scholarly journals Assessment of non-progressive dysarthria: practice and attitude of speech and language therapists in Lebanon

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Summaka ◽  
Hayat Harati ◽  
Salem Hannoun ◽  
Hiba Zein ◽  
Nour Koubaisy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Non-progressive dysarthria is an acquired motor speech disorder resulting from neurological diseases such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. The evidence base for the assessment of non-progressive dysarthria remains limited with professional practices relying mainly on therapists’ clinical experience. Limited information on the assessment practices of Lebanese speech and language therapists (SLTs) is available. Such information is crucial for the development of adequate therapy services for clients with non-progressive dysarthria. This study aims to explore the assessment practices and attitudes of Lebanese SLTs working with adults with non-progressive dysarthria and to investigate their adherence to the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between March and May 2021. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, practices, and attitudes of SLTs who assess adults with non-progressive dysarthria. Results A total of 50 Lebanese SLTs responded to the survey. The majority of SLTs (78%) assessed clients with non-progressive dysarthria across all ICF domains. SLTs reported dissatisfaction with the available assessment tools (64%) and reliance on informal tools (84%). In addition, 68% of the SLTs suggested the crucial need for the development of Arabic formal assessments that can quantitatively evaluate dysarthria and determine severity. The survey also showed that the respondents demonstrated a preference for the use of impairment-based tools. Conclusion It can be concluded that the assessment practices of Lebanese SLTs, generally, follow the international trend and the recommended professional guidelines. Further research initiatives should be held to develop Arabic formal assessment tools for non-progressive dysarthria.

scholarly journals Assessment of Non-progressive Dysarthria: Practice and Attitude of Speech and Language Therapists in Lebanon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Summaka ◽  
Hayat Harati ◽  
Salem Hannoun ◽  
Hiba Zein ◽  
Nour Koubaisy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Dysarthria is an acquired motor speech disorder. The evidence base for the assessment of dysarthria remains limited with professional practices relying mainly on therapists’ clinical experience. Limited information on the assessment practices of Lebanese speech and language therapists (SLTs) is available. Such information is crucial for the development of adequate therapy services for clients with non-progressive dysarthria. This study aims to explore the assessment practices and attitudes of Lebanese SLTs working with adults with non-progressive dysarthria and to investigate their adherence to the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between March and May 2021. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, practices, and attitudes of SLTs who assess adults with non-progressive dysarthria. Results: A total of 50 Lebanese SLTs responded to the survey. The majority of SLTs (78%) assessed clients with non-progressive dysarthria across all ICF domains. SLTs reported dissatisfaction with the available assessment tools (64%) and reliance on informal tools (84%). In addition, 68% of the SLTs suggested the crucial need for the development of Arabic formal assessments that can quantitatively evaluate dysarthria and determine severity. The survey also showed that the respondents demonstrated a preference for the use of impairment-based tools.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the assessment practices of Lebanese SLTs, generally, follow the international trend and the recommended professional guidelines. Further research initiatives should be held to develop Arabic formal assessment tools for non-progressive dysarthria.

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

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

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

scholarly journals Intention to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 among Italian Nurses during the Pandemic

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 500
Author(s):  
Marco Trabucco Aurilio ◽  
Francesco Saverio Mennini ◽  
Simone Gazzillo ◽  
Laura Massini ◽  
Matteo Bolcato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Sex

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. COVID-19 vaccination was crucial to preventing and eliminating the disease, so vaccine development for COVID-19 was fast-tracked worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is commonly recognized as the most effective approach, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of nurses in four different regions in Italy between 20 and 28 December 2020 to obtain data on the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination in order to plan specific interventions to increase the rate of vaccine coverage. Results: A total of 531 out of the 5000 nurses invited completed the online questionnaire. Most of the nurses enrolled in the study (73.4%) were female. Among the nurses, 91.5% intended to accept vaccination, whereas 2.3% were opposed and 6.2% were undecided. Female sex and confidence in vaccine efficacy represent the main predictors of vaccine intention among the study population using a logistic regression model, while other factors including vaccine safety concerns (side effects) were non-significant. Conclusions: Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, intention to be vaccinated was suboptimal among nurses in our sample. We also found a significant number of people undecided as to whether to accept the vaccine. Contrary to expectations, concerns about the safety of the vaccine were not found to affect the acceptance rate; nurses’ perception of vaccine efficacy and female sex were the main influencing factors on attitudes toward vaccination in our sample. Since the success of the COVID-19 immunization plan depends on the uptake rate, these findings are of great interest for public health policies. Interventions aimed at increasing employee awareness of vaccination efficacy should be promoted among nurses in order to increase the number of vaccinated people.

scholarly journals Psychosocial and health behavioural impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on adults in the USA: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e044642
Author(s):  
Hoda Badr ◽  
Abiodun Oluyomi ◽  
Maral Adel Fahmideh ◽  
Syed Ahsan Raza ◽  
Xiaotao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort Study ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
The Usa

IntroductionAlthough social distancing may help contain the spread of COVID-19, the social isolation and loneliness it causes can heighten stress, contribute to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and have deleterious effects on social relationships. This ongoing longitudinal cohort study aims to (1) characterise the psychological, social and health behavioural impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic over a 12-month period in the USA; (2) determine whether these impacts differ for certain subgroups based on sociodemographics and other individual-level factors; and (3) explore whether there are modifiable factors (eg, coping, social support) that moderate the effects of the pandemic over time.Methods and analysisAdults (aged ≥18 years) who were fluent in either English or Spanish were recruited via social media and invited to complete an online survey during the 8-week period from 13 April to 8 June 2020 (baseline). Follow-up surveys will be conducted 6 and 12 months after baseline. Data transformations, non-parametric tests or other alternative methods will be used when appropriate. Descriptive statistics and cross-sectional analyses will be performed. Longitudinal associations will be analysed using multilevel modelling with time-variant and time-invariant predictors of change in trajectory over the study period.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics approval was received from the Baylor College of Medicine Institutional Review Board (H-47505). Overall, this study will provide timely information that can be used to inform public health messaging strategies and guide development of assessment tools and interventions to support vulnerable individuals dealing with the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals An Observational Study to Assess Anxiety Disorder among Women during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonali Sain ◽  
Indira Dey
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Past History ◽  
Family Type ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Morbidity

Introduction: World Health Organisation (WHO) declared 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infection as a pandemic. Government of India imposed a nationwide lockdown to break the chain of transmission in the community to halt the pandemic. The unprecedented measure led to severe emotional distress among the general population, especially women. Aim: To assess the burden of anxiety disorder perceived by women during the COVID-19 pandemic and their precipitating factors. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the women residing in West Bengal for more than six months and has access to electronic media, internet services, and/or with an account in any social media. The online survey was conducted via electronic communication and the snowball sampling method was used to recruit 980 study participants. An electronic version of a semi-structured questionnaire was developed with a consent form attached to it and the link of the questionnaire was sent through e-mails, WhatsApp, and other social media to the contacts of the researcher. A self-administered questionnaire obtained information regarding socio-demographic features, personal history, past history of chronic morbidity, family history, and anxiety disorder by Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 item (GAD-7) scale. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used as a test of significance. The data was compiled, analysed, and presented. Results: Around 203 (20.7%) adult women were suffering from reasonable anxiety. Socio-demographic factors like residence, religion, education, and profession were more significantly associated but age, family type, and marital status were not significantly associated. Addiction, chronic morbidity, and experience of recurrent non-specific signs and symptoms had a significant association with reasonable anxiety. The regression model explained that working women had less chance and those with recurrent non-specific symptoms had more chance to suffer from reasonable anxiety. Conclusion: The study assessed the burden of anxiety disorder faced by women during the pandemic. It has provided further insight into the risk factors associated with it and a person’s vulnerability to anxiety disorder. Thus, it helped in developing targeted intervention strategies for the vulnerable segment of the population.

scholarly journals Play and play occupation: a survey of paediatric occupational therapy practice in Ireland

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Moore ◽  
Helen Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Childhood Play ◽  
Primary Focus

Purpose Play occupation has been identified as an essential part of children’s lives, and it subsequently features in paediatric occupational therapy. However, few studies address the current place of play and play occupation in occupational therapy practice. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge by exploring paediatric occupational therapists’ perspectives on the place of play and play occupation in occupational therapy practice in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to gather data about the current use of play in the occupational therapy for children under 12 years. Convenience sampling and snowball recruitment techniques were used to recruit paediatric occupational therapists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Findings In total, 65 therapists responded to the survey (estimated response rate, 32%). Results are organised into four sections: demographics and practice context, play assessment practices, use of play in practice and perceived barriers to play-centred practice. Respondents reported that they valued play as a childhood occupation. However, the survey findings identified that the primary focus was on play as a means to an end. Lack of education on play (research, theory and interventions) and pressures in the workplace have been identified as barriers to play-centred practice. Research limitations/implications Findings indicate that there is a mismatch between therapists valuing play as an occupation and how play is used in occupational therapy practice. Unless clarifications are made about play occupation as being different to skills acquisition in childhood, play occupation will continue to get overlooked as an authentic concern of occupation-centred practice. Thus, play as occupation deserves further attention from educators, researchers and practitioners as a means of strengthening occupation-centred practice, in particular play-centred practice in the paediatric context. Originality/value Play has been described as an important occupation in childhood, and consequently, it features in paediatric occupational therapy. However, little is known about the current place of play in occupational therapy practice. This study addresses this gap by considering the current place of play in occupational therapy practice in Ireland.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals on COVID-19 and Risk Assessment to Prevent the Epidemic Spread: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study from Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usman Rashid Malik ◽  
Naveel Atif ◽  
Furqan Khurshid Hashmi ◽  
Fahad Saleem ◽  
Hamid Saeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

In the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), healthcare professionals (HCPs) have a primary role in combating the epidemic threat. HCPs are at high risk of not only contracting the infection but also spreading it unknowingly. It is of utmost importance to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and the ability to assess the risks associated with the outbreak. A cross-sectional online survey involving physicians, pharmacists, and nurses was conducted. A 39-itemed questionnaire based on the World Health Organization (WHO)COVID-19 risk assessment tool was shared with healthcare professionals in three purposively selected key divisions of Punjab province. Out of 500 healthcare professionals, 385 responded to the survey. The majority (70%) were aged 22–29 years; 144 (37.4%) physicians, 113 (29.4%) nurses, and 128 (33.2%) pharmacists completed the survey. Overall, 94.8% of healthcare professionals scored adequately (>14) for COVID-19-related knowledge; 97.9% displayed an optimistic attitude (>42) and 94.5% had an adequate practice score (>28). Kruskal–Wallis and Jonckheere–Terpstra tests showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in KAP and risk assessment scores among groups; physicians and nurses scored higher as compared to pharmacists. Further research and follow-up investigations on disaster management and risk assessment can help policy-makers better tackle future epidemics.

scholarly journals Developing Core Sets for Persons Following Amputation Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a Way to Specify Functioning

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedbert Kohler ◽  
Alarcos Cieza ◽  
Gerold Stucki ◽  
Jan Geertzen ◽  
Helena Burger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Consensus Conference ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Core Sets ◽  
Icf Core Sets

Amputation is a common late stage sequel of peripheral vascular disease and diabetes or a sequel of accidental trauma, civil unrest and landmines. The functional impairments affect many facets of life including but not limited to: Mobility; activities of daily living; body image and sexuality. Classification, measurement and comparison of the consequences of amputations has been impeded by the limited availability of internationally, multiculturally standardized instruments in the amputee setting. The introduction of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by the World Health Assembly in May 2001 provides a globally accepted framework and classification system to describe, assess and compare function and disability. In order to facilitate the use of the ICF in everyday clinical practice and research, ICF core sets have been developed that focus on specific aspects of function typically associated with a particular disability. The objective of this paper is to outline the development process for the ICF core sets for persons following amputation. The ICF core sets are designed to translate the benefits of the ICF into clinical routine. The ICF core sets will be defined at a Consensus conference which will integrate evidence from preparatory studies, namely: (a) a systematic literature review regarding the outcome measures of clinical trails and observational studies, (b) semi-structured patient interviews, (c) international experts participating in an internet-based survey, and (d) cross-sectional, multi-center studies for clinical applicability. To validate the ICF core sets field-testing will follow.Invitation for participation: The development of ICF Core Sets is an inclusive and open process. Anyone who wishes to actively participate in this process is invited to do so.

scholarly journals Willingness of Nigerian residents to disclose COVID-19 symptoms and take COVID-19 test

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Oladoyin ◽  
Oluyemi Okunlola ◽  
Oluwaseyi Israel ◽  
Demilade Ibirongbe ◽  
Joy Osifo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Willingness To Disclose ◽  
The World ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractBackgroundAn understanding of willingness of people to disclose coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and take the COVID-19 test will help provide important insight for motivators towards the self-surveillance and testing strategies recommended by the World Health Organization to curtail and halt the transmission of COVID-19.ObjectivesThis study assessed willingness to disclose symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and willingness to take COVID-19 test as well as their predictors.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of 524 Nigerian adults, aged ≥ 18 years, residing in Nigeria and who had not taken the COVID-19 test was conducted. Information on willingness to disclose COVID-19 symptoms, take COVID-19 test and possible predictors were collected. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics evaluated at 5% significance level.ResultsMean age of respondents was 35.8 ± 10.7 years and 57.0% were males. Majority (85.8% and 86.2% respectively) were willing to disclose COVID-19 symptoms and take COVID-19 test. Self-risk perception of contracting COVID-19 predicted both willingness to disclose COVID-19 symptoms (aOR=3.236; 95%CI=1.836-5.704) and take COVID-19 test (aOR=3.174; 95%CI=1.570-6.419). Willingness to disclose COVID-19 symptoms (aOR=13.060; 95%CI= 6.253-27.276), knowledge of someone who had taken the test (aOR= 4.106; 95%CI= 1.179-14.299) and thought that it was important for people to know their COVID-19 status (aOR=3.123; 95%CI= 1.516-6.434) also predicted willingness to take COVID-19 test.ConclusionNigerians are willing to disclose symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and take the COVID-19 test. Investment in interventions developed based on the predicting factors will help speed up the finding and testing of suspected COVID-19 cases.

scholarly journals Mental Health and Psychological Impact during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey of Portuguese Higher Education Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 337
Author(s):  
Carlos Laranjeira ◽  
Maria Anjos Dixe ◽  
Olga Valentim ◽  
Zaida Charepe ◽  
Ana Querido
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Portuguese Higher Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological impact on vulnerable groups, particularly students. The present study aims to investigate the mental and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors in a sample of Portuguese higher education students. An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 1522 higher education students selected by convenience sampling. The survey assessed mental health symptoms as well as sociodemographic variables, health-related perceptions, and psychological factors. Results were fitted to binary and multivariable logistic regression models. The overall prevalences of stress, anxiety, and depression were 35.7%, 36.2%, and 28.5%, respectively. Poor mental health outcomes were related with being female, having no children, living with someone with chronic disease, facing hopelessness, and lacking resilient coping. Future studies focusing on better ways to promote mental health and wellbeing among students are warranted. It is necessary to gather more evidence on the post-pandemic mental health using robust study designs and standardized assessment tools.

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