The Impact of Business Attitude on Entrepreneurial Behavior in Postgraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Entrepreneurship and business behavior are of great significance in developing countries, such as Iran, due to the unemployment crisis. Today's economic status and population composition have propelled everyone to find effective solutions in the economic arena. Therefore, appropriate educational models for students and programs to encourage students to turn to entrepreneurship and create new businesses are vital. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the impact of business attitude on entrepreneurial behavior in postgraduate students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the postgraduate students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Data were collected using the standard questionnaires of Aution et al. and Leon Dice Zamptakis and Vasilis Mustakis. Data analysis was performed in the R software version 4.0.4 using Spearman’s or Pearson’s correlation-coefficient and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.17 ± 6.297 years. Pearson’s correlation-coefficient indicated a significant, inverse correlation between age and attitudes toward competitiveness and entrepreneurial culture (r = -0.210; P = 0.002 and r = -0.177; P = 0.01, respectively). In addition, the results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the attitude to business had a significant, inverse effect on entrepreneurial behavior (r = -0.259; P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, students' unpreparedness for self-employment activities highlights the need for changing the attitude of postgraduate students in this regard by explaining the prevalence of the COVID-19. Due to the outbreak of the disease, numerous startups and personal businesses were shut down. Therefore, students are mostly reluctant to become involved in entrepreneurial activities despite their business attitude.

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The sniffing bead system, an olfactory dysfunction screening tool for geriatric subjects: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42689/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hyun Jin Min ◽

Sun Mi Kim ◽

Doug Hyun Han ◽

Kyung Soo Kim

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Phenylethyl Alcohol ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Function Group ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background: This study aimed to develop a simple and one-off olfactory screening test, the sniffing bead system, for general clinical use in older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, geriatric subjects (aged > 50 years) who underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests were included. Overall, 137 subjects were enrolled, and the study was conducted at Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. Olfactory function was measured by obtaining the scores of the sniffing bead system using 2-phenylethyl alcohol, n-butanol, and the YSK olfactory function test. Time taken for each olfactory function test was also measured. Results: The score of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead test was 2.58 ± 1.52, which was significantly associated with the YSK_threshold (2.41 ± 1.79) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429), YSK_identification (8.93 ± 3.25) (p = 0.014, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.208) and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (17.46 ± 5.49) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316) test scores. In the normal cognitive function group, YSK_threshold ( p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.479 ) , YSK_identification ( p = 0.003, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316 ), and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. In the impaired cognitive function group, the YSK_threshold (p = 0.002, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.415 ) and YSK_ threshold-discrimination-identification (p = 0.004, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.385 ) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. Time taken for the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system was 5.00 ± 1.51 min, which was significantly lower than that for the YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (20.43 ± 5.29 min) (p < 0.001). The scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system were significantly correlated with those of the n-butanol sniffing bead system (3.50 ± 1.21) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.315). Conclusions: This sniffing bead system was specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults, and it may allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of olfactory dysfunction.

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The sniffing bead system, an olfactory dysfunction screening tool for geriatric subjects: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42689/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hyun Jin Min ◽

Sun Mi Kim ◽

Doug Hyun Han ◽

Kyung Soo Kim

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Phenylethyl Alcohol ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Function Group ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background: This study aimed to develop a simple and one-off olfactory screening test, the sniffing bead system, for general clinical use in older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, geriatric subjects (aged > 50 years) who underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests were included. Overall, 137 subjects were enrolled, and the study was conducted at Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. Olfactory function was measured by obtaining the scores of the sniffing bead system using 2-phenylethyl alcohol, n-butanol, and the YSK olfactory function test. Time taken for each olfactory function test was also measured.Results: The score of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead test was 2.58 ± 1.52, which was significantly associated with the YSK_threshold (2.41 ± 1.79) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429), YSK_identification (8.93 ± 3.25) (p = 0.014, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.208) and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (17.46 ± 5.49) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316) test scores. In the normal cognitive function group, YSK_threshold (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.479), YSK_identification (p = 0.003, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316), and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. In the impaired cognitive function group, the YSK_threshold (p = 0.002, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.415) and YSK_ threshold-discrimination-identification (p = 0.004, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.385) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. Time taken for the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system was 5.00 ± 1.51 min, which was significantly lower than that for the YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (20.43 ± 5.29 min) (p < 0.001). The scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system were significantly correlated with those of the n-butanol sniffing bead system (3.50 ± 1.21) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.315). Conclusions: This sniffing bead system was specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults, and it may allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of olfactory dysfunction.

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The sniffing bead system, an olfactory dysfunction screening tool for geriatric subjects: a cross-sectional study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-01871-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hyun Jin Min ◽

Sun Mi Kim ◽

Doug Hyun Han ◽

Kyung Soo Kim

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Phenylethyl Alcohol ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Function Group ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop a simple and one-off olfactory screening test, the sniffing bead system, for general clinical use in older adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, geriatric subjects (aged > 50 years) who underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests were included. Overall, 137 subjects were enrolled, and the study was conducted at Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. Olfactory function was measured by obtaining the scores of the sniffing bead system using 2-phenylethyl alcohol, n-butanol, and the YSK olfactory function test. Time taken for each olfactory function test was also measured. Results The score of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead test was 2.58 ± 1.52, which was significantly associated with the YSK_threshold (2.41 ± 1.79) (p < 0.001, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.429), YSK_identification (8.93 ± 3.25) (p = 0.014, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.208) and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (17.46 ± 5.49) (p < 0.001, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.316) test scores. In the normal cognitive function group, YSK_threshold (p < 0.001, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.479), YSK_identification (p = 0.003, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.316), and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (p < 0.001, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.429) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. In the impaired cognitive function group, the YSK_threshold (p = 0.002, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.415) and YSK_ threshold-discrimination-identification (p = 0.004, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.385) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. Time taken for the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system was 5.00 ± 1.51 min, which was significantly lower than that for the YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (20.43 ± 5.29 min) (p < 0.001). The scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system were significantly correlated with those of the n-butanol sniffing bead system (3.50 ± 1.21) (p < 0.001, Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.315). Conclusions This sniffing bead system was specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults, and it may allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of olfactory dysfunction.

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Evaluating Knowledge, Awareness and Behaviour Among Dental Interns Regarding Ergonomics in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Survey

International Healthcare Research Journal ◽

10.26440/ihrj/0407.10278 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (7) ◽

pp. OR1-OR4

Author(s):

Rebecca Andrew ◽

Sonia Narang ◽

Srishti Aggarwal ◽

Thongam S.

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Central India ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the main reasons that force dentists to retire early from their practice. AIM: To assess the knowledge, awareness and behaviour among dental Interns in central and southern India regarding Ergonomics in DentistryMATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study collected data using a questionnaire (pre-tested and pre-validated) amongst dental interns studying in various dental colleges in and around Central India. Participation in the study was voluntary and the questionnaire was divided into 4 sections with a total of 22 close ended questions. Data was anlayzed using SPSS version 21.0; descriptive statistics were applied followed by the unpaired samples t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression.RESULTS: The study consisted of 800 dentists, with most having fair knowledge (50.1%) and awareness (49.7%) regarding proper ergonomic posture (knowledge scores showed a significant statistical association). Most interns reported that they sometimes (41.5%) practiced dentistry ergonomically, while only 5.5% reported doing it always (significant difference, p=0.01*). A positive, linear, great strength of association (r: +0.7) and a significant relationship (p = 0.04) was found between knowledge and awareness scores using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. CONCLUSION: Dental awareness programmes are advised to educate dentists about the impending threat of MSDs if dentistry is not practiced ergonomically.

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The sniffing bead system, an olfactory dysfunction screening tool for geriatric subjects: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-42689/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hyun Jin Min ◽

Sun Mi Kim ◽

Doug Hyun Han ◽

Kyung Soo Kim

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Phenylethyl Alcohol ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Function Group ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background: This study aimed to develop a simple and one-off olfactory screening test, the sniffing bead system, for general clinical use in older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, geriatric subjects (aged > 50 years) who underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests were included. Overall, 137 subjects were enrolled, and the study was conducted at Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. Olfactory function was measured by obtaining the scores of the sniffing bead system using 2-phenylethyl alcohol, n-butanol, and the YSK olfactory function test. Time taken for each olfactory function test was also measured.Results: The score of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead test was 2.58 ± 1.52, which was significantly associated with the YSK_threshold (2.41 ± 1.79) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429), YSK_identification (8.93 ± 3.25) (p = 0.014, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.208) and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (17.46 ± 5.49) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316) test scores. In the normal cognitive function group, YSK_threshold (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.479), YSK_identification (p = 0.003, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316), and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. In the impaired cognitive function group, the YSK_threshold (p = 0.002, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.415) and YSK_ threshold-discrimination-identification (p = 0.004, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.385) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. Time taken for the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system was 5.00 ± 1.51 min, which was significantly lower than that for the YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (20.43 ± 5.29 min) (p < 0.001). The scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system were significantly correlated with those of the n-butanol sniffing bead system (3.50 ± 1.21) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.315). Conclusions: This sniffing bead system was specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults, and it may allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of olfactory dysfunction.

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Assessment of the Impact of Selected Satisfaction Parameters on the Competitiveness of Family Tourism

Marketing and Management of Innovations ◽

10.21272/mmi.2020.4-10 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 131-143

Author(s):

Zuzana Goncarova ◽

Jana Pitekova ◽

Maria Vrablikova

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Family Business ◽

Correlation Matrix ◽

Family Businesses ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Overall Evaluation ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient ◽

The Impact

The visitor, as the bearer of the demand for tourism services, is primarily a person with his natural desires. For many, a family business is a guarantee of a more helpful approach to meeting clients’ expectations. The paper aims to analyze the dependence between selected parameters of customer satisfaction in two groups of tourist trade establishment or tourism companies. The first group consists of family businesses, which have long shown a higher level of satisfaction compared to traditional tourism companies. The second group is classic tourism companies. In both cases, the research interest is the impact of a change in the assessment of staff and a change in the evaluation of the price/quality ratio on the change in the overall evaluation of these two groups of companies. Authors assumed that satisfaction with the staff in family businesses has a more significant impact on overall satisfaction. The research sample consists of 44 non-family and 18 family businesses. The research includes: assessment of the staff, evaluation of the price/quality ratio and overall evaluation for 2018 and 2020 based on secondary data, calculation of changes (indices) of the parameters as the ratio of values in 2020 to 2018, partial correlation analyzes for individual years and compilation of final correlation matrix, in which is examined the correlation between the change in the overall assessment in family and non-family businesses and the correlation between the change in the price/quality ratio in family and non-family businesses. The basic methods include analysis, synthesis, induction, analogy, comparison, empiricism and Pearson’s correlation coefficient from mathematical-statistical methods. The basic heuristic approach consists of professional literature on the subject matter and secondary sources obtained from the most important accommodation portal booking.com. In the synthesis of knowledge, there are used empirical experience resulting from doing long-term business in the field of tourism of authors. As part of the compilation of the resulting correlation matrix, authors state that in non-family businesses both correlation coefficients are higher than in family ones. In contrast, in evaluating the relationship between the change of personnel, the value of Pearson’s correlation coefficient is higher than 0.7, so it is a strong dependence. Non-family businesses should pay more attention to the human factor. The barrier to fulfillment can be impersonal leadership and inflexible organizational structures. In family businesses, on the other hand, the selection of employees is based on mutual trust. The benefit of the paper is the distinction between family and non-family businesses from the customer’s point of view, which is often a marginalized topic in theory and practice Keywords: competitiveness, correlation, customers´ satisfaction, family business, non-family business, tourism.

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Relationship between Homesickness and Test Anxiety in Non-Native Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences International Branch in the Clinical and Physiopathology Course In 2013

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v8n7p293 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 293

Author(s):

Saman Azizi

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Test Anxiety ◽

Native Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Reverse Relationship ◽

Exam Anxiety ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety is an emotional and physiological response to the internal felling of overall danger that is easily resolved. The aim of this study has been to determine the relationship between exam anxiety and the feeling of homesickness among non-native students.METHODOLOGY: The present study is cross-sectional and the subjects in this study are 80 non-native male and female PhD candidates in clinical and physiopathology majors in 2013 academic year that have been evaluated with the help of Persian homesickness questionnaire and Sarason’s test anxiety questionnaire and the data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.RESULTS: With regard to the Pearson’s correlation coefficient there is a significant and reverse relationship between the desire to return to home and exam anxiety (r=0.0344, p=0.004) and there is a significant and reverse relationship between the Compatibility and exam anxiety (r=0.428, p<0.0001) and there is a significant and direct relationship between the feeling of alone and exam anxiety (r=0.888, p<0.0001).DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: There is a significant relationship between the feeling of homesickness and exam anxiety and the mental health of non-native students will be deteriorated by the feeling of homesickness and anxiety.

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Effect of Social Networking Technology Addiction on Academic Performance of University Students in Nigeria

International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering - 2 ◽

10.35940/ijrte.d8393.018520 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 173-180 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Academic Performance ◽

Social Networking ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Well Being ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient ◽

The Impact

The benefits of social media networking platforms on students’ academic performance in contemporary times cannot be, overemphasized. These social networking platforms crafts out opportunities for information sharing andalso danger for students in diverse fields. The danger of social networking addiction on students’ academic performance, health, and social well-being triggered this study.400 students enrolled in this cross-sectional study, through stratified random sampling technique. Using the online survey of Google Form for data collection. The Ordinary Least Square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to quantify and examine the impact. Findingsrevealed that social networking impact significantly on students’ academic performance, and was more prevalent among undergraduate students (P = 0.000). Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a significant relationship between social networking addiction, academic performance, health and social well-being of students (p=0.001). The misapplication of social media can become addictive among users and students.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proposed to diminish the negative effect of social network addiction on students and other co-users.

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Hubungan Intensitas Cahaya dengan Ketajaman Penglihatan Penghuni Panti Asuhan

FAKUMI MEDICAL JOURNAL: Jurnal Mahasiswa Kedokteran ◽

10.33096/fmj.v1i1.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Andi Sesarina Tenri Ola Sapada ◽

Suliati P. Amir ◽

Zulfahmidah Zulfahmidah ◽

Ratih Natasha Maharani ◽

Andi Tenri Sanna Arifuddin

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Snellen Chart ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

Rendahnya intensitas pencahayaan pada panti asuhan di Kota Makassar, yang penghuninya didominasi usia sekolah, dapat mempengaruhi ketajaman penglihatan penghuninya. Hal ini dapat menjadi masalah, karena dapat mengganggu fungsi penglihatan yang dibutuhkan dalam perkembangan anak usia sekolah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara intensitas cahaya pada panti asuhan dengan ketajaman penglihatan, faktor yang terlibat di dalamnya, serta kondisi penerangan dan ketajaman penglihatan penghuni panti asuhan. Metode penelitian menggunakan analitik observasional dengan desain cross sectional. Intensitas cahaya masing-masing sampel diukur menggunakan lux meter, sedangkan ketajaman penglihatan diukur dengan snellen chart. Analisis data menggunakan Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Jumlah sampel 47 orang yang berasal dari 7 panti asuhan di Kecamatan Manggala Kota Makassar. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa hubungan intensitas cahaya dengan visus terbaik tidak signifikan (p value 0,240) sedangkan hubungan intensitas cahaya dengan visus terburuk signifikan dengan korelasi positif (p value 0,046). Faktor yang turut mempengaruhi adalah lama paparan harian (p value 0,019) serta jarak antara mata dan bacaan (p value 0,047). Intensitas cahaya panti asuhan masih belum memenuhi standar (kurang dari 200-300 lux) dan sebagian besar penghuninya memiliki ketajaman penglihatan menurun (kurang dari 6/6). Berdasarkan data objektif dan hasil analisis, ditemukan hubungan yang signifikan antara intensitas cahaya panti asuhan dengan ketajaman penglihatan.

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Switching from morphine to oral methadone in treating cancer pain: what is the equianalgesic dose ratio?

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.1998.16.10.3216 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. 3216-3221 ◽

Cited By ~ 254

Author(s):

C Ripamonti ◽

L Groff ◽

C Brunelli ◽

D Polastri ◽

A Stavrakis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Dose Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pearson’S Correlation ◽

Methadone Dose ◽

Morphine Dose ◽

Pearson’S Correlation Coefficient ◽

Oral Methadone ◽

Pearson's Correlation ◽

Pearson's Correlation Coefficient

PURPOSE To define the dose ratio between morphine and methadone in relation to the previous morphine dose and the number of days needed to achieve the same level of analgesia in a group of patients with advanced cancer with pain who switched from morphine to oral methadone. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional prospective study of 38 consecutive cancer patients who switched from morphine to oral methadone was performed. The intensity of pain before, during, and after the switching period was assessed through a four-point verbal Likert scale. The relationship between previous morphine dose and the final equianalgesic methadone dose, dose ratio between morphine and methadone, and the number of days required to achieve equianalgesia have been examined by means of Pearson's correlation coefficient, scatter plots, and Cuzick's test for trend respectively. RESULTS Before the switch, the median oral equivalent daily dose of morphine was 145 mg/d; after the switch, the median equianalgesic oral methadone dose was 21 mg/d. A median time of 3 days (range, 1 to 7 days) was necessary to achieve the equianalgesia with oral methadone; the lower the preswitching morphine dose, the fewer days necessary to achieve equianalgesia with oral methadone (P < .001). Dose ratios ranged from 2.5:1 to 14.3:1 (median, 7.75:1), which indicated that, in most cases, the dose ratio was much higher than that suggested by the published equianalgesic tables. A strong linear positive relationship between morphine and methadone equianalgesic doses was obtained (Pearson's correlation coefficient, 0.91). The dose ratio increased with the increase of the previous morphine dose with a much higher increase at low morphine doses. CONCLUSION The results of our study confirm that methadone is a potent opioid, more potent than believed. Caution is recommended when switching from any opioid to methadone, especially in patients who are tolerant to high doses of opioids.

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