scholarly journals Fibromyalgia: a new facet of the post-COVID-19 syndrome spectrum? Results from a web-based survey

RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. e001735
Author(s):  
Francesco Ursini ◽  
Jacopo Ciaffi ◽  
Luana Mancarella ◽  
Lucia Lisi ◽  
Veronica Brusi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire ◽  
Admission Rate ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Hospital Admission Rate ◽  
American College Of Rheumatology

ObjectivePostacute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is an emerging entity characterised by a large array of manifestations, including musculoskeletal complaints, fatigue and cognitive or sleep disturbances. Since similar symptoms are present also in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), we decided to perform a web-based cross-sectional survey aimed at investigating the prevalence and predictors of FM in patients who recovered from COVID-19.MethodsData were anonymously collected between 5 and 18 April 2021. The collection form consisted of 28 questions gathering demographic information, features and duration of acute COVID-19, comorbid diseases, and other individual’s attributes such as height and weight. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Survey Criteria and the Italian version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire completed the survey.ResultsA final sample of 616 individuals (77.4% women) filled the form 6±3 months after the COVID-19 diagnosis. Of these, 189 (30.7%) satisfied the ACR survey criteria for FM (56.6% women). A multivariate logistic regression model including demographic and clinical factors showed that male gender (OR: 9.95, 95% CI 6.02 to 16.43, p<0.0001) and obesity (OR: 41.20, 95% CI 18.00 to 98.88, p<0.0001) were the strongest predictors of being classified as having post-COVID-19 FM. Hospital admission rate was significantly higher in men (15.8% vs 9.2%, p=0.001) and obese (19.2 vs 10.8%, p=0.016) respondents.ConclusionOur data suggest that clinical features of FM are common in patients who recovered from COVID-19 and that obesity and male gender affect the risk of developing post-COVID-19 FM.

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dengue among Physicians: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Kranthi Swaroop Koonisetty ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Rajesh Nandy ◽  
Nasrin Aghamohammadi ◽  
Tamanna Urmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Aedes Mosquitoes ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Dengue fever is one of the most important viral infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Accurate identification of cases and treatment of dengue patients at the early stages can reduce medical complications and dengue mortality rate. This survey aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among physicians in dengue diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted among physicians in Turkey as one nonendemic country and Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia as three dengue-endemic countries. The dosing frequencies, maximum doses, and contraindications in dengue fever were examined. The results found that physicians from Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia have higher KAP scores in dengue diagnosis and treatment compared to physicians in Turkey. This may be due to a lack of physician’s exposure to a dengue patient as Turkey is considered a nonendemic country. This assessment may help establish a guideline for intervention strategies among physicians to have successful treatment outcomes and reduce dengue mortality.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Reconstruction: A Canadian Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 229255032110300
Author(s):  
Caroline F. Illmann ◽  
Christopher Doherty ◽  
Margaret Wheelock ◽  
Joshua Vorstenbosch ◽  
Joan E. Lipa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Reconstructive Procedures ◽  
Surgical Access ◽  
Canadian Perspective ◽  
Canadian Provinces ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges and restrictions in surgical access across Canada, including for breast reconstructive services which are an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer care. We sought to determine how breast reconstructive services are being restricted, and what strategies may be employed to optimize the provision of breast reconstruction through a pan-Canadian evaluation from the providers’ perspective. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of Canadian plastic and reconstructive surgeons who perform breast reconstruction. The 33-item web-based questionnaire was developed by a pan-Canadian working group of breast reconstruction experts and disseminated via email to members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery. The questionnaire queried respondents on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on surgeons’ breast reconstruction practice patterns and opinions on strategies for resource utilization. Results: Responses were received from 49 surgeons, who reported practicing in 8 of 10 Canadian provinces. Restrictions on the provision of breast reconstructive procedures were most limited during the First Wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, where all respondents reported at least some reduction in capacity and more than a quarter reporting complete cessation. Average reported reduction in capacity ranged from 31% to 78% across all 3 waves. Autologous, delayed, and prophylactic reconstructions were most commonly restricted. Conclusion: This study provides a pan-Canadian impact assessment on breast reconstructive services during the COVID-19 pandemic from the providers’ perspective. To uphold the standards of patient-centred care, a unified approach to strategically reorganize health care delivery now and in the future is needed.

Breast-feeding promotion in hospitals and prospective breast-feeding rates during the first year of life in two national surveys 1997–1998 and 2017–2019 in Germany

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Nele Hockamp ◽  
Constanze Burak ◽  
Erika Sievers ◽  
Silvia Rudloff ◽  
Anja Burmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Infant Nutrition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
First Year ◽  
Feeding Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
First Year Of Life

Abstract Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the current state of breast-feeding promotion in hospitals and the prevalence of breast-feeding during the first year of life in Germany and to compare the results with a study 20 years earlier. Design: In the studies on ‘breast-feeding and infant nutrition in Germany’ named ‘SuSe’, a cross-sectional survey in hospitals was combined with a subsequent prospective survey of breast-feeding and infant nutrition during the first year of life (0·5, 2, 4, 6 and 12 months after birth) in mother–infant pairs who were recruited in the hospitals. Written questionnaires and phone calls were used in SuSe I and web-based questionnaires in SuSe II. Breast-feeding promotion and prevalence were evaluated using recommendations from the WHO and the UNICEF. Setting: Two nationwide surveys SuSe I (1997–1998) and SuSe II (2017–2019). Participants: In SuSe I, 177 hospitals and 1717 mother–infant pairs and in SuSe II 109 hospitals and 962 mother–infant pairs were included. Results: In SuSe II, hospitals implemented seven of the WHO ‘Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding’ to a greater extent than the hospitals in SuSe I. More mothers exclusively breastfed for 4 months (57 % v. 33 %) and continued breast-feeding until 6 (78 % v. 48 %) and 12 months (41 % v. 13 %). In both studies, exclusive breast-feeding decreased between 4 and 6 months of age due to the introduction of complementary feeding. Conclusions: In Germany, breast-feeding habits have come closer to the recommendations over the last 20 years.

scholarly journals Corona virus fear among health workers during the early phase of pandemic response in Nepal: a web-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Shiva Raj Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Associated

AbstractBackgroundHealth workers involved in COVID-19 response might be at risk of developing fear and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 fear among health workers in Nepal during the early phase of pandemic.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of April-May 2020 among 475 health workers directly involved in COVID-19 management. The Fear Scale of COVID 19 (FCV-19S) was used to measure the status of fear. Scatter plots were used to observe the relationship between fear and other psychological outcomes: anxiety, depression and insomnia. Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with COVID fear.ResultsCOVID-19 fear score was moderately correlated with anxiety and depression, and weakly correlated with insomnia (p<0.001). Nurses (AOR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.23-4.26), health workers experiencing stigma (AOR=1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-2.73), those working in affected district(AOR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.12-2.77) and presence of family member with chronic diseases (AOR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01-2.25) was associated with higher odds of developing COVID-19 fear as compared to other health workers, health workers not experiencing stigma, working in non-affected district and not having family member with chronic diseases respectively.ConclusionNurses, health workers facing stigma, those working in affect district and having family member with chronic diseases were more at risk of developing COVID-19 fear. It is thus recommended to improve work environment to reduce fear among health workers, employ stigma reduction interventions, and ensure personal and family support for those having family member with chronic diseases.

scholarly journals Sleeping Disorders in Healthy Individuals with Different Dietary Patterns and BMI, Questionnaire Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12285
Author(s):  
Magda Piekarska ◽  
Martyna Pszczółka ◽  
Damian Parol ◽  
Paweł Szewczyk ◽  
Daniel Śliż ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sleeping Disorders ◽  
Athens Insomnia Scale ◽  
Public Health Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic and abiding restrictions have affected every life domain. Sleep disturbances are a major health issue that is linked with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and psychological burdens. Research of sleeping disorders among vegetarian and non-vegetarian subpopulations is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sleeping disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with different dietary patterns. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 1987 people. A total of 1956 respondents met all study conditions. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information, assessment of dietary habits, and assessment of the prevalence of insomnia and sleepiness, based on the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A total of 36.04% (n = 705) respondents declared that they noticed a change in the quality of their sleep during the last year. According to AIS and ESS, non-vegetarians suffered from insomnia or sleepiness more often than vegetarians. Insomnia and sleepiness were also more prevalent among those respondents who declared consumption of fruit and vegetables less often than once a day compared with those who consumed fruit and vegetables daily. Respondents with BMI within the recommended limit (18.5–24.99) suffered from insomnia less often when compared with underweight (BMI < 18.5) or obese (BMI ≥ 25) respondents. Those results may be useful for public health workers and medical professionals in terms of establishing new instruments that help treat sleeping disorders.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards COVID-19 Pandemic among Veterinary Professionals and Impacts: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide-Based Survey

COVID ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 645-665
Author(s):  
Olubukola Adenubi ◽  
Oluwawemimo Adebowale ◽  
Hezekiah Adesokan ◽  
Abimbola Oloye ◽  
Noah Bankole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Physical Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Postgraduate Qualification ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Good Attitude

This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) towards COVID-19 pandemic control among veterinarians in Nigeria. A nation-wide web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. Information on KAP towards the COVID-19 pandemic was gathered (April 23 and May 31, 2020) and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors. A total of 368 veterinarians participated in the study. The majority of respondents were males (72.8%), between the ages of 30–39 years (39.7%). Generally, respondents displayed a good level of knowledge about COVID-19 (72.4% ± 9.9%, range 44.1–91.2%), while the general attitude level was poor (65.4% ± 10.8, range 35.3–94.1%). Various determinants for good attitude among respondents were: if they were above 60 years old (aOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 1.379–14.594, p = 0.013), possessed postgraduate qualification (aOR = 1.63, 95 CI: 1.045–2.553, p = 0.031), worked over 30 years post DVM (aOR = 5.63, 95% CI: 1.966–16.100, p = 0.001), had household members between five and 10 (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.130–2.641, p = 0.012), and if respondents’ residence was on total lockdown (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.070–2.590, p = 0.024). The pandemic had moderate impacts on social, financial and physical status of the participants. Stricter policy measures and educational programs should be implemented to keep veterinarians and the populace informed about the best practices recommended for COVID-19 management.

scholarly journals Use of the Consumer-Based Meditation App Calm for Sleep Disturbances: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Megan E Puzia ◽  
Linda Larkey ◽  
Michael R Irwin ◽  
Ana-Maria Vranceanu
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Time ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Waking Up

BACKGROUND Over 30% of Americans report regular sleep disturbance, and consumers are increasingly seeking strategies to improve sleep. Self-guided mindfulness mobile apps may help individuals improve their sleep. Despite the recent proliferation of sleep content within commercially available mindfulness apps, there is little research on how consumers are using these apps for sleep. OBJECTIVE We conducted a cross-sectional survey among subscribers to Calm, a popular, consumer-based, mindfulness-based meditation app, and described and compared how good sleepers, poor sleepers, and those with self-reported insomnia use the app for sleep. METHODS Participants who were paying subscribers of Calm and had used a sleep component of Calm in the last 90 days were invited to complete an investigator-developed survey that included questions about sleep disturbance and the use of Calm for sleep. Based on self-reports of sleep disturbances and of insomnia diagnosis, participants were categorized as “good sleepers,” “poor sleepers,” or “those with insomnia diagnosis.” Chi-square tests compared reasons for downloading the app and usage patterns across participants with and without sleep disturbance. RESULTS There was a total of 9868 survey respondents. Approximately 10% of participants (1008/9868, 10.21%) were good sleepers, 78% were poor sleepers (7565/9868, 77.66%), and 11% reported a diagnosis of insomnia (1039/9868, 10.53%). The sample was mostly White (8185/9797, 83.55%), non-Hispanic (8929/9423, 94.76%), and female (8166/9578, 85.26%). The most common reasons for sleep disturbances were racing thoughts (7084/8604, 82.33%), followed by stress or anxiety (6307/8604, 73.30%). Poor sleepers and those with insomnia were more likely than good sleepers to have downloaded Calm to improve sleep (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=1548.8, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), reduce depression or anxiety (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=15.5, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), or improve overall health (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=57.6, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Respondents with insomnia used Calm most often (mean 5.417 days/week, SD 1.936), followed by poor sleepers (mean 5.043 days/week, SD 2.027; <i>F</i><sub>2</sub>=21.544, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). The most common time to use Calm was while lying down to sleep (7607/9686, 78.54%), and bedtime use was more common among poor sleepers and those with insomnia (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=382.7, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Compared to good and poor sleepers, those with insomnia were more likely to use Calm after waking up at night (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=410.3, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Most participants tried to use Calm on a regular basis (5031/8597, 58.52%), but regular nighttime use was most common among those with insomnia (646/977, 66.1%), followed by poor sleepers (4040/6930, 58.30%; χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=109.3, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS Of the paying subscribers to Calm who have used one of the sleep components, approximately 90% have sleep difficulties, and 77% started using Calm primarily for sleep. These descriptive data point to areas of focus for continued refinement of app features and content, followed by prospective trials testing efficacy of consumer-based meditation mobile apps for improving sleep.

scholarly journals Bedside ultrasound education in Canadian medical schools: A national survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e78-e86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Steinmetz ◽  
Octavian Dobrescu ◽  
Sharon Oleskevich ◽  
John Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Bedside Ultrasound ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ultrasound Education ◽  
Current Characteristics

Background: This study was carried out to determine the extent and characteristics of bedside ultrasound teaching in medical schools across Canada.Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was used to assess undergraduate bedside ultrasound education in the 17 accredited medical schools in Canada. The survey, consisting of 19 questions was pilot-tested, web-based, and completed over a period of seven months in 2014.Results:  Approximately half of the 13 responding medical schools had integrated bedside ultrasound teaching into their undergraduate curriculum. The most common trends in undergraduate ultrasound teaching related to duration (1-5 hours/year in 50% of schools), format (practical and theoretical in 67% of schools), and logistics (1:4 instructor to student ratio in 67% of schools). The majority of responding vice-deans indicated that bedside ultrasound education should be integrated into the medical school curriculum (77%), and cited a lack of ultrasound machines and infrastructure as barriers to integration.Conclusions: This study documents the current characteristics of undergraduate ultrasound education in Canada.

scholarly journals What do non-ophthalmic health professionals know about retinoblastoma: a survey in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 457
Author(s):  
Dora H. AlHarkan ◽  
Malak A. Almuzneef ◽  
Norah M Alhammad ◽  
Nora A. Alyousif ◽  
Lina A. Alyousif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Hospitals ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Centres ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
Health Centres ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Background: The aim of the study is to estimate the level of knowledge about retinoblastoma (Rb) and its determinants among non-ophthalmic health professionals of Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was held in 2016 in primary health centres (PHC) and general hospitals in the study area. In addition to demography like age, gender, education, place of work, participants replied to five questions related to Rb with close-ended questions to respond. They were matched to the expert group's answers to estimate the level of knowledge.Results: One hundred and fifty-two non-ophthalmic doctors participated in the survey. The excellent grade of knowledge of Rb was in 66 [43.3% (95% confidence interval 35.5-51.3)] of participants. Very poor level of knowledge was noted in 13 [8.6% (95% CI 4.1-13.0)] participants. Male gender (P = 0.02) and physician category (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with the excellent grade of Rb related knowledge. The participant’s response by type of questions varied significantly (P<0.001).Conclusions: More than half of the non-ophthalmic health professionals had less than desired knowledge about Rb. Health education about Rb to health professionals could be gender sensitive and based on the type of profession. Increasing the awareness about retinoblastoma among non-ophthalmic health professional is important.

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