scholarly journals Assessing the clinical utility of the severity dependence scale for benzodiazepine use disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karishma Lowton ◽  
Gaveeta Chiba
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Clinical Interview ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Psychiatric Clinic ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Interviews ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Benzodiazepine Use ◽  
Dependence Scale

Background: Benzodiazepines are often used as a part of mental health pharmacological management; however, often when prescribed for extended periods, they increase the risk of benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD). Clinical interviews are at the centre of diagnosing this disorder. However, in addition to clinical assessment a simple, validated questionnaire conducted by any healthcare professional may aid in screening for BUD and referral for further management.Aim: To compare the accuracy of the severity dependence scale (SDS) as a screening tool for BUD against the standard clinical interviews using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, edition 5, (DSM 5) checklist amongst benzodiazepine users with primary psychiatric disorders.Setting: Outpatient psychiatric clinic in South Rand Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, once informed consent was attained, looking at demographic and clinical profiles of benzodiazepine users. Clinical interviews were conducted in 81 patients who completed the SDS. In comparing the results of the SDS and clinical interview outcomes, chi-square tests were used to determine an association between categorical variables. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated in determining the cut-off score in the SDS with the highest sensitivity and specificity.Results: This study indicated that a cutoff score of greater than or equal to six of the SDS showed 86% sensitivity and 90.3% specificity compared to a diagnosis of BUD made with clinical interview. The only categorical variables of marginal significance (p~0.06) in comparison to a BUD diagnosis were with benzodiazepine type (oxazepam) and longer duration of use (greater than 24 months).Conclusion: This study identified the SDS as a useful screening tool for BUD with a high sensitivity and specificity compared to interview outcomes. Statistically, correlates were identified between duration and type of benzodiazepine prescribed and BUD suggesting emphasis on these factors when prescribing benzodiazepines.

scholarly journals Knowledge towards Prevention and Management of Dengue: A Cross-sectional Study among Dental, Medical and Pharmacy Students in a Private University, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Abdul Nazer Ali ◽  
Pushpaa Asokan ◽  
Chew Jia Hui ◽  
Chuah Hui Ying ◽  
Nazer Zulfikar Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Study Design ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Aim: The aim and objectives of the study were: 1) To assess the knowledge regarding dengue viral infection among undergraduate healthcare professional (HCP) students. 2) To investigate the association of socio-demographic factors towards dengue knowledge among the study participants. 3) To compare the dengue knowledge among the three HCP (Dental, Medical and Pharmacy) students. Study Design: A cross sectional study design was used in the study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in AIMST University campus, Kedah state, Malaysia between January, 2017 and June, 2017. Methods: The study was conducted among HCP students using pre-validated questionnaire with knowledge as a single dependent variable. The questionnaire was distributed in class room setting after obtaining informed consent forms signed by participants. The summary statistics for categorical variables was used with chi-square test to see if there was any association between the variables. Inferential statistics was done using Spearmans correlation. Results: Among the 636 participants, an overall good knowledge (≈90%) was observed regarding the cause, breeding sites and common clinical symptoms of dengue fever. However, poor knowledge was observed regarding the time of dengue mosquitoes bite (51%, P = .58) and transmission through blood transfusion (59%, P <.001). Very poor knowledge was observed regarding transmission through person to person contact (25%, P <.001). The median knowledge score was 12(3) ranging from 0 to 15. There was a statistically significant differences (P < .001) in response to 14/15 knowledge based items. Further, a statistically significant association between dengue knowledge score was observed among field of study (P < .05) and year of study (P < .006) variables. The Spearman's correlation test showed a weak positive correlation [rs(2) = 8.6, P < .01] and [rs(10) = 108, P < .001] between year of study and age categories for dengue knowledge scores. Conclusion: Overall, the HCP students in AIMST University showed good knowledge score towards dengue however, educational intervention programmes can further enrich their knowledge in the prevention, treatment and management of this deadly disease.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis and Associated Comorbidities among School Going Children in Western Odisha - A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (20) ◽  
pp. 1565-1569
Author(s):  
Sharmistha Behera ◽  
Jayashree Dora ◽  
Durga Sahu ◽  
Madhumita Naik
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Allergic Conjunctivitis ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Visual Assessment ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

BACKGROUND Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common eye condition that is frequent in childhood. The prevalence of allergic diseases in children aged 6 to 14 years varies significantly from 0.3 % to 20.5 %, and is gradually increasing.1 It is associated with several allergic diseases affecting the ocular surface and it is the most common ocular condition encountered in clinical practice. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, ocular manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis, and associated comorbidities among school-going children in Western Odisha. METHODS A total of 1502 children from 10 schools of Burla, participated in this crosssectional observational study. Data collection started in September 2018 up to September 2019. All the children underwent meticulous history taking for symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and any other associated comorbidities, a structured validated questionnaire was used to collect demographic and medical data. Visual assessment, and slit-lamp examination were done to look for signs of allergic conjunctivitis and any associated complications. Interpretation and data analysis was done using Epi Info Software and a chi-square test was used to analyse significant associations among categorical variables. RESULTS The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was found to be 29.16 % with a males to female ratio of 1.02: 1. Children aged 13 – 16 years recorded the highest number of cases which was 43.60 %. The commonest presenting symptom was itching (100 %), Papillae were the most frequent sign (97.71 %), Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) was the most common type of AC reported (59.36 %), and allergic rhinitis (17.8 %) was the most common associated comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Allergic conjunctivitis is high among children aged 5 - 16 yrs. There is a lack of treatment seeking behaviour inspite of such high frequency. Early identification & treatment of patients would help curb complications, improve the child’s quality of life and thus the ophthalmic health of the community. KEYWORDS Allergic Conjunctivitis, Ocular Comorbidities, SAC

Using the Woman Abuse Screening Tool to Screen for and Assess Dating Violence in College Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1039-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Yuen-Ha Wong ◽  
Daniel Yee-Tak Fong ◽  
Jessie Ho-Yin Yau ◽  
Edmond Pui-Hang Choi ◽  
Anna Wai-Man Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Woman Abuse ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

The study aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) in Chinese college students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hong Kong. A cutoff score of 10 was found to be able to discriminate between abused and nonabused Chinese young adults. The total score was significantly correlated with total scores for anxiety and depression on the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Two-factor structure of the WAST was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The Chinese WAST was found to be valid in screening for and assessing intimate partner violence.

scholarly journals Drug adherence among adult hypertensives attending medical out-patient clinic in a tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Fikayo Bamidele ◽  
Kolawole Sodeinde ◽  
Ngozi Adefala ◽  
Abiodun OSINAIKE ◽  
Adebola OMOTOSHO
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Drug Adherence ◽  
Clinic Attendance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
Optimal Adherence

Objective: The research aimed to estimate the level of drug adherence, to determine the reasons for non-adherence, and identify risk factors associated with non -adherence among adult hypertensive clients attending an out-patient clinic in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of adults with hypertension at a medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. Four hundred and four (404) respondents were selected from November 2015 to April 2016, a validated questionnaire by Morisky Green was adapted and distributed by trained research assistants. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables like sex, marital status, and clinic attendance among the two groups of adherent and non-adherent hypertensive. Information was summarized using frequency tables and cross-tabulations. Binary logistic regression analysis was done. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Optimal adherence was observed in 281(69.0%) of the respondents. Being a female (OR: 1.833; 1.048 -7.205, p=0.034), being employed (OR: 2.099; 1.097-4.096, p=0.03) and regular clinic attendance (OR: 22.26; 12.647 – 39.107, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with optimal adherence. Forgetfulness (23, 9.9%), use of traditional medicines (42, 18.1%), lack of funds (59, 25.4%), and feeling well (60, 25.9%) were some of the reasons for suboptimal adherence Conclusion: The level of drug adherence among the respondents was good, especially among those that attend clinics regularly, those that are employed, and female respondents. Suboptimal adherence among the few respondents was due to forgetfulness, the use of traditional medicine, lack of funds, and stopping the use of drugs when they felt better.

scholarly journals Assessment of the knowledge and perception of parents about toothpastes used in 2-12 year-old children – A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta Shirke ◽  
Amar Katre
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Tooth Decay ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Caries Prevalence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Limited Knowledge ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Introduction:Fluoridated toothpastes account for the worldwide decline in caries prevalence,though knowledge of parents pertaining to it is scarce. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and the perception of parents about toothpastes used in 2-12 year-old children. Methodology: Seventy five parents were administered a 12-point validated questionnaire to assess their knowledge and perception through variables such as purpose, contents, harm, etc. The categorical variables were represented as proportions and assessed using x2 test. Results: 59% of parents chose the toothpastes for prevention of tooth decay. 37% of parents were aware about the benefits of the toothpastes (p<0.168).while80% of parents were unaware about the harms of fluoridated toothpastes (p<0.775). Few parents were aware about the contents of the toothpastes, statistically significant (p<0.003). Conclusion: Parents had limited knowledge pertaining to contents, benefits and harms of the toothpastes. Keywords: Toothpaste, knowledge, perception, parents

scholarly journals Factor Affecting Nutritional Status among Students in Pandemic Period: Sleep Duration, Physical Activity, and Knowledge of Balanced Nutrition

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-126
Author(s):  
Meta Maulida Damayanti ◽  
Yuniarti Yuniarti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Boarding School ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Nutritional Needs ◽  
The Relationship

The pandemic situation due to COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that has spread throughout the world, has an impact on all aspects, including nutritional needs, especially in children. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional status with sleep duration, physical activity, and knowledge of balanced nutrition among a group of students in a pandemic period. The research is observational analytic cross-sectional conducted in Manarul Huda Islamic Boarding School Bandung to 39 students. Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to assess nutritional status. Knowledge of balanced nutrition through a validated questionnaire; sleep duration, which is obtained from the question how long do you need to sleep in 1 day; and physical activity rated from the duration of exercise in 1 week. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. The relationship between categorical variables was assessed using the Chi-square independence test. The result shows that nutritional status among students has good interaction with sleep duration, physical activity, and knowledge of balanced nutrition with a value of p<0.05. In conclusion, this study states nutritional status determines the quality of life. Sleep duration, exercise, and knowledge of balanced nutrition are factors that can determine a person's nutritional status. Further analysis is needed regarding other factors that influence nutritional status.

Nigerian physiotherapists’ perception of direct access and patients’ self-referral

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada ◽  
Kayode D. Ojetola ◽  
Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin ◽  
Udoka A. C. Okafor ◽  
Olubusola E. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Support ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Professional Autonomy ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Physiotherapy Practice ◽  
South West ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Background: The global advocacy for Direct Access (DA) and Patients’ Self-Referral (PSR) to physiotherapy is consistent with the quest for promoting professional autonomy and recognition. It was hypothesized in this study that the attainment of this clarion call in Nigeria may be hamstrung by challenges similar or different from those reported in other climes. Objective: This study assessed the perception of DA and PSR among Physiotherapists (PTs) in South-West, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred PTs from ten purposely selected public-funded out-patient facilities from South-West, Nigeria responded in this cross-sectional study, yielding a response rate of 75% (100/150).  A previously validated questionnaire for World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT) on the global view of DA and PSR for physical therapy was used in this study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: There was a high awareness on legislation regulating practice (91%) and scope (84%) of the profession. Respondents assert that the extant legislation allows for DA (49%) and PSR (97%). However, 40% of the respondents opined that the baccalaureate qualification of PTs was inadequate for competence in DA and PSR; and a post-professional residency programme was mostly recommended (52%). Public support for DA and PSR to physiotherapy was rated more than the advocacy role of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (60% vs. 40%). Physicians’ (71%) and politicians’ (65%) views were rated the major barrier to achieving DA and PSR status in physiotherapy. Similarly, physicians’ (90%) and politicians’ (88%) support was perceived as the major facilitator.  Conclusion: Physiotherapy practice in Nigeria has the semblance of autonomy in DA and PSR but is devoid of legislative support. Most Nigerian physiotherapists assume professional autonomy but were not aware of the lack of legal support for DA and PSR. The current entry-level academic curricula were considered to be deficient and inadequate for autonomous practice in Nigeria.  Physicians and politicians were the most important barrier or facilitator to achieving legal support for DA and PSR in physiotherapy in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Comparing formative and summative simulation-based assessment in undergraduate nursing students: nursing competency acquisition and clinical simulation satisfaction

BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Arrogante ◽  
Gracia María González-Romero ◽  
Eva María López-Torre ◽  
Laura Carrión-García ◽  
Alberto Polo
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Summative Evaluation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing Students ◽  
Clinical Simulation ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Evaluation Strategies

Abstract Background Formative and summative evaluation are widely employed in simulated-based assessment. The aims of our study were to evaluate the acquisition of nursing competencies through clinical simulation in undergraduate nursing students and to compare their satisfaction with this methodology using these two evaluation strategies. Methods Two hundred eighteen undergraduate nursing students participated in a cross-sectional study, using a mixed-method. MAES© (self-learning methodology in simulated environments) sessions were developed to assess students by formative evaluation. Objective Structured Clinical Examination sessions were conducted to assess students by summative evaluation. Simulated scenarios recreated clinical cases of critical patients. Students´ performance in all simulated scenarios were assessed using checklists. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate satisfaction with clinical simulation. Quantitative data were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24.0 software, whereas qualitative data were analysed using the ATLAS-ti version 8.0 software. Results Most nursing students showed adequate clinical competence. Satisfaction with clinical simulation was higher when students were assessed using formative evaluation. The main students’ complaints with summative evaluation were related to reduced time for performing simulated scenarios and increased anxiety during their clinical performance. Conclusion The best solution to reduce students’ complaints with summative evaluation is to orient them to the simulated environment. It should be recommended to combine both evaluation strategies in simulated-based assessment, providing students feedback in summative evaluation, as well as evaluating their achievement of learning outcomes in formative evaluation.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Confidence and Preparedness in Paramedics in Metropolitan, Regional, and Rural Australia to Manage Mental-Health-Related Presentations: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1882
Author(s):  
Kate Emond ◽  
Melanie Bish ◽  
Michael Savic ◽  
Dan I. Lubman ◽  
Terence McCann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Manage Mental ◽  
Manage Mental Health

Mental-health-related presentations account for a considerable proportion of the paramedic’s workload in prehospital care. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the perceived confidence and preparedness of paramedics in Australian metropolitan and rural areas to manage mental-health-related presentations. Overall, 1140 paramedics were surveyed. Pearson chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare categorical variables by sex and location of practice; continuous variables were compared using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Perceived confidence and preparedness were each modelled in multivariable ordinal regressions. Female paramedics were younger with higher qualifications but were less experienced than their male counterparts. Compared to paramedics working in metropolitan regions, those working in rural and regional areas were generally older with fewer qualifications and were significantly less confident and less prepared to manage mental health presentations (p = 0.001). Compared to male paramedics, females were less confident (p = 0.003), although equally prepared (p = 0.1) to manage mental health presentations. These results suggest that higher qualifications from the tertiary sector may not be adequately preparing paramedics to manage mental health presentations, which signifies a disparity between education provided and workforce preparedness. Further work is required to address the education and training requirements of paramedics in regional and rural areas to increase confidence and preparedness in managing mental health presentations.

scholarly journals Epilepsy as a Comorbidity in Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3983
Author(s):  
Ella Nissan ◽  
Abdulla Watad ◽  
Arnon D. Cohen ◽  
Kassem Sharif ◽  
Johnatan Nissan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are autoimmune-mediated multisystemic myopathies, characterized mainly by proximal muscle weakness. A connection between epilepsy and PM/DM has not been reported previously. Our study aim is to evaluate this association. A case–control study was conducted, enrolling a total of 12,278 patients with 2085 cases (17.0%) and 10,193 subjects in the control group (83.0%). Student’s t-test was used to evaluate continuous variables, while the chi-square test was applied for the distribution of categorical variables. Log-rank test, Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards method were performed for the analysis regarding survival. Of the studied 2085 cases, 1475 subjects (70.7%) were diagnosed with DM, and 610 patients (29.3%) with PM. Participants enrolled as cases had a significantly higher rate of epilepsy (n = 48 [2.3%]) as compared to controls (n = 141 [1.4%], p < 0.0005). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, PM was found only to be significantly associated with epilepsy (OR 2.2 [95%CI 1.36 to 3.55], p = 0.0014), whereas a non-significant positive trend was noted in DM (OR 1.51 [95%CI 0.99 to 2.30], p = 0.0547). Our data suggest that PM is associated with a higher rate of epilepsy compared to controls. Physicians should be aware of this comorbidity in patients with immune-mediated myopathies.

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