Pain Interference in End Stage Kidney Disease is Associated with Changes in Gut Microbiome Features Before and After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pain, a common debilitating symptom among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), is among the most common and undertreated symptoms after kidney transplantation. AIMS: Characterize associations between gut microbiome features and pain interference before and after kidney transplantation. DESIGN: Longitudinal, repeated measures study, collecting fecal specimens and pain interference data pretransplant and 3 months posttransplant. SETTING: Participants were recruited at the kidney transplant clinic at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: 19 living donor kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We assessed fecal microbial community structure with shotgun metagenomic sequencing; we used pain interference scores derived from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-57. RESULTS: We measured a reduction in the Shannon diversity index in both groups after transplantation but observed no significant differences between groups at either time point. We did observe significant differences in fecal microbial Bray-Curtis similarity index among those reporting pain interference pre- transplant versus no pain interference at 3-months posttransplant (R = .306, p = .022), and between pain interference groups at posttransplant (R = .249, p = .041). Pairwise models showed significant differences between groups posttransplant in relative abundances of several taxa, including a 5-fold reduction.ßin Akkermansia among those with pain interference and a higher relative abundance of taxa associated with chronic inflammation in those with pain interference posttransplant. Functional gene analysis identified two features that were significantly enriched in those with pain interference, including a peptide transport system gene. CONCLUSIONS: Gut microbiota community structure differs between groups with and without pain interference at 3 months after kidney transplantation. Several taxa involved in intestinal barrier integrity and chronic inflammation were associated with posttransplant pain.

Factors associated with mental health among undergraduate nursing students early in the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to synthesize research findings identifying factors associated with mental health in undergraduate nursing students early in the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched using key terms and subject headings. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists were used to evaluate research report quality. RESULTS: Among 23 reports (19 quantitative and four qualitative) meeting inclusion criteria, negative emotional responses to COVID-19 (fear of infection, perceived risk, uncertainty about care/future), negative behavioral responses to COVID-19 (eating behaviors, problematic internet use, insomnia), and negative coping strategies were associated with more adverse mental health symptoms. Conversely, social support, professional identity, preventive behaviors, sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and positive coping strategies were related to fewer symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: During a pandemic, undergraduate nursing students require educational support to promote their ability to avoid severe mental health disorders. Also, educators should strengthen students' professional identity, provide infection prevention knowledge and skills, and supply sufficient PPE.

Relating three-dimensional airway measurements to the apnea-hypopnea index in pediatric sleep apnea patients.

OBJECTIVES: (a) To evaluate three-dimensional radiographic airway analysis as it relates to the pre-test probability for sleep apnea in pediatric patients, and (b) to develop cut-off values for measurements showing promising results. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: A consecutive series of pediatric patients between the ages of 7 and 17 years, referred for a sleep study were recruited. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired for 103 subjects within one month following the sleep study. METHODS: Three-dimensional airway analysis was performed including volumetric, area and linear measurements. Correlations with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for prediction of AHI ≥ 5 and AHI ≥ 10. RESULTS: 99 CBCT scans were included (median age = 11 years). The nasopharyngeal volume (NPV) significantly correlated with AHI (rho≈-0.4, P < .05). In subjects aged 7-11 years, proposed cut-off values for NPV are 2400mm3 and 1600mm3 for AHI ≥ 5 and AHI ≥ 10, respectively. In subjects aged 12-17 years, proposed cut-off values for NPV are 3500mm3 and 2700mm3 for AHI ≥ 5 and AHI ≥ 10, respectively. Oropharyngeal cross-sectional area (OCSA) demonstrated significant predictive value in ROC curve analysis, and cut-off values for this airway measure are also proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to findings in adults, the NPV shows promise when screening for sleep apnea in children when CBCT scans are available. The OCSA might also be of value when screening for sleep apnea especially in older children.

Maternal and system characteristics, oxytocin administration practices, and cesarean birth rate.

BACKGROUND: The cesarean birth rate in the United States is 32%, and there is discussion about the cause of high surgical birth rates. Our purpose was to determine whether mode of birth is influenced by maternal, nurse, and system factors. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a data set of 163 women having postdates labor induction with oxytocin. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated to compare the time for patients to reach an infusion rate of 6 mU/min, consistent with endogenous oxytocin levels in active labor. We used the log-rank test to evaluate survival curve differences. Multiple logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were conducted and included covariates that had statistically significant bivariate relationships with the time variable, or were clinically meaningful. RESULTS: The mean time to reach 6 mU/min was longer for women who birthed by cesarean (172.5 minutes) than for women who had vaginal birth (125.0 minutes, P = .024). The mean time to reach 6 mU/min was also longer for women admitted on night shift (147.0 minutes) than day shift (110.2 minutes, P = .018). No maternal characteristics were significantly related to the time to reach a rate of 6 mU/min. CONCLUSIONS: Even during the initial hours of labor induction, it is important that the oxytocin infusion is titrated appropriately to aid women in achieving timely vaginal birth. Intrapartum nurses should receive education about the pharmacokinetics of intravenous oxytocin to understand proper administration of this high-alert medication.

Fatigue and Sleep Quality Predict Eating Behavior Among People With Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: People with Type 2 diabetes frequently report increased fatigue and sleep disturbance. These symptoms might put them at a higher risk for unhealthy eating behavior-detrimental to diabetes control. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of fatigue and sleep on eating behavior in people with Type 2 diabetes by using a daily diary approach. METHODS: Data from 56 patients were collected during a baseline interview and an 8-day ambulatory assessment period in the free-living setting. Each day, participants completed one diary upon awakening to assess their sleep duration and sleep quality during the previous night and morning fatigue. They also completed one diary before going to bed to assess their eating behavior during the day (e.g., uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraint, emotional eating, and snacking). Data from 7 days were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: During the 7 days, controlling for age, gender, and body mass index, between-person fatigue was a significant predictor of uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and snacking. Similarly, controlling for the covariates, between-person sleep quality was a significant predictor of uncontrolled eating and emotional eating. No associations were found between sleep duration and eating behavior. DISCUSSIONS: At the between-person level, reporting higher fatigue or poorer sleep quality was associated with higher levels of unhealthy eating behavior. Patients with Type 2 diabetes with high fatigue or poor sleep quality may require additional attention to support their healthy eating.

Sex Differences in Prehospital Delay in Patients With Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, the window from symptom onset to administration of tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke was extended from 3 to 4.5 hours. Yet no systematic review has addressed prehospital delay by sex for stroke symptoms since this change. PURPOSE: We aimed to (1) compare prehospital delay times-the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival-between women and men with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack and (2) summarize factors influencing prehospital delay by sex. METHODS: The CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were searched using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) quantitative research articles published between May 2008 and April 2019, (2) investigation of prehospital delay among women and men 15 years or older who were given a diagnosis of acute stroke or transient ischemic attack, and (3) English-language publications. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies. RESULTS: Fifteen publications (n = 162 856) met inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 11) showed no sex differences in prehospital delay. Four studies from Asian-Pacific countries and the United States showed that women had significantly longer prehospital delay compared with men. Older age, minority race/ethnicity (black and Mexican American), and underuse of emergency medical services were associated with prolonged prehospital delay in women. CONCLUSIONS: Most study authors found no differences in prehospital delay between women and men; however, women delayed longer in some Asian-Pacific and American studies. Findings of sex differences were inconclusive.

Associations between fatigue, sleep disturbance and eating style in adults with type 2 diabetes: A correlational study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that fatigue and sleep disturbance account for a significant amount of variation in eating styles among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). BACKGROUND: Healthy eating is an important component of diabetes self-care but remains a major challenge. In people with T2D, symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbance are pervasive. However, there is limited understanding of whether fatigue and sleep disturbance are associated with eating style in people with T2D. DESIGN: Correlational design. METHODS: This study was reported following the STROBE checklist. Data were collected between February 2017 and January 2018. A convenience sample of 64 T2D adults completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18V2 to measure eating style (e.g., emotional eating, cognitive restraint and uncontrolled eating). Diabetes distress, fatigue and sleep disturbance were measured using validated questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Only age was a significant predictor (ß = -0.344) of cognitive restraint. Participant demographics, psychological factor and health-related factors contribute significantly to the model predicting emotional eating, but only diabetes distress was a significant predictor (ß = 0.433). Introducing fatigue and poor sleep quality explained an additional 12.0% of the variation in emotional eating. The final model explained 24.9% of the variation in emotional eating; both diabetes distress (ß = 0.294) and fatigue (ß = 0.360) were significant predictors. CONCLUSION: There is a strong, independent relationship of fatigue and diabetes distress with emotional eating T2D patients. The effect of improving fatigue and diabetes distress on eating style should be explored. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In clinical practice, nurses are recommended to include a detailed assessment of fatigue and distress in patients with diabetes. Additional to the conventional nutrition therapy focusing on diet advice, eating style should also be incorporated in diet education by diabetes nurses.

Nurses' roles and challenges in providing end-of-life care in neonatal intensive care units in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses in Korea often experience challenges in providing care for dying infants and their families. However, there is limited understanding about what contributes to the challenges related to end-of-life care. PURPOSE: To describe NICU nurses' perceived roles and challenges faced while providing end-of-life care in South Korea. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 20 NICU nurses in South Korea using semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from two NICUs in Seoul, where infant mortality is the highest in South Korea. Transcribed interviews were coded by two research personnel, and subsequently, a developed coding book was translated by three research personnel. The codes developed were categorized and peer-reviewed to develop themes using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Nurses' roles during end-of-life care were grouped into four categories: providing information and support, enhancing attachment between the parents and infants, providing direct care to the infant, and completing documentation. Nurses' perceived challenges during end-of-life care included providing end-of-life care without adequate experience and knowledge, environmental constraints on end-of-life care, and conflicted situations during end-of-life care. CONCLUSION: Although the nurses provided the best care they could, their end-of-life care practice was hindered for various reasons. To enhance NICU nurses' ability to provide and make them more capable of providing high quality EOL care, hospitals need to support nurse education and improve staffing level, and create in NICUs an environment that is favorable for providing EOL care.

The predictive role of health-promoting behaviours and perceived stress in aneurysmal rupture.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the roles of two modifiable factors-health-promoting behaviours and perceived stress-in predicting aneurysmal rupture. BACKGROUND: Unruptured intracranial aneurysm detection produces significant stress and anxiety in patients because of the risk of rupture. Compared to nonmodifiable risk factors for rupture such as age, gender and aneurysm size/location, less attention has been given to modifiable risk factors. Two modifiable factors, health-promoting behaviours and perceived stress, have hardly been examined as potential predictors of rupture. DESIGN: This study used a cross-sectional design. METHODS: We assessed 155 patients with intracranial aneurysms-that is, subarachnoid haemorrhage (n = 77) or unruptured intracranial aneurysm (n = 78)-to examine (i) baseline characteristics (patient and aneurysmal factors), (ii) health-related factors (lifestyle habits and health-promoting behaviour) and (iii) perceived stress levels (psychological stress and physical stress). Patient records provided medical histories and aneurysmal factors; other data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing lifestyle habits, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II to measure health-promoting behaviour and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire to measure perceived-psychological stress and perceived-physical stress levels. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis indicated that aneurysm rupture risk was associated with female gender, aneurysm size/location, defecation frequency, hyperlipidaemia, sedentary time, low Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II mean scores and high perceived-psychological stress scores. After adjusting for known risk factors, the mean Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II and perceived-psychological stress scores remained robust predictors of rupture. Furthermore, known risk factors combined with these scores had greater predictive power than known risk factors alone. CONCLUSION: Health-promoting behaviour and psychological stress are promising modifiable factors for reducing risk of aneurysmal rupture. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our findings may stimulate greater understanding of mechanisms underlying aneurysmal rupture and suggest practical strategies for nurses to employ in optimising conservative management of rupture risk by teaching patients how to modify their risk. Both health-promoting behaviour and perceived stress should be addressed when designing preventive nursing interventions for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Theory of Planned Behavior Constructs Associated with Nurses' Pain Assessment and Pro Re Nata (PRN) Opioid Analgesic Administration: A Cross-sectional Study.

Little theory-based research has been performed to better understand nurses' perceptions of pain management. Framed by the theory of planned behavior, the aims of the study were to describe nurses' beliefs (behavioral, normative, and control) about pain management for hospitalized elderly patients with postoperative pain; to present an item analysis for beliefs, attitudes, perceived norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and behaviors (measured in case study vignettes) for nurses (a) with different durations of nursing experience, (b) working in university, public health, and military hospitals, and (c) who either had or had not received pain management training in the past six months; and to compare differences in the constructs across these three groups. A comparative descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 140 Thai nurses working in three Bangkok hospitals. Participants responded to pain assessment and management questionnaires. Most nurses expressed fairly strong beliefs about pain assessment and pro re nata (PRN) opioid analgesic administration. Nurses with more than 10 years of experience had the highest scores for attitudes toward pain assessment and perceptions of others' expectations about PRN opioid analgesic administration. Responses of nurses working in different types of hospitals indicated significantly different pain assessment and PRN opioid analgesic administration behaviors. No significant differences were found for nurses who did and did not receive pain management training. The study highlighted the need for improved pain management education for nurses to enhance the quality of patient care.

Acupuncture for the treatment of vulvodynia: a randomized wait-list controlled pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of vulvodynia in American women has been reported to be between 8.3% and 16%. However, there is no consistently effective standardized treatment for vulvodynia. AIM: To determine the feasibility and potential effects of using a standardized acupuncture protocol for the treatment of women with vulvodynia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was vulvar pain, and sexual function was the secondary outcome. Pain was assessed by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and function was measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: Thirty-six women with vulvodynia met inclusion criteria. The women were randomly assigned either to the acupuncture group or to the wait-list control group. The 18 subjects assigned to the acupuncture group received acupuncture two times per week for 5 weeks for a total of 10 sessions. RESULTS: Reports of vulvar pain and dyspareunia were significantly reduced, whereas changes in the aggregate FSFI scores suggest significant improvement in sexual functioning in those receiving acupuncture vs. those who did not. Acupuncture did not significantly increase sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, ability to orgasm or sexual satisfaction in women with vulvodynia. CONCLUSION: This was the first randomized controlled pilot study to examine the use of acupuncture for the treatment of vulvodynia. The acupuncture protocol was feasible and in this small sample appeared to reduce vulvar pain and dyspareunia with an increase in overall sexual function for women with vulvodynia. This study should be replicated in a larger double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Expected Problem Drinker Possible Self: Predictor of Alcohol Problems and Tobacco Use in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco use commonly co-occur in adolescents. According to the cross-substance facilitation of information processing hypothesis, cognitive structures related to one substance increase use of another related substance through enhanced cognitive processing. In this study, the authors test this hypothesis by determining whether a problem drinker "possible self" in 8th grade predicts alcohol and tobacco use in 9th grade. METHODS: A secondary data analysis of a 12-month longitudinal dataset was conducted. The outcome variables were alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, and tobacco use in 9th grade. The main predictor of interest was presence of an expected problem drinker possible self in 8th grade. Zero-inflated gamma regression, zero-inflated negative binomial regression, and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Among 137 adolescents, controlling for known family, parent, and peer determinants, and corresponding 8th grade behavior, having an expected problem drinker possible self in 8th grade predicted alcohol problems, but not level of alcohol consumption in 9th grade. Moreover, the expected problem drinker possible self in 8th grade predicted tobacco use in 9th grade, controlling for known determinants and concurrent alcohol problems. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide support for the cross-substance facilitation hypothesis, suggesting that interventions designed to modify the expected problem drinker possible self may reduce not only adolescent alcohol use but also tobacco use. Further studies are needed to determine whether smoking content is embedded in a drinking cognition or 2 separate but related drinking and smoking cognitions account for the association between alcohol and tobacco use.

Prospective effects of possible selves on alcohol consumption in adolescents.

Possible selves, cognitions about the self that reflect hopes, fears, and expectations for the future, are reliable predictors of health risk behaviors but have not been explored as predictors of adolescents' alcohol use. In a secondary analysis of data from 137 adolescents, we examined the influence of possible selves assessed in eighth grade on alcohol consumption (yes/no and level of use) in ninth grade. Having a most important feared possible self related to academics in eighth grade predicted alcohol abstinence in ninth grade. Among those who reported alcohol use, having many hoped-for possible selves and a most important hoped-for possible self related to academics in eighth grade predicted lower level of alcohol consumption in ninth grade. Interventions that foster the personal relevance and importance of academics and lead to the development of hoped-for possible selves may reduce adolescents' alcohol consumption.

PICU Nurses' Pain Assessments and Intervention Choices for Virtual Human and Written Vignettes.

The purpose of this concurrent mixed-methods study was to 1) examine the factors pediatric intensive care unit nurses consider when assessing and intervening for children who report severe pain and to 2) determine the effect of child behavior and diagnosis on the nurses' pain ratings and intervention choices for written and virtual human vignettes. Quantitative and qualitative results substantiated that despite recommendations to use self-report, many PICU nurses use behavior as the primary indicator to assess and treat pain, even when a child is old enough to articulate pain intensity and there is sufficient cause for pain to be present.

Lipocalin-2, A-FABP and inflammatory markers in relation to flow-mediated vasodilatation in patients with essential hypertension.

Lipocalin families including lipocalin-2 and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) were recently identified as novel adipokines to be associated with the cardiovascular risk variables of the metabolic syndrome. We evaluated the lipocalin-2 and A-FABP levels in 62 patients with essential hypertension (EHT) and 16 age-, gender- and body mass index-matched normotensive healthy subjects (NT). Furthermore, we evaluated the correlation between lipocalin-2, A-FABP levels, inflammatory markers including hsCRP and IL-10, and flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD). In EHT, circulating lipocalin-2 levels were significantly higher than in NT (85.0 ± 37.6 ng/ml versus 43.8 ± 13.1 ng/ml, p < 0.001). However, A-FABP levels were not different between patients with EHT and NT. Serum lipocalin-2 levels were positively associated with SBP (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), DBP (r = 0.34, p = 0.003) and fasting glucose levels (r = 0.25, p = 0.032), On the other hand, circulating A-FABP levels were significantly associated with variables such as BMI, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index and hsCRP. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that mean arterial pressure was associated with fasting glucose, lipocalin-2 levels, age, BMI and hsCRP levels (R²= 0.456). However, circulating lipocalin-2 levels were not associated with FMD. In conclusion, lipocalin-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with EHT, and were independently associated with mean arterial pressure.

Feasibility Study to Compare Oxytocin Function Between Body Mass Index Groups at Term Labor Induction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of a protocol to examine the association between oxytocin system function and birth outcomes in women with and without obesity before induction of labor. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive. SETTING: Academic medical center in the U.S. Midwest. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women scheduled for induction of labor at 40 weeks of gestation or greater (n = 15 normal weight; n = 15 obese). METHODS: We collected blood samples and abstracted data by chart review. We used percentages to examine adherence to protocol. We used t tests and chi-square tests to describe differences in sample characteristics, oxytocin system function variables, and birth outcomes between the body mass index groups. RESULTS: The recruitment rate was 85.7%, protocol adherence was 97.1%, and questionnaire completion was 80.0%. Mean plasma oxytocin concentration was higher in the obese group (M = 2774.4 pg/ml, SD = 797.4) than in the normal weight group (M = 2193.5 pg/ml, SD = 469.8). Oxytocin receptor DNA percentage methylation (CpG -934) was higher in the obese group than in the normal weight group. CONCLUSION: Our protocol was feasible and can serve as a foundation for estimating sample sizes in forthcoming studies investigating the diversity in oxytocin system measurements and childbirth outcomes among pregnant women in different body mass index categories.

The Gut Microbiome and Symptom Burden After Kidney Transplantation: An Overview and Research Opportunities.

Many kidney transplant recipients continue to experience high symptom burden despite restoration of kidney function. High symptom burden is a significant driver of quality of life. In the post-transplant setting, high symptom burden has been linked to negative outcomes including medication non-adherence, allograft rejection, graft loss, and even mortality. Symbiotic bacteria (microbiota) in the human gastrointestinal tract critically interact with the immune, endocrine, and neurological systems to maintain homeostasis of the host. The gut microbiome has been proposed as an underlying mechanism mediating symptoms in several chronic medical conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and psychoneurological disorders via the gut-brain-microbiota axis, a bidirectional signaling pathway between the enteric and central nervous system. Post-transplant exposure to antibiotics, antivirals, and immunosuppressant medications results in significant alterations in gut microbiota community composition and function, which in turn alter these commensal microorganisms' protective effects. This overview will discuss the current state of the science on the effects of the gut microbiome on symptom burden in kidney transplantation and future directions to guide this field of study.

Decision Delay Is a Significant Contributor to Prehospital Delay for Stroke Symptoms.

Prehospital delay after stroke symptom onset is a primary barrier to eligibility for reperfusion therapies. Decision delay is an understudied contributor to prehospital delay. We aimed to explore decision delay as a component of prehospital delay. For this correlational study, 170 Thai acute stroke patients were interviewed to explore their treatment-seeking decision factors: prior stroke knowledge, onset context, and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors. Participants' mean age was 61.2 years, and 46% were women. Median decision delay and prehospital delay times were 120 and 372 minutes. Decision delay represented 49% of prehospital delays. Factors shortening decision delay were atrial fibrillation, prior stroke knowledge, perceived cause of symptoms as stroke, perceived severity of symptoms, and advice from bystanders to seek treatment. In contrast, seeking support from others and self-treatment affected prolonged decision delay. Shortening decision delay, often under the patient or bystander control, can reduce overall prehospital delay.

Shift work domains and their interactions with empty calorie food/beverage consumption: A 14-day intensive longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Shift work has been linked to unhealthy eating behaviors such as imbalanced diet, or increased empty calorie food/beverage consumption. However, most research has focused on the impact of shift timing. The concept of shift work is complex, and it contains several domains such as shift timing, intensity, and speed. Previous studies have suggested that greater shift intensity and quicker shift speed may contribute to adverse health effects. However, evidence regarding associations between other domains of shift work and empty calorie food/beverage consumption has been relatively lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how other shift work domains related to empty calorie food/beverage consumption and whether different shift work domains interacted to influence the intake of foods or beverages. DESIGN: A 14-day intensive longitudinal study employing ecological momentary assessment. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Eighty registered nurses working in 24 accredited Taiwanese hospitals (i.e., 9 medical centers, 12 regional hospitals, and 3 district hospitals) were recruited. METHODS: During the study period, a convenience sample of 77 participants completed 2444 momentary surveys about empty calorie food/beverage consumption on a smartphone. Three shift work domains (shift timing, intensity, and speed) were evaluated based on registry-based work schedules. To study how these shift work domains influenced empty calorie food/beverage consumption, we employed three-level mixed-effects regression models for data analyses. RESULTS: Findings suggested that greater night shift intensity increased the likelihood of sugar-sweetened beverage intake (odds ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [1.01, 2.68]). The impacts of work shift intensity and shift timing on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption varied by shift speed. Among participants assigned a schedule with either medium or rapid shift speed, higher work shift intensity was associated with a higher probability of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Compared to day shifts, those who were assigned a quicker shift speed on evening shifts were more likely to consume sugar-sweetened beverages. However, associations between night shift intensity and sugar-sweetened beverage intake did not change by shift speed. Furthermore, shift intensity and shift timing did not interact to affect empty calorie food/beverage consumption. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated assignments of shift schedules (i.e., high night shift intensity, more changes in shift timings) might influence workers' consumption of empty calorie foods/beverages. Therefore, identifying and mitigating hazardous shift schedules may help to improve shift workers' eating behaviors and benefit their overall health.

Psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Insomnia is one of the most commonly reported symptoms among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prior research evaluated the psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) with various populations, but no studies have examined the measurement properties of the instrument in the COPD population. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the ISI for the COPD population. PATIENTS/METHODS: This study included 96 people with COPD and insomnia. As psychometric properties, the ISI's internal consistency, factor structure, and criterion validity were examined with this sample. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate construct validity. Correlations between scores for the ISI and for measures of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and dyspnea were examined to determine criterion validity. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha value for the ISI was 0.79, indicating good internal consistency. In the EFA, a single ISI factor with an eigenvalue of 3.19 accounted for 45.6% of the variance. CFA indicated adequate construct validity, and interference of sleep problems with daytime functioning and level of distress caused by sleep difficulties showed the highest factor loadings (both 0.78). Criterion validity was supported by significant, weak to moderate correlations between scores for the ISI and for measures of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence that the ISI has good reliability and validity for measuring insomnia severity in the COPD population.