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Introduction: From the late 1960s to the present, physicians’ dress codes have been actively studied in Western countries. Until the early 21st century, patients tended to prefer a conservative dress style, such as “shirt and tie or skirt” with white coats for physicians. However, as attitudes toward dress codes have changed, knowledge regarding this issue needs to be updated. A variety of colours of scrubs are currently commonly used by medical professionals, but it is not known whether all colours are acceptable to patients. The current study sought to investigate the acceptability of various dress codes for physicians from the patients’ perspective, to inform medical education. Methods: Outpatients and their family members at a university hospital and a small-to-medium-sized hospital were surveyed. We inquired about which of the different styles of white coats and different colours of scrubs were most desirable for male and female physicians. We used Scheffe’s paired comparison method to determine rankings. Results: Patients and their family members expected their physicians to wear white coats rather than scrubs. Furthermore, a more traditional and formal dress code was preferred. The least preferred colour of scrubs was yellow. Conclusion: The current results indicated that patients’ preference for a traditional, conservative appearance has not changed over time. This finding does not match current perspectives on infection prevention. Both patient preferences and infection prevention are important for informing education and gaining patient trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess patient preferences for breast radiologists' attire and appearance. A multi-institutional anonymous, voluntary 19-question survey was administered to patients undergoing screening and diagnostic mammography examinations over a 5-week period. Using a 5-point Likert scale, respondents were asked about their preferences for gender-neutral attire (white coat), male-presenting attire (scrubs, dress shirt with tie, or dress shirt without tie), and female-presenting attire (scrubs, dress, blouse with pants, and blouse with skirt). Patient responses were compared to demographic data using bivariable analysis and multivariable regression. Response rate was 84.7% (957/1130). Mean respondent age was 57.2 years ± 11.9. Most respondents agreed/strongly agreed that the breast radiologist's appearance mattered (52.5%, 502/956) followed by being indifferent (28.1%, 269/956). Respondents with greater education levels felt less strongly (p = 0.001) about the radiologist's appearance: 63.3% (70/110) less than college cared about appearance compared to 53.5% (266/497) college/vocational and 47.4% (165/348) graduate. Most respondents felt indifferent about a breast radiologist wearing a white coat (68.9%, 657/954) or about male-presenting breast radiologists wearing a tie (77.1%, 734/952) without significant demographic differences. Almost all respondents either prefer/strongly prefer (60.1%, 572/951) or were indifferent (39.6%, 377/951) to all breast radiologists wearing scrubs when performing procedures. While respondents approved of all attire choices overall, most respondents preferred scrubs for both male- and female-presenting breast radiologists (64.0%, 612/957 and 64.9%, 621/957, respectively). A variety of breast radiologists' attire can be worn while maintaining provider professionalism and without compromising patient expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in a region where similar studies had not been previously conducted. It aimed to analyze 15 years of data obtained from the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) program and to address the challenges associated with diagnosing hypertension (HT). Materials and Methods: This study included 1,859 children aged 5-18 years who were admitted between 2005 and 2020 and diagnosed with HT according to clinical measurements. All necessary demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Measurements were performed using the Mobil-O-Graph device. Results: A total of 1,859 cases, comprising 1,098 (59.1%) boys and 761 (40.9%) girls, were included in the study. Of these cases, 327 (17.6%) were obese, and 1,532 (82.4%) were of normal weight. According to ABPM data, 30.7% of all cases were normotensive. Additionally, the rate of HT in obese subjects (79.2%) was significantly higher than in non-obese subjects (67.2%). Logistic regression analysis of the study showed that older age, obesity, and being in the diastolic non-dipper group were associated with a higher risk of invalid measurement. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the high prevalence of white coat HT in children in our region, despite the difficulties related to measurement adequacy, and thus highlights the importance of using ABPM in the diagnosis and follow-up of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that blood pressure (BP) measurements in the office/clinic may fall short of detecting phenomena such as a white coat or masked hypertension (HT). In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the differences in office and ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) and investigate the secondary causes in patients using triple antihypertensive medication. METHODS: Of the included 57 patients using triple antihypertensives, 28 had high office BP measurements (HOM-HT group), whereas 29 had normal office BP values (NOM-HT group). Both groups underwent an ABPM. Also, serum biochemistry, 24-hour urine tests, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and renal artery Doppler assessments were performed to detect secondary causes of HT. Groups were compared regarding ABPM values, tests, scale results, and secondary causes. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the demographics and serum tests. According to the ABPM, white coat HT was detected in 15 patients (53.67%) in the HOM-HT group, whereas five (17.24%) in the NOM-HT group had masked HT (p=0.018). In three patients, secondary causes were detected (hyperaldosteronism, renal artery compression, and sleep apnea), all of whom were in the HOM-HT group. The groups did not differ significantly regarding the frequency of secondary causes (p=0.112). In contrast to when the ABPM is taken into account (16.66% vs. 0% p=0.028). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Data of the present study showed that ABPM is necessary to detect white coat and masked HT. Also, depending on ABPM rather than office/clinic measurements may save time and expenses when investigating secondary causes.

Introduction: Recent studies have evaluated patient perception of physician attire; however, few studies have considered physician perceptions of workplace attire. This study aimed to assess current trends regarding attire preferences among surgeons., Methods: A national, population-based survey was distributed via email and "X" (Twitter). Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding their perception of the white coat, preferred attire in clinical settings, and reasons for choice of attire., Results: Of 481 participants, 172 (36%) were attendings, 164 (34%) were residents, 125 (26%) were medical students, and 20 (4%) were fellows. Those who practiced in the Midwest region were more likely to wear a white coat daily (35.1% versus 28.5% South, 23.5% Northeast, 20.0% West, P < 0.05). Late career surgeons (practicing >20 y) were more likely to wear a white coat in the hospital and wear it daily (56% versus 36% of middle-career surgeons, 34% early-career surgeons, and 26% in training, P < 0.05). Women surgeons more frequently wore a white coat in clinic (64% versus 54% men, P < 0.05), reported that wearing a white coat was influenced by their program's culture (61% versus 46% of men surgeons, P < 0.05), that they would stop wearing a white coat if other members of their department stopped (50% versus 35% of men, P < 0.05), and that they believe the white coat helps distinguish female doctors from nurses (61% versus 50% of men surgeons, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: This study demonstrates generational, regional, and gender differences among surgeons in their perception of the white coat at a national level., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: White coats have been suggested to serve as fomites carrying and transmitting pathogenic organisms and potentially increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We aimed to examine the current evidence regarding white coat contamination and its role in horizontal transmission and HAIs risk. We also examined handling practices and policies associated with white coat contamination in the reviewed literature.Methods: We conducted a literature search through PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection/Cited Reference Search, and manually searched the bibliographies of the articles identified in electronic searches. Studies published up to March 3, 2021 that were accessible in English-language full-text format were included.Results: Among 18 included studies, 15 (83%) had ≥100 participants, 16 (89%) were cross-sectional studies, and 13 (72%) originated outside of the United States. All of the studies showed evidence of microbial colonization. Colonization with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was reported in 100% and 44% of the studies, respectively. Antibacterial-resistant strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant organisms were reported in 8 (44%) studies. There was a lack of studies assessing the link between white coat contamination and HAIs. The data regarding white coat handling and laundering practices showed inconsistencies between healthcare facilities and a lack of clear policies.Conclusions: There is robust evidence that white coats serve as fomites, carrying dangerous pathogens, including multidrug-resistant organisms. A knowledge gap exists, however, regarding the role of contaminated white coats in HAI risk that warrants further research to generate the evidence necessary to guide the current attire policies for healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: It has been suggested that blood pressure (BP) measurements in the office/clinic may fall short of detecting phenomena such as a white coat or masked hypertension (HT). In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the differences in office and ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) and investigate the secondary causes in patients using triple antihypertensive medication. Materials and Methods: Of the included 57 patients using triple antihypertensives, 28 had high office BP measurements (HOM-HT group), whereas 29 had normal office BP values (NOM-HT group). Both groups underwent an ABPM. Also, serum biochemistry, 24-hour urine tests, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and renal artery Doppler assessments were performed to detect secondary causes of HT. Groups were compared regarding ABPM values, tests, scale results, and secondary causes. Results: No significant differences were found between the demographics and serum tests. According to the ABPM, white coat HT was detected in 15 patients (53.67%) in the HOM-HT group, whereas five (17.24%) in the NOM-HT group had masked HT (p=0.018). In three patients, secondary causes were detected (hyperaldosteronism, renal artery compression, and sleep apnea), all of whom were in the HOM-HT group. The groups did not differ significantly regarding the frequency of secondary causes (p=0.112). In contrast to when the ABPM is taken into account (16.66% vs. 0% p=0.028). Conclusion: Data of the present study showed that ABPM is necessary to detect white coat and masked HT. Also, depending on ABPM rather than office/clinic measurements may save time and expenses when investigating secondary causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although increasingly disputed, the white coat uniform is ubiquitous in geriatric care, which may reflect a phenomenon called medicalisation of ageing. This narrative review is the first attempt at integrating several theoretical approaches, such as the "white coat effect" and "enclothed cognition", in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of this clothing item. Based on extensive empirical evidence, we will examine the consequences of wearing a uniform, not only on patients (in this case, older patients) and healthcare professionals, but also on their relationship. The white coat has powerful symbolic functions for healthcare professionals and is still preferred by older adults. However, the negative repercussions of wearing a uniform require us to question its use, particularly in environments where older persons live, such as nursing homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although increasingly disputed, the white coat uniform is ubiquitous in geriatric care, which may reflect a phenomenon called medicalisation of ageing. This narrative review is the first attempt at integrating several theoretical approaches, such as the “white coat effect” and “enclothed cognition”, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of this clothing item. Based on extensive empirical evidence, we will examine the consequences of wearing a uniform, not only on patients (in this case, older patients) and healthcare professionals, but also on their relationship. The white coat has powerful symbolic functions for healthcare professionals and is still preferred by older adults. However, the negative repercussions of wearing a uniform require us to question its use, particularly in environments where older persons live, such as nursing homes.

To minimize exposure to hazardous biological materials, all doctors, nurses, technicians and in general all the healthcare personnel as well as researchers wear a knee-length, long-sleeved, elastic-cuffed laboratory coat while working with hazardous materials. A white coat provides a protective layer and can be easily removed if contaminated. White coats act as mechanical vectors in transmission of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria to the people who are associated with health care workers. A total of 120 specimens were collected by using sterile cotton swabs. Of these, 88 (73%) white coats were contaminated. At the same time, a pre-validated and semi-structured questionnaire (containing questions regarding usage of white coat, purpose, hygiene, and perception about contamination of white coats, etc) was distributed. Gram positive cocci 64 (72.72%) were isolated more than gram negative bacilli 24 (27.28%). Most of the tested antibiotics showed resistance to isolated gram positive and gram negative bacteria. 10 (41.66%) isolates of gram negative bacilli were resistant to extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and 10 (6.4%) of staphylococcal isolates showed Methicillin resistance. Therefore, a much more attention to wear a clean white coat should be required.

Background: Social anxiety caused by the presence of an evaluator can impair balance performance in older women. However, it is unknown whether co-performing balance tasks with a partner mitigates this effect.Research Question: Does the presence of a partner mitigate the effect of social anxiety on static and dynamic balance assessment in older women?Methods: Twenty-one older women (mean age 66.5 (SD = 5.2) years) performed nine balance tasks under three conditions: (a) Alone (no evaluator present); (b) Evaluator (male evaluator present); (c) Partner (evaluator + performing tasks in parallel with partner). Participants were split into two groups post-hoc: Affected (n = 10) and Unaffected (n = 11), based on their emotional response to the presence of the evaluator (increased self-reported anxiety and fear).Results: The affected group took a longer time to complete tandem walking with eyes open in the Evaluator vs. Alone condition, but not in the Partner condition. Both groups increased anterior-posterior trunk angular velocity during tandem walking with eyes closed in the Evaluator vs. Alone condition, but not in the Partner condition.Significance: Social anxiety impairs the balance performance of older women, particularly in those most affected by the evaluator, and during more dynamic modified gait tasks that challenge balance while walking. However, co-performing balance tasks with a partner reduced the effects of social anxiety, suggesting that social support may help to mitigate some of the potential 'white coat' effects experienced during clinical balance assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess patients preference for preselected doctor attire in outpatient department (OPD) setting of a government hospital. Materials and Methods: An anonymous, predesigned, pretested, semistructured interview schedule was administered to adult (>18 years) ambulatory coherent patients. The brief questionnaire captured selected sociodemographic details of patients, department visited, and use of aprons (white coat) by attending doctor observed and desired practice. To the item—“Was your attending doctor in OPD wearing apron (white coat)?”, the possible response was yes/no. For the item—“Would you like to see your attending doctor wearing apron (white coat)?”, again the possible answer was yes/no. When a patient responded to this item as “no,” we further explored their reason for the same. The patients were shown four colored pictures each for male and female doctor in different dress. They were probed regarding their preference that they would like to see their attending doctor to be wearing. These attires were labeled as 1 = cool casual, 2 = casual, 3 = professional informal, and 4 = professional formal. Result: The mean age of 547 patients was 35.34 (±12.81) years; 322 (58.9%) were males. Out of 547 patients, nearly 395 (72.2%) wanted (desired) to see their attending doctor to be wearing apron; however, only 256 (46.8%) reported that attending doctors were actually wearing the apron in the outpatient department. Only 152 (27.7%) patients responded that it does not matter to them whether attending doctor was wearing white coat (apron) or not. Majority of patients preferred male doctor to be wearing professional formal (42.3%) and professional informal (40.9%) attire, whereas for female doctor, also majority preferred professional formal (38.7%) and professional informal (37.5%), respectively. Casuals were the least preferred attire. Conclusion: It is reiterated that majority of patients in our OPD setting preferred formal attire of attending doctor with apron, a clear and loud message for future physician in training.

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Çocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi is the property of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Cocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Historically, the White Coat Ceremony has had a medical school connotation. While not exclusive to the discipline of medicine, the White Coat Ceremony is a recently adopted ritual embraced by a variety of health care professions. The white coat serves as a symbol of achievement into one's professional program. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the White Coat Ceremony as an emblematic transition into professional nursing education, to provide context of the use of symbolic ceremony in nursing, to describe the details of a White Coat Ceremony currently in place in a nursing college, and to discuss suggestions for replication. A survey to elicit student responses to the ceremonial event was achieved through an IRB study. Results obtained through a student survey were strongly favorable to the personal meaning as to participating in a White Coat Ceremony. The authors endorse the use of such a ceremony in professional nursing education settings. • The White Coat Ceremony is an emblematic transition into the nursing profession. • Represents adoption of professional values and a commitment to the journey ahead • A White Coat Ceremony can be planned in a cost-effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and office (traditional) blood pressure measurements in a cohort of pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH).Study Design: This was a cohort study at St. George's Hospital, University of London conducted between December 2013 and August 2018. The inclusion criteria was pregnant women with a diagnosis of GH. Eligible patients were counseled and trained by a specialist midwife and were provided with an automated Microlife® "WatchBP Home" BP machine. Each patient followed an individualised schedule of hospital visits and BP measurements based on the HBPM pathway or standard hospital protocol which was based on the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline.Main Outcome Measures: Adverse fetal, neonatal and maternal outcomes as well as number of antenatal hospital visits were recorded and compared between HBPM and office (traditional) pathways.Results: 143 women with GH were included in the study (80 HBPM vs 63 standard care). There were no significant difference between the two groups in maternal high-dependency unit admission (P = 0.999), birth weight centile (P = 0.803), fetal growth restriction (p = 0.999), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (p = 0.507) and composite neonatal (p = 0.654), maternal (p = 0.999) or fetal adverse outcomes (p = 0.999). The number of Day Assessment Unit (DAU) visits was significantly lower in the HBPM group than the traditional pathway (median 4.0 vs. 5.0, P = 0.009). The difference was greater when the number of visits were adjusted for the duration of monitoring in weeks (median: 1.0 vs 1.5, P < 0.001). There were no significant difference between the two groups in the total number of outpatient (P = 0.357) and triage visits (p = 0.237). However, the total number of antenatal visits adjusted for the duration of monitoring was significantly lower for the HBPM group compared to the traditional pathway (median 1.4 vs 1.8, P = 0.020).Conclusions: HBPM in women with GH results in significantly less antenatal visits compared to women on a standard pathway of care. The two groups had comparable fetal, neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes. Large multicentre studies are needed to ascertain the safety of rare adverse pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To comparatively evaluate the protecting efficiency of mandarin collar aprons as against the open collar aprons. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional randomized comparative study Methods and Material: Ten post graduate students were given a verbal written set of instructions to be followed during the study. Each study participant was made to wear an open collar and a mandarin collar aprons separately on two different days. The microbial samples were collected using a sterile swab from the chest area of the street clothing at the beginning of the day at dental clinic (Pre patient care) and at the end of the day at dental clinic (Post patient care). The obtained samples were microbiologically analyzed and the difference in the colony count between the two types of aprons were compared. Results: Significantly more number of gram positive cocci were seen in open collar apron group, when the difference between the pre work and post work colony counts were compared (p=0.031). Conclusion: Mandarin collar aprons offer significantly better protection of the street clothing of the dental health care providers than the closed collar aprons against the colonization of gram positive cocci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burnout and low job satisfaction have disproportionately impacted female physicians compared with their male counterparts, with gender-specific oppression and bias in the workforce. This project aims to address the relationship of women in medicine to their chosen field through public art. A call for using the white coat as a canvas to describe positive attributes and self-reflection was shared with all American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) branches at medical schools. Students in AMWA branches created white coats, designing them to answer the posed question. White coats were sent to the national conference for display, revealing certain themes, challenges, resilience, and humanization of the training and working experience for women in medicine. This white coat public art project directly and indirectly addresses causes of burnout and serves as a way to create community, address isolation, and empower women in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Steroid therapy is primarily used to prevent esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, esophageal stricture can still occur after preventive therapy, and the effect of preventive steroid therapy cannot be predicted before stricture formation. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for esophageal stricture after preventive steroid therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at three institutions. From January 2011 to February 2018, 28 large-sized SENs in 26 patients who had a mucosal defect that involved more than three-quarters of the esophageal circumference were enrolled. We classified white coats on artificial ulcers after esophageal ESD into three groups (thin, moderately thick, thick) based on endoscopic images obtained on postoperative day 7. Results: The white coat status on the artificial ulcer after ESD was a significant risk factor for post-ESD stricture (p < 0.05). The stricture rates in patients with thin, moderately thick and thick white coats were 10.0, 36.4 and 85.7%, respectively. When thin and moderately thick white coats were combined, the stricture rate was 23.8%. The rate of stricture in lesions with thick white coats was significantly higher than that in patients with thin white coats or thin to moderately thick white coats (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that the white coat status was an independent factor related to esophageal stricture (odds ratio 13.70, 95% confidence interval 1.22–154.0; p = 0.034). Conclusions: The thickness of the white coat is a useful marker for predicting the risk of post-ESD stricture and the effectiveness of preventive steroid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Wearing a white coat (WC) has been associated with risk of colonization and transmission of resistant pathogens. Also, studies have shown that physicians' attire in general affects patients' confidence in their physician and the patient–physician relationship. Our objective is to evaluate the hypothesis that not wearing a WC during physician postpartum rounds does not affect patient–physician communication scores. Materials and Methods  This is an unblinded, randomized, parallel arms, controlled trial of postpartum women at a single university hospital. Women were randomly assigned to having their postpartum physicians' team wear a WC or not (no-WC) during rounds. Our primary outcome was "patient–physician communication" score. Univariable and multivariable analysis were used where appropriate. Results  One hundred and seventy-eight patients were enrolled (87 in WC and 91 in no-WC groups). Note that 40.4% of patients did not remember whether the physicians wore a WC or not. There was no difference in the primary outcome (p  = 0.64) even after adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusion  Not wearing a WC during postpartum rounds did not affect the patient–physician communication or patient satisfaction scores. In the setting of prior reports showing a risk of WC pathogen transmission between patients, our findings cannot support the routine wearing of WCs during postpartum rounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gümüshane Üniversitesi Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Gumushane University, Faculty of Health Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

White coat has been an identifying symbol for doctors; however certain other professions also use it. Additional purpose of this coat besides identification was to protect the doctor from acquired infections. Disputes arose about this attire, regarding effect of climatic conditions such as environmental temperature, humidity, personal attributions, patients and parent's opinion and also probably, as an agent which is said to be harboring various pathogenic organisms. Some studies or research work which has been carried out says that these organisms might play a role in nosocomial infections whereas, other studies refute it. Professional bodies have set up norms regarding place of wearing, hygiene and laundering about this apparel. In conclusion depending upon the conditions it can be inferred that at certain places, wearing of this apparel should be compulsory, whereas at other places it can be individualized. Various issues related to white coat are being discussed in this article

Objectives: Our study aimed to estimate the rate of white coat hypertension (WCH) and effect, and masked hypertension in patients attending a tertiary care hospital for 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM). Methods: A total of 231 adult patients were referred to the Department of Clinical Physiology at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, for ABPM, between January 2010 and June 2012. The following data were gathered and analyzed: demographic data, clinic blood pressure (BP) measurements, and 24-h BP profile from ABPM. Thirty-two patients were excluded and the final analysis included 199 patients. Results: There were 105 (52.8%) women and 94 (47.2%) men studied. The mean age of patients was 46±15 years and most patients were overweight with a mean BMI of 29.6±5kg/m2. Around half of patients (53.8%) were on one or more antihypertensive medications. WCH was found in 10.6% and white coat effect was found in 16% of patients. The majority of patients (57%) with WCH were aged 40 years or above. Masked hypertension was present in 6% of patients and masked uncontrolled hypertension in 8.5% of patients. Conclusions: Our study showed that WCH and effect, and masked hypertension are common in hypertensive patients. Identifying these patients will have an impact on their management. However, the results of the study should be interpreted within the context of its limitations. Prospective randomized community and hospital-based studies should be conducted to estimate the true prevalence in the general population as well as in hypertensive patients.

It has long been a tradition for doctors to dress professionally in white coats - a universal symbol of belonging to the medical profession. This tradition dates back to the time of Hippocrates, but during the XIX-XXI centuries, the symbolism of the white coat was criticized in connection with research on the spread of infections through tissue. Currently, many doctors refuse to use the oldest symbol of the profession, and the practice of medical activity is replete with new variants of the uniform of a medical worker (both in style and in color palette. However, it should be noted that the white coat symbolizes another important part of the medical education of students, the standard of professionalism and care, as well as a symbol of the trust they must earn from patients.

Introduction: With increasing evidence of disease transmission through doctors' white coats, many countries have discouraged doctors from wearing their white coats during consultations. However, there have been limited studies about patients' preferences concerning doctors' attire in Malaysia. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate patients' perceptions of doctors' attire before and after the disclosure of information about the infection risk associated with white coats. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st June 2015 to 31st July 2015 at three different primary care settings (government, private, and university primary care clinics) using a self-administered questionnaire. A 1:5 systematic random sampling method was employed to select the participants. The respondents were shown photographs of male and female doctors in four different types of attire and asked to rate their level of confidence and trust in and ease with doctors in each type of attire. Subsequently, the respondents were informed of the risk of white coat-carried infections, and their responses were reevaluated. Data analysis was completed using SPSS Version 24.0. Associations of categorical data were assessed using the Chi-Square test, while the overall change in perceptions after the disclosure of additional information was examined using the McNemar test. Results with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 299 respondents completed the questionnaire. Most of the respondents had more confidence and trust in the male (62.5%) and female (59.2%) doctors wearing white coats. A high proportion of the respondents from the government clinic (70.5%) felt more confidence in male doctors dressed in white coats (p-value = 0.018). In terms of ethnicity, male doctors in white coats were highly favored by Malays (61.0%), followed by the Chinese (41.2%) and Indians (38%) (p = 0.005). A similar preference was observed for the female doctors, whereby the highest number of Malays (60.3%), followed by the Chinese (41.2%) and Indians (40.0%) (p = 0.006), had a preference for female doctors wearing white coats. Only 21.9% of the initial 71.9% of patients who preferred white coats maintained their preference (p < 0.001) after learning of the risk of microbial contamination associated with white coats. Conclusion: Most patients preferred that primary care doctors wear white coats. Nevertheless, that perception changed after they were informed about the infection risk associated with white coats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Research into microbial contamination has shown that nursing white coat contains a variety of microorganisms that can lead to disease and cross-infection transmission in nurses. So, the aim of this study was to identify the bacterial contamination of nurses' white coats in different wards of Sirjan hospitals in 2017. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the contamination of 200 nurses' white coats was surveyed in the hospitals of Sirjan city. Sampling was done by wet sterile swab. The colonies formed on the medium were examined and biochemical tests were used to identify the isolated bacteria. Paired t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: The most common type of pathogen isolated from the nursing white coats in Imam Reza Hospital was Staphylococcus epidermidis (57.83%) and in Dr. Gharazi Hospital was also Staphylococcus epidermidis (51.35%), and the least pathogen in Imam Reza Hospital was related to Pseudomonas (1.2%) and in Dr. Gharazi Hospital was Escherichia coli as well as Pseudomonas (1.35%). Conclusion: Regarding the results, it can be said that the contamination of nurses and medical staff's white coats is unavoidable. This issue shows the importance of disinfecting, regular cleaning of the nurses' white coats and using disposable white coats in the periods between delivering therapy to the patients that can lead to a reduction in the transmission of contamination from one patient to the other patients as well as the medical staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]