Feasibility and sustainability of working in different types of jobs after total hip arthroplasty: analysis of longitudinal data from two cohorts

ObjectivesTo investigate the rates of return to work and workability among working-age people following total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsParticipants from the Geneva Arthroplasty Registry and the Clinical Outcomes for Arthroplasty Study aged 18–64 years when they had primary THA and with at least 5 years’ follow-up were mailed a questionnaire 2017–2019. Information was collected about preoperative and post-THA employment along with exposure to physically demanding activities at work or in leisure. Patterns of change of job were explored. Survival analyses using Cox proportional hazard models were created to explore risk factors for having to stop work because of difficulties with the replaced hip.ResultsIn total, 825 returned a questionnaire (response 58%), 392 (48%) men, mean age 58 years, median follow-up 7.5 years post-THA. The majority (93%) of those who worked preoperatively returned to work, mostly in the same sector but higher rates of non-return (36%–41%) were seen among process, plant and machine operatives and workers in elementary occupations. 7% reported subsequently leaving work because of their replaced hip and the risk of this was strongly associated with: standing >4 hours/day (HR 3.81, 95% CI 1.62 to 8.96); kneeling/squatting (HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.46 to 7.55) and/or carrying/lifting ≥10 kg (HR 5.43, 95% CI 2.29 to 12.88).ConclusionsIt may be more difficult to return to some (particularly physically demanding) jobs post-THA than others. Rehabilitation may need to be targeted to these types of workers or it may be that redeployment or job change counselling are required.

An Experimental Test of the Impact of Varying Questionnaire Response Format on Prevalence Rates for Sexual Violence Victimization and Perpetration

Objective: This study examined the impact of a dichotomous versus scaled response format on prevalence rates of sexual violence perpetration and victimization, thus conceptually replicating Hamby et al., 2006 and extending those findings to the context of sexual violence. Methods: Two samples were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and were randomly assigned to either a dichotomous or scaled response format of the same questionnaire. Sample 1 was used to examine perpetration and received a perpetration specific version of the Post-Refusal Sexual Persistence Scale (PRSPS). Sample 2 was used to examine victimization and received a victimization specific version of the PRSPS. Results: Men and women who received the scaled response format reported significantly more incidents of sexual perpetration, and for each type of tactic studied, on the order of 1.7-9x more frequently. The association between response format condition and prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization was significant only for men (23.0 vs 39.4%) and for the tactic of verbal coercion (30.1 vs 41.5%), with the scaled response format producing greater responding. Conclusions: The response format of sexual violence items can significantly alter prevalence rates of sexual violence perpetration, with scaled response formats producing greater endorsements than dichotomous formats. Response format also appears to impact prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization, particularly for men.

The Effect of Health Education on Adolescents’ Awareness of HPV Infections and Attitudes towards HPV Vaccination in Greece

Background: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of health education among young adolescents, regarding their level of knowledge about the HPV and the acceptance of the HPV vaccination, with the aim of increasing vaccination coverage, in Trikala city, mainland of Greece. Methods: This study included high school students from all public and private schools of Trikala city. Questionnaires related to knowledge regarding the HPV infection and HPV vaccination were administered in three phases. In the first phase of the study, the questionnaires were completed by the entire study population. During the second and third phases, the completion of the questionnaires concerned only the population that received the intervention (interactive seminars). The second and third phase questionnaires were completed immediately after the interactive seminar and three months later, respectively. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using IBM SPSS 20.0 statistical program. Results: A total of 434 female students completed the questionnaire (response rate 76.26%). Most participants (66.6%) were females. The questionnaires evaluated the respondents’ awareness of the HPV infection. The results show that the percentage of the participants who stated that they “do not know” what HPV is decreased from 44.4% (first phase), to 1.6% (second phase), and 8.1% (third phase). Similarly, the willingness to accept the HPV vaccine increased from 71% (first phase), to 89.1% (second phase), and 83.5% (third phase). Conclusions: The present study shows that targeted interactive informational interventions in the school environment leads to a statistically significant increase in both the level of knowledge about HPV and the willingness of young adolescent students to be vaccinated against cervical cancer.

Surgical Preferences in the Management of Primary Pterygium among Anterior Segment Specialists

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reflect anterior segment specialists’ current practice pattern regarding the management of primary pterygium. Methods: A 24-item survey regarding indications for surgery, different surgical techniques, use of adjuvant pharmacological therapy, type of intraoperative and postoperative pharmacological therapy, and the preferred treatment of early recurrences was sent to members of the Saudi Ophthalmological Society (SOS) and practicing cornea experts including consultants, specialists, and fellows in Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 61 cornea specialists completed the questionnaire (response rate 49%). More than 95% considered the proximity of the pterygium to the visual axis an indication for excision. The most frequent technique for pterygium excision was extensive head and conjunctival resection, including the base (69%) and intermediate resection of the Tenon's capsule (53%). For conjunctival replacement, conjunctival autograft was preferred by 79%, amniotic membrane (54%), and simple conjunctival closure (46%). Interrupted vicryl sutures, fibrin glue, and combined sutures and tissue adhesive were the preferred graft fixation conveyed by 85%, 46%, and 34% of our experts, respectively. An estimated recurrence rate of 1-5% was stated by 29% of respondents and 46% reported recurrence within 6 to 12 months. Half of the respondents specified using mitomycin C intraoperatively to prevent early pterygium recurrences. When recurrence occurred, corticosteroid was the agent of choice. Conclusion: This study set out to reflect the practice pattern of anterior segment specialists regarding the management of primary pterygium, and it may serve as an insight for further studies to define the optimal management of pterygium.

Assessment of Argentine Health Care Providers' Knowledge on Sports-Related Concussion: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectiveTo assess the current experience, beliefs and knowledge of survey respondents in the diagnosis and management of sports-related concussion and their relationship to formal concussion training.BackgroundAthletes who have had a concussion may be at risk of a wide range of short- or long-term complications. The experience with and knowledge about concussion may be the most important factors for an effective concussion management.Design/MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in July and August 2020 all over Buenos Aires, Argentina among health care professionals involved in the training and care of the competitive or recreational athletes. The survey covered: (i) the socio-demographic characteristics; (ii) experience; (iii) beliefs; and (iv) assessment of knowledge on sports concussion.ResultsA total of 626 participants completed and returned the questionnaire (response rate 86%). The majority of the health care professionals were physicians (n = 429; 68.5%). Nearly two-thirds (72%) of the respondents were related to rugby. Soccer was the second sport (6.2%). Seventy 4 percent of the respondents (n = 463) reported having concussion training. Respondents correctly answered on average 6.23 ± 2.16 (out of 10) concussion knowledge questions. The largest gaps were related to the topics of clinical interpretation of severity symptoms scales and neuroimaging. The smallest gaps were identified for young athletes (<18 years of age) management after a concussion. There was a significant difference in mean survey respondents' knowledge scores about concussion (F [1,622] = 109.479, p < 0.001) between who had received the formal concussion training and those who had not, whilst adjusting for age and years the participant reported having had experience in sport.ConclusionsKnowledge gaps exist in the clinical practice when dealing with professionals who are involved in the care of athletes. Our findings confirm the need for training and education on sport-related concussion.

An Experimental Test of the Impact of Varying Questionnaire Response Format on Prevalence Rates for Sexual Violence Victimization and Perpetration

Objective: This study examined the impact of a dichotomous versus scaled response format on prevalence rates of sexual violence perpetration and victimization, thus conceptually replicating Hamby et al., 2006 and extending those findings to the context of sexual violence. Methods: Two samples were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and were randomly assigned to either a dichotomous or scaled response format of the same questionnaire. Sample 1 was used to examine perpetration and received a perpetration specific version of the Post-Refusal Sexual Persistence Scale (PRSPS). Sample 2 was used to examine victimization and received a victimization specific version of the PRSPS. Results: Men and women who received the scaled response format reported significantly more incidents of sexual perpetration, and for each type of tactic studied, on the order of 1.7-9x more frequently. The association between response format condition and prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization was significant only for men (23.0 vs 39.4%) and for the tactic of verbal coercion (30.1 vs 41.5%), with the scaled response format producing greater responding. Conclusions: The response format of sexual violence items can significantly alter prevalence rates of sexual violence perpetration, with scaled response formats producing greater endorsements than dichotomous formats. Response format also appears to impact prevalence rates of sexual violence victimization, particularly for men.

DEVELOPMENT OF QUR'AN AND HADITH-BASED MATHEMATICS MODULE FOR STUDENTS' MATHEMATICAL UNDERSTANDING AND RELIGIOUS CHARACTER

The module is a means of delivering material to students and a supporting tool in the learning process. The teaching materials used are also expected to be able to build the values ​​and morality of each student through learning the integration of science and religion, one of which is by using teaching materials based on the Qur'an and Hadith. This study aims to develop teaching materials in mathematics learning in the form of modules based on the Qur'an and Hadith. This type of research is research and development using the Borg & Gall development model. The development of the module is carried out on the fractional number material for class VII Islamic Junior High School (MTs). The data collection instruments used in this study were a questionnaire from media experts, material experts, and religious experts who were used to test the quality of the mathematics module based on the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as a questionnaire response from educators and students who were used to test interest in the developed module. Data collection methods used in this study are interviews, documentation, and questionnaires. This research produces a product in the form of a mathematical module based on the Qur'an and Hadith. In learning using a mathematics module based on the Qur'an and Hadith in grade VII Takhasus MTs Hidayatul Mubtadiin Dayamurni can improve students' mathematical understanding at a moderate level. Learning using a mathematics module based on the Qur'an and Hadith can shape students' religious attitudes.

Undergraduate Nursing Students Endorse Education Standards in Blended e-Learning Theory Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: The aim of this study was to survey student learning perspectives as measured by ‘student satisfaction’ following the rapid introduction of remote blended e-learning into the existing undergraduate nursing curriculum at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. Background: National legislation resulting from the spread of Covid-19 required all theoretical and practical nurse training to move immediately to online provision using an unfamiliar e-learning environment and associated tools. Objective: The objective of this study was to use a validated satisfaction questionnaire developed elsewhere, but within a similar educational context involving both theoretical and practical components, for the purpose of checking that educational objectives were being satisfactorily achieved across five relevant domains of educational enquiry, and to use survey findings to improve the online delivery of the nursing program in future academic years. Methods: A validated 35 item questionnaire was circulated online to all male and female nursing students in their 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study. The questionnaire content was subdivided into the five domains of ‘Interaction’, ‘Instruction’, ‘Instructor’, ‘Course Management’ and ‘Technology’. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to compare levels of satisfaction between genders and among undergraduate years of study, and against findings from undergraduate information technology undergraduates. Results: 199 female and 84 male students completed the questionnaire (response rate 59.2%). Mean satisfaction scores for male and female nursing undergraduates were significantly greater than 3 (neutral score) in all domains of enquiry, indicating good satisfaction with blended e-learning (p<0.001). However, multivariate regressions of domain satisfaction scores taking gender and year of study as explanatory variables had poor resolving power. Domain scores were also significantly greater than those of a comparator study in three of the five domains (p<0.030) and similar in the domains of course management (p=0.717) and technology (p=0.677). Levels of satisfaction in males and females were similar in 80% of the survey questions, but in females, satisfaction was significantly lower in some questions concerning technology (p<0.003), willingness to interrupt the instructor (p=0.021), comparison of blended learning and face-to-face teaching (p=0.002) and timely feedback on tests and assignments (p=0.031). Fourth-year students showed the highest levels of satisfaction across all five domains. Conclusion: Undergraduate nursing students reported above-average satisfaction levels across all five domains of education provision. Despite an unfamiliar blended e-learning curriculum environment, they demonstrated compatible technological skills, satisfactory interaction with teachers and other students and engagement in the learning process. A number of recommendations identified in the literature as underlying a successful program of blended e-learning are recorded for the benefit of readers.

How Much Is the Lack of Retention Evidence Costing Trial Teams in Ireland and the United Kingdom?

BackgroundEvidence to support the use of many retention strategies in clinical trials is lacking. Despite this, trial teams still need to have some form of retention strategy in their trials to try and avoid high attrition rates. This study aimed to estimate how much this lack of retention evidence might be costing trials in Ireland and the United Kingdom.Methods We selected the top ten most routinely used retention strategies by Clinical Trial Units in the United Kingdom and made assumptions as to how each of these strategies was most likely to be conducted and the costs involved. We applied our costing model to a hypothetical trial scenario in both Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as to three published trial protocols. We developed the costing model and calculated the costs in Microsoft Excel.Results Retention strategies can be extremely expensive, some of the costliest interventions included “a timeline of participant visits for sites” (with integrated participant reminders) (€1,418.44 - €108,471.99), “routine site visits by CTU staff” (€777.67 - €14,753.48), and “data collection scheduled with routine care” (€900 - €32,503.25). Others such as “telephone reminders for questionnaire response” (€34.58 - €568.62), “inclusion of pre-paid envelopes” (€93.44 - €942.50), and “targeted recruitment of sites/GPs” (€30 - €1,620) were less costly compared to the other interventions. DiscussionThe resources invested in the use of some retention interventions may outweigh known or imagined benefits on retention. Where benefits are imagined, evaluation should be a priority. Conclusion More evaluation of the effectiveness and cost of trial retention strategies is needed to avoid widespread use of strategies that are both expensive and ineffective.

Alexithymia and Self-Efficacy With Pain Perception in Women with Migraines: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Pain perception in individuals with migraine is very important and is influenced by various factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of alexithymia and self-efficacy with pain perception in women with migraine. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in women with migraine referred to medical centers in Rasht in 2021. Using convenience sampling method, 160 women with migraines participated in the study and answered the demographic information questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression model. Results: Of total, 152 women responded to the questionnaire (response rate= 95%). The mean age of study participants was 32.86±8.5 years. Pain perception was negatively associated with selfefficacy (r=-0.28; P=0.001) and positively associated with alexithymia (r= 0.20; P=0.001). The results of linear regression also showed that self-efficacy and Externally-Oriented Thinking (EOT) subscale explained 13% of the variance in pain perception. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and externally-oriented thinking were significant contributors of pain perception in women with migraine. These variables can be considered for adopting coping strategies in patients experiencing migraine pain.