ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the application of the adaptive choice-based conjoint (ACBC) method to facilitate the shared decision-making (SDM) process for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. METHODS: The study recruited adult OA patients attending the rheumatology/orthopaedics clinics in a local urban hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants completed a questionnaire regarding who influences their decision in selecting OA medication, followed by an ACBC questionnaire about OA medication preferences and a questionnaire about the potential contribution of ACBC to the SDM process. A univariate analysis was used to investigate the relationships between participant variables and factors that influence their decision-making processes. The chi-squared, Fisher's exact, Cramer's V coefficient test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were utilised. The primary outcome investigates the contribution of the ACBC method to the SDM process for OA treatment. Secondary outcomes measure the association between patient demographics and variables related to the SDM process and ACBC questionnaire. RESULTS: Five hundred patients participated in this study, with a response rate (RR) of 100%. Most study participants were 60-69 years old (34.8%), females (78.8%), and UAE nationals (90.4%). Patients' opinions and online/paper information influencing their decision in selecting OA medication had a statistically significant association with age, gender, education, and employment (P=0.001 - 0.039). Employment status showed the strongest association (φc=0.170) with being independent in making the decision about OA medications, while education levels showed the strongest association (φc=0.24) with decisions impacted by online/paper information. The results of the multivariable logistic analysis showed that the only statistically significant variable for online/paper information that influenced the decision in selecting OA medication was education level (p=0.003). Most participants agreed or strongly agreed that the ACBC predicted their preferences for OA treatment (96.8%), the questionnaire may help doctors understand patients' preferences (93%) and recommended the use of ACBC tool doctors' clinics to aid the SDM process (92.8%) between patients and their physicians. CONCLUSIONS: ACBC approach can facilitate doctors' understanding of patients' preferences and aid the SDM process. Most OA patients are independent or influenced by their physician when making decisions about OA medication. Higher education and employment among OA patients are associated with a better involvement in the SDM process for available treatment.
ABSTRACT
Background: Long COVID presents a concern for collegiate athletes, potentially impacting sensorimotor processing and motor fitness. This study aimed to assess these effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 athletes diagnosed with Long COVID and 60 controls. Sensorimotor processing and integration were evaluated using neurophysiological variables (N13, P14, N20, P27, and N30), while motor fitness was assessed through balance, agility, and vertical jump testing. T-tests compared groups, and Pearson's correlations explored relationships. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in neurophysiological variables and motor fitness between Long COVID and control groups. Fatigue correlated positively (p < 0.001) with neurophysiological variables in Long COVID cases but not with motor fitness (p = 0.08, p = 0.07, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Collegiate athletes with Long COVID exhibit abnormal sensorimotor processing, integration, and diminished motor fitness compared to uninfected peers. The fatigue severity of Long COVID correlates with neurophysiological changes, suggesting a link between sensorimotor deficits and fatigue. Targeted interventions for sensorimotor deficits and fatigue management are crucial for athletes recovering from Long COVID. This study underscores the importance of addressing these issues to optimize the recovery and performance of collegiate athletes affected by Long COVID.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess osteoarthritis (OA) patients' preferences for pharmaceutical treatment via Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) method. METHODS: A United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group designed the ACBC questionnaire with 10 attributes and 34 levels. The questionnaire was developed using Sawtooth Software and analyzed through Hierarchical Bayesian (HB). Results were standardized using Z-score via SPSS. RESULTS: Study participants were 1030 OA patients, 83.6% aged 50 or older and 83.4% female. The avoidance of medication's side effects accounted for 66% relative importance compared to 6% relative importance for the medication's benefits. The "way of taking the medicine" attribute had the highest coefficient of variation (70%) and the four side effect attributes "risk of gastric ulcer, addiction, kidney and liver impairment, and heart attacks and strokes" had a coefficient of variation from 18 to 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Arab OA patients are similar to other ethnic groups in trading-off benefits and side effects and consistently prioritizing the avoidance of medications' side effects. Although the "Way of taking medicine" was the least important attribute it was associated with the highest variation amongst patients. OA patients also prefer prescribed medications to internet-purchased and over-the-counter options.