OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as identify predictors among recovered COVID-19 patients after more than six months of being discharged in Dong Thap Province, Vietnam.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 549 eligible participants recruited by stratified sampling. Data was collected using the depression, anxiety and stress scale - 21 items had Content Validity Index = 0.9, and Cronbach's alpha for depression, anxiety and stress sub-scales were 0.95, 0.81, and 0.86, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the prevalence levels and distribution of characteristics of the participant, while factors influencing depression, anxiety, and stress were predicted using binary logistic regression.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 24.8% (95% CI: 21.2-28.6), 41.5% (95% CI: 37.4-45.8), and 25.3% (95% CI: 21.7-29.2), respectively. The predictors of depression were living in urban area (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.27-3.08), holding a bachelor's degree (OR:3.51; 95% CI: 1.13-10.8), having a high monthly income (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.03-6.38), diabetes (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.04-4.68), heart disease (OR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.79-8.17), respiratory disease (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 1.24-9.84), and diarrhea (OR: 4.07; 95% CI: 1.06-15.6). Living in the urban area (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.07-2.29), having sleep disturbance (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.56-3.46), and fatigue (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.03-2.39) were predictors for anxiety. Having respiratory disease (OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.47-9.60) or diarrhea (OR: 4.34; 95% CI: 1.18-15.9) were predictors of stress.
CONCLUSION: People who have recovered from COVID-19 should be assessed for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Primary healthcare providers should develop interventions to support their recovery.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from adults with T2D from 11 Asian countries/regions with structured assessment enrolled in the prospective Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) register between November 2007 and December 2019. Patients receiving insulin and/or injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists were excluded.
RESULTS: Amongst 62 512 patients (mean ± standard deviation age: 57.3 ± 11.8 years; 53.6% men), 54 783 (87.6%) were treated with OGLDs at enrolment. Most received one (37.5%) or two (44.2%) OGLDs. In the entire cohort, 59.4% of treated patients received SU-based therapy with variations amongst countries/regions. Overall, 79.5% of SU regimens were based on SUs plus metformin, and 22.1% on SUs plus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Among SU users, gliclazide was most commonly prescribed (46.7%), followed by glimepiride (40.0%) and glibenclamide (8.1%). More gliclazide users entered the cohort with glycated haemoglobin levels <53 mmol/mol (7%) than non-gliclazide SU users (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17), with less frequent self-reported hypoglycaemia in the 3 months before registration (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.92; adjusted for sociodemographic factors, cardiometabolic risk factors, complications, use of other OGLDs, country/region and year of registration).
CONCLUSION: In Asia, SUs are a popular OGLD class, often combined with metformin. Good glycaemic control and safety profiles associated with the use of SUs, including gliclazide, support their position as a key treatment option in patients with T2D.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months on T2DM patients at a National University Hospital, Malaysia. Since Malaysia is a multiethnic country with majority Malay-speaking and English widely used, the Malay and English versions of the revised version Diabetes Quality of life (DQoL) questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. Multiple Linear Regression was applied to estimate association of individual DQoL domains with T2DM-related complications, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.
RESULTS: A total of 513 patients were recruited in the study. Sociodemographic (age, gender, ethnicity, employment, education) and body mass index affected satisfaction, impact and worry domains while complications affected the impact domain. Poorer HRQoL were demonstrated for severe stages heart failure (p = 0.001), nephropathy (p = 0.029), retinopathy (p
OBJECTIVE: Currently there is limited evidence and guidance on the management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and asymptomatic spinal cord compression (ASCC). Anecdotal evidence suggest variance in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to assess current practice and to quantify the variability in clinical practice.
METHODS: Spinal surgeons and some additional health professionals completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of AO Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) North American Society. Questions captured experience with DCM, frequency of DCM patient encounters, and standard of practice in the assessment of DCM. Further questions assessed the definition and management of mild DCM, and the management of ASCC.
RESULTS: A total of 699 respondents, mostly surgeons, completed the survey. Every world region was represented in the responses. Half (50.1%, n = 359) had greater than 10 years of professional experience with DCM. For mild DCM, standardised follow-up for non-operative patients was reported by 488 respondents (69.5%). Follow-up included a heterogeneous mix of investigations, most often at 6-month intervals (32.9%, n = 158). There was some inconsistency regarding which clinical features would cause a surgeon to counsel a patient towards surgery. Practice for ASCC aligned closely with mild DCM. Finally, there were some contradictory definitions of mild DCM provided in the form of free text.
CONCLUSIONS: Professionals typically offer outpatient follow up for patients with mild DCM and/or asymptomatic ASCC. However, what this constitutes varies widely. Further research is needed to define best practice and support patient care.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: A cross-sectional online survey involving second-year pharmacy students of Monash Malaysia (MA) and Monash Australia (PA) campuses was conducted. The survey consisted of 15 Likert-scale multiple-choice questions and an open-ended question. Data were analysed statistically.
FINDINGS: Students at both MA and PA campuses were satisfied with the remote online learning experienced during the pandemic but indicated a preference for a blended learning approach. Students at the MA campus felt that on-campus face-to-face classes were more engaging and advantageous for their learning and skills development (P
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across seven states in Malaysia among community-dwelling low-income older adults aged ≥60 years old (n = 282). Measurement items were adapted from pre-validated scales and 7-point Likert Scales were used. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the hypothesized model.
RESULTS: Mobility technology awareness was found to shape an individual's threat and coping appraisals associated with their intention to use a mobility app. The decision of a low-income older adult to adopt a mobility app as a protective action is not a direct function of threat and coping appraisals but is indirect, and mediated by the underlying cost-benefit perceptions of non-adoption and adoption of the mobility app. In terms of technology perceptions, perceived usefulness is a significant predictor, but not perceived ease of use.
CONCLUSIONS: This study entails a new model by uncovering the psychological factors encompassing mobility technology awareness, threat-coping appraisals, and cost-benefit perceptions on Technology Acceptance Model studies. These insights have important implications for the development and implementation of a mobility app among low-income older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 342-350.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients admitted with hip fractures between 2019 and 2021 at Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (HoSHAS) in Pahang were analyzed. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nature of trauma, fracture types, and comorbidities were collected and examined using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS: Among 3856 Orthopaedic Department admissions at HoSHAS (2019-2021), 296 hip fracture cases were identified, predominantly in women (71.3%), Malay ethnicity (75.3%), and aged 71-80 (38.5%). Intertrochanteric femur fractures were prevalent (62.8%). Unintentional falls accounted for 94.9% of cases. Logistic regression showed age and gender as significant predictors of femoral neck fractures. Specifically, Chinese seniors were 1.96 times more likely, and women over 65 were 1.95 times more likely to suffer these fractures. Notably, the absence of comorbidities increased the risk by 3.41 times (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: With increased longevity among Malaysian citizen, the number of hip fracture cases are growing and leading to other health-related problems such as disability, depression, and cardiovascular. Various preventive interventions for osteoporosis and falls should be implemented to reduce the incidence of hip fractures among older adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study through a purposive sampling method was employed, involving 142 caregivers of CWD at the selected CBR centre. Four CBR centres were selected in this study, which were located in the Kudat division of Sabah. The Malay version of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index Questionnaire (M-CSI-M) was used in this study to obtain information about the caregiver's strain.
RESULTS: Findings from this study revealed that most caregivers experienced moderate strain (72.5%). Some of the leading causes of their strain were upsetting CWD's behaviour (10.6%), financial strain (9.2%), and overwhelmed (9.2%). In addition, there were significant differences between caregiver strain and their level of education, income, and the types of their child's disabilities (p ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The well-being of the caregivers may significantly impact the effectiveness of rehabilitation for CWD, as caregivers are vital interdisciplinary team members.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with, one hundred and forty individuals with paraplegic SCI, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and attended an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The impairment of body function/structures of participants was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scale, which classified them as A, B, C, D, or E. A set of questionnaire survey forms was used to collect sociodemographic information, occupational participation, environmental factors, and QOL by using a demographic questionnaire, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS-II), Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF) scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) BREF form respectively.
RESULTS: The results showed that occupational participation was the strongest predictor of QOL among persons with paraplegic SCI (β=-0.586, p<0.001). In the second step, variables representing body function/structure factors (ASIA-A, B, C, D, E) were added, and the overall model explained 40.7% of the variance in QOL. In the third step, personal factors (age groups, gender, marital status, level of education, and rehabilitation duration) were added, and the overall model explained 51.4% of the variance in QOL. In the final step, environmental factors (CHIEF 12 Items scale) were added, but they did not significantly explain the model.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that occupational participation was found to be the most significant predictor of QOL among individuals with paraplegic SCI. Body function/structure factors, personal factors, and environmental factors were also significant predictors, but to a lesser extent. The findings of this study can inform healthcare professionals and policymakers in developing interventions and, policies targeting occupational participation, and personal factors that may be effective to improve the QOL of individuals with paraplegic SCI in Pakistan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional review of all adult haemophilia A (HA) or haemophilia B (HB) patients who received treatment in Hospital Pulau Pinang from January 2021 to December 2022 was conducted. Data was retrieved from patients' medical records.
RESULTS: A total of 75 haemophilia patients (64 HA and 11 HB) were included in this study with median age of 37 years (range 19 70). 42 of them had severe haemophilia (50% of HA, 91% of HB). All HB and 93.8% of severe HA patients were on prophylaxis. Six severe and one mild HA patients developed inhibitor with four of them currently on non-factor prophylaxis. 24 patients (32%) had prior hepatitis C infection and all of them have been successfully treated. The mean annual bleeding rate for severe haemophilia patients were 1.77 (SD ±3.6). Target joints were observed in 9.3% of patients with ankle joint (71.4%) being the most affected joint. More than one quarter (26.7%) of our patients have comorbidities with majority of them having hypertension (17/20), followed by diabetes mellitus (5/20) and ischemic heart disease (5/20).
CONCLUSION: Our study showed that a significant number of adult patients with haemophilia have comorbidities. Apart from optimising factor replacement therapy, future planning should include improvement in screening, risk modification and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
DESIGN: A cross sectional study.
METHOD: A self-administered online survey was used from August to October 2022, with a sample size of 417 nursing students selected through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and PROCESS macro v4.1 (Model 4) were used for data analysis.
RESULTS: The results revealed that virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, and student collaboration, significantly predict student computer competency and e-learning outcomes. Virtual learning infrastructure and access to electronic facilities were found to be the strongest predictors of student computer competency, while student collaboration had a smaller but still significant effect. Student computer competency was found to mediate the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, student collaboration, and e-learning outcomes.
METHODS: Members of the Global NASH Council created two surveys about experiences/attitudes toward NAFLD and related diagnostic terms: a 68-item patient and a 41-item provider survey.
RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 1,976 patients with NAFLD across 23 countries (51% Middle East/North Africa [MENA], 19% Europe, 17% USA, 8% Southeast Asia, 5% South Asia) and 825 healthcare providers (67% gastroenterologists/hepatologists) across 25 countries (39% MENA, 28% Southeast Asia, 22% USA, 6% South Asia, 3% Europe). Of all patients, 48% ever disclosed having NAFLD/NASH to family/friends; the most commonly used term was "fatty liver" (88% at least sometimes); "metabolic disease" or "MAFLD" were rarely used (never by >84%). Regarding various perceptions of diagnostic terms by patients, there were no substantial differences between "NAFLD", "fatty liver disease (FLD)", "NASH", or "MAFLD". The most popular response was being neither comfortable nor uncomfortable with either term (56%-71%), with slightly greater discomfort with "FLD" among the US and South Asian patients (47-52% uncomfortable). Although 26% of patients reported stigma related to overweight/obesity, only 8% reported a history of stigmatization or discrimination due to NAFLD. Among providers, 38% believed that the term "fatty" was stigmatizing, while 34% believed that "nonalcoholic" was stigmatizing, more commonly in MENA (43%); 42% providers (gastroenterologists/hepatologists 45% vs. 37% other specialties, p = 0.03) believed that the name change to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (or MASLD) might reduce stigma. Regarding the new nomenclature, the percentage of providers reporting "steatotic liver disease" as stigmatizing was low (14%).
CONCLUSIONS: The perception of NAFLD stigma varies among patients, providers, geographic locations and sub-specialties.
IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Over the past decades, efforts have been made to change the nomenclature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to better align with its underlying pathogenetic pathways and remove any potential stigma associated with the name. Given the paucity of data related to stigma in NAFLD, we undertook this global comprehensive survey to assess stigma in NAFLD among patients and providers from around the world. We found there is a disconnect between physicians and patients related to stigma and related nomenclature. With this knowledge, educational programs can be developed to better target stigma in NAFLD among all stakeholders and to provide a better opportunity for the new nomenclature to address the issues of stigma.