

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points combined with sling exercise therapy on clinical recovery and cervical spine biomechanics in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

Int J Neurosci. 2024 Mar 25:1-11. doi: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2327402. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This research aimed to ascertain the effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in combination with sling exercise therapy (SET) on the clinical recovery and cervical spine biomechanics in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CRS).Methods: Eighty patients with CSR were divided into Group A and Group B. Group A was treated with acupuncture at MTrPs, and Group B was treated with acupuncture at MTrPs combined with SET. The cervical spine function, pain level, cervical spine biomechanics and the occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results: After treatment, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis scores, cervical forward flexion angle, posterior extension angle, left lateral flexion angle, right lateral flexion angle, left lateral rotation angle, and right lateral rotation angle of the Group B were raised, and the Neck Disability index, Visual Analogue Scale scores, and Neck Pain Questionnaire scores were reduced versus those of the Group A. The difference in complication rates between the two groups was not of statistical significance.Conclusion: Acupuncture at MTrPs combined with SET promotes functional recovery of the cervical spine, reduces pain, and improves cervical spine biomechanics in patients with CRS.

PMID:38525692 | DOI:10.1080/00207454.2024.2327402

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Loneliness prevalence of community-dwelling older adults and the impact of the mode of measurement, data collection, and country: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Int Psychogeriatr. 2024 Mar 25:1-15. doi: 10.1017/S1041610224000425. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of loneliness in many countries worldwide which have different ways of assessing it.

DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING: We searched seven electronic databases for English peer-reviewed studies published between 1992 and 2021.

PARTICIPANTS: We selected English-language peer-reviewed articles, with data from non-clinical populations of community-dwelling older adults (>60 years), and with “loneliness” or “lonely” in the title.

MEASUREMENTS: A multilevel random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of loneliness across studies and to pool prevalence rates for different measurement instruments, data collection methods, and countries.

RESULTS: Our initial search identified 2,021 studies of which 45 (k = 101 prevalence rates) were included in the final meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence rate was 31.6% (n = 168,473). Measurement instrument was a statistically significant moderator of the overall prevalence of loneliness. Loneliness prevalence was lowest for single-item questions and highest for the 20-item University of California-Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Also, differences between modes of data collection were significant: the loneliness prevalence was significantly the highest for face-to-face data collection and the lowest for telephone and CATI data collection. Our moderator analysis to look at the country effect indicated that four of the six dimensions of Hofstede also caused a significant increase (Power Distance Index, Uncertainty Avoidance Index, Indulgence) or decrease (Individualism) in loneliness prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is high variability in loneliness prevalence rates among community-dwelling older adults, influenced by measurement instrument used, mode of data collection, and country.

PMID:38525677 | DOI:10.1017/S1041610224000425