Is Instrumental Compression Equally Effective and Comfortable for Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Students than Manual Compression? A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

The objective of this work is to compare the homogeneity of instrumental and manual compression during the simulation of a pressure release technique, measured with a dynamometer, as well as to evaluate the comparative degree of comfort by physiotherapists and physiotherapy students when performing this technique. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out with physiotherapists (lecturers with clinical experience) and 4th year students of the Physiotherapy Degree at Universidad San Jorge. The amount of pressure performed and how it was maintained during 80 s with both techniques was analysed using a digital dynamometer. The degree of comfort was evaluated using a modified numeric rating scale, with higher values representing a higher degree of discomfort. Results: A total of 30 subjects participated. Significant differences were found between the techniques in terms of maintaining a constant pressure level for 80 s (p = 0.043). A statistically significant difference was found between both techniques in the period from 45 to 80 s. Regarding the degree of discomfort, the value obtained from the students’ responses was 4.67 (1.35) for the manual technique and 1.93 (0.88) for the instrumental technique. In the case of physiotherapists, the comfort was 4.87 (2.13) for the manual technique and 3.33 (1.54) for the instrumental technique. Conclusion: The sustained manual compression necessary in manual pressure release techniques in the treatment of myofascial trigger points can be performed with assistive tools that guarantee a uniform compression maintained throughout the development of the technique and are more comfortable for physiotherapists.

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Depression trends in Hepatitis-C PCR positive and PCR negative patients

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.12669/pjms.38.1.4788 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Qutabuddin Khuhro ◽

Hafeezullah Shaikh ◽

Dr. Washdev ◽

ShahKamal Hashmi

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Creative Commons ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Male Patients ◽

Open Access Article

Objective: To determine the frequency of depression in Hepatitis-C patients and its association clearance of HCV. Methods: It is cross sectional study that was conducted between 1st July to 31st December, 2020, at National Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (NILGID), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). Both male and female patients aged 18 to 60 years presenting with Hepatitis-C PCR positive or had received DAA for three months and became PCR negative were included in this cross sectional study. Depression was analyzed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Mean and standard deviations were calculated and analyzed. Results: Total 210 patients were included in this study, with mean age 36.06±10.11 years. Depression was present in 118 (56.2%) patients. Among patients with HCV PCR positive depression present in 63 (30.0%) patients while in HCV PCR negative 55 (26.0%) patients. Similarly, depression in HCV PCR positive male patients, aged ≤40 years 80 (38.1%) and in HCV PCR negative 56 (26.7%) patients. Conclusion: Patients with chronic Hepatitis-C commonly suffer from depression. However, our study found no significant difference with change in PCR status at 12 weeks. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4788 How to cite this:Khuhro Q, Shaikh H, Washdev, Hashmi S. Depression trends in Hepatitis-C PCR positive and PCR negative patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4788 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Pain perception of orthodontic treatment – A cross-sectional study

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.12669/pjms.36.2.619 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mazia Jawaid ◽

Tabassum Ahsan Qadeer ◽

Muhammad Faisal Fahim

Keyword(s):

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Pain Perception ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Systemic Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mean Value ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives: The objectives were to evaluate the intensity of pain perceived 24 hours following insertion of fixed orthodontic appliance components i-e separators, bands and brackets. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted at a Dental College in Karachi (July 2017-March 2018) investigated the amount of pain perceived during different stages of fixed orthodontic treatment. The inclusion criteria were healthy individuals without systemic disease, age 13-26 years, fixed orthodontic treatment candidates having healthy permanent first molars. The exclusion criteria were missing permanent first molars, patients requiring brass wire separators instead of elastomeric separators and molar tubes instead of bands, ongoing or previous periodontal disease and syndromic patients. Pain intensity was assessed in ninety eight patients using a Numeric Rating scale (NRS) at baseline (T0) before insertion, and 24 hours after insertion (T1) of a component. This procedure was repeated six times, twice each for separators, bands and brackets. Scoring was done on the NRS from 0 to 10 where 0 indicated no pain and 10 indicated worst pain possible. Results: A significant difference in perceived pain was found between baseline and after 24 hours of placement of all components (P-value 0.000). Odds ratio indicated that males were at a greater risk to feel pain than females at baseline and after 24 hours of insertion of all components. Mann-Whitney U test showed that the most painful components at baseline were bands (Mean value=0.56) and after 24 hours were brackets (Mean value 6.25). Conclusions: Significant increase in pain was noted 24 hours after insertion of separators, bands and brackets. The most painful components were bands at baseline and brackets after 24 hours of insertion. There were no significant variations in pain perception based on age. However, males perceived higher pain than females both at baseline and after 24 hours. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.619 How to cite this:Jawaid M, Qadeer TA, Fahim MF. Pain perception of orthodontic treatment – A cross-sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.619 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Perceived Loneliness and Severe Sleep Disorders in Adult Women during the Covid-19 Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/21501327211025170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215013272110251

Author(s):

Álvaro Monterrosa-Castro ◽

Angélica Monterrosa-Blanco ◽

Andrea González-Sequeda

Keyword(s):

Sleep Disorders ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Adult Women ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Social Loneliness

Background: Quarantine is a measure to control COVID-19 spread, resulting in an increased perception of loneliness. In turn, sleep disorders (SD) may be more frequently reported in uncertain circumstances. Objectives: To identify the association between loneliness and severe SD, in women quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in women, between 40 and 79 years and living in Colombia. The women were invited through social network to complete 5 digital instruments: de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Five-item Version, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Francis Religion Scale. Bivariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression between loneliness and SD were performed. Results: 1133 women participated, half of them under 50 years old. 43.1% had emotional loneliness, 39.9% social loneliness and 43.3% general loneliness. SD were identified in 6 out of 10 women, those with mild SD presented an OR of 1.84, 1.85, and 1.64, for emotional, social and general loneliness, respectively. Loneliness was associated twice with moderate SD, and more than twice with severe SD. Very severe SD reached OR:5.81 for emotional loneliness, OR:4.38 social loneliness and OR:4.02 general loneliness. In the presence of religiosity, fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, statistical significance was retained for associations, except intense SD with general loneliness. Conclusions: SD were significantly associated with loneliness in our study population. It is important to assess sleep quality and perception of loneliness in middle-aged women, especially during periods of quarantine due to a pandemic to avoid health implications.

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Comparison of predicted psychological distress among workers between artificial intelligence and psychiatrists: a cross-sectional study in Tsukuba Science City, Japan

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046265 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e046265

Author(s):

Shotaro Doki ◽

Shinichiro Sasahara ◽

Daisuke Hori ◽

Yuichi Oi ◽

Tsukasa Takahashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neural Network ◽

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

The Neural Network ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Total Data

ObjectivesPsychological distress is a worldwide problem and a serious problem that needs to be addressed in the field of occupational health. This study aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict psychological distress among workers using sociodemographic, lifestyle and sleep factors, not subjective information such as mood and emotion, and to examine the performance of the AI models through a comparison with psychiatrists.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWe conducted a survey on psychological distress and living conditions among workers. An AI model for predicting psychological distress was created and then the results were compared in terms of accuracy with predictions made by psychiatrists.ParticipantsAn AI model of the neural network and six psychiatrists.Primary outcomeThe accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting psychological distress.MethodsIn total, data from 7251 workers were analysed to predict moderate and severe psychological distress. An AI model of the neural network was created and accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Six psychiatrists used the same data as the AI model to predict psychological distress and conduct a comparison with the AI model.ResultsThe accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting moderate psychological distress were 65.2% and 64.4%, respectively, showing no significant difference. The accuracies of the AI model and psychiatrists for predicting severe psychological distress were 89.9% and 85.5%, respectively, indicating that the AI model had significantly higher accuracy.ConclusionsA machine learning model was successfully developed to screen workers with depressed mood. The explanatory variables used for the predictions did not directly ask about mood. Therefore, this newly developed model appears to be able to predict psychological distress among workers easily, regardless of their subjective views.

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Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, associated risk factors and its relationship with academic performance among graduating female university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043814 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e043814

Author(s):

Mesfin Tadese ◽

Andargachew Kassa ◽

Abebaw Abeje Muluneh ◽

Girma Altaye

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Academic Performance ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Grade Point ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Associated Risk Factors

ObjectivesThe study aimed to provide an association between dysmenorrhoea and academic performance among university students in Ethiopia. Further, the study attempts to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhoea.Design and methodInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 28 April 2019. A semistructured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed to model dysmenorrhoea and academic performance, respectively.Setting and participantsEthiopia (2019: n=647 female university students).OutcomesThe primary outcome is dysmenorrhoea, which has been defined as painful menses that prevents normal activity and requires medication. The self-reported cumulative grade point average of students was used as a proxy measure of academic performance, which is the secondary outcome.ResultsThe prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 317 (51.5%). The educational status of father (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) 2.64 (1.04 to 6.66)), chocolate consumption (AOR (95% CI) 3.39 (95% 1.28 to 8.93)), daily breakfast intake (<5 days/week) (AOR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.42 to 0.95)), irregular menstrual cycle AOR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.55 to 3.54)) and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea AOR (95% CI) 3.29 (2.25 to 4.81)) had statistically significant association with dysmenorrhoea. There was no statistically significant difference in academic performance among students with and without dysmenorrhoea (F (3611)=1.276, p=0.28)).ConclusionsDysmenorrhoea was a common health problem among graduating University students. However, it has no statistically significant impact on academic performance. Reproductive health officers should educate and undermine the negative academic consequences of dysmenorrhoea to reduce the physical and psychological stress that happens to females and their families.

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Evaluation of e-health (Seha) application: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making ◽

10.1186/s12911-021-01437-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abeer Alharbi ◽

Joharah Alzuwaed ◽

Hind Qasem

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Services ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Advanced Technology ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Technical Problems ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ease Of Access

Abstract Background The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia is expanding the country’s telemedicine services by using advanced technology in health services. In doing so, an e-health application (app), Seha, was introduced in 2018 that allows individuals to have face-to-face visual medical consultations with their doctors on their smartphones. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of the app in improving healthcare delivery by ensuring patient satisfaction with the care given, increasing access to care, and improving efficiency in the healthcare system. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the perceptions of users of the Seha app and non-users who continued with traditional health services. The data were collected using an online survey via Google Forms between June 2020 and September 2020. Independent t tests and chi-square (χ2) tests were conducted to answer the research questions. Results There was a significant difference between users and non-users in terms of ease of access to health services (t = − 9.38, p < 0.05), with app users having a higher mean score (4.19 ± 0.91) than non-users (3.41 ± 1.00); satisfaction with health services (t = − 6.33, p < 0.05), with users having a higher mean score (3.96 ± 0.91) than non-users (3.45 ± 0.94); and efficiency (only one visit needed for treatment) (t = − 3.20, p < 0.05), with users having a higher mean score (3.71 ± 0.93) than non-users (3.45 ± 0.93). There were significant associations between the use of the Seha app and age (χ2 = 8.79, p < 0.05), gender (χ2 = 22.19, p < 0.05), region (χ2 = 19.74, p < 0.05), and occupation (χ2 = 22.05, p < 0.05). There were significant relationships between the three items (on access, satisfaction, and efficiency) and experiencing technical issues (t = 4.47, t = 8.11, and t = 3.24, respectively, p < 0.05), with users who faced technical problems having significantly lower mean scores for all three items. Conclusion This study provided evidence that the Seha app improved the delivery of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Users of the app had a better health experience in terms of their perceived ease of access to healthcare services; their satisfaction with healthcare services; and the efficiency of the system, measured by the number of required doctor visits. Other factors that appeared to influence the use of the app included age, gender, usual source of care, and technical difficulties.

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A cross-sectional study of hand function in inclusion body myositis: Implications for functional rating scale

Neuromuscular Disorders ◽

10.1016/j.nmd.2019.12.002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 200-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ava Yun Lin ◽

Maggie Clapp ◽

Elizabeth Karanja ◽

Kevin Dooley ◽

Conrad C. Weihl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inclusion Body ◽

Inclusion Body Myositis ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Hand Function ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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P20 Parental understanding of concussion in youth rugby is significantly improved by viewing the RFU concussion education video

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry ◽

10.1136/jnnp-2019-abn.97 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 90 (3) ◽

pp. e31.1-e31

Author(s):

T Samuel ◽

K Aquilina ◽

W Dawes

Keyword(s):

Parental Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Educational Video ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Parental Experience ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Composite Scores

ObjectivesTo investigate the current understanding parents have of concussion in their rugby-playing children aged 9–17.DesignCross-sectional studySubjects86 parents from four clubs completed an online questionnaireMethodsAreas covered (1) Parental experience of concussion (2) Rate of viewing of the RFU concussion educational video (RFUCEV), (3) Identification of symptoms of concussion (4) Understanding of the risk of concussion. Each participant was given a composite score, out of 19, based on their performance in symptom identification and true/false questions. Independent-sample two-tailed t-tests were conducted to analyse scores, primarily controlling for viewing of the RFUCEVResultsThere was a significant difference in the scores between the group that had viewed the RFUCEV (n=32, M=14.75, SD=2.55) and those who had not (n=54, M=13.05, SD=2.87); t(84)=2.75, p=0.00721. Additionally, over 25% of parents reported that their child had suffered a concussion, and this was also found to significantly improve the awareness score (p=0.04678)ConclusionsStatistically significant improvement in composite scores after viewing the RFUCEV makes it reasonable to require compulsory parental education prior to signing up a child to play rugby. This would build on the protocol changes made by the RFU in 2014 and further progress the safety of the sport. We suggest the video be improved to emphasise the areas highlighted as inadequately understood, including the increased risk of concussion in under-18s compared to adults.

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Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2013-0319 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 447-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Whye Lian Cheah ◽

Hazmi Helmy ◽

Ching Thon Chang

Keyword(s):

Self Efficacy ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Anthropometric Measurement ◽

Rural Adolescents ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 students aged 13–15 years. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social influences) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was taken to generate body mass index (BMI)-for-age, while physical activity (PA) level was assessed using pedometers. The mean steps per day was 6251.37 (SD=3085.31) with males reported as being more active. About 27% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, with more females in this group. There was no significant difference in steps among males and females (p=0.212), and nutritional status (BMI-for-age) (p=0.439). Females consistently scored higher in most items under perceived barriers, but had significantly lower scores in self-efficacy’s items. Males were more influenced by peers in terms of PA (p<0.001) and were more satisfied with their body parts (p=0.047). A significantly higher body size discrepancy score was found among females (p=0.034, CI –0.639, –0.026). PA level was low and almost one-third of the respondents were overweight and obese. Female students faced more barriers and had lower self-efficacy with regards PA. Based on the findings, it is recommended that interventions focus on reducing barriers while increasing support for PA. This is particularly important in improving the health status of the youth, especially among the females.

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Awareness of basic life support among undergraduate medical students in Syria, Iraq and Jordan: a cross sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-315179/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Nour Shashaa ◽

Mohamad Shadi Alkarrash ◽

Mohammad Nour Kitaz ◽

Roaa Rhayim ◽

Mohammed Ismail ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Basic Life Support ◽

Life Support ◽

Clinical Stage ◽

Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac arrest considers one of the most leading cause for death in all over the world. It is important for all medical students to train basic life support. This study evaluated the awareness of basic life support among medical students. Methods An electronic questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in November 2020 among 2114 medical student in Syria, Iraq and Jordan. We evaluated BLS skills according to mean score. A chi-squared test was used to determine if there were differences between those who attended a basic life support course and those who did not. Results 1656 of the participants (78.3%) stated that they did not attend a basic life support course. There was a significant difference between the participants from different countries where the mean score in Syria, Jordan and Iraq was 18.3, 24.3 and 18.8 respectively (p < 0.05). The participants were divided into 3 level according to total score; low (0–12), moderate (13–24) and high (25–37). In total, 18.3%, 72.8% and 8.9% of participants had high, intermediate and low level respectively. Conclusions The overall knowledge of basic life support among medical students is not adequate and need significant improvements. This study showed that an attendance a basic life support course previously had an effect on knowledge level. Hence, there is an urgent need to apply basic life support courses into the pre-clinical stage at universities.

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