Intraocular pressure control and visual field changes in primary angle closure disease: the CUHK PACG Longitudinal (CUPAL) study.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship of intraocular pressure (IOP) control with subsequent visual field (VF) deterioration in patients with primary angle closure disease (PACD). METHODS: 419 PACD eyes from 240 Chinese patients were included. Mean IOP and IOP fluctuation were calculated as the average and SD divided by mean IOP, respectively, of all the IOP measured in the initial 18 months for assessment of IOP control. The relationship between IOP control and subsequent VF parameters over time was examined using linear mixed models. VF deterioration was defined as IOP control associated with decreased VF parameters over time with a p value <0.05. We calculated the average of the mean IOPs and IOP fluctuations in the cohort and used these two average values as a cut-off point to define high-threshold (≥average value) or low-threshold (

Chinese medical students' knowledge, attitude and practice towards human papillomavirus vaccination and their intention to recommend the vaccine.

AIM: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer, but its global uptake rate in vulnerable populations is unsatisfactory. Physician's recommendation is an important determinant for vaccine uptake, but we have limited understanding on the contributing factors of physician's recommendation. This study investigated whether the knowledge, attitudes and vaccination status of medical students would affect their intention to recommend HPV vaccination. METHODS: This is a population-representative survey of medical schools in Hong Kong. RESULTS: Participants included 1022 Chinese medical students (46.9% of all in Hong Kong; 46.3% female). Better HPV-related knowledge and a more positive attitude towards HPV vaccination were important factors predicting vaccine uptake and intention to recommend. HPV vaccination status and intention to receive the vaccine were positively associated with intention to recommend among females. CONCLUSION: Better HPV-related medical education may be a feasible way to promote the HPV vaccine in regions without universal coverage. Medical students who have not received the HPV vaccine should also be encouraged to receive the vaccine.

Mental Health Consequences of Childhood Physical Abuse in Chinese Populations: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood physical abuse (CPA) can lead to adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood, but its potential impact on Chinese populations is still unclear. This meta-analysis is the first to examine the association between CPA and mental health outcomes in Chinese populations. STUDY DESIGN: Studies published before December 31, 2014 were identified from Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Studies with data on the association between CPA and mental health outcomes from Chinese subjects were included. Twenty-four studies were initially identified but two were excluded because of poor quality. Two reviewers independently extracted data to generate summary effect sizes using a random-effects meta-analytic model. A priori subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate heterogeneity and bias in these studies. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis of 22 studies found a significant positive association between CPA and overall mental health outcomes among all Chinese subjects (pooled effect size: odds ratio [OR] = 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.87, 2.49]) and among community samples (pooled effect size: OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.71, 2.48]). Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, diagnostic criteria, CPA was more strongly associated with Axis II (OR = 2.62, 95% CI [2.13, 3.22]) than Axis I disorders (OR = 1.85, 95% CI [1.58, 2.17]). CONCLUSIONS: The detrimental effects of CPA on mental health outcomes in Chinese populations were comparable to, if not more than, the West. Contrary to the Chinese belief that physical punishment is a safe way to discipline children, our findings highlight the potential harm to mental health and the need to change this parenting practice.