Tag: statistics

Palliat Support Care. 2026 Mar 31;24:e87. doi: 10.1017/S1478951526102089.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of perceived stigma in the relationship between cancer-related symptoms and social relationships among cancer patients.

METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 250 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in an oncology hospital in Ankara, Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale, the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale, and the Social Relationship Scale. Descriptive analyses, group comparisons, Pearson correlation, and mediation analysis were performed with SPSS v27.0 and DataTab web-based analysis platform.

RESULTS: The findings revealed significant positive correlations between cancer-related symptoms and perceived stigma (r = 0.51, p < .001), and negative correlations between both cancer-related symptoms and social relationships (r = -0.24, p < .001) and stigma and social relationships (r = -0.54, p < .001). The mediation analysis suggested that perceived stigma may play a mediating role in the relationship between cancer-related symptoms and social relationships, as indicated by a non-significant direct effect and a significant indirect effect. Cancer-related symptoms significantly predicted perceived stigma (B = 0.58, p < .001), and stigma was a significant predictor of decreased social relationship quality (B = -0.72, p < .001). The indirect effect of cancer-related symptoms on social relationships via stigma was statistically significant (B = -0.42, p < .001), while the direct effect was not (B = -0.27, p = .182).

CONCLUSIONS: Perceived stigma is a critical psychosocial factor that may mediate the adverse impact of cancer-related symptoms on social relationships in this study. Therefore, addressing stigma may play a crucial role in maintaining social functioning in cancer care.

PMID:41914306 | DOI:10.1017/S1478951526102089

J Integr Neurosci. 2026 Mar 25;25(3):44233. doi: 10.31083/JIN44233.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The subjective limitations of neurobehavioral assessment cause a high misdiagnosis rate for disorders of consciousness (DoC). The purpose of this study was to identify the DoC level based on an analysis of multi-dimensional electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to assist with establishing a clinical diagnosis.

METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with DoC [coma, n = 19; vegetative state (VS), n = 23; and minimally conscious state (MCS), n = 25] were included to analyze resting state EEG characteristics. The EEG features were statistically compared among five band powers (delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma) and five brain regions (prefrontal, frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital) by multidimensional analyses, including time-domain analysis, spectral analysis, and functional brain connectivity.

RESULTS: Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) center amplitude showed significant differences between coma and MCS (p = 0.02688), with no significant differences observed for the other comparison. Spectral analysis revealed that delta and theta power decreased with higher consciousness levels, whereas alpha, beta, and gamma power increased. Relative power differed among groups across specific brain regions (prefrontal, frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital) and frequency bands. Weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI) based functional connectivity demonstrated frequency-specific network reorganization with theta band connectivity strongest in VS and alpha/beta/gamma band connectivity enhanced in MCS. Absolute power topographic maps showed expanding high-power regions from coma-to-MCS in high-frequency bands and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (F3 electrode) exhibited a consistent power gradient of coma < MCS < VS across all bands.

CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional EEG features have significant value in differentiating the levels of consciousness disorders. aEEG center amplitude discriminated MCS from coma; delta/gamma relative power separated VS from MCS, and alpha/beta relative power separated coma, VS, and MCS. Parieto-occipital connectivity matrix in the theta band distinguishes coma from VS, while absolute power topography of the left DLPFC shows potential for grading levels of impaired consciousness. These electrophysiologic biomarkers complement behavioral assessments, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

PMID:41914245 | DOI:10.31083/JIN44233

J Prim Care Community Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;17:21501319251412650. doi: 10.1177/21501319251412650. Epub 2026 Mar 31.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This quasi-experimental study investigates the effects of the first-ever home treatment (HT), equivalent to inpatient care, for individuals with dual diagnoses: severe alcohol and/or substance use disorder plus major psychiatric illness. Outcomes are compared to those of regular inpatient treatment (IT) of the same addiction service. The primary objective was to evaluate feasibility and safety of HT. Secondary outcomes measures included discontinuation of treatment and service utilization during the 12-month follow-up period as defined by the number of emergency department visits and hospitalization days.

METHODS: Our Geneva model was introduced to meet local needs. In 2023, 39 individuals received home treatment (HT) for the first time, either in their own homes or in residential settings. They were retrospectively compared to a group of individuals who had undergone regular IT. Matching was based on age and gender. Allocation to IT or HT was determined by individual preferences as well as predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria following an evaluation interview. Electronic patient records were reviewed 1 year later to collect data on service use.

RESULTS: The primary outcome criteria were met. Treatment withdrawal occurred among IT patients only. At 1-year follow-up, a clear difference in addiction-related hospital days emerged in favor of HT, with smaller but still favorable for HT differences for sequelae and somatic problems. At intake, the HT and IT groups differed regarding stimulant and opioid use, as well as in the presence of the exclusion criteria history of complicated withdrawal and suicidality, which were only present in the IT group. Health of the Nations Outcome Scale (HoNOS) scores at admission and discharge did not differ between groups. Sociodemographic factors showed small differences for partnership status and housing, more pronounced ones for employment, in favor of HT patients.

CONCLUSIONS: This first study on HT for dual-diagnosis patients suggests that such treatment is feasible and safe, as demonstrated for HT in general psychiatry, and may offer certain advantages over inpatient care. Key limitations include the lack of randomization, the retrospective design, limited statistical power, and the fact that data can currently only be compared with HT from general adult psychiatry.

PMID:41914242 | DOI:10.1177/21501319251412650

Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2026 Mar 31;98(1):14883. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2026.14883.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic resistance represents a major public health problem driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use. Cystoscopy is a common urological procedure associated with a low risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), and the role of routine antibiotic prophylaxis remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing post-cystoscopy UTI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational comparative study including 297 patients undergoing outpatient cystoscopy. Patients were assigned to Group A (no prophylaxis, n=161) and Group B (cefuroxime 500 mg prophylaxis, n=136). Urine cultures were obtained one hour before and one week after cystoscopy. Significant bacteriuria was defined as >104 CFU/ml. Risk factors were analyzed according to current literature. Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS/R.

RESULTS: UTI occurred in 5.59% of patients without prophylaxis and 5.88% with prophylaxis (p=1.00). Antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce infection risk (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.36-2.53). Baseline characteristics and risk factors were similar between groups. No independent predictor reached statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Routine antibiotic prophylaxis does not reduce post-cystoscopy UTI incidence in low-risk patients, supporting restrictive and rational antimicrobial use.

PMID:41914232 | DOI:10.4081/aiua.2026.14883

J Prim Care Community Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;17:21501319261421463. doi: 10.1177/21501319261421463. Epub 2026 Mar 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The first 2 years of life are a critical period for a child’s development. Early developmental surveillance in motor, language, social-emotional, and emerging cognitive domains plays an essential role in timely intervention and long-term outcomes. Children living in disadvantaged conditions or with acute illness are at higher risk for developmental delays, yet early detection in Vietnam remains limited. A national plan for comprehensive early childhood development has recently emphasized the role of primary healthcare and early interaction guidance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of developmental delays among hospitalized children aged 2 to 24 months at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Southern Vietnam using the standardized developmental surveillance checklist issued by the Ministry of Health in 2023.

METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in which clinically stable inpatients were evaluated prior to discharge. Developmental surveillance was performed using the Ministry of Health 2023 developmental surveillance checklist, which covers 4 domains (gross motor, fine motor, language-communication, and social-emotional development) at ages 2-4-6 months, 9 to 12 months, and 15 to 24 months. Children who did not achieve one or more age-appropriate milestones were classified as having suspected developmental abnormalities.

RESULTS: A total of 939 children aged 2 to 24 months were evaluated. The prevalence and pattern of suspected developmental abnormalities varied by age group. Gross motor and language-communication delays were the most frequent findings. Age-specific inspection revealed that developmental vulnerability was most pronounced at 6 months of age, particularly in gross motor, language-communication, and social-emotional domains, coinciding with a critical period of nutritional and biological transition; at 12 months, 76% could say at least 3 words, and by 18 months, 80.1% could say ≥20 single words. Some 24‑month‑old children had not yet achieved expected motor skills. Anemia and stunting were common, particularly in the 9- to 12‑month group.

CONCLUSION: Integrating standardized developmental surveillance into inpatient pediatric care is both feasible and essential. Hospital-based developmental surveillance provides an important opportunity for early detection and referral, and highlights the need to expand screening and follow-up to primary care and community settings in Vietnam.

PMID:41914223 | DOI:10.1177/21501319261421463

Emerg Med Australas. 2026 Apr;38(2):e70246. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.70246.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRD) are associated with frequent healthcare utilisation and elevated costs, yet their impact within Emergency Departments (EDs) remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between somatisation score and healthcare utilisation and costs in an Australian ED setting.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: A tertiary public hospital ED in Australia serving metropolitan and rural populations. Healthcare utilisation and cost data were extracted from the local network’s Activity Based Management database for 3.5 financial years preceding the index presentation.

PARTICIPANTS: 375 ED patients aged 18-70 years screened using the PHQ-15 and WI-7 tools over a two-week period. Participants were classified as high or low somatisers using dynamic cutoffs. Total available healthcare costs and occasions of service over the 42 months preceding the index ED presentation were gathered. Negative binomial regression models were used to identify predictors of total costs and service occasions.

RESULTS: High somatisers (59.84% of the sample) incurred significantly greater healthcare costs (mean AUD $23,713 vs. $10,392) and service occasions (mean 38.7 vs. 18.7) than low somatisers. regression analyses identified somatisation severity, age and female sex as significant predictors of increased healthcare utilisation and costs. Presentation-based variables such as triage category and diagnosis were not significant predictors.

CONCLUSIONS: High somatisation scores are strongly associated with increased healthcare utilisation and costs in ED patients. These findings suggest that SSRD may be a previously neglected factor in hospital resource planning. Early identification and appropriate management of SSRD in EDs could yield substantial economic and clinical benefits.

PMID:41914219 | DOI:10.1111/1742-6723.70246

J Prim Care Community Health. 2026 Jan-Dec;17:21501319261428338. doi: 10.1177/21501319261428338. Epub 2026 Mar 31.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess and compare diet quality and adherence to DASH nutrient recommendations between hypertension and non-hypertensive older African American adults.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected between October 2021 and July 2022 from 100 African American adults aged ≥55 years. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was quantified via the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015). DASH adherence was measured by comparing mean intake of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, fiber, and % kcal from carbohydrates, protein, total fat, and saturated fat to DASH dietary targets. Participants self-reported hypertension status, sociodemographic, health, and food access information. Statistical analyses included t-tests and chi-square tests to compare nutrient means and adherence rates between participants with and without hypertension.

RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 68.6 years; 71% were female, and 45% were classified as obese. The majority (74%) scored a grade of “fair” or “poor” on the HEI-2015. While HEI-2015 fruit and vegetable sub-scores met recommendations, those for sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat did not. Hypertensive participants consumed significantly more sodium than non-hypertensive (P < .001), with the former consuming almost double their recommended amount (2884 ± 1103 vs 1500 mg). Additionally, hypertensive patients got fewer calories from carbohydrates (-3.3% kcal, P = .032), and more from protein (+2.5% kcal, P = .004) compared to their non-hypertensive peers. Neither group met potassium, calcium, magnesium, or fiber targets, with no difference between groups. About 30% reported food insecurity, yet over 70% still reported good availability of healthy foods in their neighborhood.

CONCLUSION: Findings indicate widespread nutrient inadequacies and excessive sodium intake among older African American adults, with hypertensive participants consuming particularly high levels of sodium. Despite adequate fruit and vegetable intake and reported access to healthy foods, both groups failed to meet key DASH nutrient targets. These results highlight the need for culturally tailored, community-based interventions that specifically address sodium reduction and DASH-aligned nutrient intake to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in this underserved population.

PMID:41914217 | DOI:10.1177/21501319261428338

J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2026 Apr;17(2):e70265. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.70265.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Grip strength is increasingly recognized as a modifiable and easily measurable protective factor against chronic diseases. Lower grip strength may compromise joint stability, predisposing periarticular tissues to local inflammation, which has been implicated in hand osteoarthritis (HOA), a condition affecting approximately 189 million people globally and imposing substantial health and socio-economic burden. Whether lower grip strength is a risk factor for clinically relevant symptomatic HOA remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between grip strength and incident symptomatic HOA to inform targeted preventive strategies.

METHODS: We conducted prospective cohort studies and Mendelian randomization analyses using data from the Xiangya Osteoarthritis (XO) Study and UK Biobank. Individuals without baseline symptomatic or hospital-diagnosed HOA were included. Genetic instruments for grip strength were derived from genome-wide association studies. Symptomatic HOA in the XO Study was defined as the presence of radiographic HOA with symptoms, whereas hospital-diagnosed HOA in the UK Biobank was ascertained through hospital inpatient records.

RESULTS: Among 2869 XO Study participants (5461 hands; 55.9% women; mean age of 63.2 years), 166 (3.0%) hands developed incident symptomatic HOA during a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. Compared with the lowest grip strength quartile, odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of symptomatic HOA in the second, third and highest quartiles were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.31-0.84), 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39-0.99) and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.28-0.75), respectively (p for trend = 0.003). Similar associations were observed among 481 582 UK Biobank individuals (54.2% women; mean age of 56.4 years). Mendelian randomization analyses showed ORs of genetically determined grip strength of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.40-0.78, p < 0.001) for incident symptomatic HOA in the XO Study and 0.37 (95% CI, 0.25-0.56, p < 0.001) for incident hospital-diagnosed HOA in the UK Biobank.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher grip strength was associated with a lower risk of incident symptomatic HOA. These findings offer empirical evidence that interventions aimed at enhancing grip strength may help prevent symptomatic HOA and reduce its individual and societal burden.

PMID:41914213 | DOI:10.1002/jcsm.70265

Nurs Open. 2026 Apr;13(4):e70521. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70521.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study aimed to assess differences in perceived stress levels and their influencing factors among nursing interns during different periods of a public health emergency.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.

METHODS: The survey was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province, China, from July to August in 2019, 2020, and 2021. A total of 355 nursing interns participated. Data included general information (gender, age, etc.), scores of the Internship Nurse Stressor Scale, and WHOQOL-BREF (physiological, psychological, social, environmental dimensions). Correlation analysis explored relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression identified influencing factors of stress.

RESULTS: Participants were predominantly female (335/355). Stress levels were moderate across periods but significantly different (F = 4.513, p = 0.012). Influencing factors varied. In 2019, factors influencing stress included being an only child (β = 0.206, p = 0.026) and the physiological dimension score of the WHOQOL-BREF (β = -0.257, p = 0.031) [R² = 0.173, F = 2.850, p = 0.006]. In 2020, the psychological dimension score of the WHOQOL-BREF was the main factor (β = -0.326, p = 0.035) [R² = 0.112, F = 2.563, p = 0.023], whereas in 2021, the physiological dimension score was the primary influencing factor (β = -0.448, p < 0.001) [R² = 0.394, F = 7.093, p < 0.001].

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study provides valuable evidence on the stress levels and influencing factors of nursing interns across different periods of public health emergencies. Relevant departments within schools and hospitals should monitor interns’ physical well-being, taking into account the workload and challenges associated with their internships whether it is before the outbreak or during the later period of public health emergencies. During the early period, addressing their psychological well-being is particularly important. This can be achieved by establishing effective psychological support channels and offering counselling services.

PMID:41914211 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.70521

Emerg Med Australas. 2026 Apr;38(2):e70249. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.70249.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal pain is a common emergency department (ED) presentation. Currently, there is limited Australian literature detailing whether biological sex results in differences in analgesia provision for abdominal pain. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in time to analgesia administration based on biological sex for patients presenting with abdominal pain to the ED.

METHODS: This was a retrospective, single centre cohort study of adult patients presenting to the Royal Melbourne Hospital ED between April 1st and 30th 2024 with abdominal pain. Data relating to the patient’s presentation and management were collected from records of eligible patients.

RESULTS: Of 708 eligible patients, 292 (41%) were biologically male and 416 (59%) female. There were 559 (80%) patients who received at least one dose of analgesia. Females waited a median of 75 min and males 59 min to receive their first dose of analgesia (difference in medians = 16 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-31.0 min, p = 0.04). Females were also nearly half as likely to receive parenteral analgesia (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82, p = 0.003). We found minimal differences in diagnoses, triage category or pain scores between sexes.

CONCLUSION: Females presenting to the ED with abdominal pain are waiting longer than males to receive their first dose of analgesia and are less likely to receive parenteral analgesia. Further research is required to determine the reason for this discrepancy and to then remediate it.

PMID:41914210 | DOI:10.1111/1742-6723.70249