scholarly journals Concerns of Parents Requesting Screening Tests for Their Children: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emrah Ersoy ◽  
Cuneyt Ardic

Abstract Background and objectiveWhile previous researchers provide insights into parental concerns about emotional, developmental, or behavioural problems in children, it is not known how children's complaints and possible medical conditions related to these complaints impact parent concerns. The aim of this study is to investigate concerns of parents visiting a family physician to request screening tests for their own child.MethodsOur sample was 407 children aged 2-16 years visiting a family physician for screening in Rize, a city in the Black Sea (Northern part) Region of Turkey, from January 2019 to January 2020. After January 2020, the researchers contacted 407 parents of the children by telephone and they completed the questionnaire via phone calls. The questionnaire includes sociodemographic data, parents’ opinion about screening tests, parent concern scores, children's complaints and probable medical conditions related with those complaints during the visit. The data was analyzed using the SPSS (SPSS v26) statistical analysis program.ResultsThe mean age of the children was 7.9 ± 4.2 years and the mean age of the parents was 31.7 ± 8.3 years. Of the parents, 65.8% (n=268) were female and of the children, 54.1% (n=220) were male. Of the parents, 60.0% (n=244) had concerns when they requested screening tests for their own child. Of the children, 40.0% (n=163) had no complaints. Of the parents, 56.8% (n=231) were not in favor of requesting a screening test for their child if he/she had no complaints. There was a significant relationship between parents’ opinion about screening tests and parent concerns/children’s complaints (p<0.001). Children’s complaints and probable medical conditions related with the complaints had significant impact on the mean score of parent concerns (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis study has shown that most of the children who underwent screening were not asymptomatic and most of the parents who requested screening tests for their own child had concerns related with their child's complaint/s. The concerns of parents were the main motivation for requesting screening.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasrin Sharififard ◽  
Katayoun Sargeran ◽  
Mahdia Gholami

Abstract Background We aimed to assess oral health and oral hygiene status among visually impaired adolescents and also to evaluate the factors related to their oral health. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among 130 visually impaired adolescents in Tehran, Iran, in December 2018. Of three schools for visually impaired children in Tehran, children in the sixth to the tenth grade (aged 12–17 years) were included after obtaining their parents’ consent. WHO oral health questionnaire for children was filled out through face to face interviews. General characteristics were age, gender, status of visual impairment, place of residence, and parental education level. Oral health-related questions were perceived dental and gingival health, dental self-care, dental visits, medical conditions, and dietary habits. Oral examinations included Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‑S), and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). Univariate and multiple logistic regression tests were applied using STATA. Results The mean age (SD) of the adolescents was 14.45 (1.61) years. The fully blind children were 33.8%, and those with low vision were 66.2%. Regarding the perception of dental and gingival health, nearly half of the adolescents were satisfied. The mean DMFT and decayed component (DT) were 2.43 ± 2.24 and 1.92 ± 2.12, respectively. The frequency of DMFT ≥ 3 was 45.4%. The mean OHI-S was 2.01 ± 0.70, and OHI-S > 1.8 was reported in 60% of children. The prevalence of BOP was 79.2%. DMFT was significantly associated with toothache (P = 0.003, OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 1.54–9.09), perceived dental health (P = 0.005, OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.40–6.67), and medical conditions (P = 0.03, OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.13–8.68). In addition, OHI-S was related to gender (P = 0.02, OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.83), perceived dental health (P = 0.006, OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.35–6.12) and medical conditions (P = 0.04, OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.04–8.97). BOP was associated with perceived gingival health (P = 0.02, OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.18–7.33). Conclusions Medical conditions and perceived dental and gingival health are possible predictors for oral health status in these adolescents. Although these children could not visualize caries or gingival bleeding during the brushing time, they could perceive the status of their oral health correctly. Also, being involved in medical problems can make more ignorance of oral health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-45
Author(s):  
Md Motlabur Rahman ◽  
Rakesh Panday ◽  
Kamal Uddin Sohel ◽  
Zuhayer Ahmed ◽  
Shahana Khanam ◽  
...  

Background: Acute confusional state or delirium is a frequent cause of hospital admission in the elderly. It is characterized by an acute fluctuating impairment of cognitive functions and inattention. Recognition and prompt treatment is crucial to decrease the morbidity and mortality of hospitalized elderly patients. Aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of common medical conditions related to acute confusional state among elderly hospitalized Patients. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. We enrolled 380 patients from different medicine wards in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. We included patients with acute confusional state/delirium of less than 7 days duration. The enrolled patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of an acute confusional state. A predesigned checklist was used for data collection. Head injury was excluded by history and CT scan of brain. Patients with preexisting illnesses, such as dementia, psychiatric illnesses and recurrent seizures, and any case of poisoning was excluded. All findings were noted and recorded. A written informed consent was taken from the attendant and relatives. Result: Among 380 patients, most of confusional state developed after the age of 65 years and the mean age was 69 +/-7.6 years. Associated medical conditions were uncontrolled hypertension (63.2%), fever & infection (41.6%), uncontrolled DM (36.6%), CVD (28.4%), CKD & electrolytes abnormalities (10.5%), joint diseases & pain (13.7%). Most of the patients used plyphormacy (76.6%) out of which antihypertensive (60%) were common. The mean duration of presentation was 6.1+/-0.6 days, and among all patients about 63.7% were improved, 29.50% was in persistant symptom of confusion and 6.8% of them died. Conclusion: Acute confusional state was common after 65 years. Uncontrolled hypertension, fever & infection, uncontrolled diabetes, CVD, CKD & electrolytes abnormalities and polypharmacy were found commonly in patients with acute confusional state. J MEDICINE JAN 2021; 22 (1) : 41-45


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77
Author(s):  
Mohammad Enayet Hussain ◽  
Bithi Debnath ◽  
AFM Al Masum Khan ◽  
Md Ferdous Mian ◽  
Md Nahidul Islam ◽  
...  

Background: The visual evoked potentials (VEP) is a valuable tool to document occult lesions of the central visual channels especially within the optic nerve. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to observe the findings of first few cases of VEP done in the neurophysiology department of the National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurophysiology at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2017 to March 2020. All patients referred to the Neurophysiology Department of NINS for VEP were included. Pattern reversal VEPs were done using standard protocol set by International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN). Results: The mean age of the study population was 30.70 (±12.11) years (6-68 years) with 31 (46.3%) male and 36 (53.7%) female patients. The mean duration of illness was 8.71 (±1.78) months (3 days- 120 months). Most common presenting symptom was blurring of vision (37.3%) and dimness of vision (32.8%). Patterned VEP revealed mixed type (both demyelinating and axonal) of abnormality in most cases [29(43.35)]. The most common clinical diagnosis was multiple sclerosis (29.85%) and optic neuropathy (26.87%). In the clinically suspected cases of multiple sclerosis, optic neuropathy and optic neuritis most of the cases of VEP were abnormal and the p value is 0.04 in optic neuropathy and optic neuritis. Conclusion: The commonest presentation of the patients in this series were blurring of vision and dimness of vision. The most common clinical diagnosis for which VEP was asked for, was optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. Most abnormalities were of mixed pattern (demyelinating and axonal). Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2020;6(2): 74-77


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Chijioke Okeudo ◽  
B.U. Ezem

Background: The amniotic fluid is fundamental for proper fetal development and growth. Ultrasound visualization of the amniotic fluid permits both subjective and objective estimates of the amniotic fluid. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the reference values of normal single deepest pocket (SDP) – upper and lower limits, mean SDP and variation of the SDP with gestational age among Igbo women of South-Eastern Nigeria extraction carrying uncomplicated singleton pregnancy. Methodology: This was a prospective cross sectional study involving 400 women carrying uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and who were sure of the date of the first day of their last menstrual period. The single deepest pocket / maximum vertical pool were determined once at presentation at the hospital.. The study was conducted from January 1st to December 31st 2015. The second author carried out all the scanning. The SDP was obtained. Results: The womens’ mean and median ages were the same at 28 years. The gestational age range of the pregnancies was 14-41 weeks. The mean SDP was 5.8cm, while the 5th and 95th percentiles were 3.3cm and 8.5cm respectively. There was no difference in the mean SDP in both term and preterm. There was irregular but continuous rise of mean SDP to a peak of 6.8cm at gestational age of 39 weeks. In conclusion, the participants had a mean SDP of 5.8cm. There was also a positive correlation between SDP and Gestational age. We therefore recommend a longitudinal study to assess perinatal outcome and abnormal amniotic fluid volume among Igbo women of South-Eastern Nigeria. Key words: Single Deepest Pocket, Uncomplicated Singleton Pregnancy, Igbo Women.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 012-017
Author(s):  
Najib Zouhair ◽  
Anass Chaouki ◽  
Amine M’khatri ◽  
Youssef Oukessou ◽  
Sami Rouadi ◽  
...  

Tympanoplasty is one of the most performed procedures in ENT. The aggressiveness of its microscopic approach has led otologists to adopt the endoscopic approach as a less invasive alternative. The purpose of this work is to appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of this surgical technique. We conducted a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study on 20 interventions within the ENT department of August the 20th 1953 Hospital of Casablanca from April 2019 to June 2019. The average age of operated patients was 36.3 years. Perforations were unilateral in (71%) of the cases with a predominance of the anterior (29%) and subtotal (36%) locations. The tympanoplasties were performed by 3 different senior otologic surgeons, and were left in (57%). The mean operating time was (59.5 min) and the mean anesthesia duration was 75.1 min. Intraoperative vision allowed us to fully visualize the margins of all perforations (100%) and anatomical structures of the middle ear in almost all interventions. The first procedures carried out were filled with difficulties whose management of intraoperative bleeding was the main one in (42.8%) of the cases. (57%) procedures were described as easy. No complication was detected intraoperatively or immediately postoperatively. Endoscopic tympanoplasty has several advantages, including: Minimally invasive approach to the middle ear; panoramic perioperative vision; Gain of operating time; decrease in the duration of anesthesia; Valuable educational tool; postoperative comfort; Decrease in hospital stay and early return to daily activities; Better aesthetic rendering; cost and transportability. However, we also note a number of disadvantages of endoscopic tympanoplasty, particularly: performing the procedure with one hand; difficulty passing through the EAC; 2D vision that alters the perception of depth; management of intraoperative bleeding; fogging; learning curve.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-145
Author(s):  
Krishna Chandra Devkota ◽  
S Hamal ◽  
PP Panta

Pleural effusion is present when there is >15ml of fluid is accumulated in the pleural space. It can be divided into two types; exudative and transudative pleural effusion. Tuberculosis and parapneumonic effusion are the common cause of exudative pleural effusion whereas heart failure accounts for most of the cases of transudative pleural effusion. This study was a hospital based cross sectional study performed at Nepal Medical College during the period of January 2016-December 2016. A total of 50 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pleural effusion was confirmed by clinical examination and radiology. After confirmation of pleural effusion, pleural fluid was aspirated and was analysed for protein, LDH, cholesterol. The Heffner criteria was compared with Light criteria to classify exudative or transudative pleural effusion. Among 50 patients, 30 were male and 20 were female. The mean age of patient was 45.4±21.85 years. The sensitivity and specificity of using Light criteria to detect the two type of pleural effusion was 100% and 90.9%, whereas using Heffner criteria was 94.87%, 100% respectively(P<0.01). There are variety of causes for development of pleural effusion and no one criteria is definite to differentiate between exudative or transudative effusion. In this study Light criteria was more sensitive whereas Heffner criteria was more specific to classify exudative pleural effusion. Hence a combination of criteria might be useful in case where there is difficulty to identify the cause of pleural effusion.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mutasem Ababneh ◽  
Mousab Y. Al Ayed ◽  
Asirvatham A. Robert ◽  
Mohamed A. Al Dawish

Background: This cross sectional study investigated the clinical use of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI) in 91 type 2 diabetic foot ulcer patients who visited the diabetic foot clinic, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia during July 2017 and January 2018. Materials and Methods: The ABI and TBI facilitated the detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the patients’ medical records were used to collect the clinical and demographic variables. The variables of duration (p = 0.047) and treatment (p = 0.046) of the ABI showed significant differences. Age (p = 0.034) and duration (p = 0.001) were the factors related to the diagnosis of TBI by the “χ2” test. Results: From the TBI, 26.4% of the patients were found to have PAD, while the ABI showed that 21.8% of patients had the condition. However, no statistical significance was noted. From the regression analysis, the variable duration of diabetes (≥ 20 years of age) was recognized as an independent risk factor for TBI. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is recommended both the ABI and TBI to be used as screening tests for PAD in diabetic foot ulcer patients.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 995
Author(s):  
Israa M. Shatwan ◽  
Eiman A. Alhinai ◽  
Balqees Alawadhi ◽  
Shelini Surendran ◽  
Najlaa M. Aljefree ◽  
...  

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered as a good example of a healthy dietary pattern that has protective effects on obesity. The aim of the present study was to assess the adherence of adults from three Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait) to the MedDiet and its association with obesity risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 men and women (75.7%) aged 20–55 years old. Waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured waist/hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. A validated 14-item Questionnaire was used to measure adherence to MedDiet. The mean of the adherence to MedDiet score was 5.9 ± 2.03 for the total sample. An inverse association was observed between the adherence to MedDiet and BMI after adjusting for potential confounders (p = 0.0003 in total participants, and p = 0.001 in women only). A protective effect was seen with a higher adherence to the MedDiet on HC, suggesting that a greater adherence to the MedDiet was associated with a decreased HC (p = 0.04 in total participants, and p = 0.01 in women only). In conclusion, low adherence to the MedDiet among participants from three gulf countries was associated with increased obesity indicators, BMI, and HC.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Kindt ◽  
Keld-Erik Byg ◽  
Jimmi Wied ◽  
Torkell Ellingsen ◽  
Jesper Rømhild Davidsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To evaluate retinal oxygen metabolism by retinal oximetry for ocular and CNS diseases in a cross-sectional study of sarcoidosis. Methods Overall 201 eyes from 103 biopsy-verified sarcoidosis patients were included and divided into four groups depending on the organ affection: (i) sarcoidosis without ocular or CNS affection, (ii) ocular sarcoidosis, (iii) CNS sarcoidosis, and (iv) combined ocular and CNS sarcoidosis. Retinal oximetry was obtained and analysed, with the mean retinal arteriolar and venular saturation as well as arteriovenous difference as principal outcomes. Comparison between groups was done in a multi linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, duration of sarcoidosis, best corrected visual acuity and retinal oximetry quality. Results Mean (s.d.) age was 50.5 (13.4) (95% CI: 47.9, 53.1) years and 52.2% were males. Eyes of the combined Ocular/CNS group had a higher retinal arteriovenous difference than eyes of the Non-ocular/no-CNS group (42.1% vs 37.7%, P = 0.012) but did not differ between other groups. Eyes in the four groups (Non-ocular/no-CNS, Ocular, CNS and Ocular/CNS) did not differ according to retinal arterial (94.5%, 93.5%, 93.5% and 94.5%, respectively) or venular (57.5%, 56.4%, 55.0% and 52.5%, respectively) oxygen saturation. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that eyes of sarcoidosis patients with combined ocular and CNS affection have an altered oxygen metabolism indicating a subclinical eye affection that is not recognized by conventional screening methods.


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