Perception and satisfaction of blind individuals regarding an electronic cane prototype with a wearable haptic device

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the perception and degree of satisfaction of blind individuals regarding an electronic cane prototype with a wearable haptic interface. Methods: Two scenarios with different obstacles were created to conduct tests with the canes (the user's cane and the prototype one). The perception and satisfaction of participants regarding the electronic cane were assessed using a questionnaire, the number of collisions during the tests, and the time each individual took to complete the course in each scenario. Results: Ten blind individuals who used the white cane participated in this study. Eight were males, and two were females. Their age ranged from 23 to 43 (average 32.3 ± 7.13 years and median 32 years). There was a tendency for fewer collisions with ground obstacles when the electronic cane was used than when the white cane was used. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the number of collisions and the course completion time in each scenario with either canes tested. Conclusion: Overall, the perception and satisfaction of individuals regarding the prototype used were positive.

A satisfação da grávida com os cuidados das enfermeiras obstétricas durante a pandemia COVID-19 / Pregnant women's satisfaction with the care provided by nurse midwives during the COVID-19 pandemic / Satisfacción de las embarazadas con la atención de las enfermeras obstétricas durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Resumo Enquadramento: Em tempo de pandemia, as consultas de enfermagem de vigilância da gravidez sofreram alterações, nomeadamente na restrição de acompanhantes. Por esse motivo, é importante a avaliação da satisfação das grávidas com a assistência de enfermagem durante este contexto pandémico. Objetivo: Avaliar a satisfação da grávida com a assistência das enfermeiras obstétricas nas consultas de vigilância da gravidez durante o contexto de pandemia COVID-19. Metodologia: Estudo transversal descritivo de natureza quantitativa, com uma amostra de 196 grávidas. Aplicado a Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com a Assistência de Enfermagem (General Practice Nurse Satisfaction Scale - GPNS), constituída pelas dimensões: relacionamento interpessoal e comunicação, confiança, credibilidade e dedicação. Resultados: As grávidas apresentam-se em média mais satisfeitas na dimensão relacionamento interpessoal e comunicação e menos satisfeitas na dimensão dedicação. Conclusão: As grávidas apresentam-se satisfeitas com a assistência de enfermagem percecionando a sua importância. Tal reforça a pertinência das consultas serem realizadas por um Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem de Saúde Materna e Obstétrica.

Abstract Background: Prenatal nursing appointments underwent changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely in the restriction of companions. For this reason, it is important to assess pregnant women's satisfaction with nursing care during this period. Objective: To assess pregnant women's satisfaction with nurse midwife-led prenatal appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 196 pregnant women. The Portuguese version of the General Practice Nurse Satisfaction Scale (Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com a Assistência de Enfermagem) was administered to the sample. The tool consists of the following dimensions: interpersonal relationship and communication, confidence, credibility, and dedication. Results: Pregnant women are, on average, more satisfied in the interpersonal relationship and communication dimension and less satisfied in the dedication dimension. Conclusion: Pregnant women are satisfied with nursing care and acknowledge its importance. This finding reinforces the importance of nurse midwife-led consultations.

Resumen Marco contextual: En tiempos de pandemia, las citas de enfermería para el seguimiento del embarazo cambiaron, sobre todo la restricción de acompañantes. Por esta razón, es importante evaluar la satisfacción de las mujeres embarazadas con los cuidados de enfermería durante este contexto pandémico. Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción de las mujeres embarazadas con la atención prestada por las enfermeras obstétricas en las consultas de seguimiento del embarazo durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de carácter cuantitativo, con una muestra de 196 mujeres embarazadas. Se aplicó la Escala de Satisfacción de los Pacientes con Asistencia de Enfermería (General Practice Nurse Satisfaction Scale - GPNS), compuesta por las siguientes dimensiones: relaciones interpersonales y comunicación, confianza, credibilidad y dedicación. Resultados: Las mujeres embarazadas están, de media, más satisfechas en la dimensión relaciones interpersonales y comunicación, y menos satisfechas en la dimensión dedicación. Conclusión: Las embarazadas se mostraron satisfechas con los cuidados de enfermería y se dieron cuenta de su importancia. Esto refuerza la pertinencia de que las consultas sean realizadas por una enfermera especializada en Enfermería de Salud Materna y Obstétrica.

Use of geometry and featural cues in landmark configurations to reorient DCD children to the VR space: A route-learning study / Uso de señales geométricas y caracterológicas en configuraciones de puntos de referencia para reorientar a los niños con TDC hacia el espacio de realidad virtual: Un estudio de aprendizaje de rutas

Abstract Background: Working memory-based spatial cognition has attracted the attention of the scientific community in navigation and reorientation projects. The dominant approach considers that spontaneous spatial navigation behavior is based merely on environmental geometry (built and natural environmental objects). In this domain, DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) motor skill orientation problems have been frequently associated with poor visuospatial cognition, while immersive VR environments encourage more repetition, allowing for faster motor skill development and recovery. Objective: This pilot study tested the functionality of an immersive VR environment with environmental geometry (rectangular arena rich in symmetry) and featural landmark cues (striped wall, flora) as a route-learning tool for children with motor skill disorders. Methods: Forty DCD children aged 5 to 8 years (20 boys and 20 girls); five (5) 3D reality modeling setups with orthogonality, symmetry, and striped walls as design parameters; and trial walk-through coordination exercises using a predefined visual pathway with different motor control conditions (daylight, darkness). Participants' path completion rate, path completion time, and walk-through satisfaction were recorded as route-learning performance variables and analyzed statistically. Results/findings: DCD children's spatial orientation was statistically shown to be more stable and robust (in path completion rates, termination time, and walk-through level of satisfaction) in a virtual 3D environment rich in orthogonality, symmetry, and featural cues as landmarks. In this compound environmental geometry setup, training functionality and immersive learning performance enjoyed an 8.16% better path completion rate, a 12.37% reduction in path completion time, and 32.10% more walk-through satisfaction than reality modeling setups poor in geometry and landmarks. The effectiveness and robustness were validated statistically. Conclusion: Children with motor skill difficulties train and learn better in virtual 3D environments that are rich in orthogonality, symmetry, and featural landmark cues.

Resumen Antecedentes: La cognición espacial basada en la memoria de trabajo ha atraído la atención de la comunidad científica en proyectos de navegación y reorientación. El enfoque dominante considera que el comportamiento espontáneo de navegación espacial se basa meramente en la geometría ambiental (objetos ambientales construidos y naturales). En este ámbito, los problemas de orientación de las habilidades motoras del TDC (Trastorno del Desarrollo de la Coordinación) se han asociado con frecuencia a una cognición visoespacial deficiente, mientras que los entornos de RV (Realidad Virtual) inmersivos fomentan una mayor repetición, lo que permite un desarrollo y una recuperación más rápidos de las habilidades motoras. Objetivo: Este estudio piloto probó la funcionalidad de un entorno de RV inmersiva con geometría ambiental (arena rectangular rica en simetría) y señales de puntos de referencia característicos (pared rayada, flora) como herramienta de aprendizaje de rutas para niños con trastornos de la habilidad motora. Métodos: Cuarenta niños con TDC de entre 5 y 8 años (20 niños y 20 niñas); cinco (5) configuraciones de modelado de realidad 3D con ortogonalidad, simetría y paredes rayadas como parámetros de diseño; y ejercicios de coordinación de recorrido de prueba utilizando una ruta visual predefinida con diferentes condiciones de control motor (luz diurna, oscuridad). Se registraron la tasa de finalización del recorrido, el tiempo de finalización del recorrido y el grado de satisfacción de los participantes como variables de rendimiento del aprendizaje de recorridos y se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: Se demostró estadísticamente que la orientación espacial de los niños con TDC era más estable y robusta (en tasas de finalización del camino, tiempo de finalización y nivel de satisfacción del recorrido) en un entorno 3D virtual rico en ortogonalidad, simetría y señales de características como puntos de referencia. En esta configuración de geometría ambiental compuesta, la funcionalidad del entrenamiento y el rendimiento del aprendizaje inmersivo disfrutaron de un 8,16% más de tasa de finalización de ruta, una reducción del 12,37% en el tiempo de finalización de ruta y un 32,10% más de satisfacción de recorrido que las configuraciones de modelado de realidad pobres en geometría y puntos de referencia. La eficacia y la solidez se validaron estadísticamente. Conclusiones: Los niños con dificultades motrices entrenan y aprenden mejor en entornos virtuales 3D ricos en ortogonalidad, simetría y puntos de referencia característicos.

(Dis)satisfaction With Body Image, Lifestyles and Life Satisfaction in Higher Education Students / (In)satisfacción con la imagen corporal, estilos de vida y satisfacción con la vida en estudiantes de enseñanza superior

Abstract Objective: Body image is a predictor of physical, psychological, and social health. Therefore, it can be an indicator for detecting health problems, to be used in the context of higher education. The aim of this study was to assess body image satisfaction in higher education students and to determine whether body image dissatisfaction is related to lifestyle behaviours and life satisfaction. Methodology: This study included 166 Portuguese higher education students. Body image was assessed using the Figure Rating Scale. Active choices during everyday life were assessed using the Active Choice Index. The questionnaire also included questions about sleep behaviour and tobacco and alcohol consumption. Satisfaction with Life was assessed using a five-item scale previously adapted for the Portuguese population. Results: There was a predominance of boys dissatisfied with thinness (26.10%), while the majority of girls revealed that they were dissatisfied due to being overweight (55.70%). The results indicate statistically significant differences between boys and girls in terms of body image categories (p<0.001). However, when we analysed the behaviours separately according to gender, there were no differences. Active behaviours, as well as the other health behaviours analysed (hours of sleep per week and alcohol and tobacco consumption) did not differ between the different levels of body image satisfaction (p>0.05). Conclusion: Most of the students are dissatisfied with their body image, with the majority of girls showing dissatisfaction due to being overweight. Lifestyles and life satisfaction do not differ between students who are satisfied and those who are dissatisfied with their body image.

Resumen Objetivo: La imagen corporal es un factor predictivo de la salud psicológica, física y social. Por lo tanto, puede ser un indicador para detectar problemas de salud, para utilizar en el contexto de la educación superior. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la satisfacción con la imagen corporal en estudiantes de enseñanza superior y determinar si la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal está relacionada con los comportamientos de estilo de vida y la satisfacción con la vida. Metodología: En este estudio participaron 166 estudiantes portugueses de enseñanza superior. La imagen corporal se evaluó mediante la escala Figure Rating Scale. Las elecciones activas durante la vida cotidiana se evaluaron mediante el Active Choice Index. El cuestionario también incluía preguntas sobre el comportamiento durante el sueño y el consumo de tabaco y alcohol. La satisfacción con la vida se evaluó mediante una escala de cinco ítems previamente adaptada a la población portuguesa. Resultados: Predominaron los chicos insatisfechos por delgadez (26.10%), mientras que la mayoría de las chicas revelaron estar insatisfechas por sobrepeso (55.70%). Los resultados indican diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre chicos y chicas en cuanto a las categorías de imagen corporal (p<0.001). Sin embargo, al analizar los comportamientos por separado en función del sexo, no se observaron diferencias. Las conductas activas, así como las demás conductas de salud analizadas (horas de sueño semanales y consumo de alcohol y tabaco) no difirieron entre los distintos niveles de satisfacción con la imagen corporal (p>0.05). Conclusiones: La mayoría de los estudiantes están insatisfechos con su imagen corporal, siendo mayoritaria la insatisfacción de las chicas por sobrepeso. Los estilos de vida y la satisfacción vital no difieren entre los alumnos satisfechos y los insatisfechos con su imagen corporal.

Relaciones entre apoyo social, salud autopercibida y satisfacción vital: una comparación entre estudiantes universitarios heterosexuales y LGB+ en Chile / Relationships between social support, self-perceived health, and life satisfaction: A comparison between heterosexual and LGB+ university students in Chile

Resumen Introducción: Existe un creciente interés en la relación entre la orientación sexual de una persona y su bienestar subjetivo, por el vínculo de dicha orientación con diversas esferas de la vida, como apoyo social, salud y satisfacción vital. Sin embargo, la investigación sobre la relación entre estas variables en función de la orientación sexual es escasa en población universitaria. Este estudio examina la asociación entre el apoyo de familia, amistades y otras personas con la satisfacción vital, de forma directa y mediada por la salud autopercibida; se comparan estas relaciones en estudiantes universitarios heterosexuales y lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y de otras orientaciones no heterosexuales (LGB+) en Chile. Método: La muestra (n = 525) respondió un cuestionario en línea con preguntas sociodemográficas, sobre apoyo social percibido, salud autopercibida y satisfacción vital. Los datos se analizaron utilizando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales y análisis multigrupo. Resultados: El apoyo familiar se asoció positivamente con la satisfacción vital, directamente y mediado por la salud autopercibida, tanto en estudiantes heterosexuales como LGB+; el apoyo de amigos y de otras personas mostró asociaciones diferenciadas por orientación sexual. Sin embargo, este modelo fue estadísticamente similar para ambos grupos. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos destacan la relevancia de distintos tipos de apoyo social en la satisfacción vital de estudiantes universitarios según su orientación sexual.

Abstract Introduction: The literature shows an increasing interest in the relationship between individuals' sexual orientation and their subjective well-being, linking the former to various spheres of life, such as social support, health, and life satisfaction. However, research on the impact of sexual orientation in the relationship between subjective well-being variables is scarce in the university population. This study examined the associations between support from family, friends and other people with life satisfaction, directly and mediated by self-perceived health, comparing these relationships in heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual and other non-heterosexual (LGB+) university students in Chile. Method: The sample (n = 525) answered an online questionnaire with sociodemographic questions about perceived social support, self-perceived health, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis. Results: Family support was positively associated with life satisfaction, directly and mediated by self-perceived health, in both heterosexual and LGB+ students; support from friends and others showed differential associations by sexual orientation. However, the proposed model was statistically similar for both groups. Conclusion: These findings highlight the relevance of different types of support on the life satisfaction of university students according to their sexual orientation.

Organizational climate, job satisfaction and burnout in the administrative staff at the Daniel Alcides Carrión National University / Clima organizacional, satisfacción laboral y burnout en el personal administrativo en la universidad nacional daniel alcides carrión

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the correlation between the organizational climate, job satisfaction and burnout in the administrative staff of the Daniel Alcides Carrión National University. Methodology: The research was designed as a quantitative study applied with a correlational approach. A cross-sectional non-experimental design was used, since the measurements of the variables were made at a single time. The study population corresponded to a total of430 employees of the Daniel Alcides Carrión National University, which is why a simple random sampling was applied, with a confidence level of 95 % and a margin of error of 5 %, which allowed to determine a sample of 157 employees. For data collection, the survey technique was applied, therefore, three questionnaires were designed as instruments, one for each variable, with a Likert-type response scale. In the case of the Organizational Climate variable, this was based on three dimensions, namely: a) Recognition, b) Teamwork and c) Innovation, which helped to configure a total of 15 items to be evaluated. For the Job Satisfaction variable, it was based on three dimensions, which were: a) Job satisfaction, b) Satisfaction with remuneration and c) Satisfaction with the physical environment, constituting in turn 15 items to be evaluated, while for the Burnout variable, three dimensions were considered: a) Personal exhaustion, b) Depersonalization and c) Demotivation, for a total of 15 items to be evaluated. The questionnaires were subjected to a validity process according to the opinion of experts, who considered that they were suitable in their construction for application, in addition a pilot test was applied with a sample of 85participants, who were not part of the one included in the study, which allowed to determine that these instruments had an internal consistency of Cronbachs Alpha of0.97, 0.95 and 0.89 for the organizational climate, job satisfaction and burnout variables respectively. The data were systematized in an Excel spreadsheet to perform the descriptive statistical analysis, using measures of central tendency to check the frequency and behavior of the variables. Then, the SPSS version 22 program was used to perform inferential statistical calculations. the distribution of the normality of the data was statistically verified using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, since the number of the sample was greater than fifty. For the determination of the correlation between the variables, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used, because the sample presented a non-normal distribution. The significance of the correlation was established by a level of p<0.05 for hypothesis testing. Results: The results showed that between the Organizational climate variable and the Recognition dimension there is an average level of satisfaction (61.14 %), 35.67 % showed a high level of satisfaction and 3.19 % a very high level of satisfaction. Between the Organizational climate and the Teamwork dimension, a result of 2.23 was obtained, which indicates a perception that there is good teamwork. Regarding the Organizational climate and Innovation, it was found that 52.23 % of employees almost alwaysfeel stimulated to innovate, 33.12 % always feel motivated to innovate and 14.6 5 % sometimes feel that motivation. With respect to the variable Job Satisfaction and the dimension satisfaction with work, it was obtained that 60.5 % feel indifferent with respect to job satisfaction and 39.5 % are satisfied. For the Satisfaction with Remuneration dimension, 36.4 % of employees feel indifferent about their remuneration, 39.8 % feel satisfied and 13.1 % feel very satisfied with their remuneration. Regarding the dimension Satisfaction with the physical environment, 38.8 % declared themselves indifferent with respect to this dimension, 23.2 %o feel satisfied and 0.8 % of the samplefeel very satisfied with the physical environment. With respect to the Burnout variable and the Personal exhaustion dimension, 47.13 % of the employees presented a high level of personal burnout, 33.12 % revealed to have an average level of burnout and 19.75% showed a very high level of burnout. As for the aspect of Depersonalization, the results showed that the majority represented by 85.35% has a very high level of depersonalization, only 0.64 % presented a high level of depersonalization and 14.01 % presented an average level of depersonalization. As for the Demotivation dimension, it was obtained that 30.57 % of employees showed an average level of demotivation, while 69.43 % of workers showed a high level. Finally, the results revealed a positive and significant correlation (Spearman's Rho = 0.299) between organizational climate and job satisfaction. Likewise, a weak negative correlation (-0.153) was observed between organizational climate and burnout. In relation to the organizational climate and burnout variables, a weak negative correlation was observed with a coefficient of-0.153. While for the variables job satisfaction and burnout, a correlation coefficient of-0.024 was observed very close to zero. Conclusion: There is a positive and significant correlation between organizational climate and job satisfaction, and a negative and significant correlation between organizational climate and burnout, suggesting that a better organizational climate is associated with higher satisfaction and lower burnout in workers. This relationship highlights the importance of promoting a positive and conducive work environment to improve the job satisfaction of administrative staff. The need to focus on recognition as an essential component to promote greater job satisfaction is highlighted, it is also observed that teamwork and innovation are key aspects that contribute to the favorable organizational climate at the university. These conclusions emphasize the importance of implementing policies and practices that promote recognition, teamwork and the promotion of innovation as strategies to improve job satisfaction and prevent burnout in administrative staff. It is also highlighted that at higher levels of organizational climate, lower levels of administrative staff are observed, which is why it is important to create a healthy work environment and support the emotional well-being of employees to prevent job burnout. Ultimately, the relationship between organizational climate, job satisfaction and burnout are a multidimensional dynamic that requires a holistic approach. By continuing to research and apply effective approaches to improving the work climate, organizations can cultivate an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and able to contribute meaningfully. Doingso will not only benefit the workers and the organization, but also set a higher standardfor well-being in the overall work environment.

Fatores clínicos do bem-estar de mulheres em parturição: perspectivas deontológicas e da bioética principialista / Clinical factors of women in labor well-being: deontological and bioethical principlism perspectives / Factores clínicos del bienestar de la mujer en trabajo de parto: perspectivas deontológicas y de la bioética principialista

Objetivo: avaliar os fatores clínicos associados ao bem-estar das mulheres durante o trabalho de parto e parto à luz da bioética principialista e da deontologia. Método: estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram 396 puérperas internadas em um hospital municipal do sudoeste da Bahia, e os dados foram coletados no período de janeiro a maio de 2023, após aprovação do comitê de ética em pesquisa. Os dados foram organizados no software Excel e analisados via SPSS v.25. a partir da regressão logística multinomial. Resultados: a maior parte da amostra apresentou bem-estar com assistência em saúde, mulheres que tiveram parto realizado por profissionais não médicos apresentaram mais chances de níveis de bem-estar "adequado". E mulheres que não tiveram a via de parto cesárea apresentaram aumento de chances de bem-estar. Conclusão: é necessário que os profissionais reflitam sobre suas ações, condicionando-as à humanização no parto, em observância aos princípios bioéticos.

Objective: to evaluate the clinical factors associated with women's well-being during labor and delivery in the light of bioethics principlism and deontology. Method: a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted. It involved 396 postpartum women admitted to a municipal hospital in the southwest of Bahia. Data were collected from January to May 2023, after approval from the research ethics committee. The data were tabulated using Excel software and analyzed using SPSS v.25 through Multinomial Logistic Regression. Results: majority of the sample exhibited well-being with health care assistance. Women who underwent delivery performed by non-medical professionals showed higher chances of "adequate" levels of well-being. Additionally, women who did not undergo cesarean delivery showed increased chances of well-being. Conclusion: It is necessary for professionals to reflect on their actions, conditioning them to the humanization of childbirth, according to bioethical principles.

Objetivo: evaluar los factores clínicos asociados al bienestar de la mujer durante el trabajo de parto y parto a la luz de la bioética y la deontología principialista. Método: estudio transversal con enfoque cuantitativo. Incluyó 396 puérperas ingresadas en un hospital municipal del suroeste de Bahía. Recolección de datos de enero a mayo de 2023, con aprobación del comité de ética en investigación. Los datos se tabularon en el software Excel y se analizaron mediante SPSS v.25. utilizando regresión logística multinomial. Resultados: la mayoría de las participantes de la muestra presentó bienestar con la atención para la salud; las que tuvieron partos realizados por profesionales no médicos tenían más probabilidades de tener niveles "adecuados" de bienestar; las que no tuvieron parto por cesárea tenían mayores probabilidades de tener bienestar. Conclusión: es necesario que los profesionales reflexionen sobre sus acciones y las adecuen para humanizar el parto, respetando los principios bioéticos.

[Preliminary Study on the Relationship Between Organizational Climate, Leadership Style, and Job Satisfaction in the Context of Nurse Practitioners].

BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction in nurse practitioners is influenced by the level of autonomy and empowerment they perceive within their practice environment. Little in-depth research has been done to explore the relationship among organizational climate, leadership style, and job satisfaction in the context of nurse practitioners. PURPOSE: This study was developed to explore the relationship among organizational climate, leadership style, and job satisfaction in nurse practitioners with the goal of enhancing their job satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational approach and snowball sampling method were employed to recruit 400 qualified nurse practitioners to complete an online survey. This survey was a structured questionnaire consisting of the Practice Organizational Climate Scale, Leadership Style Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale. Statistical analyses used included the independent t test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Most of the participants were 31 to 50 years old. A significant and positive correlation was identified among overall organizational climate, leadership style, and job satisfaction. In terms of organizational climate components, only professional visibility was not found to significantly correlate with job satisfaction. Transformational leadership, servant leadership, independent work, and relationships with support and management departments collectively explained nearly 72.4% of overall job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings demonstrate job satisfaction in nurse practitioners to be significantly influenced by organizational climate and leadership style. Thus, fostering a positive organizational climate and enhancing transformational and servant leadership styles may be expected to improve job satisfaction in this group substantively. Therefore, it is recommended healthcare institutions focus on improving the organizational climate, providing more autonomy and support, and enhancing leadership training for supervisors with the goal of increasing overall job satisfaction and retention rates among nurse practitioners.

Psychological outcomes of dementia risk estimation in MCI patients: Results from the PreDADQoL project.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the impact of biomarker-based dementia risk estimation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their care partners is critical for patient care. METHODS: MCI patients and study partners were counseled on Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker and dementia risk was disclosed. Data on mood, quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction with life (SwL) were obtained 1 week and 3 months after disclosure. RESULTS: Seventy-six dyads were enrolled, and two-thirds of the patients opted for biomarker testing. None of the participants experienced clinically relevant depression or anxiety after disclosure. All dyads reported moderate to high QoL and SwL throughout the study. Patients reported more subthreshold depressive symptoms 1 week and lower QoL and SwL 3 months after disclosure. In patients, depression (odds ratio [OR]: 0.76) and anxiety (OR: 0.81) were significant predictors for the decision against biomarker testing. DISCUSSION: No major psychological harm is to be expected in MCI patients and care partners after dementia risk disclosure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the German clinical trials register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS): http://www.drks.de/DRKS00011155, DRKS registration number: DRKS00011155, date of registration: 18.08.2017. HIGHLIGHTS: Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and study partners were counseled on Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker-based dementia risk estimation. About two-thirds of patients opted for biomarker testing and received their dementia risk based on their AD biomarker status. Patients who decided in favor or against CSF biomarker testing differed in psychological features. We did not observe major psychological harm after the dementia risk disclosure. Coping strategies were associated with better subsequent mood and well-being in all participants.

Chinese American Pain Experience Project (CAPE): Perceptions, Expectations, and Attitudes on Pain Management among Chinese American Postoperative Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Chinese Americans are one of the fastest growing racial and ethnic groups and represent the largest subgroup of the Asian American population in the US and in New York City (NYC) where they number 573,528 in 2021. Despite their numbers, current pain perceptions, expectations, and attitudes of Chinese Americans remains poorly understood, especially as related to postoperative pain. OBJECTIVE: A better understanding of pain experience among Chinese American patients is needed to inform strategies on improving pain management satisfaction. METHODS: A total of 27 Chinese American postoperative patients from a NYC health system were recruited for face-to-face surveys and interviews with a trained bilingual and bicultural Community Health Worker. Questions from the Survey on Disparities in Quality of Healthcare and Kleinman's Explanatory Model of Illness were integrated into the survey and topic guide. Topics of discussion included satisfaction with healthcare and pain management during hospital stay and health beliefs and practices. RESULTS: More than half of participants experienced language challenges that made it difficult to communicate with healthcare staff. In general, high levels of satisfaction with pain management were reported; however, participants reported feeling less comfortable asking healthcare teams questions. Common themes across interviews included: (1) pain was an expected outcome of the procedure and was thus perceived as tolerable; (2) the wish to not be a burden to others; (3) concerns about side effects of pain medications; and (4) a cultural and language mismatch between healthcare teams and patients on words being used to elicit pain and discomfort. CONCLUSION: Our project findings can inform pain management strategies and tools to serve the Chinese American patient population.

Investigation of Expectations and Satisfaction After Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the first mixed-methods analysis of patient expectations and satisfaction after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews of subjects undergoing ESS were performed to understand pre-operative expectations and 6-month post-operative satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and mediation analyses were performed. Quantitative questions were followed by qualitative probes for subjects to expand on quantitative answers. Study sample size was determined by thematic saturation based on qualitative responses. Data visualization was used to triangulate quantitative and qualitative data wherein themes emerged. RESULTS: A total of 52 participants were included in the mixed-method analysis, and 110 were included in the mediation analysis. 56% of participants were male, with an average age of 55.7 (SD ± 2.18). Mean change in SNOT-22 was 20.8 (SD ± 3.74), and 25% of participants did not achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Of the participants who did not achieve MCID, 79% would still choose to have sinus surgery again. Qualitative interviews revealed multiple preliminary categories describing the patient experience with ESS. Regression analysis showed that the most important predictor of satisfaction was whether pre-operative expectations were met (OR = 3.8, p < 0.001). In mediation analysis, the effect of the clinical outcome on patient satisfaction was completely mediated by pre-operative expectations (indirect effect p = 0.009, direct effect p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: Patient expectations and satisfaction are important yet understudied measures in CRS and ESS. In ESS, satisfaction with outcome is driven by the fulfillment of pre-operative expectations. Aligning such expectations is the most important intervention a sinus surgeon can perform to maximize success. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Peruvian Adolescent Mental Health Across Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Four Time-Point Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated symptoms of anxiety and depression, feelings of loneliness, and life satisfaction among low-to-middle income Peruvian adolescents during 2 years of remote schooling due to the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: We used a four-wave longitudinal observational approach. Data were collected in April 2020, October 2020, June 2021, and November 2021 in Perú. A total of 2,392 adolescents (ages 10-15; 57% female) participated in the study. We described longitudinal changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression, feelings of loneliness, and life satisfaction across the four time points and investigated sex and school grade differences. RESULTS: Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness increased, and life satisfaction decreased over the course of 2 years of remote education. The rate of change was different for each outcome of well-being. We found robust sex differences for all outcomes. In addition, we found school grade differences for anxiety and depression. DISCUSSION: The mental health and well-being of Peruvian adolescents, particularly female adolescents, declined during 2 years of remote education, despite loosening of other pandemic restrictions. Depression appears to have the earliest impacts, with anxiety levels showing even some improvement for male adolescents. School grade differences in levels of anxiety and depression for seventh and eighth graders in 2020 and 2021 provide initial evidence to disentangle pandemic from developmental effects.

Discrepancies in perceptions of PTSD symptoms among veteran couples: Links to poorer relationship and individual functioning.

Veteran and intimate partner perceptions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may differ, and little is known about how agreement or disagreement on symptom severity is related to relationship satisfaction. Veterans and their partners (N = 199 couples) completed a baseline assessment for a clinical trial evaluating two couple-based PTSD interventions. Veterans completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Partners completed the collateral PCL-5 (PCL-5-C), which asked them to rate the severity of the veteran's PTSD symptoms. Both partner and veteran completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Intraclass correlations (ICC) assessed agreement between PCL-5 and PCL-5-C total and subscale scores, which was low for total PCL and for all subscales (ICC = 0.15-0.46). Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs; actor-only pattern) tested associations between relationship satisfaction and PTSD symptom severity (total PCL and subscales), and the magnitude and direction of difference between PCL-5 and PCL-5-C (total and subscales). For veterans, more severe total PTSD and negative cognition/mood scores were associated with lower relationship satisfaction, and the direction of discrepancy for negative cognition/mood (i.e., higher veteran-rated PTSD symptoms relative to partner's collateral report) was also associated with lower satisfaction. For partners, more severe collateral-reported symptoms for total PTSD and all four subscales were associated with lower relationship satisfaction; further, a larger discrepancy between veterans' and partners' reports of total PTSD, negative cognition/mood, and hyperarousal were associated with lower satisfaction. These results suggest that partners may have different perceptions of PTSD symptoms, and support the potential of fostering a shared understanding of PTSD symptom severity in couples.

Routine vaginal examination to assess labour progress at 8 compared to 4 h after early amniotomy following Foley balloon ripening in the labor induction of nulliparas: A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to compare the performance of the first vaginal examination at 8 versus 4 h after amniotomy following Foley ripening in nulliparous labor induction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 2021 to January 2022. 210 nulliparas at term for labor induction were randomized: 105 each to first vaginal examination at 8 or 4 h after Foley balloon ripening and amniotomy. Titrated oxytocin infusion was routinely commenced after amniotomy to expedite labor. Primary outcomes were the amniotomy-to-delivery interval (non-inferiority hypothesis) and maternal satisfaction with their allocated labor care (superiority hypothesis) within 24 h after delivery. Analyses performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-squared test as appropriate. RESULTS: The amniotomy-to-delivery interval was mean ± standard deviation 8.7 ± 3.4 versus 8.4 ± 3.7, mean difference 0.4 (97.5% CI: -0.7 to 1.5) hours, p = 0.442 within the pre-specified 2-hour non-inferiority margin, and maternal satisfaction score with allocated labor care was median [interquartile range] 8[7.5-10] versus 8[7.0-10], p = 0.248 for 8 versus 4 h arms, respectively. The amniotomy to first vaginal examination intervals was 5.9 ± 2.3 versus 3.6 ± 1.0 h, p < 0.001, and the number of vaginal examinations was 2[1-2.5] versus 3 [2, 3], p < 0.001 for 8 versus 4 h, respectively. The first vaginal examination was less likely to have been performed as scheduled, more likely to be indicated by the urge to bear down, and non-reassuring cardiotocography for the 8 h arm (p < 0.001). Spontaneous vaginal delivery was significantly more likely and instrumental vaginal delivery less likely, but cesarean rate was not significantly different for the 8 h arm (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: A routine first vaginal examination at 8 h compared to 4 h is non-inferior for the time to birth but does not increase maternal satisfaction although the number of vaginal examinations is fewer. The increase in spontaneous vaginal delivery and reduction in instrumental vaginal delivery rates warrant further powered primary evaluation.

Empowering Expecting Mothers: The Impact of Antenatal Classes on Child Birth Experience.

Introduction Antenatal education is one of the ways to increase a woman's knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, which could improve self-efficacy during labor, making the expecting mothers well-prepared for labor and nursing. One of the ways for its delivery could be via well-structured antenatal classes. Such classes are part of many countries' healthcare systems and have proven to decline maternal anxiety, shorten labor, increase partner involvement, and overall improve labor experience. However, at the same time, such classes can augment more interventions in labor, induction of labor, and epidural usage. Despite the heterogeneous results of their effect, the high demands of antenatal education among pregnant women can justify its incorporation into antenatal care. By allowing the women to identify labor correctly and preventing admission in false labor, shortening the labor, and teaching women non-pharmacologic ways to manage labor pains, it can reduce the patient and fiscal burden on the already overwhelmed maternity units of Pakistan, hence proving to be an inexpensive health promotion tool. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, between December 2020 and June 2021. All pregnant women, aged 18 to 45 years, between gestational ages of 37 to 42 weeks, with singleton, cephalic pregnancy, booked during the first or second trimester, and who attended at least one antenatal class, were invited to participate. Women who had any contraindication to vaginal delivery, whose labor was induced, or who suffered from medical, psychological, or obstetric comorbidities were excused. The participants were observed for labor outcomes in terms of stage of labor on arrival, use of epidural analgesia, mode of delivery, and childbirth experience, using a validated research tool, known as the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) to identify women with a positive or negative childbirth experience. A higher score representing on the questionnaire represented a more negative birth experience. A score of less than 19 was considered a positive birth experience. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 19. Results The mean QACE score was reported as 18.2±3.00, reflecting that on average the mothers had a positive childbirth experience. Modes of delivery revealed 57.6% of the women delivering spontaneously, with 60.4% of them arriving in the labor room in active labor. Demand for labor analgesia in the form of epidural was 64%. Majorly the participants attended only one antenatal class, with 66.91% of women reporting a positive childbirth experience. Conclusion Antenatal education classes are a low-input, high-yielding resource that can be used to empower mothers with pertinent information and support for a pleasant childbirth experience while simultaneously taking the edge off the overburdened maternity wards of low resources, in densely populated countries like Pakistan. Hence it is the need of the hour to devise plans to invest in these classes to make them available to the masses.

Self-Employment Transitions and Health Outcomes in Later Life: Evidence From China.

Background and Objectives: Self-employment is a vital alternative to waged employment for older workers. Recent research has shown that employment transitions frequently occur when individuals approach retirement. However, evidence of how older people's health changes when they switch between self and waged employment is lacking, particularly outside Western contexts. To address this research gap, we explored the health impact of employment transitions for the older working population in China by hukou (urban or rural household registration status), region, and education. Research Design and Methods: We employed fixed effect models to examine the impact of employment transitions on cognitive, mental, and physical health and life satisfaction drawing on data from four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 4,606). Given China's unique context, we analyzed the results of agricultural and nonagricultural work separately. Results: Individuals transitioning into or remaining in self-employment had lower self-rated health and life satisfaction than those remaining in waged employment. There was no significant difference in cognitive functioning or depressive symptoms. Additionally, those who transitioned from self-employment into waged employment rated their health worse than those who remained in waged employment. The health impacts were more apparent for agricultural than nonagricultural self-employment, particularly for older workers living in urban regions with rural hukou and lower education levels. Discussion and Implications: Most older Chinese transitioning into or staying self-employed are or were pushed into self-employment due to their low human capital and socioeconomic status, which affects their subsequent health. Pension reform and policies supporting older adults to stay in the workforce could help close the economic and health gaps between rural and urban older adults.

Reliability and validity of a Hindi version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT-H) for edentulous subjects: A Cross-Sectional study.

Aim: The study aimed to translate the OHIP-EDENT into Hindi and assess its validity and reliability. Methods: The study included 150 participants whose demographic information was collected using the Modified Kuppuswamy Socio-economic Scale. The Oral Health Impact Profile in Edentulous (OHIP-EDENT) was translated into Hindi using the standard forward-backward method. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett's test of sphericity coefficient were used to conduct Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and confirm the Construct validity. To establish Convergent validity, the relationship between the global question and the OHIP-EDENT-H subscale scores was observed. Results: The data was analyzed with a confidence level of 95 %, and statistical significance was interpreted as a p-value of less than 0.05. The Cronbach's alpha score for OHIP-EDENT-H was 1.00, indicating high internal consistency. The corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.665 to 0.923, and the total ICC score was 0.763, demonstrating good reliability. The subscales' intra-class correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.968 to 0.997, indicating high reliability. However, items 4, 6, 13, 17, 18, and 19 had factor loadings below the acceptable threshold of 0.40 in the factor analysis. Additionally, the total and subscale scores of the OHIP-EDENT-H showed significant correlations with global question, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.665 to 0.923. Conclusion: The Hindi version of OHIP-EDENT is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating the OHRQoL of Hindi-speaking edentulous individuals.

Financial strain among West-Javanese parents: its association with marital satisfaction and quality of life, and the role of dyadic coping.

In the past decade, the concept of dyadic coping as a buffer against stress in romantic relationships has received much attention in Western countries, but it has rarely been studied in non-Western countries and among parents with school-aged children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the moderating effect of dyadic coping on the link between financial strain and marital satisfaction, as well as the mediating effect of marital satisfaction on the relationship between financial strain and quality of life. There were 751 heterosexual couples whose eldest child aged 7-12 years in West Java, Indonesia (mean age husband = 37.53 SD = 5.09; mean age wife = 34.42 SD = 4.85) fulfilled the paper and pencil questionnaires in the study. The moderated mediated model illustrated that (1) greater levels of dyadic coping weakened the negative association between financial strain and marital satisfaction for husbands and for wives (2) for both husbands and wives, there were no mediation effect (3) for both husbands and wives, financial strain was negatively associated with quality of life; and marital satisfaction was positively associated with quality of life. We discuss both the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Effects of organizational climate on employee job satisfaction and psychological well-being: the role of technological influence in Chinese higher education.

BACKGROUND: In the Chinese education sector, educators' job satisfaction (JoS) is considered critical to educational quality and student outcomes. One critical area of inquiry is the organizational climate (OC) and its impact on JoS, and psychological well-being (PW), with technological influence (TI) moderating effect. PURPOSE: The current study has tried to look at the exact relationship among OC, PW, and JoS for educators working in the Chinese higher education setting. It also discusses the moderating role of TI on OC and JoS. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: This study uses a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, grounded in post-positivism assumptions. Data collection involved sampling 690 respondents in the Chinese higher education setting via WeChat. FINDINGS: The study methodology part included a pre-test, translation validation, demographic characteristics of participants, and results that showed a significant positive influence on JoS for PW and OC. The study also confirms the positive effect of PW on JoS. Moreover, the mediating role of PW within the OC-JoS link is also supported. Furthermore, TI positively moderates the OC-JoS relationship, thus it implies a supportive role of technology in enhancing the educators' satisfaction. The model indicated that OC, PW, and TI explain 72.4% of the variation in JoS. CONCLUSION: In this respect, the findings offer some practical insights for educational institutions and policymakers to facilitate enhancement strategies for OC, thus recognizing its influence on JoS and the well-being of educators. Understanding how technology can play a moderating role presents the strategic occasion to utilize technological tools for a more satisfying work environment.

Comparing Audiological Outcomes of Conventional and AI-Upgraded Cochlear Implant Speech Processors.

In current age of technology, artificial intelligence is used in the medical field to improve the quality and accuracy in patient care and achieve better clientele satisfaction. The use of artificial intelligence in the field of hearing rehabilitation and cochlear implantation has an immense scope and it enhances the accuracy in placement of electrode array, forecasting site of surgical location and optimization of speech processing. This study aims to compare the audiological outcomes of conventional versus artificial intelligence technology enabled cochlear implant speech processors. Additionally, it compares the individual performance and satisfaction level with use of both types of speech processors. All children who underwent upgradation of their cochlear implant speech processors at a tertiary care cochlear implant centre with artificial intelligence enabled speech processors were included in the study. The comparison of audiological outcomes of conventional versus artificial intelligence integrated speech processors were assessed by using Aided Audiometry, Categories of Auditory Perception Score and Speech Intelligibility Rating scale. Children using the basic model cochlear implant speech processor which was provided at the time of implantation are referred as conventional cochlear implant speech processor user. Their speech processors were subsequently upgraded with current generation artificial intelligence integrated speech processors which is referred here as artificial intelligence upgraded cochlear implant speech processor. During the study, a total of thirty-four (34) patients underwent upgradation of cochlear implant speech processors. The mean categories of auditory perception score were 11.58 and 11.94 using conventional and artificial intelligence upgraded speech processor respectively. The mean speech intelligibility rating score was 4.5 and 4.6 respectively. The audiological outcomes of conventional speech processors are comparable with those using artificial intelligence enabled speech processors. However, the clientele satisfaction in respect to quality of sound, ease of listening in difficult listening environment, smart connectivity options for both phone and television is available and better with the artificial intelligence enabled cochlear implant speech processor. This also has the advantages of auto switching of programming with change in ambient noise, better signal to noise ratio and better 360* hearing.