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Wouldve, couldve, shouldve: a cross-sectional investigation of whether and how healthcare staffs working conditions and mental health symptoms have changed throughout 3 pandemic years

Por: Reiter · J. · Weibelzahl · S. · Duden · G. S.
Objectives

Mental health and well-being of healthcare staff were majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little attention has been devoted to the role employers could choose to play in mitigating long-term negative consequences and how effective organisational measures taken were perceived by the individual healthcare workers. This study aims to investigate (1) whether and how healthcare professionals’ mental health has changed from the second to the third pandemic year, (2) whether differences between professional groups (physicians, nurses, paramedics) identified in previous studies persisted and (3) how job demands and resources, for example, work culture and employers’ measures, impacted this situation.

Design

The study employs an observational, cross-sectional design, using an online survey.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted online from mid-June to mid-August 2022 among healthcare staff in state-run and private healthcare facilities, such as doctor’s practices, hospitals and paramedic organisations, in Germany and Austria (n=421).

Outcome measures

We measured psychological strain using an ICD-10-based symptom checklist, as well as subjective strain and importance of stressors using self-report questions. The ICD-10 was the 10th version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, a widely used standardized diagnostic manual.

Results

Psychological strain stayed relatively consistent, with nursing staff suffering the most. While the job demands participants felt most affected by were structural issues (eg, staff shortages), employers were far more likely to be perceived as taking action against pandemic-specific job demands (eg, lack of protective gear). Psychological strain was lowest when staff perceived employers’ actions as effective. Only 60% of those with severe enough symptoms to require psychological help had intentions of seeking such help, which is in line with past studies. This help-seeking hesitancy was also dependent on different facets of perceived work culture.

Conclusions

Healthcare staff and nursing staff in particular continue to suffer in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while employers were perceived as taking action against pandemic-specific job demands, pre-existing job demands causing stress and psychological strain for staff have remained uncombatted.

Protocol for the challenge non-typhoidal Salmonella (CHANTS) study: a first-in-human, in-patient, double-blind, randomised, safety and dose-escalation controlled human infection model in the UK

Por: Smith · C. · Smith · E. · Rydlova · A. · Varro · R. · Hinton · J. C. D. · Gordon · M. A. · Choy · R. K. M. · Liu · X. · Pollard · A. J. · Chiu · C. · Cooke · G. S. · Gibani · M. M.
Introduction

Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) serovars are a major cause of community-acquired bloodstream infections in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this setting, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium accounts for two-thirds of infections and is associated with an estimated case fatality rate of 15%–20%. Several iNTS vaccine candidates are in early-stage assessment which—if found effective—would provide a valuable public health tool to reduce iNTS disease burden. The CHANTS study aims to develop a first-in-human Salmonella Typhimurium controlled human infection model, which can act as a platform for future vaccine evaluation, in addition to providing novel insights into iNTS disease pathogenesis.

Methods and analysis

This double-blind, safety and dose-escalation study will randomise 40–80 healthy UK participants aged 18–50 to receive oral challenge with one of two strains of S. Typhimurium belonging to the ST19 (strain 4/74) or ST313 (strain D23580) lineages. 4/74 is a global strain often associated with diarrhoeal illness predominantly in high-income settings, while D23580 is an archetypal strain representing invasive disease-causing isolates found in SSA. The primary objective is to determine the minimum infectious dose (colony-forming unit) required for 60%–75% of participants to develop clinical or microbiological features of systemic salmonellosis. Secondary endpoints are to describe and compare the clinical, microbiological and immunological responses following challenge. Dose escalation or de-escalation will be undertaken by continual-reassessment methodology and limited within prespecified safety thresholds. Exploratory objectives are to describe mechanisms of iNTS virulence, identify putative immune correlates of protection and describe host–pathogen interactions in response to infection.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the NHS Health Research Authority (London—Fulham Research Ethics Committee 21/PR/0051; IRAS Project ID 301659). The study findings will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at national/international stakeholder meetings. Study outcome summaries will be provided to both funders and participants.

Trial registration number

NCT05870150

Determining the impact of an artificial intelligence tool on the management of pulmonary nodules detected incidentally on CT (DOLCE) study protocol: a prospective, non-interventional multicentre UK study

Por: O'Dowd · E. · Berovic · M. · Callister · M. · Chalitsios · C. V. · Chopra · D. · Das · I. · Draper · A. · Garner · J. L. · Gleeson · F. · Janes · S. · Kennedy · M. · Lee · R. · Mauri · F. · McKeever · T. M. · McNulty · W. · Murray · J. · Nair · A. · Park · J. · Rawlinson · J. · Sagoo · G. S.
Introduction

In a small percentage of patients, pulmonary nodules found on CT scans are early lung cancers. Lung cancer detected at an early stage has a much better prognosis. The British Thoracic Society guideline on managing pulmonary nodules recommends using multivariable malignancy risk prediction models to assist in management. While these guidelines seem to be effective in clinical practice, recent data suggest that artificial intelligence (AI)-based malignant-nodule prediction solutions might outperform existing models.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective, observational multicentre study to assess the clinical utility of an AI-assisted CT-based lung cancer prediction tool (LCP) for managing incidental solid and part solid pulmonary nodule patients vs standard care. Two thousand patients will be recruited from 12 different UK hospitals. The primary outcome is the difference between standard care and LCP-guided care in terms of the rate of benign nodules and patients with cancer discharged straight after the assessment of the baseline CT scan. Secondary outcomes investigate adherence to clinical guidelines, other measures of changes to clinical management, patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been reviewed and given a favourable opinion by the South Central—Oxford C Research Ethics Committee in UK (REC reference number: 22/SC/0142).

Study results will be available publicly following peer-reviewed publication in open-access journals. A patient and public involvement group workshop is planned before the study results are available to discuss best methods to disseminate the results. Study results will also be fed back to participating organisations to inform training and procurement activities.

Trial registration number

NCT05389774.

Defining anthropometric thresholds (mid-arm circumference and calf circumference) in older adults residing in the community: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the population representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI DAD)

Por: Bhagwasia · M. · Rao · A. R. · Banerjee · J. · Bajpai · S. · Khobragade · P. Y. · Raman · A. V. · Talukdar · A. · Jain · A. · Rajguru · C. · Sankhe · L. · Goswami · D. · Shanthi · G. S. · Kumar · G. · Varghese · M. · Dhar · M. · Gupta · M. · Koul · P. A. · Mohanty · R. R. · Chakrabarti · S.
Objectives

To identify factors associated with malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) and determine appropriate cut-off values for mid-arm circumference (MAC) and calf circumference (CC) among community-dwelling Indian older adults.

Design

Data from the first wave of harmonised diagnostic assessment of dementia for Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-DAD) were used. Various sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, childhood financial and health status were included. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI), MAC and CC.

Setting

Nationally representative cohort study including 36 Indian states and union territories.

Participants

4096 older adults aged >60 years from LASI DAD.

Outcome measures

The outcome variable was BMI, categorised as low (2), normal (18.5–22.9 kg/m2) and high (>23 kg/m2). The cut-off values of MAC and CC were derived using ROC curve with BMI as the gold standard.

Results

902 (weighted percentage 20.55%) had low BMI, 1742 (44.25%) had high BMI. Undernutrition was associated with age, wealth-quintile and impaired cognition, while overnutrition was associated with higher education, urban living and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic heart disease. For CC, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for males were 28.1 cm and >31.5 cm, respectively, while for females, the corresponding values were 26 cm and >29 cm. Similarly, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for MAC in males were 23.9 cm and >26.9 cm, and for females, they were 22.5 cm and >25 cm.

Conclusion

Our study identifies a high BMI prevalence, especially among females, individuals with higher education, urban residents and those with comorbidities. We establish gender-specific MAC and CC cut-off values with significant implications for healthcare, policy and research. Tailored interventions can address undernutrition and overnutrition in older adults, enhancing standardised nutritional assessment and well-being.

Vigorous exercise in pragmatic settings leads to antidepressive, metabolic and cardiovascular health benefits in adult outpatients with major depression or anxiety disorders

Por: Morres · I. D. · Metsios · G. S.

Commentary on: Verhoeven JE, Han LKM, Lever-van Milligen BA, et al. Antidepressants or running therapy: comparing effects on mental and physical health in patients with depression and anxiety disorders. J Affect Disord 2023;329:19–29. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.064.

Implications for practice and research

  • Supervised outdoor running at vigorous intensity leads to antidepressant and physical health benefits in outpatients with major depression or anxiety disorders.

  • More pragmatic exercise trials for mental health outpatients with heterogeneous symptomatology are needed.

  • Context

    Exercise is associated with antidepressant effects in clinical settings but relevant research in pragmatic (real-life) settings is scarce.1–3 Hence, Verhoeven et al4 in their pragmatic trial compared the mental and physical health benefits of running therapy versus antidepressant medication.

    Methods

    Participants were physically inactive adult outpatients with a current major depression or an anxiety disorder and were treated with...

    Perceptions of academic staff and students of senior high school in implementing game-based exercises in physical education classes--a research protocol for a qualitative descriptive study

    Por: Manlapaz · D. · Vergara · J. A. · Alpuerto · K. M. B. · De Los Santos · I. K. S. · Enriquez · M. U. · Manicio · Z. Z. · Mendres · J. E. F. · Tolosa · C. G. S. · Vilela · Z. G. D. · Zabat · Z. E. G. A.
    Background

    The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on both physical activity and fitness as several pursuits and activities have been restricted. Coupled with this, increased food intake and sedentary lifestyles have produced poor physical health outcomes. Online physical education classes have been more difficult to conduct given the limitations of the setup. As such, exergaming has been identified as a possible educational tool that could improve students’ motivation, participation and fitness levels and reduce negative behaviours in class while contributing to the current curriculum.

    Objectives

    The study explores the perspectives of both the physical education academic staff and senior high school students from the University of Santo Tomas on the implementation of exergaming to determine the feasibility of exergaming as an educational tool in the Philippines’ physical education curriculum.

    Methodology

    A descriptive qualitative design will be used and participants will be selected through criterion sampling. The authors will conduct a process of question development and pilot FGDs beforehand to ensure smooth proceedings. Once done, they will undergo FGDs conducted through Google Meet. Data will be coded and analysed via thematic analysis using manual coding and NVivo V.12 software to summarise central themes and perceptions.

    Ethics and dissemination

    This study will abide by the Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, Belmont Report, Data Privacy Act of 2012 and National Ethical Guidelines (for health-related research) of 2017. The study has received approval from the University of Santo Tomas (UST)-College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) Ethics Review Committee. All participant data will be labelled according to random two-digit computer generated codes to preserve anonymity and stored in password-protected laptops and Google Drive folders to preserve confidentiality. Results will be made available to individual UST physical education academic staff and senior high school students prior to publication in peer-reviewed journal.

    Six month incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events among adults with HIV in northern Tanzania: a prospective observational study

    Por: Stark · K. · O'Leary · P. R. E. · Sakita · F. M. · Ford · J. S. · Mmbaga · B. T. · Blass · B. · Gedion · K. · Coaxum · L. A. · Rutta · A. · Galson · S. W. · Rugakingira · A. · Manavalan · P. · Bloomfield · G. S. · Hertz · J. T.
    Objectives

    We aimed to prospectively describe incident cardiovascular events among people living with HIV (PLWH) in northern Tanzania. Secondary aims of this study were to understand non-communicable disease care-seeking behaviour and patient preferences for cardiovascular care and education.

    Design

    A prospective observational study.

    Setting

    This study was conducted at the Majengo HIV Care and Treatment Clinic, an outpatient government-funded clinic in Moshi, Tanzania

    Participants

    Adult patients presenting to an HIV clinic for routine care in northern Tanzania were enrolled from 1 September 2020 to 1 March 2021.

    Interventions

    At enrolment, participants completed a survey and a resting 12-lead ECG was obtained. At 6 month follow-up, a repeat survey regarding interim health events and repeat ECG was obtained.

    Primary and secondary outcome measures

    Interim major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined by: self-reported interim stroke, self-reported hospitalisation for heart failure, self-reported interim myocardial infarction, interim myocardial infarction by ECG criteria (new pathologic Q waves in two contiguous leads) or death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

    Results

    Of 500 enrolled participants, 477 (95.4%) completed 6 month follow-up and 3 (0.6%) died. Over the 6 month follow-up period, 11 MACE occurred (3 strokes, 6 myocardial infarctions, 1 heart failure hospitalisation and 1 cardiovascular death), resulting in an incidence rate of 4.58 MACE per 100 person-years. Of participants completing 6 month follow-up, 31 (6.5%) reported a new non-communicable disease diagnosis, including 23 (4.8%) with a new hypertension diagnosis.

    Conclusions

    The incidence of MACE among PLWH in Tanzania is high. These findings are an important preliminary step in understanding the landscape of CVD among PLWH in Tanzania and highlight the need for interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk in this population.

    Systematic review of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and appraisal of evidence, prior to the widespread introduction of vaccine programmes in the WHO European Region, January-December 2020

    Por: Vaughan · A. · Duffell · E. · Freidl · G. S. · Lemos · D. S. · Nardone · A. · Valenciano · M. · Subissi · L. · Bergeri · I. · K Broberg · E. · Penttinen · P. · Pebody · R. · Keramarou · M.
    Objectives

    Systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies undertaken in the WHO European Region to measure pre-existing and cumulative seropositivity prior to the roll out of vaccination programmes.

    Design

    A systematic review of the literature.

    Data sources

    We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the preprint servers MedRxiv and BioRxiv in the WHO ‘COVID-19 Global literature on coronavirus disease’ database using a predefined search strategy. Articles were supplemented with unpublished WHO-supported Unity-aligned seroprevalence studies and other studies reported directly to WHO Regional Office for Europe and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

    Eligibility criteria

    Studies published before the widespread implementation of COVID-19 vaccination programmes in January 2021 among the general population and blood donors, at national and regional levels.

    Data extraction and synthesis

    At least two independent researchers extracted the eligible studies; a third researcher resolved any disagreements. Study risk of bias was assessed using a quality scoring system based on sample size, sampling and testing methodologies.

    Results

    In total, 111 studies from 26 countries published or conducted between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 across the WHO European Region were included. A significant heterogeneity in implementation was noted across the studies, with a paucity of studies from the east of the Region. Sixty-four (58%) studies were assessed to be of medium to high risk of bias. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity prior to widespread community circulation was very low. National seroprevalence estimates after circulation started ranged from 0% to 51.3% (median 2.2% (IQR 0.7–5.2%); n=124), while subnational estimates ranged from 0% to 52% (median 5.8% (IQR 2.3%–12%); n=101), with the highest estimates in areas following widespread local transmission.

    Conclusions

    The low levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in most populations prior to the start of vaccine programmes underlines the critical importance of targeted vaccination of priority groups at risk of severe disease, while maintaining reduced levels of transmission to minimise population morbidity and mortality.

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