A screening questionnaire for occupational and hobby exposures during pregnancy

Abstract Background Occupational and environmental exposures during the prenatal period may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health effects. Yet, identification and evaluation of these potential hazards is lacking in routine obstetric care. Aims To assess the feasibility of incorporating a self-administered occupational and environmental exposure questionnaire into obstetric clinics. Methods A cross-sectional survey assessed prenatal clinic patients at a public hospital who were currently employed and <20 weeks gestation. Questionnaires evaluated job characteristics, workplace and hobby exposures, protective equipment use and symptoms during pregnancy. Results Of 69 participants (96% response rate), 46% were predominantly Spanish-speaking. Primary occupations were caregiver (16%), cleaner (14%) and administrative assistant (14%). Overall, 93% were exposed to a workplace hazard, with most participants reporting physical stressors (82%) or organic solvent exposure (78%). Most women (74%) used some personal protective equipment. Nearly half (54%) reported at least one non-pregnancy symptom, and 52% were referred for follow-up with an occupational medicine practitioner. Household and hobby-related chemical exposures were common in our sample (91%). We observed moderate consistency between job task and chemical use responses: 67–99% of intentionally redundant questions were fully or partially matched. Closed- compared to open-ended activity questions identified a higher proportion of physical stressors (82% versus 12%) and cleaning product (76% versus 30%) exposures. Conclusions A self-administered questionnaire is an effective screening tool for identifying women with occupational and hobby-related exposures during pregnancy. Consistent incorporation of exposure assessment into prenatal care can improve clinical communications and early interventions for at-risk pregnant women.

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Prevalence and determinant factors of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Marrakesh province, Morocco: A cross- sectional survey

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.3233/mnm-200517 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Soufiane El Moussaoui ◽

Kamal Kaoutar ◽

Ahmed Chetoui ◽

Abdeslam El Kardoudi ◽

Fatiha Chigr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Breastfeeding Practices ◽

Survey Report ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽

Breastfeeding Practice

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants during the first 6 months of life. Nevertheless, the practice of breastfeeding is currently declining throughout the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice and its associated factors among mothers living in Marrakesh province, Morocco. METHODS: The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. RESULTS: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 50.2%. Mothers with age more than 30 years, residing in rural area, receiving counseling related breastfeeding during antenatal follow up and having knowledge about duration of breastfeeding were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of breastfeeding in Marrakesh was higher than the last national survey report but it is still insufficient. These findings have to stress authorities and deciders to sensitize mothers and future mothers to increase exclusive breastfeeding practice notably through the involvement of health professionals.

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Support received by family members before, at and after an ill person’s death

BMC Palliative Care ◽

10.1186/s12904-021-00800-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna O’Sullivan ◽

Anette Alvariza ◽

Joakim Öhlén ◽

Cecilia Larsdotter

Keyword(s):

Survey Design ◽

Family Members ◽

Time Of Death ◽

Healthcare Staff ◽

Care Needs ◽

Advanced Illness ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bereaved Family

Abstract Background It is widely recognised, that family members are central to care of people with advanced illness, and that support should be provided to all family members in need thereof. The aim of this study was to investigate family members’ experiences of support received during the last three months of life, at the time of death and after the death of a person with advanced illness. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional survey design was employed, using the VOICES(SF) questionnaire and multiple methods for data analyses. The sample consisted of 485 bereaved family members (aged: 20–90 years old, 70% women) of people who died in hospital between August 2016-April 2017. Results Of the family members, 58,8% reported they had received enough help and support during the illness, whereas 30,2% had not. Family members’ comments about support during the illness were mainly related to care the ill person had or had not received, rather than about support they themselves received. Of all family members, 52,8% reported having had enough support at the time of the ill person’s death. Related to support at death, 14,6% reported that the imminence of death was not clear, which was described as having affected their opportunity to be with the dying person at the time of death. Of all, 25,2% had a follow-up conversation after the death, 48% did not and did not want to, and 21% had no follow-up conversation, but would have liked one. A follow-up conversation was described as helpful for the bereavement process, and disappointment was expressed when not receiving support after the death. Conclusions Family members’ experiences of support were partly related to whether the ill person’s care needs were fulfilled. Healthcare staff expressing empathy and respect in the care of dying people and their family members were important for family members’ experiences of support. Family members’ difficulty recognising that death was imminent and the importance of healthcare staff providing them with clear information were expressed in connection with support at death. Follow-up conversations were valued by family members, especially if with a healthcare professional who was present at the time of death.

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Determinants of Method Switching among Social Franchise Clients Who Discontinued the Use of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

International Journal of Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1155/2015/941708 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Waqas Hameed ◽

Syed Khurram Azmat ◽

Moazzam Ali ◽

Wajahat Hussain ◽

Ghulam Mustafa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

User Satisfaction ◽

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device ◽

Contraceptive Device ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contraceptive Usage ◽

Social Franchise ◽

Intrauterine Contraceptive ◽

Contraceptive Discontinuation

Introduction. Women who do not switch to alternate methods after contraceptive discontinuation, for reasons other than the desire to get pregnant or not needing it, are at obvious risk for unplanned pregnancies or unwanted births. This paper examines the factors that influence women to switch from Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) to other methods instead of terminating contraceptive usage altogether.Methods. The data used for this study comes from a larger cross-sectional survey conducted in nine (9) randomly selected districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan, during January 2011. Using Stata 11.2, we analyzed data on 333 women, who reported the removal of IUCDs due to reasons other than the desire to get pregnant.Results. We found that 39.9% of the women do not switch to another method of contraception within one month after IUCD discontinuation. Use of contraception before IUCD insertion increases the odds for method switching by 2.26 times after removal. Similarly, postremoval follow-up by community health worker doubles (OR = 2.0) the chances of method switching. Compared with women who received free IUCD service (via voucher scheme), the method switching is 2.01 times higher among women who had paid for IUCD insertion.Conclusion. To increase the likelihood of method switching among IUCD discontinuers this study emphasizes the need for postremoval client counseling, follow-up by healthcare provider, improved choices to a wider range of contraceptives for poor clients, and user satisfaction.

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Knowledge, Attitude & Practice Among Psoriasis Patients in India Towards Teledermatology During COVID-19 Pandemic

Dermatology and Dermatitis ◽

10.31579/2578-8949/088 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 01-13

Author(s):

Archana Mavoori ◽

Sudha Bala ◽

Rajiv Kumar Bandaru ◽

Aruna Kumari Yerra

Keyword(s):

Teaching Hospital ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital ◽

Care Teaching ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has imposed upon the entire community norms of social distancing and home quarantine. Follow up consultations in these times can be made through teledermatology through smart phones. Success of this technology in these hours of crisis depends upon the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of patients towards teledermatology. Follow up consultations done through teleconsultations will decrease risk of exposure to COVID-19 among psoriasis patients who need frequent follow ups. Aim: The main objective of this study is to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice of teledermatology through teledermatology among psoriasis patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey, from Psoriasis Clinic registry maintained in the outpatient department of DVL of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India is conducted. A pre-validated self-administered questionnaire is used for the survey to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of teledermatology. Analysis will be done as per study objectives using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Results: Out of 150 patients, 87(58%) were males and females were 63(42%). Most common age group to participate in the study was 36-45 years- 43(28.7%). Majority of participants were educated up to –graduate 53(35.3%). Males had higher knowledge and attitude scores compared to females. Most of the patients found using teleconsutations easy and convenient. Conclusion: Teledermatology is the need of the hour to be implemented in these hours of COVID-19 pandemic.

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Stockpiled personal protective equipment and knowledge of pandemic plans as predictors of perceived pandemic preparedness among German general practitioners

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255986 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0255986

Author(s):

Arno Stöcker ◽

Ibrahim Demirer ◽

Sophie Gunkel ◽

Jan Hoffmann ◽

Laura Mause ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Practitioners ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Explanatory Power ◽

Vital Role ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Pandemic Preparedness ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Determining Factor

Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the work of general practitioners (GPs). At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, German outpatient practices had to adapt quickly. Pandemic preparedness (PP) of GPs may play a vital role in their management of a pandemic. Objectives The study aimed to examine the association in the stock of seven personal protective equipment (PPE) items and knowledge of pandemic plans on perceived PP among GPs. Methods Three multivariable linear regression models were developed based on an online cross-sectional survey for the period March–April 2020 (the onset of the pandemic in Germany). Data were collected using self-developed items on self-assessed PP and knowledge of a pandemic plan and its utility. The stock of seven PPE items was queried. For PPE items, three different PPE scores were compared. Control variables for all models were gender and age. Results In total, 508 GPs were included in the study; 65.16% believed that they were very poorly or poorly prepared. Furthermore, 13.83% of GPs were aware of a pandemic plan; 40% rated those plans as beneficial. The stock of FFP-2/3 masks, protective suits, face shields, safety glasses, and medical face masks were mostly considered completely insufficient or insufficient, whereas disposable gloves and disinfectants were considered sufficient or completely sufficient. The stock of PPE was significantly positively associated with PP and had the largest effect on PP; the association of the knowledge of a pandemic plan was significant but small. PPE scores did not vary considerably in their explanatory power. The assessment of a pandemic plan as beneficial did not significantly affect PP. Conclusion The stock of PPE seems to be the determining factor for PP among German GPs; for COVID-19, sufficient masks are the determining factor. Knowledge of a pandemic plans play a secondary role in PP.

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Methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews: a protocol for a living methodological survey

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.18005.2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 221 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Assem M. Khamis ◽

Lara A. Kahale ◽

Hector Pardo-Hernandez ◽

Holger J. Schünemann ◽

Elie A. Akl

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Systematic Review Methodology ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

Over Time

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess the methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews using a living study approach; and 2) describe the life cycle of living systematic reviews, i.e., describe the changes over time to their methods and findings. Methods: For objective 1, we will begin by conducting a cross-sectional survey and then update its findings every 6 months by including newly published LSRs. For objective 2, we will conduct a prospective longitudinal follow-up of the cohort of included LSRs. To identify LSRs, we will continually search the following electronic databases: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. We will also contact groups conducting LSRs to identify eligible studies that we might have missed. We will follow the standard systematic review methodology for study selection and data abstraction. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. We will update the findings of both the surveys and the longitudinal follow-up of included LSRs every 6 months. In addition, we will identify articles addressing LSR methods to be included in an ‘LSR methods repository’. Conclusion: The proposed living methodological survey will allow us to monitor how the methods of conduct, and reporting as well as the findings of LSRs change over time. Ultimately this should help with ensuring the quality and transparency of LSRs.

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A Follow-Up Study of the Indicators of Teaching Presence Critical to Students in Online Courses

Educational Communities of Inquiry ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-2110-7.ch005 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 67-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kathleen Sheridan ◽

Melissa A. Kelly ◽

David T. Bentz

Keyword(s):

Graduate Students ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Courses ◽

Survey Design ◽

Teaching Presence ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Follow Up Study

The purpose of the study presented in this chapter was to examine students’ perceptions of the importance of various indicators of teaching presence for their success in online courses. A cross-sectional survey design was used to identify the indicators that students perceived to be most important and to determine whether there were potential differences between graduate students and undergraduate students in terms of the students’ perceptions. Although the indicators that students rated as most important were similar for both groups of students, there were statistically significant differences for a few of the indicators. Students’ comments suggested additional indicators and provided insights about the importance of dispositions in online courses.

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