scholarly journals Accuracy of perceived glaucoma risk by patients in a clinical setting

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257453
Author(s):  
Chiun-Ho Hou ◽  
Jiahn-Shing Lee ◽  
Ken-Kuo Lin ◽  
Laura Liu ◽  
Yung-Sung Lee ◽  
...  

Objective To determine whether patients attending the ophthalmology department underestimate their glaucoma risks. Method We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a final study population of 1203 individuals from two medical centers in Taiwan during January 1–June 30, 2019. The “High concern” group was defined as the set of patients who rated themselves as having low risk but who had been rated by physicians as having medium or high risk of developing glaucoma over the next year. Results Approximately 12% of the respondents belonged to the “High concern” group. For those with education at the college level or higher, the interaction term was estimated to be 0.294 (95% CI = 0.136–0.634). Marginal effect calculations revealed significant sex-based differences in the effect of knowledge at specific age intervals. Conclusions A considerable proportion of patients attending the ophthalmology department underestimate their glaucoma risks. Misjudgment of glaucoma risks can lead to delays in seeking of medical attention. Glaucoma education should be designed according to each patient’s education level and sex, as its effect is not consistent across different education and sex clusters.

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
B.B. Subba ◽  
N. Rimal ◽  
B.M. Shrestha

Introduction: TB is considered one of the opportunistic infection among PLHIV. The increasing burden of HIV/TB co-infection among key population cause problem to maintain adherence to ART and DOTS services. The emergence of MDR-TB is one of the greatest challenge to control and management of both diseases. However, having knowledge and information of both diseases are important role to access the available HIV/TB services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among key population who had HIV/TB co-infection in two-epidemic zone of Nepal. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. ANOVA test was done to analyze the collected data by using SPSS version 20.0. Results: A total of 343 HIV/TB co-infected individuals were enrolled to the study. Most of participants were from ART and DOTS clients. Therefore, the study found that there was significance difference found between knowledge about TB (F=4.400, p= 0.005), causative agent of TB (F=3.160, p=0.025), risk of TB illness among PLHIV (F=8.491, p=0.001) and among key affected population. Moreover, there was significance difference found between access to OI treatment (F=5.113, p=0.002) and access to viral load (F=4.642, p=0.003) among key study population. In gender perspective, there was no significance difference to use and access to available HIV/TB services. Conclusion: The general knowledge on HIV/TB co-infection was significant association with key population. The knowledge on HIV/TB and access to NGOs’ help can significant effect to access the available HIV and TB services.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Shreyan Kar ◽  
Tushar Kanti Das ◽  
Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Brajaballav Kar ◽  
Anupama Senapati ◽  
...  

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.


Author(s):  
Chidebe Christian Anikwe ◽  
Philip Chidubem Osuagwu ◽  
Cyril Chijioke Ikeoha ◽  
Okechukwu B Ikechukwu Dimejesi ◽  
Bartholomew Chukwunonye Okorochukwu

Background Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that contributes significantly to the death of women. This study is aimed at determining the level of knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among female undergraduates of Ebonyi State University. Methods A structured questionnaire was used for a cross-sectional survey of the study population between January 1 and March 3, 2018. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Data were represented with frequency table, simple percentage, mode, range, Chi square and pie chart. The level of significance is at P-value < 0.05. Results Majority (74.8%) of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer and it could be prevented (70.8%). More than three-fifths (68.30%) were informed via health workers, and 86.8% were aware that post-coital vaginal bleeding is a symptom. Less than half (49.8%) knew that HPV is the primary cause, and only 32.9% were aware of the HPV vaccine. One-quarter of the respondent were aware that early coitarche is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 41.8% of the women were aware of Pap smear, 9.2% had undergone screening, and 97.6% were willing to be screened. Marital status was the significant determinant of being screened while class level did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening. The most common reason (20.6%) for not being screened was lack of awareness of the test. Conclusion Our study population had a good knowledge of cervical cancer, but utilization of cervical cancer screening was poor. Awareness creation through the mass media and provision of affordable screening services can promote the use of cervical cancer screening in the study area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 650
Author(s):  
Simon Ayo Adekunle ◽  
Oiza Lauren Dimowo

This study investigated smartphone preference among undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian universities. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which students’ demographic attributes such as gender, age, usage experience and educational level influence their preference for smartphones. The study also identified and ranked smartphone brands based on selected factors like brand name, brand attachment, perceived usefulness, social influence, price, aesthetic value and product design and features. A cross-sectional survey research design was used for the study. The study population comprised all full-time university students in Nigeria both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Questionnaire was designed and electronically administered using Google Form to the target respondents. After three weeks (10th June to 1st July 2020), five hundred and forty-three (543) responses were collated. However, seventy-eight (78) were found to be invalid. As a result, four hundred and sixty-five (465) responses that formed the sample size were used for the study. The data collected were statistically analyzed using frequency table, percentages, mean, standard deviation and t-test with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study found that Samsung is the most preferred smartphone among students. It was also revealed that the first three most important factors that influence students' preference for smartphones are brand name, perceived usefulness, and design/features. The study revealed that demographic attributes do not significantly influence smartphone preference among university students. The study, therefore, recommends that demographic attributes such as gender, age, usage experience and programme should not be significantly considered by manufacturers and marketers of smartphones in product differentiation. Keywords: Brand name, demographics, preference, smartphone, students.    


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽  
pp. 642-647
Author(s):  
Bipin M ◽  
Jeevitha M ◽  
Kavitha S

Precision medicine is an emerging approach for the treatment of diseases and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment and lifestyle of a person. Although the term precision medicine is relatively new, the concept has been a part of healthcare for many years. This study focuses especially to evaluate the knowledge on characteristics of precision medicine among dental students. The aim of this study is to analyse the knowledge and awareness of Precision medicine among dental students. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students through a self-administrated questionnaire. The responses had been collected and statistically analysed. 61% of the study population were aware of Precision medicine and surprisingly, 82% of the respondents came across this term precision medicine. This study concludes that the dental students were aware of the term precision medicine, but they were not well aware of the role of precision medicine in the medical field.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 873
Author(s):  
Abanoub Riad ◽  
Barbora Hocková ◽  
Lucia Kantorová ◽  
Rastislav Slávik ◽  
Lucia Spurná ◽  
...  

mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines such as BNT162b2 have recently been a target of anti-vaccination campaigns due to their novelty in the healthcare industry; nevertheless, these vaccines have exhibited excellent results in terms of efficacy and safety. As a consequence, they acquired the first approvals from drug regulators and were deployed at a large scale among priority groups, including healthcare workers. This phase IV study was designed as a nationwide cross-sectional survey to evaluate the post-vaccination side effects among healthcare workers in Slovakia. The study used a validated self-administered questionnaire that inquired about participants’ demographic information, medical anamneses, COVID-19-related anamnesis, and local, systemic, oral, and skin-related side effects following receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine. A total of 522 participants were included in this study, of whom 77% were females, 55.7% were aged between 31 and 54 years, and 41.6% were from Banska Bystrica. Most of the participants (91.6%) reported at least one side effect. Injection site pain (85.2%) was the most common local side effect, while fatigue (54.2%), headache (34.3%), muscle pain (28.4%), and chills (26.4%) were the most common systemic side effects. The reported side effects were of a mild nature (99.6%) that did not require medical attention and a short duration, as most of them (90.4%) were resolved within three days. Females and young adults were more likely to report post-vaccination side effects; such a finding is also consistent with what was previously reported by other phase IV studies worldwide. The role of chronic illnesses and medical treatments in post-vaccination side effect incidence and intensity requires further robust investigation among large population groups.


2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-147
Author(s):  
Jure PUC ◽  
Petra Obadić ◽  
Vanja Erčulj ◽  
Ana Borovečki ◽  
Štefan Grosek

Abstract Objective To survey university students on their views concerning the respect for autonomy of patients and the best interest of patients in relation to the withholding of resuscitation. Methods A cross-sectional survey among university students of medicine, nursing, philosophy, law and theology of the first and the final study years at the University of Ljubljana and the University of Zagreb was conducted during the academic year of 2016/2017. A questionnaire constructed by Janiver et al. presenting clinical case vignettes was used. Results The survey response rates for students in Ljubljana and Zagreb were 45.4% (512 students) and 37.9% (812 students), respectively. The results of our research show statistically significant differences in do-not resuscitate decisions in different cases between medical and non-medical students in both countries. Male and religious students in both countries have lower odds of respecting relatives’ wishes for the withholding of resuscitation (odds ratio 0.49–0.54; 95% confidence interval). All students agreed that they would first resuscitate children if they had to prioritize among patients. Conclusions Our study clearly shows that gender, religious beliefs, and type of study are important factors associated with the decisions pertaining to the respect for autonomy, patient’s best interest, and initiation or withholding of resuscitation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schotthoefer ◽  
Kathryn Stinebaugh ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Claudia Munoz-Zanzi

Abstract Background People with occupations that require them to spend time working outdoors in suitable tick habitats are predicted to be at an increased risk for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). However, few studies have assessed the risks of outdoor employees in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on exposure to ticks and TBD infections among U.S. Forest Service employees in a high TBD incidence region of northern Wisconsin, and to examine employee knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding TBDs to help guide future education and prevention programs. Chi-square contingency tables, calculations of odds ratios, and logistic regression models were used to identify associations among self-reported employee factors, the proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions, their ranked concern for TBDs, adherence to practicing preventive behaviors, and willingness to pay for protective measures. Results Ninety-five employees completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (97%) reported recent tick exposure, with 27% reporting encountering 10 or more ticks per week during peak tick season. Employee knowledge of TBD was high (median score: 80% correct). Fifty-nine percent of respondents had high concern for TBDs, and there was high adherence to conducting body checks for ticks (83% reported always doing them), but only moderate use of tick repellents (24% reported always and 60% reported occasionally using). High concern for TBD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.32 [95% confidence intervals, 1.97–20.28]), a history of TBD diagnosis (aOR = 5.88 [1.41–24.55]), and older age (≥ 46 years) (aOR = 3.29 [1.00–10.84]) were positively associated with high practice adherence. Respondents suggested they would be willing to pay for personal protective methods and get a hypothetical vaccine for Lyme disease, but not community-wide efforts to control ticks. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that U.S. Forest Service employees in Wisconsin represent a high risk group for TBD, and despite relatively high TBD knowledge and engagement in tick protection activities, efforts are needed to reduce their risks for tick bites. More generally, our findings suggest that studies to better understand the factors related to the adoption and effectiveness of public health interventions are needed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelechi Kenneth Odinaka ◽  
Emeka Charles Nwolisa ◽  
Francis Mbanefo ◽  
Alfreda Chinekwu Iheakaram ◽  
Seline Okolo

Background.Soil-transmitted helminthic infection is a common public health challenge of primary school children in resource challenged and developing countries. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and pattern of soil-transmitted helminthic infection among primary school children in a rural community in Imo State, Nigeria.Method.The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 284 primary school children in a rural community.Results.The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection (STHI) was 30.3%. Of all STHIs, hookworm was the commonest geohelminth observed, 81 (94.2%). The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection was more in males, 58 (38.4%), than in females, 28 (21.1%). This difference was statistically significant (P=0.001).Conclusion.The high prevalence rate of soil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst the study population is worrisome. There is need for organized and routine deworming among school children in the community.


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