scholarly journals EQ-VT protocol: one-size-fits-all? Challenges and innovative adaptations used in Egypt: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e051727
Author(s):  
Sahar Al Shabasy ◽  
Maggie Abbassi ◽  
Samar Farid

ObjectivesTo present the challenges and adaptations done to the EuroQol Valuation Technology (EQ-VT) protocol to fit the Egyptian culture during the extensive pilot phase of the Egyptian EuroQol 5 Dimension five level (EQ-5D-5L) valuation studyDesignThis study was a cross-sectional, interviewer-administered face-to-face survey of representative Egyptians using the Arabic version of the EuroQol Group Valuation Technology (EQ-VT-2.1) and a country specific questionnaire pertaining to participants’ demographics and opinions about health, life and deathSettingParticipants were recruited from workplaces, university campuses, sporting clubs, shopping malls and other public areas from different Egyptian governorates representing all geographical areas of the country.ParticipantsA total of 1378 participants were interviewed from July 2019 to March 2020 by 12 interviewers to select a representative sample in terms of: geographical distribution, age and gender, of which 75 participants did not complete the interview, 298 interviews were pilot and 1005 interviews were real of which 974 interviews were used for the valuation study. Two participants did not complete the country-specific questionnaire but completed the valuation protocol; therefore, 1301 interviews were included in the final analysis of country specific questions.ResultsSome modifications were applied to the protocol. The ‘wheelchair example’ was modified to ‘migraine example’ since most of the participants in the pilot interviews considered being in a wheelchair ‘worse than dead’. There was some ambiguity in the Egyptian translated version for the EQ-5D-5L between levels 4 and 5 of the pain and depression dimensions. This was overcome by using colour coding to express the different levels of severity. A pictorial representation for the EQ-5D-5L health states was used to interview illiterate and less educated participants.ConclusionIn the Egyptian valuation study, the modifications made to the EQ-VT protocol made it feasible and culturally acceptable to the Egyptian participants.

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 2987-2991
Author(s):  
Cristina Iordache ◽  
Bogdan Vascu ◽  
Eugen Ancuta ◽  
Rodica Chirieac ◽  
Cristina Pomirleanu ◽  
...  

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is commonly involved in various immune-mediated rheumatic disorders accounting for significant disability and impaired quality of life. The aim of our study was to assess inflammatory and immune parameters in patients with TMJ arthritis related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify potential relation with severity and dysfunction of TMJ pathology. We performed a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 433 consecutive RA, 32 JIA, 258 AS, and 103 PsA. Only patients presenting with clinically significant TMJ involvement (273) related to their rheumatic condition were included in the final analysis. TMJ involvement is traditionally described in chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders, particularly in patients with higher levels of inflammation as detected in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Disease activity and severity, as well as biological and positive serological assessments (rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, IL-1) remain significant determinants of the severity of TMJ arthritis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta R Singh ◽  
Bunsoth Mao ◽  
Konstantin Evdokimov ◽  
Pisey Tan ◽  
Phana Leab ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The rising incidence of infections caused by MDR organisms (MDROs) poses a significant public health threat. However, little has been reported regarding community MDRO carriage in low- and middle-income countries. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Siem Reap, Cambodia comparing hospital-associated households, in which an index child (age: 2–14 years) had been hospitalized for at least 48 h in the preceding 2–4 weeks, with matched community households on the same street, in which no other child had a recent history of hospitalization. Participants were interviewed using a survey questionnaire and tested for carriage of MRSA, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) by culture followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. We used logistic regression analysis to analyse associations between collected variables and MDRO carriage. Results Forty-two pairs of households including 376 participants with 376 nasal swabs and 290 stool specimens were included in final analysis. MRSA was isolated from 26 specimens (6.9%). ESBL-producing Escherichia coli was detected in 269 specimens (92.8%) whereas ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from 128 specimens (44.1%), of which 123 (42.4%) were co-colonized with ESBL-producing E. coli. Six (2.1%) specimens tested positive for CPE (4 E. coli and 2 K. pneumoniae). The prevalence ratios for MRSA, ESBL-producing E. coli and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae carriage did not differ significantly in hospital-associated households and hospitalized children compared with their counterparts. Conclusions The high prevalence of ESBL-E across both household types suggests that MDRO reservoirs are common in the community. Ongoing genomic analyses will help to understand the epidemiology and course of MDRO spread.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Shekhar ◽  
Abu Baker Sheikh ◽  
Shubhra Upadhyay ◽  
Mriganka Singh ◽  
Saket Kottewar ◽  
...  

Background: Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine will play a major role in combating the pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the first group to receive vaccination, so it is important to consider their attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination to better address barriers to widespread vaccination acceptance. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to assess the attitude of HCWs toward COVID-19 vaccination. Data were collected between 7 October and 9 November 2020. We received 4080 responses out of which 3479 were complete responses and were included in the final analysis. Results: 36% of respondents were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available while 56% were not sure or would wait to review more data. Only 8% of HCWs do not plan to get vaccine. Vaccine acceptance increased with increasing age, education, and income level. A smaller percentage of female (31%), Black (19%), Lantinx (30%), and rural (26%) HCWs were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available than the overall study population. Direct medical care providers had higher vaccine acceptance (49%). Safety (69%), effectiveness (69%), and speed of development/approval (74%) were noted as the most common concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination in our survey.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Eldad Agyei-Manu ◽  
David Ben Kumah ◽  
Anthony Danso-Appiah ◽  
Abubakar Sadik Mohammed ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Job satisfaction describes an employee’s motivation and/or feeling of satisfaction towards his/her work. Globally, healthcare professionals’ turnover and retention play a critical role in the delivery of essential health services. In Ghana, however, little has been done to ascertain job satisfaction levels among human resources for eye-health. The objective of this study therefore was to assess job satisfaction and its associated factors among optometrists in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 304 registered and licensed optometrists of the Ghana Optometric Association between September 2018 and June 2019. A validated, well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics of participants and measures on job satisfaction. Scores from a five-point Likert scale was employed to examine job satisfaction and its associated factors. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between overall job satisfaction and its associated factors using Rasch logit scores. Results A total of 214 optometrists gave valid responses to the questionnaires used for the final analysis. The mean (± SD) score of the overall perception of job satisfaction among optometrists was 3.36 (± 1.00), with 74.3% of them being satisfied with their jobs. After statistical adjustment, Good work-life balance (Unstandardized co-efficient (β) = 0.288, p = 0.001), Salary (β = 0.222, p < 0.0005), Supervision (β = 0.117, p = 0.044), and Continuing Education Opportunities (β = 0.138, p = 0.017) were all significantly associated with higher levels of overall job satisfaction. Conclusions Most optometrists were satisfied with their jobs. Effective strategic planning and management of human resources for eye-health in Ghana are essential in the development of quality eye-health systems and the provision of high-quality eyecare services.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Yu-Ju Hung ◽  
Tiffany Ting-Fang Shih ◽  
Bang-Bin Chen ◽  
Ing-Kang Ho ◽  
Saou-Hsing Liou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether if a specific threshold value exists in each lifting load, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, or on the other hand, all lifting load should be accumulated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects with various lifetime lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Lifetime cumulative lifting load was the sum of time-weighed lumbar load for each job using a biomechanical software system. For accumulation above different thresholds, predictive capabilities for disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For men, 3000 Newton for each lifting task was the optimal threshold value for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for women, 2800 Newton was optimal. Our findings suggested that when considering lifetime exposure, including all lifting loads without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. Conclusions: The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be optimal threshold for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be applied to men and women in the workplace for safety.


Author(s):  
Riziq Allah Gaowgzeh ◽  
Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian ◽  
Mikhled Falah Maayah ◽  
Saad S. Alfawaz ◽  
Ziyad Neamatallah ◽  
...  

Physiotherapy is a profession that helps to restore movement and function following an injury or illness. This study sought to identify the physical therapy knowledge of physical education teachers and sports coaches in Jordan. This study is a cross-sectional study conducted on several sports coaches and physical education teachers in Jordan. Participants were given the questionnaire through google forms, and they were all advised to fill it up. A predetermined selection criterion was used to select the participants. Out of 250 volunteers chosen for the study, only 152 questionnaires were selected for the final analysis. A self-administer questionnaire consisting was developed, which includes two parts. Part I collects the demographical data, and part II contains the questionnaires, including physiotherapy. The consent form is attached with the questionnaire, and those who gave consent to use the data were included in the analysis. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. with the alpha set for significance at <0.05. Overall, it identified that 84% of the sports coaches and physical education teachers know physiotherapy services well. This study concluded that a more significant proportion of the sports coaches and physical education teachers have a good understanding of physical therapy services provided to the sports personnel in Jordan. They have good knowledge of physical therapy techniques and services provided, and they also have a good understanding of their role in on-field and off-field management.


Author(s):  
Alessandro Borghi ◽  
Maria Elena Flacco ◽  
Alberto Monti ◽  
Lucrezia Pacetti ◽  
Michela Tabanelli ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The impact of malignant melanoma (MM) on patients’ psychophysical well-being has been poorly addressed. We aimed to assess the perceived burden in patients with a diagnosis of MM, using two different tools, one generic and one specific for MM, such as Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) and Melanoma Concerns Questionnaire (MCQ-28), respectively. The correlation between PRISM and MCQ-28 subscales and the relevance of disease and patient-related variables were also investigated. Methods This single-centre, cross-sectional study included all adult consecutive MM patients who attended our Dermatology Unit from December 2020 to June 2021. Demographics and disease-related data were recorded. PRISM and MCQ-28 were administered. Results One hundred and seventy-one patients were included (mean age: 59.5 ±14.9 years.; 48.0% males). Median time from MM diagnosis to inclusion was 36 months. Nearly 80% of the patients had in situ or stage I MM. Overall, 22.2% of the patients reported a PRISM score <100mm and similar percentages provided scores indicating impaired quality of life, as assessed with MCQ-28 subscales. A weak, albeit significant, correlation was found between PRISM scores and ACP, CON and SOC2 subscales. The most relevant association found was that between lower PRISM scores and higher-stage MM. Conclusions In the study population, mostly affected with superficial MM, their perception of the burden associated with MM did not appear either particularly dramatic or disabling. PRISM seems a reliable system for capturing and quantifying the domains correlated with the emotive dimension of MM, especially MM-related concerns and willingness to face life


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
Yanhong Hu ◽  
Shanjuan Wang ◽  
Sunying Hua ◽  
Merlin Willcox ◽  
Michael Moore ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Unnecessary antibiotic use increases the risk for antibiotic resistance. The rates of antibiotic use for upper respiratory infections are high in hospitals in China. Although most guidelines advise against the use of antibiotics for acute diarrhea, little is known about antibiotic use practices for acute diarrhea in China. Methods A retrospective prescription review from a Shanghai hospital outpatient electronic health records system was conducted from 1 January 2016 to 30 December 2016. Records were included for adult patients. The microbial resistance seasonal data in 2016 were extracted. Chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression and adjusted odd ratio (aOR) were used to assess the relationships between demographic characteristics and antibiotic prescribing. Results In total, there were 16,565 prescriptions, 16,060 prescriptions were included in the final analysis after excluding the follow up visits. There were 12,131 (76%) prescriptions with antibiotics prescribed. 5505 (45%) of the antibiotics prescribed were injectable. Of the antibiotics prescribed, levofloxacin was the most frequent (85%), followed by various cephalosporins (14%). Of the cephalosporin prescriptions, third-generation products were the most common (97%). Treatment with oral rehydration salts (ORS) was prescribed 34 (0.2%) times, probiotics were prescribed 3414 (21%) times and smectite was prescribed 2209 (14%) times. Multivariable regression analysis showed that those more likely to receive antibiotics were age 31–50 aOR 1.3 (1.1–1.4), P &lt; 0.001, evaluated in the late evening (11pm to 7am) aOR 2.6 (2.2–2.9) P &lt; 0.001, in the early evening (6pm-11pm) aOR 2.0 (1.8–2.2) P &lt; 0.001, in the summer (June-August) aOR 1.7 (1.5–1.9) P &lt; 0.001. At the same time, the Gram-positive and Gram-negative resistance rates to levofloxacin exceeded 40%, including 50% of E. coliisolates. Conclusion High rates of antibiotic use were observed for acute diarrhea in this hospital. Given the inappropriateness of antibiotics for acute diarrhea and the nonsensical high rates of of intravenous levofloxacin use and the concurrent high rates of the levofloxacin resistance, a more effective antibiotic stewardship program is needed to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, reinforce policy and address the underlying causes of antibiotic abuse. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niloufer Sultan Ali ◽  
Ali Khan Khuwaja ◽  
Adnan-ur-Rahman ◽  
Kashmira Nanji

Background. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a major public health concern. Objective. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of MetS, its components, and factors associated with MetS amongst apparently healthy individuals in Pakistan. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the executive Clinics of Aga Khan Hospital, Pakistan. Medical records of patients aged ≥18 years visiting the clinics from July 2011 to December 2011 were consecutively reviewed. Records in which either MetS components data or 10% of overall data was missing were excluded. A total of 1329 participants’ records was included in final analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with MetS. Results. A total of 847 (63.7%) participants had MetS; mean age of the participants were 47.6 ± 11.6 years. About 70.4% were males and 29.6% were females. Approximately 70% of participants had BMI ≥25 kg/m2. MetS was associated with male gender (AOR = 2.1; 95% C.I: 1.6–3.2) and history of diabetes among parents (AOR = 3.0; 95% C.I: 1.6–6.0). Conclusion. This study shows that a large proportion of population has MetS and is overweight or obese. This requires urgent interventions on part of health care providers’ especially family physicians. Educating masses about life style factors can make a difference. Further researches on this issue are warranted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Martinez-Cano ◽  
Valeria Cortes-Castillo ◽  
Juliana Martinez-Villa ◽  
Juan Carlos Ramos ◽  
Juan Pablo Uribe

BackgroundDysnatremia has been associated with sports activity, especially long-distance running and endurance sports. High fluid intake is associated with hyponatremia. This study aims to evaluate dysnatremia and risk factors in half-marathon runners under warm and humid environmental conditions. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed among randomly selected runners in the 2017 Cali half marathon. Runners on diuretic therapy or with a known history of kidney disease were excluded. Participants went through a 2-day assessment. Previous medical history, training history, body mass index and running history were determined in the first assessment. Symptoms of dysnatremia and level of fluid consumption during the race were registered during the second assessment and post-run blood sampling for serum [Na+] was also undertaken. Results130 runners were included in the study. The complete 2-day assessment was performed on 81 participants (62%) that were included in the final analysis. No cases of hyponatremia were found; instead, there were six cases of asymptomatic hypernatremia (7.4%). This hypernatremia had a statistically significant association with lower frequency (p=0.01) and volume of fluid intake during the race (water: p=0.02, Gatorade: p=0.04). ConclusionHyponatremia has been associated with high fluid intake in races performed under cool weather, such as the Boston Marathon during spring. In contrast, hypernatremia was found in a half marathon in warm and humid weather, which was associated with lower volume and frequency of fluid intake, suggesting that under warm and humid conditions, a median fluid intake of 900 mL during the race could prevent this event.


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