METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 1505 PHCPs selected through multistage stratified cluster random sampling from public primary healthcare clinics in Malaysia. Data were collected via self-administered online surveys using the validated Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS)-Malay tool. Complex sample analysis of descriptive data, general linear model (GLM) and logistic regression were performed. The GLM was used to determine knowledge and opinion score variables predicting the mean perceived preparedness score, whereas multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with a good level of perceived preparedness to manage IPV. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Most Malaysian PHCPs (81.0%) had not received any IPV training. Only 29.1% of the PHCPs reported a good level of perceived preparedness, 12.2% had good perceived knowledge, and a mere 8.6% had good actual knowledge. The perceived and actual knowledge, workplace/self-efficacy, and staff constraints scores were positively associated with the preparedness score, whereas the victim understanding score was negatively associated with the preparedness score. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that longer work experience (≥ 10 years) (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.28-2.26), prior IPV training (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.12-2.51), previous experience with IPV inquiry (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.10-2.19), good perceived knowledge (AOR = 15.21, 95% CI: 11.15-20.74), and good actual knowledge (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.10-2.94) were significantly associated with a good level of perceived preparedness.
CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of Malaysian PHCPs have not received IPV training, and only a small proportion felt they are prepared to manage IPV, with even fewer possessing adequate knowledge about IPV. These findings highlight the urgent need to prioritize IPV training programs at the primary care level to better equip PHCPs with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage IPV effectively.
METHODS: The study began with an exploratory literature review to identify key educational challenges and opportunities in radiotherapy treatment planning. A qualitative approach was employed, using a focus group methodology to gather in-depth insights from subject experts, including educational and clinical professionals involved in undergraduate radiotherapy teaching. The focus group discussions explored the integration of an anthropomorphic head phantom within a simulated, case study-based training framework. This innovative approach combined practical skills development with theoretical learning, promoting active engagement and mirroring real-world clinical scenarios.
RESULTS: Focus group discussions showed favorability towards the end-to-end case study method in simulation-based learning. Participants emphasized evaluating plans through assessments and using supplementary tools like video guides and workbooks to enhance learning. Incorporating the anthropomorphic phantom marked a notable advancement, offering authentic training possibilities in radiotherapy undergraduate education.
CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the potential of integrating an end-to-end teaching concept in radiotherapy education. By providing a realistic and comprehensive training experience, the approach can further enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. While real-world testing is pending, this innovative methodology shows promise in shaping proficient future radiotherapy graduates, highlighting the need for continuous evolution in educational strategies to meet the demands of modern healthcare training.
METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 8 General Out-Patient Clinics between June 2022 and January 2024 using 2-step active opportunistic screening. In step 1, risk factor count, 852 at-risk patients were identified through consecutive sampling during their primary care consultation by specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. In step 2, these at-risk patients then underwent POC-cHbA1c (intervention) or vHbA1c (control) testing. If preliminary HbA1c was ≥ 5.6%, a confirmatory oral glucose tolerance test was offered. Randomization occurred at the clinic level using a random allocation sequence generated by statistical software. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the uptake rate, adjusting for patient characteristics and clinic clustering.
RESULTS: POC-cHbA1c had a higher uptake rate than vHbA1c (76.0% vs 37.5%; OR = 7.06, 95% CI [2.47-20.18], p
RESULTS: The pH, sugar and reducing sugars levels, organic acids content, total bacterial count (TBC) and sensory characteristics of the sample were determined. The results showed that the treated samples were able to slow down the pH and sucrose content from dropping during storage. Sample A had lactic acid at 0.93 ± 0.01 g/L and acetic acid at 0.05 ± 0.0.1 g/L, while Sample B had 0.97 ± 0.02 g/L and 0.07 ± 0.01 g/L, respectively, both lower than the control (1.10 ± 0.01 g/L and 0.09 ± 0.02 g/L). Sample A with TBC of 1.03 (± 0.08) x 105 CFU/mL was able to inhibit microbial growth better than Sample B, 1.14 (± 0.13) x 105 CFU/mL. Preservative application prior to tapping was shown to be more successful in preserving the quality and shelf-life of nipa palm sap. This approach is likely preventing early microbial activity and fermentation without the need of proper packaging, preserving the freshness and quality of the sap more effectively than adding the preservative after collection.
RESULTS: Planctomycetota, Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota were the dominant bacterial phyla while Stramenopiles and Alveolata were the dominant microeukaryotes (divisions) in the pangasius and tilapia ponds water. The relative abundance of Planctomycetota was higher in the pangasius ponds compared with tilapia ponds, and Actinomycetota, and Pseudomonadota were relatively higher in tilapia ponds. Tilapia pond water also exhibited a higher microbial diversity compared to that in pangasius ponds. The pondwater microbial diversity was at its lowest in winter (and/or in monsoon) and highest in the pre-monsoon period. The microbial community structures differed across the different seasons, geographical locations, culture systems, and crop species, with season and geographical locations showing the strongest effects. Of the water physicochemistry features assessed, temperature and pH were found to have a weak but significant effect on the water microbiome content for both pangasius and tilapia ponds. Pangasius and tilapia ponds shared over 46% of ASVs, and around 30% of ASVs were shared across the different study geographical locations.
CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that microbial communities in pangasius and tilapia aquaculture systems in Bangladesh are shaped by season, geographical location, crop species, as well as effects from water physicochemistry. Our results provide insights into the dynamic nature and environmental influences on water microbiomes that may be applied for use in pond management for improving aquaculture productivity and enhancement of overall fish health.