Search

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study sought to document how the systemic biomarkers of inflammation varied based on food choices among patients with T2DM. This cross-sectional study enrolled ambulatory patients with T2DM. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Five drops of fingerstick blood were collected using an absorbent paper device (HemaSpot HFR). C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), and fibrinogen were measured using a Luminex assay. Patient-generated 7-day food diaries were analyzed using a validated food processor software. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation tests, linear regression and logistic regression with the significance level set at 0.05. Among the 71 participants, 43 (60.6%) were females. The average age and duration of T2DM were 64.1 ± 10.3 and 15.8 ± 9.1 years, respectively. In a simple linear regression run with selected micronutrients, iron [F (1, 53) = 5.319, p < 0.05, adj. R2 = 0.074] significantly predicted plasma CRP. This significance was lost with multiple linear regressions including age, gender, BMI, T2DM duration, T2DM complications, glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other micronutrients. The average intake of most micronutrients by the participants was below the recommended daily intake. A higher intake of iron-rich foods was associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation in a simple linear regression model, but the association was not present after adjusting for patient factors like age, gender, BMI and T2DM-related variables. This relationship needs to be explored further given the key role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disability is typically correlated with lower quality of life and decreased capacity for self-care. It has been demonstrated that multimorbidity is closely linked to a variety of unfavorable events, such as disability. Researchers are still figuring out how and to what extent co-morbidities impact disability, though. In order to fill up this gap, this study examines the prevalence and contributing variables of disability in older patients who have multimorbidity. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAL databases for articles from their inception until September 2023. We selected co-morbid older adults aged > 60 years and used the ADL scale or any scale that assesses disability as an assessment tool. We excluded literature that did not meet the criteria, and literature that could not be included in the data we needed. We extracted data from the included literature and calculated synthetic prevalence rates, ORs, and 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 32 papers (71,135 older adults) were included in the study. The prevalence of disability among older patients with multimorbidity was around 34.9% (95% CI = 25.8-43.9%). Subgroup analysis showed higher rates of disability among comorbidities who were older, female, unmarried, and long-term users of health services. And the incidence of disability increased each year. Meanwhile, the regions of the United States, China, and Spain showed higher rates of disability. Conclusions: Disability rates in older patients with multimorbidity are higher, thus it's critical to focus on risk factors while fully accounting for regional variances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we measured B cell function in elderly healthy individuals (EH) and in elderly patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM, ET2DM), which are treatment-naive, as compared to healthy young (YH) individuals. Results show a higher serum inflammatory status of elderly versus young individuals, and especially of ET2DM versus EH. This status is associated with a reduced response to the seasonal influenza vaccine and with increased frequencies of the circulating pro-inflammatory B cell subset called Double Negative (DN) B cells. B cells from ET2DM patients are not only more inflammatory but also hyper-metabolic as compared to those from EH controls. The results herein are to our knowledge the first to show that T2DM superimposed on aging further increases systemic and B cell intrinsic inflammation, as well as dysfunctional humoral immunity. Our findings confirm and extend our previously published findings showing that inflammatory B cells are metabolically supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human longevity leaders with remarkably long lifespan play a crucial role in the advancement of longevity research. In this paper, we propose a stochastic model to describe the evolution of the age of the oldest person in the world by a Markov process, in which we assume that the births of the individuals follow a Poisson process with increasing intensity, lifespans of individuals are independent and can be characterized by a gamma–Gompertz distribution with time-dependent parameters. We utilize a dataset of the world's oldest person title holders since 1955, and we compute the maximum likelihood estimate for the parameters iteratively by numerical integration. Based on our preliminary estimates, the model provides a good fit to the data and shows that the age of the oldest person alive increases over time in the future. The estimated parameters enable us to describe the distribution of the age of the record holder process at a future time point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adult-centric concept of 'age-appropriateness' is an arbitrary signifier and yet it commands a powerful common-sense appeal in governing the shape of sexuality education. The visibility of LGBTQ+ lives in primary schools is deeply impacted by the cis-heteronormative ways in which age-appropriateness is commonly understood and mobilised; very often resulting in silence and delay. The concept of age-appropriateness also becomes entangled with moral panics about 'promoting' LGBTQ+ lives, or children being somehow 'recruited' to identify as LGBTQ+. This paper draws on findings from a study with the parents of eleven trans and gender diverse children (then aged between 5 and 13) conducted in 2017, as well as a follow-up study conducted with seven participants from the same group of parents and children in 2022. The paper explores how the politics of age and agency intersect and become intensified as trans and gender diverse children and their parents navigate and make decisions about their bodies, lives and everyday worlds in primary schools. These stories of trans and gender diverse children provide an arresting invitation to adults to attend closely to the rich stories of children themselves in (re)considering the potential of sexuality education across contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing patellofemoral pain (PFP) literature has primarily been focused on quadriceps muscle volume, with limited attention given to the deep and superficial muscle volume of the lower limbs in individuals with unilateral and bilateral PFP. In this paper, we aim to fill this gap. To explore superficial and deep lower extremity muscle volume in women with unilateral or bilateral PFP compared with a normative database of pain-free women. Cross-sectional study. University imaging research center. Twenty women with PFP (10 unilateral and 10 bilateral) and 8 pain-free women from a normative database. We quantified lower extremity muscle volume via 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging. Two separate 1-way analyses of variance were performed: (1) unilateral PFP (painful versus nonpainful limb) versus pain-free control groups and (2) bilateral PFP (more painful versus less painful limb) versus pain-free control groups. We observed no differences in age and body mass index across groups (P >.05). Compared with the pain-free group, the unilateral and bilateral PFP groups had bilaterally smaller volumes of the anterior (iliacus: P ≤.0004; d range, 2.12–2.65), medial (adductor brevis, adductor longus, gracilis, and pectineus: P ≤.02; d range, 1.25–2.48), posterior (obturator externus, obturator internus, and quadratus femoris: P <.05; d range, 1.17–4.82), and lateral (gluteus minimus: P ≤.03; d range, 1.16–2.09) hip muscles and knee extensors (rectus femoris: P ≤.003; d range, 1.67–2.16) and flexors (long and short head of the biceps femoris: P ≤.01, d range, 1.56–1.93). Women with unilateral and those with bilateral PFP displayed less volume of multiple superficial and deep muscles of the bilateral hips and knees than pain-free women. Interventions should bilaterally target lower limb muscles when treating PFP, and hypertrophy exercises for specific muscles should be explored to increase choices for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with large heads (>36 mm) were introduced to reduce dislocation rates and restore the hip anatomy as closely as possible to the native one. To date, the literature is scarce and fragmented; a review is desirable to point out the outcomes and the possible specific complications (noise, groin pain, and taperosis). A systematic review about large-diameter COC THAs was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms "large", "big", "head", "hip", and "ceramic." The methodological quality of the papers was assessed using the MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) score. Seven papers (level of evidence: 5 case series and 2 case-control studies) met the inclusion criteria. Clinical outcomes were excellent in >90% of the patients. Groin pain was reported in only 1 article (7%). Radiological outcomes were positive. Minimal revision rates (<2%) were reported at short- to mid-term follow-ups. Dislocation rates were usually <1%. No bearing surfaces failed. No case of trunnionitis was reported. Noise occurred in up to 30% of the patients, mostly squeaking. The noise did not influence clinical outcomes or patients' satisfaction. Noise was inconstantly associated with component positioning, younger age, high articular excursions, and larger sizes. Large-diameter heads in COC THAs (≥40 mm) showed promising clinical and radiological outcomes with minimal revision rates. Noise is a cause of concern and should be carefully evaluated at longer follow-ups and in larger, prospective, and specifically designed case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power dynamics influence every aspect of scientific collaboration. Team power dynamics can be measured by team power level and team power hierarchy. Team power level is conceptualized as the average level of the possession of resources, expertise, or decision‐making authorities of a team. Team power hierarchy represents the vertical differences of the possessions of resources in a team. In Science of Science, few studies have looked at scientific collaboration from the perspective of team power dynamics. This research examines how team power dynamics affect team impact to fill the research gap. In this research, all coauthors of one publication are treated as one team. Team power level and team power hierarchy of one team are measured by the mean and Gini index of career age of coauthors in this team. Team impact is quantified by citations of a paper authored by this team. By analyzing over 7.7 million teams from Science (e.g., Computer Science, Physics), Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Library & Information Science), and Arts & Humanities (e.g., Art), we find that flat team structure is associated with higher team impact, especially when teams have high team power level. These findings have been repeated in all five disciplines except Art, and are consistent in various types of teams from Computer Science including teams from industry or academia, teams with different gender groups, teams with geographical contrast, and teams with distinct size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the distribution of mortality across social groups classified by caste, gender and sector of origin in India in the mid-2010s: as such, the essay is intended to be both a methodological/measurement-oriented study and a substantive empirical assessment of an important dimension of human functioning in India. The analysis is carried out employing micro-data on the age-distributions of population and death-rates available in the National Family Health Survey of 2015–16 (NFHS-4). Mortality in the paper is measured in terms of the crude death rate, an indicator of "inefficiency" in the age-distribution of deaths, and an "age-adjusted" death rate which takes account of both the mean and the dispersion of a distribution. The last-mentioned indicator is taken to be the preferred measure of mortality. The analysis in the paper suggests that mortality outcomes across castes replicate the caste hierarchy and that there is a sharp rural-urban divide in the distribution of death. Mortality sex-ratios are found to be relatively more favourable for the lower than the higher castes. The results presented in the paper are not unexpected, but they provide quantitative confirmation of one's worst suspicions regarding the skewed distribution of mortality across social groups in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: The use of chemical restraint in emergency situations is to control aggression or violence to protect consumers and staff and is to be used as a last resort when all other behavioural control alternatives have been exhausted.Chemical restraint involves the use of medication. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: This is the first paper to systematically review the prevalence of the use of chemical restraint.The use of chemical restraint is common across emergency departments and acute psychiatric inpatient units worldwide.Consumers who are restrained are also likely to receive chemical restraint.The studies reviewed demonstrate that there is a need for more standardized data collection so that clearer comparisons can be made between healthcare settings and countries. What are the implications for practice?: Implications of practice include the need to report adverse events post‐chemical restraint as these can deleteriously affect a person's physical health.Identification of and staff education about first‐line management techniques before chemical restraint is administered are significant to reduce its use. Introduction: Chemical restraint is used to manage uncontrolled aggression, agitation or violent behaviours of consumers with mental health disorders admitted to acute psychiatric or emergency settings. Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the international prevalence of chemical restraint for non‐consenting adults. Method: PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for peer‐reviewed literature published between January 1996 and July 2018. This paper reports on data extracted from retrospective audits of chemical restraint practice. Results: Forty‐eight papers were included. The median prevalence of use of any restraint was 21.2% (25th% 8.0 to 75th% 36.3). Median prevalence of people who were chemically restrained, of all people restrained in any manner, was 43.1% (25th% 22.9% to 75th% 70.7%). Of all people admitted to facility(ies), the median prevalence of chemical restraint was 7.4% (25th% 2.7 to 75th% 17.6). There was no statistically significant difference in any prevalence measure considering healthcare setting or country. There was a significant decrease over the review period in the use of any restraint, including chemical restraint. Discussion and implications for practice: This is the first known comprehensive meta‐view of chemical restraint use worldwide, highlighting the need for standardized data collection to enable comparisons between healthcare settings and countries. Relevance statement: There is an international imperative to reduce or eliminate the use of coercive practices, such as physical and chemical restraint, in mental health care. This study provides important information for mental health nursing by synthesizing the international prevalence of chemical restraint for non‐consenting adults. This meta‐view of the worldwide use of chemical restraint can inform ongoing efforts to reduce its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to develop a model to help parents cope with decisional conflict. Background: Parents of children with congenital heart defect experience decisional conflict when they are uncertain about treatment decisions for their child, which may lead to delay in seeking care or distress over the decision made. Design: Correlational design with model building and data triangulation was used. Methods: Data were collected through surveys and interviews with a consecutive sample of 221 parent respondents from June to December 2018. Structural equation modelling and qualitative data analysis were used. Results: Lower decisional conflict was seen in parents with higher income, more nurse support and physician risk communication. Time delay for surgery was correlated with the child's age, social service coverage, and social support. Decisional conflict mediated the influence of income, nurse support and physician risk communication on satisfaction with decision. Based on model fit parameters, the emerging model is a good and parsimonious model of decisional conflict. The overall theme, 'Deciding for Surgery: What Matters Most', described the processes parents went through in making treatment decisions. Conclusion: Nurses may help parents feel more certain, less conflicted, and more satisfied with their decision by addressing factors including knowledge gaps, personal values, available support, and resource access. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Decisional conflict occurs when parents are uncertain of the best action for their child because treatment options entail risks for undesirable outcomes, value compromise, unclear prognosis, or anticipated regret over the decision.Professional support, information, and communication are vital to parents' decision‐making process.Child, parent, and support factors may influence parent treatment decisions in varied paediatric conditions. What this paper adds? Child's age at the time of decision‐making had an effect on the delay in surgery. However, assisting parents to weigh their options and focus on personal values allowed them to make their treatment decision.Low income, costly health services, and bureaucratic processes impeded the timely availment of surgery. Healthcare reforms that provide a system of government funding, streamlined health structure, and social insurance may be looked into.Family support weighed in on the parents' decision to delay surgery for fear of blame or guilt. Providing relevant information enabled parents to make a choice and stand by their decision regardless of the outcome. The implications of this paper: Modelling provides a framework to identify which factors are more important and how they interact to affect decision‐making. It may be used as an approach to find solutions to clinical problems for groups with different diagnoses.Though nursing support, information, and communication are essential, a more holistic family nursing care approach may be considered to assist parents to make appropriate treatment decisions for their child.Familiarity with the healthcare system may equip nurses to aid parents in processing available healthcare funding and dealing with financial uncertainty affecting decisions for their child's treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to test the effect of Otago exercises on fear of falling, balance, empowerment and functional mobility in older people living in nursing homes. Methods: This study is a parallel‐group randomized controlled trial. In total, 56 individuals were stratified randomized according to age‐gender. Participants were recruited from September 2021 to August 2022. Data were collected at baseline, in the 8th and 12th weeks. The researcher gave Otago exercise training to the intervention group three times per week for the first 4 weeks and applied it to the individuals, and in the next 8 weeks, the researcher visited the institution to ensure the continuity of the exercises and contacted the individuals by phone. Friedman test and generalized linear model were used in the analysis of data. Results: In the study, group and time interaction were found to be significant in terms of the Berg balance scale, 30‐second sit‐and‐stand test, elderly empowerment scale and timed up‐and‐go test. It was determined that the intervention did not improve fear of falling, upper extremity strength and 6‐min walk test results. Conclusion: Health personnel and administrators should have increased awareness about Otago exercises and can recommend implementation of the programme. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Otago exercises are an evidence‐based, home‐based programme for improving balance.What this paper adds? Otago exercises can improve the balance, lower‐extremity strength, elderly empowerment score and timed up‐go test score of older people living in nursing homes.The Otago exercise programme did not improve the fear of falling, the strength of the upper extremities and the 6‐min walk test results for older people living in nursing homes.The implications of this paper: Health personnel and administrators should be aware of the potential benefits of Otago exercises and can recommend implementation of the programme.Nurses working in nursing homes can be taught how to deliver the programme and to plan training to roll out the programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines retirement by older workers with intellectual disability. Much research and intervention about retirement and intellectual disability in the last decade or so emanates from Australia, although there are some current cross-sectional and descriptive studies from other developed countries. The Australian literature stands out as the forerunner in the development and controlled evaluation of interventions to support the process of preparing for, practising, and then experiencing retirement. Therefore, this paper begins by briefly describing retirement-related aspects of employment for people with intellectual disability in Australia. Next, we present a critical summary of Australian research on the retirement of people with intellectual disability, supported by a briefer analysis of international literature. Then, key issues, such as financial factors, age of retirement, the time course of retirement (sudden or gradual), and self-determination regarding the decision to retire, are explored. Finally, to help guide future research and policy, we identify a number of retirement-related research questions that are currently under-researched or unexamined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Ethiopia has made significant efforts to enhance family planning services despite variations in the community's use of modern contraception in different parts of the country. Various studies have reported the proportion and determinant factors of adolescents' contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia. These studies are not consistent in terms of size, scope, and geographic coverage, and the results need to be systematically collated to inform policies. Therefore, this review was aimed at analyzing the findings of those primary studies to obtain more representative evidence of adolescents' contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia. Methods. Five databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL) were searched for papers published from January 2000 up to June 2022 in English. Of thirty eligible studies, eight papers were included in this meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated by the forest plot and inconsistency index ( I 2 ). A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of adolescents' contraceptive uptake. Results. The overall pooled proportion of adolescents' contraceptive uptake was 40% ( I 2 = 99.70 , p ≤ 0.001 ; 95 % CI = 19 , 61). Adolescents' usage of contraception was influenced by a number of factors: individual-, sociocultural-, knowledge- (about contraceptive methods), and healthcare service-related factors. Individual-related factors include the educational status of adolescents, being of young age, and the income status of adolescents' families. Sociocultural-related factors comprise discussion with the family/relatives, parent disapproval and pressure from partners, and being married or having a partner. Healthcare service-related factors include the availability of youth clubs and inconvenient service hours for SRH services. Knowing contraceptive methods and SRH services was also positively associated with adolescents' contraceptive utilization. Conclusions. The proportion of adolescents who used contraception in Ethiopia was 40%. Adolescents' use of contraceptives was influenced by a variety of factors: individual-, sociocultural-, healthcare-, and knowledge-related factors. Hence, integrated interventions targeted at tackling barriers to contraceptive uptake may be helpful to improve adolescents' contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With our aging population and limited number of geriatric psychiatrists, innovations must be made in order to meet the growing demands for geriatric psychiatry services. Emerging technologies could greatly improve access to care and systematic data collection. Methods This randomized study compared completion rates and time to completion (primary outcomes) when using iPad technology vs. traditional paper forms to complete self-report psychiatric symptoms. Geriatric psychiatry outpatients (n = 72) and adult psychiatry inpatients (n = 50) were recruited to complete the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53), the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) questionnaires. Results Geriatric psychiatry outpatients completed the iPad and paper questionnaires at similar rates (91.7% vs. 97.2%, Fisher's Exact p = .61). In two-way ANOVA, including patients aged ≥ 60 (n = 85), outpatient status (F(1,81) = 4.48, p = .037) and iPad format (F (1,81) = 8.96, p = .04) were associated with a shorter time to completion. The effect of questionnaire formats was especially prominent in the inpatient group on time to completion. Conclusions Older adults with mental illness demonstrate a similar ability to complete self-report questionnaires whether iPads or paper forms. iPad questionnaires may even require less time to complete in geriatric psychiatry inpatients. Patients also found iPad questionnaires to be easy to use and read. Tablets could potentially be used for psychiatric symptom assessment for clinical, research, and population health purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how dignity is articulated and pursued by care workers in two currently prominent policy initiatives seeking to reform Danish care services for older people. Based on ethnographic case studies of 'reablement' practices and the use of 'welfare technologies', the paper shows how these attempts to create dignified care services transform interactions between care recipients and care workers. The analysis is inspired by a socio-material perspective on dignity as 'crafted' and 'co-laboured' in daily practices, in an interplay between multiple human and non-human actors. In the cases studied, dignity is articulated as closely related to older people's increasing autonomy and independence of formal care, and is pursued through enhancing care recipients' self-care ability, and through technological automation of care tasks. However, these articulations and pursuits of dignity do not stand alone. When everyday care practices are closely examined, dignity is also pursued by care workers as increased co-operation and equality between care workers and care recipients, as de-objectification, and as promotion of enjoyment and quality of life. In these practices, care is ambivalently positioned as both a potential threat to dignity, and as a prerequisite to achieving it. The paper concludes by discussing the risks of policy agendas pursuing a narrow understanding of dignity as simply independence of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, whole-body vibration (WBV) training has received an increasing interest in the sports and medical fields. However, there has been inconsistency among several studies regarding the effect of WBV training on the human body, which is partly due to the lack of the existence of guidelines for using WBV training machines. To understand the effect of WBV training on the human body and build the needed regulations, it is essential first to understand the biodynamic responses to vibration which represent how vibration is transmitted to and through the human body. The purpose of this study is to systematically review previous studies that measured biodynamic responses when using WBV training machines to highlight inconsistencies in their results and provide possible reasons for them. An extensive literature search was performed on the SCOPUS database to obtain relevant studies. One hundred and fifty-six potentially relevant studies were obtained but after further screening, 23 papers from 2007 to 2020 met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The papers were analysed with respect to acceleration, transmissibility, interface force, and apparent mass during different vibration settings, body posture, age, and sex. Results and conflicts among studies were highlighted and possible explanations for the inconsistency were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Headache is a symptom that can cause discomfort not only to adults but, also, to children. The effects that headaches have in the daily routine of children and teenagers depend on the condition's cause, and its frequency and intensity. Headache leads to a decrease in daily activity during the crisis and during periods of intercritical, with impact on quality of life. Aim: To determine if the headache of hospitalized children is related to the quality of life and the degree of impact, to the daily life of children of both sexes aged 3-16 years. Methodology: The sample consisted of 52 children hospitalized in pediatric clinic who came to the hospital with a severe headache. The questionnaire used ( Headache Questionnaire- McKenzie Pediatrics 2010) includes questions relating to general information, history and habits of children and the pediatric quality of life (EQ-5D-Y) to record the state of child health days hospitalized and to determine the quality of life. For the statistical analysis used the program SPSS 22.0 Results: The mean age of the children was 6-14 years and the average length of stay 1-5 days. Headache in almost all participants (93%), accompanied by other symptoms with major nausea (19%) and dizziness (29%). Children with headache absent from school, they don't looking after themselves (33%) and not participate in their daily activities-hobby(29%). The quality of life was affected. When children suffering from headache, they feel anxiety, pain and discomfort (67%) and have worse overall, physical and psychosocial quality of life (27%). Conclusions: Although headache was the cause of absent from school, most of the children who hospitalized with headache, showed or no disability, to the activities of their daily life and their quality of life affected moderately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editor's note from the journal "Statistics, Politics & Policy." It introduces a special issue on political demography, which explores the intersection of demographic factors and politics. The note explains that this field has been under-researched but is now gaining attention. The special issue includes papers that examine the political consequences of population change and the political determinants of population change. It also discusses the importance of micro-level studies and the impact of demographic factors on political systems. Additionally, the note mentions two other articles in the issue that cover the impact of digitalization on public services in Ukraine and factors affecting internally generated funds in Ghana. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Tobacco use is the major preventable cause of premature death worldwide, responsible for about 8 million deaths per year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Morocco. Adolescents' tobacco use is a matter of concern, because early initiation increases the risk of becoming a lifelong user. There exists a notable gap in the synthesis of evidence concerning tobacco use among Moroccan adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive view of the prevalence of tobacco products' use and associated factors among adolescents in Morocco. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect for relevant studies reporting prevalence rates of tobacco products' use among Moroccan adolescents, published until June 2024, using inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional searches were completed on other sources to reach unpublished reports. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies. Results: After the final screening, 22 papers met the inclusion criteria. Life-time prevalence of tobacco use ranged from 7.8% to 20.4% for cigarettes smoking, from 10.6% to 21.9% for waterpipe, from 7.9% to 9.1% for chewing tobacco and from 9.2% to 12.4% for snuff. The last 12-month prevalence of cigarette smoking was comprised between 6.9% and 10.8%. As for the prevalence of current use, ranges of (1.8%-16.4%) and (4.9%-8.4%) were noted for cigarettes and waterpipe, respectively. The most commonly highlighted risk factors for tobacco use included male sex, older age, having friends or family members who use tobacco and low perception of risk associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: Our findings reveal an alarming situation of tobacco use among Moroccan adolescents. Therefore, it is crucial that all stakeholders engage in concerted efforts to develop and implement evidence-based preventive interventions among early adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA) remains a frustrating challenge for both patients and physicians. The aim of this paper is to focus on IA in pediatric ages and suggest possible diagnostic algorithms according to specific age ranges (infants, children, and adolescents). In fact, in a variable percentage of patients, despite extensive diagnostic tests, the cause of anaphylactic episodes cannot be identified. Moreover, the lack of a unanimous IA definition requires a careful and detailed diagnostic workup. Prompt recognition of signs and symptoms, especially in younger children, and an accurate clinical history often allow a choice of the most appropriate diagnostic tests and a correct differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Recovery‐oriented services have been shown to promote recovery in people with mental illness; their implementation is important for current psychiatric practice and is being considered by many professional institutions.The Japanese government released the policy 'A Vision for Reform of Mental Health and Medical Welfare' (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2004; https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/2004/09/dl/tp0902‐1a.pdf), aiming to update public consciousness, reorganize the mental healthcare welfare system and strengthen the foundation of mental healthcare to promote a basic policy focusing on the transition 'from hospital to community life'. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: This is the first study to clarify recovery‐oriented attitudes among psychiatric nursing directors and related factors in Japan. It shows an association between recovery‐oriented attitudes and hospital size. What are the implications for practice?: A relationship exists between the recovery knowledge and recovery‐oriented attitudes of psychiatric nursing directors. It may thus be valuable for directors to see and hear about the experiences of patients living in the community during their recovery process. As hospital size and organizational climate may hinder the successful implementation of recovery‐oriented practices, these factors must be considered when introducing such practices.Further research is needed on the relationship between psychiatric nursing directors' recovery‐oriented attitudes and practices. Moreover, to develop intervention studies that uncover success factors for enhancing recovery‐oriented attitudes, organizational factors that enable recovery‐oriented practices must be further investigated. Introduction: Recovery‐oriented practices in mental health services have become a global priority. Despite their proven effectiveness, Japanese hospitals have not widely implemented such practices. Aim: This study clarified psychiatric nursing directors' recovery‐oriented attitudes and factors regarding promoting recovery‐oriented practices to identify methods for developing these practices in Japan. Method: This cross‐sectional study used a questionnaire survey with 250 nursing directors from 1287 Japanese psychiatric hospitals. Multivariable regression analysis assessed how socio‐demographic variables and Recovery Knowledge Inventory (RKI) scores affected Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ‐7) scores. Results: The analysis revealed that more clinical and managerial experience was associated with more negative recovery‐oriented attitudes. High RKI scores, knowledge of strength, hospital size and outpatient work experience were associated with more positive recovery‐oriented attitudes. Discussion: Implementing recovery practices requires consideration of knowledge and experience in recovery and hospital size alongside recovery training based on a hospital's organizational structure. Although the low response rate could influence the study's generalisability, it could also indicate low interest in recovery‐oriented practices among professionals. Implications for Practice: Acquiring more knowledge and experience regarding recovery promotes recovery‐oriented attitudes among nursing directors. An appropriate organizational culture and consideration of hospital size are required when introducing such recovery practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Freezing of gait (FoG) is a common and debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) that can lead to falls and reduced quality of life. Wearable sensors have been used to detect FoG, but current methods have limitations in accuracy and practicality. In this paper, we aimed to develop a deep learning model using pressure sensor data from wearable insoles to accurately detect FoG in PD patients. Methods: We recruited 14 PD patients and collected data frommultiple trials of a standardized walking test using the Pedar insole system. We proposed temporal convolutional neural network (TCNN) and applied rigorous data filtering and selective participant inclusion criteria to ensure the integrity of the dataset. We mapped the sensor data to a structured matrix and normalized it for input into our TCNN. We used a train-test split to evaluate the performance of the model. Results: We found that TCNN model achieved the highest accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score for FoG detection compared to othermodels. The TCNN model also showed good performance in detecting FoG episodes, even in various types of sensor noise situations. Conclusions: We demonstrated the potential of using wearable pressure sensors andmachine learningmodels for FoG detection in PD patients. The TCNNmodel showed promising results and could be used in future studies to develop a real-time FoG detection system to improve PD patients' safety and quality of life. Additionally, our noise impact analysis identifies critical sensor locations, suggesting potential for reducing sensor numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Data on persisting symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents are conflicting. Due to the absence of a clear pathophysiological correlate and a definitive diagnostic test, the diagnosis of Long COVID currently rests on consensus definitions only. This review aims to summarise the evidence regarding Long COVID in children and adolescents, incorporating the latest studies on this topic. (2) Methods: We designed a comprehensive search strategy to capture all relevant publications using Medline via the PubMed interface, with the initial literature search conducted in April 2023. To be included, publications had to present original data and include >50 participants with Long COVID symptoms aged between 0 and18 years. (3) Results: A total of 51 studies met the inclusion criteria, with most studies originating from Europe (n = 34; 66.7%), followed by the Americas (n = 8; 15.7%) and Asia (n = 7; 13.7%). Various study designs were employed, including retrospective, cross-sectional, prospective, or ambispective approaches. Study sizes varied significantly, with 18/51 studies having fewer than 500 participants. Many studies had methodological limitations: 23/51 (45.1%) studies did not include a control group without prior COVID-19 infection. Additionally, a considerable number of papers (33/51; 64.7%) did not include a clear definition of Long COVID. Other limitations included the lack of PCR- or serology-based confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study group. Across different studies, there was high variability in the reported prevalence of Long COVID symptoms, ranging from 0.3% to 66.5%, with the majority of studies included in this review reporting prevalences of approximately 10–30%. Notably, the two studies with the highest prevalences also reported very high prevalences of Long COVID symptoms in the control group. There was a relatively consistent trend for Long COVID prevalence to decline substantially over time. The prevalence of Long COVID appeared to differ across different paediatric age groups, with teenagers being more commonly affected than younger children. Furthermore, data suggest that children and adolescents are less commonly affected by Long COVID compared to adults. In children and adolescents, Long COVID is associated with a very broad range of symptoms and signs affecting almost every organ system, with the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric systems being most commonly affected. (4) Conclusions: The heterogeneity and limitations of published studies on Long COVID in children and adolescents complicate the interpretation of the existing data. Future studies should be rigorously designed to address unanswered questions regarding this complex disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is growing scientific and policy recognition that optimising health before a potential pregnancy (preconception health) improves reproductive outcomes and the lifelong health of future children. However, public awareness on this topic is low. We conducted a public consultation to develop language recommendations and identify and prioritise approaches to inform research and improve public awareness of preconception health. Methods: A public consultation was undertaken with people of any gender aged 18–50 years living in the United Kingdom who were not currently expecting a child. Public contributors were recruited through patient and public involvement, community and support groups, an existing cohort study, and an LGBTQ+ charity. An initial round of online group discussions (February/March 2021) explored public contributors' knowledge of preconception health, their recommendations for appropriate language, and ideas about public health approaches. In a subsequent discussion round (May 2021), language recommendations were refined and suggested approaches prioritised. Discussions were summarised based on notes taken by two researchers. Results: Fifty‐four people joined the initial discussion round (66% women, 21% men, 13% nonbinary or transgender; 55% aged 18–30 years, 30% 31–40 years, 15% 41–50 years). Of these, 36 people (67%) participated in the subsequent round. Very few had heard the term 'preconception health', understood what it means, or why and for whom it is important. They recommended avoiding unfamiliar terms without further explanation (e.g., preconception health, medical terms), using language that is positive, encouraging and gender‐sensitive where possible, and using messages that are specific, nonjudgmental and realistic. The phrases 'health and well‐being during the childbearing years', 'health and well‐being before pregnancy and parenthood' and 'planning for parenthood' resonated with most public contributors. School‐based education, social media campaigns and the National Health Service emerged as priority approaches/settings for raising awareness. Conclusion: This public consultation produced recommendations from a diverse group of people of reproductive age in the United Kingdom to improve language and prioritise approaches that increase public understanding of preconception health in ways that are relevant and appropriate to them. This should begin in schools and will require adaptation of curricula, alongside co‐development of public awareness campaigns and guidance for healthcare professionals. Patient or Public Contribution: This public consultation included a diverse group of members of the public. They were not involved in the original design of the project, but following the initial round of online group discussions, they contributed to the interpretation and refinement of the emerging concepts in a subsequent round of group meetings. After the consultation activity, public contributors formed a Public Advisory Group and have subsequently been involved in other studies on the same topic. Two public contributors (E.R. and F.F.) provided critical input in the preparation and revision of this manuscript and are co‐authors of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the perceptions of the Australian public canvassed in 2021 during the COVID‐19 pandemic about their health system compared to four previous surveys (2008, 2010, 2012 and 2018). Methods: In 2021, a nationwide online survey was conducted with a representative sample of Australians (N = 5100) recruited via market research panels. The results were compared to previous nationwide Australian survey samples from 2018 (N = 1024), 2012 (N = 1200), 2010 (N = 1201) and 2008 (N = 1146). The survey included questions consistent with previous polls regarding self‐reported health status and overall opinions of, and confidence in, the Australian health system. Results: There was an increase in the proportion of respondents reporting positive perceptions at each survey between 2008 and 2021, with a significantly higher proportion of respondents expressing a more positive view of the Australian healthcare system in 2021 compared to previous years (χ2(8, N = 9645) = 487.63, p < 0.001). In 2021, over two‐thirds of respondents (n = 3949/5100, 77.4%) reported that following the COVID‐19 pandemic, their confidence in the Australian healthcare system had either remained the same (n = 2433/5100, 47.7%) or increased (n = 1516/5100, 29.7%). Overall, respondents living in regional or remote regions, younger Australians (< 45 years) and women held less positive views in relation to the system. In 2021, the most frequently identified area for urgent improvement was the need for more healthcare workers (n = 1350/3576, 37.8%), an area of concern particularly for Australians residing in regional or remote areas (n = 590/1385, 42.6%). Conclusions: Irrespective of disruptions to the Australian healthcare system caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, Australians' perceptions of their healthcare system were positive in 2021. However, concerns were raised about inadequate workforce capacity and the cost of healthcare, with differences identified by age groups and geographical location. Patient or Public Contribution: Health consumer representatives from the Consumers Health Forum of Australia contributed to the co‐design, deployment, analysis and interpretation of the results of this survey. J.A. and L.W. from the Consumers Health Forum of Australia contributed to the development of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuing care is needed for the growing number of chronically ill patients who struggle with health problems after discharge. This study aims to elucidate the development process, functionalities, service protocols, and utilization of an Internet Plus Care (IPC) platform devised by our hospital to offer healthcare services to discharged patients. Methods: This was a mixed study. After describing the development process, function and usage of IPC platform, we retrospectively collect data such as the general information of service recipients and service providers, service items, and service prices through the IPC platform from January 2021 to September 2023 to characterize these services. Results: 69 nurses delivered a total of 788 services to 211 patients through the IPC platform. The majority of services (N = 652, 82.7%) were delivered offline, with almost half of the recipients (N = 384, 48.7%) being elderly individuals. 46.4% of nurses provided services ≥ 3 times. Furthermore, 26.5% of patients received services three or more times. Notably, patients' care requirements exhibited variations across age groups, with wound care (n = 243, 63.3%), pressure injuries care (n = 50, 13.0%), and replacement of indwelling nasogastric tubes (n = 20, 5.2%) emerging as the top three services favored by the elderly. Conclusions: The IPC platform demonstrates potential in delivering diverse health services to patients; however, the involvement of nurses and patients needs to be enhanced. It is necessary to implement relevant safeguard policies to promote the effective use of IPC platform for health management of discharged patients in the future. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?: The prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise, and patients with chronic diseases continue to struggle with health problems after discharge and require extended treatment and rehabilitation. Our study proves that IPC platform presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. It is anticipated that governmental authorities will undertake comprehensive policy, legislative, and medical insurance reforms to facilitate the extensive adoption of IPC platform-based services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delirium is a common disorder affecting patients' psychiatric illness, characterized by a high rate of underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and high risks. However, previous studies frequently excluded patients with psychiatric illness, leading to limited knowledge about risk factors and optimal assessment tools for delirium in psychiatric settings. Objectives: The scoping review was carried out to (1) identify the risk factors associated with delirium in patients with psychiatric illness; (2) synthesize the performance of assessment tools for detecting delirium in patients with psychiatric illness in psychiatric settings. Design: Scoping review. Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to identify primary studies on delirium in psychiatric settings from inception to Dec 2023 inclusive. Two independent reviewers screened eligible studies against inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was conducted. Results: A final set of 36 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, two main themes were extracted: risk factors associated with delirium in patients with psychiatric illness and assessment tools for detecting delirium in psychiatric settings. The risk factors associated with delirium primarily included advanced age, physical comorbid, types of psychiatric illness, antipsychotics, anticholinergic drug, Electroconvulsive therapy, and the combination of lithium and Electroconvulsive therapy. Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98, Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale, and Delirium Diagnostic Tool-Provisional might be valuable for delirium assessment in patients with psychiatric illness in psychiatric settings. Conclusions: Delirium diagnosis in psychiatric settings is complex due to the overlapping clinical manifestations between psychiatric illness and delirium, as well as their potential co-occurrence. It is imperative to understand the risk factors and assessment methods related to delirium in this population to address diagnostic delays, establish effective prevention and screening strategies. Future research should focus on designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that target modifiable risk factors, to prevent and manage delirium in patients with psychiatric illness. What is already known about the topic?: • Delirium is common among individuals living in psychiatric settings and remains clinically under-detected, and it is associated with the length of hospital stay and poor prognoses. • Dementia with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and other psychiatric illnesses has been shown to make delirium more likely. However, despite extensive research on factors associated with delirium, there is a notable lack of studies conducted in psychiatric settings. • Early detection and identification of delirium are crucial in psychiatric settings; however, literature regarding the assessment and identification of delirium has not been synthesized, particularly in the context of comorbid psychiatric illness. What this paper adds?: • Risk factors associated with delirium in patients with psychiatric illness primarily include advanced age, physical comorbid, types of psychiatric illness, antipsychotics, anticholinergic drug, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and the combination of lithium and ECT. • Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98, Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale, and Delirium Diagnostic Tool-Provisional might hold promising value as assessment tools for delirium in patients with psychiatric illness in psychiatric settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the sustained periodic oscillation phenomenon in a three-species delayed predation system with Holling type II functional response and age structure in top predator. The top predator fertility function is regarded as a piecewise continuous smooth function with regard to their maturation period τ 2 . The complicated dynamic behavior is proved by integrated semigroup theory and Hopf bifurcation theorem for semilinear equations with non-dense domain. Through qualitative analysis and bifurcation study of the system, we yield that this system has a nontrivial periodic solution that bifurcates from the positive equilibrium age distribution when bifurcation parameter τ passes through some critical values. Numerical simulations are also provided to illustrate theoretically analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy substance use (SU) and substance use disorders (SUD) have complex etiologies and often severe consequences. Certain personality traits have been associated with an increased risk for SU(D), but far less is known about personality changes related to SU(D). This review aims to synthesize the existing literature on this research question. A systematic literature search was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 in PubMed, EbscoHost, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed original papers on SU(D)-related personality changes were included. Of 55 included studies, 38 were observational population-based studies and 17 were intervention studies. Overall, personality and SU measures, samples, study designs, and statistical approaches were highly heterogenous. In observational studies, higher SU was most consistently related to increases in impulsivity-related traits and (less so) neuroticism, while interventions in the context of SU(D) were mostly associated with increases in conscientiousness and self-efficacy and lasting decreases in neuroticism. Findings for traits related to extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were mixed and depended on SU measure and age. Studies on bidirectional associations suggest that personality and SU(D) both influence each other over time. Due to their strong association with SU(D), impulsivity-related traits may be important target points for interventions. Future work may investigate the mechanisms underlying personality changes related to SU(D), distinguishing substance-specific effects from general SU(D)-related processes like withdrawal, craving, and loss of control. Furthermore, more research is needed to examine whether SU(D)-related personality changes vary by developmental stage and clinical features (e.g. initial use, onset, remission, and relapse). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Population ageing is a demographic transition and burdens every country's health sector. A lack of social security combined with low government health-sector spending has made health-care utilisation difficult among elderly in many developing countries like India. This makes population ageing a global phenomenon for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to discuss and debate in 21st century. The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioural determinants of health-care utilisation among elderly population in Punjab. Design/methodology/approach: This study examines health-care utilisation among the elderly population in Punjab. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data in the state of Punjab, with a multi-stage stratified random sample of 385 respondents. Logit regression was used to analyse the association between several behavioural factors like age, gender, place of residence, source of livelihood, education and frequency of visits with health-care utilisation among elderly aged 60 and above. Findings: This study revealed that gender, age, place of residence, source of livelihood, education and frequency of visits were significant determinants of health-care utilisation among elderly population. Originality/value: This study directs the need to improve health-care utilisation in a country, reducing inequalities that exist among the elderly population with respect to socio-economic and demographic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Awareness and screening exercise on prostate cancer health related issues among the rural population is still interfered with by the socio-cultural and economic challenges affecting the developing nations. This is yet to be empirically explored in some regions such as southeast Nigeria. The paper explored prostate cancer awareness and screening exercise among some 1080 men (30+) in rural southeast Nigeria. METHODS The study was guided by Health Belief Model, while survey design and quantitative data gathering techniques were deployed in collecting data from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized in probing the prevalence of awareness about prostate cancer/screening practices, and the relationship of these and other variables. RESULTS According to the findings, there is a poor awareness about prostate cancer and related symptoms (31.2%) and poor regular prostate cancer screening practices among the respondents (11%). Prostate cancer awareness is significantly correlated with age (p<0.000, b=-0.618, Exp(B)=0.539), marital status (p<0.000, b=1.239, Exp(B)=3.452), occupation (p<0.000, b=-2.474, Exp(B)=0.084), education (p<0.000, b=1.239, Exp(B)=3.452), income (p<0.002, b=-0.476, Exp(B)=0.621) and having seen someone living with prostate cancer (p<0.000, b=3.927, Exp(B)=50.742). Regular screening exercise is predicted by age (p<0.000, b=0.054, t=4.706), marital status (p<0.000, b=-0.110, t=-5.309), education (p<0.02, b=0.047, t=2.557), occupation (p<0.000, b=0.090, t=4.484) and source of prostate cancer awareness (p<0.02, b=0.052, t=2.366). CONCLUSION The study concludes that prostate cancer screening practices are heavily dependent on the socioeconomic realities among the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to establish how the phenomenon of mental health issues among young people has translated into the reality of Irish schools through the lens of Irish teachers. Design/methodology/approach: This wholly qualitative study adopted a post-positivist and phenomenological approach to gathering data by way of semi-structured interviews of 16 participants, 8 from primary backgrounds and 8 from post-primary backgrounds. Analysis of the data highlighted what teachers perceive to be ongoing issues with the mental health and well-being of pupils and the challenges that both teachers and pupils must overcome. Findings: Interviewing the participants unearthed three sub-themes with regard to mental health in Irish schools, namely, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders/symptoms of mental ill-health among Irish children and adolescents, the barriers preventing help-seeking and the role of mental health support services in Irish schools. Research limitations/implications: One limitation in this study was that a wider variety in sample could have yielded a more in-depth volume of results. Furthermore, the study by semi-structured interview presented challenges, such as the use of other people's viewpoints to support the perceptions of the participants, which could not be validated. Practical implications: Among the recommendations made by the participants were that schools engage in policy development to combat mental health and well-being issues, that teachers engage in continuous professional development in the area and that mental health support services are sufficiently staffed and funded. Social implications: The general public should engage more in activities that promote a healthy dialogue around the topic of mental health to reduce stigma. It is recommended that campaigns to raise awareness are continued and bolstered. Originality/value: Irish teachers are being confronted by a contemporary discourse that has materialised as a by-product of an evolving society. Cultural development has led to increased focus on mental health and well-being in recent years, with this body of research exploring its emergence into school life from teachers' perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying major depression in children and adolescents is more challenging than in adults. Questionnaires are often used for screening or guiding clinical assessment. Several instruments of different lengths are used as equivalent measures in diagnostic decisions. In this paper, we explore to what extent 18 commonly used depression scales for children and adolescents explore depression clinical symptoms as established by standard DSM-5 diagnosis criteria. We analyzed scale content adequacy by examining the overlap between scale contents and consensus clinical symptoms, the diagnostic time frame for active symptom assessment, and readability for the target age group. The 18 scales encompassed 52 distinct symptoms. These scales included just 50% of clinical symptoms required for diagnosis. The content overlap was low; on average, 29% of symptoms coincide across scales. Half of the scales did not use the standard period for active symptom appraisal, and some did not include a period for assessment. The reading levels on six scales were inappropriate for the scale's target population age group. The substantial heterogeneity in defining the depressive syndrome, the low overlap among scales, different periods of a positive diagnosis, and mismatch of reading competence for detecting may lead to heterogeneity in clinical diagnoses when using different scales. Improving the content of self-report in terms of homogeneity of diagnostic criteria would lead to better diagnostic decisions and patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippines is a source of labor for many countries. Roughly 10 million overseas Filipinos are working and living outside of the Philippines. This paper examines the association between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, educational level, and income) and self-rated physical and mental health, access to healthcare, and health habits among immigrant Filipinos living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Through convenience sampling, Filipino migrants (n = 103) aged 18 years and above participated in the online survey between October 2022 and March 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square. Almost all respondents self-rated their health as excellent and very good. Female respondents are more affected by mental health. Most are enrolled in the Universal Health System of Spain (public insurance). There is more utilization of private health insurance among respondents aged 60 years and above and high-wage earners. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are associated with males. More than half of the respondents perform weekly exercise occasionally or never. These findings suggest a potential need for targeted interventions with an emphasis on the practice of preventive health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, especially among financially disadvantaged migrants with lesser health access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern society, people engage in social interactions and activities outside their own home. When in public settings people may need to eliminate bodily waste, so public toilets are required. Accessibility, availability and adaptability are essential principles for safe, private, and purposeful visits to public toilets. A diverse range of individuals use public toilets: various age profiles, all gender groups, vulnerable individuals and people with additional needs. Public toilets essentially need to be a place of privacy, safety and cleanliness to facilitate elimination of urine, evacuation of faeces, management of menstruation, and changing/disposing of continence wear products in a secure environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient and reliable online assessments has become increasingly important in the digital era. We developed a 10-min online word reading assessment of global English based on the existing paper-and-pencil version of our English silent word reading test. The test includes two parts, namely, random word recognition and contextual word reading. A total of 889 participants (437 children and 392 adults; 62.7% female) took part in the study. They were from various regions including mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Poland, the United States, and the Philippines. Reliability and validity analyses on various demographics samples (by age and country/region of origin) demonstrated that the WordSword Test is highly reliable and valid (e.g., the correlation of this test with other English reading measures were above.80). Education level was positively correlated with test performance, while the correlations between age and test performance were not consistent. Ninety-seven children participants also took the paper-and-pencil version of the WordSword Test. The correlation between performances on the online and paper-and-pencil versions of the test was.879, one year apart. With more children and adults taking the WordSword Test, we ultimately hope to establish norms by area, grade level, and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Seclusion is a harmful and traumatising intervention for people accessing mental health services.People who are subject to seclusion in inpatient mental health services often first experience this within the first 24 h following admission.There is limited research examining how recent contact with services impacts the likelihood of seclusion when people are admitted to inpatient services. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: Males, Māori and Pasifika experience higher rates of seclusion within the first 24 h following inpatient admission.People perceived by clinicians as overactive, aggressive, disruptive or agitated are seven times more likely to be secluded within the first 24 h.People referred from police or justice services are three times more likely to be secluded within the first 24 h.People who had frequent contact with community mental health services prior to inpatient admission were less likely to be secluded. What are the implications for practice?: The first 24 h of inpatient admission is a critical focus for eliminating the use of seclusion. Initial interactions with people recently admitted should focus on nurturing relationships and reducing distress.Mental health staff should consider the person's cultural needs, referral pathway, recent service contact and baseline ratings on the Health of the Nation Outcomes Scales (HoNOS) when working proactively to prevent the use of seclusion in the first 24 h following admission.Strengthening the focus on nurturing relationships, cultural understanding and non‐coercive de‐escalation approaches requires leadership support and strategic workforce development. Introduction: People who experience seclusion in inpatient mental health services often do so within the first 24 h following admission. There is limited research examining the potential contributing factors, particularly recent contact with services. Aim/Question: To identify factors associated with seclusion within the first 24 h following admission into acute inpatient mental health services. Method: A retrospective analysis was undertaken using routinely collected data from Aotearoa New Zealand mental health services. Results: A higher likelihood of seclusion within the first 24 h following admission was associated with: males, Māori, Pasifika, referrals from police/justice services, inpatient transfers, recent contact with crisis assessment teams and clinician perceptions of aggression, problematic substance use, cognitive problems and hallucinations or delusions. Recent contact with community mental health services was associated with a lower likelihood. Discussion: People's cultural needs, referral pathway, recent service contact and HoNOS scores should be considered when working to prevent the use of seclusion in the first 24 h following admission. Implications for Practice: The first 24 h following inpatient admission is a critical period for preventing the use of seclusion. Nurturing relationships, cultural understanding and use of non‐coercive de‐escalation approaches can support better outcomes for people recently admitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: People diagnosed with serious mental illness have a high risk of diabetes and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at ages below 60 years.Effective diabetes self‐care behaviours among people diagnosed with serious mental illness can improve glycaemic control and reduce vascular complications.Few studies have investigated diabetes self‐care behaviours and their associations with health literacy and self‐efficacy in people diagnosed with serious mental illness. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: Diabetes self‐care behaviours in people diagnosed with serious mental illness were suboptimal; the least frequently performed self‐care activities were self‐monitoring of blood glucose.Factors associated with diabetes self‐care behaviours are gender, age, communicative and critical health literacy and self‐efficacy.Self‐efficacy is the strongest predictor of self‐care behaviours among people diagnosed with comorbid serious mental illness and type 2 diabetes. What are the implications of practice?: Mental health nurses should assess diabetes‐specific health literacy of people diagnosed with serious mental illness to ensure that they possess the knowledge and skills related to diabetes self‐care.When treating young people and those with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, nurses should incorporate strategies to minimise their perceptions of diabetes‐related distress and increase their confidence in managing comorbid diabetes. Introduction: People diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) experience greater challenges in managing their type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than do those diagnosed with T2DM alone. Aim: This study investigated diabetes self‐care activities and the factors associated with these activities in people diagnosed with SMI in a hospital setting. Methods: A cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted among 126 people diagnosed with comorbid SMI and T2DM in Taipei, Taiwan, between October 2020 and April 2021. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires and a chart review. Three‐step hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with diabetes self‐care behaviours. Results: Diabetes self‐care behaviours in people diagnosed with SMI were suboptimal overall. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that age (β = 0.18, p =.037) and self‐efficacy (β = 0.27, p =.004) significantly associated with diabetes self‐care behaviours. Discussion: Self‐efficacy is the strongest predictor of self‐care behaviours among people diagnosed with comorbid SMI and T2DM. Implications for Practice: Mental health professionals should focus on enhancing confidence in managing comorbid diabetes in people diagnosed with comorbid SMI, especially young people and those with newly diagnosed T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper has two objectives. First, it assesses whether the existing informal care provided by adult children has an impact on older people's propensity to demand community care services. Second, it compares the different statuses of sons and daughters in the formal/informal support trade‐off. Methods: The paper is based on an analysis of data from the 2018 wave of the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey, within the framework of a revised version of Andersen's model, and applies multilevel models to analyse the effects of adult children's gender, numbers and the quality of their support, on older people's willingness to purchase community care services. Results: Older people who had sons as well as daughters demanded fewer services, while the number of sons increased service demand. Regarding sons, community care services compensated for economic support, daily life care and spiritual consolation, but did so only in respect of daily life care from daughters. Conclusions: Many families have only one son or one daughter as a result of the one‐child policy and therefore often require support from formal care services. Moreover, there is a distinct gender division and an influential filial culture governing the impact of services on the support provided by adult children. Because ageing in place depends on both informal family support and formal services, this key policy goal is at risk if the latter provides insufficient support to the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The current approach to breast cancer screening, which is based on a person's age, overlooks individual-level differences in breast cancer risk. As a result, many people are over- or under-screened according to their actual risk of breast cancer. Risk-stratified breast screening may overcome the limitations of age-based screening, but there are still many knowledge gaps regarding how best to implement it in the population setting. This study will generate the first Canadian evidence on the adoption of breast cancer risk assessment in the population setting, to support the future implementation of risk-stratified breast cancer screening. This study demonstrated that, while risk assessment for risk-stratified screening at the population level is feasible, an equity lens must be considered in implementation to ensure cancer-screening disparities are not widened. Risk-stratified breast screening has been proposed as a strategy to overcome the limitations of age-based screening. A prospective cohort study was undertaken within the PERSPECTIVE I&I project, which will generate the first Canadian evidence on multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment in the population setting to inform the implementation of risk-stratified screening. Recruited females aged 40–69 unaffected by breast cancer, with a previous mammogram, underwent multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment. The adoption of multifactorial risk assessment, the effectiveness of methods for collecting risk factor information and the costs of risk assessment were examined. Associations between participant characteristics and study sites, as well as data collection methods, were assessed using logistic regression; all p-values are two-sided. Of the 4246 participants recruited, 88.4% completed a risk assessment, with 79.8%, 15.7% and 4.4% estimated at average, higher than average and high risk, respectively. The total per-participant cost for risk assessment was CAD 315. Participants who chose to provide risk factor information on paper/telephone (27.2%) vs. online were more likely to be older (p = 0.021), not born in Canada (p = 0.043), visible minorities (p = 0.01) and have a lower attained education (p < 0.0001) and perceived fair/poor health (p < 0.001). The 34.4% of participants requiring risk factor verification for missing/unusual values were more likely to be visible minorities (p = 0.009) and have a lower attained education (p ≤ 0.006). This study demonstrates the feasibility of risk assessment for risk-stratified screening at the population level. Implementation should incorporate an equity lens to ensure cancer-screening disparities are not widened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]