ABSTRACT
Individual-level georeferenced data have been widely used in COVID-19 control measures around the world. Recent research observed that there is a trade-off relationship between people's privacy concerns and their acceptance of these control measures. However, whether this trade-off relationship exists across different cultural contexts is still unaddressed. Using data we collected via an international survey (n = 4260) and network analysis, our study found a substantial trade-off inter-relationship among people's privacy concerns, perceived social benefits, and acceptance across different control measures and study areas. People's privacy concerns in culturally tight societies (e.g., Japan) have the smallest negative impacts on their acceptance of pandemic control measures. The results also identify people's key views of specific control measures that can influence their views of other control measures. The impacts of these key views are heightened among participants with a conservative political view, high levels of perceived social tightness, and vertical individualism. Our results indicate that cultural factors are a key mechanism that mediate people's privacy concerns and their acceptance of pandemic control measures. These close inter-relationships lead to a double-edged sword effect: the increased positive impacts of people's acceptance and perceived social benefits also lead to increased negative impacts of privacy concerns in different combinations of control strategies. The findings highlight the importance of cultural factors as key determinants that affect people's acceptance or rejection of specific pandemic control measures.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Systemic cancer treatments pose threats to fertility, leading to concerns regarding fertility and parenthood in young adult women with breast cancer (YAWBC). This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on reproductive concerns (RCs) among YAWBC and identify areas where further research in needed. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Nine English and Chinese databases were searched for studies from inception to June 2023. A meta-analysis was employed to pool RC levels measured using the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale (RCAC scale; possible total scores: 18-90). Narrative synthesis was conducted in cases where a meta-analysis could not be performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four cross-sectional studies across seven countries were included in this review. The prevalence of RCs among YAWBC ranged from 21.75% to 80%. The pooled mean total score on the overall RCAC scale was 55.84 (95% confidence interval: 53.26-58.43). "Personal health," "child's health," and "fertility potential" were the top three types of RCs among YAWBC. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors were found to be associated with RCs among YAWBC. Additionally, significant correlations among RCs, nonadherence to treatment, depression, and quality of life were also identified among YAWBC. CONCLUSION: RCs are a common issue among YAWBC, and age, parenthood status, fertility desire, and chemotherapy treatment are important factors associated with RCs among these women. Further research is needed to clarify RC-related factors to provide evidence aimed at tailoring interventions to mitigate RCs among YWBC.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Adult , Young Adult , Quality of Life , Cross-Sectional Studies , FertilityABSTRACT
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is associated with sudden death in the young. Risk stratification and management decision-making remain challenging. Data addressing post-diagnosis perceptions of exercise behavior and safety are lacking. We aimed to determine how AAOCA affects exercise behaviors, safety perceptions, and emotional well-being of patients/parents. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of AAOCA patient-/parent-specific survey was conducted to examine exercise frequency/restrictions, perceived safety of competitive/recreational exercise, and psychosocial well-being. Subgroups stratified by AAOCA subtype, surgical intervention, and physician-driven restrictions were compared using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Cohen's kappa determined agreement in parent/child responses. AAOCA subtypes included 13 (24%) left AAOCA, 36 (67%) right AAOCA, and 5 (9%) other/unknown. Of 54 parents and 41 paired child responses, 22% of patients were physician-restricted from exercise. Parents imposed restrictions on competitive/recreational exercise 34%/26% of the time, respectively. Children without physician restrictions still self-restricted exercise 35% of the time. Parents reported feeling their child was unsafe exercising 61% competitively and 33% recreationally. Twenty-two percent of children reported feeling unsafe exercising, with good agreement to parental perceptions of competitive exercise safety (kappa = 0.779, p < 0.001). One-third of parents and children reported feeling sad, angry, or lonely, and about half reported feeling different. Importantly, 47% of children desired to exercise more. No difference was seen across restriction status, AAOCA subtype, or surgical management strategy. CONCLUSION: There are different perceptions of exercise behavior and safety following AAOCA evaluation, regardless of risk category or management strategy, impacting their well-being. These unmet needs should be at the forefront of care. WHAT IS KNOWN: ⢠AAOCA is one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death in the young. ⢠Exercise restriction varies according to AAOCA subtype and its perceived risk of inducing myocardial ischemia. WHAT IS NEW: ⢠There are different perceptions of exercise behavior and safety in patients and parents following a diagnosis of AAOCA, impacting their well-being. ⢠Risk category or management strategy has no effect in patients' and parents' perception of exercise safety. ⢠These unmet needs in this population should be at the forefront of care.
ABSTRACT
Parents play a crucial role in deciding what foods to introduce to their infants during the transition from milk to solids. This study examined the challenges they face, including adherence to official complementary feeding recommendations and the struggles and concerns across different stages of feeding. Specifically, this study focused on the initial stage (transition from breastmilk/formula to mashed foods), middle stage (consumption of mashed foods and some fingerfoods, transitioning towards family foods) and late stage (complete transition to family diet). Findings from 22 semi-structured interviews with Swiss parents reveal that, despite being well-informed, practical obstacles such as returning to work, limited time for preparing homemade foods, managing multiple children, and food preferences often hinder adherence. Safety concerns like allergies and choking were prominent early on but decreased as infants grew older and parents gained confidence. In the middle phase, concerns shifted towards pesticides, indicating a growing awareness of food quality. Maintaining a healthy diet was a constant concern, with early reassurance from breastfeeding or formula feeding giving way to worries about balanced nutrition as solids became more prominent. Time constraints were particularly significant in the first two stages, due to the effort of preparing small amounts of mash and later cooking separate meals. Tailored support and clear communication can help parents navigate these challenges and promote healthier feeding practices.
ABSTRACT
Parents have long been concerned with the transition to adulthood of their children with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) particularly with financial issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the financial concerns of mothers of adults with IDD. Five mothers of adults with IDD participated in a focus group to share their experiences, opinions, concerns, and challenges related to finances. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis: (a) job-related difficulties, (b) living expenses, (c) access to essential services, (d), skills deficits and/or challenging behavior, and (e) long-term care. Mothers in general indicated tremendous financial burdens, loss of income, and expressed concerns about long-term care of their children with IDD. These themes are discussed and implications for practice and research are provided.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Patients with Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRD) report subjective cognitive concerns, and research indicates that they show objective cognitive impairment. This study explored the value of subjective concerns flagging objective impairment. Furthermore, we investigated whether coping moderated this relationship, and the role of depressive symptomatology. METHOD: In a cross-sectional design, objective impairment was measured with an extensive neuropsychological assessment; subjective concerns with the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire; coping styles with the Coping Inventory of Stressful Situations; and symptoms of depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire- 9. RESULTS: The results show that subjective concerns are of limited value in signaling objective impairment in patients with SSRD. Regression analyses performed on data from 225 patients showed that symptoms of depression (ß = .32) were the main predictor of subjective concerns, which were unrelated to objective impairment. Coping was not a moderator, but patients with emotion-oriented coping styles had more subjective concerns (ß=.40), and conversely, patients with avoidance- and/or task-oriented coping styles had less (respectively, ß=-.27 and ß=-.24). CONCLUSIONS: These results align with the Somatosensory Amplification Theory; patients with SSRD may amplify benign cognitive failures and experience them as intrusive, noxious, and more intense. In patients with SSRD, subjective cognitive concerns are more related to psychological constructs (symptoms of depression and coping styles) than to objective impairment.
ABSTRACT
Communimetric screening tools help clinicians identify and communicate their patient's areas of need and the corresponding level of action. However, few tools exist to identify mental health (MH) and developmental needs in young children. We aimed to implement and evaluate a new communimetric MH and developmental screening tool for children under 6 (HEADS-ED Under 6) in a community MH agency in Ontario, Canada. Using a prospective cohort design, we explored how intake workers used the HEADS-ED Under 6 screening tool from November 2019 to March 2021. 94.5% of children (n = 535/566) were screened with the HEADS-ED at intake. Total HEADS-ED scores and domains were used to inform the intensity of recommended services. Three clinical domains (Eating & sleeping, Development, speech/language/motor, and Emotions & behaviors) also independently predicted a priority recommendation. The tool showed good concordance with the InterRAI Early Years for children under 4 years old. The HEADS-ED Under 6 was a brief, easy, and valid screening tool, and can be used to identify important MH and developmental domains early, rate level of action/impairment, communicate severity of needs, and help determine intensity of service required.
Les outils de dépistage communimétrique aident les cliniciens à identifier et à communicer les besoins et le niveau d'action correspondant de leur patient. Cependant il existe peu d'outil pour identifier les besoins en Santé Mentale (SM en français) et les besoins développentaux chez les jeunes enfants. Nous nous sommes donné pour but d'appliquer et d'évaluer un nouveal outil communimétrique de SM et développemental pour les enfants de moins de 6 ans (HEADSED de moins de 6 ans) dans une agence communautaire de SM dans l'Ontario au Canada. En utilisant une conception de cohorte prospective nous avons exploré la manière dont les préposés à l'accueil ont utilisé le HEADSED de moins de six ans de novembre 219 à mars 2021. 94,5% des enfants (n = 535566) ont été dépister avec le HEADSED à l'accueil. Tous les scores et domaines HEADSED ont été utilisé pour éclairer l'intensité des services recommandés. Trois domaines cliniques (Manger et dormir, Développement/parole/langage/moteur, et les Emotions, comportements ont aussi prédit une recommandation de priorité indépendamment. L'outil a fait preuve d'une bonne concordance avec le InterRAI Early Years pour les enfants de moins de 4 ans. Le HEADSED de moins de 6 ans s'est avéré être un outil de dépistage valide, bref et facile, et peut être utiliser pour identifier des domaines de SM et des domaines du développement importants tôt, d'évaluer un niveau d'action/de dépréciation, de communiquer la sévérité de besoins, et aider à déterminer l'intensité des services requis. Kommunimetrische ScreeningInstrumente helfen klinisch Tätigen dabei, die Bedürfnisse ihrer Patienten zu erkennen, zu kommunizieren und die entsprechenden Maßnahmen zu ergreifen. Es gibt jedoch nur wenige Instrumente welche die Bedürfnisse von Kleinkindern hinsichtlich ihrer psychischen Gesundheit und Entwicklung ermitteln. Unser Ziel war es, ein neues kommunimetrisches ScreeningInstrument für die psychische Gesundheit und Entwicklung von Kindern unter 6 Jahren (HEADSED unter 6 Jahren) in einer kommunalen Einrichtung der psychischen Gesundheitsversorgung in Ontario, Kanada, einzuführen und zu evaluieren. In einer prospektiven Kohortenstudie untersuchten wir von November 2019 bis März 2021 wie die Mitarbeitenden der Einrichtung bei Aufnahmen das HEADSEDScreeningTool für Kinder unter 6 Jahren einsetzten. 94,5 % der Kinder (n = 535/566) wurden bei Aufnahme mit dem HEADSED gescreent. Die HEADSEDGesamtergebnisse und Domänen wurden verwendet, um die Intensität der empfohlenen Gesundheitsleistungen zu bestimmen. Ebenfalls sagten drei klinische Domänen (Essen und Schlafen, Entwicklung/Sprechen/Sprache/Motorik und Emotionen/Verhaltensweisen) unabhängig voneinander eine prioritäre Empfehlung voraus. Das Instrument zeigte eine gute Übereinstimmung mit dem InterRAI Early Years für Kinder unter 4 Jahren. Das HEADSED für Kinder unter 6 Jahren erwies sich als ein kurzes, einfaches und valides ScreeningInstrument, das eingesetzt werden kann, um frühzeitig wichtige Bereiche psychischer Gesundheit und Entwicklung zu identifizieren, das Ausmaß von Interventionen/Beeinträchtigungen einzuschätzen, die Stärke dahingehender Bedürfnisse mitzuteilen und die notwendige Intensität von Gesundheitsleistungen zu bestimmen. ã³ãã¥ãã¡ããªãã¯ã¹ã¯ãªã¼ãã³ã°ãã¼ã«ã¯ãè¨åºå»ãæ£è ã®å¿ è¦ãªé åã¨ããã«å¯¾å¿ããè¡åã¬ãã«ãç¹å®ããä¼ããã®ã«å½¹ç«ã¤ãããããå¹¼å ã®ã¡ã³ã¿ã«ãã«ã¹(MH)ã¨çºéã®ãã¼ãºãç¹å®ãããã¼ã«ã¯ã»ã¨ãã©åå¨ããªããæ¬ç 究ã¯ãã«ããã»ãªã³ã¿ãªãªå·ã®å°åMHæ©é¢ã«ããã¦ã6æ³æªæºå ã対象ã¨ããæ°ããã³ãã¥ãã¡ããªãã¯MHããã³çºéã¹ã¯ãªã¼ãã³ã°ãã¼ã«(HEADSED under 6)ã®å°å ¥ããã³è©ä¾¡ãç®çã¨ãããååãã³ãã¼ããã¶ã¤ã³ãç¨ãã¦ã2019å¹´11æãã2021å¹´3æã«ãã¤ã³ãã¤ã¯æ å½è ã6æ³æªæºå ã¹ã¯ãªã¼ãã³ã°ãã¼ã«HEADSEDãã©ã®ããã«ä½¿ç¨ãããã調æ»ããã94.5ï¼ ã®åã©ã(n = 535/566)ãã¤ã³ãã¼ã¯æã«HEADSEDã§ã¹ã¯ãªã¼ãã³ã°ãåãããHEADSEDã®ç·ã¹ã³ã¢ã¨é åã¯ãæ¨å¥¨ããããµã¼ãã¹ã®ç¨åº¦ãç¥ãããã«ä½¿ç¨ããããã¾ãã3ã¤ã®è¨åºé å(é£æ¬²ã¨ç¡ç ãçºéã»çºèªã»è¨èªã»éåãææ /è¡å)ããåå¥ã®åªå é ä½ãäºæ¸¬ããããã®ãã¼ã«ã¯ã4æ³æªæºå ã対象ã¨ããInterRAI Early Yearsã¨è¯å¥½ãªä¸è´ã示ãããHEADSED Under 6ã¯ãç°¡æ½ã§ãç°¡åã§ãæå¹ãªã¹ã¯ãªã¼ãã³ã°ãã¼ã«ã§ãããæ©æã«éè¦ãªç²¾ç¥ä¿å¥ããã³çºéé åãç¹å®ããæ´»å/é害ã®ã¬ãã«ãè©ä¾¡ãããã¼ãºã®éç度ãä¼ããå¿ è¦ãªãµã¼ãã¹ã®å¼·åº¦ã決å®ããããã«ä½¿ç¨ãããã¨ãã§ããã.
ABSTRACT
Food packaging waste significantly impacts global environmental changes, prompting the adoption of a green circular economy approach. Recycling packaging waste is a critical element of this strategy. However, it faces challenges related to the quality of recycled materials and concerns about their safety. Thus, this review aimed to highlight different analytical methods alone or in combination to evaluate the quality of the recycled material. Furthermore, the safety and health aspects related to the migration of contaminants and their relevant regulations have also been discussed. An important parameter while selecting an appropriate recycling method is the composition and nature of the recyclate, for instance, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and PP (Polypropylene) materials can be recycled using mechanical and chemical recycling, however, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and PS (Polystyrene) present challenges during mechanical recycling due to lower molecular weight and complex compositions, thus are often downcycled into lower-grade products. Still, recycled papers can be more problematic than recycled plastics due to the nature of the materials and the impact of recycling. The literature review suggested that three quality properties i.e., presence of low molecular weight compounds, degree of degradation, and composition should be analyzed by using different spectroscopic, thermo-mechanical, and chromatographic techniques to obtain a detailed understanding of recycled material quality. Furthermore, recycling should be done in such a way that the migration of contaminants should be lower than the migratory limits set by the relevant authorities to avoid any toxicological effects.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aimed to determine patterns of screen viewing time (SVT) in preschool children with developmental, behavioural or emotional (DBE) issues, and to identify its relationship with social-emotional development. Method: This cross-sectional study involved children aged 0-5 years who were referred to a developmental paediatric clinic for DBE issues. Parents completed a screen time questionnaire, and the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment-Clinical (DECA-C) question-naire which assessed the social-emotional competence of the children. Data were analysed using logistic regression, correlational analyses and tests of comparison. Results: Among 225 children (mean age: 32.4 months), mean daily SVT was 138 minutes. More than half (51.1%) of the children had clinical features of language delay, while 26.6% had features suggestive of autism spectrum disorder. Screen time was first introduced at a mean age of 13.8 months, with 32.4% of children previously experiencing higher SVT. Compared to SVT introduction after 1 year of age, SVT in the first 12 months was primarily to facilitate feeding (P<0.05). Children with higher past SVT had poorer attention, more aggression, and increased behavioural concerns. Children with DBE issues have significantly more screen time than same-aged peers. Conclusion: Children with DBE issues are exposed to SVT at a very young age and have significantly more screen time than their peers. It is crucial to guide parents to reduce SVT in early childhood, particularly around mealtimes.
Subject(s)
Screen Time , Humans , Child, Preschool , Singapore/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Male , Female , Infant , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Social Skills , Language Development Disorders/psychology , Language Development Disorders/epidemiology , Emotions , Surveys and Questionnaires , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis , Child Behavior Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
Objective: COVID-19 risk perceptions are discussed to be volatile and have been shown to be connected to the adoption of preventive public health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate changes in COVID-19 concerns and influencing factors as a function of season among the German public. Methods: Sixty-three waves of cross-sectional telephone surveys with German participants aged 14 years and older conducted at least monthly between June 2020 and April 2023 provided the data basis (N = 63,471). After pooling participants of different waves by season (spring, summer, fall, winter), data were analyzed with regard to changes in physical health, mental health, economic, and social COVID-19 concerns. Individual characteristics (e.g., age), COVID-19 behavior (e.g., hygiene practices), and related perceptions (e.g., controllability of risk) were considered as predictors of composite concerns in different seasons. Results: Results showed a higher between-seasons than within-seasons variability in concerns, with rises in physical and mental health and social concerns during fall. Multivariate regressions revealed being female, lower education, adopting protective measures, and higher perceived probability of infection in both public and private settings to be consistent predictors of higher COVID-19 concerns. Coefficients of these predictors remained comparatively stable over seasons and years. Conclusion: Results indicate re-occurring changes in concerns during a prolonged crisis, with distinct characteristics being consistently associated with higher reported concerns. To ensure the application of protective measures, communicators should consider that risk perceptions are subject to fluctuations, but that certain groups of individuals tend to develop them and therefore deserve particular focus.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Seasons , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Germany/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Aged , Young Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires , SARS-CoV-2 , Mental Health/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Old age is the stage of life when people are the most vulnerable to existential experience. These concerns intensify in late adulthood when individuals become increasingly prone to reflection and inclined to evaluate their lives. The study aimed to explore how older people who are active learners dealt with their existential concerns. METHOD: The study was based on the qualitative approach and grounded theory. The data collection methods were narrative interviews and semi-structured interviews. Eighteen interviews were conducted. The narrators were students of Universities of the Third Age. RESULTS: An in-depth analysis of the collected empirical material revealed three themes that helped us understand how study participants differentiated their ways of dealing with self-perception of aging, effectiveness, and performing developmental tasks. This also allowed us to distinguish three main strategies educationally active older adults used to cope with existential concerns: repression, escape, and engagement. CONCLUSION: The study's results indicate that confrontation or avoidance of existential problems can be perceived as a factor contributing to developing an older person's identity in two different ways. On the one hand, the readiness to face existential concerns leads to maturity in old age, a high level of social adaptation, supporting others, and, at the same time, focusing on oneself while ignoring existential concerns, which may contribute to held age identities that are younger than actual age.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Major gaps remain in our knowledge regarding childhood sexual abuse (CSA) related symptoms in adolescent psychiatric inpatients, as well as potential resilience factors like mentalizing. CSA is a risk factor for the early emergence of borderline personality features, posttraumatic stress, and sexual concerns. Mentalizing, which involves the capacity to understand our reactions and that of others in psychological terms, is a resilience factor for self and interpersonal functioning. The aim of this study was to address knowledge gaps by examining the contributions of CSA and mentalizing in a latent factor composed of borderline personality features, posttraumatic stress, and sexual concerns in a sample of adolescent psychiatric inpatients. We hypothesized that CSA and mentalizing would independently explain the variance in this latent factor. Method: Participants were 273 adolescents aged 12-17 recruited from an adolescent inpatient psychiatric clinic. They completed the Reflective Function Questionnaire for Youth (RFQ-Y), the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC), and the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C). CSA was assessed using the Child Attachment Interview (CAI), the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C-DISC), as well as the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results: 27.5% of adolescent psychiatric inpatients reported CSA. CSA and mentalizing were independently associated with a latent factor consisting of posttraumatic stress, borderline personality features, and sexual concerns. CSA explained 5.0% and RF explained 16.7% of the variance of the latent factor. When we consider both the unique and the shared contribution of CSA and mentalizing, the model explained 23.0% of the variance of this factor. Discussion: CSA and mentalizing independently explained variance in a latent factor constituted of borderline personality features, posttraumatic stress, and sexual concerns. The direct effect of mentalizing was stronger and mentalizing explained comparatively more variance of trauma-related symptoms in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. The findings are consistent with the theory that mentalizing is an internal resilience factor in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. By implication, clinical interventions focused on promoting the development of mentalizing, such as Mentalization Based Treatment, may palliate mental health difficulties manifested by adolescent psychiatric inpatients including those associated with CSA.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Though a worldwide period of uncertainty (COVID-19) has 'ended', there exists a legacy of maladaptive experiences among people with significant appearance concerns (SAC) that requires care and attention. METHODS: Using Giddens' concept of ontological security, we explored how people experienced their SAC before, during and "since" COVID-19. Qualitative surveys allowed us to capture diverse perspectives from individuals transnationally, analysed with deductive reflexive thematic analysis using ontological security as our theoretical foundation. RESULTS: Themes named "More Mirror(ed) Time" and "Locked Out, Shut Down, and Shut Out" gave a contextual grounding for the embodied experiences of this group through times of social restrictions, and the theme "Redefining Relevance" explored the continued legacy of COVID-19 - and continued global uncertainties such as economic hardship and warfare - that impact the wellbeing of people with SAC. CONCLUSIONS: People with SAC are still 'locked out' from essential healthcare support as those providing healthcare are overworked, under-resourced and rely on efficient interactive methods such as tele-health that may be triggers for people with SAC. Care providers may consider expanding appearance concerns verbiage, look to involve trusted others in the care-seeking process, and utilize modalities beyond digital health to support people with SAC.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Qualitative Research , Social Isolation , Humans , COVID-19/psychology , Adult , Female , Male , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2 , Uncertainty , Body Image/psychology , AgedABSTRACT
Body image concerns are prevalent within transgender communities - many transgender people engage in disordered eating to suppress or accentuate secondary sex characteristics and reduce gender dysphoria. However, this research has mostly been conducted with binary transgender people. Here, we examine how non-binary people experience and relate to their bodies. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 13 gender non-binary individuals living in Australia. Photo elicitation techniques were utilised, and the transcribed interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: Expansive Understandings of Body Image, Body Image can be Linked to Gender Dysphoria, Cultivating a Preferred Body can Lead to Gender Euphoria, Appreciating Diversity in Non-Binary Body Ideals, The Androgynous Body Ideal is not Universally Accepted, and Experiencing the Body as Functional rather than Aesthetic. The present findings highlight the diversity of experiences of body image for non-binary people. The non-binary concept of body image was found to be expansive, stressing various physical attributes involved in social gender recognition and physiological sources of gender dysphoria. Some participants valued gender-affirming medical intervention, others were accepting of their bodies as they are, attributing their body confidence to the process of affirming their non-binary gender.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The use of digital Patient- Reported Outcomes (PRO) tools has been shown to enhance the exchange of information and shared decision-making in medical encounters. However, their influence on patient-pharmacist interactions has not yet been explored. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the impact of RxTalk™, a digital PRO tool, in supporting the communication between patients and pharmacists compared to usual care. METHODS: Intervention: RxTalk™ was developed to collect information about medication adherence and beliefs, using a tablet computer. STUDY DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled study was conducted at a community pharmacy in Wisconsin, USA. Sixty patients were randomized to either the intervention group who used RxTalk™ during medication pick-up or the control group who did not use the tool. Patients who used RxTalk™ received paper copies of their responses which were also shared with pharmacists. The consultation was audio-recorded for both groups and coded using the Active Patient Participation Coding scale. Follow-up phone interviews were conducted with both groups within one week of enrollment. RESULTS: Patient tapes were analyzed. In the unadjusted model, patients in the intervention group had a higher active participation rate (p = 0.004) and raised significantly more concerns during consultations (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Pharmacists asked twice as many questions while counseling patients in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). After controlling for patients' demographics and pharmacists' questions, there was a statistical difference between the two patient groups in their odds of expressing at least one concern utterance. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that collecting PRO from patients with chronic illnesses and providing results to pharmacists and patients can help patients express their health and medication concerns. RxTalk™ would be useful for pharmacists who wish to improve the recognition and management of medication-related problems.
ABSTRACT
Background: Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a priority for public health. Inappropriate patient demand is an important driver of unnecessary antibiotic use. To develop an effective intervention to reduce inappropriate demand for antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), it is important to identify patient perceptions that influence demand for, and appropriate use of antibiotics. Aim: To identify and describe the beliefs about antibiotics necessity and concerns that patients with URTIs have, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: An exploratory qualitative approach was used. One-to-one, face-to-face or telephone semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants recruited using purposive sampling (based on age and gender) from primary healthcare centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were conducted. Only adult patients who currently experience URTIs symptoms and agreed to participate were recruited. Recruitment for interviews continued until data saturation point was reached. The interview guide explored patients' necessity beliefs and concerns about antibiotics, AMR perceptions, and expectations from URTIs consultation. Interview transcripts were coded using QSR NVivo 12 using framework analysis informed by the Necessity-Concerns Framework to identify key motivations driving antibiotic requests and consultations. Results: the study interviewed 32 participants (44% were male, average age was 36.84). Results identified that the patients often relate their personal need for antibiotics when encountering an URTIs symptoms to the type, severity and duration of symptoms. Patients also linked antibiotics with quicker recovery, generally expressing few concerns about antibiotics mainly because of its short duration of use. However, some conveyed their concern about frequent administration of antibiotics and effect on the body's immune system function, which may make them more prone to infections in the future. Participants varied widely in their awareness of AMR; this was associated with many misconceptions, such as confusing AMR with antibiotics efficacy and tolerance. Interestingly, the interplay between necessity beliefs and concerns was observed to influence the decision to start and stop antibiotic, potentially impacting inappropriate antibiotic demand and unnecessary use. Conclusion: This study highlighted important beliefs and misconceptions about antibiotics and AMR in Saudi population which can be targeted in future interventions to reduce inappropriate demand for antibiotics and optimise appropriate usage.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: After diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), it is unclear what information patients and parents need and understand about EDS. The objective of this study is to characterize patient and parent knowledge and concerns about EDS after a diagnosis of EDS is made to determine patient and parent concerns and identify barriers that cause discomfort with the diagnosis. Methods: A convenience sample of patient and parent dyads were recruited after new diagnosis of EDS. Patients and parents completed questionnaires that assessed knowledge, comfort, and barriers of EDS before and after diagnosis, EDS education materials accessed, and additional clinical needs and concerns. Results: Seventy-two dyads completed the survey. Conclusion: Many respondents actively seek information on the diagnosis and management of EDS. Parents and patients look for information about EDS differently. Parents have more concerns after diagnosis and both want well-constructed, empirically supported educational materials delivered via multiple modalities, which makes clinical guidelines more essential.
ABSTRACT
De-identification of medical images intended for research is a core requirement for data-sharing initiatives, particularly as the demand for data for artificial intelligence (AI) applications grows. The Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT) of the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) convened a virtual workshop with the intent of summarizing the state of the art in de-identification technology and processes and exploring interesting aspects of the subject. This paper summarizes the highlights of the first day of the workshop, the recordings, and presentations of which are publicly available for review. The topics covered included the report of the Medical Image De-Identification Initiative (MIDI) Task Group on best practices and recommendations, tools for conventional approaches to de-identification, international approaches to de-identification, and an industry panel.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Despite substantial evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of influenza vaccines, only 38.6% of the adult United States population received an influenza vaccine during the 2023-2024 flu season. Vaccination rates are typically lower among U.S. minority groups, and in 2022, pregnant persons from U.S. minority racial and ethnic groups showed a decrease in influenza vaccine coverage. METHODS: A survey was conducted with residents of Yakima County, Washington, which is home to one of the state's largest percentages of people who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a. The objective was to evaluate the uptake of influenza vaccine among pregnant persons. Surveys were sent to a random sample of 3000 residential mailing addresses. Of the 500 respondents, 244 (52.1%) reported that they had been pregnant, with those identifying as Hispanic or Latino/a constituting 23.8% of this total. Only 62 (26.2%) reported being immunized against influenza during pregnancy. Respondents who were immunized against influenza chose to be vaccinated to protect themselves from the flu (85.5%, n = 53); because a healthcare provider recommended getting vaccinated (85.5%, n = 53); to protect the baby from the flu (82.3%, n = 51); because it was available for free or low cost (62.9%, n = 39); and because vaccination was convenient (54.8%, n = 34). Qualitative evaluation identified that participants who were not vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy believed the vaccination was not needed, was not recommended by a healthcare provider, was difficult to access, they were against vaccination in general, or they were concerned about the safety and ingredients of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Barriers to vaccination identified in this study included vaccine distrust, lack of awareness, and concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety. Healthcare providers can help address these concerns by providing education and recommendations about the importance of influenza vaccination during pregnancy.