scholarly journals Staying Active under Restrictions: Changes in Type of Physical Exercise during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12015
Author(s):  
Valentin Benzing ◽  
Sanaz Nosrat ◽  
Alireza Aghababa ◽  
Vassilis Barkoukis ◽  
Dmitriy Bondarev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Context Change ◽  
Text Input ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Type Of Exercise

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental restrictions suddenly changed everyday life and potentially affected exercise behavior. The aim of this study was to explore whether individuals changed their preference for certain types of physical exercise during the pandemic and to identify risk factors for inactivity. An international online survey with 13,881 adult participants from 18 countries/regions was conducted during the initial COVID-19 related lockdown (between April and May 2020). Data on types of exercise performed during and before the initial COVID-19 lockdown were collected, translated, and categorized (free-text input). Sankey charts were used to investigate these changes, and a mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to analyze risks for inactivity. Many participants managed to continue exercising but switched from playing games (e.g., football, tennis) to running, for example. In our sample, the most popular exercise types during the initial COVID-19 lockdown included endurance, muscular strength, and multimodal exercise. Regarding risk factors, higher education, living in rural areas, and physical activity before the COVID-19 lockdown reduced the risk for inactivity during the lockdown. In this relatively active multinational sample of adults, most participants were able to continue their preferred type of exercise despite restrictions, or changed to endurance type activities. Very few became physically inactive. It seems people can adapt quickly and that the constraints imposed by social distancing may even turn into an opportunity to start exercising for some. These findings may be helpful to identify individuals at risk and optimize interventions following a major context change that can disrupt the exercise routine.

scholarly journals Dementia Risk Reduction in Practice: The Knowledge, Opinions and Perspectives of Australian Healthcare Providers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidan Zheng ◽  
Kali Godbee ◽  
Genevieve Z. Steiner ◽  
Gail Daylight ◽  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
System Level ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Primary Healthcare Providers

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this paper was to assess Australian primary healthcare providers’ perspectives and knowledge about dementia risk factors and risk reduction.MethodsPrimary healthcare providers were recruited through Primary Health Networks across Australia (N = 51). Participants completed an online survey that consisted of fixed-response and free-text components to assess their knowledge, attitudes and current practices relating to dementia risk factors and risk reduction techniques.ResultsThe survey results showed that over 85% of participants agree that quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, increasing social activity, and treating diabetes can help to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The top suggestions for dementia risk reduction by Australian primary healthcare providers included living a healthy lifestyle (36%), managing cardiovascular risk (17%), and cognitive stimulation (14%). The primary barriers identified for working with patients to reduce dementia risk included low patient motivation and healthcare system level limitations. The most common recommendations were increasing resources and improving dementia awareness and messaging.ConclusionsCollaborative efforts between researchers, media, clinicians, and policy makers are likely needed to support the uptake of risk reduction activities into primary care settings.

scholarly journals Dementia risk reduction in practice: the knowledge, opinions and perspectives of Australian healthcare providers

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
Lidan Zheng ◽  
Kali Godbee ◽  
Genevieve Z. Steiner ◽  
Gail Daylight ◽  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
System Level ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Health Networks ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Primary Healthcare Providers

This study examined Australian primary healthcare providers’ knowledge about dementia risk factors and risk reduction and their perspectives on barriers and enablers to risk reduction in practice. Primary healthcare providers were recruited through Primary Health Networks across Australia (n=51). Participants completed an online survey that consisted of fixed-responses and free-text components to assess their knowledge, attitudes and current practices relating to dementia risk factors and risk reduction techniques. The results showed that Australian primary healthcare providers have good knowledge about the modifiable risk factors for dementia; however, face several barriers to working with patients to reduce dementia risk. Commonly reported barriers included low patient motivation and healthcare system level limitations. The most commonly reported recommendations to helping primary healthcare providers to work with patients to reduce dementia risk included increasing resources and improving dementia awareness and messaging. While the results need to be interpreted in the context of the limitations of this study, we conclude that collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, policy makers and the media are needed to support the uptake of risk reduction activities in primary care settings.

scholarly journals P268 Physiotherapists' awareness, knowledge and confidence in screening and referral of suspected axSpA: a survey of UK clinical practice

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Steen ◽  
Melinda Cairns ◽  
Carol McCrum
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Special Interest Groups ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Nice Guidance

Abstract Background Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory disease underlying around 5% of back pain presentations. It is essential that physiotherapists screen for possible axSpA and know when to refer to rheumatology. In the UK, diagnostic delays of 5-8.5 years are common. Challenges with differentiating axSpA from non-specific low back pain and poor awareness of features of axSpA that should prompt rheumatology referral may be contributing factors. Early intervention is important and NICE guidance on back pain and sciatica (2016), spondyloarthritis (2017) and the National Back and Radicular Pain Pathway (2017) aim to support better screening and earlier diagnosis. This study aimed to explore physiotherapistś awareness, knowledge and confidence in screening for and recognising signs, symptoms and risk factors of suspected axSpA and criteria for rheumatology referral. Methods An online survey of UK musculoskeletal physiotherapists was undertaken combining a multi-vignette design (axSpA, non-specific low back pain and radiculopathy) and questioning on awareness, knowledge and confidence in screening for axSpA. Distribution included online professional networks, special interest groups, social media and snowballing. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and conceptual content analysis for free text responses. Results One hundred and thirty-two surveys were analysed. Vignette analysis found only 67% of respondents (n=88/132) indicated inflammatory pathologies as a possible cause of persistent back pain. Only 60% (79/132) of respondents identified the vignette with features suspicious of axSpA compared to the vignettes of non-specific low back pain (94%) and radiculopathy (80%). Most respondents (92%, n=73/79) who correctly identified the axSpA vignette appropriately indicated referral to rheumatology. Demonstrating a ‘full awareness’ or ‘good awareness’ of NICE guidance (2017) referral criteria for axSpA was only evident within 50% of ‘clinical reasoning’ responses, and only within 20% of responses describing their approach to ‘further subjective screening’. Importance of features raising suspicion of axSpA was rated highest for family history of inflammatory arthritis (median=9/10) and least for male gender (median=5/10). Considerable importance was given to CRP, ESR and HLAB27 positivity (median=8/10). Despite expressing confidence (≥7/10) in recognising features of possible axSpA, a significant number failed to identify the axSpA vignette. Better awareness and knowledge of axSpA was associated with greater familiarity with the NICE guidance on spondyloarthritis and previous education on SpA. Conclusion The study suggests that physiotherapists may not be giving adequate consideration to possible axSpA in the differential diagnosis of persistent low back pain. Although certain features of SpA were better recognised, a significant lack of awareness and knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors for suspected axSpA was found. Awareness of criteria for referral to rheumatology was also limited. The consequences for diagnostic delay are significant and indicate the need for professional education and applying guidance to improve screening and earlier recognition. Disclosures E. Steen None. M. Cairns None. C. McCrum Honoraria; Novartis.

Low Back Pain in Commercial Airline Pilots

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (12) ◽  
pp. 940-947
Author(s):  
Matthias Albermann ◽  
Maria Lehmann ◽  
Christian Eiche ◽  
Joachim Schmidt ◽  
Johannes Prottengeier
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
German Population ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Airline Pilots ◽  
Acute Low Back Pain ◽  
Commercial Airline ◽  
Negative Effect

BACKGROUND: In their working life, airline pilots are exposed to particular risk factors that promote nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Because of the varying incidence internationally, we evaluated the point prevalences of acute, subacute, and chronic nonspecific LBP, as well as the current prevalences in German airline pilots. Furthermore, we compared the prevalence to the general German population and to European counterparts.METHODS: An anonymous online survey of 698 participating German airline pilots was evaluated. The impairment between groups was analyzed. Prevalences from our data were compared to existing data.RESULTS: The following point prevalences were found: 8.2% acute, 2.4% subacute, 82.7% chronic LBP; 74.1% of all individuals were suffering from current LBP when answered the questionnaire. A total time spent flying greater than 600 h within the last 12 mo was significantly related to acute nonspecific LBP. Individuals with any type of LBP were significantly impaired compared to those unaffected. It was found that German airline pilots suffer more often from current LBP than the general population and have a higher point prevalence of total LBP than their European counterparts.CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation showed a surprisingly high, previously unidentified, prevalence of nonspecific LBP in German airline pilots. Why German airline pilots suffer more often from LBP remains uncertain. The number of flying hours appears to have a negative effect on developing acute low back pain, but causation cannot be concluded. Other risk factors could not be confirmed.Albermann M, Lehmann M, Eiche C, Schmidt J, Prottengeier J. Low back pain in commercial airline pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(12):940947.

Quantifying empathy levels among UK undergraduate medical students: an online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711293
Author(s):  
Sarah Garnett ◽  
Hajira Dambha-Miller ◽  
Beth Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Reactivity Index ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundEmpathy is a key health care concept and refers to care that incorporates understanding of patient perspective’s, shared decision making, and consideration of the broader context in which illness is experience. Evidence suggests experiences of doctor empathy correlate with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. It has also been linked to job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing for doctors. To date, there is a paucity of evidence on empathy levels among medical students. This is critical to understand given that it is a key point at which perceptions and practices of empathy in the longer term might be formed.AimTo quantify the level of empathy among UK undergraduate medical studentsMethodAn anonymised cross-sectional online survey was distributed to medical students across three universities. The previously validated Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to quantify empathy. The survey also collected information on age, sex, ethnicity, year of medical school training and included a free-text box for ‘any other comments’.ResultsData analysis is currently underway with high response rates. Mean empathy scores by age, sex, year of study and ethnic group are presented. A correlation analysis will examine associations between age and year of study, and mean empathy sores.ConclusionThese data will help to provide a better understanding of empathy levels to inform the provision of future empathy training and medical school curriculum design. Given previous evidence linking experiences of empathy to better health outcomes, the findings may also be significant to future patient care

scholarly journals Are public health measures and individualised care compatible in the face of a pandemic? A national observational study of bereaved relatives’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110198
Author(s):  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Rosemary Hughes ◽  
Steven Lane ◽  
Tamsin McGlinchey ◽  
Warren Donnellan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Dying Patients ◽  
The Face ◽  
Individualised Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Informative Communication

Background: COVID-19 public health restrictions have affected end-of-life care experiences for dying patients and their families. Aim: To explore bereaved relatives’ experiences of quality of care and family support provided during the last days of life; to identify the impact of factors associated with perceived support. Design: A national, observational, open online survey was developed and disseminated via social media, public fora and professional networks (June–September 2020). Validated instruments and purposively designed questions assessed experiences. Analysis used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of free-text responses. Participants: Individuals (⩾18 years) who had experienced the death of a relative/friend (all care settings) within the United Kingdome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents ( n = 278, mean 53.4 years) tended to be female ( n = 216, 78%); over half were ‘son/daughter’ (174, 62.6%) to the deceased. Deceased individuals (mean 81.6 years) most frequently died in their ‘usual place of care’ ( n = 192, 69.3%). Analysis established five conceptual themes affecting individualised care: (1) public health restrictions compounding the distress of ‘not knowing’; (2) disparate views about support from doctors and nurses; (3) challenges in communication and level of preparedness for the death; (4) delivery of compassionate care; (5) emotional needs and potential impact on grief. Male respondents (OR 2.9, p = 0.03) and those able to visit (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with good perceptions of family support. Conclusion: Despite public health restrictions, individualised care can be enabled by proactive, informative communication; recognising dying in a timely manner and facilitating the ability to be present before death.

scholarly journals Patterns of Alcohol Consumption in the PURE Poland Cohort Study and Their Relationship with Health Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4185
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Zatońska ◽  
Piotr Psikus ◽  
Alicja Basiak-Rasała ◽  
Zuzanna Stępnicka ◽  
Maria Wołyniec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Frequent Consumption ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
High Level

(1) Background: Alcohol is a leading risk factor of premature morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of alcohol consumption in the PURE Poland cohort study baseline. (2) Methods: A Polish cohort was enrolled in the baseline study in 2007–2010. The study group consisted of 2021 adult participants of urban and rural areas from the Lower Silesia voivodeship in Poland (747 men and 1274 women). (3) Results: In the overall study population, 67.3% were current drinkers, 10.3% were former drinkers, and 22.4% were abstainers. Current use of alcohol products was more prevalent in men (77.2%), people living in urban areas (73.0%), and people with a higher level of education (78.0%). The percentage of current drinkers decreased with increasing age (from 73.4% in 30- to 44-year-olds to 48.8% in participants aged 64 and more). The majority of participants (89.2%) declared a low level of alcohol intake. The chance of high level of intake of alcohol was four times higher in men than in women (OR 4.17; CI 1.64–10.6). The majority of participants (54.6%) declared most frequent consumption of low-alcohol drinks (beer, wine) and 21% declared most frequent consumption of spirits. Current drinkers had almost 1.5-fold higher odds of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than never drinkers (OR 1.49, CI 1.03–2.17; OR 1.66, CI 1.27–2.18, respectively). Former drinkers had higher odds for hypertension and CVD than never drinkers (1.73, CI 1.05–2.85; OR 1.76, CI 1.22–2.53, respectively). (4) Conclusions: In our cohort study, we observed several socio-demographic factors differentiating the patterns of alcohol consumption. The preventive programs should focus predominantly on men, people aged <45 years, and those with a higher level of education.

scholarly journals Hospital Nursing Staff Perceptions of Resources Provided by Their Organizations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992098754
Author(s):  
Hyeonmi Cho ◽  
Knar Sagherian ◽  
Linsey M. Steege
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Survey Question ◽  
Hospital Nursing ◽  
Hospital Resources

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted the health and psychological well-being of hospital nursing staff. While additional support is needed to better cope with increased job stressors, little is known about what types of hospital resources have been provided and how nursing staff perceive them. This study addressed this gap by describing nursing staff perceptions of resources provided by hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Methods: Registered nurses and nursing assistants who were working in hospitals during the pandemic were recruited to an online survey via social media posts and emails between May and June 2020. A total of 360 free-text responses to an open-ended survey question were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Over half of participants reported being provided with hospital resources. “Basic needs” resources that included food on-site, groceries, and childcare support were the most frequently reported compared with four other types of resources (personal health and safe practice, financial support, managerial support, communication). Four themes emerged related to staff perceptions of support: community support, unequal benefits, decreasing resources, and insufficient personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Our findings can assist organizational leaders in the planning and allocation of different types of resources that are meaningful to nursing staff and thus ensure sustainability, optimal performance, and worker well-being during crises.

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