scholarly journals One Single Question Is not Sufficient to Identify Individuals With Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renáta Szemerszky ◽  
Zsuzsanna Dömötör ◽  
Ferenc Köteles

Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) is a self-reported condition where non-specific symptoms are attributed to weak non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. Despite its expanding prevalence, there is no generally accepted diagnostic procedure or definition to identify patients with this condition, thus studies usually apply only one question as inclusion criterion. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the heterogeneity of a self-reported IEI-EMF group and to identify further self-report questions that could be applied as inclusion criteria. Cross-sectional on-line survey study was carried out with 473 participants (76.3% women; age: 35.03 ± 13.24 yrs). Self-diagnosed IEI-EMF (as assessed with a yes-or-no question), frequency of EMF-related symptom and severity of the condition were assessed, as well as somatic symptom distress (Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Severity Scale, PHQ-15). 72 (15.2%) individuals labelled themselves as IEI-EMF, however only 61% of them remained in the IEI-EMF group after the use of three inclusion criteria instead of one. 21% of the individuals labelling themselves as IEI-EMF reported neither symptoms nor any negative impact on their daily life. A minimum of two questions appear to be necessary as inclusion criteria for IEI-EMF in empirical research. Instead of the widely used yes-or-no question on accepting the IEI-EMF label, occurrence of symptoms attributed to EMF on a regular basis and at least a slight negative impact on daily life are required. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (IEI-EMF) is often assessed by one yes-or-no self-report question. This practice is inappropriate from a conceptual and methodological point of view. At least two questions, assessing frequency of symptoms and their impact, are needed. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (IEI-EMF) is often assessed by one yes-or-no self-report question. This practice is inappropriate from a conceptual and methodological point of view. At least two questions, assessing frequency of symptoms and their impact, are needed.

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Stafford ◽  
Fiona Judd

Introduction:Little is known about patients' understanding of the causes, treatments, and implications of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Clinical observation suggests that such health literacy is limited. We report on the perceptions of causes and treatment of GTD and its impact on fertility and reproductive outcomes.Methods:Cross-sectional analysis of 176 Australian women previously diagnosed with GTD (no longer receiving follow-up/treatment) recruited from a state-wide registry. Participants comprised 149 (85%) women with GTD who did not require chemotherapy and 27 (15%) women who required chemotherapy for malignancy or persistent molar disease. Data were collected from medical records and via self-report questionnaire.Results:Participants were 94 women (53%) with partial mole, 75 (43%) with complete mole, 4 (2%) with choriocarcinoma, and 3 (2%) with hydatidiform mole not otherwise specified. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis and time since diagnosis were 32.1 (6.3) and 4.7 (3.3) years, respectively. Chance/bad luck was the most endorsed cause (n = 146, 83%); 23 (13%) thought GTD was hereditary and 10 (6%) identified a chromosomal etiology. Between 24% and 32% were unsure of the role of alcohol/drugs, venereal diseases, smoking, pollution, contraceptives, and lowered immunity. Surgical/medical procedure (n = 127, 72%) and healthy diet (n = 53, 30%) were the most endorsed treatments. Between 18% and 23% were unsure of the treatment effectiveness of diet, vitamins, exercise, complementary therapy, and contraception. All women treated with chemotherapy understood the rationale thereof; 23 (85%) perceived chemotherapy to be successful, and 19 (70%) could name the agent. Few women perceived a negative impact on their fertility (n = 28, 16%); 52 (30%) were reluctant to conceive again and 100 (57%) questioned their ability to have healthy children. After diagnosis, 111 (63%) had at least 1 live birth.Conclusions:Notwithstanding limitations, this study is the largest of its type to date. These descriptive data enhance our understanding of patients' experience on GTD, highlight the scope of GTD health literacy, and may be useful for clinicians to adjust the content of their patient education.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeeshan Riaz ◽  
Muhammad Ishfaq Khan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the asymmetric impact of service failure severity and agreeableness on consumer switchover intention with the mediating role of consumer forgiveness in the aftermath of service failure. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 364 university students were given a hypothetical service failure situation and their response was collected through a standardized questionnaire. Multiple regression and Preacher and Hayes (2004) mediation analysis tests were conducted to analyze data. Findings – The findings reveal that service failure severity has a direct positive impact on switchover intention and it also has an indirect impact on switchover intention through consumer forgiveness which it tends to weaken. On the other side, agreeableness has a direct negative impact on switchover intention, and it inhibits switchover intention indirectly too by stimulating forgiveness. Research limitations/implications – A cross-sectional study involving convenience sampling has been conducted through self-report measures. Generalization of the research findings shall therefore be done with caution. Practical implications – Severity of failure hampers forgiveness and therefore service managers should check factors that may challenge the tolerance level of consumers. While gauging satisfaction in post failure scenario, it is equally important to gauge consumer forgiveness. Originality/value – This study is among the initial endeavors to explore forgiveness in service failures context. Also it is the first validation of a direct positive relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness in a South Asian country.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Kald Beshir Tuem ◽  
Leake Gebremeskel ◽  
Kibrom Hiluf ◽  
Kbrom Arko ◽  
Haftom Gebregergs Hailu

Background. Cancer-related pain (CRP) is a major problem with a potential negative impact on quality of life of the patients and their caregivers. Purpose. To assess the adequacy of cancer-related pain management in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH). Methodology. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in ACSH from January to March 2019. A well-structured professional-assisted questionnaire using Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) was used to collect data concerning the severity of pain, functioning interference, and adequacy of pain management in cancer patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21. Result. Out of 91 participants, 47 (51.6%) were male and 52 (57.1%) were between the age group of 18–45, with the mean age of 44.8 ± 13.6 years. According to the pain assessment tool (BPI), 85 (93.4%) patients experienced pain and 90 (98.9%) patients had activity interference; negative pain management index (PMI) was observed in 40 (43.95%) patients, showing that 43.95% were receiving inadequate pain management. Out of 38 patients who received no analgesics, 35.2% were found to have inadequate pain management, whereas those who took strong opioids had 100% effective pain management and the majority of the patients were in stage III. Among 38 (41.76%) only 20 (52.63%) received adequate pain management, based on patients’ self-report in which 18.7% of the participants stated that they got 30% pain relief and only 1.1% got 90% relief. The predictors of undertreatment were presence of severe pain, metastasis, comorbidity, and stage of the cancer and could also be due to the educational level and monthly income, as evidenced by significant association. Conclusion. This study suggests that cancer pain management in ACSH was sufficient for only 56%. However, large numbers of individuals are suffering from a manageable pain. Hence, remedial action should be taken, including increasing awareness of symptom management in medical staff and incorporating existing knowledge into routine clinical practice.


Author(s):  
Michiel A. J. Luijten ◽  
Maud M. van Muilekom ◽  
Lorynn Teela ◽  
Tinca J. C. Polderman ◽  
Caroline B. Terwee ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, governmental regulations resulted in a lockdown for adults as well as children/adolescents. Schools were closed and contact with other people was limited. In this cross-sectional, population-based study, we aimed to investigate the mental/social health of children/adolescents during COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Two representative samples of Dutch children/adolescents (8–18 years) before COVID-19 (2018, N = 2401) and during lockdown (April 2020, N = 844) were compared on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains: global health, peer relationships, anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, sleep-related impairment by linear mixed models and calculating relative risks (RR (95% CI)) for the proportion of severe scores. Variables associated with worse mental/social health during COVID-19 were explored through multivariable regression models. The impact of COVID-19 regulations on the daily life of children was qualitatively analyzed. Results Participants reported worse PROMIS T-scores on all domains during COVID-19 lockdown compared to before (absolute mean difference range 2.1–7.1 (95% CI 1.3–7.9). During lockdown, more children reported severe Anxiety (RR = 1.95 (1.55–2.46) and Sleep-Related Impairment (RR = 1.89 (1.29–2.78) and fewer children reported poor Global Health (RR = 0.36 (0.20–0.65)). Associated factors with worse mental/social health were single-parent family, ≥ three children in the family, negative change in work situation of parents due to COVID-19 regulations, and a relative/friend infected with COVID-19. A large majority (> 90%) reported a negative impact of the COVID-19 regulations on daily life. Conclusion This study showed that governmental regulations regarding lockdown pose a serious mental/social health threat on children/adolescents that should be brought to the forefront of political decision-making and mental healthcare policy, intervention, and prevention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e001028
Author(s):  
Hannah Uhlig-Reche ◽  
Allison R Larson ◽  
Julie K Silver ◽  
Adam Tenforde ◽  
Alisa McQueen ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo investigate which factors, from demographics to work–life integration, are associated with burnout symptoms among self-declared active women physicians practising in the USA.MethodsCross-sectional study of those actively engaged in a social media group for women physician runners. Electronically surveyed using 60 questions covering demographics, compensation, debt and domestic responsibilities with burnout assessed by the Mini-Z Burnout Survey.ResultsOf the 369 women meeting inclusion criteria as attending physicians practising in the USA, the majority reported being White (74.5%) and at least 6 years out from training (85.9%). There was a significant association of increased burnout level with working more hours per week and being responsible for a greater percentage of domestic duties (p<0.0001 and p=0.003, respectively). Both factors remained significant in a multivariable model (p<0.0001).ConclusionBy exploring burnout in the physically active, we are better able to investigate contributors to burnout despite healthy exercise habits. Increased burnout was significantly associated with greater domestic responsibility and hours working. These findings in women physician runners suggest that exercise alone may not control burnout. Poor work–life integration deserves attention as a burnout contributor in women physicians, potentially serving as a target for burnout prevention strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Bajaba ◽  
Abdulah Bajaba ◽  
Bryan Fuller

Purpose This paper aims to study followers' proactive personality (PP) as a personal resource in moderating the hindering impact of exploitative leadership (EL) on followers' job strain (JS). Design/methodology/approach Self-report data on EL, JS and PP were obtained from 113 working students in the USA, and a cross-sectional design was used. The data was analyzed using SPSS 27 through hierarchal multiple regression and the PROCESS macro. Findings The findings support the buffering role of PP on the hindering impact of EL on JS, such that followers with higher PP tend to buffer the positive relationship between EL and followers' JS. Practical implications This study recommends practitioners to hire proactive individuals and/or enable existing employees to engage in proactivity in the presence of exploitative leaders to better cope with their self-serving behaviors. Originality/value Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study is the first to use PP as a personal resource that protects against and mitigates the negative impact of EL.


Author(s):  
Migita Vidia Amita ◽  
◽  
Sri Ratnaningsih ◽  

ABSTRACT Background: The accelerated pace of physical and psychological changes during pregnancy can cause discomfort for pregnant women. Several studies claimed that maternal stress, depression, and anxiety level have a negative impact on birth outcomes. Yoga is a well-known exercise for emotional relaxation therapy. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of prenatal yoga exercise during pregnancy. Subjects and Method: A scoping review method was conducted in eight stages including (1) Identification of study problems; (2) Determining priority problem and study question; (3) Determining framework; (4) Literature searching; (5) Article selec­tion; (6) Critical appraisal; (7) Data extraction; and (8) Mapping. The search included Willey Online library, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. The inclusion criteria were English-language, full-text, and free access articles published between 2009 and 2019. The selected articles were appraised by Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The data were reported by the PRISMA flow chart. Results: A total of 2,232 articles obtained from the search database, in which 2,093 articles were irrelevant, 95 duplicates, and 24 articles unmet inclusion criteria were excluded. Based on the selected 20 articles, eleven articles obtained A grade, and nine articles obtained B grade with quantitative (RCT, quasi-experiment, cross-sectional) and qualitative (focus group discussion) study designs. For main thematic findings reviewed were physical, psychological, labor process, and fetal benefits of prenatal gentle yoga exercise during pregnancy. Conclusion: Prenatal gentle yoga exercise has benefits for both mother and fetus, especially the psychological well-being of mothers by reducing stress and anxiety. Active participation of husbands is required to enhance the effectiveness of prenatal yoga. Keywords: prenatal gentle yoga, pregnancy, benefit Correspondence: Migita Vidia Amita. Faculty of Public Health, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta. Jl. Siliwangi (Ring Road Barat) No. 63 Mlangi, Nogotirto, Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta, 55292. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: +6281466841970. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.03.74


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustín Ramiro Miranda ◽  
Luisina Rivadero ◽  
Jorge Ángel Bruera ◽  
Virginia Villarreal ◽  
Laura Yhicel Bernio ◽  
...  

Stress has a negative impact on cognitive functioning and occupational well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship among perceived stress, cognitive complaints and work engagement in public employees from Córdoba, Argentina. In this cross-sectional study, self-report questionnaires were administered to 240 participants. Spanish versions of the following instruments were used: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Memory Failures in Everyday (MFE), Executive Complaint Questionnaire (ECQ). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, path analysis, and multiple logistic regression. Stressed workers showed lower work engagement and more cognitive complaints, even after adjusting for demographic variables. Negative associations were also observed between work engagement and cognitive complaints, suggesting that cognitive difficulties are related to engagement. Given the relation among stress, cognition, and work engagement, it is important to consider these factors to foster workers’ health and work productivity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Claude-Hélène Mayer ◽  
Elisabeth Vanderheiden

The negative impact of the coronavirus disease outbreak 2019 (COVID-19) on work mental health is reported in many countries including Germany and South Africa: two culturally distinct countries. This study aims to compare mental health between the two workforces to appraise how cultural characteristics may impact their mental health status. A cross-sectional study was used with self-report measures regarding (i) mental health problems, (ii) mental health shame, (iii) self-compassion, (iv) work engagement and (v) work motivation. 257 German employees and 225 South African employees have completed those scales. This study reports results following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. T-tests, correlation and regression analyses were performed. German employees had lower mental health problems and mental health shame, and higher self-compassion than South Africans. Mental health problems were positively associated with mental health shame and amotivation, and negatively associated with work engagement and intrinsic motivation in both groups. Lastly, self-compassion, a PP 2.0 construct, was the strongest predictor for mental health problems in both countries. Our results suggest (i) that German culture’s long-term orientation, uncertainty avoidance and restraint may help explain these differences, and (ii) that self-compassion was important to mental health in both countries. While the levels of mental health differed between the two countries, cultivating self-compassion may be an effective way to protect mental health of employees in those countries. Findings can help inform managers and HR staff to refine their wellbeing strategies to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic, especially in German-South African organizations.


Author(s):  
Hitav Someshwar ◽  
Prachi Sarvaiya ◽  
Swara Desai ◽  
Priya Gogri ◽  
Janvi Someshwar ◽  
...  

Background – Social distancing leads to decrease in the spread of the novel virus but at the same time it shows to have a negative effect on the quality of life of the general population. Methodology - A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an electronic version of WHOQOL-BREF scale. The demographic data was collected along with the 26 questions of the scale. We distributed this survey to the general population through electronic and social media. Results – We received 861 responses. Excluding the incomplete responses, we analyzed 832 responses. They had a mean age of 48.33yrs, majority being graduates (56.4%), majority of the subjects were males (59.25%), and there was no significant age difference between both the genders. The overall quality of life was perceived to be 3.48 and the satisfaction for health was 3.77. Most affected domains were the physical and psychological domains. Lowest quality of life responses were noted for questions pertaining to financial, transportation and sleep related.    Conclusion- The quality of life in lock downs due to corona virus is affected due to social distancing. Law makers need to take care to avoid increasing this negative impact while enforcing lock downs.


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