ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian defence force veterans.

BACKGROUND: ICD-11 complex post-traumatic stress disorder is a more severe condition than post-traumatic stress disorder, and recent studies indicate it is more prevalent among military samples. In this study, we tested the psychometric properties of the International Trauma Questionnaire, assessed the relative prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in the sample population and explored relationships between complex post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of risk factors. METHODS: Survey participants (N = 189) were mental health support-seeking former-serving veterans of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruited from primary care. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factorial validity of the International Trauma Questionnaire. RESULTS: The latent structure of the International Trauma Questionnaire was best represented by a two-factor second-order model consistent with the ICD-11 model of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The International Trauma Questionnaire scale scores demonstrated excellent internal reliability. Overall, 9.1% (95% confidence interval = [4.8%, 13.5%]) met diagnostic requirements for post-traumatic stress disorder and an additional 51.4% (95% confidence interval = [44.0%, 58.9%]) met requirements for complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Those meeting diagnostic requirements for complex post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely to have served in the military for 15 years or longer, had a history of more traumatic life events and had the highest levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. CONCLUSION: The International Trauma Questionnaire can effectively distinguish between post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder within primary care samples of Australian Defence Force veterans. A significantly greater proportion of Australian Defence Force veterans met criteria for complex post-traumatic stress disorder than post-traumatic stress disorder. Australian military mental health services should adopt the International Trauma Questionnaire to routinely screen for complex post-traumatic stress disorder and develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder specific interventions to promote recovery in Australian Defence Force veterans with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

War exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and complex posttraumatic stress disorder among parents living in Ukraine during the Russian war.

BACKGROUND: High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been documented in war-affected populations. The prevalence of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) has never been assessed in an active war zone. Here, we provide initial data on war-related experiences, and prevalence rates of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in a large sample of adults in Ukraine during the Russian war. We also examined how war-related stressors, PTSD, and CPTSD were associated with age, sex, and living location in Ukraine. METHOD: Self-report data were gathered from a nationwide sample of 2004 adult parents of children under 18 from the general population of Ukraine approximately 6 months after Russia's invasion. RESULTS: All participants were exposed to at least one war-related stressor, and the mean number of exposures was 9.07 (range = 1-26). Additionally, 25.9% (95% CI = 23.9%, 27.8%) met diagnostic requirements for PTSD and 14.6% (95% CI = 12.9%, 16.0%) met requirements for CPTSD. There was evidence of a strong dose-response relationship between war-related stressors and meeting criteria for PTSD and CPTSD. Participants who had the highest exposure to war-related stressors were significantly more likely to meet the requirements for PTSD (OR = 4.20; 95% CI = 2.96-5.95) and CPTSD (OR = 8.12; 95% CI = 5.11-12.91) compared to the least exposed. CONCLUSIONS: Humanitarian responses to the mental health needs of the Ukrainian population will need to take account of posttraumatic stress reactions. Education in diagnosing and treating PTSD/CPTSD, especially in the situation of a significant lack of human resources and continuing displacement of the population, is necessary.

Investigating the latent structure of the International Trauma Questionnaire to assess ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in an adult civilian sample during the Ukraine war.

The symptom structure of ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) and the validity of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) are yet to be tested among civilians in an active war zone. The present investigation examined the factor structure of the ITQ, the internal consistency of observed scores, and their associations with demographic characteristics and war-related experiences using a nationwide sample of 2,004 adults from the general population of Ukraine approximately 6 months after the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. Overall, rates of endorsement across all symptom clusters were high. The mean total number of war-related stressors reported was 9.07 (SD = 4.35, range: 1-26). Internal reliability was good for all six ITQ subscales, Cronbach's αs = .73-.88, and the correlated six-factor model was found to provide the best representation of the latent structure of the ITQ in the present sample based on fit indices. There was evidence of a dose-response relationship, with increasing scores on all symptom clusters associated with higher total reported war-related stressors.

Can a Wireless Full-HD Head Mounted Display System Improve Knee Arthroscopy Performance? - A Randomized Study Using a Knee Simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Our prototype wireless full-HD Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display (AR-HMD) aims to eliminate surgeon head turning and reduce theater clutter. Learning and performance versus TV Monitors (TVM) is evaluated in simulated knee arthroscopy. METHODS: 19 surgeons and 19 novices were randomized into either the control group (A) or intervention group (B) and tasked to perform 5 simulated loose-body retrieval procedures on a bench-top knee arthroscopy simulator. A cross-over study design was adopted whereby subjects alternated between devices during trials 1-3, deemed the "Unfamiliar" phase, and then used the same device consecutively in trials 4-5, to assess performance in a more "Familiarized" state. Measured outcomes were time-to-completion and incidence of bead drops. RESULTS: In the unfamiliar phase, HMD had 67% longer mean time-to-completion than TVM (194.7 ± 152.6s vs 116.7 ± 78.7s, P < .001). Once familiarized, HMD remained inferior to TVM, with 48% longer completion times (133.8 ± 123.3s vs 90.6 ± 55s, P = .052). Cox regression revealed device type (OR = 0.526, CI 0.391-0.709, P < .001) and number of procedure repetitions (OR = 1.186, CI 1.072-1.311, P = .001) are significantly and independently related to faster time-to-completion. However, experience is not a significant factor (OR = 1.301, CI 0.971-1.741, P = .078). Bead drops were similar between the groups in both unfamiliar (HMD: 27 vs TVM: 22, P = .65) and familiarized phases (HMD: 11 vs TVM: 17, P = .97). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic procedures continue to be better performed under conventional TVM. However, similar quality levels can be reached by HMD when given more time. Given the theoretical advantages, further research into improving HMD designs is advocated.

Marginal Accuracy of Monolithic and Veneered Zirconia Crowns Fabricated by Conventional and Digital Workflows.

PURPOSE: To compare the marginal accuracy of zirconia crowns fabricated by different workflows (conventional and digital) and designs (monolithic and veneered). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prepared maxillary first molar was used for the study. Four workflow combinations were evaluated: (1) intraoral scanning and monolithic zirconia (IOS-M), (2) intraoral scanning and veneered zirconia (IOS-V), (3) conventional impression and monolithic zirconia (IMP-M), and (4) conventional impression and veneered zirconia (IMP-V). All of the specimens had similar designs. The veneered groups had a buccal cutback for esthetic veneer application. A total of 10 crowns were produced in each workflow. The vertical and horizontal marginal accuracies were measured with a traveling microscope. Depending on the normality of the data, one-way analysis of variance test or Kruskal-Wallis test were applied to evaluate the differences among the groups (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The most superior vertical marginal accuracy was observed for IOS-V (mean = 22.5 µm; SD = 6.7 µm), followed by IMP-V (mean = 23.9 µm; SD = 7.8 µm), IOS-M (mean = 28.7 µm; SD = 10.3 µm), and IMP-M (mean = 39.8 µm; SD = 22.0 µm), respectively (p < 0.001). The IOS-M had the greatest mean horizontal discrepancies (mean = 23.9 µm; SD = 4.3 µm) followed by IMP-M (mean = 21.3 µm; SD = 5.7 µm), IMP-V (mean = 19.2 µm; SD = 5.3 µm) and IOS-V (mean = 17.6 µm; SD = 5.7 µm) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated digitally had superior marginal accuracy than monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated conventionally. Esthetic buccal veneering of predominantly monolithic zirconia copings improved the vertical and horizontal marginal accuracies.

A 'good dyadic relationship' between older couples with one having mild cognitive impairment: a Q-methodology.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment gradually brings changes to the relationship between older married couples. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the individual viewpoints of couple dyads on the important attributes of a 'good dyadic relationship' in the context of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to explore if the congruencies and discrepancies in their perceptions related to the quality and closeness of their relationship and well-being. METHODS: Q-methodology was used to reveal the perceptions of a 'good dyadic relationship' among couples with one having MCI. The participating couples were separated in two rooms and independently ranked 18 relationship attributes from least to most important on a 7-point Q-sort response grid. All participants also completed a post-sort interview and surveys to assess their psychological well-being and closeness. Q-sorts were analyzed using by-person factor analysis. RESULTS: Forty people with MCI and forty spousal partners completed the Q-sort. Three viewpoints, accounting for 48% of the total variance, were identified and were labeled 'Provider,' 'Problem-solver,' and 'Partner.' Different viewpoints of a 'good dyadic relationship' primarily varied by perceived importance of commitment, dedication, tolerance, and personal space. Despite these differences, there was wide consensus that respecting each other and cherishing the current moment are two universally salient attributes of a good relationship across all viewpoints. Couples with discrepant views scored significantly higher on perceptions of the quality of the relationship and closeness with the partner. CONCLUSIONS: This study advances the theoretical understanding of the dyadic relationship between couples with one having MCI, from both perspectives. MCI is a state in which couples can openly discuss their expectations. The findings provide practitioners with insights to work with couples experiencing MCI.

Measuring child-rearing goals for parents with young children: A scoping review.

This scoping review summarizes and consolidates the parenting goals for young children captured in existing parent-report measures, and the characteristics of studies that employed them. Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original studies that used a self-report measure for parenting goals during the child's first 5 years. Characteristics of the parenting goals measures and the studies that employed them were extracted and synthesized. A deductive approach was used to reduce the parenting goals items across instruments into representative domains. Fourteen original parenting goals measures and their modifications (i.e., 24 unique measures in total) were identified in 44 research articles from 41 original studies. Items from these measures were synthesized into 33 representative domains. Findings will inform the direction of future research and the development of a comprehensive measure of parenting goals for parents with young children that can be applied across cultures, economic backgrounds, informants, and parenting contexts.

Esta revisión exploratoria resume y consolida los objetivos de crianza para los niños pequeños captados en medidas de informes actuales de los padres, así como las características de los estudios que las utilizaron. Se hicieron búsquedas sistemáticas en cinco bases de datos electrónicas para encontrar estudios originales en los que se utilizó un instrumento de medición de autoinforme para los objetivos de crianza durante los primeros cinco años del niño. Se extrajeron y se combinaron las características de las mediciones de los objetivos de crianza y los estudios que las utilizaron. Se usó un método deductivo para reducir los ítems de los objetivos de crianza de los instrumentos en áreas representativas. Se identificaron catorce instrumentos de medición de objetivos de crianza originales y sus modificaciones (p. ej.: 24 instrumentos de medición únicos en total) en 44 artículos de investigación de 41 estudios originales. Los ítems de estos instrumentos de medición se combinaron en 33 áreas representativas. Los resultados indicarán el rumbo de investigaciones futuras y el desarrollo de un instrumento de medición completo de los objetivos de crianza para padres con niños pequeños que se pueda aplicar a diferentes culturales, situaciones económicas, informantes y contextos de crianza.

On top or underneath: where does the general factor of psychopathology fit within a dimensional model of psychopathology?

BACKGROUND: Dimensional models of psychopathology are increasingly common and there is evidence for the existence of a general dimension of psychopathology ('p'). The existing literature presents two ways to model p: as a bifactor or as a higher-order dimension. Bifactor models typically fit sample data better than higher-order models, and are often selected as better fitting alternatives but there are reasons to be cautious of such an approach to model selection. In this study the bifactor and higher-order models of p were compared in relation to associations with established risk variables for mental illness. METHODS: A trauma exposed community sample from the United Kingdom (N = 1051) completed self-report measures of 49 symptoms of psychopathology. RESULTS: A higher-order model with four first-order dimensions (Fear, Distress, Externalising and Thought Disorder) and a higher-order p dimension provided satisfactory model fit, and a bifactor representation provided superior model fit. Bifactor p and higher-order p were highly correlated (r = 0.97) indicating that both parametrisations produce near equivalent general dimensions of psychopathology. Latent variable models including predictor variables showed that the risk variables explained more variance in higher-order p than bifactor p. The higher-order model produced more interpretable associations for the first-order/specific dimensions compared to the bifactor model. CONCLUSIONS: The higher-order representation of p, as described in the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology, appears to be a more appropriate way to conceptualise the general dimension of psychopathology than the bifactor approach. The research and clinical implications of these discrepant ways of modelling p are discussed.

Video games for people with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Commercial video games are a vastly popular form of recreational activity. Whilst concerns persist regarding possible negative effects of video games, they have been suggested to provide cognitive benefits to users. They are also frequently employed as control interventions in comparisons of more complex cognitive or psychological interventions. If independently effective, video games - being both engaging and relatively inexpensive - could provide a much more cost-effective add-on intervention to standard treatment when compared to costly, cognitive interventions. OBJECTIVES: To review the effects of video games (alone or as an additional intervention) compared to standard care alone or other interventions including, but not limited to, cognitive remediation or cognitive behavioural therapy for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials (March 2017, August 2018, August 2019). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials focusing on video games for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Review authors extracted data independently. For binary outcomes we calculated risk ratio (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data we calculated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its CI. We employed a fixed-effect model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for the included studies and created a 'Summary of findings' table using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: This review includes seven trials conducted between 2009 and 2018 (total = 468 participants, range 32 to 121). Study duration varied from six weeks to twelve weeks. All interventions in the included trials were given in addition to standard care, including prescribed medication. In trials video games tend to be the control for testing efficacy of complex, cognitive therapies; only two small trials evaluated commercial video games as the intervention. We categorised video game interventions into 'non-exergame' (played statically) and 'exergame' (the players use bodily movements to control the game). Our main outcomes of interest were clinically important changes in: general functioning, cognitive functioning, social functioning, mental state, quality of life, and physical fitness as well as clinically important adverse effects. We found no clear difference between non-exergames and cognitive remediation in general functioning scores (Strauss Carpenter Outcome Scale) (MD 0.42, 95% CI -0.62 to 1.46; participants = 86; studies = 1, very low-quality evidence) or social functioning scores (Specific Levels of Functioning Scale) (MD -3.13, 95% CI -40.17 to 33.91; participants = 53; studies = 1, very low-quality evidence). There was a clear difference favouring cognitive remediation for cognitive functioning (improved on at least one domain of MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery Test) (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.99; participants = 42; studies = 1, low-quality evidence). For mental state, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) overall scores showed no clear difference between treatment groups (MD 0.20, 95% CI -3.89 to 4.28; participants = 269; studies = 4, low-quality evidence). Quality of life ratings (Quality of Life Scale) similarly showed no clear intergroup difference (MD 0.01, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.42; participants = 87; studies = 1, very low-quality evidence). Adverse effects were not reported; we chose leaving the study early as a proxy measure. The attrition rate by end of treatment was similar between treatment groups (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.06; participants = 395; studies = 5, low-quality evidence). One small trial compared exergames with standard care, but few outcomes were reported. No clear difference between interventions was seen for cognitive functioning (measured by MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery Test) (MD 2.90, 95% CI -1.27 to 7.07; participants = 33; studies = 1, low-quality evidence), however a benefit in favour of exergames was found for average change in physical fitness (aerobic fitness) (MD 3.82, 95% CI 1.75 to 5.89; participants = 33; studies = 1, low-quality evidence). Adverse effects were not reported; we chose leaving the study early as a proxy measure. The attrition rate by end of treatment was similar between treatment groups (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.51; participants = 33; studies = 1). Another small trial compared exergames with non-exergames. Only one of our main outcomes was reported - physical fitness, which was measured by average time taken to walk 3 metres. No clear intergroup difference was identified at six-week follow-up (MD -0.50, 95% CI -1.17 to 0.17; participants = 28; studies = 1, very low-quality evidence). No trials reported adverse effects. We chose leaving the study early as a proxy outcome. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that non-exergames may have a less beneficial effect on cognitive functioning than cognitive remediation, but have comparable effects for all other outcomes. These data are from a small number of trials, and the evidence is graded as of low or very low quality and is very likely to change with more data. It is difficult to currently establish if the more sophisticated cognitive approaches do any more good - or harm - than 'static' video games for people with schizophrenia. Where players use bodily movements to control the game (exergames), there is very limited evidence suggesting a possible benefit of exergames compared to standard care in terms of cognitive functioning and aerobic fitness. However, this finding must be replicated in trials with a larger sample size and that are conducted over a longer time frame. We cannot draw any firm conclusions regarding the effects of video games until more high-quality evidence is available. There are ongoing studies that may provide helpful data in the near future.

Relationships between types of UK national newspapers, illness classification, and stigmatising coverage of mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Media coverage on mental health problems has been found to vary by newspaper type, and stigma disproportionately affects people with mental illness by diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationships between types of UK national newspaper (tabloid vs. broadsheet), illness classification (SMI-severe mental illnesses vs. CMD-common mental disorders), and stigmatising coverage of mental disorders, and whether these relationships changed over the course of the Time to Change anti-stigma programmes in England and Wales. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from a study of UK newspaper coverage of mental illness was performed. Relevant articles from nine UK national newspapers in 2008-11, 2013, 2016 and 2019 were retrieved. A structured coding framework was used for content analysis. The odds an article was stigmatising in a tabloid compared to a broadsheet, and about SMI compared to CMD, were calculated. Coverage of CMD and SMI by newspaper type was compared using the content elements categorised as stigmatising or anti-stigmatising. RESULTS: 2719 articles were included for analysis. Articles in tabloids had 1.32 times higher odds of being stigmatising than articles in broadsheet newspapers (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12-1.55). Odds of stigmatising coverage was 1.72 times higher for articles on SMI than CMD (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.39-2.13). Different patterns in reporting were observed when results were stratified by years for all analyses. A few significant associations were observed for the portrays of stigmatising elements between tabloid and broadsheet newspapers regarding SMI or CMD. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored interventions are needed for editors and journalists of different newspaper types, to include specific strategies for different diagnoses.

Retrospective multicentre matched cohort study comparing safety and efficacy outcomes of intermittent-infusion versus continuous-infusion vancomycin.

BACKGROUND: Patients with good renal function receiving intermittent-infusion vancomycin (IIV) may require total daily doses ≥4 g to achieve trough concentrations of 15-20 mg/L, increasing the risk of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity. Continuous-infusion vancomycin (CIV) may be associated with a lower risk of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity compared with IIV, but studies comparing safety of both dosing strategies are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To compare the risk of nephrotoxicity with CIV versus IIV when target concentration ranges were the same with both dosing modalities. METHODS: A retrospective multicentre matched cohort study of admitted patients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016 was completed. Adult patients who received ≥48 h of vancomycin with at least one steady-state vancomycin concentration were eligible. The primary outcome was to compare the rates of nephrotoxic risk and renal injury, defined by the RIFLE criteria, between CIV and IIV. RESULTS: Of 2136 patients who received vancomycin during the study period, 146 CIV patients were eligible and matched to 146 IIV patients. After adjustment of potential confounders, CIV was found to have a lower odds of developing nephrotoxic risk (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.98, P = 0.025) and renal injury (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.59, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: CIV is associated with a lower odds of nephrotoxicity compared with IIV when targeting the same concentration range and should be an alternative dosing strategy for patients who will receive prolonged therapy or require >4 g/day to achieve therapeutic levels.

Patterns of exposure to adverse childhood experiences and their associations with mental health: a survey of 1346 university students in East Asia.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) constitute a significant global mental health burden. Prior studies typically investigated the impact of ACEs on mental health using a cumulative risk approach; most ACEs studies were also conducted in Western settings. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine ACEs using a pattern-based approach and assess their associations with mental health outcomes by early adulthood in East Asia. METHODS: The present study included measures of exposure to 13 categories of ACEs, depression, anxiety, maladjustment, and posttraumatic stress in a sample of 1346 university students from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Japan. RESULTS: Latent class analysis indicated three distinct patterns of ACE exposure: Class 1: Low ACEs (76.0%); Class 2: Household Violence (20.6%); and Class 3: Household Dysfunction (3.4%). Those representing Class 3 had significantly more ACEs compared with those in Classes 1 or 2. Controlling for age and sex, those in Class 2 reported significantly higher depression and maladjustment symptoms compared with those in Class 1; both Classes 2 and 3 had significantly higher anxiety symptoms and odds for meeting diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorders compared with those in Class 1. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that young adults' mental health, at least under certain contexts, is more closely linked with the nature and pattern of ACE co-occurrence, rather than the number of ACEs.

Dementia literacy in Western Pacific countries: A mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine levels of knowledge about dementia and attitudes towards dementia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identify sources to turn to for help, and explore the relationship between knowledge and attitudes. METHODS: This mixed methods study with both quantitative (a cross-sectional survey) and qualitative (focus group interviews) components was conducted in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Fiji in 2017-18. A survey was completed by the citizens of the three countries, and two focus group interviews were conducted in each country to generate a context-specific understanding of dementia literacy within the local LMIC setting. The quantitative component utilized the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and the Dementia Attitude Scale, while knowledge, attitudes, and views on seeking help for dementia was discussed in the focus group interviews (qualitative component). RESULTS: A total of 476 participants completed the survey. Another 54 participants (39 females and 15 males) were invited to join six focus group interviews to express their views on dementia. Positive attitudes were noted despite the level of dementia knowledge was low. Families and religious figures were viewed as the sources for help. Controlling for demographics, country-specific predictors of positive attitudes towards dementia were found. CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of family members and religious leaders in dementia education could enhance the recognition of dementia. Specific kinds of dementia knowledge should be targeted to educate the public in different countries.

The Costly Consequences of not Being Socially and Behaviorally Ready to Learn by Kindergarten in Baltimore City.

Social, emotional, and behavioral skills are foundational to learning and long-term success. However, poverty and exposure to adverse childhood experiences reduce the chances of children entering kindergarten socially-behaviorally ready to learn. This study examined the unique impact of 5-year-old children (N = 11,412) entering kindergarten not socially-behaviorally ready on three costly school outcomes by fourth grade in Baltimore City Public Schools: being retained in grade, receiving services and supports through an IEP or 504 plan, and being suspended/expelled. Controlling for all other types of school readiness, students not identified as socially-behaviorally ready for kindergarten were more likely to experience all three school outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of early prevention and intervention strategies targeting parents and social-behavioral readiness skills during the first 5 years of life.

Correction to: Depression literacy and health-seeking attitudes in the Western Pacific region: a mixed-methods study.

In the original publication of this article, Acknowledgements Section was not included. The Acknowledgements are given below. The original article has been corrected.

Depression literacy and health-seeking attitudes in the Western Pacific region: a mixed-methods study.

PURPOSE: Depression literacy refers to the ability to recognize depression and make informed decisions about its treatment. To date, relatively little research has been done to examine depression literacy in the Western Pacific region. Given the pervasiveness of depression and the need to enhance mental health care in this region, it is important to gain a better understanding of depression literacy and health-seeking behaviors in this part of the world. METHODS: This mixed-methods study utilized a convergent parallel design to examine depression literacy and the associated health-seeking attitudes among urban adults from three countries-Cambodia, Philippines, and Fiji. A total of 455 adults completed a quantitative survey on depression knowledge, attitudes, and professional help seeking. Separately, 56 interviewees from 6 focus groups provided qualitative data on their impression and knowledge of depression and mental illness within the context of their local communities. RESULTS: Overall, results showed that depression knowledge was comparatively lower in this region. Controlling for differences across countries, higher knowledge was significantly associated with more positive attitudes towards mental illness (B = - 0.28, p = 0.025) and professional help seeking (B = 0.20, p < 0.001). Financial stability, such as employment, was also a salient factor for help seeking. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to provide a baseline understanding on depression literacy and highlights the need to increase public knowledge on depression in the Western Pacific. Culturally congruent recommendations on enhancing depression literacy in this region, such as anti-stigma campaigns, use of financial incentives, and family-based approach in health education, are discussed.

Parenting Needs Among Mothers of Young Children During Military Deployment.

PURPOSE: To examine perceptions of what mothers of young children (birth to 5 years old) need to be a "good parent" while their military spouse is deployed. DESIGN: Q methodology was used to uncover different views on military spouses' parenting needs. METHODS: In Phase 1, 18 statements related to military spouses' parenting needs were elicited based on review of existing literature and seven supplementary qualitative interviews. In Phase 2, 143 military-connected mothers completed an anonymous online Q-sort to rank the importance of the 17 statements from least to most important for being a good parent during deployment. Written comments explaining rankings were also collected. FINDINGS: Across respondents, the most important needs during deployment were making sure their children were happy and healthy, keeping themselves and their children connected with the deployed parent, and being financially stable. Three unique views were uncovered, which differed by mothers' reliance on their family versus the military community for support, and the importance of self-care. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlighted the extent to which mothers of young children enter "survival mode" during their spouse's deployment, and differences were found in what was most important for being a good parent during this stressful period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings underscore the complexity of creating programs to support military parents whose different backgrounds, experiences, and expectations are likely to affect service uptake and benefit.

Point-of-Care ß-Lactam Allergy Skin Testing by Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: A Pragmatic Multicenter Prospective Evaluation.

Background: ß-lactam allergy skin testing (BLAST) is recommended by antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) guidelines, yet few studies have systematically evaluated its impact when delivered at point of care. Methods: We conducted a pragmatic multicenter prospective evaluation of the use of point-of-care BLAST by ASPs. In staggered 3-month intervals, ASP teams at 3 hospitals received training by allergists to offer BLAST for eligible patients with infectious diseases receiving nonpreferred therapy due to severity of their reported allergy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving the preferred ß-lactam therapy. Results: Of 827 patients with reported ß-lactam allergy over 15 months, ß-lactam therapy was preferred among 632 (76%). During baseline periods, 50% (124/246) received preferred ß-lactam therapy based on history, compared with 60% (232/386) during the intervention periods (P = .02), which improved further to 81% (313/386) upon provision of BLAST (P < .001) without any increase in incidence of adverse drug reactions (4% vs 3%; P = .4). After adjusting for patient variables and the correlation between hospitals, the intervention period was associated with a 4.5-fold greater odds of receiving preferred ß-lactam therapy (95% confidence interval, 2.4-8.2; P < .0001). Conclusions: The use of BLAST at the point of care across 3 hospital ASPs resulted in greater use of preferred ß-lactam therapy without increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions. Longer-term studies are needed to better assess the safety and clinical impact of this ASP intervention.

Universal Mandatory Reporting Policies and the Odds of Identifying Child Physical Abuse.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationships between universal mandatory reporting (UMR), child physical abuse reporting, and the moderating effect of UMR on physical abuse report outcomes by report source. METHODS: We used a national data set of 204 414 children reported for physical abuse in 2013 to compare rates of total and confirmed reports by states or territories with and without UMR. We estimated odds and predicted probabilities of confirming a physical abuse report made by professional versus nonprofessional reporters, accounting for the moderating effect of UMR and individual-level characteristics. RESULTS: Rates of total and confirmed physical abuse reports did not differ by UMR status. Nonprofessionals were more likely to make reports in UMR states compared with states without UMR. Probability of making a confirmed report was significantly lower under UMR; this effect almost doubled for nonprofessionals compared with professional reporters. CONCLUSIONS: Universal mandatory reporting may not be the answer for strengthening the protection of children victimized by physical abuse. Implementation of child protection policies must be exercised according to evidence to exert the fullest impact and benefit of these laws.

Comparing diffusion weighted imaging with clinical and blood parameters, and with short tau inversion recovery sequence in detecting spinal and sacroiliac joint inflammation in axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the usefulness of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) by comparing with clinical features, blood parameters and traditional short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence in detecting spinal and sacroiliac (SI) joint inflammation in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. METHODS: One hundred and ten axSpA patients were recruited. Clinical, radiological and blood parameters were recorded. DWI and STIR MRI were performed simultaneously and results were scored according to the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) for comparison. Apparent diffusion coef cient (ADC) values were also calculated. RESULTS: DWI did not correlate with clinical parameters or blood parameters. It also had lowered sensitivity. When compared with STIR sequence, it correlated well with STIR sequence at the SI joint level (CC 0.76, p<0.001), but weakly at the spinal level (CC 0.23, p=0.02). At the SI joint level, the presence of inflammation on both STIR sequence and DWI was associated with an increase in maximum (B=0.24, p=0.02 in STIR; B=0.37, p<0.001 in DWI) and mean ADC values (B=0.17, p=0.003 in STIR; B=0.15, p=0.01 in DWI). Maximum (B=0.19, p=0.04) and mean spinal ADC values (B=0.18, p=0.01) were also positively associated with DWI detected spinal inflammation. Presence of Modic lesions showed positive correlation with STIR sequence (B=7.12, p=0.01) but not spinal ADC values. CONCLUSIONS: Despite DWI correlates with STIR sequence, it has lower sensitivity. However, ADC values appear to be independent of Modic lesions and may supplement STIR sequence to differentiate degeneration.