Characterizing the Physical and Psychological Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Pancreatic Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis, causing significant physical and psychological distress that detrimentally impacts patients' quality of life. AIM: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the physical and psychological status of newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients. METHODS: A cohort of 138 newly diagnosed patients completed standardized assessments, including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Distress Thermometer (DT). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The ESAS scores revealed high symptom burden, with mean scores of 6.8 for pain, 7.2 for fatigue, and 4.9 for depression. Measures of well-being indicated low scores, with means of 2.3 for physical well-being, 1.5 for social/family well-being, and 1.7 for emotional well-being. Distress levels were also high, with a mean score of 7.6 on the DT. CONCLUSION: Newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients experience substantial physical and psychological challenges, including severe symptom burden, distress, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Holistic care approaches that prioritize symptom management and address psychological distress are essential to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

Assessment of lifestyle changes related to quarantine among Saudi population during the early COVID-19 pandemic: pre- and post-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The escalating emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted human life due to the ever-increasing morbidity, containment measures, and the associated emotional distress. This study examined the influence of COVID-19-related measures on the lifestyle behaviors of adults living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: The study recruited 638 participants through convenience sampling in Jeddah and Taif cities, Saudi Arabia. Demographic characteristics and COVID-19-related information were collected through an anonymous self-reported electronic questionnaire. Lifestyle behaviors were assessed before and during the quarantine using the Healthy Dietary Habits Index (HDHI)-A and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). RESULTS: The study revealed significant changes in the dietary pattern: a reduction in fish intake and increased consumption of French fries and candies. Vegetables and fruit intake increased significantly. Sedentary time > 6 h per day increased from 36.7% pre to 60.8% during the pandemic. Healthy dietary index score and physical activity MET-minutes/week values were respectively 3.5% and 37.9% significantly higher before compared to the full quarantine period. CONCLUSION: The pandemic detrimentally influenced eating habits and physical activity levels that led to weight gain, and hence higher vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and negative outcomes. This analysis provides public health agencies with data to tailor nutrition interventions that mitigate the observed adverse lifestyle behaviors.

Effect of nurse-led intervention on knowledge and preventive behavior of diabetic pregnant women regarding COVID-19 associated mucromycosis infection in mid-delta region of Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Black fungus (mycoses) is an opportunistic invasive infection that predominantly occurred among immunosuppressed persons. It has been recently detected in COVID-19 patients. The pregnant diabetic woman is susceptible to such infections and needs recognition for protection. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the nurse-led intervention on the knowledge and preventive practice of diabetic pregnant women regarding fungal mycosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at maternal health care centers in Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. The study recruited 73 diabetic pregnant women through a systematic random sampling of pregnant women attending the maternity clinic during the period of the study. A structured interview questionnaire was used to measure their knowledge regarding Mucormycosis and COVID-19 manifestations. The preventive practices were assessed through an observational checklist of hygienic practice, insulin administration, and blood glucose monitoring for the prevention of Mucormycosis infection. RESULTS: The study revealed a statistically significant increment in the participants' knowledge, preventive practice, personal hygiene, and diabetes self-care scores (9.56 ± 1.75 ,3.6 ± 1.18, 3.18 ± 1.29 post-intervention) comparable to (6.19 ± 1.66, 1.97 ± 1.35, 0.89 ± 1.38 pre-intervention) respectively. There was a significant improvement in the overall COVID-19 protective score against Mucormycosis (from 2.66 ± 1.74 to 4.53 ± 1.43). CONCLUSION: Nursing educational sessions had a positive effect on pregnant women's awareness and preventive behavior. Hence, it is recommended to integrate nurse-led intervention targeting the preventive practice against COVID-19-associated Mucormycosis infection (CAM) as routine services for diabetic pregnant women during antenatal care.