Conectar
To investigate the level of humanistic care ability of oncology nurses, its association with empathy and emotional intelligence, and the mediative role of emotional intelligence on empathy and humanistic caring ability.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a cancer hospital in China.
We enrolled a total of 1189 oncology nurses from several cancer hospitals from December 2023 to January 2024. All participants completed three general questionnaires: the Caring Ability Inventory, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professionals and the Emotional Intelligence Scale.
The overall scores for the three scales were 202.35 ± 23.89, 112.38 ± 18.85 and 137.49 ± 17.81, respectively. A positive correlation was detected between caring ability, empathy and emotional intelligence (r = 0.741, p < 0.001; r = 0.577, p < 0.001). And emotional intelligence mediates the association between empathy and caring ability in oncology nurses (0.233, p < 0.001). The total and direct effect were also significant (0.825, p < 0.001; 0.592, p < 0.001).
The study findings indicated that oncology nurses exhibit a moderate level of caring ability. Emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between empathy and caring ability, at least in part. Therefore, an increase in the level of emotional intelligence in oncology nurses could improve their caring ability.
When designing training to improve humanistic care, we recommend the integration of specific training relating to empathy and emotional intelligence into the training system.
Oncology patients experience multiple forms of distress and require high-quality humanistic care. This study identified a moderate association between empathy and emotional intelligence. Our findings provide further recommendations for nurse leaders in medical institutions relating to how the humanistic care ability of oncology nurses can be improved by specific training in empathy and emotional intelligence.
This study was reported using the STROBE Checklist for cross-sectional studies.
Nurse leaders organised this survey in their own hospital.
Critical thinking has been identified as a key requirement for safe and competent practice for Nurse Practitioners. It has been suggested that it is the foundation for the development of clinical reasoning, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical judgement. Poorly developed critical thinking is linked to negative patient outcomes, diagnostic error, cognitive bias, and poor information processing. There is little literature that studies the teaching and learning activities that can be used in the development of critical thinking in Nurse Practitioners. The aim of this rapid review was to identify teaching and learning activities that promote critical thinking in Nurse Practitioners.
A rapid review was conducted to identify studies that examined different teaching and learning activities that promoted the development of critical thinking or any of its subthemes such as clinical reasoning, diagnostic reasoning or clinical judgement. Four databases were systematically searched: CINAHL, Medline, Embase and ERIC. The methodology used was guided by the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group. Eligible papers included peer-reviewed publications that evaluated the efficacy or effectiveness of teaching or learning strategies used for the development or promotion of critical thinking or its components. The included populations were faculty teaching in a Nurse Practitioner programme, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner students or graduate level nursing students.
The search yielded 6421 article titles and abstracts. Of these, 12 were included in the final rapid review. Teaching and learning activities were divided into three themes: classroom, simulation, and written. Classroom activities included problem-based learning, unfolding case scenarios, self-explanation, and Socratic inquiry. Simulation was in the form of high fidelity using standardised patients, computer-based programmes, escape rooms and virtual reality. Written activities included concept mapping, evolving case studies and illness scripts. Study participants noted that using a combination of teaching and learning activities had the greatest impact on their development of critical thinking.
There is limited knowledge on the effects of teaching and learning strategies on the development of critical thinking in nurse practitioners. This review offers a perspective on strategies that were most impactful for student nurse practitioners in their development of the different aspects of critical thinking. Simulation activities were the most researched and using it in combination with other activities was preferred by study participants.
No patient or public contribution as this is a literature review.
Delirium is a common complication following cardiac surgery and significantly affects patient prognosis and quality of life. Recently, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) has gained prominence in predicting and assessing the risk of postoperative delirium, showing considerable potential in clinical settings.
This scoping review summarises existing research on AI-based prediction models for post-cardiac surgery delirium and provides insights and recommendations for clinical practice and future research.
Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, eight databases were searched: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Virtual Information Platform, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were screened, and data were extracted on surgery type, delirium assessment tools, predictive factors, and AI-based prediction models. The search covered database inception through January 12, 2025. Two researchers independently conducted the literature review and data analysis.
Ten studies from China, Canada, and Germany involving 11,702 participants were included. The reported incidence of postoperative delirium ranged from 5.56% to 34%. The most commonly used assessment tools were Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Key predictive factors included age, cardiopulmonary bypass time, cerebrovascular disease, and pain scores. AI-based prediction models were primarily developed using R (6/10, 60%) and Python (4/10, 40%). Model performance, as measured by the area under the curve, ranged from 0.544 to 0.92. Among these models, Random Forest (RF) was the most effective (5/10, 50%), followed by XGBoost (3/10, 30%) and Artificial Neural Networks (2/10, 20%).
AI-based models show promise for predicting postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients. Future studies should prioritise integrating these models into clinical workflows, conducting rigorous multicenter external validation, and incorporating dynamic, time-varying perioperative variables to enhance generalizability and clinical utility.
This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
Smoking cessation is a pressing public health concern. Behavioral therapy has been widely promoted as a means to aid smoking cessation. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, can help participants accept, rather than suppress, the physical and emotional experiences and thoughts associated with not smoking, identify experiential avoidance behaviors, strengthen the determination to quit, and ultimately commit to adaptive behavioral changes guided by smoking-cessation-related values, thereby achieving the goal of quitting smoking.
To assess the effects of ACT compared with other smoking cessation interventions by examining three key outcomes: cessation rates, smoking behaviors, and psychological outcomes.
We searched 8 databases and 2 registration platforms, covering the period from inception to March 26, 2025. We included only randomized controlled trials that recruited adult smokers and implemented ACT for smoking cessation, with the comparison group receiving either active treatment, no treatment, or any other intervention.
A total of 23 studies involving 8951 participants were included. The findings indicated that, compared with all types of control interventions, ACT significantly increased smoking cessation rates both immediately postintervention (RR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.03, 2.14], p = 0.04, I 2 = 81%) and at short-term follow-up (RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.31 to 2.01, p < 0.01, I 2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses showed that ACT significantly improved short-term cessation rates compared with behavioral support (RR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.27, 2.02], p < 0.01, I 2 = 0%), while, compared with the blank control, ACT significantly increased smoking cessation rates across three different time points (postintervention: RR = 3.11, 95% CI [2.13, 4.54], p < 0.01, I 2 = 0%; medium-term follow-up: RR = 2.55, 95% CI [1.32, 4.93], p < 0.01; long-term follow-up: RR = 3.33, 95% CI [1.66, 6.68], p < 0.01). Narrative synthesis suggested that compared with behavioral therapy, ACT may confer benefits in improving psychological outcomes, while compared with the blank control, it may also reduce daily cigarette consumption and nicotine dependence, and enhance psychological outcomes.
Acceptance and commitment therapy may be a beneficial approach for improving cessation rates, enhancing smoking cessation behaviors, and promoting psychological well-being among adult smokers. However, the quality of the included evidence was limited, thereby weakening the strength of these findings. Future rigorously designed trials with larger sample sizes, particularly those comparing ACT against other smoking cessation interventions, are warranted to further confirm its effects.
by Aleksandra Stachowicz, Anna Kęska, Katarzyna Milde, Małgorzata Stachowicz
In athletes, anthropometric measures are widely used to prescribe desirable body weight, to optimize competitive performance, and to evaluate the effectiveness of various training regimens. However, it also seems interesting to find out which values of anthropometric indices showing a significant relationship with health risk characterise the top athletes, especially in popular sports. The aim of the study was to characterise the physique of female and male swimmers compared to their non-training peers and to determine to what extent it is influenced by training distance. Somatic measurements were taken in 30 female and 30 male top Polish swimmers. The subjects were divided into four groups, i.e., SDF (n = 24) and SDM (n = 24) groups comprising females and males training for short-distance, and LDF (n = 6) and LDM (n = 6) groups comprising those training for long-distance. The swimmers were compared with their non-training peers, 373 females and 155 males aged 20–30 years. BMI, WHR, BF, BAI and Slenderness index were calculated to describe the athletes’ physiques. Swimmers had significantly lower BMI (19.3 ± 1.4 in SDF and 22.1 ± 0.6 in LDF compared to 23.1 ± 3.7 in non-swimmers, p p p pby Priscilla Kapombe, Choolwe Jacobs, Mark W. Tenforde, Kashala Kamalonga, Diane Morof, Terrence Lo, Mweene Cheelo, Lloyd Mulenga, Sombo Fwoloshi, Cordilia M. Himwaze, Patrick Musonda, Mpundu Makasa, Jonas Z. Hines
Zambia has achieved improvements in life expectancy among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) because of high antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, which should improve survival due to reductions in AIDS-defining conditions. However, recent estimates of the most common causes of death are not widely available. We utilized mortality surveillance data to report on common causes of death among persons with HIV who died in community settings in Zambia. The Zambian Ministry of Health conducted sentinel mortality surveillance of community deaths in 45 hospitals in 33 of 116 districts from January 2020 through December 2023. Verbal autopsies (VA) were conducted through interviews with relatives or close associates of deceased persons using the 2016 World Health Organization tool. HIV status was reported. A probable cause of death was assigned by a validated computer algorithm (InterVA5). We describe the top assigned causes of death stratified by HIV status. Verbal autopsies were conducted for 67,079 community deaths, of which 11,475 (17.1%) were persons with HIV. The mean age at death was 45 years among persons with HIV and 48 years for persons without HIV (T-test pby Yinyin Wu, Wei Ding, Yuying Liu, Qianhong Deng, Fengqin Tao, Hanbin Chen, Chang Chen, Meng Xiao, Bilong Feng
BackgroundStandardized guidelines for optimal tunnel length in tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are lacking.
ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the real-world impact of tunnel length on clinical outcomes.
MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 207 cancer patients who received tunneled PICCs, categorized into a control group (tunnel length > 4 cm, n = 134) and an observation group (tunnel length ≤ 4 cm, n = 73). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to address baseline heterogeneity. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the risk of complication during a 120-day follow-up.
ResultsCompared to the control group (tunnel length > 4 cm), the observation group (tunnel length ≤ 4 cm) had a significantly higher adjusted overall complication risk (HR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.07–7.94, P = 0.036) and unplanned catheter removal rate (4.4% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.027), confirming the safety of longer tunnels despite comparable comfort levels between groups. After PSM, Cox regression analysis showed results consistent with those from the unmatched cohort. Subgroup analyses revealed a reduced risk of complications with longer tunnels in patients with BMI ≤ 25 kg/m² (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11–0.82), without hypertension (HR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–1.00), without diabetes (HR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.15–0.97), and with solid tumors (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.85).
ConclusionThe results show that tunnel lengths > 4 cm reduce overall complications and prolong catheter retention, supporting the implementation of standardized protocols while advocating for personalized adjustments based on BMI, comorbidities, and cancer type.
by Tamara Muir, Chandra Sharma Poudyal, Romana De Lima, Farah Otaki
IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019, leading to global disruption and forcing people to adapt to a new reality. The intensity of the pandemic affected many organisations’ preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, causing numerous businesses to struggle. Although no single theory fully explains why some businesses thrived during this time, the concept of organisational resilience stands out. Organisations with a resilient culture seemed better equipped to address risks, adapt effectively, and seize opportunities for innovation. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to critically examine the response to COVID-19 of a medicine and health sciences university in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
MethodsThe study relied on a convergent mixed methods approach to research. A tailor-made questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data using two 5-point Likert-type scales: ‘Opinions about Organizational Response’ and ‘Conducive Organizational Response Behaviours’ (where 110 current employees who were tenured during COVID-19 were selected, using purposive, non-probability sampling, and in turn invited to participate). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data [where seven respondents who had completed the questionnaire and agreed to participate in follow-up interviews were selected (i.e., convenience, nonprobability sampling) and in turn invited to participate]. The quantitative data were descriptively and inferentially analysed. Qualitative data was analysed using an inductive six-step thematic approach. The quantitative findings were mapped onto the output of qualitative analysis using the iterative joint display analysis process.
ResultsA total of 70 employees completed the questionnaire (63.64%), and six out of seven invitees participated in the semi-structured interviews. The percentage of the total extent of agreement of ‘Opinions about Organizational Response’ score was 90.94%. As for the percentage of the total frequency of observation of ‘Conducive Organizational Response Behaviours’ score, it was 95.08%. The qualitative analysis generated a conceptual model, namely: ‘Enablers of Organizational Resilience’, with five interlinked themes namely: Preparedness and planning for uncertainty, Adaptation and agility, Team cohesion, Social responsibility, and Learning organisation. Four meta-inferences emerged from integrating the data findings: Response characteristics, Behaviour specificities, Consistency of opinions, and the Fundamental role of organizational culture.
ConclusionThe findings reveal that organizations, in the intersect between higher education and public health, should continue on innovatively investing in agile leadership, strategic partnerships, and a robust continuous learning and development culture to better navigate future disruptions.
by Sanne H. B. van Dijk, Marjolein G. J. Brusse-Keizer, Bente Rodenburg, Anke Lenferink
IntroductionComorbidities significantly complicate COPD management. Remote monitoring could aid real-time disease and symptom management, assisting both patients with multimorbidity and healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study aimed to explore how insight in patterns of symptom deterioration, derived from remote monitoring, could enhance multimorbid COPD management as perceived by patients and HCPs.
MethodsUsing daily symptom data collected via a mobile diary in the prospective RE-SAMPLE cohort study, patterns of symptom deterioration of COPD, chronic heart failure, anxiety, and depression were visualized per patient (follow-up duration of ≥4 months). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with Dutch patients with COPD and ≥1 comorbidity, and with HCPs from pulmonology, cardiology, and medical psychology who were involved in care for patients with multimorbidity. Interviews addressed current multimorbid COPD management, its challenges, and the way pattern visualizations of symptoms deterioration could support disease management. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach.
Results7 patients (69–80 years, 4 men) and 7 HCPs were interviewed in the hospital (patients and HCPs), at home (patients) or online (HCPs). Three overarching themes were identified, representing the elements of multimorbid COPD management that could be supported by the pattern visualizations: 1) relationship between diseases, 2) decision-making, and 3) self-management. According to patients and HCPs, pattern visualizations can be an informative source to explain the relation between COPD and comorbidities, function as a conversation starter facilitating communication between patients and HCPs as well as between medical disciplines, and educate patients in adequately recognizing their care needs.
ConclusionThree elements of personalized multimorbid COPD management were identified through qualitative analysis, which can all be supported by visualizing patterns of symptom deterioration via remote monitoring. The visualizations could enhance patients’ understanding of their diseases, improve shared decision-making, improve in-hospital multidisciplinary collaboration, and support multimorbid COPD (self-)management.
by Lei Guo, Jun Ge, Li Cheng, Xinyi Zhang, Zhengzheng Wu, Meili Liu, Hanmei Jiang, Wei Gong, Yi Liu
BackgroundThe incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains high, with an increasing prevalence among elderly patients. Cellular senescence has been widely recognized as a contributor to UC susceptibility; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to identify senescence-associated biomarkers in UC to provide new insight for diagnosis and treatment.
MethodsBy integrating transcriptomic data from UC patients with established aging-related databases, we identified aging-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Cytoscape, we pinpointed the core genes involved. A diagnostic model for UC was then developed based on these core genes, and their expression patterns were characterized at single-cell resolution. The roles of these genes were ultimately validated through in vitro and animal experiments.
ResultsWe identified 24 aging-related DEGs in UC, which were primarily implicated in inflammatory responses and cytokine-receptor interactions. Further analyses pinpointed three core genes (CXCL1, MMP9, and STAT1) that were predominantly expressed in macrophages. A diagnostic model constructed using these genes exhibited robust predictive performance. Experimental validation confirmed that the expression levels of all three core genes were significantly upregulated in both a UC mouse model and in macrophages compared to controls. Additionally, pathway analyses revealed elevated levels of CXCL12 and VEGFA in the enriched pathways.
DiscussionOur findings underscore the pivotal roles of CXCL1, MMP9, and STAT1 in UC-associated cellular senescence. The analysis positions these molecules as promising macrophage-mediated diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Collectively, this work provides novel insights into UC pathogenesis and lays a foundation for developing precision medicine strategies that target senescence pathways.
by Bing-Nan Zhao, Zi-Yang Xie, Jia-Ning Liu, Xiao-Ran Chen, Xin-Xin Wang, Jia-Yi Li, Rui Zhang, Chao Si
Fermented spent coffee grounds (FSCG) serve as a valuable soil amendment to improve soil structure and fertility, while earthworms play a well-established role in enhancing soil processes and plant growth. However, their combined effects on bioactive compound accumulation in medicinal plants remain unclear. This study investigated the individual and interactive effects of FSCG (0%, 10%, and 20%, v/v) and earthworms (with and without Pheretima guillelmi) on the growth and phytochemical content of Glechoma longituba, a common medicinal herb, under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that 10% FSCG generally promoted plant growth, whereas 20% FSCG generally enhanced the accumulation of total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and soluble protein. Earthworms enhanced aboveground biomass and node number but significantly reduced chlorogenic acid content. These findings highlight the potential of FSCG as a sustainable soil amendment in medicinal plant cultivation and underscore the need to consider earthworm activity when optimizing both plant biomass and phytochemical quality.by Helena Tinnerholm Ljungberg, Martina Wallberg, Emmanuel Aboagye, Gunnar Bergström, Christina Björklund, Lydia Kwak, Susanna Toivanen, Irene Jensen
The prevalence of telework increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and today it is not uncommon to refer to hybrid work as “the new normal” in work life. Leadership plays a pivotal role in hybrid work transitions, underscoring the need for research on post-pandemic managerial practices. This qualitative interview study with 15 professional service managers at a Swedish medical university, working in either central administration or a research department, provides a nuanced understanding of the experiences of implementing hybrid work in a higher education setting. The qualitative content analysis resulted in three main themes and six sub-themes: New ways of organising work (sub-themes: Hybrid work brings new opportunities and needs, and Hybrid work as an ongoing process of change); Changes for employees (sub-themes: Social interaction and sense of community, and Increased work-life balance); and Changes in leadership (sub-themes: Communication with employees and New expectations on managers). The findings of this study provide a more fine-grained understanding of how managers experienced both challenges and opportunities in implementing and managing hybrid working arrangements. Challenges included managing employee expectations and relations, while opportunities included potential improvements in work-life balance. A key conclusion of this study is that managers in hybrid work environments adjust their leadership, especially when communicating and managing relationships within teams and across the organization. Despite the identified challenges and despite managers’ wish to see their employees in person and on site, the interviewed managers are generally optimistic about hybrid work and see it as the future. To address the identified challenges, managers may benefit from networking and exchanging information with other managers in similar situations, as well as support from their organisation.by Cristian Berceanu, Francesco Bertolotti, Nadia Arshad, Monica Patrascu
In an era where digital communication accelerates the global spread of false narratives, understanding how misinformation and disinformation propagate, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is vital to public health and policy. To delve into the diffusion mechanisms of misinformation (unintentionally false information) and disinformation (intentionally false information), we introduce a novel enhanced agent-based model (ABM) that integrates psycho-social factors and communication networks, which are elements often overlooked in traditional equation-based models (EBMs). We assess the two distinct techniques (ABMs and EBMs) through the lens of six classical SEIRS-class models (S susceptible, E exposed, I infected, R recovered). Beside the enhanced ABM, we also develop a simple ABM to emulate the EBM structure. We compare the ABMs with the EBMs over their entire parameter ranges in a total of 11110 experiments. Results show an overall weak equivalence between the two types of models, even if, under certain conditions, the outcomes of the EBMs and ABMs are similar. Furthermore, we evaluate the two model types by fitting them to real-world infodemic data on vaccine acceptance over 36 weeks using a multi-objective optimization procedure. The enhanced ABM shows an exceptionally better fit to real-world data (Pearson’s correlation coefficient ρ = 0.872 and normalized root mean of square error NRMSE = 0.055) than the EBM (ρ=−0.067, NRMSE = 0.418) and the simple ABM (ρ=0.391, NRMSE = 0.103). These findings underscore the critical role of model structure in capturing infodemic dynamics, and advocate for the use of ABMs when psycho-social influences and network interactions are central to the phenomenon.by Emma Morton, Andrew Kcomt, Erin E. Michalak
BackgroundSelf-management strategies can be used by individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life (QoL). Peer-facilitated psychoeducation has potential to diversify delivery of self-management information by capitalising on the expertise of individuals who live well with BD. This protocol describes the process of co-designing a novel peer-facilitated, QoL-focused, group psychoeducation program for people living with BD, and plans for its pilot evaluation.
MethodsContent from two web-based, self-directed psychoeducational interventions was adapted to inform a peer-facilitated group program, using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework. The resultant program contains eight weekly two-hour sessions on topics related to QoL in BD, and contains a combination of education, opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, and activities that facilitate practice of self-management strategies. A single-arm pilot evaluation of this program is planned: individuals who self-identify as living with BD (~n = 40) will be recruited from the community. Four groups (~n = 10) will be delivered online by peer facilitators. The primary outcome will be feasibility (session attendance). Data will also be collected on fidelity, intervention acceptability, and impacts (QoL, mood symptoms, self-stigma, subjective recovery, self-efficacy, self-compassion, social support). A subset of participants (~n = 12) and peer facilitators (~n = 4) will be invited to participate in a feedback interview post-intervention.
DiscussionRecovery-oriented healthcare frameworks emphasise a focus on patient-valued outcomes and the development on a peer workforce. By evaluating this novel intervention, we hope to lay the groundwork for peer-facilitated programs specific to the priorities of individuals with BD, that may be embedded in clinical settings.
Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06878937
by Bita Eshraghi, Jonas Hermansson, Lena Marions
IntroductionThe impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) on obstetric outcomes in high-income countries remains unclear and is an area of ongoing research. This nationwide study aimed to examine the risk of emergency cesarean section among primiparous women from countries where FGM is practiced, in comparison to Swedish-born women. Additionally, the study explored whether a confirmed diagnosis of FGM contributes to this potential risk.
Materials and methodsA Swedish nationwide cohort study including primiparous singleton term deliveries (≥37 + 0– Results
Women born in FGM-practicing countries (n = 13 246) had a significantly increased risk of emergency cesarean section (aOR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.21–1.35) compared to Swedish-born women (n = 199 914). Including FGM diagnosis as a covariate did not alter the result. When excluding women born in FGM-practicing countries outside Sub-Saharan Africa the aOR was amplified (aOR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.47–1.69). To further isolate the effect of FGM itself, we restricted the analysis to women born in FGM-practicing countries and compared those with a recorded FGM diagnosis to those without. This analysis showed no significant association between FGM diagnosis and emergency cesarean section (aOR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.90–1.23).
ConclusionsPrimiparous women from FGM-practicing countries have an increased risk of emergency CS compared to Swedish-born women, when giving birth in Sweden. The presence of FGM diagnosis did not contribute to this risk. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms for this to be able to improve obstetric care for migrant populations.
by Marianna Cortesi, Federico Pendenza, Elizabeth Haddon, Andrea Schiavio
Creative arts activities and mind-body practices, such as yoga, have been shown to benefit mental health and well-being. Research in higher education highlights the mental health challenges faced by students and staff in tertiary education; however, most studies on the potential of creative arts and mind-body practices have been conducted in the United States, with limited research investigating their impact in the UK higher education context. This qualitative study seeks to examine students’ and staff members’ views on extra-curricular creative and mind-body practices provided by one UK university, exploring how engagement in such activities can impact their understanding and awareness of mental health and well-being. In addition, it intends to investigate potential barriers to engagement with such activities. Drawing on questionnaire responses from 25 students and 20 staff members, findings highlight the effectiveness of art-based interventions and mind-body practices in raising awareness and understanding of mental health and well-being, while also having the potential to positively impact individuals’ mental health and well-being. Although personal interests and time restrictions may limit engagement, such activities were found to foster community-building, a particularly relevant factor in the post-Covid era, as institutions seek to re-engage students and staff through in-person activities. These findings have therefore important implications for the implementation of similar interventions in higher education and beyond to promote mental health and well-being awareness in diverse communities.by Pawasoot Supasai, Kanwasee Kanjana, Kannawee Boonchuenchom, Yosanan Yospaiboon
PurposeTo assess surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after XEN gel stent implantation over 5 visits during a 3-month follow-up. Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP-lowering medications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were also assessed.
MethodsThis prospective cohort study recruited 24 eyes from 24 glaucoma patients at KKU Eye Center, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. All eyes underwent XEN implantation, using our specific surgical technique. We evaluated both the magnitude and the axis of SIA at 1, 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 3 months after the procedure. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP-lowering medications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were also analyzed.
ResultsWe observed a statistically significant centroid SIA of 0.14 D. at an axis of 105° and median SIA of 0.36 D. at 1 week following XEN (p Conclusions
Ab Interno XEN gel stent implantation induces a small SIA immediately after the surgery, but no further significant change during 3-month follow-up period. Although SIA has no significant effect on visual acuity, this should be addressed with patients preoperatively. Further studies are needed to investigate how different surgical techniques may affect refractive changes after XEN.
by Maha Rabayaa, Mustafa Ghanim, Malik Alqub, Mohammad Abuawad, Majdi Dwikat, Samar Alkhaldi, Haneen Badawi, Johnny Amer
IntroductionAllergy is a form of chronic illness with an increasing prevalence globally. Adequate knowledge among the community about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of allergy is crucial in preventing the associated life-threatening complications. Limited research has been conducted in Palestine regarding this health priority. The current study aimed to assess the Palestinian community’s level of knowledge regarding allergy.
MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire targeting Palestinians aged 18 years and older between 1 June 2024 and 26 January 2025. The questionnaire gathered demographic information about the participants and assessed their knowledge level concerning allergy.
ResultsA total of 1002 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 30.33 years. 66.1% of the participants were females, 60.2% were unmarried, 60.1% had possessed a bachelor’s degree, 63.1% had a personal history of allergy, and 82% reported knowing of someone with allergies. The mean knowledge score about allergies was 5.4 out of 10, with over half of the participants having an average level of knowledge (4–6). The knowledge score about allergies was significantly different based on the participants’ sex, marital status, place of residence, educational level, and occupation (p-value Conclusion
The Palestinians’ knowledge of allergy is considered good regarding its common causes and symptoms. However, there is still inadequate knowledge about the treatment of allergy and its less common causes. The community awareness of allergy should be improved through targeted campaigns and brochures aimed at achieving earlier diagnosis and proper management to prevent the development of life-threatening complications.
Stroke is a global health concern. A timely response to a stroke can help reduce morbidity and mortality. However, barriers to timely response include poor recognition of stroke symptoms. Stroke symptom messages are designed to increase stroke recognition and encourage individuals to seek urgent medical assistance. The Face, Arm, Speech, Time (FAST) and Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time (BE FAST) are commonly used stroke symptom messages shown to improve stroke symptom recognition and response. However, cultural factors and language differences may limit the effectiveness of stroke symptom messages and their acceptability in different countries and contexts. There has not been a comprehensive examination of the stroke symptom messages used worldwide and how these messages have been adapted in various settings.
We explored what stroke response messages are being used globally, and the contextual factors that influence the adoption of a stroke response mnemonic in different settings.
A 14-item survey was disseminated by the World Stroke Organization to its networks. The survey contained open- and closed-ended questions and allowed uploading relevant stroke symptom campaign materials. The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a content analysis.
All except one survey respondent used a stroke symptom message. Fifteen respondents (27%) reported they did not translate their stroke awareness messaging. Of these 15 respondents, they used the English versions of FAST (n = 8), BE FAST (n = 4), and both FAST and BE FAST (n = 3). Forty respondents (71%) reported that they/their organization used an acronym to raise public awareness of the signs/symptoms of stroke that was different from FAST or BE FAST (English), many of which were direct or indirect translations or influenced by FAST and BE FAST. Survey responses shared insights and recommendations related to the content, tailoring and dissemination of stroke symptom messages.
Study findings highlight the global use of stroke symptom messages and their contextual adaptations to fit diverse settings and contexts. The challenges in applying universal or commonly used stroke symptom messages to different contexts were highlighted.
Nurses could have a key role in raising awareness of stroke symptoms and the development of locally adapted stroke symptom messages.
FreshRSS 