scholarly journals Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in European White children - study of 274 cases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamila Maria Ludwikowska ◽  
Magdalena Okarska-Napierala ◽  
Natalia Dudek ◽  
Pawel Tracewski ◽  
Jacek Kusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Intensive Care Treatment ◽  
Lower Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
White Children ◽  
Capillary Refill ◽  
Inflammatory Syndrome

Despite the growing literature on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), the data in European White population is limited. Our aim was to capture MIS-C emergence in Poland (central Europe) and to describe its characteristics with a focus on severity determinants. Patients who met the MIS-C definition (fever, multiorgan failure, inflammation, and proven SARS-CoV-2 infection or contact) were reported retrospectively and prospectively in an online survey. Study definitions fulfilment was automatically evaluated by a dedicated software. For the assessment of univariate relationships, either directed or divided by sex, age, or disease severity, we used the test for two categorical variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for categorical-continuous variable pairs. The analysis involved 274 children, 62.8% boys, median age 8.8 years. Besides one Asian, all were European White. Merely 23 (8.4%) required paediatric intensive care treatment (PICU). They were older (11.2 vs. 8.4 years), and at hospital admission had higher respiratory rate (30 v. 20/minute), lower systolic blood pressure (89 vs. 100 mmHg), prolonged capillary refill time (40% vs. 11%), and decreased consciousness (22% vs. 5%). Teenage boys had more common cardiac involvement (fraction 25.9% vs. 14.7% ) and macrophage activation syndrome (31.0% vs. 15.2%) than others. Boys were also more often hospitalised in PICU with age (from median 11.2 years to 9.1). The severity of MIS-C is not as uniform as it seemed, ethnicity and sex may affect MIS-C phenotype. Management might not be universally applicable and should rather be adjusted to the specific population.

scholarly journals The Mediating Role of Orthorexia in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Fear of COVID-19 among University Students in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 5061
Author(s):  
Cezary Kuśnierz ◽  
Aleksandra Maria Rogowska ◽  
Aleksandra Kwaśnicka ◽  
Dominika Ochnik
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Relationship

Previous research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of populations worldwide, including eating and physical activity (PA) patterns. The present study aims to examine the mediating effect of orthorexia on the relationship between PA and fear of COVID-19. A sample of 473 university students from Poland of a mean age of 22 years (M = 22.04, SD = 2.90, 47% of women) participated in the cross-sectional online survey study. Continuous variables were measured using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Test of Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17), while categorical variables divided participants into the physically active and inactive group regarding WHO criteria (150 min per week). Weak gender differences were found. Active people showed lower fear of COVID-19 and higher orthorexia scores than those inactive. Orthorexia was found as a suppressor variable, which increases the negative predictive value of PA on fear of COVID-19. The model of cooperative suppression explained 7% of FCV-19S. The mechanism of mediation showed that health-related behavior could help reduce fear of COVID-19, but caution is necessary for people with addictive behavior tendencies. Universities should support university students by offering programs focused on increasing healthy lifestyles and improving wellbeing.

scholarly journals The use of scrotal ultrasound in the evaluation of varicoceles: A survey study of reproductive specialists

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabez Gondokusumo ◽  
Mohit Butaney ◽  
Adithya Balasubramanian ◽  
Joanathan Beilan ◽  
Alexander Tatem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Retrograde Flow ◽  
Scrotal Ultrasound ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Venous Diameter ◽  
Almost All

Introduction: Urologists use ultrasound in the male infertility workup to evaluate scrotal contents and objectively identify varicoceles if their presence is questionable on physical examination. We assessed practice patterns and diagnostic criteria of male reproductive urologists using ultrasound to evaluate varicoceles. Methods: An anonymous online survey was sent to the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology (SMRU) members. We queried respondents about ultrasonographic criteria and ultrasound techniques employed in varicocele evaluation. Chi-squared was used to determine association between categorical variables. Results: In total, 110/320 (34.4%) SMRU members responded. Sixty percent of respondents (66/110) reported performing scrotal ultrasound; 92.4 % (61/66) were attending urologists and 87.9% (58/66) completed an andrology fellowship. A total of 37.9% (25/66) performed their own ultrasound, while the remainder had ultrasound performed by an alternate practitioner. Among those performing their own ultrasound, 95.5% (21/22) measured varicocele venous diameter compared to 76% (29/38) when another practitioner performed the ultrasound. Venous diameter used to define a varicocele ranged from 2–4 mm. Although 80% (49/61) of respondents assessed retrograde flow during ultrasound, only 52.5% reported that retrograde flow was required for varicocele diagnosis. Almost all (60/61) indicated that they would fix palpable varicoceles in patients with abnormal semen parameters. Fewer (42.6%, 26/61) respondents stated they would repair varicoceles found exclusively on ultrasound. Conclusions: Ultrasound is commonly employed by male reproductive urologists to diagnose varicoceles. We identified that practitioners use various ultrasonographic criteria and techniques for varicocele diagnosis. Study limitations include recall bias and high degree of specialization among respondents.

Feeling Threatened by Immigrants: The Role of Ideology and Subjective Societal Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bollwerk ◽  
Bernd Schlipphak ◽  
Joscha Stecker ◽  
Jens Hellmann ◽  
Gerald Echterhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Social Dominance Orientation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Right Wing Authoritarianism ◽  
Threat Perceptions ◽  
Contextual Determinants ◽  
Intergroup Conflicts ◽  
And Gender

Threat perceptions towards immigrants continue to gain importance in the context of growing international migration. To reduce associated intergroup conflicts, it is crucial to understand the personal and contextual determinants of perceived threat. In a large online survey study (N = 1,184), we investigated the effects of ideology (i.e., Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation), subjective societal status (SSS) and their interaction effects in predicting symbolic and realistic threat perceptions towards Middle Eastern immigrants. Results showed that ideology (higher RWA and SDO) and lower SSS significantly predicted both symbolic and realistic threat, even after controlling for income, education, age, and gender. Furthermore, ideology and SSS interacted significantly in predicting realistic threat, with higher levels of SDO and RWA enhancing the effect of SSS. In the discussion, we focus on the implications of our findings with respect to understanding societal conflicts, discuss methodological limitations, and provide directions for future research.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

Understanding Teens’ Perceptions and Aspirations towards Relationship with Personal Technology: Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Jee ◽  
Alsa Khan
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
User Experience Design ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
New Associations ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Personal Technology ◽  
Age Range

BACKGROUND Understanding teens' relationship with technology is a pressing topic in this digital era. There seem to be both benefit and harmful implications that originate from use of technology by teens. Approximately 95% of teenagers have access to a smartphone, and several studies show a positive correlation between screen addiction and trends of Anxiety and Depression. While, at the same time, research shows that two-thirds of teenagers believe that technology is a necessity for connecting and making new friends. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to understand teens’ perceptions of their own and others’ relationship with personal technology and what future relationships do teens aspire to have with their technology. This will be fundamental in helping designers, healthcare practitioners and youth counselors inform design in technology accordingly. METHODS This research paper explores teens and technology relationship via three lenses. Lens-1 is teens' perception of their current relationship with their personal technology as users. Lens-2 is teens' perception of others' (parents, siblings or friends) relationship with personal technology as bystanders. Lens-3 is teens’ aspiration of how they wish to relate to their personal technology. We conducted an online survey with 619 teens in the 13-19 years age range. RESULTS We found that teens selected 'Essential,' 'Distractive,' and 'Addictive' most commonly to describe their own and others' relationship with personal technology. Whereas teens selected 'Provides an escape' more to describe their own relationship with technology. In contrast, they selected 'It's just a tool' and 'Creates Barrier' more to describe others' relationship with technology. These trends are consistent across ages and genders. Additionally, we found that 13-15 year-olds, particularly the majority of females in this age range, wish to see their future technology as their 'best friend.' However, 16-17 year-olds’ top choice was 'I don't believe in personal connection with mobile technology,’ and 18-19 year-olds’ top choice was 'My personal assistant.’ CONCLUSIONS Our three lenses approach is holistic as it allowed comparison of how teens perceive their relationship with personal technology as users vs. bystanders and from current vs. aspirational perspectives. This research not just confirms what is already known, but uncovers critical new associations more exclusive to teens' own relationship with technology. This paper presents related design implications to inform personal tech design thinking, including our guideline to shift 'user experience design' process to 'user relationship design.'

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Reported Management of Chronic Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110076
Author(s):  
Hyllore Imeri ◽  
Erin Holmes ◽  
Shane Desselle ◽  
Meagen Rosenthal ◽  
Marie Barnard
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Locus Of Control ◽  
Patient Activation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
The Impact

Chronic conditions (CCs) management during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on patient activation (PA) and health locus of control (HLOC) remain unknown. This cross-sectional online survey study examined the role of COVID-19 pandemic-related worry or fear in PA and HLOC among patients with CCs. Individuals with CCs (n = 300) were recruited through MTurk Amazon. The questionnaire included sociodemographic questions, the Patient Activation Measure, and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control–Form B. Out of the 300 participants, 9.7% were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 7.3% were hospitalized. Patients with cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, drug abuse/substance abuse, and stroke reported significant difficulties in managing their CCs due to worry or fear because of COVID-19. More than half of the sample (45.7%) reported COVID-19-related worry or fear about managing their CCs, and these patients had lower PA and lower external HLOC compared to patients not affected by COVID-19-related worry or fear. Health professionals should provide more support for patients facing difficulties in managing their CCs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Self-Efficacy Beliefs Related to Integrated Science Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 272
Author(s):  
Outi Haatainen ◽  
Jaakko Turkka ◽  
Maija Aksela
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Integrated Education ◽  
Integrated Science ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Key Factor

To understand how integrated science education (ISE) can be transferred into successful classroom practices, it is important to understand teachers’ perceptions and self-efficacy. The focus of this study is twofold: (1) to understand how teachers perceive ISE and (2) to assess if science teachers’ perceptions of and experiences with integrated education correlate with their views on self-efficacy in relation to ISE. Ninety-five Finnish science teachers participated in an online survey study. A mixed method approach via exploratory factor analysis and data-driven content analysis was used. Self-efficacy emerged as a key factor explaining teachers’ perceptions of and their lack of confidence in implementing ISE as well as their need for support. In addition, teachers regarded ISE as a relevant teaching method, but challenging to implement, and teachers primarily applied integrated approaches irregularly and seldom. Furthermore, teachers’ experiences with integrated activities and collaboration correlated with their views on integrated education and self-efficacy. These findings indicate teachers need support to better understand and implement ISE.

scholarly journals DIPG-84. COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii303-iii304
Author(s):  
Fatma El-Khouly ◽  
Syed Adil ◽  
Harry Hendrikse ◽  
Gertjan Kaspers ◽  
Christof Kramm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Pontine Glioma ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract INTRODUCTION Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive childhood brainstem malignancy with a two-year survival rate of ≤10%. In this international survey study we aim to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in this patient population. METHODS Parents of-, and physicians treating DIPG patients were asked to participate in a retrospective online survey with questions regarding CAM use during time of illness. RESULTS 120 parents and 75 physicians contributed to the online survey between January and May 2020. Physicians estimated that <50% of their patients used CAM, whereas 69% of the parents reported to have used CAM to treat their child during time of illness. Cannabis was the most widely used form of CAM, followed by vitamins and minerals, melatonin, curcumin and boswellic acid. CAM was mainly used to actively treat the tumor. Other motivations were to treat side effects of chemotherapy, or to comfort the child. Children diagnosed ≥2016 were more likely to use CAM (χ2=6.08, p=0.014). No significant difference was found between CAM users and non-users based on ethnicity (χ2=4.18, p=0.382) and country of residence (χ2=9.37, p=0.154). Almost 50% of the physicians do not frequently ask their patients about possible CAM use. CONCLUSION This survey demonstrates that worldwide a considerable number of DIPG patients use CAM. Physicians should be more aware of potential CAM use and more actively discuss the topic. More research is needed to gain knowledge about possible anticancer effects of CAM and their interactions with conventional therapies.

scholarly journals Experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000987
Author(s):  
Nicola J Roberts ◽  
Carol A Kelly ◽  
Kate A Lippiett ◽  
Emma Ray ◽  
Lindsay Welch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Free Text ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundNurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, involved in extensive coordination of services, screening, vaccination and front-line work in respiratory, emergency and intensive care environments. The nature of this work is often intense and stress-provoking with an inevitable psychological impact on nurses and all healthcare workers. This study focused on nurses working in respiratory areas with the aim of identifying and characterising the self-reported issues that exacerbated or alleviated their concerns during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was developed consisting of 90 questions using a mixture of open-ended and closed questions. Participant demographic data were also collected (age, gender, ethnicity, number of years qualified, details of long-term health conditions, geographical location, nursing background/role and home life). The online survey was disseminated via social media and professional respiratory societies (British Thoracic Society, Primary Care Respiratory Society, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists) over a 3-week period in May 2020 and the survey closed on 1 June 2020.ResultsThe study highlights the experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020. Concerns were expressed over the working environment, the supply and availability of adequate protective personal equipment, the quality of care individuals were able to deliver, and the impact on mental health to nurses and their families. A high number provided free-text comments around their worries and concerns about the impact on their household; these included bringing the virus home, the effect on family members worrying about them, mental health and the impact of changing working patterns, and managing with children. Although both formal and informal support were available, there were inconsistencies in provision, highlighting the importance of nursing leadership and management in ensuring equity of access to services.ConclusionsSupport for staff is essential both throughout the pandemic and afterwards, and it is important that preparation of individuals regarding building resilience is recognised. It is also clear that psychological support and services for nurses and the wider healthcare team need to be available and quickly convened in the event of similar major incidents, either global or local.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document