scholarly journals Pandemic Grief Scale in detection of grief reaction among physicians in COVID-19 era

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir El Sayed ◽  
Sarah Gomaa ◽  
Shereen Aboelfotoh ◽  
Mohamed El Wasify
Keyword(s):  
Critical Time ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Sheehan Disability Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Grief Reaction ◽  
Disability Scale ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Physicians are considered one of the most vulnerable groups who might develop pandemic grief during this critical time of COVID-19 infection, and this grief reaction might have deleterious effects on their life. This cross-sectional observational online study aimed to investigate the pandemic grief reaction among physicians and its burden on their aspects of life. Results Socio-demographic characteristics of 900 physicians were collected. The Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) was used to detect the grief reaction among them and also Patient Health Depression Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate the depressive manifestations. Sheehan Disability Scale was considered to investigate the burden of this grief on different aspects of life. The study revealed high mean score of Pandemic Grief Scale: 11.12 ± 2.34; the mean score of Sheehan Disability Scale was 17.63 ± 5.17, and the mean score of Patient Health Depression Questionnaire-9 was 19.89 ± 4.27. Conclusion Pandemic grief is commonly experienced by the physicians during this COVID-19 era due to sudden loss of loved one or the cases themselves. This pandemic grief has drastic effect on domains of physicians’ life.

scholarly journals AB1192 THE UNDERWORLD OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN RHEUMATIC DISEASES: OVERLOOKED, UNRECOGNIZED OR UNPERCEIVED?

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1886.2-1887
Author(s):  
F. Ingegnoli ◽  
T. Schioppo ◽  
T. Ubiali ◽  
V. Bollati ◽  
S. Ostuzzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Social Burden ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The University

Background:The concomitant presence of depressive symptoms and rheumatic diseases (RDs) impose a considerable economic and social burden on the communities as they are associated with numerous deleterious outcomes such as increased mortality, work disability, higher disease activity and worsening physical function, higher pain levels and fatigue. Despite growing interest on depressive symptoms burden in RDs, current patient perception on this topic is unknown.Objectives:Italian patients with RDs were invited to participate in an online study gauging the presence and the perception of depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).Methods:This was a cross-sectional no-profit online study to screen the presence and the perception of depressive symptoms in RDs patients. All participants gave their consent to complete the PHQ-9 and they were not remunerated. Completion was voluntary and anonymous. The PHQ-9 rates the frequency of symptoms over the past 2 weeks on a 0-3 Likert-type scale. It contains the following items: anhedonia, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, feeling tired, change inappetite, guilt or worthlessness, trouble concentrating, feeling slowed down or restless, and suicidal thoughts. Patients were stratified as: <4 not depressed, 5-9 sub-clinical or mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression and 20-27 severe depression. The survey was disseminated by ALOMAR (Lombard Association for Rheumatic Diseases) between June and October 2019.Results:192 patients took part in the study: 170 female with median age 50 years. Among respondents only 35 (18.2%) were not depressed. Depression was sub-clinical or mild in 68 (35.4%), moderate in 42 (21.9%), moderately severe in 30 (15.6%), and severe in 17 (8.9%). 16 (8.3%) of respondents declared to have depressive symptoms and 7 of 16 were under psychiatric therapy.Moreover, patients were grouped according to diagnosis.124 respondents had inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis). 23 (18.5%) were not depressed. Depression was sub-clinical or mild in 41 (33%), moderate in 26 (21%), moderately severe in 21 (17%), and severe in 13 (10.5%). Among them, 8 (6.5%) declared to have depressive symptoms depressed and 3 of 8 were under psychiatric therapy.49 respondents had a connective tissue disease or vasculitis. 11 (22.5%) were not depressed. Depression was sub-clinical or mild in 19 (38.8%), moderate in 13 (26.5%), moderately severe in 2 (4%), and severe in 4 (8.2%). Among them, 3 (6%) declared to have depressive symptoms and 1 of 6 were under psychiatric therapy.19 respondents had other rheumatic diseases. 1 (5.3%) was not depressed. Depression was sub-clinical or mild in 8 (42.1%), moderate in 3 (15.8%), moderately severe in 7 (36.8%). Among them, 5 (26.3%) declared to be depressed and 3 of 5 were under psychiatric therapy.Conclusion:Our study confirmed that the overall real-life burden of depressive symptoms is relevant in all RDs. At the same time, these results highlighted that depressive symptoms are overlook by physicians and unperceived by patients since fewer that half of respondents (46.4%) had a clinical depression (PHQ-9>10). These results suggested that screening for depression should form part of the routine clinical assessment of RD patients.Acknowledgments:We thank the Lombard Association of Rheumatic Diseases (ALOMAR) for its contribution to design and disseminate the survey, the group that sustain systemic sclerosis (GILS), and the IT service of the University of Milan.Disclosure of Interests:Francesca Ingegnoli: None declared, Tommaso Schioppo: None declared, Tania Ubiali: None declared, Valentina Bollati: None declared, Silvia Ostuzzi: None declared, Massimiliano Buoli: None declared, Roberto Caporali Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Lilly; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Celgene; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Pfizer; UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celgene; Lilly; Gilead Sciences, Inc; MSD; Pfizer; Roche; UCB

Multi-mycotoxin exposure of children (0-24 months) in rural maize-subsistence farming areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-410
Author(s):  
R.S. Tshalibe ◽  
J.P. Rheeder ◽  
J.F. Alberts ◽  
C. Taljaard-Krugell ◽  
W.C.A. Gelderblom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Subsistence Farming ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Daily Intakes

In South Africa, child malnutrition is highly prevalent among children from in rural areas mostly at risk. In the Eastern Cape (EC) Province, maize is commonly used as complementary and weaning food. Previous studies conducted in parts of EC have indicated high levels of fumonisin B (FB) mycotoxins in home-grown maize, as well as the co-occurrence of other Fusarium mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN). A cross-sectional study of children below 24 months was conducted in rural maize-subsistence farming areas in Centane, EC to determine mycotoxin exposure. Home-grown maize samples (n=171) were collected from households in the study area and analysed by LC-MS/MS for FB, DON and ZEN. Food intakes of 129 children were quantified using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ). Individual raw maize consumption was calculated using recipes from the QFFQ. Probable daily intakes (PDIs) for each mycotoxin were determined using a deterministic approach and were compared to the respective mycotoxins’ provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI). The numerical means for total FB (sum of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3), DON and ZEN levels in home-grown maize were 1,035, 24.5 and 31.0 μg/kg, respectively. Mean daily maize intakes of children ranged from 2-321 g/day and increased with age. The mean PDIs for total FB, DON and ZEN were 8.4, 0.2 and 0.3 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively. Exposures stratified by age indicated persistent high mean PDIs for total FB, above the PMTDI of 2 μg/kg bw/day, ranging between 5.0-11.6 μg/kg bw/day. Mean exposure to DON and ZEN were below their relevant PMTDIs (1 and 0.5 μg/kg bw/day, respectively). Individually, 81 and 13% of children had exposures above the PMTDI for total FB and for ZEN, respectively. Results confirm the magnitude of FB exposure among vulnerable groups from rural maize subsistence farming areas in EC.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms Amongst People with Podoconiosis and Lower Limb Lymphoedema of Other Cause in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Semrau ◽  
Gail Davey ◽  
Amuam Andrew Beng ◽  
Winston Patrick Chounna Ndongmo ◽  
Abdel Jelil Njouendou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Mean

Evidence is emerging that shows elevated mental distress and disorder amongst people with several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This study aimed to establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst people with podoconiosis and lower limb lymphoedema of other cause in Cameroon. The study was part of a larger research piece that mapped the geographical distribution of podoconiosis in Cameroon. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; mean) was employed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema. Linear regression was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics of participants and depressive symptoms. Internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was estimated through Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.651). The mean PHQ-9 score among people with lower limb lymphoedema was 3.48 (SD ± 3.25). Using a PHQ-9 score of 5 or above as the cut-off score, 32 participants (38.6%) displayed at least mild depressive symptoms. Unemployment was the only factor that was significantly associated with more depressive symptoms overall. This study shows that depressive symptoms are common amongst people with lower limb lymphoedema in Cameroon. The findings provide support for the integration of psychosocial interventions into packages of care for the management of lower limb lymphoedema.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Fear Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia: A National Web-Based Survey on the General Population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samaneh Akbarpour ◽  
Amin Nakhostin-Ansari ◽  
Khosro Sadeghniiat Haghighi ◽  
Farnaz Etesam ◽  
Zahra Banafsheh Alemohammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Risk Of Progression

Objective: COVID-19 pandemic has influenced almost every country worldwide. Being in a pandemic situation can cause psychological distress to people, which can lead to sleep disorders. The present study aimed to assess prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among Iranian people and their relations with COVID-19 fear in the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional and population-based online study was designed. We created an online form and used Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2 scale (GAD-2), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), to assess fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, respectively. We sent the link to the online survey to Iranians interested in participating in the study via social media, and 1223 Iranian completed the form. Results: A total of 1223 individuals with a mean age of 39.82 ± 10.75 years participated in the study. Prevalence of insomnia, depression and anxiety among our participants were 55.2%, 61.5%, and 50.9%, respectively. The mean FCV-19 score among the participants was 19.70 ± 5.08. Insomnia was more common among those who were 50 years or older. Fear of COVID-19 was related to a more risk of progression toward depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Conclusion: Fear of COVID-19 has a considerable association with depression, anxiety, and insomnia in the pandemic, and strategies to reasonably decrease people’s fears can help to reduce incidence of psychological issues during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Its Determinants Among Households With Breast Cancer Patients in China: A Multicentre, Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-yao Sun ◽  
Ju-fang Shi ◽  
Wen-qi Fu ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Guo-xiang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Expenditures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insurance Compensation

Background: Although numerous studies have examined catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) worldwide, most focus on the general population, not on specific vulnerable groups. We aimed to analyse the extent and the influencing factors of CHE in households with breast cancer patients in China, and explore the ability of different insurances to protect these households from CHE.Methods: A multicentre, cross-sectional interview surveys was conducted in households with breast cancer patients across seven provinces/municipalities in China. CHE were defined as out-of-pocket expenditures ≥ 40% of households' non-food expenditures. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the determinants of CHE in household with breast cancer patients.Results: In the 639 participating households with breast cancer patients, the mean out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure accounted for ~55.20% of the mean households' non-food expenditures. The overall incidence of CHE was 87.95 and 66.28% before and after insurance compensation, respectively. The logistic regression model revealed that education, disease course, health insurance, treatment method, and income were significant predictors of CHE.Conclusions: The results indicated that medical insurance protects some households with breast cancer patients from the impact of CHE. However, their reimbursement rates were relatively low. Therefore, breast cancer still had a significant catastrophic effect on the economy of households. Policy efforts should focus on improving insurance compensation rates and relieving the economic burden of critical illnesses such as breast cancer.

scholarly journals Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (C-PHQ-9) in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e033211
Author(s):  
Xin Ye ◽  
Hui-Ling Shu ◽  
Xia Feng ◽  
Deng-mei Xia ◽  
Zheng-qun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Questionnaire ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dsm V ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Mean

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (C-PHQ-9) in patients with psoriasis.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTertiary care centre.ParticipantsPatients with psoriasis who have not been diagnosed with depression (n=148; mean age 43.37±17.46 years; 31.19% female).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measures considered in this study were the C-PHQ-9 and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). The American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-V) was used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of depression. Cronbach’s α and test–retest reliability after 1 week were evaluated using reliability analysis, and criterion and structural validity were assessed using validity analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the best demarcation score and diagnostic accuracy.ResultsCompared with DSM-V (27.27%), both C-PHQ-9 (39.19%) and HAMD (31.01%) had higher rates for detecting depression. The mean completion time for C-PHQ-9 evaluation (2.02±0.84 min) was significantly less than that for HAMD (23.37±3.21 min, p<0.001). The Cronbach’s α coefficient for the C-PHQ-9 was 0.938. The correlation coefficients of the nine items with the total scale ranged from 0.540 to 0.854, and the mean inter-item correlation coefficients ranged from 0.376 to 0.933. After a week, the retest coefficient was 0.955 (p<0.01). Principal component factor analysis showed that C-PHQ-9 identified a unifactorial structure. The best cut-off point was 9 points, with a sensitivity of 98.00% and a specificity of 90.80%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.979 (95% CI 0.968 to 0.991).ConclusionC-PHQ-9 has good reliability and validity in patients with psoriasis and can be used for primary screening of patients with psoriasis and depression. This scale has obvious time and labour advantages over the HAMD and should be considered for use in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Challenges Facing Family Caregivers of Children With Disabilities During COVID-19 Pandemic in Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110430
Author(s):  
Dalia Zahaika ◽  
Diana Daraweesh ◽  
Sondos Shqerat ◽  
Dalia Arameen ◽  
Hadeel Halaweh
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Burden Scale ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Background: COVID-19 has caused great changes in all aspects of life which affected all people especially vulnerable groups such as children with disabilities (CWD) and their families. Objective: This study aimed to examine the challenges facing caregivers of CWD during the pandemic, and to explore these challenges from various physical, social, psychological, and financial aspects. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted in Palestine, a total of 130 caregivers of CWD completed a survey consisting of demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire and the short version of the burden scale for family caregivers (BSFC-s) between March and May 2021. Results: Most of the caregivers were mothers (76.9%), the mean age of the children was (6.09 ± 3.43 years). The majority (88.5%) of the caregivers felt physically exhausted, about (75.4%) had decreased living standards, and (86.2%) indicated that caregiving is taking their strength. A high burden score was recorded, the mean BSFC-s score was 20.17 ± 5.57. Significant differences in BSFC-s scores were recorded based on the type of disability, and child’s ability to take care of oneself, P < .05. The total scores of the BSFC-s were positively correlated with the physical, social, psychological, and financial challenges facing the caregivers ( P < .001). Conclusions: COVID-19 has caused increased burdens on the caregivers of CWD and a negative impact on the child’s mobility accompanying a lack of access to health and rehabilitation services. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting better care for caregivers and their CWD during lockdown restrictions time.

scholarly journals Malaria Parasitaemia and Variations in Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Buea

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
Judith Lum Ndamukong- Nyanga ◽  
Gisele Christiana Miangu Wolloh ◽  
Nyanga Bernard Yunga ◽  
Nchangsen Jacqueline ◽  
Ngum Catherine Ndamukong
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Background: Malaria is a life threatening parasitic disease that is entirely preventable and curable. Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups to this deadly disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to reduce morbidity and mortality. Haematological changes that occur during malaria infection have been suggested as a potential predictor that can aid in the diagnosis of malaria infection. Methods: A cross sectional study involving 276 pregnant women with signs and symptoms of malaria was conducted at Regional Hospital Buea (RHB) from April to July 2018. Baselines characteristics of the study population were collected. Blood (4 ml) was collected from each pregnant woman and dispensed into an EDTA tube.  Identification of malaria parasite was done using a rapid diagnostic test (Care StartTM). Complete blood count was performed using an automated haematology analyzer (Mindray®, BC-5300). Results: Out of the 276 pregnant women, 98 (35.51%) had malaria. A total of eighty eight (31.88%) of the pregnant women were anaemic, with forty eight (17.4%) being malaria infected and forty (14.5%) non-malaria. The mean (± SD) of total white blood cell count in the malaria infected group was 5.9 (±2.4) and was significantly different (p = 0.039) from that of non-malaria infected (6.7[±1.9]) population. Red blood cells significantly (p = 0.001) decreased in malaria infected patients (3.7 [± 0.6]) as compared to non-malaria infections (4.2 (±1.0). The mean (± SD) of platelets counts in malaria infected group was significantly different from that of non-malaria infected pregnant women. Conclusion: Pregnant women infected with malaria exhibited changes in haematological parameters with low platelets (thrombocytopenia) and Haemoglobin concentration being the most significant predictors of malaria in our study area. These parameters could improve malaria diagnosis when used in combination with other clinical diagnosis.

Relationship of Sense of Coherence to Other Psychosocial Indices

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Holmberg ◽  
Anders Thelin ◽  
Eva-Lena Stiernström
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Strong Negative Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Job Demand ◽  
The Mean

Summary: The concept of “sense of coherence” (SOC) has been widely recognized since it was first introduced by Antonovsky. The originality and usefulness of the SOC scale and its relation to other psychosocial measures has been the subject of lively debate. The aim of this paper was to test for associations between SOC and work-related psychosocial factors (mainly the Job Demand-Control model), general living conditions, education, and social network factors. Cross-sectional data from a population-based sample of 1782 rural males from nine counties in Sweden were analyzed with a multiple regression technique. The subjects were occupationally active at inclusion and the mean age was 50 years (range 40-60). SOC was assessed with the original 29-item questionnaire. Psychosocial variables and lifestyle factors were assessed using questionnaires and structured interviews. The mean SOC among the subjects was 152.3 (standard deviation, 19.4). A strong negative correlation was found between SOC and job demand, whereas a positive correlation with job control was demonstrated. A positive correlation with general living conditions and with social support was also found. However, there was no correlation to education and occupation. Thus, SOC was shown to be strongly correlated to work-related psychosocial factors and social support, but independent of sociodemographic factors.

Age related volume of cadaver-prostates in Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77
Author(s):  
Rukshana Ahmed ◽  
Shamim Ara
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group A ◽  
Key Words Prostate ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B

Pathological changes in the prostate gland occur commonly with advancing age including inflammation, atrophy, hyperplasia and carcinoma and a change in volume is also evident. Estimation of volume of prostate may be useful in a variety of clinical settings. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to see the changes in volume of the prostate with advancing age and done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from August 2006 to June 2007. The study was performed on 70 post-mortem human prostates collected from the unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into three age groups; group A (10-20 years), group B (21-40 years) and group C (41-70 years). Volume of the sample was measured by using the ellipsoid formula. The mean ± SD volume of prostate was 7.68 ± 3.64 cm3 in group A, 10.61 ± 3.99 cm3 in group B and 15.40 ± 6.31 cm3 in group C. Mean difference in volume between group A and group C, group B and group C were statistically significant (p<0.001). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and volume of prostate (r = + 0.579, p < 0.001). Key Words: Prostate; volume; Bangladeshi. DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v4i2.6501Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2010; 4(2): 74-77

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document