FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
Hoy — Enero 17th 2026Tus fuentes RSS

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards glaucoma among ophthalmic inpatients: a cross-sectional study in Hunan, China

Por: Zhao · Y. · Wu · P. · Liao · L. · Zhang · J. · Zhou · D. · Sun · W. · Dong · F. · Ye · C. · Duan · X.
Objectives

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy caused by the gradual degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards glaucoma among ophthalmic inpatients.

Design

A web-based questionnaire.

Setting

Local hospital.

Participants

Ophthalmic inpatients (n=1238).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the patients’ KAP.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that rural residence (OR=0.488, 95% CI 0.313 to 0.762, p=0.002), college education or above (OR=4.996, 95% CI 2.942 to 8.483, p

Conclusions

Ophthalmic inpatients might have moderate knowledge and attitude, but a proactive practice towards glaucoma. A history of glaucoma, previous glaucoma surgery, education level, residency and alcohol consumption were potentially associated with knowledge and attitudes towards glaucoma among ophthalmic inpatients.

Protocol for the development of a global core outcome set for the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma in children: a systematic review and international Delphi study

Por: Dongen · M. C. · van Rijn · R. · Sharma · S. · Raphael · M. F. · de Vries · R. · Abouzeid · A. A. · Bugiani · M. · Chirdan · L. B. · van Heurn · E. L. W. · Derikx · J. P. M. · Kremer · M. E. B. · Steering Group · S.-C.
Introduction

Outcome reporting in studies on sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is highly heterogeneous, which limits comparability across studies and thus hampers the development of international treatment guidelines.

Variation in treatment and access to facilities contributes to differences in outcome reporting between centres and countries. Establishing a Core Outcome Set (COS) can improve consistency in outcome reporting and facilitate global collaboration and data comparison. We therefore aim to develop a Core Outcome Set for SCT (COS-SCT) using the Delphi method to achieve consensus on key outcomes. This will enhance the standardisation of outcome reporting and improve the quality of research and clinical care for SCT patients globally.

Methods and analysis

The development of the COS-SCT will consist of three phases. First, a systematic review will be performed to identify outcomes reported in studies on the surgical treatment of SCT in children. Second, an international Delphi survey will be conducted among key stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers and patient representatives, to establish consensus on outcome prioritisation. Finally, a consensus meeting with representatives from all stakeholder groups will be held to ratify the final Core Outcome Set. The study will follow methodological guidance from the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative and will be developed and reported in accordance with the Core Outcome Set Standards for Development (COS-STAD) and Core Outcome Set Standards for Reporting (COS-STAR).

Ethics and dissemination

The medical research ethics committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC) confirmed that the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO) does not apply to this study, and therefore a full review by the ethics committee is not required. This study is registered in the COMET initiative database. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed academic journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number: COMET registration number 3485

Recruitment by Chance, Retention by Choice: A Qualitative Study of Managers Perspectives on Personal Care Workers' Intention to Stay in Residential Aged Care

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the perceptions and experiences of managers in residential aged care settings regarding personal care workers' intention to stay and build a career. Specifically, this study sought to identify enablers and challenges influencing personal care workers' retention and to explore strategies that could improve workforce sustainability.

Design

A qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Methods

The study was conducted in Australia from July 2023 to March 2024. Eleven managers participated in this study. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged from the analysis and were conceptualised to illustrate the intricate relationship between recruitment practices, work environment, organisational culture and leadership in influencing personal care workers' intentions to stay in residential aged care. A botanical metaphor was used for each theme. The ‘Diverse Seeds of Varied Potential’ theme highlighted how ad-hoc recruitment processes were a primary driver of workforce instability. Challenging work conditions and differing expectations from personal care workers and management led to ‘Wilting in Adverse Environments’, which also contributed to a broader misalignment between facility culture and values, encapsulated within ‘Mismatched Habitats’. Participants emphasised the need for ‘Building a Greenhouse’, a metaphor for cultivating sustainable leadership and workforce development to address these issues.

Conclusion

This study's findings underscore the critical need for a cohesive approach to workforce development strategies in residential aged care. Transitioning from reactive, ad-hoc recruitment to strategic workforce planning, fostering a supportive organisational culture that aligns with personal care workers' expectations, and prioritising sustainable leadership practices are essential steps. Addressing these interconnected challenges can help build a more stable, committed and skilled workforce, ultimately enhancing the quality and continuity of care for residents.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Strategic workforce planning and sustainable leadership development are essential for building a stable workforce, which directly impacts the quality and continuity of resident care.

Impact

This study addressed the critical issue of high turnover among personal care workers in residential aged care facilities, specifically examining managers' perspectives on retention challenges: an underexplored area that is crucial for developing sustainable workforce strategies. The findings revealed that current ad hoc recruitment practices, misalignment between diverse personal care worker profiles and established organisational cultures, have great impact on long-term engagement and retention. These insights are particularly valuable for residential aged care facilities struggling with staffing stability, industry bodies focused on workforce development and educational institutions preparing future aged care workers. Furthermore, the findings can inform policy development aimed at strengthening the aged care workforce, ultimately benefiting the quality of care received by residents.

Reporting Guideline

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.

‘It's Skin Cancer’… a Rollercoaster of a Journey for Teenagers, Young People and Their Significant Other

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the lived experience of young people aged 16–24 years diagnosed with melanoma and that of their significant other in England.

Design

Interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Methods

Data were collected between August 2023 and January 2024 from one specialist cancer centre in England. Thirteen young people were approached, and 10 took part. Each young person was asked to nominate a significant other. Five nominated a significant other, and five nominated no one. Although interviews were offered face-to-face, virtual was the preferred method. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded with the participant's consent. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed.

Findings

The core conceptual thread woven throughout the findings was ‘It's like being on a rollercoaster,’ which is representative of the ups and downs of the treatment trajectory, often without the support of age-appropriate specialist care. Four superordinate themes were identified: ‘Is something wrong?’, ‘Suddenly it's serious’, ‘Out on a limb’ and ‘Finding our place’.

Conclusion

Although most young people were treated in a primary treatment centre for adults with cancer, their experience was challenging from route to diagnosis through their treatment and beyond. Few received age-appropriate care to support their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing to help them navigate the experience.

Impact

There is limited evidence exploring the experiences of teenagers and young adults living with melanoma or that of their significant other. This enriched understanding supports improvement of the care pathway and service delivery for these young people and their families.

Patient and Public Involvement

One young person with lived experience was paid as a consultant to be part of the research team. He helped develop the grant application and research questions, data analysis, and writing this paper.

Assessing the utility of fractional excretion of urea in distinguishing intrinsic and prerenal acute kidney injury in hospitalised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Pan · H.-C. · Jiang · Z.-H. · Chen · H.-Y. · Liu · J.-H. · Chen · Y.-W. · Peng · K.-Y. · Wu · V.-C. · Hsiao · C.-C.
Objective

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant challenge in hospital settings, and accurately differentiating between intrinsic and prerenal AKI is crucial for effective management. The fractional excretion of urea (FEUN) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for this purpose, offering an alternative to traditional markers such as fractional excretion of sodium. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of FEUN for differentiating intrinsic from prerenal AKI in hospitalised patients.

Designs

We conducted a systematic review and bivariate random effects meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. The study followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to 1 November 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included observational studies that focused on patient with AKI and reported FEUN data sufficient to reconstruct a complete 2x2 contingency table (true positives, true negatives, false positives and false negatives) for evaluating its diagnostic accuracy.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted data, assessed risk of bias with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and graded certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) were calculated; heterogeneity was measured with I². A prespecified subgroup restricted to patients receiving diuretics served as a sensitivity analysis.

Results

12 studies involving 1240 patients were included, with an overall occurrence rate of intrinsic AKI of 38.8%. FEUN had a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.84) and specificity of 0.78 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.87), with positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.76 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.83) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.81), respectively. The SROC curve showed a pooled diagnostic accuracy of 0.83. Heterogeneity was substantial (I²>90%) for sensitivity and specificity. In a diuretic-only subgroup (six studies) specificity rose to0.87 and heterogeneity declined (I²=56%). Overall certainty of evidence was low owing to inconsistency.

Conclusions

FEUN is a biomarker with moderate diagnostic accuracy for differentiating between intrinsic and prerenal AKI in hospitalised patients. Its application could enhance AKI management; however, the high heterogeneity observed in our study highlights the need for further research to evaluate its utility across diverse patient populations and clinical settings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024496083.

Associations between psychosocial factors and health service utilisation and self-management in older Australian women with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes: a cross-sectional study

Por: Lin · S. · Peng · W. · Rahman · M. S. · Sibbritt · D.
Objectives

Diabetes is highly prevalent in older women worldwide. This study explores the associations of psychosocial factors with both health service utilisation and self-management in older women aged 68 to 73 years with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or pre-diabetes.

Design and setting

This cross-sectional study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), which is a national population-based cohort study that has collected information on factors related to women’s health and well-being over 20 years.

Participants

Women aged 68–73, born between 1946 and 1951, participated in ALSWH and self-reported their diagnosis of T2D or pre-diabetes.

Outcome measures

Resilience, dispositional optimism and perceived control were the measures of psychosocial factors. The associations between these factors and diabetes self-management behaviours, healthcare visits and preventive service use were examined by numerous regression models.

Results

There were 939 women aged 68–73 years with T2D or pre-diabetes. Women with T2D who exhibited higher dispositional optimism had significantly higher odds of participating in moderate/vigorous physical activity (OR: 1.06), visiting a dentist (OR: 1.07) and a lower rate of general practitioner (GP) visits (rate ratio (RR): 0.99). Women with T2D with greater resilience were likely to have a lower rate of consulting with mental health professionals (RR: 0.63) and higher odds of blood sugar level checks (OR: 1.68). The rate of GP visits within a year decreased by 16% for women with pre-diabetes who had a higher resilience score (RR: 0.84), and women with pre-diabetes with greater resilience had a 13% lower rate of visits to a nurse (RR: 0.87).

Conclusions

Psychosocial aspects of diabetes care may be important for supporting the physical and mental well-being of older women with T2D or pre-diabetes. Healthcare providers may consider whether integrating assessments of resilience and optimism into routine diabetes management might help identify older women who could benefit from targeted psychosocial support.

Attitudes of maternity care providers toward regional centralisation of vaginal breech birth: a qualitative study

Por: Luiting-Wagenaar · D. · van Dijk · M. · Ganzevoort · W. · Moll · E. · Scheele · F. · Velzel · J.
Objectives

To explore maternity care providers’ attitudes toward regional centralisation of vaginal breech birth (VBB) care and gather their recommendations for maintaining clinical proficiency.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Participants

10 hospital-based maternity care professionals (nine obstetricians and one clinical midwife), purposively sampled to represent experience and institutional diversity.

Setting

10 hospital maternity units in a metropolitan region of the Netherlands.

Key themes describing provider attitudes towards two proposed models of centralised care (mobile breech team, designated referral centre) and alternative strategies.

Results

Three core themes emerged: (1) proficiency—providers valued regular exposure, formal training and peer support, expressing concern that centralisation would reduce overall workforce readiness; (2) organisation—concerns included unequal access, staffing burden, legal risks and inefficiencies in mobile teams and (3) alternatives—participants preferred a regional breech network with shared training, joint video review and expert on-call support.

Conclusions

Maternity care providers opposed full centralisation of VBB, favouring a networked model that distributes expertise and preserves local access. These insights highlight the importance of involving frontline providers in service redesign.

Trial registration number

Not applicable.

Investigating the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with active sensory training on upper limb motor recovery after stroke: protocol for a randomised, sham-controlled, single-centre trial

Por: Jiang · Y. · first authorship · Zhu · G. · first authorship · Huo · C. · Wu · J. · Li · W. · Mao · M. · Hu · F. · Xia · J. · Xu · D.
Introduction

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and upper extremity manipulation training have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation. Post-stroke, the affected cerebral cortex often shows reduced excitability, which can limit the optimal outcomes of conventional manual training. To address this, we developed a new upper limb training method integrating TMS with active sensory training (AST) to enhance the fine motor ability in the upper limbs following stroke, potentially improving overall rehabilitation efficacy. However, the clinical effectiveness of this approach remains unclear. Importantly, we demonstrated the efficacy of the new rehabilitation strategy by using TMS in conjunction with AST in patients experiencing upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke.

Methods and analysis

This single-centre, single-blind, sham stimulation, randomised controlled clinical trial investigated the efficacy of AST combined with TMS in patients with stroke and upper limb motor dysfunction post-stroke (1–24 months post-onset) at Brunnstrom stages III–V. Upper limb motor function was evaluated before and 2 weeks after the intervention. The primary outcome was the Action Research Arm Test result, and the secondary indicators included results on the Fugl–Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Semmes–Weinstein Monofilament, Erasmus MC revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment Scale, Embodied Sense of Self Scale (stroke version), functional near-infrared spectroscopy and neuroelectrophysiology. Between-group differences were analysed using independent t-tests, and within-group differences were examined with paired t-tests, with statistical significance set at p

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai for ethical application (Approval number: 2024-34-01). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at local and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2500097067.

Global lifetime risk of developing myocarditis, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Por: Ji · C. · Li · Y. · Wan · Y. · Yang · Z. · Zeng · M. · Wang · T. · Li · W. · Liu · J. · Li · Y. · Wang · S. · Wang · H.
Objectives

Age-standardised incidence rates of myocarditis have been widely reported; this metric primarily provides a cross-sectional view of risk based on a fixed standard population and does not capture the effects of population ageing. Lifetime risk represents the probability of developing myocarditis over an individual’s lifespan and incorporates both demographic ageing and competing mortality, thereby offering a complementary perspective that reflects the burden experienced in real-world populations. This study aimed to estimate the global lifetime risk of myocarditis.

Design

This was a systematic analysis using publicly available aggregated data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Setting

The study included 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

Participants

We used deidentified data from the general population to measure the lifetime risk of developing myocarditis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the estimated lifetime risk of developing myocarditis at the global, regional and national levels. Secondary outcomes included long-term trends in lifetime risk using the average annual percentage change (AAPC), variation in lifetime risk by age and sex, differences across Sociodemographic Index (SDI) levels assessed with concentration indices, and future risk estimated using an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model.

Results

The global lifetime risk of developing myocarditis increased from 1.33% (95% CI 1.32% to 1.33%) in 1990 to 1.50% (95% CI 1.49% to 1.50%) in 2021 (AAPC: 0.388%, 95% CI 0.314% to 0.462%). High and high-middle SDI countries had the greatest risks. In 2021, risk was higher in males (1.59%, 95% CI 1.59% to 1.60%) than in females (1.40%, 95% CI 1.39% to 1.40%). People over 40 years, especially older women, had higher lifetime risks. Forecasts based on the ARIMA model suggest that the risk will continue to rise through 2050.

Conclusions

From 1990 to 2021, the global lifetime risk of developing myocarditis has shown an upward trend. It is crucial to enhance early detection and diagnostic capabilities in primary care settings.

Global, regional and national burden of glaucoma from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2050: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Por: Peng · Y. · Han · L. · Jiang · Q. · Liu · J. · Liu · X. · Jiang · G. · Li · Z. · Qin · S. · Zhuo · Y. · Su · W.
Objectives

This study assessed the global burden of glaucoma using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. The analysis of epidemiological trends aimed to inform future public health prevention strategies.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Participants

None.

Methods

Analysis of 1990–2021 GBD data on glaucoma prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardised prevalence rates (ASPR), and age-standardised DALY rates (ASDR). Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) were calculated, Joinpoint regression identified trend changes, and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modelling projected the burden for the year 2050.

Results

Globally, the number of prevalent glaucoma cases increased from 4 072 106.59 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 3 489 888.7 to 4 752 867.3) in 1990 to 7 587 672.9 (95% UI 6 522 906 to 8 917 725.4) in 2021. Concurrently, DALYs increased from 467 600.4 (95% UI 323 490.5 to 648 641.6) in 1990 to 759 900.2 (95% UI 530 942.9 to 1 049 127.2) in 2021. In contrast, the ASPR and ASDR declined to 90.1 per 100 000 population (95% UI 77.8 to 105.5) and 9.1 per 100 000 population (95% UI 6.3 to 12.5) in 2021, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic period (2019–2021), the slowest growth rates in crude case numbers and overall disease burden were observed, accompanied by the most pronounced decline in annual percentage change of ASPR. The highest estimates for both case counts and DALYs were identified in the 70–74 age group, with males demonstrating higher prevalence rates than females. Furthermore, regions with lower Sociodemographic Index (SDI) values bore a disproportionately higher burden of glaucoma.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the need to strengthen early screening and treatment of glaucoma, particularly in ageing populations, male groups and low SDI regions. We urge cautious interpretation of COVID-19 related data and vigilance against potential post-pandemic surges in burden. Critical strategies include enhanced screening and intervention for high-risk groups, targeted prevention measures and integration of ophthalmic care into public health emergency frameworks to alleviate the disease burden.

Defining chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions in Malaysia: a collaborative consensus study

Por: Md.Sharif · S. · Fun · W. H. · Chidambaram · S. K. · Saw · P. S. · Mohd Nasarruddin · A. · Mohd Fauzi · N. · Azali · A. · Jailani · A.-S. · Sararaks · S.
Objective

This paper aims to describe the development of an inventory of chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) relevant to the Malaysian context and identify potentially preventable hospitalisations in the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities based on the developed list.

Design

Consultative panel discussion, multi-panel modified Delphi and secondary health data analysis.

Setting: Malaysian MOH healthcare facilities.

Participants

42 experts from the family medicine and internal medicine specialties (modified Delphi), and 2022 inpatient data from MOH hospitals (secondary health data analysis).

Outcome measures

A list of chronic ACSCs tailored to the Malaysian context and the proportion of potentially preventable hospitalisation in MOH hospitals.

Results

10 conditions were identified as chronic ACSCs for Malaysia, namely angina, asthma, chronic kidney disease, convulsions and epilepsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hypertension, iron deficiency anaemia and ischaemic heart disease. In 2022, these conditions accounted for 8.6% of potentially preventable hospitalisations among the total hospitalisations in MOH hospitals.

Conclusion

This study provides a base list of chronic ACSCs tailored to the Malaysian context, which enables monitoring of potentially preventable hospitalisations due to chronic conditions. The findings underscore a proportion of hospital admissions that could potentially be avoided through interventions that enhance outpatient care. The conditions identified as ambulatory care sensitive provide specific targets for policy action and resource allocation to optimise outpatient health services and thus reduce the burden of hospitalisations in the country.

Trial registration number

Malaysian National Medical Research Register, NMRR ID-23–02149-TBZ (https://nmrr.gov.my/research-directory/45c901d6-f121-4e79-9f38-dd7d283ec9a6).

Social prescribing within five European countries: a protocol of a cross-country qualitative analysis

Por: Tierney · S. · Westlake · D. · Rezvani · F. · Rojatz · D. · Köberlein-Neu · J. · Bommhardt · T. · Dias · S. · Marques · M. J. · Kurpas · D. · Napierala · H. · Herrmann · W. · Husk · K.
Introduction

Social prescribing is an approach to addressing non-medical issues affecting people’s health and well-being (eg, loneliness, housing or financial problems). It has gained international traction over recent years as complementary to medical care. A larger research project, comparing social prescribing across European countries, is considering how to tailor provision for the following groups: (a) LGBTIQ+persons, (b) refugees and first-generation immigrants and (c) older adults living alone. As part of this research, a qualitative study will address the question: What are the enabling and limiting factors associated with implementing social prescribing, across different European countries, from the perspective of key stakeholders?

Methods and analysis

Five European countries (Austria, England, Germany, Poland, Portugal) will be involved. Researchers from each country will conduct approximately 20 semi-structured interviews (total number will be 100). Interviewees will be people receiving, delivering, managing and funding/commissioning social prescribing. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed. A cross-country analysis will be undertaken; framework analysis will support this process, with a chart developed in Excel in which data from across the five countries is summarised by the researchers involved. Summaries will be based on a thematic framework that researchers from the five countries develop together after initially analysing their own data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was initially secured through the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Interdivisional Research Ethics Committee (IDREC 1806086) for data collection in England. This approved application was then used to secure ethics approval in Austria (through Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft), Germany (through Bergische Universität Wuppertal), Poland (through Wroclaw Medical University) and Portugal (through NOVA University of Lisbon). Dissemination will include an academic journal article and presentation at relevant conferences. It will also include short videos, written summaries/policy briefs and an infographic.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 101155873. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Impact of self-directed learning ability on undergraduate nursing students learning engagement: the chain-mediating role of academic buoyancy and academic burnout in a cross-sectional study

Por: Liu · Y. · Sun · J. · Yang · B. · Li · Y. · Shi · P. · Li · X. · Wang · P. · lu · W.
Objectives

To explore the chain-mediating role of academic buoyancy and academic burnout between self-directed learning ability (SDLA) and learning engagement in undergraduate nursing students.

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting and participants

This study was conducted in December 2024, involving 239 nursing undergraduates from a university in Daqing city, Heilongjiang province.

Methods

Independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance were employed to examine the relationships between undergraduate nursing students’ characteristics and learning engagement. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlations among the variables. Based on self-determination theory, the chain-mediating effects of academic buoyancy and academic burnout between self-directed learning ability and learning engagement were tested using Model 6 of the SPSS PROCESS macro (V.3.5), with bootstrap samples set to 5000.

Results

A total of 239 undergraduate nursing students were included in the analysis, of whom 84.94% were female. The sample comprised students from all academic years, including first-year (27.62%), second-year (33.47%), third-year (17.57%) and final-year students (21.34%). Most participants selected nursing as a voluntary major choice (62.34%), and 43.51% were from urban areas. The 239 undergraduate nursing students scored 72.26±10.26 on SDLA, 14.90±2.64 on academic buoyancy, 53.75±9.33 on academic burnout and 50.81±7.64 on learning engagement. SDLA and academic buoyancy were positively correlated with learning engagement (all p

Conclusion

SDLA is associated with higher learning engagement among nursing students through academic buoyancy and reduced academic burnout. These findings highlight the importance of developing SDLA and clarify the mediating roles of academic buoyancy and burnout in this relationship, providing valuable insights for enhancing learning engagement in nursing education.

AnteayerTus fuentes RSS

Placebo and nocebo in clinical practice: An online cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals from European countries on views, practices and training needs

by Mary O’Keeffe, Nathan Skidmore, Arianna Bagnis, Przemysław Bąbel, Elżbieta A. Bajcar, Alessandra De Palma, Andrea W.M. Evers, Eveliina Glogan, Julia W. Haas, Stefanie H. Meeuwis, Marek Oleszczyk, Antonio Portolés, Johan W.S. Vlaeyen, Katia Mattarozzi, on behalf of PANACEA Consortium

Background

Placebo and nocebo effects significantly influence health outcomes, yet healthcare professionals receive limited training and guidance on their mechanisms and clinical application, creating a gap in education and practical understanding. Conducted within the European PANACEA Consortium, this study evaluated healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding placebo and nocebo effects, and assessed their needs in further education.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey among a European multi-country convenience sample of healthcare professionals collected data assessing participants’ knowledge, perceptions, and experiences regarding placebo and nocebo effects; their application and ethical considerations in clinical practice; and investigated educational needs and interest in further training. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis was applied to the free-text responses.

Results

Amongst 807 participants, 71.7% reported taking advantage of placebo effects in their practice, and over half of participants (55.8%) observing nocebo effects. Participants reported feeling somewhat confident (53.3%) in harnessing placebo effects with 47.5% feeling confident in preventing nocebo effects. The majority of respondents had not received formal training on placebo and nocebo effects, with most expressing an interest in further training in areas such as healthcare education, emphasizing communication skills to enhance placebo effects, and knowledge to recognize and reduce nocebo effects.

Conclusions

There is a significant need for more comprehensive training on placebo and nocebo effects, particularly in early health professional education. These findings informed the development of educational resources and best practice recommendations developed as part of the outcomes from the PANACEA Consortium, improving the understanding and application of these effects among healthcare professionals across Europe.

Optimising community pharmacy PrEP delivery for cisgender female sex workers in Uganda: Protocol for a mixed-methods study

Por: Segawa · I. · Ortblad · K. F. · Kadama · H. · Natukunda · D. · Muwonge · T. R. · Laker · E. A. O. · Nsubuga · R. · Akello · S. · Tamale · W. J. · Kiragga · A. · Mujugira · A.
Introduction

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among cisgender female sex workers (FSWs), a population at disproportionately high HIV acquisition risk in Uganda, remains suboptimal. Uptake and continued use are constrained by barriers, such as limited clinical hours, long distances to access facility-based PrEP services, and high mobility among FSWs. Community pharmacies may offer a more accessible PrEP delivery model due to extended operating hours and convenient locations. This study aims to evaluate the accessibility and capacity of pharmacies in Kampala, Uganda, to serve as potential sites for PrEP delivery.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a concurrent mixed-methods study combining geospatial mapping, structured surveys, a discrete choice experiment (DCE), and in-depth interviews (IDIs). First, the study will compare the reach and accessibility of PrEP services through community pharmacies versus public healthcare facilities. To highlight PrEP service reach, we will use geospatial analysis to map pharmacies, PrEP clinics, FSW hotspots (i.e., areas where sex is exchanged), and HIV incidence. We will also calculate a PrEP facility needs ratio (number of PrEP facilities/HIV incidence) for each of Kampala’s administrative divisions and estimate travel distance and time to access PrEP services using cost–distance analysis. Perceived accessibility of PrEP services will be assessed through FSW surveys (n=50) and IDIs (n=20–30), guided by Levesque’s framework. Then, we will evaluate pharmacy capacity via surveys (n=274) and IDIs (n=20–30), exploring infrastructure, resources, and staff perspectives, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Additionally, a DCE will be embedded in the pharmacy survey to elicit staff preferences for delivery approaches and analysed using mixed logit models. Finally, we will integrate quantitative and qualitative findings to provide a broad assessment of whether pharmacies are suitable venues for PrEP delivery to FSWs in Kampala. Enrolment will begin by April 2026 for FSWs and July 2026 for pharmacy staff.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee (IDI-REC-2025-175) and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (HS6178ES). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. We will disseminate study findings through stakeholder meetings, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

Associations between food-related behaviours, nutrient intake and nutritional status through Structural Equation Model (SEM) among clients undergoing Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation (CBTaR): A cross-sectional study in Kelantan, Malaysia

Por: Aji · A. S. · Rohana · A. J. · Geik · O. P. · Rafdinal · W. · Wan Mohammad · W. M. Z. · Mohd Yasin · M. A. · Tengku Ismail · T. A. · Vanoh · D. · Mohamed · N. N.
Objective

To examine the associations between food-related behaviours and nutrient intake on nutritional status among clients undergoing Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation (CBTaR) in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Design

Cross-sectional analytical study.

Setting

Seven CBTaR centres (n=7) across the state of Kelantan, Malaysia.

Participants

A total of 393 adult clients (aged 18 years and above) enrolled in CBTaR programmes between June and December 2022 were selected through stratified random sampling.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was nutritional status, assessed using body mass index. Secondary outcomes included nutrient intake (macronutrients and micronutrients) and food-related behaviours (emotional eating, external eating, restrained eating and food addiction), measured through Bahasa Malaysia validated questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls. All variables were introduced into the structural equation modelling to examine the associations among these variables and their association with nutritional status.

Results

The results revealed that food-related behaviour was significantly associated with the nutrient intake (β=–0.524, p≤0.001). Additionally, the drug use profile significantly determined the food-related behaviour (β=–0.129, p=0.006) and nutritional status (β=–0.134, p=0.007). Nutrient intake was found to be a significant predictor of nutritional status (β=–0.213, p≤0.001). Sociodemographic and drug use profiles were significantly correlated with nutritional outcomes through behavioural and dietary associations. Importance-performance map analysis identified nutrient intake as the most impactful variable, highlighting the need for urgent intervention (R2=0.272).

Conclusions

This study highlights that nutrient intake is a significant predictor associated with food-related behaviours on nutritional status among individuals with substance use disorder. Integrating nutrition counselling and behavioural interventions into CBTaR services may improve recovery and long-term health outcomes.

Symptom clusters in oesophageal cancer patients during varying phases of postoperative chemotherapy: a scoping review

Por: Zhi · Q. · Liao · Y. · Ke · H. · Wang · H. · Zhan · Y. · Wang · W. · Li · W. · Liu · Y. · Yu · J.
Objectives

To summarise the symptom clusters (SCs), assessment tools and their evolution at different stages of postsurgical chemotherapy in oesophageal cancer patients, providing reference for future research design and precise symptom management.

Design

A systematic search and literature review were conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology framework and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

Data sources

Databases searched include PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Chinese Journal and China Biomedical Literature Database. The search covered the period from database inception to 30 November 2024, and references were traced backward.

Eligibility criteria

Patients aged ≥18 years with postsurgical oesophageal cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy; studies focusing on SCs before, during or after chemotherapy; original quantitative research; published in Chinese or English. Exclusion criteria included neoadjuvant or palliative chemotherapy, reviews, conference abstracts and inaccessible full-text articles.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers screened, extracted and cross-checked the data. Content analysis was employed to summarise the SCs, assessment tools and phase-related changes.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included (8 in Chinese, 3 in English). Twelve SCs were identified, with gastrointestinal-related, eating-related and physical function-related clusters being the most common. Eleven assessment tools were used, with MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Gastrointestinal Cancer Module and its Chinese version being the most frequently applied. Difficulty eating was the most prominent SC before chemotherapy, gastrointestinal symptoms were the most severe during chemotherapy and psychological-physical symptoms dominated in the postchemotherapy phase.

Conclusions

The composition of SCs in oesophageal cancer chemotherapy evolves dynamically across different stages. However, the existing evidence is mainly derived from small sample cross-sectional studies, with high heterogeneity in tools and methods. Standardised assessment criteria and longitudinal validation are needed to develop stage-specific, evidence-based interventions that can be widely applied.

Optimal timing of induction of labour to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes: protocol for an individual participant data and network meta-analysis

Por: Meacham · H. · Ona-Igbru · A. · McNeill · R. · Ajayi · R. · Pickering · E. · Grobman · W. A. · Black · M. · Khalil · A. · Mccourt · C. · Miranda · A. · Mol · B. W. · Walker · K. · Wilson · A. · Zamora · J. · Thangaratinam · S. · Allotey · J.
Introduction

Despite advances in maternity care, stillbirth remains a major burden. It disproportionately affects black and Asian mothers, those with obesity and women over the age of 35 years. Induction of labour may benefit these women, but there is no clear evidence to guide recommendations on optimal timing of induction because of variations in the intervention and insufficient power in primary trials for rare outcomes such as stillbirth and perinatal mortality, or to assess whether effects differ by maternal characteristics. We will conduct an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised trials to assess the overall and differential effect of induction of labour, according to timing of induction and maternal characteristics, on adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. We will also rank induction of labour timing strategies by their effectiveness to inform clinical and policy decision-making.

Methods and analysis

We will identify randomised trials on induction of labour by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, BIOSIS, LILACS, Pascal, SCI, CDSR, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, ISRCTN registry, CENTRAL, DARE and Health Technology Assessment Database, without language restrictions, from inception to June 2025. Primary researchers of identified trials will be invited to join the OPTIMAL Collaboration and share the original trial data. Data integrity and trustworthiness assessment will be performed on all eligible trials. We will check each study’s IPD for consistency with the original authors before standardising and harmonising the data. Study quality of included trials will be assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We will perform a series of one-and-two-stage random-effects meta-analyses to obtain the summary intervention effect on composite adverse perinatal outcome (stillbirth, neonatal death or severe morbidity requiring admission to neonatal unit) with 95% CIs and summary treatment–covariate interactions (maternal age, ethnicity, parity, socioeconomic status, body mass index and method of conception). Heterogeneity will be summarised using tau2, I2 and 95% prediction intervals for effect in a new study. Sensitivity analysis to explore robustness of statistical and clinical assumptions will be carried out. Small study effects (potential publication bias) will be investigated using funnel plots.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251066346) and ethics approval is not required. We will disseminate findings widely to women, healthcare professionals and policymakers through academic, professional bodies and social media channels, and in peer-reviewed journals to achieve impact.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD420251066346.

Evaluating the delivery of trauma and orthopaedic education in UK medical schools: a national cross-sectional survey protocol (TENDON study)

Por: Nazar · N. · OHanlon · C. · Kolhe · S. · Bellamy · M. · Barberon · M. · Khajuria · A. · Low · W. X. · Geetala · R. · Chahal · K. · Banaszkiewicz · P. · McCaskie · A. · McDonnell · S.
Introduction

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions account for up to one-third of general practice consultations and over one-fifth of emergency department attendances in the UK. Postpandemic, the elective orthopaedic surgery backlog remains one of the most substantial across surgical specialties. Despite this burden, undergraduate exposure to trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) remains limited and inconsistent. Most UK medical students receive only 2–3 weeks of T&O teaching, with up to 40% of foundation doctors feeling underprepared to manage MSK conditions. The Evaluation of Trauma and Orthopaedic Teaching in Medical Schools Nationally (TENDON Study) aims to evaluate the current state of undergraduate T&O education in UK medical schools from both student and educator perspectives.

Methods and analysis

This national, prospective, cross-sectional survey will be conducted between 25 July and 27 October 2025. A dual-instrument electronic survey was developed through Qualtrics, informed by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) Undergraduate Curriculum and UK Medical Licensing Assessment content map. Participants will include medical students (Years 1–6), foundation doctors and orthopaedic educators recruited through British Orthopaedic Medical Students Association and BOA networks, and designated school representatives. Survey domains include curriculum coverage, teaching methods, clinical exposure and self-reported competence. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. Reporting will follow the Checklist for Reporting Of Survey Studies framework, with relevant elements drawn from the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Human Biology Research Ethics Committee, University of Cambridge. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and summary reports to curriculum leads and relevant educational bodies.

Critical appraisal and comparison of clinical practice guideline recommendations for the treatment of anaemia in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review protocol

Por: Agnelli · J. C. M. · Costa · W. R. d. · Iwami · R. S. · Franques · R. T. · Lopes · L. C. · Barberato-Filho · S. · Bergamaschi · C. d. C.
Introduction

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), anaemia develops and evolves as kidney dysfunction progresses. The treatment of anaemia is described in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), which are designed to report the most relevant evidence for clinical practice in disease management. This study will analyse CPGs for transparency, methodological quality and quality of recommendations for their implementation over time, and also compare recommendations for the treatment of anaemia outlined in these documents.

Methods and analysis

CPGs will be identified by conducting a systematic search of the data sources CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scielo, Scopus, ProQuest, Trip Database, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, and guidelines on websites, published between January 2009 and December 2025. Three reviewers will, independently, evaluate the methodological quality of the guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) tool and the quality of recommendations using the AGREE – Recommendations Excellence tool. The treatment recommendations for anaemia in CKD will be summarised and compared. Results will be presented in tables and descriptive statistics will be compiled for all domains of the tools.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a literature-based study and, therefore, no ethical approval will be required. Results of the study can be submitted for publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals, and also presented at national and international conferences.

Prospero registration number

CRD42024629656.

❌