Acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination by cancer patients in Cyprus: A cross-sectional study

Introduction The acceptance of an individual to be vaccinated following the introduction of a new vaccine is dependent on multiple factors. Governing factors directing one’s decision to be vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, however, are currently unknown and the present study aims at researching these factors within the population of cancer patients. Methods A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted anonymously between 22 January and 12 February 2021, during the second vaccination phase against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Cyprus. The data were collected via an online questionnaire which was formerly used by previously conducted studies. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied for the comparison of means between bivariate variables, while the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for the comparison of means in variables with more than two groups. In addition, Spearman correlation coefficients were applied to explore the correlation of continuous variables. Results The sample size consisted of a total of 211 cancer patients, 64.9% of which were women with a mean age of 52.6 ± 12.4 years. The findings of the current research indicate a moderate vaccination acceptance among cancer patients ( Μ = 3.3 ± 0.7, R = 1–5). Conclusion During the promotion of a vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to cancer patients, particular emphasis on specific demographic characteristics, vaccination history and preferred sources of informing the individual are required. In addition, through reviewing the prospective effectiveness and possible outcomes of the specific vaccine according to cancer type and anti-cancer therapy, many of the existing concerns and reservations from cancer patients are expected to be diminished.

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The trends of complementary alternative medicine use among cancer patients

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies ◽

10.1186/s12906-021-03338-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdul Rahman Jazieh ◽

Khadega A. Abuelgasim ◽

Husam I. Ardah ◽

Mohammad Alkaiyat ◽

Omar B. Da’ar

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Clinical Information ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽

Cultural Changes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Cam Use ◽

The Individual

Abstract Background The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among cancer patients and it may reflect the individual and societal beliefs on cancer therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate the trends of CAM use among patients with cancer between 2006 and 2018. Methods We included 2 Cohorts of patients with cancer who were recruited for Cohort 1 between 2006 and 2008 and for Cohort 2 between 2016 and 2018. The study is a cross-sectional study obtaining demographic and clinical information and inquiring about the types of CAM used, the reasons to use them and the perceived benefits. We compared the changes in the patterns of CAM use and other variables between the two cohorts. Results A total of 1416 patients were included in the study, with 464 patients in Cohort 1 and 952 patients in Cohort 2. Patients in Cohort 2 used less CAM (78.9%) than Cohort 1 (96.8%). Cohort 1 was more likely to use CAM to treat cancer compared to Cohort 2 (84.4% vs. 73%, respectively, p < 0.0001,); while Cohort 2 used CAM for symptom management such as pain control and improving appetite among others. Disclosure of CAM use did not change significantly over time and remains low (31.6% in Cohort 1 and 35.7% for Cohort 2). However, physicians were more likely to express an opposing opinion against CAM use in Cohort 2 compared to Cohort 1 (48.7% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion There is a significant change in CAM use among cancer patients over the decade, which reflects major societal and cultural changes in this population. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve the disclosure to physicians and to improve other aspects of care to these patients.

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PREDICTORS OF UPTAKE OF A POTENTIAL COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG NIGERIAN ADULTS

10.1101/2020.12.28.20248965 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Charles Oluwatemitope Olomofe ◽

Victor Kehinde Soyemi ◽

Bolaji Felicia Udomah ◽

Adeyinka Olabisi Owolabi ◽

Emmanuel Eziashi Ajumuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Capital City ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

P Value ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination History ◽

The Face ◽

Level Of Significance

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic is not abating and there is no approved treatment yet. The development of vaccines is hoped to help in addressing this disease outbreak. However, in the face of anti-vaccines uprise, it is important to understand the factors that may influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines as this will influence how successful the fight against COVID-19 will be in the long term.MethodsA cross-sectional study among 776 adult Nigerians (age ≥18 years) was conducted in the 36 States of Nigeria and the Capital City with online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 5 sections: socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, respondent’s knowledge of COVID-19, respondents risk perception of COVID-19, vaccination history of respondents, and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive analysis of variables was done and multivariate analysis using logistic regression was carried out to determine the predictors of uptake of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. The level of significance was predetermined at a p-value < 0.05. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 21.ResultsMost of the respondents were male (58.1%). Most participants were willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine (58.2%), while 19.2% would not take it with 22.6% indecisive. 53.5% would prefer a single dose COVID-19 vaccine. For vaccine uptake, being male (p= 0.002) and the perception that “vaccines are good” (p< 0.001) were the positive predictor of uptake of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.ConclusionMost Nigerians were willing to take a potential COVID-19 vaccine with the male gender and perception that “vaccines are good” being positive predictors. There is a need for public enlightenment aim at encouraging those that are indecisive or averse to receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

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The Influence of Health Beliefs, of Resources, of Vaccination History, and of Health Anxiety on Intention to Accept COVID-19 Vaccination

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729803 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Adelina Mihaela Ştefănuţ ◽

Mona Vintilă ◽

Mihaela Tomiţă ◽

Eugenia Treglia ◽

Monica Alina Lungu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Beliefs ◽

Health Anxiety ◽

Health Belief ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Vaccination History ◽

Severity Of The Disease ◽

Belief Model

The aim of this study is to investigate whether Health Belief Model constructs, personal resources, vaccination history and health anxiety exert an influence on vaccination intention. To achieve this end, we carried out a cross-sectional study of 432 people drawn from a convenience sample who answered an online questionnaire. Multiple logistical regressions showed that perception of the severity of the disease, of the benefits of being vaccinated, of barriers, and of cues to action, along with the freeness and accessibility of the vaccine and general vaccination history, are significant predictors regarding vaccination intention.

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Correlations between mandibular ramus height and occlusal planes in Han Chinese individuals with normal occlusion: A cross-sectional study

APOS Trends in Orthodontics ◽

10.25259/apos_78_2021 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 295-300

Author(s):

Xin Xiong ◽

Qinlanhui Zhang ◽

Yang Liu

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Han Chinese ◽

Confounding Factors ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Normal Occlusion ◽

Ramus Height

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the relationships between ramus height and occlusal planes (OPs) in Han Chinese individuals with normal occlusion. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and four participants with normal occlusion were included and their cephalograms were analyzed. The ramus height (Ar-Go), Frankfort horizontal plane-posterior OP (FH-POP), FH-anterior OP (FH-AOP) and FH-OP, anterior and posterior cranial base length, SNA, SNB, ANB, Frankfort-mandibular plane angle, SN-MP, jaw angle, and mandibular body length were measured on the subjects’ cephalograms. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated among continuous variables. The ramus height was considered as dependent variable and the OPs as independent variables. Age, sex, and other cephalometric parameters were considered as possible confounding factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether the relationships were significant. Results: The FH-POP and FH-OP were moderately associated with ramus height, while the FH-AOP showed a weak association (P < 0.001). After adjusting age and sex, FH-POP, FH-AOP, and FH-OP showed significant negative associations with ramus height (β = −0.36, −0.28, and −0.37, respectively, P < 0.001). The OP flattened with the ramus height increased. After adjusting all the confounding factors, FH-POP and FH-OP showed significant negative associations with ramus height. The ramus height increased by 0.19 mm/1° flattening of FHPOP (β = −0.19, P = 0.002). Conclusion: After adjust age, sex, and other possible confounding factors, the FH-POP and FH-OP were associated with the ramus height. The flattening of FH-POP was associated with the increase of ramus height. The results should be treated with caution since it’s a cross-sectional study.

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Correlation Between PSA Density and Gleason Score In Prostate Cancer Patients

Bangladesh Journal of Urology ◽

10.3329/bju.v23i2.50309 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 164-168

Author(s):

Md Naved Yusuf ◽

Sudip Das Gupta ◽

Mohammed Mianur Rahman ◽

Md Mahmud Ur Rahman

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Gleason Score ◽

Histological Grade ◽

Specific Antigen ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psa Density ◽

The Mean

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common form of malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death among men. The histological grade is an independent determinant of disease prognosis and survival. The Gleason System (GS) grading is the most widely accepted classification. Several recent studies have searched for factors that could predict GS upgrading. High prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) has been shown to be predictors of risk progression in many studies, reflecting the possibility of undetected aggressive cancer. Objective: To detect the association between PSA density and Gleason score in prostate cancer patients. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out at the department of urology, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford hospital, Dhaka. Patients diagnosed as prostate cancer meeting the inclusion criteria admitted in the above mentioned place was the study population. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Student t-test was used for continuous variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between the groups. P values <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Total eighty three patients were included in this study. The mean age was found 69.2±7.7 years ranging from 50 to 85 years. The mean volume of prostate was 42.3±17.6 ml ranging from 13.0 to 68.0 ml. The mean Gleason score was 7.8±1.4 ranging from 6.0 to 10.0. More than one third (33.7%) patients had PSA density 0.15- 0.5 ng/ml/ml. Three patients had found Gleason score 9 (5+4) within PSA density 0.51-1.0 ng/ml/ml, 5 patients within PSA density 1.1-1.5 ng/ml/ml, 3 patients within PSA density 1.51-2.0 ng/ml/ml, 6 patients within PSA density 2.1-2.5 ng/ml/ml, 5 patients within PSA density 2.51-3.0 ng/ml/ml and 2 patients within PSA density >3.0 ng/ml/ml. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) among seven groups. Positive correlation (r=0.717; p=0.001) between PSA density with Gleason score. Conclusion: In this study, we find there is a strong correlation between PSA density and Gleason score. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 23, No. 2, July 2020 p.164-168

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Gender Difference in Pain Management Among Adult Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Assessment

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.628223 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Abdulaziz Alodhayani ◽

Khalid M. Almutairi ◽

Jason M. Vinluan ◽

Norah Alsadhan ◽

Turky H. Almigbal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Pain Management ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cancer Type ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudinal Barriers ◽

Female Cancer Patients ◽

Tertiary Hospitals ◽

Harmful Effects

ObjectiveTo compare gender differences in pain management among adult cancer patients in Saudi Arabia and to explore the predictors associated with attitudinal barriers of cancer patients to pain management.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 cancer patients from tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia.ResultOf the total participants, 67.4% were women (N = 219) and 32.6% were men (N = 106). The overall mean scores of the attitudinal barriers questionnaire were 49.51 ± 13.73 in men and 54.80 ± 22.53 in women. The analysis shows significant differences in scores in subscales of tolerance (men = 7.48 ± 2.37), (women = 8.41 ± 3.01) (p = 0.003) and fear of distraction in the course of treatment (men = 6.55 ± 1.34), and (women = 7.15 ± 2.63) (p = 0.008). Female patients reported a more moderate to severe level of pain than men (worst pain in last week of 7.07 ± 1.50, worst pain in last week of 5.84 ± 2.65, respectively). Splitting by gender, the significant predictor for physiology effect domains in male cancer patients includes age, marital status, employment status, monthly income, cancer type, and presence of comorbid disease (p < 0.050). Age was a significant predictor of the domains of fatalism, communication, and harmful effects (p < 0.050) among female cancer patients.ConclusionThe present study revealed significant differences between men and women with attitudinal barriers to cancer pain management. Managing pain requires the involvement of all methods in a comprehensive manner, thus unalleviated pain influences the patient’s psychological or cognitive aspect.

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The effects of chemotherapy-induced alopecia on cancer patients’ distress

Journal of Clinical Medicine- Hue Central Hospital ◽

10.38103/jcmhch.2021.72.11 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Hair Loss ◽

Economic Status ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Scalp Cooling ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Individual ◽

Distress Scale

Background: Hair is a human characteristic, which has an important role in presenting the individual gender, race, nation, social interaction as well as mental and physical health status. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), which has an incidence of 65%, is known to be one of the most psychological shocks among cancer patients. Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia Distress Scale (CADS) created by a group of Korean scientists is a new tool developed to evaluate alopecia’s effects on patients’ mentality. It is necessary to investigate the effects of alopecia on cancer patients and to understand the demands of patients in coping with CIA. However, to our knowledge, this is a topic that is still lacking objective and scientific evidence in Hue, Vietnam. Therefore, we conducted the study to describe the alopecia characteristics of patients treated with chemotherapy, and to identify the distress level of cancer patients using CADS and the preference of patients to deal with the alopecia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Oncology department of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from 01/12/2020 to 25/03/2021. The hair loss grade was assessed by CTCAE and the level of distress was evaluated by CADS. Statistical analysis was performed in Microsoft Excel 2016 and the R 3.6.0 program. Results: The mean age of patients in our study was 56.48 ± 10.244. Of all 56 patients, the majority of participants were female (69.6%), married (82.1%), and had above-average economic status (67.9%). Breast cancer patients accounted for the highest percentage with 39.3%. Most of the patients were in grade III (32.1%) and grade IV (39.3%). Our study revealed that 82.1% of patients having hair loss at grade 2 according to CTCAE 5.0. Evaluating by CADS showed that 87.5% of participants experienced low distress. Hat/ headscarf and wig were the most popular coping strategy against the CIA (66.1% and 35.7%, respectively). Scalp cooling is a new method that can prevent the CIA effectively. A proportion of 41.1% was willing to try the scalp cooling systems. Conclusions: Alopecia grade 2 accounted for the majority of patients in our study (82.1%). This was a symptom that should be concerned, however, our study revealed that the alopecia’s effects were not so serious among patients in the study. Most of the patients did not worry about chemotherapy - induced alopecia (89.3%), and 87.5% of participants experienced low distress, while there was still a proportion of 12.5% with higher distress. To cope against alopecia, many feasible coping strategies have been used by patients, including hat/ headscarf or wig.

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Prevalence of Cancer-related Fatigue among Women with Breast Cancer in Erbil City

Erbil Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ◽

10.15218/ejnm.2020.13 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 108-118

Author(s):

Shinwy Radha ◽

◽

Yousif Younis ◽

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cancer Type ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cancer Related Fatigue ◽

Treat Ment ◽

Daily Task ◽

Prevalence Of Cancer

Background and objective: Cancer-related fatigue is greatest frequent upsetting sense of tiredness or exhaustion can happen regardless of cancer type and could be experienced physically or emotionally, and or cognitively, that is associated with the tumor or its treat-ment. The current study aimed at assessing prevalence of cancer related fatigue among women with breast cancer. Method: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was conducted from 8th of October 2018 to 8th October 2019. To find out the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue among fe-male breast cancer patients at Nankali Hospital in Erbil city. A sample of 60 breast cancer patient was obtained through non-probability purposive convenience sampling tech-niques. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 for windows. Results: The results showed that the highest percentage of participants (45%) were from age group between 39-54, most of them were from urban area, graduated from primary school, married, however; 53.3% of breast cancer women they had family history of breast cancer. Regarding breast cancer stages, 40% of participants were in third stage. Most of the breast cancer patients were receiving chemotherapy treatment and they had surgery (81.7% and 71.7% respectively). Concerning cancer related fatigue 75% of participants suffered from fatigue, nonetheless; fatigue severity among participants range from severe 53.3% to moderate 48.3%. Also, physical fatigue was a common type of fatigue among women with breast cancer. Conclusion: One of the most common complains symptom of patient with cancer is fa-tigue. Cancer related fatigue impact physical, emotional, cognitive domains of patients’. Moreover, cancer-related fatigue has undesirable effect on patients, mood, daily task per-formance, and the patient’s life.

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Unfolding the Mild to Moderate Short-Term Side Effects of Four COVID-19 Vaccines Used in Bahrain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1369

Author(s):

Muhammad Nauman Zahid

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Short Term ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Post Vaccination ◽

Global Pandemic

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created a global pandemic (COVID-19) that has resulted in massive health and economic losses. The current unavailability of treatments leaves vaccination as the only way to control this disease. There are four vaccines (Sinopharm, Pfizer—BioNTech, Sputnik, and AstraZeneca) available in Bahrain. This project aimed to study the most common side effects resulting from the first and second doses of these four vaccines. Data were collected through an online questionnaire answered by 311 individuals who received both doses of one of these four vaccines. The results of this study revealed that regardless of the vaccine identity, participants experienced more side effects from the second dose. Among the different side effects, pain at the site of injection was primarily observed after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (43%), which was followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (31%). Moreover, fever was observed in participants after the first dose of the Sputnik vaccine (37%), while headache was mainly observed after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (32%). It is important to note that fatigue was observed after the first dose of all four vaccines but was reported by the highest proportion of respondents in the Pfizer group (28%). Interestingly, there are some side effects, such as pain at the site of injection, that are correlated with fever (r = 0.909). Similarly, headache is correlated with fever (r = 0.801) and pain at the site of injection (r = 0.868). Overall, it was observed that recipients of the Sinopharm vaccine reported the mildest side effects among all four vaccines. The crucial finding of this study is that the first and second dosage post-vaccination side effects were modest and predictable with no occurrences of hospitalization; this information can assist in lessening vaccine apprehension.

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Health Status of Senior Citizens: A Cross-sectional study

Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing ◽

10.15614/ijhw.v11i01.14 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Priyanka Beniwal ◽

Chandrakala Singh

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Senior Citizens ◽

Total Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Group ◽

Poor Health Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Individual ◽

Average Health

Aging is a series of processes that begin with life and continue throughout the lifecycle. It represents the closing period in the lifespan, a time when the individual looks back on life, lives on past accomplishments and begins to finish off his life course. It represents the accumulation of changes in person over time. The study aims to investigate the health status of senior citizens. The present study was carried out in Hisar and Sirsa district of Haryana state. A total of 400 elderly equally representing both males and females of age group 65-70 years were selected randomly for the study. Modified inventory developed by Khan and Lal (2011) was used to assess health status of senior citizens. The results of the study elucidated that health status of senior citizens depicted that 54.25 per cent of the total respondents had average health status followed by good (25.25%) and poor health status (20.50%). The most common health problems reported by the senior citizens were joint pains, back pains, blood pressure, and chest pain etc. Gender wise comparison of total sample further pointed out that females were poor in their health against males.

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