scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice in Latin America

2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.201623
Author(s):  
Daniel G. Fernández-Ávila ◽  
Julián Barahona-Correa ◽  
Diana Romero-Alvernia ◽  
Sergio Kowalski ◽  
Ana Sapag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence To Medication ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rheumatology Practice

Objective To describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American rheumatologists from a professional, economic, and occupational point of view. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey sent to rheumatologists of each non-English-speaking country member of the Pan American League of Rheumatology Associations (PANLAR). A specific questionnaire was developed. Results Our survey included 1097 rheumatologists from 19 Latin American countries. Median (IQR) age of respondents was 48 (40-59) years and 618 (56.3%) were female. Duration of practice since graduation as rheumatologist was 17 years, and 585 (53.3%) were under 50 years of age. Most rheumatologists worked in private practice (81.8%) and almost half worked in institutional outpatient centers (55%) and in-patient care (49.9%). The median number of weekly hours (IQR) of face-to-face practice before the pandemic was 27 (15-40) but it was reduced to 10 (5- 20) during the pandemic. Telehealth was used by 866 (78.9%) respondents during the pandemic. Most common methods of communication were video calls (555; 50.6%), telephone calls (499; 45.5%) and WhatsApp voice calls (423; 38.6%). A reduction in monthly wages was reported by 946 (86.2%) respondents. Consultation fees also were reduced and 88 (8%) rheumatologists stated they had lost their jobs. A reduction in patient adherence to medication was reported by nearly 50% of respondents. Eighty-one (7.4%) rheumatologists received a COVID-19 diagnosis and 7 (8.6%) of them were hospitalized. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped rheumatology practice in Latin America and has had a profound impact on rheumatologists' behaviors and clinical practice.

Impact of COVID-19 on work-related fatigue and satisfaction among oncology providers in Latin America: An analysis of the HOLA COVID-19 study.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11014-11014
Author(s):  
Ana I. Velazquez Manana ◽  
Carolina Bernabe Ramirez ◽  
Coral Olazagasti ◽  
Paulo Gustavo Bergerot ◽  
Enrique Soto Perez De Celis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Oncology Providers ◽  
The Impact

11014 Background: The well-being of oncology providers (OP) is in jeopardy with increasing workload, limited resources, and personal challenges that result from the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on work-related (WR) satisfaction and fatigue among OP in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international cross-sectional online survey of OP practicing in Latin America. The survey was administered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: In August 2020, 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Table outlines baseline characteristics. Higher frequency of WR fatigue (67% vs. 58%, p=0.010) and exhaustion (81% vs. 70%, p=0.001) were reported by OP who cared for patients with COVID-19, compared to OP who cared for patients without COVID-19. Providers that observed delays in referrals to radiation (p=0.002) and surgery (p=0.04) reported WR fatigue at higher rates than their counterparts. Higher exhaustion (p=0.016) and dissatisfaction (p=0.046) were reported by OP who lacked access to supportive services, as social work. A significantly higher proportion of women reported WR fatigue (72% vs. 56%, p=0.003) and exhaustion (86% vs. 68%, p=0.001), when compared to men. Women were more likely than men to endorse higher current levels of fatigue when compared to pre-COVID-19 (61% vs. 46%, p=0.0001). To reduce stress, women were more likely than men to cut the time spent watching the news (p=0.002). Both genders declined research collaborations and speaking opportunities. Conclusions: Fatigue and dissatisfaction with work-life were prevalent among OP in Latin America. Higher rates of WR fatigue were seen in women, OP caring for patients with COVID-19, and OP with patients who experienced cancer care delays. Our data imply that OP may be a prime target for psychosocial support, particularly as current challenges will continue for the foreseen future. Baseline characteristics (N=704).[Table: see text]

scholarly journals A Cross-National Study of Dementia Stigma Among the General Public in Israel and Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Perla Werner ◽  
Sarang Kim
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Subjective Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cross National

Background: Despite the increasing amount of research on dementia stigma, there is a dearth of cross-national studies conducted on this subject. This is surprising since the experience of stigma is closely associated to socio-cultural aspects. Objective: The present study intended to expand knowledge about the impact of culture on dementia stigma by comparing the level and correlates of stigmatic beliefs about dementia among the general public in Israel and Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted with two age-matched samples: 447 adults in Israel and 290 adults in Australia. Results: Overall, dementia stigma was moderate in both countries. However, the level of dementia stigma was significantly higher in Australia than in Israel. Lower levels of subjective knowledge and higher levels of ageism were associated with increased levels of stigmatic beliefs in both countries. Gender was a significant correlate of dementia stigma, with male participants reporting higher levels of public stigma than women, although this gender difference was mainly driven by the Australian sample. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that providing knowledge and decreasing ageist attitudes should be key considerations in dementia awareness and stigma reduction campaigns despite the cultural context. In addition, developing gender-specific messages should be considered as a way of improving the effects of such campaigns.

scholarly journals Predictors of COVID-19 Fatality: A Worldwide Analysis of the Pandemic over Time and in Latin America

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayana Rojas ◽  
Jorge Saavedra ◽  
Mariya Petrova ◽  
Yue Pan ◽  
José Szapocznik
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Latin American Countries ◽  
Risk Ratios

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 has infected over one hundred million people worldwide and has affected Latin America particularly severely in terms of both cases and deaths. This study aims to determine the association between SARS-CoV-2 testing and COVID-19 fatality rate worldwide over 8 months and to examine how this relationship differs between Latin America and all other countries. This cross-sectional study used March 2021 data from 169 countries. Multivariate regressions predicted COVID-19 fatality (outcome) from the number of SARS-CoV-2 tests (exposure), while controlling for other predictors. Results for March 2021 were compared to results from June 2020. Additionally, results for Latin America were also compared to all other countries except Latin American for March 2021. SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a significant decrease in COVID-19 fatality rate in both June 2020 and March 2021 (RR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.87–0.96 and RR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.74–1.00, respectively). SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a significant decrease in COVID-19 fatality rate in Latin American countries but not in all other countries (RR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.23–0.89 and RR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.82–1.11, respectively). However, the difference between the risk ratios for June 2020 and March 2021 and between the risk ratios for Latin America and all other countries were not statistically significant. Increased SARS-CoV-2 testing may be a significant predictor of lower COVID-19 case fatality rate, specifically in Latin American countries, due to the existence of a strong association, which may have driven the worldwide results.

scholarly journals Political views of doctors in the UK: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 880-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate L Mandeville ◽  
Rose-Marie Satherley ◽  
Jennifer A Hall ◽  
Shailen Sutaria ◽  
Chris Willott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Left Wing ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Political Views ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundLittle is known about the political views of doctors in the UK despite doctors' importance in the functioning of the National Health Service (NHS).MethodsThis is a survey-based, cross-sectional study in which we asked questions about voting behaviour in 2015 and 2017 UK general elections and 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union (EU) (Brexit), and questions relating to recent health policies.Results1172 doctors (45.1% women) from 1295 responded to an online survey. 60.5% described their political views as ‘left-wing’ and 62.2% described themselves as ‘liberal’. 79.4% of respondents voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum compared with 48.1% of voters as a whole (χ2=819.8, p<0.001). 98.6% of respondents agreed that EU nationals working in the NHS should be able to remain in the UK after Brexit. The median score for the impact of Brexit on the NHS on a scale of 0 (worst impact) to 10 (best impact) was 2 (IQR=1–4). Most respondents agreed with the introduction of minimum alcohol pricing in the UK (73.9%), charging patients who are not eligible for NHS treatment for non-urgent care (70.6%) and protecting a portion of national spending for the NHS (87.1%). 65.8% thought there was too much use of NHS-funded private sector provision in their medical practice. Specialty, income and grade were associated with divergent opinions.ConclusionsUK doctors are left-leaning and liberal in general, which is reflected in their opinions on topical health policy issues. Doctors in the UK voted differently from the general electorate in recent polls.

The HOLA COVID-19 study: Evaluating the impact of caring for patients with COVID-19 on cancer care delivery in Latin America.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1537-1537
Author(s):  
Carolina Bernabe Ramirez ◽  
Ana I. Velazquez Manana ◽  
Coral Olazagasti ◽  
Cristiane Decat Bergerot ◽  
Enrique Soto Perez De Celis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
The Impact

1537 Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-cov-2) virus causing COVID-19 has brought great challenges to global health services affecting cancer care delivery, outcomes, and increasing the burden in oncology providers (OP). Our study aimed to describe the challenges that OP faced while delivering cancer care in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The questionnaire included 43 multiple choice questions. The sample was stratified by OP who have treated patients with COVID-19 versus those who have not treated patients with COVID-19. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: A total of 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Oncologists represented 46% of respondents, followed by 25% surgical-oncologists. Of the respondents, 56% treated patients with COVID-19. A significant proportion of OP reported newly adopting telemedicine during COVID-19 (14% vs 72%, p=0.001). More than half (58%) of OP reported making changes to the treatments they offered to patients with cancer. As shown in the table, caring for patients with COVID-19 significantly influenced practice patterns of OP. Access to specialty services and procedures was significantly reduced: 40% noted significantly decreased or no access to imaging, 20% significantly decreased or no access to biopsies, 65% reported delays in surgical oncology referrals, and 49% in radiation oncology referrals. A vast majority (82%) reported oncologic surgeries were delayed or cancelled, which was heightened among those treating patients with COVID-19 (87% vs 77%, p=0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the way cancer care is delivered in globally. Although changes to healthcare delivery are necessary as a response to this global crisis, our study highlights the significant disruption and possible undertreatment of patients with cancer in Latin America that results from COVID-19.[Table: see text]

scholarly journals Frequency and associated factors related to sexual addiction in medical students from 16 Latin American cities, 2016: a regional multicentric study

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 108
Author(s):  
Christian Richard Mejia-Alvarez ◽  
Jhosselyn Chacon-I ◽  
Dayanne Benites-Gamboa ◽  
Niels Pacheco-Barrios ◽  
Giancarlo F. Castillo-Tarrillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Sexual Addiction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
The University

Background: Examples of addiction problems that have been reported in growing populations are those related to sexual impulses and addictions. However, such studies have not been carried out in Latin America. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify possible associations of sexual addiction in medical students in Latin America. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among the university students of a medical school in 16 cities; students of medical schools were interviewed during the first semester of 2016. To define sexual addiction, the multi-cage cad-4 test was used, categorizing individuals as possibly or not a potential problem. Additionally, associations with several social and educational variables were obtained. Results: In our study, 6% (221) of the 3691 respondents exhibited a possible problem of sexual addiction; men had 95% more problems (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 21-214, p=0.006), for each year of age it increased by 9% (95%CI: 1-18%, p=0.034 ), those who had a partner were 67%  more likely to exhibit sexual addiction (95%CI: 1.34-2.08%, p <0.001) and those who professed a religion present 44% less frequency (95%CI: 20-60%, p: 0.001). When adjusted for marital status, having children, year of studies, and the university where the respondent studied were not associated. Conclusion: Although the percentage of students who had problems with sexual addiction is minimal, screening programs should be created to find students who suffer from these problems, to avoid the possible consequences that may arise.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Malaysian Dental Students’ Physical, Mental, Financial and Academic Concerns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Widya Lestari ◽  
Nur Hazirah Yazid ◽  
Zawin Najah Azhar ◽  
Azlini Ismail ◽  
Cortino Sukotjo
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Clinical Skill ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the world at unprecedented speed and gained worldwide attention. The pandemic proved to hold an impact to humankind including dental students in all aspects of life. Dental students’ performances may indirectly be affected following the preventive measures in containing the disease. This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical, mental, financial health and academic concern among dental students in Malaysia. Methods The current research implemented a cross sectional study among dental students in Malaysia. Assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on dental education was done by the distribution of a set of online survey consisting of 28 questions to dental students (n = 353) from public and private universities in Malaysia. The questionnaires include sociodemographic backgrounds and assessment on the 4 main domains. Results A total number of 353 respondents was recorded and 76.2% comprised of female. 59.7% were clinical students and 40.3% were preclinical students. 55.8% of the respondents attended hybrid mode of study. 78.0%, 76.5% and 91.8% students were concerned about their own emotional, physical health and the amount of clinical skill they acquire respectively. Year 3 students were found to be more concerned about their mental and financial health concern (p < 0.05). Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic had indeed significantly affected Malaysian dental students mainly due to fear of the quality of online learning and the amount of clinical skills acquired.

scholarly journals Older people's knowledge of the purpose of drugs prescribed at primary care appointments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romana Santos Gama ◽  
Luiz Carlos Passos ◽  
Welma Wildes Amorim ◽  
Renato Morais Souza ◽  
Hévila Maciel Queiroga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Older People ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence To Medication ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Family Practice Physician

Rationale, aims and objectives: Patient adherence to medication is related to successful pharmacotherapy; however, many patients do not take their medications as prescribed because of poor understanding of their purpose.This study aimed to assess older people’s knowledge of the purpose of drugs prescribed at medical appointments in primary care units and the possible factors related to their level of knowledge about their medications. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 22 basic health units in Brazil. Older people from this sample who were treated in a primary care setting were interviewed after a consultation with a family practice physician. Data were collected from September 2016 to March 2019. Patients aged ≥ 60 years who visited the primary care units were included in the study (n = 674). Knowledge of prescribed medications was assessed by comparing the responses to the questionnaire and the medication and prescription information. Multivariate analyses were conducted using a Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The mean age of the sample was 70.1 (standard deviation: ± 7.1) years. Among 674 patients, 272 (40.4%) did not know the indication of at least one of their prescribed drugs; among them 78 (11.6%) did not know the indication of any of their prescribed drugs. In the final multivariate analysis, polypharmacy, illiteracy, and cognitive impairment were found to be associated with misunderstanding the purpose of at least one prescribed drug. Moreover, illiteracy and cognitive impairment were associated with a greater misunderstanding of the purpose of all prescribed drugs. Conclusions: In the studied sample, patients demonstrated a high rate of misunderstanding of the purpose of prescribed drugs. Therefore, it is necessary for health services and professionals to implement strategies that increase the quality of the guidance and instructions given to older people in order to promote adherence to treatment.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on medical students’ mental wellbeing in Jordan

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253295
Author(s):  
Khaled Seetan ◽  
Mohammad Al-Zubi ◽  
Yousef Rubbai ◽  
Mohammad Athamneh ◽  
Almu’atasim Khamees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Assessment ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in significant morbidity, mortality, and negative psychological impact. This prospective cross-sectional study is exploring the effect of the pandemic on mental health of medical students. The study was conducted at six Jordanian medical schools using an online survey to collect students’ socio-demographic and academic data. Assessment of mental wellbeing status was done using Kessler’s psychological stress scale (K10); the impact of COVID-19 on life activities and strategies followed to manage the situation were also examined. A total of 553 medical students were recruited for the study. Men constituted 40.1%, and women were 59.9%. Students reported that COVID-19 has affected the aspects of physical fitness (73.1%), study (68.4%), and social relationships (65.6%) the most. Sixty-six percent of the students were concerned about family members’ affection, and more than half (58.4%) explained their concerns about the inability to get clinical sessions and labs. Cooking, baking, and hobby practicing were the most popular methods to improve their mental wellbeing. About half of the participants had a severe mental disorder, and only 13.2% were likely to be well. The study indicates that half of our medical students suffer severe mental disorders, with physical fitness, exercise, and studying being among the most affected aspects during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is recommended that measures need be taken to alleviate students’ stress, which might have deleterious effects in many aspects.

scholarly journals Dental Practice during COVID-19 in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (230) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Humagain ◽  
Rashmi Humagain ◽  
Dinesh Rokaya
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Standards ◽  
Financial Burdens ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Currently, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become pandemic and spread globally. In Nepal, the number of COVID-19 is increasing day-by-day. This research was done to find out the impact of COVID-19 on dentists, patients, and dental practice in Nepal. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted using an online survey from May 10 to17, 2020. A questionnaire was designed and uploaded in Freeonlinesurveys.com. Following ethical approval, the questionnaire was distributed among 500 dentists, and 406 dentists participated in the study. The survey link was dispersed to the Nepali dentists through social media and e-mail, and the results of the responses were received online. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 34 closed-ended questions containing three parts; demographic details, knowledge of dentists on COVID-19, and the impact of COVID-19 on dentists, patients, and dental treatments. Results: It showed that majority of the participants were females 243 (60%) of the age group 25-29 years with the clinic as the workplace. Patients receive dental treatments only from 40 (10%) of the dentist. A high number of dentists: 284 (70%) were severely affected by the financial burden and were not receiving a salary during this lockdown. About 349(86%) of the dentist think they should do regular dental treatments, but only 101 (25%) think the dentist should do only dental emergency treatments for COVID-19 infected cases. Conclusions: Dentists, patients, and dental practice are severely affected by the COVID-19.The majority of the dentists have faced financial burdens. The dental treatments should be done with high standards of care and infection control following proper recommendations.

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