scholarly journals Health Care for Mitochondrial Disorders in Canada: A Survey of Physicians

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 717-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Paik ◽  
Matthew A. Lines ◽  
Pranesh Chakraborty ◽  
Sara D. Khangura ◽  
Maureen Latocki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Mitochondrial Disorders ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Practices ◽  
Important Variation ◽  
Physician Care

ABSTRACT:Background:An improved understanding of diagnostic and treatment practices for patients with rare primary mitochondrial disorders can support benchmarking against guidelines and establish priorities for evaluative research. We aimed to describe physician care for patients with mitochondrial diseases in Canada, including variation in care.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Canadian physicians involved in the diagnosis and/or ongoing care of patients with mitochondrial diseases. We used snowball sampling to identify potentially eligible participants, who were contacted by mail up to five times and invited to complete a questionnaire by mail or internet. The questionnaire addressed: personal experience in providing care for mitochondrial disorders; diagnostic and treatment practices; challenges in accessing tests or treatments; and views regarding research priorities.Results:We received 58 survey responses (52% response rate). Most respondents (83%) reported spending 20% or less of their clinical practice time caring for patients with mitochondrial disorders. We identified important variation in diagnostic care, although assessments frequently reported as diagnostically helpful (e.g., brain magnetic resonance imaging, MRI/MR spectroscopy) were also recommended in published guidelines. Approximately half (49%) of participants would recommend “mitochondrial cocktails” for all or most patients, but we identified variation in responses regarding specific vitamins and cofactors. A majority of physicians recommended studies on the development of effective therapies as the top research priority.Conclusions:While Canadian physicians’ views about diagnostic care and disease management are aligned with published recommendations, important variations in care reflect persistent areas of uncertainty and a need for empirical evidence to support and update standard protocols.

scholarly journals Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Ghana

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-187
Author(s):  
Sumani Abdul-Manan ◽  
Alhassan Iddrisu Abdullai ◽  
Buhari Gunu Yussif
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
P Value ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Background: A proven strategy for saving lives from vaccine-preventable diseases is the timely vaccination of the people. In Ghana, there is considerable hesitation about the Covid-19 vaccines due to anxieties and uncertainties about their safety. With varying perceptions and believes being developed about Covid-19 vaccines, there is a likely negative effect on vaccine acceptance or otherwise. This study aims to ascertain the levels of acceptance of potential Covid-19 vaccine among Ghanaian adults, to identify predictors of vaccine acceptance or hesitance. Methodology: A web based cross-sectional survey conducted among Ghanaians above 18 years, conducted between the month of February and March, 2021. Data were collected by administering online google forms (Questionnaire). The questionnaire was shared through social media platforms. A snowball sampling technique was used where researchers shared google forms to close friends and family. Analyses were conducted at p-value <0.05 using descriptive statistics, cross-tabula­tions and logistic regression. Results: A total of 350 responses were achieved by end of data collection. Out of these, only 348 were considered for analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Majority of the respondents (65.2%) were male, a third (30%) of them live in rural areas and about 57.5% were married. Factors such as age, educational level, prior vaccine acceptance history, personal vulnerability and self-feeling of health were significantly associated with covid-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The results depict low acceptance rate for potential covid-19 vaccine among Ghanaians. Government and MoH should engage the media on its role in combating misinformation with regards the Covid-19 vaccine. Key words: coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), vaccine, hesitance, acceptance.

scholarly journals Irish occupational therapists use of evidenced-based falls prevention programmes

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Lombard ◽  
Laura Desmond ◽  
Ciara Phelan ◽  
Joan Brangan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prevention Programmes

Purpose As one ages, the risk of experiencing a fall increases and poses a number of serious consequences; 30 per cent of individuals over 65 years of age fall each year. Evidence-based falls prevention programmes demonstrate efficacy in reducing the rate and risk of falls among older adults, but their use in Irish occupational therapy practice is unknown. This study aims to investigate the implementation of falls prevention programmes by occupational therapists working with older adults in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data on the use of falls prevention programmes among occupational therapists working with older adults in any clinical setting across Ireland. Purposeful, convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland acted as a gatekeeper. Descriptive statistics and summative content analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Findings In all, 85 survey responses were analysed. Over 85 per cent of respondents reported “Never” using any of the evidence-based falls prevention programmes. The “OTAGO” Exercise Programme was the most “Frequently” used programme (9.5 per cent, n = 7); 29 respondents reported using “in-department” developed falls prevention programmes and 14 provided additional comments regarding current falls prevention practices in Ireland. Originality/value In the absence of Irish data on the subject, this study provides a benchmark to describe the use of evidence-based falls programmes by Irish occupational therapists with older adults.

scholarly journals Impact of Increased Screen Time on Physical and Psychological Health of Indian Students During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1493-1500
Author(s):  
Shailly Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Indian Government ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Indian Students

Now in the 21st century, both physical and psychological health are associated with technology. By the late March 2020, the Indian government announced multiple lockdowns to fight with COVID-19 pandemic which included the shutdown of all educational institutes due to which all schools, college, and universities had shifted all their classes online by using video conferencing apps which also accounted for a large proportion of tasks that resulted in increased screen time after lockdown compared to pre-lockdown during COVID-19. So, the present study was conducted to determine the impact of increased usage of the screen on Psychological and physical health during the COVID-19 among Indian Students. A cross sectional survey was conducted on Indian students by using self- made Questionnaire with snowball sampling method. A total of 210 responses were received online from various schools and colleges students between 15th August to 30th August 2020. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the screen time spent before and during COVID (t= 19.96; p<0.01). Similarly, a statistically significant positive correlation at 0.01 level was found between screen usage time during COVID-19 pandemic with backache (0.62), neck pain (0.71), headache (0.50), and weight gain (0.52) and with mental health (0.40). Hence the study concluded positive association between screen time with physical and psychological health during COVID-19 among Indian students. It further implies that adequate preventive health measures need to be incorporated among students. There is a scope of further study to identify the impact of over usage of screen on health of individuals of specific population i.e., either adolescents or adults’ group and also on the larger sample size to get more reliable and accurate results.

scholarly journals An assessment of risk factors for contracting rabies among dog bite cases recorded in Ward 30, Murewa district, Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. e0009305
Author(s):  
Enica Chikanya ◽  
Margaret Macherera ◽  
Auther Maviza
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Density ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Dog Bite ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dog Ownership ◽  
Cluster Area ◽  
Dog Owners

Background Zoonoses are a major threat to human health. Worldwide, rabies is responsible for approximately 59 000 deaths annually. In Zimbabwe, rabies is one of the top 5 priority diseases and it is notifiable. It is estimated that rabies causes 410 human deaths per year in the country. Murewa district recorded 938 dog bite cases and 4suspected rabies deaths between January 2017 and July 2018, overshooting the threshold of zero rabies cases. Of the 938dog bite cases reported in the district, 263 were reported in Ward 30 and these included all the 4suspected rabies deaths reported in the district. This necessitated a study to assess risk factors for contracting rabies in Ward 30, Murewa. Methodology/ Principal findings A descriptive cross sectional survey was used for a retrospective analysis of a group of dog bite cases reported at Murewa Hospital, in Ward 30. Purposive sampling was used to select dog bite cases and snowball sampling was used to locate unvaccinated dogs and areas with jackal presence. The dog bite cases and relatives of rabies cases were interviewed using a piloted interviewer-administered questionnaire. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of dog bite cases, vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs and jackal presence were collected using handheld GPS device. QGIS software was used to spatially analyse and map them. Dog owners were 10 times more likely to contract rabies compared to non-dog owners (RR = 10, 95% CI 1.06–93.7). Owners of unvaccinated dogs were 5 times more likely to contract rabies compared to owners of vaccinated dogs (RR = 5.01, 95% CI 0.53–47.31). Residents of the high density cluster (area with low cost houses and stand size of 300 square meters and below) were 64 times more likely to contract rabies compared to non-high density cluster residents (RR = 64.87, 95% CI 3.6039–1167.82). Participants who were not knowledgeable were 0.07 times more likely to contract rabies, compared to those who had knowledge about rabies. (RR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.004–1.25). Our study shows that the risk factors for contacting rabies included; low knowledge levels regarding rabies, dog ownership residing in the high density cluster, owning unvaccinated dogs and spatial overlap of jackal presence with unvaccinated dogs.

scholarly journals How COVID-19 is Affecting Apprentices

BioMedica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2S) ◽  
pp. 265-269
Author(s):  
Shamaila Hassnain ◽  
Naureen Omar
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
World Health ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Coronavirus induced disease (COVID-19) is affecting people all around the world. The rising number of deaths due to COVID-19 is not only harassing people but also causing strong emotions in adults as well as in children due to anxiety, fear and stress. The objective of this study was to assess the fears, anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 pandemic and related issues among the apprentices at various levels in different parts of world. <strong>Methods: </strong>It was a cross sectional survey design to assess the students/trainee&rsquo;s immediate psychological response during COVID-19 outbreak by using an anonymous online questionnaire. A snowball sampling technique was conducted focusing general public all around the world from 3rd April 2020 till 7th April 2020. A total of N=354 participants filled the form completely. The structured questionnaire collected information on demographic data and psychological aspect of this outbreak, including extreme fear and uncertainty. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of N = 354 participants completed the questionnaire; majority were from the age group of 21&ndash;30 years. Approximately 66.4% were females and 33.6% males. Participants from Asia were 83.6% while 9.9%, 3.4%, 2.8% and 1% from America/Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia respectively. Out of n = 354 participants 59.3% were relying on health professionals for authentic source of information regarding COVID-19 while 16.4%, 15% and 5.4% considered social media, television and World Health Organization (WHO) website respectively as their authentic guide. Out of the (n = 354) participants 80.5% were afraid about health status during COVID-19 most predominantly females (66.3%) (P = 0.000). A total of 65.8% participants felt agitated or irritated in this outbreak. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> COVID-19 lockdowns are affecting both physical and mental health of students and apprentices enrolled at different levels of education. Females are more affected and concerned to their loved ones and themselves. Working norms are being maintained and responsibilities are being fulfilled despite this grave situation.</p>

scholarly journals The current state of Nursing Informatics – An international cross-sectional survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura-Maria Peltonen ◽  
Lisiane Pruinelli ◽  
Charlene Ronquillo ◽  
Raji Nibber ◽  
Erika Lozarda Peresmitre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Support ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Nursing Informatics ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Current State ◽  
Health Institutions

An international survey to explore current and future trends in Nursing Informatics (NI) was done in 2015. This article explores responses to questions about: what should be done to further develop NI as an independent discipline; existing policies and standards influencing NI; perceived support towards NI as a discipline; and advice from NI specialists to students and emerging professionals. Nurse and allied health professionals in academia and practice were reached with snowball sampling. Open-ended questions were analysed with thematic content analysis and the mean and standard deviation is reported for the perceived support towards NI (scale ranging from 1 (not at all supportive) to 10 (very supportive)). A total of 507 respondents from 46 countries responded to the survey. Respondents reported mediocre support towards NI from the environment (M 5.79, SD 2.60). Results showed that NI education needs development to better meet practice demands, that current NI resources seem insufficient, that NI expertise is not used to its full potential in health institutions and the community, and that NI needs to show its value through research and increase visibility to be recognised among stakeholders worldwide. In conclusion, there is a need to clarify NI as a discipline and a need for strong leadership to impact policy making. An increase in NI teaching at undergraduate level in nursing as well as an increase in postgraduate NI programmes worldwide would better support practice demands. National policies and international white papers in NI are needed to guide resource distribution to better support practice.

scholarly journals Effect of cost sharing on utilization of general physician care: A cross-sectional survey from Shiraz, Iran

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Masoud Arefnezhad ◽  
Zahra Kavosi ◽  
Mohsen Bayati ◽  
EnayatollahHomaie Rad ◽  
Abdosaleh Jaafari
Keyword(s):  
Cost Sharing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
General Physician ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physician Care

scholarly journals Associations between personal protective equipment and nursing staff stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Hoedl ◽  
Doris Eglseer ◽  
Silvia Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
High Level

Background: The results of several projects on the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been published since the outbreak of COVID-19. It is known that wearing PPE, and specifically face masks, has physcial consequences like headache and pain, which can increase stress among nursing staff. However, none of these studies placed a focus on PPE and nursing staff, although nurses are the only members of the health care profession who are at the patients bedsides 24/7, and PPE is the only way to protect them from a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the association between the use of PPE and stress among nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted, which we distributed using snowball sampling techniques. The questionnaire was developed on the basis of (inter-)national recommendations as well as the international literature. We used the perceived level of stress scale to measure the nursing staff members stress levels. Results We included data collected from 2600 nurses in this analysis. Nearly all nursing staff wore face masks. We showed that more than two-thirds of the nurses had moderate to high levels of stress. No statistically significant association between the use of PPE and stress was detected. However, we show a statistically significant association between the duration of mask usage and stress. Discussion and conclusions Nearly all participating nurses wore face masks or FFP masks to protect themselves from COVID-19 infection. This observation might indicate that Austrian nurses display a high level of compliance with national and international regulations and play a key role in such pandemics. Our results also show that increased mask-wearing time led to increased stress levels. These results suggest that (inter-)national regulations on how and when to use PPE should include a maximum duration of time for wearing each type of mask. Such regulations could help to prevent work-related stress, particularly in the case of future epidemics, and avoid burnout among nursing staff or even nurses leaving their jobs. The consequences of both of these negative outcomes should be considered in light of the predicted expected future shortage of health care workers.

scholarly journals How far do we still need to go? A survey on knowledge, attitudes, practice related to antimicrobial stewardship regulations among Chinese doctors in 2012 and 2016

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e027687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruyu Xia ◽  
Xiaoyang Hu ◽  
Merlin Willcox ◽  
Xinxue Li ◽  
Yuxiu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mobile Phone Application ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Positive Effect

ObjectivesTo explore doctors’ knowledge, willingness, concerns and the countermeasures to the most stringent antimicrobial stewardship regulations of China which implemented in August 2012.DesignCross-sectional survey. A pretested 32-point structured questionnaire was distributed to doctors by sending a web link via the mobile phone application WeChat through snowball sampling methods and email groups of medical academic societies.SettingChina.ParticipantsDoctors.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe questionnaire inquired about the doctors’ experiences, knowledge, willingness, concerns and the countermeasures to the stewardship policies.ResultsTotal of persons in the groups was 19 791, among them 1194 submitted the answers, within them, 807 were doctors. Doctors had a mean age of 39.0 years. The majority (78.9% in 2012, 89.1% in 2016) reported that they were willing or very willing to accept the regulations. Almost all respondents (93.2%) felt the stewardship regulations had the potential to adversely affect the prognosis of patients who would have been prescribed antimicrobials before they were implemented, and >65% (65.7% in 2012, 66.9% in 2016) of doctors were often or always concerned about the prognosis of these patients. In 2012, 32% of doctors prescribed restricted antimicrobials or suggested patient self-medication with restricted antimicrobials to address doctors’ concerns, and this number decreased to 22.6% in 2016. Although compulsory antimicrobial stewardship training was frequent, less than half of respondents (46.8%) responded correctly to all three knowledge questions.ConclusionAntimicrobial stewardship regulations had some positive effect on rational antimicrobial use. Willingness and practice of doctors towards the regulations improved from 2012 to 2016. Knowledge about rational antimicrobial use was still lacking. Doctors found ways of accessing restricted antibiotics to address their concerns about the prognosis of patients, which undermined the implementation of the stewardship regulations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document