RESUMO
Pneumococcal vaccination (PV) is effective in preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal diseases. This study investigated the changes in PV uptake and its determinants before, during, and after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among community-living older adults aged ≥65 years in Hong Kong, China. Three rounds of random telephone surveys were conducted every two years from May 2019 to October 2023. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to examine the between-round differences in PV uptake rate and factors associated with PV uptake in each round. This study included 1563 participants. The standardized PV uptake rate in Round 1, 2, and 3 was 17.3%, 28.3%, and 35.5%, respectively. A significant difference in the PV uptake rate was found between Rounds 2 and 1 (p = 0.02), but not between Rounds 3 and 2 (p = 0.98). Perceived barriers, cue to action and self-efficacy, were significant determinants of PV uptake in all rounds. Perceived benefits were significant determinants of PV uptake in the first and second rounds, but not in the third round. Continuous monitoring of PV uptake and its determinants, and evaluating and adjusting the PV program, might contribute to the success of such a vaccination program in the post-pandemic era.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Transitional care in pediatric neurosurgery is challenging for patients and their parents. The specific needs of neurologically affected patients and the unique characteristics of the pathologies affecting pediatric neurosurgical patients compared with adults make a comprehensive, well-organized transition process essential for patient well-being and ensuring continuity of care. Little is known about patients' preferences and opinions on this topic. This study aimed to assess the patients' and parents' expectations and perceptions of the transition process. METHODS: The authors retrospectively identified patients aged 16 to 30 years who underwent surgery in their pediatric neurosurgical department. The patients were divided into two groups: those about to transition and those who had already transitioned. Transition models were identified within the latter group. Parents of eligible patients were contacted for a telephone survey, and the patients themselves were included when possible. A modified version of the established Got Transition questionnaire from the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health was used. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included, and 44 telephone surveys were conducted with the patients and their parents. Three transition models were applied, with 7 patients (41.2%) transitioned using the continued caregiver model, 9 patients (52.9%) using the shared caregiver model, and 1 patient (5.9%) using the specialized clinic model. Patient and parent satisfaction was highest among the patients transitioned using the continued caregiver and specialized clinic models. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgical conditions in children differ significantly from those in adults, creating unique transitional care challenges. The continuing caregiver model has been shown to provide continuity of care and high patient and parent satisfaction. However, there are differences in the perspectives of parents and patients regarding transitional care, with parents typically expressing greater concern and need for detailed information. Implementing a well-structured and individualized transition process is essential to reduce the caregiving burden on families and healthcare institutions.
Assuntos
Pais , Cuidado Transicional , Humanos , Adolescente , Feminino , Masculino , Adulto , Pais/psicologia , Adulto Jovem , Estudos Retrospectivos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Satisfação do Paciente , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/métodos , Neurocirurgia , PediatriaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more prone to mental health issues than the general population; however, there is a significant lack of data concerning the mental health burden in Chinese Americans with T2D. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the comorbid mental health status, health-seeking behaviors, and mental service utilization among Chinese Americans with T2D. METHODS: A cross-sectional telephone survey was performed among 74 Chinese Americans with T2D in New York City. We used standardized questionnaires to assess mental health status and to gather data on mental health-seeking behaviors and service utilization. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 74 Chinese Americans with T2D completed the survey. Most participants (mean age 56, SD 10 years) identified as female (42/74, 57%), were born outside the United States (73/74, 99%), and had limited English proficiency (71/74, 96%). Despite nearly half of the participants (34/74, 46%) reporting at least one mental health concern (elevated stress, depressive symptoms, and/or anxiety), only 3% (2/74) were currently using mental health services. Common reasons for not seeking care included no perceived need, lack of information about Chinese-speaking providers, cost, and time constraints. The cultural and language competence of the provider was ranked as the top factor related to seeking mental health care. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese Americans with T2D experience relatively high comorbid mental health concerns yet have low service utilization. Clinicians may consider team-based care to incorporate mental health screening and identify strategies to provide culturally and linguistically concordant mental health services to engage Chinese Americans with T2D.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mobile phone-based SMS text message reminders have the potential to improve colorectal cancer screening participation rates. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of adding targeted SMS text message reminders to the standard procedure for those who picked up but did not return their screening kit at the pharmacy within 14 days in a colorectal cancer screening program in Catalonia, Spain. METHODS: We performed a randomized control trial among individuals who picked up a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit for colorectal cancer screening at the pharmacy but did not return it within 14 days. The intervention group (n=4563) received an SMS text message reminder on the 14th day of kit pick up and the control group (n=4806) received no reminder. A 30-day reminder letter was sent to both groups if necessary. The main primary outcome was the FIT completion rate within 30, 60, and 126 days from FIT kit pick up (intention-to-treat analysis). A telephone survey assessed the acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention. The cost-effectiveness of adding an SMS text message reminder to FIT completion was also performed. RESULTS: The intervention group had higher FIT completion rates than the control group at 30 (64.2% vs 53.7%; P<.001), 60 (78.6% vs 72.0%; P<.001), and 126 (82.6% vs 77.7%; P<.001) days. Participation rates were higher in the intervention arm independent of sex, age, socioeconomic level, and previous screening behavior. A total of 339 (89.2%) interviewees considered it important and useful to receive SMS text message reminders for FIT completion and 355 (93.4%) preferred SMS text messages to postal letters. We observed a reduction of US $2.4 per participant gained in the intervention arm for invitation costs compared to the control arm. CONCLUSIONS: Adding an SMS text message reminder to the standard procedure significantly increased FIT kit return rates and was a cost-effective strategy. SMS text messages also proved to be an acceptable and appropriate communication channel for cancer screening programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04343950; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04343950. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1371/journal.pone.0245806.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Colorretais , Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Sistemas de Alerta , Envio de Mensagens de Texto , Humanos , Envio de Mensagens de Texto/estatística & dados numéricos , Neoplasias Colorretais/diagnóstico , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Detecção Precoce de Câncer/métodos , Idoso , Espanha , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Sangue OcultoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: There are few studies on harms attributed to others' cannabis use. We assessed individual- and contextual-level correlates of secondhand harms from cannabis use and considered whether cannabis legalization support, along with cannabis user status, predicted such harms. METHOD: Data were from five repeated cross-sectional, state-representative telephone surveys of Washington State residents ages 18 and over, years 2014-2016. For four surveys, outcome variables were past 12-month reports of experiencing any of five harms (family, traffic-related, vandalism, physical or financial), and in 2016 only, three harm types separately: 1) harassment, 2) safety-related (traffic, vandalism, physical), 3) family or financial, attributed to another's cannabis use. All models included a three-category typology comprised of participants' own cannabis use and whether they supported cannabis use legalization (user supporter, non-user non-supporter, non-user supporter). We estimated logistic regression models for the full sample and by gender, adjusting for individual- and Census tract-level covariates. RESULTS: Compared to non-cannabis-users supporting legalization, nonusers who did not support legalization reported significantly greater odds of perceiving secondhand cannabis harms. Cannabis users supporting legalization did not differ from nonuser supporters. Predictors of reported harms also differed by gender. While current drinkers had lower odds of reporting any harm from others' cannabis use overall, heavy drinking women but not men reported greater odds of any cannabis secondhand harm. CONCLUSIONS: Augmenting research on individual harms associated with cannabis use by including secondhand impacts such as social and family problems, along with safety risks, provides a more comprehensive picture of the effects of cannabis use.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional survey investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and coverage of recommended vaccinations among a random sample of patients with chronic medical conditions, at higher risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), in Italy. METHODS: The survey was conducted via telephone-based interviews. RESULTS: Multinomial regression analysis showed that the patients who believed that VPDs were severe were more likely to know one recommended vaccination; those who believed that VPDs were severe and those who were advised from a general practitioner (GP) were more likely to know two vaccinations; those who were older, graduated, with more time from diagnosis, who believed that VPDs were severe, who did not need additional information, and who were advised from a GP were more likely to know three or four vaccinations. Patients who knew at least one vaccination, who perceived themselves at risk, and who were advised from a GP were more likely to have received one vaccination; those who knew more than one vaccination and who were advised from a GP were more likely to receive two or three vaccinations. Among the unvaccinated, patients who were unmarried/not cohabiting, those who needed information, and who believed that vaccinations were useful and safe were more willing to receive the recommended vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions are needed to improve the adherence of individuals with chronic medical conditions.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: A common consultation since the beginning of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 was related to people with a history of allergy to drugs or other vaccines. The objective of the study was to describe what happened after the administration of the vaccine against COVID-19 in people with a history of moderate and severe allergy, vaccinated against COVID-19 in a Primary Care Emergency Center (PCEC). METHODS: Observational descriptive study with sixty-four people with a history of moderate and severe allergy was carried out, vaccinated in PCEP, between May and October 2021, in the Barcelonés Nord and Maresme (Barcelona province), after assessment by primary care pharmacologists and pharmacists. The percentage of people with adverse events that occurred after vaccination during their stay in the PCEP, the types detected and severity were calculated. Subsequently, a telephone survey was conducted to determine patient satisfaction. A descriptive analysis (calculation of proportions) was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of 49.7 years (from twelve to ninety-four years) and 90.6% were women. 87.5% of the administered vaccines were Comirnaty®. Adverse events occurring after vaccination were detected in fifteen patients (23.4%), of whom four (6.25%) were manifestations of hypersensitivity, all classified as mild. The reasons for vaccination were a history of allergy to NSAIDs (45.3%), antibiotics (32.8%), analgesics (17.2%), vaccines (28.1%), other substances (40.6%) and anaphylaxis (26.6%). The degree of general satisfaction was 9.11 (out of 10). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of patients with a history of anaphylaxis and allergic drug reactions who present hypersensitivity reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is 6.25% and all are mild.
OBJETIVO: Una consulta habitual desde el inicio de la campaña de vacunación frente a la COVID-19 fue la relacionada con personas que tienen antecedentes de alergia a fármacos u otras vacunas. El objetivo del estudio fue describir lo ocurrido tras la administración de la vacuna frente a la COVID-19 en personas con antecedentes de alergia moderada y grave, en un Centro de Urgencias de Atención Primaria (CUAP). METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con sesenta y cuatro personas que tenían antecedentes de alergia moderada y grave, vacunadas en CUAP, entre mayo y octubre de 2021, en el Barcelonés Nord i Maresme (provincia de Barcelona), previa valoración por farmacólogos y farmacéuticos de Atención Primaria. Se calculó el porcentaje de personas con acontecimientos adversos ocurridos tras la vacunación en el transcurso de su estancia en el CUAP, los tipos detectados y la gravedad. Posteriormente, se realizó una encuesta telefónica para conocer la satisfacción de los pacientes. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo (cálculo de proporciones). RESULTADOS: La media de edad de las personas participantes fue de 49,7 años (de doce a noventa y cuatro años) y el 90,6% fueron mujeres. El 87,5% de las vacunas administradas fue Comirnaty®. Se detectaron acontecimientos adversos ocurridos tras la vacunación en quince pacientes (23,4%), de los que en cuatro casos (6,25%) fueron manifestaciones de hipersensibilidad, todas catalogadas como leves. Los motivos de vacunación fueron antecedentes de alergia a AINE (45,3%), antibióticos (32,8%), analgésicos (17,2%), vacunas (28,1%), otras sustancias (40,6%) y anafilaxia (26,6%). El grado de satisfacción general fue de 9,11 (sobre 10). CONCLUSIONES: El porcentaje de pacientes con antecedentes de anafilaxia y reacciones alérgicas a medicamentos que presentan reacciones de hipersensibilidad a las vacunas frente a la COVID-19 es del 6,25% y todas son leves.
Assuntos
Anafilaxia , Vacinas contra COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Anafilaxia/induzido quimicamente , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Vacinas contra COVID-19/efeitos adversos , Espanha , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou maisRESUMO
Introduction: Survey breakoff is an important source of total survey error. Most studies of breakoff have been of web surveys-less is known about telephone surveys. In the past decade, the breakoff rate has increased in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the world's largest annual telephone survey. Analysis of breakoff in Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System can improve the quality of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. It will also provide evidence in research of total survey error on telephone surveys. Methods: We used data recorded as breakoff in the 2018 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We converted questions and modules to a time variable and applied Kaplan-Meier method and a proportional hazard model to estimate the conditional and cumulative probabilities of breakoff and study the potential risk factors associated with breakoff. Results: Cumulative probability of breakoffs up to the end of the core questionnaire was 7.03% in 2018 and 9.56% in 2019. The highest conditional probability of breakoffs in the core was 2.85% for the physical activity section. Cumulative probability of breakoffs up to the end of the core was higher among those states that inserted their own questions or optional modules than among those that did not in both years. The median risk ratio of breakoff among all states was 5.70 in 2018 and 3.01 in 2019. Survey breakoff was associated with the length of the questionnaire, the extent of expected recollection, and the location of questions. Conclusions: Breakoff is not an ignorable component of total survey error and should be considered in Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data analyses when variables have higher breakoff rates.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis from (meth)acrylic monomers (ACDMA) in manicure products is increasing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis, work performance impairment and sequelae of a cohort of beauticians and manicure consumers with ACDMA sensitized from the exposure to manicure products. METHODS: We conducted a telephone survey with patients diagnosed with ACDMA. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were evaluated, including 75 (70.8%) beauticians and 31 (29.2%) consumers. All were women with a mean age of 39 (19-62). Thirty-seven of 75 beauticians (49.3%) continued to work. Twenty-seven of 106 (25.5%) patients continued to use manicure products with (meth)acrylates regularly. Seventeen of 51 (33.3%) patients who discontinued the exposure described ongoing nail/periungual changes. Nine of 58 (15.5%) patients who required dental restoration, orthodontic or occlusal splint materials recalled reactions from them; and, 25 of 96 (26%) who used sanitary napkins recalled intolerance to them starting after the diagnosis of ACDMA. Fifteen of 25 (60%) discontinued the use of sanitary napkins. CONCLUSION: 49.3% beauticians continued to work; most patients stopped wearing acrylic manicure materials; reactions from dental materials were not uncommon, however, removal of dental materials was never required; and, reactions to sanitary napkins developing after the diagnosis of ACDMA were common most leading to discontinuation of use.
Assuntos
Dermatite Alérgica de Contato , Dermatite Ocupacional , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Masculino , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/diagnóstico , Acrilatos/efeitos adversos , Testes do Emplastro , Prognóstico , Materiais Dentários , Metacrilatos/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Purpose: The past few years have been difficult in the lives of most glaucoma patients in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to find out patients' perspective and disruption of their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting a telephone survey among glaucoma patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving the glaucoma patients of a tertiary eye care hospital in India. Patients who had completed at least five years of follow-up before 2020 were randomized by a random number generator. A validated (forward-backward translation and completed pilot analysis) set of 14 questionnaires was administered to the patients, the latter of whom were telephonically interviewed by one of the investigators in February 2022. The entire data was audio-recorded. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used. Results: Out of 1141 patients with >5 years of follow-up, 103 were selected by randomization. A large group of 46 patients (44.6%) admitted to glaucoma affecting their daily activities. Only 12 (11.6%) admitted to being irregular with their drops. Thirty-four (33%) patients felt that their glaucoma was deteriorating and 31 (30.1%) had fear of blindness. Ninety-five patients (92.7%) felt that they were safe under the care of the treating doctor. There were 46 (44.6%) out of 103 patients who did not turn up for follow-up for six months or more. Lockdown (36.2%) and travel-expenses (27.6%) were the two most common reasons for the loss to follow-up visits. Conclusion: Nearly half of the long-term glaucoma patients were lost to follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glaucoma affecting daily lives and fear of losing vision turned out to be significant observations in the telephone survey. This fear seemed to be ameliorated by the majority still feeling safe by being in touch with their doctor for continued care even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Glaucoma , Humanos , Qualidade de Vida , Estudos Transversais , Pandemias , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis , Glaucoma/epidemiologia , Glaucoma/terapia , TelefoneRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic caused disruption globally and was particularly distressing in low- and middle-income countries such as India. This study aimed to provide population representative estimates of COVID-related outcomes in India over time and characterize how COVID-related changes and impacts differ by key socioeconomic groups across the life course. METHODS: The sample was leveraged from an existing nationally representative study on cognition and dementia in India: Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI-DAD). The wave-1 of LASI-DAD enrolled 4096 older adults aged 60 years and older in 3316 households from 18 states and union territories of India. Out of the 3316 LASI-DAD households, 2704 with valid phone numbers were contacted and invited to participate in the Real-Time Insights COVID-19 in India (RTI COVID-India) study. RTI COVID-India was a bi-monthly phone survey that provided insight into the individual's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour towards COVID-19 and changes in the household's economic and health conditions throughout the pandemic. The survey was started in May 2020 and 9 rounds of data have been collected. FINDINGS TILL DATE: Out of the 2704 LASI-DAD households with valid phone numbers, 1766 households participated in the RTI COVID-India survey at least once. Participants were in the age range of 18-102 years, 49% were female, 66% resided in rural area. Across all rounds, there was a higher report of infection among respondents aged 60-69 years. There was a greater prevalence of COVID-19 diagnosis reported in urban (23.0%) compared to rural areas (9.8%). Respondents with higher education had a greater prevalence of COVID-19 diagnosis compared to those with lower or no formal education. Highest prevalence of COVID-19 diagnosis was reported from high economic status compared to middle and low economic status households. Comparing education gradients in experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and being diagnosed, we observe an opposite pattern: respondents with no formal schooling reported the highest level of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, whereas the greatest proportion of the respondents with secondary school or higher education reported being diagnosed with COVID-19. FUTURE PLANS: The study group will analyse the data collected showing the real-time changes throughout the pandemic and will make the data widely available for researchers to conduct further studies.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Demência , Humanos , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Masculino , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Teste para COVID-19 , Envelhecimento , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Índia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had an impact on physical activity (PA) among older adults; however, it is unclear whether this effect would be long-lasting, and there is a dearth of studies assessing the changes in barriers to performing PA among older adults before and after entering the "postpandemic era." OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the levels and barriers of PA among a random sample of community-dwelling older adults recruited during (February to April 2022) and after the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak (May to July 2022) in Hong Kong. In addition, we investigated factors associated with a low PA level among participants recruited at different time points. METHODS: This study involved two rounds of random telephone surveys. Participants were community-dwelling Chinese-speaking individuals aged 65 years or above and having a Hong Kong ID card. Household telephone numbers were randomly selected from the most updated telephone directories. Experienced interviewers carried out telephone interviews between 6 PM and 10 PM on weekdays and between 2 PM and 9 PM on Saturdays to avoid undersampling of working individuals. We called 3900 and 3840 households in the first and second round, respectively; for each round, 640 and 625 households had an eligible older adult and 395 and 370 completed the telephone survey, respectively. RESULTS: As compared to participants in the first round, fewer participants indicated a low level of PA in the second round (28.6% vs 45.9%, P<.001). Participants in the second round had higher metabolic equivalent of tasks-minutes/week (median 1707.5 vs 840, P<.001) and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA per week (median 240 vs 105, P<.001) than those in the first round. After adjustment for significant background characteristics, participants who perceived a lack of physical capacity to perform PA (first round: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.34, P=.001; second round: 2.92, P=.002) and believed that PA would cause pain and discomfort (first round: AOR 2.04, P=.02; second round: 2.82, P=.001) were more likely to have a low level of PA in both rounds. Lack of time (AOR 4.19, P=.01) and concern about COVID-19 infection during PA (AOR 1.73, P=.02) were associated with a low level of PA among participants in the first round, but not in the second round. A perceived lack of space and facility to perform PA at home (AOR 2.03, P=.02) and unable to find people to do PA with (AOR 1.80, P=.04) were associated with a low PA level in the second round, but not in the first round. CONCLUSIONS: The level of PA increased significantly among older adults after Hong Kong entered the "postpandemic era." Different factors influenced older adults' PA level during and after the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Regular monitoring of the PA level and its associated factors should be conducted to guide health promotion and policy-making.
RESUMO
Physical activity (PA) is effective in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). According to the German national treatment guidelines for T2DM, PA is recommended at all stages of the treatment process. Adults with T2DM were recruited within the cross-sectional telephone survey 'Disease knowledge and information needs-Diabetes mellitus (2017)'. Self-reported data on socio-demographic characteristics, previous and current T2DM treatment, and PA behavior were collected. Using multivariable logistic regression models, the correlation between PA treatment (referrals and recommendations) and PA was investigated. Overall, 1149 adults diagnosed with T2DM are included in the analysis. Of the participants, 66.7% reported having ever received PA as part of their T2DM treatment with 61% of the participants reporting PA treatment at the time of the initial T2DM diagnosis and 54% at the time of the interview. Women, older participants, and those with a lower educational level were less likely to have ever been treated with PA. Currently being treated with PA as part of the T2DM treatment was associated with higher rates of achieving the World Health Organization's PA recommendations (≥150 min per week) (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.42-2.68), as well as ever being treated with PA (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.20-2.38). The analyses showed that PA treatment plays a role in the treatment process of T2DM, but not all patient subgroups benefit in the same way. Efforts to increase PA treatment as part of T2DM treatment are needed, especially for those who are currently not treated with PA. Further research is needed to better understand the type of PA (e.g., structured or unstructured) undertaken by adults with T2DM to develop tailored PA interventions for adults with T2DM and for those in vulnerable subgroups.
RESUMO
<b> Introduction:</b> Burns are one of the most common injuries among children. Despite the scale of the problem, there is no generally accepted algorithm for dealing with burn wounds in children in Poland. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of our study was to evaluate our treatment scheme as well as the long-term effects of burn treatment in our department. </br></br> <b>Material and methods:</b> We conducted a telephone survey with the parents of patients treated at our ward in 01.01.2016-01.01.2021 due to thermal burns. To assess the cosmetic effect of treatment, the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) was used, as well as the evaluation of parents' satisfaction with the treatment of patients on a scale from 1 to 10. Criteria to be included were the thermal burn of the skin to at least a 2b degree and/or burns with not less than 8% of the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA), as well as answering all the questions included in the questionnaire. The inclusion criteria were met by 38 out of 97 hospitalized patients. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> 26.32% of patients achieved 0 points on the mVSS, 21.05% achieved 1 point, 15.79% achieved 2 points, 15.79% achieved 3 points, 2.63% patients received 4 points, 5.26% patients received 5 points, 5.26% patients received 7 points, 2.63% patients received 8 points, 2.63% patients received 9 points, 2.63% of patients received 10 points, none of the patients received 6 and 11 points higher. 3% of parents rated their satisfaction at 5 points, 3% of caretakers as 7 points, 8% as 8 points, 8% as 9 points, and 89% as 10 points. </br></br> <b>Discussion:</b> Our treatment algorithm brings good therapeutic effects and is also very well received by the patients' parents. In order to carry out a nationwide standardization of the treatment of childhood burn wounds, it would be necessary to conduct a similarly constructed study in a multicenter setting.
Assuntos
Queimaduras , Traumatologia , Queimaduras/cirurgia , Criança , Cicatriz , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Transplante de PeleRESUMO
Utilization of a dentist is influenced by many factors. The aim of this study is to present the factors relating to how patients become aware of a dentist, according to which criteria they select the dentist, and which factors in the infrastructure, equipment of dental offices, and human interactions are important for patients. A telephone survey with 466 participants (female 59.9%) in three age groups (ag 1: 35−50 years, ag 2: 70−84 years, ag 3: >85 years) in three German cities was conducted. Data were analyzed with respect to age, gender, and place of residence. Hardly any differences in the selection of the dentist and the selection criteria applied were found between the sexes, the age groups, or the places of residence. Recommendation seems to be the major aspect regarding how patients become aware of or select their dentist (n = 278, 65.6%), while modern technologies, e.g., the internet, play a subordinate role (n = 31, 7.3%). The unimportance of modern technologies increases significantly with the increase in age. As age increases, factors such as infrastructure (e.g., elevator available (ANOVA p < 0.001; Bonferoni correction: significant differences between ag 1 and ag 2 p < 0.001, ag 1 and ag 3 p < 0.001, and ag 2 and ag 3 p = 0.009); accessibility by wheelchair (ANOVA p < 0.001; Bonferoni correction: significant differences between ag 1 and ag 2 p = 0.006; and ag 1 and ag 3 p < 0.001); etc.) and dental office equipment become significantly important and influence the choice of dentist, while the importance of good parking facilities significantly decreased with age (ANOVA p = 0.003; Bonferoni correction: significant differences between ag 1 and ag 3 p = 0.004, and ag 2 and ag 3 p = 0.023). With increasing age, e.g., the importance of a television in the waiting room (ANOVA p = 0.012; Bonferoni correction: significant differences between ag 1 and ag 3 p = 0.014; and ag 2 and ag 3 p = 0.011), a modern waiting room (ANOVA p < 0.001; Bonferoni correction: significant differences between ag 1 and ag 3 p < 0.001; and ag 2 and ag 3 p < 0.001) or the possibility to visualize the oral situation on a screen decreases significantly (ANOVA p < 0.001; Bonferoni correction: significant differences between ag 1 and ag 2 p < 0.001; ag 1 and ag 3 p < 0.001, and ag 2 and ag 3 p < 0.001). If dentists want to welcome and treat older people, they should adapt the accessibility, infrastructure and equipment of their practice to the needs of older people in order to be able to guarantee continuous lifelong dental care regardless of the need for assistance or care.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde , Consultórios Odontológicos , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Odontólogos , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Seleção de PacientesRESUMO
Soft skills include communication skills and personality traits that are important when choosing a dentist, but other factors within the dental office also seem to be important for patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors that are important to people in a dentist as well as characteristics of the ideal dentist and to evaluate possible age-, gender-, and residence of living specific differences. A telephone survey with participants aged 35 years or older (agage group: ag 1: 35−50 years, ag 2: 70−84 years, ag 3: >85 years) in three German cities was conducted. Data were analyzed with respect to gender and age. Most of the participants (n = 298, 64.2%), regardless of their own gender, age, or place of residence did not care about the gender of the dentist. In general, the price of the treatment does not play a role in choosing the ideal dentist. Women differ significantly from men in their choice of dentist (ANOVA p < 0.001 (preference of non-smoker), ANOVA p < 0.001 (preference, that the dentist does not smell of smoke, importance of appearance (ANOVA p < 0.001) and psycho-social skills, etc.). As age increases, professional experience and psycho-social competencies are rated as important. With the increase in age, the mean value of the desired years of professional experience increases without significant differences between age groups. The importance of advanced training (ANOVA p < 0.001; Bonferoni correction: significant difference between ag 1 and ag 2 p < 0.001, and ag 1 and ag 3 p < 0.001) decreases with age. Especially for participants aged 70 to 84 years, a relationship of trust is important. Between the places of residence, statistical differences for almost all surveyed items were found (e.g., importance that the dentist speaks the patients' native language ANOVA p < 0.001, Bonferoni correction: significant difference between Berlin and Leipzig, Berlin and Mainz, and Leipzig and Mainz (each p < 0.001), dentist has a specialization ANOVA p < 0.001, Bonferoni correction: significant difference between Berlin and Leipzig and Berlin and Mainz (each p < 0.001), etc.). Dentists should be trained to develop psycho-social skills to meet the special demands of the increasing older population.
Assuntos
Relações Dentista-Paciente , Odontólogos , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Berlim , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is effective and safe for older adults. This study investigated facilitators and barriers to take up a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose among older adults in Hong Kong. Participants were Chinese-speaking community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Telephone numbers were randomly selected from up-to-date telephone directories. A total of 395 participants completed the telephone interview. Logistic regression models were fitted. Among the participants, 31.6% received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. After adjustment for significant background characteristics, positive attitudes toward the booster dose, perceiving significant others would support them to receive the booster dose, and less uncertainty regarding the choice of the booster dose was associated with higher uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Concerns about poorer responses to the booster dose due to older age and the presence of chronic conditions were negatively associated with the dependent variable. In addition, the belief that governmental promotional materials could address their concern and were helpful for them to make decisions was associated with a higher COVID-19 vaccine booster dose uptake. Improving booster dose health promotion materials, modifying perceptions, involving significant others and reducing uncertainty are potentially useful strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine booster dose uptake among older adults.
RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-reported risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in the municipality of Thessaly, Greece, and the level of awareness of both the disease and its diagnosis. Inhabitants of Thessaly (254 total; 84 men and 170 women) were studied by means of questionnaires via a telephone-randomized survey. This comprised: (a) the Berlin questionnaire for evaluation of OSAS risk; (b) the evaluation of daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale; and (c) demographic and anthropometric data. The percentage of participants at high risk for OSA was 26.77%, and the percentage of people who were at high risk of excessive daytime sleepiness was 10.63%. High risk for OSAS was found to be 3.94%. No significant differences were found between high- and low-risk OSAS participants associated with age, smoking and severity of smoking. Regarding the knowledge of the community about OSAS, the majority of the sample was aware of the entity (64.17%), while fewer had knowledge about the diagnosis (18.50%) and polysomnography (24.80%). The high risk of OSA prevalence and the low awareness of the diagnosis of OSA highlights the need for the development of health promotion programs aiming at increasing the disease awareness in the general population in order to address OSA more effectively.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Due to the discreet and private nature of HIV self-testing (HIVST), it is particularly challenging to monitor and assess the impacts of this testing strategy. To overcome this challenge, we conducted a study in Côte d'Ivoire to characterize the profile of end users of HIVST kits distributed through the ATLAS project (AutoTest VIH, Libre d'Accéder à la connaissance de son Statut). Feasibility was assessed using a pilot phone-based survey. METHODS: The ATLAS project aims to distribute 221300 HIVST kits in Côte d'Ivoire from 2019 to 2021 through both primary (e.g., direct distribution to primary users) and secondary distribution (e.g., for partner testing). The pilot survey used a passive recruitment strategy-whereby participants voluntarily called a toll-free survey phone number-to enrol participants. The survey was promoted through a sticker on the HIVST instruction leaflet and hotline invitations and informal promotion by HIVST kit-dispensing agents. Importantly, participation was not financially incentivized, even though surveys focussed on key populations usually use incentives in this context. RESULTS: After a 7-month period in which 25,000 HIVST kits were distributed, only 42 questionnaires were completed. Nevertheless, the survey collected data from users receiving HIVST kits via both primary and secondary distribution (69% and 31%, respectively). CONCLUSION: This paper provides guidance on how to improve the design of future surveys of this type. It discusses the need to financial incentivize participation, to reorganize the questionnaire, the importance of better informing and training stakeholders involved in the distribution of HIVST, and the use of flyers to increase the enrolment of users reached through secondary distribution.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Missed appointments are a major health issue in the healthcare systems globally. They directly impact on the use of hospital resources, patient's health, and can lead to patient's dissatisfaction. This study was conducted to assess the reasons for missing a hospital appointment. METHODS: A survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of patients who missed their outpatient appointment in Royal hospital, Sultanate of Oman, from March to April 2021 in six clinics. Patients were interviewed via telephone to answer a structured survey. In addition, a self-administered survey was distributed to medical staff to explore their perspectives. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty patients and 52 medical staff participated in the study. Frequent patient-reported reasons for missed appointment were transportation difficulties (11.4%), no longer needing (7.5%), or forgetting the appointment (6.8%); staff-reported reasons were transportation (23.8%), no SMS received (16.9%), and forgetting the appointment (15.4%). Frequencies of reasons varied substantially between clinics. Family obligations were the main theme in obstetrics (odds ratio [OR] 9.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.66-33.78) and in diabetes clinic (OR 10.55; 95% CI 2.68-38.58), where transportation issue was the main theme in Oncology clinic (OR 4.83; 95% CI 1.11-21.02). The recommendations for improvement were mainly around improving the reminder system, the use of telephone reminders, and developing a flexible appointment scheduling system. CONCLUSION: Knowing the reasons for missed appointment from patients and health professionals can help to develop effective interventions. The heterogeneity between clinics in reasons for missed appointment indicates for interventions tailored to clinic and frequent reasons.