Cannabis Use in Children With Pantothenate Kinase–Associated Neurodegeneration

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny L. Wilson ◽  
Allison Gregory ◽  
Katrina Wakeman ◽  
Alison Freed ◽  
Puneet Rai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Clinical Registry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pantothenate Kinase ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: Pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration is characterized by severe, progressive dystonia. This study aims to describe the reported usage of cannabis products among children with pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration. Methods: A cross-sectional, 37-item survey was distributed in April 2019 to the families of 44 children who participate in a clinical registry of individuals with pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration. Results: We received 18 responses (40.9% response rate). Children were a mean of 11.0 (SD 4.3) years old. The 15 respondents with dystonia or spasticity were on a median of 2 tone medications (range 0-9). Seven children had ever used cannabis (38.9%). The most common source of information about cannabis was other parents. Children who had ever used cannabis were on more tone medications, were more likely to have used opiates, were less likely to be able to roll, and less likely to sit comfortably, than children who had never used cannabis. Four children reported moderate or significant improvement in dystonia with cannabis. Other areas reported to be moderate or significantly improved were pain (n = 3), sleep (n = 4), anxiety (n = 3), and behavior (n = 2). Adverse effects included sadness (n = 1), agitation/behavior change (n = 1), and tiredness (n = 1). Conclusion: Cannabis use was commonly reported among children with pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration whose parents responded to a survey, particularly when many other dystonia treatments had been tried. Physicians should be aware that parents may treat their child with severe, painful dystonia with cannabis. Placebo-controlled studies of products containing cannabidiol and 9-tetrahydrocannabinol are needed for pediatric tone disorders.

scholarly journals College students’ knowledge and attitude towards new regulation on smoking ban in public places in Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Sushma Dahal ◽  
Sabina Maharjan ◽  
Raj Kumar Subedi ◽  
Juna Maharjan
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Smoking Ban ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Implementation Status ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: Nepal as a signatory to Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003 has passed a new tobacco control bill entitled “Tobacco product control and regulatory bill, 2010” in 2011. On this background, it is imperative to assess the knowledge and attitude of people towards this new regulation that forbids smoking in public places.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 students of higher secondary level in three randomly selected colleges of Kathmandu district, Nepal. Information on respondents’ awareness on current ban, source of information, implementation status and their attitude towards the new regulation were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Analysis of quantitative data was done using descriptive statistics whereas qualitative data were analyzed manually.Results: Majority of respondents (79.9%) said that there is ban on smoking in public places in Nepal. The most common source of information was television (72.3%), followed by friends (36.5%) and family members (33.9 %). Most of the respondents (67.4%) had frequently seen people smoking in public places and 48.8% had not seen or heard any penalty given to those people. Overall, 74.1% of the participants stated that the ban on smoking in public places was a ‘very good thing’. Majority of those who viewed that the ban was good, reasoned ‘it will protect people from diseases like cancer’. Those who viewed that the ban was not good, reasoned ‘people cannot be changed by compelling’ and ‘to smoke or not to smoke is people’s own will’.Conclusion: This study shows that majority of adolescents are aware of and have positive attitude towards new regulation on smoking ban in public places in Nepal. There is need of implementing the policy strictly by raising awareness among people and penalizing those who violate it.

scholarly journals Assessment of Physician's Knowledge of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions: An Online Survey in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Yuan ◽  
Chunying Shen ◽  
Chengnan Wang ◽  
Gang Shen ◽  
Bing Han
Keyword(s):  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: Drug interactions are the most common preventable cause of adverse drug reaction, which may result in drug toxicity or undesired therapeutic effect with harmful outcomes to patients. Given the rising use of combination therapies, the main objectives of this study were to estimate the degree to which physicians can identify potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) correctly and to describe the common source of information used by physicians when they need to check PDDIs.Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire was conducted among physicians in China. Participants were asked to classify 20 drug pairs as “no interaction,” “may be used together with monitoring,” “contraindication,” and “not sure.” We also collected data on the physician's source of information and altitude toward the PDDIs. An ordinary least square regression model was performed to investigate the potential predictors of PDDI knowledge.Results: Eligible questionnaires were obtained from 618 physicians. The respondents classified correctly 6.7 out of 20 drug pairs, or 33.4% of the drug interactions investigated. The number of drug pairs recognized by respondents was ranged from 0 to 16. The percentage of physicians who recognized specific drug pairs ranged from 8.3% for no interactions between conjugated estrogens and raloxifene, to 64.0% for the interaction between dopamine and phenytoin. When the respondents want to check PDDI information, the most commonly used source of information was package inserts (n = 572, 92.6%), followed by the Internet or mobile Apps (n = 424, 68.6%), consultation with clinical pharmacists (n = 384, 62.1%), medical textbooks (n = 374, 60.5%), knowledge base in Chinese (n = 283, 45.8%), and other physicians (n = 366, 59.2%). In the multiple regression analysis, the significant predictors of a higher number of recognized drug pairs were years of practice and altitudes toward PDDIs.Conclusion: In this online survey accessing physician's ability to detect PDDIs, less than half of the drug pairs were recognized, indicating unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the clinically significant drug interactions. Continuing education and accessible electronic database can help physicians detecting PDDIs and improve drug safety.

Public Awareness of Low-Risk Alcohol Use Guidelines

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 905-913
Author(s):  
Kelcy McNally ◽  
Laura Lee Noonan ◽  
Marguerite Cameron ◽  
Karen Phillips ◽  
Shamara Baidoobonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Campaign ◽  
And Behavior

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a population-based, public education campaign designed to increase awareness of the Canadian Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDG). Method. A province-wide mass media campaign was introduced. To measure campaign effectiveness, we completed a cross-sectional study using pre- and postcampaign surveys. Measurements included awareness of the LRDG, specific knowledge of the LRDG, and beliefs toward drinking and behavior change. Results. Postsurvey respondents were more likely to be aware of the LRDG (19.2% vs. 25.8%). However, increased awareness was largely driven by females being significantly more aware of the guidelines after the campaign (odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval = [1.38, 2.19]). Men were not found to be more aware postcampaign. The results did not show a significant increase in specific knowledge of the LRDG or change in beliefs toward drinking and behavior change after the campaign. Independent of the survey cycle, males and those aged 19 to 25 years were less likely to be aware of the LRDG, select the correct drink limit or less, and believe that consuming alcohol in excess has short- and long-term health consequences when compared to females and those aged 56 to 70 years. Conclusions. A provincial public health education campaign was effective at increasing awareness of the LRDG, though uptake was lowest among those at highest risk for heavy drinking.

scholarly journals Understanding Family Planning Outcomes in Northwestern Nigeria: Analysis and Modeling of Social and Behavior Change Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Hutchinson ◽  
Udochisom Anaba ◽  
Dele Abegunde ◽  
Mathew Okoh ◽  
Paul Hewett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Partner Communication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modern Contraception ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Background: Northwestern Nigeria faces a situation of high fertility and low contraceptive use, driven in large part by high-fertility norms, pro-natal cultural and religious beliefs, misconceptions about contraceptive methods, and gender inequalities. Social and behavior change (SBC) programs often try to shift drivers of high fertility through multiple channels including mass and social media, community-level group and interpersonal activities. This study seeks to assist SBC programs to better tailor their efforts by assessing the effects of intermediate determinants of contraceptive use/uptake and by demonstrating their potential impacts on contraceptive use, interpersonal communication with partners, and contraceptive approval.Methods: Data for this study come from a cross-sectional household survey, conducted in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara in northwestern Nigeria in September 2019, involving 3,000 women aged 15 to 49 years with a child under 2 years. Using an ideational framework of behavior that highlights psychosocial influences, multivariate regression analyses assess associations between ideational factors and family planning outcomes, and post-estimation simulations with regression coefficients model the magnitude of effects for these intermediate determinants.Results: Knowledge, approval of family planning, and social influences, particularly from husbands, were all associated with improved family planning outcomes. Approval of family planning was critical – women who personally approve of family planning were nearly three times more likely to be currently using modern contraception and nearly six times more likely to intend to start use in the next six months. Husband’s influence was also critical. Women who had ever talked about family planning with their husbands were three times more likely both to be currently using modern contraception and to intend to start in the next six months. Conclusion: SBC programs interested in improving family planning outcomes could potentially achieve large gains in contraceptive use—even without large-scale changes in socio-economic and health services factors—by designing and implementing effective SBC interventions that improve knowledge, encourage spousal/partner communication, and work towards increasing personal approval of family planning. Uncertainty about the time-order of influencers and outcomes however precludes inferences about the existence of causal relationships and the potential for impact from interventions.

scholarly journals Mental and Emotional Self-Help Technology Apps: Cross-Sectional Study of Theory, Technology, and Mental Health Behaviors

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin T Crookston ◽  
Joshua H West ◽  
P Cougar Hall ◽  
Kaitana Martinez Dahle ◽  
Thomas L Heaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Actual Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Self Help ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Background Mental and emotional self-help apps have emerged as potential mental illness prevention and treatment tools. The health behavior theory mechanisms by which these apps influence mental health–related behavior change have not been thoroughly examined. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the association between theoretical behavior change mechanisms and use of mental and emotional self-help apps and whether the use of such apps is associated with mental health behaviors. Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of 150 users of mental or emotional health apps in the past 6 months. Survey questions included theory-based items, app engagement and likeability items, and behavior change items. Stata version 14 was used to calculate all statistics. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each of the demographic, theory, engagement, and behavior variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with reported changes in theory and separately for reported changes in actual behavior after controlling for potentially confounding variables. Results Participants reported that app use increased their motivation, desire to set goals, confidence, control, and intentions to be mentally and emotionally healthy. Engagement (P<.001) was positively associated with the reported changes in theory items, whereas perceived behavior change was positively associated with theory (P<.001), engagement (P=.004), frequency of use of apps (P=.01), and income (P=.049). Conclusions Participants reported that app use increased their motivation, desire to set goals, confidence, control, and intentions to be mentally and emotionally healthy. This increase in perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes surrounding their mental and emotional health was considerably associated with perceived change in behavior. There was a positive association between the level of engagement with the app and the impact on theory items. Future efforts should consider the value of impacting key theoretical constructs when designing mental and emotional health apps. As apps are evaluated and additional theory-based apps are created, cost-effective self-help apps may become common preventative and treatment tools in the mental health field.

Impact of coronavirus pandemic on mental health of children

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 273-276
Author(s):  
Jyoti Bagla ◽  
Mahima Rajan ◽  
Ananya Maheshwari ◽  
Sangeeta Chaudhry ◽  
Anand Prakash Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Source ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Statistical Manual ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
The Government ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the children to stay indoors and minimize social interaction that has impacted their mental health. Aim: This study aims to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, ESIC PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi, in the month of June 2020. Parents of children aged 6–17 years were asked to answer a questionnaire comprising questions from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition scale and questions regarding COVID-19 pandemic which were structured by the authors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 150 responses, 57% were boys and 43% were girls with mean age of 11.62±3.5 years. The most common source of information about the pandemic was a family member (80%). About 99.7% of children were worried about getting infected. Inattention was the most common psychiatric symptom (49%), followed by mania (29%), anxiety (23%), and depression (23%). Predisposition to substance abuse and suicidal thoughts was majorly observed in adolescents. Conclusion: The pandemic is definitely causing psychosocial impact on children. The government and community need to be aware of such effects so that they can be dealt well in time.

scholarly journals The Role of Maternal Ideations on Breastfeeding Practices in Northwestern Nigeria: a Cross-sectional Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udochisom Anaba ◽  
Emily White Johansson ◽  
Dele Abegunde ◽  
Gloria Adoyi ◽  
Olayinka Umar-Farouk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Child Survival ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Background Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within the first hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life are beneficial for child survival and long-term health. Yet breastfeeding rates remain sub-optimal in Northwestern Nigeria, and such practices are often influenced by complex psychosocial factors at cognitive, social and emotional levels. To understand these influences, we developed a set of breastfeeding-related ideational factors and quantitatively examined their relationship with EIBF and EBF practices. Methods A cross‐sectional population‐based survey was conducted in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states from September through October 2019. A random sample of over 3000 women with at least one child under 2 years was obtained. Respondents were asked about their health behaviors including breastfeeding practices for their youngest child under 2 years. Breastfeeding-related ideations were developed using the Ideation Model of Strategic Communication and Behavior Change. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to derive predicted probabilities for EIBF and EBF while adjusting for ideations and socio-demographic variables. Results Among 3039 women with a child under 2 years of age, 42.1% (95% CI: 35.1% - 49.4%) practiced EIBF, while 37.5% (95% CI: 29.8% - 46.0%) out of 721 infants aged 0-5 months were exclusively breastfed. Women who knew that EIBF was protective on the health of the newborn had 7.9 and 7.0 percentage points (pp) higher likelihood of EIBF and EBF practices respectively. Women who believed colostrum was harmful both had 8.4 pp lower likelihood of EIBF and EBF practices. We found a higher likelihood of practicing EIBF (5.1 pp) and EBF (13.3 pp) among women who knew at least one benefit of breastfeeding. Knowledge of the appropriate time to introduce complementary feeding and having self-efficacy to practice EBF were positively associated with 11.2 pp and 13.1 pp increased likelihood of practicing EBF alone. Household wealth, maternal occupation and attending ANC4+ times were associated with EIBF, while health provider’s influence was associated with EBF. Conclusion Social and Behavior Change (SBC) programs should focus on improving women’s knowledge about breastfeeding and its benefits, dispelling myths around colostrum as bad milk, building women’s confidence to exclusively breastfeed, and improving antenatal care uptake to support breastfeeding promotion.

scholarly journals Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and College Libraries in Bhutan for Educational Achievement: A Comparative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
Dhanapati Sharma ◽  
Phub Dorji ◽  
Nima Wangchuck
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Business Studies ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
College Libraries ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
Source Of Information

Information is a vital and indispensable component of any education system. College libraries  and internet facilities are the two information retrieval sources for academic works. This study   aims to identify the preferable option (internet facilities vs library) for students for academic purposes. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study recruited faculties, non-faculty staff, and students of Gedu College of Business Studies. The questionnaire was self-administered  and responses were collected. Descriptive test was used for statistical analysis. The responses of 181 participants (male 53.6%; female 46.4%) were used for analysis (response rate 95.2%). Participants responded that internet was more easily accessible (74.1% vs 24.9%), more frequently used (78.5% vs 21.5%), for academic purpose (74.1% vs 24.9%), and holds more value in life of learners (60.7% vs 39.3%). Participants remain divided on the reliability of the source of information (internet 53.6 % vs library 46.4). However, the library was considered  the cheaper (72.9% vs 27.1%) source of information. While 96.1 % of respondentsuse both sources, most (71.3%) participants feel that college should focus on developing internet facilities.Both libraries and the internet are used for academic purposes in college.  However, there is a greater need to prioritize and invest in internet facilities for future educational needs.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Behaviour Towards Tetanus Toxoid Immunisation in South-South, Nigeria: Findings from Antenatal Clinic Attendees

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias G. Abah ◽  
Otobong A. Asuquo ◽  
Emmanuel C Inyangetoh
Keyword(s):  
Tetanus Toxoid ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Major Health ◽  
The Third World ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Source Of Information

Tetanus infection has remained a major health problem in the third world countries despite the availability and accessibility of effective antibodies as vaccines. The knowledge of women about the diseases may affect their behavior with regards to prevention of the disease. This was a descriptive cross sectional study to assess the knowledge and behavior towards tetanus toxoid immunization by 252 antenatal clinic attendees in two health facilities Uyo metropolis. The majority of respondents had heard about Tetanus infection 247(98.1%) and tetanus toxoid (97.2%), with Health workers being the main source of information 213 (85.9%). Most, 228(90.5%) knew it is for prevention, while only 80 (31.7%) were aware 5 doses confer lifetime immunity.  Most of the women 236 (93.7%) had received at least a dose of TT; 123(52.1%) had up to 5 doses, while 184(78%) claimed they had completed the immunisation schedule. The commonest reason some had not received any was its not being offered to them (31.3%). There was a global positive attitude towards TT immunisation. The level of education but not age of respondents was statistically associated with being immunized (P=0.001).The study showed a fairly good awareness of tetanus infection and immunisation with   misconceptions and a good disposition unmatched by practice. There is therefore the need for proper health education especially on the number of doses, intervals/ schedules, the protection offered, as well as need for the evaluation of the content of health enlightenment information provided by health personnel to mothers attending ANCs

scholarly journals Awareness among medical students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi regarding use of anti-bacterial soaps: A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Abida Shaheen ◽  
Nismat Javed ◽  
Fahad Azam ◽  
Madiha Ata ◽  
Anoosh Zafar
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Television Commercials ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Source Of Information

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, practices and attitudes of undergraduate medical students about anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with the help of a self-designed, validated online and paperback questionnaire.  The questions were based on knowledge, attitudes and practices of students regarding antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers. Results: A total of 474 students participated in the study. Majority of the students preferred medicated soaps (55.7%) and hand sanitizers (41.6%) for daily use and considered these products to be superior to regular non-medicated soaps and hand sanitizers. Television commercials (61.8%) were the most common source of information about these products. Medical students found it important to further increase the use of medicated soaps for better protection against disease causing microbes. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants were conscious about hygiene and hand sanitization because of interaction with patients. Moreover, most of the students perceived medicated soaps and hand sanitizers to be effective for protection against disease causing microbes under the influence of media marketing campaigns.

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