scholarly journals Practice patterns in the management of myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional survey of neurologists in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Bril ◽  
Jacqueline Palace ◽  
Tahseen Mozaffar ◽  
Deborah Gelinas ◽  
Edward Brauer ◽  
...  

Background: Management of myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare immunoglobulin G autoantibody–mediated neuromuscular junction disorder, is driven by physician experience. To gain insight into current practices and physician needs, neurologists’ use of guidelines and disease activity evaluations to manage MG was assessed. Methods: In November and December of 2020, a quantitative, cross-sectional, 51-item, online survey–based study was used to collect data from 100 community neurologists, from 31 US states, who treat MG. Differences across ratio variables were analyzed via Chi-square and t tests, at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Of respondents, 76% reported using clinical judgment rather than guidelines to inform treatment decisions, and only 29% reported awareness of the updated 2020 International Consensus Guidance for Management of Myasthenia Gravis. Treatment patterns reported include use of prednisone-equivalent corticosteroid doses ≤10 mg/day for ≥6 months (76% of respondents). When corticosteroids are contraindicated or after failure of an initial nonsteroidal immunosuppressant therapy (NSIST), immunoglobulin therapy is the respondents’ preferred initial treatment in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody–positive generalized MG (vs a second NSIST). Respondents expressed interest in more guidance on crisis management, initiating/titrating maintenance medications, and managing patients with comorbidities. Conclusions: Respondents to this survey reported varied approaches to MG management and, in some clinical settings, heavier reliance on clinical judgment than on available consensus-based guidance. Also observed was potential underutilization of NSISTs in patients for whom corticosteroids are contraindicated, with reliance, instead, on immunoglobulin.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeb Jones ◽  
Patrick S Sullivan ◽  
Travis H Sanchez ◽  
Jodie L Guest ◽  
Eric W Hall ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Existing health disparities based on race and ethnicity in the United States are contributing to disparities in morbidity and mortality during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted an online survey of American adults to assess similarities and differences by race and ethnicity with respect to COVID-19 symptoms, estimates of the extent of the pandemic, knowledge of control measures, and stigma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe similarities and differences in COVID-19 symptoms, knowledge, and beliefs by race and ethnicity among adults in the United States. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey from March 27, 2020 through April 1, 2020. Participants were recruited on social media platforms and completed the survey on a secure web-based survey platform. We used chi-square tests to compare characteristics related to COVID-19 by race and ethnicity. Statistical tests were corrected using the Holm Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. RESULTS A total of 1435 participants completed the survey; 52 (3.6%) were Asian, 158 (11.0%) were non-Hispanic Black, 548 (38.2%) were Hispanic, 587 (40.9%) were non-Hispanic White, and 90 (6.3%) identified as other or multiple races. Only one symptom (sore throat) was found to be different based on race and ethnicity (<i>P</i>=.003); this symptom was less frequently reported by Asian (3/52, 5.8%), non-Hispanic Black (9/158, 5.7%), and other/multiple race (8/90, 8.9%) participants compared to those who were Hispanic (99/548, 18.1%) or non-Hispanic White (95/587, 16.2%). Non-Hispanic White and Asian participants were more likely to estimate that the number of current cases was at least 100,000 (<i>P</i>=.004) and were more likely to answer all 14 COVID-19 knowledge scale questions correctly (Asian participants, 13/52, 25.0%; non-Hispanic White participants, 180/587, 30.7%) compared to Hispanic (108/548, 19.7%) and non-Hispanic Black (25/158, 15.8%) participants. CONCLUSIONS We observed differences with respect to knowledge of appropriate methods to prevent infection by the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Deficits in knowledge of proper control methods may further exacerbate existing race/ethnicity disparities. Additional research is needed to identify trusted sources of information in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black communities and create effective messaging to disseminate correct COVID-19 prevention and treatment information.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596712110556
Author(s):  
Tobias Wörner ◽  
Ryan J. Frayne ◽  
Thomas Magnusson ◽  
Frida Eek

Background: Many ice hockey goaltending techniques force hip joints and groin muscles into extreme ranges of motion, which may increase the risk of hip and groin problems. Purpose: To explore how elite goaltenders and goaltending coaches perceive the demands of common goaltending techniques on the hip and groin region. We further explored differences in perception between goaltenders and their coaches as well as between junior (age <20 years) and senior (age ≥20 years) goaltenders. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: We developed a model to categorize common ice hockey goaltending techniques into quantifiable units and invited elite goaltenders and coaches in Sweden to complete an online survey. Participants were asked to rate the perceived demands of each technique on the hip and groin using a Likert scale (not at all, slightly, somewhat, very, or extremely demanding). Using the chi-square test, the proportion of participants perceiving each technique as very or extremely demanding were compared between goaltenders and coaches as well as between senior and junior goaltenders. Results: We received responses from 132 goaltenders and 43 coaches. The stances most frequently perceived as very or extremely demanding were the reverse vertical horizontal post-play (40%) and the butterfly save (25%). Among transitions, movements into the post were most frequently rated as very or extremely demanding (11%–40%). Several techniques were perceived as demanding by a larger share of coaches than goaltenders (difference, 13%–46%; P < .001–.028) and a larger share of senior versus junior goaltenders (difference, 12%–20%; P = .13–.18). Conclusion: The post-play and the butterfly were the goaltending techniques most frequently perceived as demanding, and more coaches than goaltenders percieved these techniques demanding. The results of this study may inform injury prevention efforts for ice hockey goaltending.


Author(s):  
Chitturi Prashanthi ◽  
Prashant B Patil ◽  
Vajendra Joshi ◽  
Kiran Kumar K R ◽  
Shilpa R T

: An emergency can be encountered anytime and anywhere. Minimal knowledge about medical emergency and their etiology, primary protocol for management must be known to avoid potential consequences. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare the knowledge, and ability to handle the medical emergencies among the dental students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 randomly selected dental students (post-graduate students and interns) comprising of two groups of students those who had underwent training and those who did not. The data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS for windows version 22.0 released 2013. Independent chi square test was used for comparison of responses and independent student t-test was used for the comparison of mean scores. The significance level was set at p&#60;0.001. : The average mean knowledge and ability score was 68% & 61.4% respectively among the participants. On further comparison of mean knowledge & ability scores between the participants with & without basic life support training, participants with BLS training showed better knowledge than those without training and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p&#60;0.001%). The study found deficiencies in the knowledge and ability of untrained graduates to deal with medical emergencies as compared to trained.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-40
Author(s):  
Apoorva Basavaraj Badiger ◽  
Triveni Mavinakote Gowda ◽  
Usha Govindaroy Venkatesh ◽  
Rucha Shah ◽  
Gayathri Gunjiganuru Vemanaradhya ◽  
...  

Summary Background/Aim: Myths related to oral diseases and oral health-related practices are very common among the population. Inadequate knowledge along with the persisting myths regarding the etiology, course and outcome of oral diseases makes it difficult to initiate health behavioural changes. Present study scrutinizes various myths and misconceptions regarding oral health among the outpatients. The aim of this study was to assess myths and misconceptions about oral health and imparting education regarding the same. Material and Methods: The calculated sample size was 200. A pre –tested closed ended questionnaire was prepared in both English and local language (Kannada). It comprised of four sections with 24 questions. The Content validity index value of 0.9 suggested a good validity. A Chi square test was applied and significance level was fixed at p< 0.05. Results: We had 100% response rate. In our study half of the participants visited dental hospital for the very first time (57.5%). About 45.2% of subjects believed 3rd molar eruption is the sign of intelligence, while 64.8% had a notion that all dental procedures are painful. Conclusions: Myths and misconceptions related to oral health are still prevalent among the population. However, small steps like compulsory education about oral health in the school curriculum, available and affordable oral care also effective use of mass media could be the steps to reduce oral health burden to the society.


Author(s):  
Abhijeet K. Mane ◽  
Anuradha G. Tolpadi ◽  
Meera S. Modak ◽  
Ashok K. Verma ◽  
Ancy C. Achenkunju ◽  
...  

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at frontline of response of the current pandemic of the COVID-19. This exposes them to risk of infection due to insufficient knowledge and unhealthy practices. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of infection control practices among HCWs regarding COVID-19.Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 2020 and June 2020. A 21-questions survey was developed and distributed among study population. A total of 622 HCWs working in a dedicated COVID-19 hospital participated in this study. Descriptive statistics was applied to represent participant characteristics and Chi-square test was used to evaluate the level of association among variables with a significance level of <0.05.Results: Out of 622 participants, 443 (71.22%) were females and 179 (28.78%) were males. Majority of the participants were nurses 308 (49.5%) followed by resident doctors 152 (24.4%), faculty doctors 108 (17.3%) and ancillary staff 54 (8.6%). Most participants 424 (68.1%) were less than 30 years of age. The overall response to survey was satisfactory with average correct responses recorded at 70.9%. Faculty doctors and resident doctors scored maximum average of 73% marks.Conclusions: The study participants showed sufficient basic knowledge about infection control practices regarding COVID-19. It also highlights the importance of continued training and educational interventions which are required to battle the present pandemic situation.


Author(s):  
Md Salahuddin Ansari ◽  
Faisal Al-Otaibi

The adherences to protective actions are subjective to knowledge, perception, attitude, practice and barriers towards COVID-19 by Saudi residents. The self-design questionnaires were used as a cross-sectional online survey for assessed their social and behavioral parameters during the agonizing time. The cross-sectional study used data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire from 2216 Saudi residents. SPSS software and chi-square test were applied to analyze and categorize significant differences among sectional variables of the parameters. More than 95% of responders were well aware about the main clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection and had sufficient knowledge about the protocols of five steps to stop the spread of coronavirus. Apositive perception towards COVID-19 was observed, about 55% participants strongly agreed that the coronavirus outbreak could impact the global economy and infection could be successfully controlled by imposing lockdown and by staying at home. The majority of respondents had good practices regarding COVID-19 infection. A high percentage of participants favored wearing masks, cleaning hands and frequently using hand sanitizer. A large number of participant (83.2%; n=1844) agreed that misinformation and rumors are spreading more quickly than the current outbreak of the new coronavirus. The findings suggested that Saudi residents are possessed good knowledge, optimistic attitudes, and appropriate practices towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise of the COVID-19 outbreak. Hopefully, under the combined efforts of WHO, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, all Saudi residents surely will win the battle against COVID-19 very soon.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah May Roberts ◽  
Rashmi Kudesia ◽  
Huaqing Zhao ◽  
Shaliz Dolan ◽  
Marisa Rose

Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate fertility knowledge among current Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) residents using a recently published validated instrument, the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS).METHODS: OB-GYN residents in the United States were recruited through an email to all residency coordinators nationwide. They were asked to voluntarily respond to a short questionnaire including demographic information and the FIT-KS instrument, through an online survey platform.RESULTS: The sample was 91% female, with 69% between the ages of 26 and 30. Participants evenly represented all four years of training. Mean FIT-KS score was 21.2 (73% correct). No statistically significant differences were noted across the level of training. Several knowledge gaps were noted. Residents could define the common assisted reproductive technologies; however overestimated their success rates per cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial gaps exist in fertility knowledge among OB-GYN residents, with understanding of male fertility and success rates of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being particularly limited. Knowledge of fertility does not change throughout residency training, demonstrating consistent gaps in fertility knowledge. Knowledge during post graduate year (PGY)-1 year is consistent with mean scores found in prior research in Internal Medicine residents (65%), as well as a cohort of female medical students and obstetrics and gynecology residents and fellows (64.9%)(1, 2).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah May Roberts ◽  
Rashmi Kudesia ◽  
Huaqing Zhao ◽  
Shaliz Dolan ◽  
Marisa Rose

Abstract BACKGROUND: To evaluate fertility knowledge among current Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) residents using a recently published validated instrument, the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS).METHODS: OB-GYN residents in the United States were recruited through an email to all residency coordinators nationwide. They were asked to voluntarily respond to a short questionnaire including demographic information and the FIT-KS instrument, through an online survey platform. Of approximately 5,000 OB-GYN residents in the country, 177 responded. RESULTS: The sample was 91% female, with 69% between the ages of 26 and 30. Participants evenly represented all four years of training. Mean FIT-KS score was 21.2 (73% correct; range 17-26). No statistically significant differences were noted across the level of training. Several knowledge gaps were noted. Residents could define the common assisted reproductive technologies; however overestimated their success rates per cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial gaps exist in fertility knowledge among OB-GYN residents, with understanding of male fertility and success rates of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being particularly limited. Knowledge of fertility does not change throughout residency training, demonstrating consistent gaps in fertility knowledge. Knowledge during post graduate year (PGY)-1 year is consistent with mean scores found in prior research in Internal Medicine residents (65%), as well as a cohort of female medical students and obstetrics and gynecology residents and fellows (64.9%)(1, 2).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simji Samuel Gomerep ◽  
Chundung Asabe Miner ◽  
Daniel Jatau Meshak ◽  
Solomon Chuwang Chollom ◽  
Kim Jerry Bot ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The global pandemic of COVID-19 has continued to spread across the world due to its highly infectious nature. Its control as of present is dependent on measures that involve banning of large gatherings, physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough hygiene and restrictions of movement. This requires that the general public is made aware of these strategies and adheres to them strictly. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to generate information on the knowledge base, perception, and prevalent practices in Plateau State of Nigeria. METHODS It was a cross-sectional survey in which responses were obtained through an online platform from adult residents of the State. Knowledge, perceptions and prevention practices of COVID-19 were assessed and analysed using Microsoft Excel and Epi-Info 7.2.3.1 at a significance level of p < 0.05 RESULTS Responses were obtained from 732 participants. Sixteen out of the 17 local government areas of the state were captured. The age group 21-50 year made up 85% of the respondents and all had some level of education. The mean level of knowledge was 24.5 ± 3.9 and was significantly associated with age and level of education. Perceptions and practices were however not commensurate with the high level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to increase awareness efforts to fill knowledge gaps and dispel some misconceptions and there is a need for a reciprocal improvement by the residents to adapt the practices that are needed to ensure that the disease is brought under control.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Kojo Anderson ◽  
Evan Johnson ◽  
Nicole Motoyasu ◽  
Whitney E. Bignell

Background: Over the past 2 decades, southern states in the United States have recorded the lowest breastfeeding rates. It is not known whether awareness of breastfeeding laws and provision of resources play any role in their breastfeeding practices. Research aims: The aims were (a) to describe awareness of breastfeeding laws and provisions by students and employees of institutions of higher learning in the state of Georgia, (b) to describe awareness by race and ethnicity, and (c) to determine factors associated with awareness of breastfeeding laws and provisions among students and employees within Georgia institutions of higher learning. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of students ( n = 1,923) and employees ( n = 1,311) associated with five institutions within the University System of Georgia ( N = 3,271) was completed. Convenience sampling was used. Data were collected through Qualtrics. Chi-square test was used to examine differences between groups, while logistic regression was used to examine associations. Results: Participants included 33.3% undergraduate, 26.2% graduate students, 24.6% staff, 14.2% faculty, and 1.7% administrators. Over two thirds were female and white. Almost one third reported having a child or children. Awareness of breastfeeding laws and provisions was very low among respondents, with 26.6 and 9.6% aware of federal and state provisions, respectively. While less than 10% were familiar with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative program, 52.6% reported their institution provides a supportive environment for breastfeeding. Being a student and being a minority were negatively associated with awareness of laws and provisions that support breastfeeding. Conclusion: The need for focused efforts on increasing awareness of legislative and institutional provisions and support for breastfeeding exists.


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