Valerie Hardoon, Bryant A. Pierce, Solomon C. Mbanefo, Harin N. Shah, Kanav Markan, Marika L. Forsythe
Background SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to severe respiratory disease and death. Worldwide, government officials tried to protect its citizens by mandating various lockdowns and social distancing policies to curb the spread. In the United States, each state initially implemented a transition or “phasing” policy that included varying degrees of safety protocols. This allowed them to re-open gradually, the goal being to reduce transmission rates while simultaneously allowing for higher degrees of public gatherings and events. The initial lockdown was observed to help suppress the pandemic, and the states–with guidance from the CDC–were left to their own agenda on how to best re-open their economy. This strategy was seen as optimal during the early stages of the pandemic. Our study aimed to determine if there was a correlation between fatality rates and phase transitions across the states. Methods The states selected for this study allowed for evaluation of different management styles throughout the phase transitions. COVID-19 case rates varied across the U.S.; some states observed higher infection rates than others. Thus, six states, each from regions with different caseloads and safety protocol compliance, were selected for this study: Florida, California, New York, Washington, Kansas, and Texas. Metrics such as incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 infection were obtained from their respective government websites, allowing fatality rates to be calculated and compared using Bayesian logistic mixed models. Results There are significant outcomes when analyzing the data individually and as part of a meta-analysis. When examining the fatality rates across phases grouped by individual state, there was a downward trend with each transition except in Texas. New York was found to have the lowest median fatality rate (median [IQR]; 0.011 [0.007, 0.017]), followed by Washington (0.014 [0.011, 0.020]), Kansas (0.014 [0.009, 0.021], Texas (0.018 [0.013, 0.028]), California (0.021 [0.011, 0.037]), and Florida (0.022 [0.011, 0.034]). However, when the states’ data was pooled an overall downward trend was demonstrated, with a median fatality rate of 0.039 [0.019, 0.067] in phase 0, dropping to 0.010 [0.007, 0.013] by phase 4. A decrease in fatality rate odds by about 33.4% through each phase transition was observed when combining all the states. Conclusion Based on our results, implemented safety protocols and phase transitions were shown to assist in controlling the spread of COVID-19 as the states re-opened during the first year of the pandemic. Differences in fatality rates throughout the U.S. can likely be explained by how disciplined each state was with quarantine requirements and social distancing policies. This allowed certain states to control the infectious spread more efficiently than others, thus allowing them to progress through the phase transitions at different rates as they returned to norma
{"title":"Effects of Social Distancing and Lockdown Protocols on Fatality Rates of COVID-19 in the U.S. During the First Year of the Pandemic","authors":"Valerie Hardoon, Bryant A. Pierce, Solomon C. Mbanefo, Harin N. Shah, Kanav Markan, Marika L. Forsythe","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1838","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1838","url":null,"abstract":"Background SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to severe respiratory disease and death. Worldwide, government officials tried to protect its citizens by mandating various lockdowns and social distancing policies to curb the spread. In the United States, each state initially implemented a transition or “phasing” policy that included varying degrees of safety protocols. This allowed them to re-open gradually, the goal being to reduce transmission rates while simultaneously allowing for higher degrees of public gatherings and events. The initial lockdown was observed to help suppress the pandemic, and the states–with guidance from the CDC–were left to their own agenda on how to best re-open their economy. This strategy was seen as optimal during the early stages of the pandemic. Our study aimed to determine if there was a correlation between fatality rates and phase transitions across the states. Methods The states selected for this study allowed for evaluation of different management styles throughout the phase transitions. COVID-19 case rates varied across the U.S.; some states observed higher infection rates than others. Thus, six states, each from regions with different caseloads and safety protocol compliance, were selected for this study: Florida, California, New York, Washington, Kansas, and Texas. Metrics such as incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 infection were obtained from their respective government websites, allowing fatality rates to be calculated and compared using Bayesian logistic mixed models. Results There are significant outcomes when analyzing the data individually and as part of a meta-analysis. When examining the fatality rates across phases grouped by individual state, there was a downward trend with each transition except in Texas. New York was found to have the lowest median fatality rate (median [IQR]; 0.011 [0.007, 0.017]), followed by Washington (0.014 [0.011, 0.020]), Kansas (0.014 [0.009, 0.021], Texas (0.018 [0.013, 0.028]), California (0.021 [0.011, 0.037]), and Florida (0.022 [0.011, 0.034]). However, when the states’ data was pooled an overall downward trend was demonstrated, with a median fatality rate of 0.039 [0.019, 0.067] in phase 0, dropping to 0.010 [0.007, 0.013] by phase 4. A decrease in fatality rate odds by about 33.4% through each phase transition was observed when combining all the states. Conclusion Based on our results, implemented safety protocols and phase transitions were shown to assist in controlling the spread of COVID-19 as the states re-opened during the first year of the pandemic. Differences in fatality rates throughout the U.S. can likely be explained by how disciplined each state was with quarantine requirements and social distancing policies. This allowed certain states to control the infectious spread more efficiently than others, thus allowing them to progress through the phase transitions at different rates as they returned to norma","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135031424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hidar Alibrahim, S. Swed, H. Bohsas, K. Albakri, B. Sawaf, Mohamed Elsayed
Background: Over 1 million new Sexual transmitted disease (STIs) are acquired daily throughout the globe, according to WHO data, with the majority of cases being asymptomatic. In Syria, statistics on STI awareness, attitude, and practice are few, and there is little information on Syrians' sexual and reproductive health concerns. The present research aims to determine which individuals factors best predict knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about HIV/AIDS and other STIs in a Syrian population. Method: In the Syrian governorates between August 15 and September 16, 2022, a descriptive community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out. Syrian nationality, male or female, aged at least 18 years, citizen of any Syrian governorate, and willingness to engage in the survey were the study's inclusion criteria. Based on a previous study, a modified online semi-structured questionnaire was made on Google Form and used to collect the data. The questionnaire was divided into five main section that socio-demographic information, knowledge and practice relating STIs, knowledge and practice relating HIV/AIDS, attitude toward HIV/AIDS and attitude toward STIs. Results: The research involved 1076 individuals in total. More over half (55%) of them were women, with the majority (86%) of them being between the ages of 18 and 30. Only 739 respondents (67%) were aware of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and only 35% were aware of the means by which HIV infection may be prevented. The most often mentioned AIDS/HIV-related statistic was that those who have several sex partners have a greater chance of contracting HIV (92%). Furthermore, just 66% and 44%, respectively, of respondents knew how STDs are transmitted. In general, individuals' understanding of STDs was rated at 56%. Furthermore, 50% of the individuals had a positive attitude about the STD information. We used a logistic model to tease out the role of demographics and found that men were 1.43 times more likely to be aware of AIDS/HIV than women were. Additionally, residents of cities were 1.42 times more likely than residents of rural areas to be knowledgeable about STDs. Conclusion: According to this research, Syrians' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about STIs, HIV, and other diseases were generally insufficient. This provides definitive evidence that HIV programmes need to verify that Syrian people have access to basic information about HIV/AIDS and other STIs. As a result, the health organizations should conduct both international and local helpful interventions in order to address this medical problem and enhance the awareness of the Syrian community about HIV/AIDS and other STIs illnesses as soon as possible.
{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Around HIV/AIDS and other STIs Among Syrians: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Hidar Alibrahim, S. Swed, H. Bohsas, K. Albakri, B. Sawaf, Mohamed Elsayed","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1785","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1785","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Over 1 million new Sexual transmitted disease (STIs) are acquired daily throughout the globe, according to WHO data, with the majority of cases being asymptomatic. In Syria, statistics on STI awareness, attitude, and practice are few, and there is little information on Syrians' sexual and reproductive health concerns. The present research aims to determine which individuals factors best predict knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about HIV/AIDS and other STIs in a Syrian population. \u0000 \u0000Method: In the Syrian governorates between August 15 and September 16, 2022, a descriptive community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out. Syrian nationality, male or female, aged at least 18 years, citizen of any Syrian governorate, and willingness to engage in the survey were the study's inclusion criteria. Based on a previous study, a modified online semi-structured questionnaire was made on Google Form and used to collect the data. The questionnaire was divided into five main section that socio-demographic information, knowledge and practice relating STIs, knowledge and practice relating HIV/AIDS, attitude toward HIV/AIDS and attitude toward STIs. \u0000 \u0000Results: The research involved 1076 individuals in total. More over half (55%) of them were women, with the majority (86%) of them being between the ages of 18 and 30. Only 739 respondents (67%) were aware of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and only 35% were aware of the means by which HIV infection may be prevented. The most often mentioned AIDS/HIV-related statistic was that those who have several sex partners have a greater chance of contracting HIV (92%). Furthermore, just 66% and 44%, respectively, of respondents knew how STDs are transmitted. In general, individuals' understanding of STDs was rated at 56%. Furthermore, 50% of the individuals had a positive attitude about the STD information. We used a logistic model to tease out the role of demographics and found that men were 1.43 times more likely to be aware of AIDS/HIV than women were. Additionally, residents of cities were 1.42 times more likely than residents of rural areas to be knowledgeable about STDs. \u0000 \u0000Conclusion: According to this research, Syrians' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about STIs, HIV, and other diseases were generally insufficient. This provides definitive evidence that HIV programmes need to verify that Syrian people have access to basic information about HIV/AIDS and other STIs. As a result, the health organizations should conduct both international and local helpful interventions in order to address this medical problem and enhance the awareness of the Syrian community about HIV/AIDS and other STIs illnesses as soon as possible.","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73779004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Bohsas, S. Swed, B. Sawaf, Hidar Alibrahim, Mohamed Elsayed
Background: Diarrhea kills more than 2,000 children worldwide and over 1.3 million annually. There is still a gap in home management knowledge, attitude, and excellent practice of diarrheal illness.This research aims to understand mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about diarrhoea in children under the age of five in Syria to minimize the number of fatalities and enhance the efficacy and efficiency of treatment. Methods: From the 8th to the 18th of September 2022, a cross-sectional online survey was done in Syria. The questionnaire was modified based on prior research that used a thorough, validated scale. Mothers having at least one child under the age of five and Syrian nationalities from all Syrian governorates were eligible to participate in the study. Four components make up the questionnaire. In the first section, information regarding the participants' demographics was provided. In the second section, mothers were tested on their knowledge of diarrhoea. Mothers' actual attitudes regarding preventing and treating diarrhoea were also analyzed. Results: 49.9% of the 996 participants were between the ages of 25 and 34, while 62.6% of the children were between the ages of 26 and 59 months. 46.2 percent of participants had a Bachelor's degree. 82.4 % of moms classified diarrhoea as the frequent passage of watery stools (3 or more times). 53.7 percent of respondents had used ORS; however, only 33.7% said they knew how to prepare it. Mothers with children aged 25–59 months were more informed about the prevention and home-based treatment of diarrhoea in their children (mean=6.07, SD= 2.36) than those aged 35–44 (mean=6.16, SD= 2.36). Mothers' excellent economic status was associated with greater diarrhoea management knowledge (mean=6.5, standard deviation = 2.50). (Mean = 7.28, Standard Deviation = 2.50) Mothers with a high school diploma or above had more understanding of diarrhoea management than those with a lower level of education. 28.7% of mothers with children between 25 and 59 months exhibited excellent knowledge of prevention and home-based treatment of diarrhoea. 43.4% of mothers with a bachelor's degree or more showed a positive attitude toward diarrhoea management. Only 6.3% of moms with a low socioeconomic position have shown appropriate diarrhoea control practices. Three out of six predictor factors were substantially connected with mothers' attitudes about diarrhoea management, including the age of the child, the mother's employment, and her level of education (P0.05). Two of the six predictor factors were substantially connected with mothers' practice of diarrhoea control, including the mother's employment and socioeconomic position (P0.05). Women with higher socioeconomic status are expected to perform diarrhoea treatment 1.69 times more often than those with a lower socioeconomic status. Conclusion: We indicated that mothers' beliefs and actions about the prevention and home management of diarrheal illnesses in c
{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Syrian Mothers' Towards Diarrhea Management and Prevention Among Under-Five Children: A Cross Sectional Study from Syria","authors":"H. Bohsas, S. Swed, B. Sawaf, Hidar Alibrahim, Mohamed Elsayed","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1790","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1790","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Diarrhea kills more than 2,000 children worldwide and over 1.3 million annually. There is still a gap in home management knowledge, attitude, and excellent practice of diarrheal illness.This research aims to understand mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about diarrhoea in children under the age of five in Syria to minimize the number of fatalities and enhance the efficacy and efficiency of treatment. \u0000 \u0000Methods: From the 8th to the 18th of September 2022, a cross-sectional online survey was done in Syria. The questionnaire was modified based on prior research that used a thorough, validated scale. Mothers having at least one child under the age of five and Syrian nationalities from all Syrian governorates were eligible to participate in the study. Four components make up the questionnaire. In the first section, information regarding the participants' demographics was provided. In the second section, mothers were tested on their knowledge of diarrhoea. Mothers' actual attitudes regarding preventing and treating diarrhoea were also analyzed.\u0000 \u0000Results: 49.9% of the 996 participants were between the ages of 25 and 34, while 62.6% of the children were between the ages of 26 and 59 months. 46.2 percent of participants had a Bachelor's degree. 82.4 % of moms classified diarrhoea as the frequent passage of watery stools (3 or more times). 53.7 percent of respondents had used ORS; however, only 33.7% said they knew how to prepare it. Mothers with children aged 25–59 months were more informed about the prevention and home-based treatment of diarrhoea in their children (mean=6.07, SD= 2.36) than those aged 35–44 (mean=6.16, SD= 2.36). Mothers' excellent economic status was associated with greater diarrhoea management knowledge (mean=6.5, standard deviation = 2.50). (Mean = 7.28, Standard Deviation = 2.50) Mothers with a high school diploma or above had more understanding of diarrhoea management than those with a lower level of education. 28.7% of mothers with children between 25 and 59 months exhibited excellent knowledge of prevention and home-based treatment of diarrhoea. 43.4% of mothers with a bachelor's degree or more showed a positive attitude toward diarrhoea management. Only 6.3% of moms with a low socioeconomic position have shown appropriate diarrhoea control practices. Three out of six predictor factors were substantially connected with mothers' attitudes about diarrhoea management, including the age of the child, the mother's employment, and her level of education (P0.05). Two of the six predictor factors were substantially connected with mothers' practice of diarrhoea control, including the mother's employment and socioeconomic position (P0.05). Women with higher socioeconomic status are expected to perform diarrhoea treatment 1.69 times more often than those with a lower socioeconomic status.\u0000 \u0000Conclusion: We indicated that mothers' beliefs and actions about the prevention and home management of diarrheal illnesses in c","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82780480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a characteristic neurodegenerative disorder of the peripheral nervous system that targets sensory & autonomic axons and later, to a lesser extent, motor axons. Among the complications of diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is by far the most prevalent. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding diabetic neuropathy among Type-II diabetics attending Zenam Specialist Hospital in 2022. Methods This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in Zenam Specialist Hospital. A previously published validated questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward diabetic neuropathy was used in this study with very minor modification to be suitable for Sudanese population. Convenient random sampling was used to collect data. Results Out of 162 participant, 82 (50.6%) were males and 80 (49.4%) of them were females. The age of respondents ranged from 18 to 80 years with mean age of 50.89 ± 12.74 SD. The study indicated that patients with older age had better knowledge (P ≤ 0.017) with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.187. No significant gender difference was noted regarding knowledge score. Patients educated above secondary level (P≤ 0.046) and employed in the government and private sector (P = 0.024) had better knowledge compared to their respective groups. Married participants (P = 0.016) had better knowledge scores compared to others. The maximum knowledge score was 39 / 41. The mean score was 26.71 (95% CI 25.54 – 27.88) and standard deviation (SD) was ± 7.52, with a range of 8 to 39. Maximum attitude score was 8.0. The median score was 7.0 and standard deviation (SD was± 0.83. The maximum practice score was 15/15 The mean score was 10.79 (95% CI for mean 10.32 to 11.26) and standard deviation (SD) was ± 3. Conclusion The study indicated good knowledge about diabetic neuropathy among diabetic patients, moreover, the attitude of participants were also positive. Yet, these two did not necessarily solely affect their practices. This could be attributed to other factors that need further studies.
{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Diabetic Neuropathy Among Type-II Diabetics in Jabra Locality, Khartoum, Sudan, in 2022","authors":"Saeed Eltahir Saeed Elsiraj","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1806","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1806","url":null,"abstract":"Background \u0000Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a characteristic neurodegenerative disorder of the peripheral nervous system that targets sensory & autonomic axons and later, to a lesser extent, motor axons. Among the complications of diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is by far the most prevalent. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding diabetic neuropathy among Type-II diabetics attending Zenam Specialist Hospital in 2022. \u0000Methods \u0000This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in Zenam Specialist Hospital. A previously published validated questionnaire about knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward diabetic neuropathy was used in this study with very minor modification to be suitable for Sudanese population. Convenient random sampling was used to collect data. \u0000Results \u0000Out of 162 participant, 82 (50.6%) were males and 80 (49.4%) of them were females. The age of respondents ranged from 18 to 80 years with mean age of 50.89 ± 12.74 SD. The study indicated that patients with older age had better knowledge (P ≤ 0.017) with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.187. No significant gender difference was noted regarding knowledge score. Patients educated above secondary level (P≤ 0.046) and employed in the government and private sector (P = 0.024) had better knowledge compared to their respective groups. Married participants (P = 0.016) had better knowledge scores compared to others. The maximum knowledge score was 39 / 41. The mean score was 26.71 (95% CI 25.54 – 27.88) and standard deviation (SD) was ± 7.52, with a range of 8 to 39. Maximum attitude score was 8.0. The median score was 7.0 and standard deviation (SD was± 0.83. The maximum practice score was 15/15 The mean score was 10.79 (95% CI for mean 10.32 to 11.26) and standard deviation (SD) was ± 3. \u0000Conclusion \u0000The study indicated good knowledge about diabetic neuropathy among diabetic patients, moreover, the attitude of participants were also positive. Yet, these two did not necessarily solely affect their practices. This could be attributed to other factors that need further studies.","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85794492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Hypertension affects about one third of the worldwide adult population, in patients aged 18 to 39, prevalence of hypertension is 7.3%. The risk factors for primary hypertension in young adults are the same as in older adults, which include family history of hypertension, poor diet with excess intake of sodium, lack of physical activity, obesity and excess intake of alcohol or tobacco smoking. The treatment of choice for essential hypertension in young adult are lifestyle changes but there is no consensus on the role pharmacological treatment in young hypertensives. The Case: A 19–year–old patient present with a worsening five–year history of palpitations felt in the abdominal region, tachycardia and high blood pressure. He had a body mass index of 31.3 kg/m2, suboptimal diet and level of physical activity (though he was previously very active) and a family history of essential hypertension. Possible secondary causes of hypertension were ruled out and a diagnosis of essential hypertension was reached through 24–hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patient was treated with a combination of 5mg amlodipine and 5mg bisoprolol per day as well as lifestyle changes. Conclusion: This case highlights the increasingly young age of presentation of essential hypertension, especially since the patient refers presence of symptoms as early as 14 years old when he had a relative lack of risk factors. It is important to rule out other potential causes of hypertension in young adults before making a diagnosis of essential hypertension.
{"title":"Case Report: Diagnosis and Management of Long-Standing Essential Hypertension on a Teenager","authors":"Miguel Moreta","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1840","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Hypertension affects about one third of the worldwide adult population, in patients aged 18 to 39, prevalence of hypertension is 7.3%. The risk factors for primary hypertension in young adults are the same as in older adults, which include family history of hypertension, poor diet with excess intake of sodium, lack of physical activity, obesity and excess intake of alcohol or tobacco smoking. The treatment of choice for essential hypertension in young adult are lifestyle changes but there is no consensus on the role pharmacological treatment in young hypertensives.\u0000 \u0000The Case: A 19–year–old patient present with a worsening five–year history of palpitations felt in the abdominal region, tachycardia and high blood pressure. He had a body mass index of 31.3 kg/m2, suboptimal diet and level of physical activity (though he was previously very active) and a family history of essential hypertension. Possible secondary causes of hypertension were ruled out and a diagnosis of essential hypertension was reached through 24–hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patient was treated with a combination of 5mg amlodipine and 5mg bisoprolol per day as well as lifestyle changes.\u0000 \u0000Conclusion: This case highlights the increasingly young age of presentation of essential hypertension, especially since the patient refers presence of symptoms as early as 14 years old when he had a relative lack of risk factors. It is important to rule out other potential causes of hypertension in young adults before making a diagnosis of essential hypertension.","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86674184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. B. Almoshantaf, S. Swed, Hidar Alibrahim, H. Bohsas, Mohmad Nour Nasif, W. Hafez, Ahmad Aldaas
Background: Cholera is a communicable acute bacterial infection caused by a gram-negative bacterium that is Vibrio Cholera. Worldwide, is estimated that an incidence of 1.3–4.0 millions of cholera infection, leading to 21,000–143,000 deaths annually. Prevention of cholera require a proactive approach rather than reactive, as it`s identified to be the best strategy to decrease the cholera spreading risk in given population or community. Recently WHO warned that, the cholera spreading risk in Syria is very high, which linked to drinking of untreated water and food contamination. Aim: we conducted this study with aiming to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding risks of cholera infection, preventive measures and preparedness among community in Syria. Consequently, recommending suitable measures based on study results. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cholera and cholera vaccine among general population in Syria. The inclusion criteria for participation were Syrian nationality aged 18 or more, male or female, from all governorates of Syria, never have cholera previously, and were willing to participate. The questionnaire was consisting of four sections. The first section was about sociodemographic data. The second section evaluated respondents' self-reported knowledge on cholera and divided into two parts (2a: Knowledge on cholera, its prevention and treatment. 2b Knowledge on cholera vaccine). The third section evaluated respondents’ self-reported practice relating to cholera and its vaccine, this section divided into two parts (3a: Practice relating cholera and its treatment/management. 3b: Practice relating cholera vaccine. The fourth section inquired respondents’ attitude toward cholera and cholera vaccine. 52.9% thought that cholera outbreaks happen in summer seasons. Results: Among 1563 Syrian national participants, (n=982, 62.8%) were females, and (n=581, 37.2%) males. 60.9% of respondents did not recognize the cholera in the first place. Passing watery stool was the most recognized symptom of cholera with 50.3%, severe dehydration with 31.1%, and repeated vomiting with 10.3%. Lack of safe drinking water was recognized as the most common cause for cholera. Most respondents (54.1%) have chosen IV saline as the treatment of choice for cholera. 85.3% of respondents are with providing health care to the infectants in health centers. Conclusion: According to our findings, there is insufficient understanding of the cholera symptoms and risk factors. The need for better understanding of such common outbreaks is essential to counter them. Consequently, there is a greater need to increase cholera awareness and education programs on the disease's signs and symptoms and its risk factors.
{"title":"Knowledge of Cholera Among Syrians: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"M. B. Almoshantaf, S. Swed, Hidar Alibrahim, H. Bohsas, Mohmad Nour Nasif, W. Hafez, Ahmad Aldaas","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1824","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1824","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cholera is a communicable acute bacterial infection caused by a gram-negative bacterium that is Vibrio Cholera. Worldwide, is estimated that an incidence of 1.3–4.0 millions of cholera infection, leading to 21,000–143,000 deaths annually. Prevention of cholera require a proactive approach rather than reactive, as it`s identified to be the best strategy to decrease the cholera spreading risk in given population or community. Recently WHO warned that, the cholera spreading risk in Syria is very high, which linked to drinking of untreated water and food contamination. \u0000 \u0000Aim: we conducted this study with aiming to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding risks of cholera infection, preventive measures and preparedness among community in Syria. Consequently, recommending suitable measures based on study results. \u0000 \u0000Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cholera and cholera vaccine among general population in Syria. The inclusion criteria for participation were Syrian nationality aged 18 or more, male or female, from all governorates of Syria, never have cholera previously, and were willing to participate. The questionnaire was consisting of four sections. The first section was about sociodemographic data. The second section evaluated respondents' self-reported knowledge on cholera and divided into two parts (2a: Knowledge on cholera, its prevention and treatment. 2b Knowledge on cholera vaccine). The third section evaluated respondents’ self-reported practice relating to cholera and its vaccine, this section divided into two parts (3a: Practice relating cholera and its treatment/management. 3b: Practice relating cholera vaccine. The fourth section inquired respondents’ attitude toward cholera and cholera vaccine. 52.9% thought that cholera outbreaks happen in summer seasons. \u0000 \u0000Results: Among 1563 Syrian national participants, (n=982, 62.8%) were females, and (n=581, 37.2%) males. 60.9% of respondents did not recognize the cholera in the first place. Passing watery stool was the most recognized symptom of cholera with 50.3%, severe dehydration with 31.1%, and repeated vomiting with 10.3%. Lack of safe drinking water was recognized as the most common cause for cholera. Most respondents (54.1%) have chosen IV saline as the treatment of choice for cholera. 85.3% of respondents are with providing health care to the infectants in health centers. \u0000 \u0000Conclusion: According to our findings, there is insufficient understanding of the cholera symptoms and risk factors. The need for better understanding of such common outbreaks is essential to counter them. Consequently, there is a greater need to increase cholera awareness and education programs on the disease's signs and symptoms and its risk factors. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81223606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. F. Baloch, A. Khalid, Kiran Naimat, Muhammad Usman Khalid, Muhammad Abdul Khaliq Khan, Shahzaib Maqbool
Background Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body. Hypomagnesemia can result from decreased intake, redistribution of magnesium from the extracellular to the intracellular space, or increased renal or gastrointestinal loss. Hypomagnesemia can cause severe outcomes in ill patients. So, we conducted this study to determine the frequency of hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients. Methods This is a Descriptive cross-sectional study involving 120 patients admitted in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of the Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The study was conducted from July 2020 to September 2021. About 1 ml sample of blood was taken from each patient included and sent to the hospital laboratory for evaluation of serum magnesium levels. All the collected data was entered and analyzed on SPSS v. 23. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was taken significant. Results In our study, the mean age of the patients was 42.76±12.77 years, and the male-to-female ratio of the patients was 1:1. The mean value of the APACHE II score of the patients was 29.68±2.571. Hypomagnesemia was found in 28 (23.33%) patients. Conclusion According to our study, the frequency of hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients was 23.33% (28 patients).
镁是人体中含量第四丰富的阳离子。低镁血症可由摄入减少、镁从细胞外重新分布到细胞内、肾脏或胃肠道流失增加引起。低镁血症可对病人造成严重后果。因此，我们进行了这项研究，以确定危重病人低镁血症的频率。方法本研究是一项描述性横断面研究，涉及巴基斯坦拉瓦尔品第圣家医院重症监护病房(MICU)收治的120例患者。该研究于2020年7月至2021年9月进行。从每位纳入研究的患者身上抽取约1ml血样，送到医院化验室评估血清镁水平。所有收集到的数据都在SPSS v. 23上输入和分析。p值≤0.05为显著性。结果本组患者平均年龄为42.76±12.77岁，男女比例为1:1。患者的APACHEⅱ评分平均值为29.68±2.571。低镁血症28例(23.33%)。结论本院危重症患者低镁血症发生率为23.33%(28例)。
{"title":"The Prevalence of Hypomagnesemia in Critically Ill Patients Admitted in Medically Intensive Care Unit","authors":"M. F. Baloch, A. Khalid, Kiran Naimat, Muhammad Usman Khalid, Muhammad Abdul Khaliq Khan, Shahzaib Maqbool","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1798","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1798","url":null,"abstract":"Background\u0000Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body. Hypomagnesemia can result from decreased intake, redistribution of magnesium from the extracellular to the intracellular space, or increased renal or gastrointestinal loss. Hypomagnesemia can cause severe outcomes in ill patients. So, we conducted this study to determine the frequency of hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients.\u0000Methods\u0000This is a Descriptive cross-sectional study involving 120 patients admitted in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of the Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The study was conducted from July 2020 to September 2021. About 1 ml sample of blood was taken from each patient included and sent to the hospital laboratory for evaluation of serum magnesium levels. All the collected data was entered and analyzed on SPSS v. 23. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was taken significant.\u0000Results \u0000In our study, the mean age of the patients was 42.76±12.77 years, and the male-to-female ratio of the patients was 1:1. The mean value of the APACHE II score of the patients was 29.68±2.571. Hypomagnesemia was found in 28 (23.33%) patients.\u0000Conclusion\u0000According to our study, the frequency of hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients was 23.33% (28 patients).","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77859889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Albakri, Y. Alabdallat, A. Khaity, Jehad Samhouri
Background: Mental health disorders and low quality of life are considered common psychiatric problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant importance of the knowledge and research about COVID-19 mental consequences, few studies are addressing it locally in Jordan. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on university students' mental health and life quality. Method: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken for students in Jordanian universities using an online questionnaire. Our survey consisted of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2‐item (GAD-2), The Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item (PHQ-2), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the COVID-19–Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) scale to examine students' quality of life, loneliness, besides examining the difference between depression and anxiety, independently, before and during COVID-19 pandemic among Jordanian universities students. We analyzed the data using SPSS Software version 26. Results: The study included 537 participants, 371 (69.1%) of them were female, with a mean age of participants equal to 19.1 ± 0.84, with a range of 17 to 22 years. Most of the participants were second-year students 393 (54.6%) and more than half of the participants never weekly exercised. the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness after the COVID-19 pandemic were 305 (56.8%), 311 (57.9%), and 371 (69.1%); respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed that females with loneliness, depression, and anxiety were statistically predominant (p=0.014, p=0.023, p=0.000; respectively). In contrast, there was no significant difference among basic academic years students in terms of these mental outcomes. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on depression scores of singles was significantly higher than those who were in relationships (p= 0.008). The less depressed students were those who sleep at the night and those who have hobbies (p=0.02, p=0.007; respectively). Conclusion: Our study results highlighted and supported a significant change in the participants’ scores regarding their mental status before and after the outbreak. Furthermore, several factors preserve the mental health of students against the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, such as gender, having hobbies, being in a relationship, bedtime, and sleep hours. Additionally, the study found that loneliness, anxiety, and depression can predict life quality. Eventually, the government should provide more attention to the student’s psychological issues. Future research should investigate which group of students have more susceptibility to being mentally affected by similar outbreaks to develop specific and efficient actions that are targeted to these certain groups, thus improving the chance of the psychological benefits.
{"title":"The Effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on University Students' Mental Health and Life Quality: A Retrospective Cohort Study","authors":"K. Albakri, Y. Alabdallat, A. Khaity, Jehad Samhouri","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1811","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1811","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Mental health disorders and low quality of life are considered common psychiatric problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant importance of the knowledge and research about COVID-19 mental consequences, few studies are addressing it locally in Jordan. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on university students' mental health and life quality.\u0000 \u0000Method: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken for students in Jordanian universities using an online questionnaire. Our survey consisted of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2‐item (GAD-2), The Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item (PHQ-2), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the COVID-19–Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) scale to examine students' quality of life, loneliness, besides examining the difference between depression and anxiety, independently, before and during COVID-19 pandemic among Jordanian universities students. We analyzed the data using SPSS Software version 26.\u0000 \u0000Results: The study included 537 participants, 371 (69.1%) of them were female, with a mean age of participants equal to 19.1 ± 0.84, with a range of 17 to 22 years. Most of the participants were second-year students 393 (54.6%) and more than half of the participants never weekly exercised. the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness after the COVID-19 pandemic were 305 (56.8%), 311 (57.9%), and 371 (69.1%); respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed that females with loneliness, depression, and anxiety were statistically predominant (p=0.014, p=0.023, p=0.000; respectively). In contrast, there was no significant difference among basic academic years students in terms of these mental outcomes. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on depression scores of singles was significantly higher than those who were in relationships (p= 0.008). The less depressed students were those who sleep at the night and those who have hobbies (p=0.02, p=0.007; respectively).\u0000 \u0000Conclusion: Our study results highlighted and supported a significant change in the participants’ scores regarding their mental status before and after the outbreak. Furthermore, several factors preserve the mental health of students against the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, such as gender, having hobbies, being in a relationship, bedtime, and sleep hours. Additionally, the study found that loneliness, anxiety, and depression can predict life quality. Eventually, the government should provide more attention to the student’s psychological issues. Future research should investigate which group of students have more susceptibility to being mentally affected by similar outbreaks to develop specific and efficient actions that are targeted to these certain groups, thus improving the chance of the psychological benefits.","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88007993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. B. Almoshantaf, S. Swed, Hidar Alibrahim, H. Bohsas, Mohmad Nour Nasif, W. Hafez, Ahmad Aldaas
Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer is the second highest among women and the third highest among males. Screening for the disease has resulted in a significant decrease in both the prevalence and death rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) during the last two decades. Research has indicated that people unaware of the dangers of colorectal cancer may not participate in diagnostic procedures, which delays detection and reduces the likelihood of survival. Aim: This cross-sectional research seeks to examine the level of knowledge of CRC risk factors in Syria and the variables correlated with a greater level of awareness. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 25 August 2022 to assess the Syrians' degree of awareness of Colorectal Cancer risk factors in Syria and the characteristics associated with a high level of understanding. The survey is based on another study, and the sample inclusion criteria of study participants were Syrian nationals aged 18 or older from all Syrian governorates. The questionnaire included 35 questions divided into 3 sections, sociodemographic variables such as (age, sex, marital status, educational level, occupation…etc.), evaluation of participant knowledge of colorectal cancer risk factors such as (alcohol consumption, Red meat consumption, lack of fiber in the diet, obesity, and old age), and symptoms such as (blood in stool, abdominal pain, constipation, change in defecation habits, general tiredness, unexplained weight loss). Results: Among 702 Syrian national participants, (n=430, 61.3%) were females, and (n=272, 38.7%) males. Only (n=67, 9.5%) participants have a chronic disease. Most participants have shown good knowledge of colorectal cancer symptoms (n=301, 42.9%), and (n=297, 42.3%) participants have shown moderate knowledge of colorectal cancer symptoms. Only (n=123, 17.6%) participants have shown a good understanding of colorectal cancer risk factors, whereas (n=293, 41.7%) have demonstrated poor knowledge. Educational level was related to greater knowledge of colorectal cancer risk factors (P-value 0.05). No correlation was found between other variables and a good awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors (P-value > 0.05). Ph.D. degree of educational level (OR = 15.41, 95% CI: 1.211–196.16; P-value<0.05) was associated with good awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and Widowers' marital status (OR = 7.351, 95% CI: 1.22–44.285; P-value<0.05) was associated with good awareness of colorectal cancer risk factors. Most participants were somewhat confident in their ability to recognize colorectal cancer symptoms (43.60%), whereas just 4.60 % of people were highly confident in their ability to recognize them. Only (24.10%) The participants were not confident in identifying colorectal cancer symptoms. Conclusion: According to our findings, there is insufficient understanding of the colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors that contribute to the disease's development
{"title":"Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Among Syrians: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"M. B. Almoshantaf, S. Swed, Hidar Alibrahim, H. Bohsas, Mohmad Nour Nasif, W. Hafez, Ahmad Aldaas","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1822","url":null,"abstract":" Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer is the second highest among women and the third highest among males. Screening for the disease has resulted in a significant decrease in both the prevalence and death rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) during the last two decades. Research has indicated that people unaware of the dangers of colorectal cancer may not participate in diagnostic procedures, which delays detection and reduces the likelihood of survival.\u0000Aim: This cross-sectional research seeks to examine the level of knowledge of CRC risk factors in Syria and the variables correlated with a greater level of awareness.\u0000Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 25 August 2022 to assess the Syrians' degree of awareness of Colorectal Cancer risk factors in Syria and the characteristics associated with a high level of understanding. The survey is based on another study, and the sample inclusion criteria of study participants were Syrian nationals aged 18 or older from all Syrian governorates. The questionnaire included 35 questions divided into 3 sections, sociodemographic variables such as (age, sex, marital status, educational level, occupation…etc.), evaluation of participant knowledge of colorectal cancer risk factors such as (alcohol consumption, Red meat consumption, lack of fiber in the diet, obesity, and old age), and symptoms such as (blood in stool, abdominal pain, constipation, change in defecation habits, general tiredness, unexplained weight loss).\u0000Results: Among 702 Syrian national participants, (n=430, 61.3%) were females, and (n=272, 38.7%) males. Only (n=67, 9.5%) participants have a chronic disease. Most participants have shown good knowledge of colorectal cancer symptoms (n=301, 42.9%), and (n=297, 42.3%) participants have shown moderate knowledge of colorectal cancer symptoms. Only (n=123, 17.6%) participants have shown a good understanding of colorectal cancer risk factors, whereas (n=293, 41.7%) have demonstrated poor knowledge. Educational level was related to greater knowledge of colorectal cancer risk factors (P-value 0.05). No correlation was found between other variables and a good awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors (P-value > 0.05). Ph.D. degree of educational level (OR = 15.41, 95% CI: 1.211–196.16; P-value<0.05) was associated with good awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and Widowers' marital status (OR = 7.351, 95% CI: 1.22–44.285; P-value<0.05) was associated with good awareness of colorectal cancer risk factors. Most participants were somewhat confident in their ability to recognize colorectal cancer symptoms (43.60%), whereas just 4.60 % of people were highly confident in their ability to recognize them. Only (24.10%) The participants were not confident in identifying colorectal cancer symptoms.\u0000Conclusion: According to our findings, there is insufficient understanding of the colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors that contribute to the disease's development","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83831613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tanya Amal, A. Banga, U. H. Faisal, Gaurang J Bhatt, Aisha Khalid, M. A. Rais, Nadia Najam, R. Kashyap, F. Nawaz
Background Globally many studies have reported on violence faced by healthcare workers. However, there is still a lack of homogeneous data to give us a concrete understanding of the present scenario on a global scale. Conducting a global survey required a robust team organization structure, unique dissemination strategies accounting for the regional limitations, and continual networking to maintain and propagate the pool of survey collaborators and responders. This study aims to describe the strategies that helped carry out a global survey- based study, the lessons learned, and recommendations for future studies. Methods This cross-sectional survey-based study was based on methodology of the “Hub and Spoke” model with the core team and sub-groups about different regions and managing country leads. The study was conducted across eight weeks from 6th June 2022 to 8th August 2022. The key steps included team organization, strategy formulation for survey dissemination and data collection, launching the project on social media, and conducting a post-survey amongst the collaborators. The Core Team convened weekly via video conference platforms to discuss the modus operandi, including the responsibilities of team members in communicating with HCWs from each country; strategies for data extraction and analysis. A standard message was created for the survey in English, which was spread via text, audio and video messages; the message was tailored according to the target region and population. The language barrier was managed by creating an audio translation or shifting to “an interviewer-administered” questionnaire. Call for leads and collaborators was organized through social media platforms and incentivized by proposing collaborative authorship. Results A core team of 11 members from 7 countries was assembled, which expanded to 40 country leads from around 110 countries. We also amassed more than 75 regional collaborators who worked to provide feedback and spread the message. The “Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and Systems” (VISHWAS) amassed 5500 responses across the world. A weekly alternating trend in the number of survey responses was observed for eight weeks. Guiding principles garnered through this collaborative project include focusing on 1. Effective team organization, 2. Ensuring external validation of survey tool, 3. Personalized communication, 4. Global networking, 5. Timely communication for maintaining momentum, and 6. Addressing regional limitations. The post-survey analysis showed that WhatsApp messaging was the most common modality used for survey dissemination, followed by in-person meetings and text messaging. The successful techniques were noted to be 1. Direct communication with respondents, 2. Regular progress updates, 3. Responsiveness for regional and country lead’s needs 4. Timely troubleshooting. The most common barriers for the respondents were limitations in language proficiency, technical fallouts, lack of c
{"title":"Guiding Principles for the Conduct of Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and System (ViSHWaS): Insights from a Global Survey","authors":"Tanya Amal, A. Banga, U. H. Faisal, Gaurang J Bhatt, Aisha Khalid, M. A. Rais, Nadia Najam, R. Kashyap, F. Nawaz","doi":"10.5195/ijms.2022.1848","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1848","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Background\u0000\u0000Globally many studies have reported on violence faced by healthcare workers. However, there is still a lack of homogeneous data to give us a concrete understanding of the present scenario on a global scale. Conducting a global survey required a robust team organization structure, unique dissemination strategies accounting for the regional limitations, and continual networking to maintain and propagate the pool of survey collaborators and responders. This study aims to describe the strategies that helped carry out a global survey- based study, the lessons learned, and recommendations for future studies.\u0000 \u0000\u0000 Methods\u0000\u0000This cross-sectional survey-based study was based on methodology of the “Hub and Spoke” model with the core team and sub-groups about different regions and managing country leads. The study was conducted across eight weeks from 6th June 2022 to 8th August 2022. The key steps included team organization, strategy formulation for survey dissemination and data collection, launching the project on social media, and conducting a post-survey amongst the collaborators. The Core Team convened weekly via video conference platforms to discuss the modus operandi, including the responsibilities of team members in communicating with HCWs from each country; strategies for data extraction and analysis. A standard message was created for the survey in English, which was spread via text, audio and video messages; the message was tailored according to the target region and population. The language barrier was managed by creating an audio translation or shifting to “an interviewer-administered” questionnaire. Call for leads and collaborators was organized through social media platforms and incentivized by proposing collaborative authorship.\u0000 \u0000\u0000 Results\u0000\u0000A core team of 11 members from 7 countries was assembled, which expanded to 40 country leads from around 110 countries. We also amassed more than 75 regional collaborators who worked to provide feedback and spread the message. The “Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and Systems” (VISHWAS) amassed 5500 responses across the world. A weekly alternating trend in the number of survey responses was observed for eight weeks. Guiding principles garnered through this collaborative project include focusing on 1. Effective team organization, 2. Ensuring external validation of survey tool, 3. Personalized communication, 4. Global networking, 5. Timely communication for maintaining momentum, and 6. Addressing regional limitations. The post-survey analysis showed that WhatsApp messaging was the most common modality used for survey dissemination, followed by in-person meetings and text messaging. The successful techniques were noted to be 1. Direct communication with respondents, 2. Regular progress updates, 3. Responsiveness for regional and country lead’s needs 4. Timely troubleshooting. The most common barriers for the respondents were limitations in language proficiency, technical fallouts, lack of c","PeriodicalId":73459,"journal":{"name":"International journal of medical students","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74833564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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