Tag: statistics

J Cannabis Res. 2022 Jul 26;4(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s42238-022-00155-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2019, Thailand legalized cannabidiol (CBD) for intractable epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to collect information regarding the experience and knowledge of CBD use in pediatric epilepsy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first CBD survey in pediatric epilepsy in Southeast Asia.

METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional survey among all parents of pediatric epilepsy patients seen in the Pediatric Neurology Clinic at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between November 2018 and July 2020. The survey comprised 34 questions that assessed the demographics, knowledge, experiences, and opinions of parents/guardians regarding CBD use. The results were summarized using descriptive statistics. In addition, logistic regression was used to predict the factors for CBD use.

RESULTS: Overall, 166 respondents (100%) participated in the study. Among the respondents, 9% have experienced using CBD; 56.25% of these reported reduced seizure frequency. CBD products were mostly obtained from folk healers (31.25%) and foreign products (25%). Common adverse effects included headache and nausea (31.5%). The number of anti-seizure medications (OR: 12.28, 95% CI: 1.27-118.8), knowledge of CBD as treatment for epilepsy (OR: 14.7, 95% CI: 1.43-150.87), and knowledge of CBD side effects (OR: 12.73, 95% CI: 2.77-58.43) were factors significantly associated with CBD use. Regarding CBD knowledge, our survey showed 80.72% of the respondents did not know the CBD compound for treating epilepsy, and 89.16% were not aware of CBD side effects. Interestingly, despite a lack of knowledge, 77.11% of the respondents expressed willingness to participate in future CBD trials.

CONCLUSION: Our survey highlights that half of the parents of patients who previously used CBD reported reduced seizure frequency; however, none became seizure-free. Additionally, there were gaps in knowledge regarding the use of CBD. These findings suggest that the implementation of cannabidiol knowledge is crucial for both public and healthcare professionals. Survey limitations due to the retrospective nature of the self-report could have resulted in recall bias.

PMID:35883129 | DOI:10.1186/s42238-022-00155-8

J Cannabis Res. 2022 Jul 26;4(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s42238-022-00149-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Over the past several years, cannabis has become legal for recreational use in many US states and jurisdictions around the world. The opening of these markets has led to the establishment of hundreds of cannabis production and retail firms with accompanying demand for labor, leading to concerns about spillover effects on wages from incumbents.

METHODS: We study the markets for agricultural and retail labor in Washington and Colorado from 2000 to 2019 using differences-in-differences with synthetic controls. We employ employment data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, state-level demographic data from the US Census Bureau, and agricultural data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. We use the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for variable selection and classification and regression trees (CART) for chained imputation of missing values.

RESULTS: We find little-to-no evidence of a significant difference in weekly wages per worker generated by cannabis legalization: the log of the weekly wage per worker decreases by 0.013 in Washington’s agricultural sector (p value 0.091) and increases by 0.059 in Washington’s retail sector (p value 0.606). Results in Colorado are qualitatively similar. These results are limited in part by the short post-legalization period of the data.

CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis legalization is unlikely to negatively impact incumbent agriculture or retail firms through the labor market channel.

PMID:35883137 | DOI:10.1186/s42238-022-00149-6

BMC Ophthalmol. 2022 Jul 26;22(1):319. doi: 10.1186/s12886-022-02536-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To determine the percentage of patients who have silicone droplets in the vitreous after treatment with different anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections (IVI) and how symptomatic they are.

METHODS: One hundred fifty-two eyes of 140 patients who had at least received an IVI were recruited for this study. Data collection included the number and type of IVI (aflibercept, ranibizumab and bevacizumab) and the follow-up time. A complete ophthalmologic examination was carried out and patients were classified in four groups according to the amount of silicone droplets found in dilated fundoscopy (nonexistent, scarce, moderate and abundant). Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) was also carried out. An interview was conducted to report the presence and intensity of the symptomatology.

RESULTS: Silicone oil droplets were reported in 109 eyes (71.7%). A positive correlation was found between the number of IVIs received and the quantity of droplets found, especially when aflibercept was used. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was present in 65.8% of the patients, showing a positive correlation with the number of bubbles. Regarding the symptomatology, 60 eyes (39.5%) had floaters and the disturbance was reported to be 4 out of 10. The group with a moderate amount of silicone droplets had the highest percentage of floaters (60%). No statistical differences in the IOP were found between groups, although the group with abundant droplets had a higher mean IOP.

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of silicone droplets in vitreous of patients who undergo IVI treatment was found. It appears to have little impact on symptomatology and rise of IOP.

PMID:35883113 | DOI:10.1186/s12886-022-02536-2

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Jul 26;23(1):714. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05679-x.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Kinesiophobia (fear of movement) is a major limiting factor in the return to pre-injury sport level after surgery of rotator cuff tears. The study aims to gain insights into how kinesiophobia affects shoulder pain and function after the repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

METHODS: A prospective study was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent rotator cuff repair between January 2019 and December 2019 in our institution. The patients were divided into a trial group with a high kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia [TSK], TSK > 37) and a control group with a low kinesiophobia (TSK ≤ 37). The indicators of interest included the Constant-Murley scores, numerical rating scale (NRS), visual analogue scale (VAS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the American shoulder and elbow score (ASES), shoulder function and strength, and range of motion (ROM) at 3 days, 6 weeks, and 12 months after repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

RESULTS: In total, 49 patients who underwent repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears were enrolled, which was divided into a trial group involving 26 patients (mean TSK 52.54) and a control group involving 23 patients (mean TSK 33.43). There were no statistically significant differences in basic information such as age, gender, and length of stay in the two groups. The preoperative and early postoperative functional scores and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia were statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, long-term postoperative follow-up showed no statistically significant difference in ASES, and Constant-Murley scores, OSS, and VAS scores between the two groups as the kinesiophobia changed from positive to negative.

CONCLUSION: Degree of kinesiophobia reduced during post-operative rehabilitation of rotator cuff repair patients, but high kinesiophobia is still present in a large portion of the patients after rotator cuff repair. Patients after rotator cuff repair will benefit from early recognition and prevention of kinesiophobia.

PMID:35883122 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-022-05679-x

Arch Public Health. 2022 Jul 26;80(1):176. doi: 10.1186/s13690-022-00921-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Up to April 2022, there were six waves of infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan. As the outbreaks continue to grow, it is critical to detect COVID-19’s clusters to allocate health resources and improve decision-making substantially. This study aimed to identify active clusters of COVID-19 in Nagasaki Prefecture and form the spatiotemporal pattern of high-risk areas in different infection periods.

METHODS: We used the prospective space-time scan statistic to detect emerging COVID-19 clusters and examine the relative risk in five consecutive periods from April 1, 2020 to April 7, 2022, in Nagasaki Prefecture.

RESULTS: The densely inhabited districts (DIDs) in Nagasaki City have remained the most affected areas since December 2020. Most of the confirmed cases in the early period of each wave had a history of travelling to other prefectures. Community-level transmissions are suggested by the quick expansion of spatial clusters from urban areas to rural areas and remote islands. Moreover, outbreaks in welfare facilities and schools may lead to an emerging cluster in Nagasaki Prefecture’s rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS: This study gives an overall analysis of the transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nagasaki Prefecture, based on the number of machi-level daily cases. Furthermore, the findings in different waves can serve as references for subsequent pandemic prevention and control. This method helps the health authorities track and investigate outbreaks of COVID-19 that are specific to these environments, especially in rural areas where healthcare resources are scarce.

PMID:35883103 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-022-00921-3

Arthritis Res Ther. 2022 Jul 26;24(1):178. doi: 10.1186/s13075-022-02862-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Studies on the association between coffee, a modifiable lifestyle factor, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints, have been conflicting. The aim of the present study was to study the association between coffee consumption and risk of RA in the context of different lifestyle factors.

METHODS: We included 2184 cases (72% women, mean age 55 years) newly diagnosed with RA during 2005-2018 in Sweden and 4201 controls matched on age, sex, and residential area. Data on coffee consumption was collected through a food frequency questionnaire and categorized into < 2 (reference), 2-< 4, 4-< 6, and ≥ 6 cups/day. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for coffee consumption and risk of RA, in a crude model (taking matching factors into account), and then adjusted first for smoking and further for BMI, educational level, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. We also stratified analyses on sex, smoking, rheumatoid factor, and anti-CCP2 status.

RESULTS: In the crude model, high coffee consumption was associated with increased risk of RA (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.20-1.88 for ≥ 6 cups/day compared to < 2 cups). After adjusting for smoking, the OR decreased and was no longer statistically significant (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.92-1.46) and decreased further in the full model (OR = 1.14 95% CI 0.89-1.45). This pattern held true in all strata.

CONCLUSION: The findings from this large, population-based case-control study did not support a significant association between coffee consumption and risk of RA as a whole nor within different subgroups.

PMID:35883099 | DOI:10.1186/s13075-022-02862-2

Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 26;21(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s12991-022-00407-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Suicide and cancer are serious public health problems worldwide, and people living with cancer are at high risk of having suicidal behaviors, such as ideation, plan and attempt. Patients with cancer had high possibilities of having suicidal ideation and attempt which lead to poor adherence of medication, worsening of their medical illness, and end the life. Even though people are affected by cancer in Ethiopia, there are limited studies regarding suicidal problem among patients with cancer. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempt among people living with cancer in Ethiopia.

METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among total of 416 participants. Outcome variables were assessed using suicidality module of World health organization (WHO) composite international diagnostic interview (CIDI). Data were analyzed using SPSS-20 and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted and variables with P value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant with corresponding 95% CI.

RESULTS: The overall magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt were 16.6% and 5.5%, respectively. Being divorced [(AOR = 2.97, (95% CI 1.22, 7.22)], having depression [(AOR = 2.67, (95%CI 1.34, 5.32)], the first 18 months, since diagnosed cancer [(AOR = 2.57, (95%CI 1.15, 5.75)], severe pain [(AOR = 3.27, (95%CI 1.18, 9.04)] and stage IV cancer [(AOR = 3.35, (95%CI 1.26, 9.04)] were significantly associated with suicidal Ideation. Whereas, female sex [(AOR = 5.32, (95%CI 1.39, 20.25)], having depression [(AOR = 4.8, (95%CI 1.23, 18)] and advanced stage of cancer [(AOR = 6.76, (95%CL 1.2, 37)] were significantly associated with suicidal attempt.

CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of Suicidal ideation and attempt in this study were high. Health care providers working in cancer treatment unit should give more attention to patients with high suicidal risk factors. Consultation services should be strengthened with psychiatric professionals in oncology treatment clinic.

PMID:35883094 | DOI:10.1186/s12991-022-00407-0

BMC Oral Health. 2022 Jul 26;22(1):308. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02343-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Satisfaction with dental services can provide valuable insights into aspects of quality including access as well as changes in this over time. In the UK publicly funded dental services are ostensibly delivered by private sector general dental practitioners for whom private patients represent an opportunity cost to the provision of care to public patients. This study examined changes in satisfaction as economic circumstances and policy changed in Britain between 1998 and 2019.

METHODS: Data were taken from successive waves of the British Social Attitudes Survey a representative cross-sectional survey of the population between 1998 and 2019. Descriptive statistics and a series of logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between satisfaction and a range of socio-demographic characteristics over time.

RESULTS: 37,328 usable responses were extracted from the survey spanning 21 years of data. Over the course of the survey approximately 71% of the sample was very satisfied, satisfied or neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with publicly funded dental services. Satisfaction fell at the outset of the study period but rose following the economic downturn from 2008 which coincided with increased use of publicly funded services. Differences were evident in satisfaction between older versus younger respondents, more affluent versus less affluent respondents and better educated versus less well-educated respondents. Satisfaction did not appear to change in response to policy changes.

CONCLUSION: Satisfaction is an important outcome of service provision. Policies aiming to improve satisfaction with publicly funded dental care in the UK must take account of the competing demands on dentists’ time from private patients. At times of economic expansion or when supply has been disrupted, these may be particularly acute and require specific interventions to improve access for those who depend on public services.

PMID:35883074 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-022-02343-7

BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 Jul 26;22(1):950. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08287-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Midwives have long workdays and work many weeks on call. There is a concern that these extended work schedules can negatively affect their intention to stay in the profession.

PURPOSE: This study provides evidence on Canadian midwives’ preferences for and experiences with policies and guidelines which limit the hours of work and weeks per year preferred to be on call, and examines the relationship between preferences and midwives’ intention to stay in the profession.

METHODS: Data come from our 2018 pan-Canadian survey of midwives. Descriptive statistics of 720 midwives’ preferences and experiences are provided. In the correlations followed by the OLS regressions, 596 midwives’ data are used to test the associations between preferences and intention to stay in the profession. STATA (version 15) is used. A thematic analysis of 274 midwives’ responses to the open-ended survey question is conducted to give voice to midwives on what can be done for retention.

RESULTS: Three quarters of the 720 respondents prefer policies and guidelines to limit hours of work in a 24-hour period, though less than half have policies and guidelines on hours of work. More than half prefer to have fewer on-call weeks or never to be on call, less than a third prefer same number of on-call weeks, and only 2% prefer more weeks to be on call. Midwives are currently working on average 33 weeks per year on call. OLS regression analysis shows that ‘met preference’ for hours of work and on-call weeks are positively associated with intention to stay. In responding to the open-ended survey question, midwives recommend limiting the consecutive hours of work and on-call weeks to manageable hours and weeks to retain them in the profession.

CONCLUSION: Midwives whose preferences are met are the ones intending to stay in the profession. There is, however, a large number of midwives with ‘unmet needs’ preferring to have policies and guidelines to limit the hours but do not have that currently, and would like to work fewer weeks on call than currently. These are the midwives who are not intending to stay in the profession.

PMID:35883071 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-022-08287-6

J Glaucoma. 2022 Jul 20. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002080. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Early hypotony after non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation for complex glaucomatous eyes with labile aqueous production can lead to significant visual morbidity. We therefore sought to report the early post-operative outcomes of a novel surgical technique that allows atraumatic insertion of non-valved GDDs through a much smaller 25-gauge scleral track, to minimise entry site leakage and improve safety.

METHODS: Retrospective case series of fifteen consecutive cases undergoing non-valved GDD insertion into the anterior chamber using a previously unreported technique.

RESULTS: All eyes underwent successful GDD insertion using our novel technique, with no intra-operative complications. Mean intraocular pressures (IOP) pre-operatively, at day 1, week 1 and week 3 were 31.4, 22.4, 23.7 and 25.6 mmHg respectively. A statistically significant IOP reduction was achieved at day 1, week 1 and week 3 post-operatively (P<0.05) without any observed leakage at the scleral entry site. One eye (6.7%) with complex panuveitic glaucoma developed early hypotony (5 mmHg) with shallow choroidal detachments on day 1. This was successfully managed with one intracameral ophthalmic viscoelastic device injection given at the slit-lamp and no further intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel single needle-docking intra-ocular insertion manoeuvre is an easily adoptable technique to make GDD insertion through a smaller 25-gauge water-tight scleral track more efficient and less traumatic. The technique reduces scleral distortion and therefore improves surgical safety particularly in eyes with complex secondary glaucoma.

PMID:35882037 | DOI:10.1097/IJG.0000000000002080