Conectar
by Saleh A. Alqahtani, Shadan AlMuhaidib, Dimitri A. Raptis, Waleed K. Al-Hamoudi, K. Rajender Reddy, Dieter C. Broering, Saad A. Alghamdi, The OTCE Collaborative
BackgroundLiver transplantation (LT) represents the life-saving treatment for advanced liver disease. We aim to investigate LT indication trends and outcomes in Saudi Arabia, following the evolution of effective therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the rising fatty liver disease prevalence.
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from adult patients who underwent LT from 2011 to 2023 at a tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia. We assessed demographics, LT indication trends, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, donor type, and survival outcomes.
ResultsA total of 1,419 patients were included. The median age was 56.9 years, with 37.4% female. Living donor LT (LDLT) represented 79.8% of all transplants, and 22.0% of recipients had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) was the predominant indication for LT (33.2%), followed by HCV (18.0%) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) (17.1%). Overall survival rates at 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years post-transplantation were 87.9%, 85.0%, 82.4%, 77.7%, and 71.3%, respectively. Hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were lower in patients with HBV compared to MASH (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28–0.69, p Conclusions
MASH represents the leading indication for LT in this large cohort, necessitating preventive strategies and early detection efforts.
To explore how neonatal nurse leaders sustain human-centred care while implementing digital technologies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Qualitative descriptive multi-site study across four NICUs in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia (November 2024–May 2025), reported in accordance with COREQ.
Purposive maximum-variation sampling recruited 24 neonatal nurse leaders across leadership levels, hospital types and digital maturity stages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Arabic or English, transcribed, translated as needed and thematically analysed in NVivo 14 using a hybrid inductive–deductive approach. Directed content analysis of key organisational documents enabled triangulation. Trustworthiness was supported through member checking, peer debriefing, audit trail, external review and double coding of a subset of transcripts.
Four interrelated strategies were identified: (1) embedding a values-based human-centred vision; (2) selecting and customising digital tools to strengthen, not replace, nurse–family connection; (3) redesigning workflows (e.g., device-free openings, protected presence time, family-inclusive portals) to preserve presence and partnership; and (4) fostering team capability and psychological safety for digital–human integration.
Human-centred care in digital NICUs is intentionally led and structurally engineered. The study offers a practice-ready framework that translates values into reproducible routines within complex sociotechnical systems.
The framework supports nurse leaders in aligning digital transformation with family-centred care, protecting nurse–family presence, and enhancing safety, trust and partnership for high-risk neonates.
Addresses risks of relational erosion in digital and AI-enabled NICUs and provides transferable nurse-led strategies to sustain ethical, family-centred practice.
COREQ-compliant qualitative study.
No Patient or Public Contribution.
by Ramón Ventura Roque Hernández, Rolando Salazar Hernandez, Adán López Mendoza
IntroductionThe widespread use of smartphones among university students has raised concern because of their potential effects and the need to detect profiles of problematic use. This study aimed to identify, characterize and differentiate different profiles of smartphone users in a sample of university students on the basis of variables such as use, nomophobia, risk and sociodemographic characteristics.
MethodsA total of 681 university students participated. A total of 681 university students participated in this study. The sample was recruited using a non-probabilistic, convenience sampling method. Latent class analysis -LCA- was performed to identify profiles from variables that included smartphone use patterns such as daily hours, messaging, social networks, browsing, history of technology adoption, situational use, NMPQ nomophobia questionnaire -a scale designed to assess the fear of being without a smartphone-, and reported consequences such as accidents, visual or musculoskeletal problems. The resulting classes were compared in subsequent analyses using chi-square tests for categorical variables and Mann‒Whitney U tests for ordinal variables.
ResultsLCA revealed two clearly differentiated user profiles. Class 1 (n = 348) grouped users with moderate use and less exposure to risks and was characterized by shorter daily use of smartphones (mean = 5.46 hours), significantly lower scores on the total scale of nomophobia (mean NMPQ = 65.4 out of 140 possible points, moderate level), a lower frequency of accidents reported due to mobile use and lower reports of visual and musculoskeletal health problems. Class 2 (n = 333) grouped users with high digital involvement and multiple vulnerabilities and showed a significantly more intensive use pattern (mean = 11.01 hours per day), higher levels of nomophobia (mean NMPQ = 74.3 out of 140 possible points, moderate level), and a higher frequency of accidents and major visual and musculoskeletal health problems.
ConclusionWhile both groups of undergraduate students could benefit from awareness and training programs, interventions could be differentiated and designed to mitigate the risks associated with problematic smartphone use. These findings provide evidence for higher education institutions and health professionals in the development of programs aimed at promoting digital well-being among university students.
Monitoring physical rehabilitation is an essential component of patient recovery after knee arthroplasty. Monitoring can be remote, or clinic based. In India, unsupervised home-based physical rehabilitation is a common practice, but there is a lack of evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of remote monitoring. Therefore, we developed and piloted a mobile application (TeleREhabilitation after knee ArThroplasty app) based on behaviour design thinking to support the recovery period. This trial aims to compare the effectiveness, acceptability, cost and safety of this app-supported home-based intervention against usual care using an open label, 1:1 individual randomised superiority trial at two tertiary care hospitals in India.
Consecutive adults undergoing partial or total, unilateral or bilateral knee arthroplasty who can use a smart phone will be invited to participate in this trial. Consenting individuals will be randomised to either an app-supported intervention or a usual home-based rehabilitation which typically consists of provision of oral or written instructions at discharge and follow-up check-up with the surgeon or physiotherapist at their discretion or as per individual need. We aim to recruit 300 individuals over a period of eighteen months. The primary objective is to compare patient-reported knee function between the two groups at 3 and 6 months postsurgery. Secondary objectives are to compare patient-reported outcomes (pain and activity), performance-based outcomes (lower limb strength and knee function), resource utilisation and quality of life. Fidelity of implementation, end-user experiences and challenges in implementing this intervention will be measured using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data will be analysed in Stata, and group comparisons will be done using mixed effect linear regression. A mixed-methods approach will be used to analyse and interpret the process evaluation data. A modified intention-to-treat approach will be taken, which includes all those who were randomised irrespective of their adherence to trial protocol if they had at least one follow-up visit after enrolment.
The protocol has been approved by the ethics committees of the sponsor institute (The George Institute for Global Health) and the two clinical sites (All India Institute for Medical Sciences, Delhi & Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and via plain language newsletters to the trial participants.
CTRI/2024/06/068838.
by Abebe Fenta, Tebelay Dilnessa, Destaw Kebede, Mekuriaw Belayneh, Zigale Hibstu Teffera, Bewket Mesganaw, Adane Adugna, Wubetu Yihunie Belay, Habtamu Belew, Desalegn Abebaw, Bantayehu Addis Tegegne, Zelalem Dejazmach, Fassikaw Kebede, Gashaw Azanaw Amare
BackgroundCo-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) is a primary cause of death and morbidity. The rate of morbidity and death from TB-HIV is still Ethiopia’s top health issue.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected individuals on anti-TB and anti-retroviral dual Therapy at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital among 436 TB-HIV co-infected individuals. A computer-generated random sampling technique was used to select patient charts registered from September 1st, 2011, and August 31st, 2020. Epi-Data version 3.1 was used for data entry, and STATA version 13 was used for the analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was applied to estimate the cumulative survival time of the TB-HIV patients. Log-rank tests were utilized to compare the survival time across various categories of explanatory variables. Bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to find predictors of TB-HIV mortality.
ResultsThe mortality rate of TB-HIV co-infected individuals was 15.6%, with a median survival time of 42 months. Being male (Adjusted hazard Ratio (AHR)1.914;95%CI: 1.022–3.584), having CD4 count Conclusion and recommendation
The mortality rate among TB-HIV co-infected patients at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was high. Being male gender, having a CD4 count below 50 cells/mm³, being ambulatory and bedridden, having low baseline weight, and having low hemoglobin were the important predictors of mortality. To reduce mortality, it is crucial to focus on the early identification and management of high-risk patients, particularly those with low CD4 counts, poor functional status, and low hemoglobin. Strengthening integrated TB and HIV care services is recommended to improve patient survival outcomes.
This study aims to identify the impact of climate change anxiety and asthma control on asthmatics' quality of life and examine the moderating role of climate change anxiety in this linkage.
A multi-national cross-sectional study was conducted in four Arabian countries on 1266 asthmatics selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected from November 2023 to February 2024 using a climate anxiety scale, mini-asthma quality of life questionnaire, and an asthma control questionnaire.
Climate anxiety was higher among middle-aged participants, as well as those with longer disease durations and previous hospitalisations. Climate anxiety showed strong negative correlations with asthma control (r = −0.704, p ≤ 0.05) and asthma quality of life (r = − 0.638, p ≤ 0.05). Climate anxiety and asthma control are powerful predictors of quality of life among asthmatics. Climate anxiety moderates the relationship between asthma control and quality of life, making it less positive (B = −0.094, p > 0.001). Covariates such as gender, age, comorbidities, employment status, disease duration, and previous hospitalisation showed significant associations with asthma quality of life.
Assessment and mitigation of climate anxiety among asthmatics is a key strategy for controlling asthma and improving the quality of life. So, nurses must incorporate climate anxiety assessment into the care plan for asthmatics.
Climate change is a global concern, and insights into how climate-related psychological stressors exacerbate asthma symptoms and overall health outcomes are necessary. The findings provide actionable data for healthcare professionals to underscore the need for integrated healthcare approaches considering environmental and psychological factors.
This study adheres to strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) statement.
Clients with asthma across multiple nationalities actively contributed to our paper.
To investigate the association between emotional responses to climate change, antenatal anxiety, and maternal–fetal attachment in primigravida women.
A multi-site cross-sectional research design study.
This study was conducted at four primary health care (PHC) facilities in Damanhur district, El-Behera, from February 2024 to April 2024. Two hundred eighty-five women completed a comprehensive questionnaire that included a Woman's Social and Reproductive Form, The inventory of climate emotions (ICE) scale, The Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS) and the Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS-HU-20).
The study revealed that emotional responses to climate change show strong positive correlations with each other, ranging from 0.689 to 0.840, all significant at p < 0.001 level. Additionally, antenatal anxiety demonstrates substantial positive correlations with emotional responses to climate change, albeit with associations ranging from 0.239 to 0.287, all significant at p < 0.001 level. Moreover, maternal–fetal attachment displays substantial negative correlations with emotional responses to climate change, indicating that as emotional responses to climate change increase, maternal–fetal attachment tends to decrease. The correlations range from −0.263 to −0.426, all significant at p < 0.001.
The emotional impact of climate change can adversely affect the bonding process between mother and fetus.
Healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, midwives, and mental health counsellors, should integrate climate-related emotional distress into their assessments and interventions. Providing targeted psychological support for expectant mothers.
The study's findings highlight the need for nursing to integrate climate-related emotional distress screening into prenatal care and for research to explore long-term effects and intervention effectiveness. In practice, healthcare providers should adopt holistic approaches that combine environmental and psychological support, developing comprehensive guidelines and community-based programs to support pregnant women.
The research adhered to that is STROBE.
Public contributions by women in community health centers.
The Munich Security Conference 2024 highlighted the complex connections between climate change and global security risks. Engaging students in fighting climate change is a stepping stone to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
To investigate the effect of a video-based climate change program on revitalising eco-cognizance, emotional response, and self-efficacy among nursing students in rural communities.
A randomised controlled trial research design was adopted.
A total of 140 nursing students completed a survey related to the Climate Change Perceptions, the Climate Change Anxiety Scale, and the Environmental Self-Efficacy Scale. The study group engaged in the video-based climate change program, while the comparison group received flyers related to climate change across the globe.
The intervention group significantly improved climate change perception and environmental self-efficacy compared to the control group, with large effect sizes. On the other hand, significantly lower levels of cognitive impairment due to climate change anxiety were recorded among the intervention group compared to the control group.
Our intervention improved nursing students' climate change literacy, pro-environmental attitudes, environmental self-efficacy, and anxiety. Future research may target a variety of university majors and use RCTs nested in a mixed-method design to capture the student experience with climate change before and after the RCT.
This study demonstrated that a comprehensive educational program significantly improved climate literacy, pro-environmental attitudes, and environmental self-efficacy among undergraduate nursing students while reducing climate anxiety. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for enhancing student nurses' ability to translate their scientific understanding into informed decision-making regarding issues like climate change.
Drastic natural disasters, including extreme temperatures, flooding, wildfires and snow and sandstorms, significantly affect populations, including nursing students. Early screening and management of climate change anxiety among university students is recommended as a buffer against upcoming mental health issues. Student counselling services are urged to consider the effect of climate change as a mental health parameter that significantly affects students' psychological and, consequently, academic life and progress. A video-based climate change program (VBCCP) is beneficial for equipping students with climate change literacy. The revitalization of the participant's overall eco-emotional response, pro-environmental behaviour and cognizance signalled the potential of VBCCP as a simulation teaching tool that might be integrated into nursing curriculums. Additionally, VBCCP is a cost-effective strategy that complies with International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) requirements. The VBCCP can be delivered in the conventional classroom environment or through the digital platform without incurring additional costs and in alignment with the definition of simulation provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
No public or patient contributions.
RCT registration: NCT06223412, on 23rd January 2024
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural adaptation and professional integration experiences of migrant nurses in the receiving country.
A convergent parallel mixed methods design with concurrent sampling was employed.
Professional nurses who migrated from various Middle Eastern and North African countries, including Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, were enrolled. The Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire involving open-ended questions for the qualitative data. Data was collected from November 2023 to March 2024.
One hundred five nurses responded to the quantitative questionnaire, and 32 answered the open-ended questions. The findings revealed that mean scores for cultural competence and professional self-concept were 83.41 ± 12.90 and 76.28 ± 11.16, respectively. Migrant nurses experienced challenges such as language barriers (91.4%), social interaction (82.9%) and difficulties adapting to daily living activities (100%). The majority of them reported positive outcomes as better working conditions (91.4%), higher standard of living (89.5%) and professional development opportunities (94.3%). Nurses emphasised accepting cultural diversity, participating in cultural competency training, building relationships with local colleagues and utilising support mechanisms and mentorship for cultural adaptation.
This study highlighted the importance of support systems, cultural competency training and integration initiatives to facilitate successful adaptation and professional integration.
Orientation programs and cultural competency training should be developed to support migrant nurses. Initiatives should include language acquisition support, financial assistance for certification programs and promotion of diversity and inclusion in healthcare settings.
This study addressed the challenges migrant nurses face when transitioning to a new cultural and professional environment. It found that migrant nurses experience difficulties with language, social interaction and daily living activities. The research impacted healthcare institutions by guiding the development of orientation programs and cultural competency training, supporting policymakers in addressing systemic barriers and empowering migrant nurses with practical strategies for adaptation.
This study adhered to the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS).
No patient or public involvement.
Gluteal tendon tears—frequently dubbed the ‘rotator cuff tears of the hip’—are a common but often underdiagnosed cause of lateral hip pain and abductor dysfunction, especially in middle-aged to older women. While both open and endoscopic repair techniques are used, current literature suggests similar functional outcomes but higher complication rates following open repair. However, evidence is mainly derived from small retrospective case series, and no randomised trials exist. This systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy, safety and complication profiles of endoscopic versus open gluteal tendon repair.
A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and Epistemonikos without language or date restrictions. Eligible studies include randomised controlled trials and observational studies reporting on open or endoscopic gluteal tendon repair. Primary outcomes will include pain, functional scores and complication rates. Risk of bias will be assessed using the RoB 2 tool for RCTs and ROBINS-I for non-randomised studies. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis will be performed using inverse variance weighting and Hartung-Knapp adjustments. Heterogeneity will be quantified using the I² statistic.
Ethical approval is not required for this secondary analysis of published data. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.
The review will commence immediately after acceptance of this study protocol in BMJ Open. The systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis will be conducted as efficiently as possible, with anticipated completion approximately 3–6 months after initiation.
CRD420251088765
by Karina Kouzaki, Mako Isemura, Yuki Tamura, Hiroyuki Uno, Shunta Tadano, Ryuji Akimoto, Katsu Hosoki, Koichi Nakazato
Cancer cachexia causes severe muscle wasting, and current treatments remain limited. Belt-type electrical muscle stimulation (bEMS) has emerged as a passive rehabilitation tool capable of activating multiple lower limb muscles simultaneously. We investigated whether bEMS prevents muscle wasting and improves functional outcomes in rats with cancer cachexia. Cancer cachexia was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of AH130 Yoshida hepatoma cells. Acute and chronic effects of bEMS were tested. Muscle protein synthesis was evaluated using the SUnSET method, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and ankle torque were measured after chronic stimulation. bEMS increased puromycin-labeled protein levels on day 3 post-injection (~1.5–2.0 fold; pby Silver Mckie, Sana Flynn, Christopher Wolf-Gould, Susan C. Turell, Matthew A. Adan, The Redwoods
People who identify as both transgender and plural (more than one person sharing a body), including those with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder, make decisions related to gender identity and presentation, and may engage with healthcare providers to receive gender affirming care. Internal decision-making by people experiencing plurality has not been studied extensively. Furthermore, the existing literature on plural decision-making does not address the intersection of transgender identity and the associated choices to be made about external gender expression or shared body modifications. Using a community-based participatory research design and a non-pathologizing lens, the research team interviewed 15 transgender and plural participants. Through thematic analysis, three themes were developed, describing the context of conflict, collective decision-making processes, and solutions that promoted harmony within plural systems. Plural participants were able to effectively navigate decision-making regarding harmful societal narratives about transgender identity, external gender presentation, and receiving gender-affirming medical care. Recommendations from the data serve to assist clinicians in understanding and supporting affirming, autonomous and informed decision-making by trans and plural clients.Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis are sexually transmitted pathogens that are highly prevalent in developing countries and are strongly associated with pregnancy complications. In Chad, screening for these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women is based solely on patient-reported symptoms, even though these infections are frequently asymptomatic. This study aims to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis infections, as well as their associated risk factors.
In this cross-sectional study, we recruited pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at seven hospitals in N’Djamena. Endocervical swabs were collected, and DNA was extracted. Infections were diagnosed using PCR. Risk factors were identified using a structured questionnaire, and associations were assessed using logistic regression.
A total of 525 pregnant women were enrolled, of whom 78.5% resided in urban areas, with a mean age of 25.16±5.54 years. Overall, 23.99% of the study population were diagnosed with at least one STI. The individual prevalence of M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis infections was 13.33%, 5.14%, 0.95% and 4.57%, respectively. Coinfections were low, with M. genitalium-T. vaginalis at 0.95%, M. genitalium-N. gonorrhoeae at 0.38% and other combinations at 0.19% each. Women residing in rural areas had nearly two times the odds of M. genitalium infection compared with urban residents (OR=1.98), indicating a higher risk. AgeM. genitalium infection (OR=1.71) were also associated with significantly increased risk.
This study demonstrates a high prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in Chad, underscoring the need for systematic screening rather than solely relying on syndromic management.
Suicide has a substantial economic burden, yet in low- or middle-income countries, the analysis is constrained by the absence of disaggregated economic data. Existing studies primarily rely on gross costing methods, overlooking sector-specific costs such as healthcare, law enforcement and productivity losses at the family and community levels. Furthermore, the societal perspective, essential for understanding the multifaceted economic impacts of suicide, remains insufficiently explored in the Indian context.
This study will quantify the economic burden of suicide and suicide attempts in India. The initial phase will involve developing a resource-use measure instrument to capture the societal costs associated with suicide. Subsequently, a retrospective, incidence-based study will be conducted in India using the developed instrument. This will also be complemented with the Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment using EuroQOL (EQ-5D-5L). Exploratory subgroup cost comparisons (eg, suicide methods, healthcare facility type) will use non-parametric tests, including the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Generalised linear mixed models (gamma distribution and log link) will analyse longitudinal cost and HRQoL data, besides bootstrapping techniques and sensitivity analyses.
Ethics approval was obtained for the study from the institutional review board of the Indian Law Society (ILS/141/2024). All data collected during the study will adhere to ethical guidelines, taking informed consent. The findings of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals to aid data-driven decision-making.
Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2025/02/080380), date of registration: 12/02/2025.
School nurses are sometimes the sole healthcare professionals in schools, highlighting their significant role in delivering emergency care and the vital necessity of their competence in emergency nursing care. The scope of practice and ongoing professional development are hypothesized to play significant roles in enhancing these competencies.
Investigate the direct and indirect effects of the scope of current practice and the importance of training on the emergency nursing care competency of school nurses, with career growth serving as a potential mediator.
A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenient sample of 219 school nurses. Data were collected using the career growth of nurses' scale, the emergency nursing care competency scale for school nurses and the scope of school nursing practice tool. Mediation analysis was used to explore the direct and indirect effects of studied variables.
Mediation analysis indicated that the scope of current practice had a significant direct effect on career growth (β = 0.179) and emergency nursing care competency (β = 0.389). The importance of practice also had significant direct effects on career growth (β = 0.164) and emergency nursing care competency (β = 0.220). Additionally, career growth significantly mediated the relationship between both the scope of current practice (β = 0.110) and the importance of practice (β = 0.120) with emergency nursing care competency.
The findings emphasis the critical role of career growth as a mediator between the scope and importance of practice and emergency nursing care competency among school nurses. Expanding the scope of practice and emphasising the importance of professional activities can enhance career growth and improve emergency nursing care competencies.
Nurses scope of practice and clear career advancement through mentorship, advanced certifications, further education and enforcing policies mandating regular emergency care is crucial. Establishing a regulatory framework to define and expand the scope of practice for school nurses is also important.
No patient or public contribution.
To estimate the frequency of antidiabetic prescriptions in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Spain and describe changes in prescription patterns between 2018–2022 and 2023-2024.
Observational study.
Patients from primary care centres newly diagnosed with T2DM in 2018–2022 and 2023–2024.
In each period, the prescription frequency of an antidiabetic medication at the diagnosis of T2DM was calculated and subsequently subdivided into monotherapy and combination therapy. The prescription frequency of the most common antidiabetic drugs was also calculated. Calculations were made for the entire group of subjects and stratified by sex and age (under 60 years and 60 years or older). Comparison of the frequencies between the two periods was performed using the chi-square test.
In 2018–2022 and 2023–2024, 78.4% and 88.9% of patients, respectively, were prescribed an antidiabetic medication. The prescription frequencies for monotherapy and combination therapy were 66.1% and 33.9% in the first period and 57.4% and 42.6% in the second. The prescription frequencies for metformin as monotherapy and combination therapy were 57.4% and 27.8% in the first period and 46.6% and 39.8% in the second. Prescribing metformin with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and/or glucagon-like peptide receptor 1 agonists (GLP1a) was the most frequent combination therapy: 12.8% in 2018–2022 and 29.5% in 2023–2024. With a few exceptions, the prescribing pattern was similar by sex and age. The difference between the prescribing distributions in the two periods is significant.
Antidiabetic medication prescribing at the diagnosis of T2DM was high. Most prescriptions contained metformin. Monotherapy decreased in 2023–2024 compared with 2018–2022, while combination therapy increased due to increased prescriptions of metformin with SGLT2i and/or GLP1a.
Excessive sedentary behaviour (SB) is highly prevalent among children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) treated for cancer. Although SB is associated with adverse health outcomes in adults with cancer, little is known about SB in younger cancer patients and survivors. In this scoping review, we aim to summarise current literature on (1) the association between SB and clinical outcomes and (2) results of intervention trials to reduce SB, specifically in paediatric and AYA cancer patients and survivors.
The scoping review will follow the five stages described in the Arksey and O’Malley methodology framework. We will conduct a comprehensive search in five varied electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and SportDiscus) for original articles published in peer-reviewed journals since 1 January 2000, and search reference lists of identified articles and previous review articles. All original research article types will be considered (ie, cross-sectional, cohort, interventional trials). Two reviewers will independently screen all articles based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including (1) more than half the sample at the time of study must have been children (0–14 years old) and/or adolescent and young adults (AYAs, 15–39-year old) who were being or had been previously treated for cancer and (2) reporting of SB. Data will be extracted as a descriptive and quantitative summary of each study’s key characteristics and results. Study-specific quality assessment will be performed using established tools. Results will be presented in evidence tables with an accompanying narrative summary.
Ethics approval is not required as only publicly available data will be analysed. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and may be presented at a scientific conference.
The protocol is registered in Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ua8z9).
Although multimodal rehabilitation programs are effective for substance use disorders and widely used, addiction is still a global socioeconomic problem. Providing practical strategies, such as the HeartMath intervention for managing stress at the moment, helps mitigate the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts associated with substance use disorder, promotes resilience, and enhances treatment motivation.
To investigate the effects of the nurse-led HeartMath Training Program on resilience, emotional adjustment, and treatment motivation among patients with substance use disorder.
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to carry out this study. This study was conducted at the inpatient unit for patients with addiction at Elmaa'mora Hospital for Psychiatric Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt. The subjects were 130 patients with substance use disorders (65 in each group). Researchers used three tools to collect the necessary data: Tool I Resilience Scale, Tool II Brief Adjustment Scale–6, and Tool III Treatment Motivation Questionnaire.
The difference in resilience, emotional adjustment, and treatment motivation between the study and control groups after the Nurse-Led HeartMath training intervention was statistically significant.
The HeartMath Training Program is efficacious in improving resilience and emotional adjustment among patients with substance use disorder and increasing their treatment motivation.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06437366
Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern, with a high prevalence in Egypt. Type 2 diabetes imposes substantial health and economic challenges. Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs, such as the Diabetes Conversation Map, have demonstrated promise in enhancing patient knowledge, self-management, and self-efficacy. However, evidence regarding their direct impact remains scarce, necessitating further investigation.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Diabetes Conversation Map program in improving knowledge retention, self-management, and self-efficacy among type 2 diabetes patients in Egypt.
A prospective, parallel, two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Damanhour Health Insurance Outpatient Diabetic Clinic in Egypt. A total of 120 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized into a control group (n = 60), receiving standard diabetes education, and an intervention group (n = 60), attending 8 weekly interactive sessions using the Diabetes Conversation Map. Primary outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months later.
The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in knowledge, self-management, and self-efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, positive correlations between these outcomes were observed post-intervention, replacing negative correlations observed at baseline.
The Diabetes Conversation Map program effectively enhances patient knowledge, self-management, and self-efficacy, supporting its integration into routine diabetes education. Healthcare providers should implement structured, interactive educational interventions to empower patients in managing their condition. Regular follow-ups and reinforcement strategies are necessary to sustain long-term self-efficacy improvements. Policymakers should consider incorporating evidence-based diabetes education into national healthcare programs. Future research should explore digital adaptations of the program to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Registration No: R000061691, Trial ID: UMIN000054044
FreshRSS 