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To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a structured therapeutic communication module on psychological distress and perceived needs among caregivers of critically ill patients. Caregivers of critically ill patients experience intense psychological distress, and their needs often go unexpressed or unidentified. Structured therapeutic communication enables nurses to explore and fulfill these needs. A mixed-method study was conducted among 30 caregivers of critically ill patients. During phase one, a qualitative interview was conducted, and a structured therapeutic communication module was developed based on Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory. In the second phase, one group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a Semi-structured interview schedule were used to assess psychological distress and perceived needs, respectively. Half of (50 %) the caregivers reported a high level of anxiety before intervention, with a mean of 11.30 (SD: 4.0), and 66.7 % of them had a high level of depression, with a mean of 12.03 (SD: 0.08). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety (CI: 0.451–2.016) and depression (CI: 0.261–1.538) before and after the intervention. The qualitative analysis revealed unmet needs perceived by caregivers. Using a structured therapeutic communication module helps nurses to alleviate the psychological distress experienced by caregivers of CCU patients. Nurses need to be sensitive to the unexpressed needs of caregivers of critically ill patients. The structured therapeutic communication modules can be integrated into routine nursing care practice to ensure family-centered care. • Caregivers of critically ill patients experience anxiety and depression. • They perceive several needs that need to be identified by nurses. • Use of structured therapeutic communication module helps nurses to identify and meet the perceived needs of caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Physiotherapy is effective to reduce pain and improve the quality of life of people living with chronic pain. To offer high-quality physiotherapy services, these services must be patient-centred and respond to patients’ needs. However, few studies seem to target patients’ perceived needs, whereas more studies tend to focus on needs assessed by healthcare experts, which are not always in line with patients’ perceived needs. In addition, people living with chronic pain are often faced with several health inequities and may have varied perceived needs depending on their personal conditions. To offer services that truly meet patients’ needs, it is therefore crucial to understand these needs. This scoping review aims to identify and map the perceived needs of people living with chronic pain towards physiotherapy services. Methods To conduct this review, we followed the six stages framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. We searched four databases (Medline, Embase, CINHAL and APA PsycINFO) as well as the grey literature. We included all studies describing the needs, demands, preferences or expectations of adults living with chronic pain towards physiotherapy. We then performed an inductive thematic analysis of the results and discussion sections of these studies to identify the perceived needs. Once those needs were identified, we mapped them into the seven dimensions of the patient-centred healthcare delivery framework. Results Our review included 96 studies. Various perceived needs were identified through the thematic analysis, such as the needs for an empathetic relationship; for a clear, adapted and supervised exercise program; and for personalized treatment. Our mapping into the patient-centred healthcare delivery framework showed that most studies reported needs associated with the dimensions of interpersonal care, individualized healthcare and professional care. Needs associated with the other dimensions of the framework (access; coordination and continuity; services and facilities; data and information) were less frequently mentioned. Conclusions The results of this review have enabled us to identify and better understand multiple needs perceived by people living with chronic pain regarding physiotherapy services. The perceived needs identified through this scoping review were mapped within the seven dimensions of the Patient-centred healthcare delivery framework.

Purpose: Cancer survivors are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than cancer-free controls. Despite evidence-based guidelines recommending CVD risk factor assessment, surveillance and risk-reduction, many people with cancer do not receive adequate CVD care. To address potential barriers and enablers of care, we examined healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions and experiences of CVD risk assessment and management in people with cancer. Methods: We conducted one focus group and 12 individual interviews to examine HCPs' perceptions and experiences of CVD care in care. We used reflexive thematic analysis to collect and analyse the qualitative data to construct and understand themes. Results: Twenty-one HCPs participated (8 oncologists, 5 nurses, 3 general practitioners, 2 dietitians, 1 cardiologist, 1 haematologist and 1 physiotherapist). Majority of HCPs were aware of CVD risk in cancer but were concerned they could not deliver CVD care alone due to system-level barriers including lack of time and training. HCPs also perceived patient-level barriers including socioeconomic disadvantage and fatalistic outlook. Despite barriers, HCPs suggested diverse solutions for improving CVD care in cancer including new models-of-care, clinical pathways, risk assessment/management tools and education. Conclusions: The diversity of perceived barriers and suggested solutions identified by HCPs suggests the need for a multilevel approach tailored to context. Future research involving people with cancer is needed to co-design acceptable interventions. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Improved understanding of HCP's perceptions can inform the development of new interventions to deliver CVD care to people with cancer to reduce morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconstruction of residences has led to an increase in the use of single-use materials in the construction industry. In the context of the circular economy, with the implementation of circular housing from a cradle-to-cradle perspective, the field of housing construction is changing rapidly. Innovation and sharing improve the consumer experience and increase consumers' purchase intention. This research integrates design attributes, sharing attributes, perceived value, and affective value to study the impact of circular housing on acceptance and identification. The framework of SOR theory framework is used to analyze the predictive factors of consumer intention. The results emphasize that emotional responses in terms of affective value, perceived value, and social equity are the most prominent. This research also utilizes the KJ method. The research methods include a literature review, field observations, expert interviews, questionnaire surveys, and triangulation validation. Moreover, this research uses PLS-SEM to analyze the data of 568 participants. The structural analysis shows that consumers' acceptance and identification of circular housing are strongly influenced by social equity. A total of 16 out of 17 hypotheses are established, with eight partial mediating effects, including the mediating role of social equity. Perceived value is found to affect consumers' cognition and attitudes Perceived value and design attributes, as well as these factors combined, influence consumer acceptance and identification. This research provides strategies to enhance the design of circular housing and promote its development. This research explores the relationship between consumers' acceptance and identification of circular design and the development of circular housing. It first establishes a structural model based on the SOR theory. Adding the mental map of interview results to the model, the results of this research analyzes the design attribute value, and the SEM-PLS analysis influences highlights the identification and acceptance of circular housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background; Gynecological cancer significantly affects femininity, sexuality, fertility, physical and psychosocial relationships leading to impaired quality of life. There is a dearth of literature that identifies the unmet psychosocial supportive care needs of gynecological cancer patients in North East, India especially in Manipur. The study aims to explore the unmet supportive care needs of women with gynecological cancers and to determine correlates with demographic variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using the “Supportive Care Needs Survey questionnaire (SCNS SF-34) in conjunction with demographic data was done on 72 participants recruited through purposive sampling. Ethical clearance was obtained. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 26. Results: Physical and daily living were the domains with the highest unmet supportive needs. The top five items with highest unmet needs were lack of energy, feelings of sadness, not being able to do things they used to do, pain, feeling unwell and feeling depressed. Age, education, occupation, income, type of cancer, and comorbidities showed a significant difference in sexual and psychological unmet needs (p=

The critical role of the educational sector in improving and reforming society and the world has aroused the interest of governments and agencies to exert substantial financial resources to reduce the financial burden of parents in educating children and attaining a holistic approach to national development. This paper evaluates the impact of variables such as professional needs, form of training, duration period, perceived impact, and feedback effect on teacher professional development (PD) in Ghana. To facilitate the study objective, we used a survey design approach to collect data from 400 teachers in the Central region of Ghana. This paper adopted PLS-SEM for analysis. The study concludes that: (1) The duration period of PD training significantly affects teacher feedback effect and professional needs. (2) Feedback effect from teachers has a significant effect on PD. (3) The form of training that teachers receive has a direct effect on PD. (4) Perceived impact influences feedback effect and PD. (5) Teachers' professional needs impact their feedback effect. To achieve the target goals, stakeholders, teachers, and PD planners for SHS, must ask more specifically from teachers about what knowledge or content they would like to learn and their prioritized mode of training and duration period needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Romantic jealousy could be understood as a continuum, from reality‐based, transient and functional jealousy to a more chronic form of jealousy with varying insight, intensity and duration. The latter has some overlaps with obsessive–compulsive disorder (here termed obsessional jealousy). Little is known about the nature of obsessional jealousy and its association with functional impairment, perceived negative consequences (drinking, violence), current and past relationship factors (e.g., length of relationship, being in love, infidelity, previous jealousy) or perceived need for professional support. Methods: Participants were 1076 adults (55% women) who filled in an anonymous survey. Results: Obsessional jealousy, measured with the Obsessional Jealousy Severity Scale, was strongly associated with functional impairment and verbal violence, and more weakly with physical violence and alcohol consumption. Individuals with a history of previous jealousy had more severe symptoms and were more likely to perceive the need for psychological support. Approximately 25% of the sample expressed interest in treatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that there is a group of individuals with impairing levels of obsessional jealousy who have a perceived need for help with their difficulties. More research is needed on the prevalence and clinical characteristics of these individuals. The development of jealousy‐specific psychological models and treatments is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the world is fighting against the epidemic of COVID-19, nurses as the largest group of healthcare professionals at the forefront of this struggle, perceive the threats and challenges. Therefore, it is important to know the factors that help or hinder the health of nurses. The aim of this study is to investigate the experiences of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. Methods: The data for this qualitative study was collected during the summer and early fall of 2020. Participants were nurses from a hospital, which was considered the main hospitalization center for COVID-19 patients in Kerman, a city in Iran; they were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis method was used to analyze th data. Results: 10 nurses participated in the study. Three main categories and six subcategories were identified. Perceived barriers (including subcategories of “negative emotions” and “limitations in service delivery”), perceived facilities (subcategories included “perceived support”, commitment to work”, “previous experience”), and prevised needs (subcategories included “self-care” and “information needs”) were identified through analysis. Conclusion: Lack of seriousness to overcome the challenges and obstacles of nurses, results in epidemic, the health physical and psychological harm to them and in continuation of COVID-19 system will face nurses who will not have the enough capability to provide appropriate nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christina M Bernardes,1 Paul J Clark,2 Cath Brown,1 Katherine Stuart,3 Gregory Pratt,1 Maree Toombs,4 Gunter Hartel,1 Elizabeth E Powell,3,5,&ast; Patricia C Valery1,&ast; 1QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; 2Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 3Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 4Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia; 5Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Patricia C Valery Tel +61 07 3362 0376Email Patricia.Valery@qimrberghofer.edu.auPurpose: Understanding and responding to the supportive care needs of people with cirrhosis is essential to quality care. Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are overrepresented amongst patients with cirrhosis. This study documented the nature and extent of supportive care needs of Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis, in comparison with non-Indigenous Australians.Patients and Methods: The supportive care needs of adult patients diagnosed with cirrhosis attending public hospitals in Queensland were assessed through the Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Patients indicated how much additional help they needed on four subscales: 1. psychosocial issues; 2. practical and physical needs; 3. information needs; and 4. lifestyle changes. We examined the rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs based on Indigenous status (Poisson regression; incidence rate ratio (IRR)).Results: Indigenous (n=20) and non-Indigenous (n=438) patients included in the study had similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics except for a lower educational level among Indigenous patients (p< 0.01). Most Indigenous patients (85.0%) reported having moderate-to-high unmet needs with at least one item in the SNAC tool. Following adjustment for key sociodemographic and clinical factors, Indigenous patients had a greater rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs overall (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.31– 1.72; p< 0.001), and specifically for psychosocial issues (IRR=1.7, 95% CI 1.39– 2.15; p< 0.001), and practical and physical needs subscales (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.22– 1.83; p< 0.001), compared to non-Indigenous patients.Conclusion: Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis more frequently had moderate-to-high unmet supportive care needs than non-Indigenous patients. Specific targeting of culturally appropriate supportive care for psychosocial, practical and physical needs may optimize cirrhosis care and improve the quality of life for Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis.Keywords: chronic liver disease, patient reported outcomes, perceived needs, unmet needs, Indigenous Australians

Abstract Background Among individuals experiencing homelessness, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder is extremely high. Alcohol-related harms are compounded by the use of non-beverage alcohol (NBA; e.g. rubbing alcohol, cooking wine). The dangers of NBA consumption pose significant risks to the individual and to others when consumed in large quantities and when mixed with other substances. The objectives of this paper are to describe the alcohol consumption patterns of individuals experiencing homelessness, identify substance use patterns, psychological stressors, and related harms associated with NBA consumption, and compare NBA consumers to non-NBA consumers in relation to their use of services and perceived barriers to care. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey, 150 individuals experiencing homelessness were recruited from Edmonton’s inner city and adjoining areas. Frequency, quantity, and volume of alcohol consumption were used to assess patterns of alcohol use in the last 6 months. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to compare participants reporting NBA consumption and non-NBA consumption (p ≤ 0.05). Results The majority of participants were male (71.3%) and self-identified as Indigenous (74.0%). Overall, 24% (n = 36) reported NBA consumption within the last six months. NBA consumers were older than non-NBA consumers (p = 0.005), reported different perceived living stability (p = 0.022), and had higher psychological distress (p = 0.038). The majority of NBA consumers reported not receiving harm reduction services while also not needing such services (n = 18, 51.4%), which differed from non-NBA consumers (p = 0.003). Structural barriers (e.g. availability, location, cost) were most frequently reported as reasons for unmet harm reduction (60.9%) and hospital care (58.3%) needs, while barriers to skills training (58.5%) and counselling services (53.6%) were mostly motivational (e.g. personal beliefs). Conclusions Within such an already marginalized population experiencing homelessness, individuals who consume NBA represent a vulnerable subpopulation who require adapted and distinct health and social services to stabilize and recover. Current harm reduction services are not prepared to effectively assist this group of individuals, and specific treatment programs are rare. Managed alcohol programs are a feasible approach but must be tailored to the specific needs of those who consume NBA, which is especially important for Indigenous people. More comprehensive assessments of NBA consumption are needed for program development and policy recommendations.

Pharmacists have been included in general practice teams to provide non-dispensing services for patients. In Australia, pharmacists' role in general practice has been slowly expanding. However, there is a paucity of research to explore patients' opinions toward pharmacist-led services in general practice. This study aimed to assess patient awareness, perceived needs, and satisfaction with these services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a purposeful sample of patients who visited six general practices in the Australian Capital Territory that included pharmacists in their team. The survey was informed by the literature and pre-tested. The survey was distributed to two samples: patients who had seen a pharmacist and those who had not seen a pharmacist. Of 100 responses received, 86 responses were included in the analysis: patients who had seen a pharmacist (n = 46) and patients who had not seen a pharmacist (n = 40). Almost all the patients who utilised pharmacist-led services were highly satisfied with those services. Among patients who had not seen a pharmacist, 50% were aware of the existence of general practice pharmacists. Patients who had visited the pharmacist rated higher scores for perceived needs. Patient satisfaction towards the pharmacist-led services in general practices was very high, and patients supported the expansion of these services. However, awareness of the availability of general practice pharmacist services could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimTo investigate patterns of and factors associated with help-seeking behaviors among individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or serious psychological distress (SPD).MethodsThe analysis was conducted with the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2011-2012 of 40,803 adults. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the multiple facilitating/preventing factors and outcome, guided by the Andersen's Health Care Utilization Model.ResultsThe prevalence of DM and SPD were 10.9% and 3.4%, respectively, among participants in the survey. The participants with DM were more likely to experience SPD than those without DM (OR 1.46, 95% CI=1.11-1.91, p=0.006). Participants with combined DM and SPD, the most underserved, were less likely to perceive the need for mental health services and less likely to seek help, compared to those with only SPD. Need factors (SPD status and perceived need) were significantly associated with help-seeking behaviors for mental health, along with predisposing factors (age, gender, obesity, race, and employment), and enabling factors (insurance, English proficiency).ConclusionsPerceptions about need for seeking help seem to play an important role in receiving mental health services in addition to other predisposing or enabling factors. Identification of these factors may improve clinical outcomes related to DM and SPD.

Background: The perception about what constitutes a pleasing smile varies from person to person. The problem of crooked teeth may not be perceived as an actual need for treatment by some, and may differ not only on an individual basis, but also from a geographic perspective. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess if orthodontic treatment needs correlated with the actual self-perception and desire for orthodontic treatment in a rural population and was there an influence of gender and age. Materials and Methods: The study population included 495 older adolescents and younger adults between the age group of 16–24 years, randomly selected from villages in Dehradun. They were asked about their desire for orthodontic treatment and evaluated through the esthetic component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Bivariate analyses using the Chi-square test were performed (SPSS software [version 17.0]) to test the influence of age and gender on desired, perceived, and normative needs. Associations between the different needs were tested using both simple and multiple logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Approximately 48.1% of the study population showed a desire for orthodontic treatment for their teeth. For perceived needs assessed through IOTN-AC, 11.91% indicated a definite need for orthodontic treatment. The DAI scores estimated the normative treatment needs with 25.86% indicating a mandatory need for orthodontic treatment. Gender and age differences influenced desired need (P = 0.017; P = 0.014) but had no relation with perceived (P = 0.269; P = 0.058) or normatively determined orthodontic treatment needs (P = 0.093; P = 0.087). Conclusion: Statistically significant association was observed between the normative needs and desire for orthodontic treatment. Gender and age differences influenced desired needs only.

Teacher identity among physical therapists is challenged by other identities such as clinician and/or researcher. Yet, having a teacher identity has been shown to be a critical organizing element in a persons' professional life, driving their choices and energies. This discussion paper was designed to explore the health science teacher identity literature and start a conversation about teacher identity formation among physical therapy teachers. Topics explored included the importance of a teacher identity, its challenges, and what supports teacher identity. A lack of pedagogical training continues to limit teacher identity formation. Subgroups of research literature on teacher identity were grouped according to how faculty development and institutions could support the following factors: (1) a sense of appreciation for supporting student learning – supported by acknowledgement; (2) a sense of connectedness – supported by communities of practice, mentoring, communication; (3) a sense of competence – supported by skills training based on perceived needs of teachers; (4) a sense of commitment – supported by reflection and goal-setting; (5) a future trajectory – supported by possibility of promotion; (6) a sense of autonomy – supported by letting teachers decide content/methods; and (7) a "care-full" environment – where teachers know they are cared for. Similar supports were identified for all types of teachers, although contexts of experience and workplace were always important. A merged or integrated identity between teacher and physical therapist was suggested as most desirable. Faculty development should continue to focus on interventions that promote teacher identity among their physical therapy teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Urban agriculture (UA) has become an even more attractive option for food security and safety brought by the spread of COVID-19 which causes global health crisis. However, studies examining the perceived values, challenges, and needs towards urban agriculture are very limited and this does not exempt even the context of Cebu City in the Philippines. In this regard, this study aimed to assess the problems and prospects concerning urban agriculture in the aforementioned City. The purposes are to propose action plans and offer insights in designing and implementing food and agricultural programs and policies in the planned participatory action research (PAR) for sustainable urban agriculture. Methodology: This study used Kemmis and McTaggart's (1988) Model of Action Research. The use of this research method is an essential approach towards constructing sustainable developments of urban agricultural systems. However, only the planning stage was accomplished in this phase of action research of which it employed sequential explanatory research design. There were 509 household representatives in this stage of the study who participated in an online survey, 217 and 292 were from the north district and south district, respectively. Subsequently, each district had five representatives who were subjected to interviews to explain the quantitative results. Findings: Results indicate that Cebuanos positively perceives the social, economic, health, environmental, and aesthetic values of urban agriculture. However, the presence of urban agriculture in the metropolitan is only from moderate to nonexistent due to lack of space or designated area. In addition, the participants disclosed a lack of training and capital or funding, thus further disengaging them from adopting urban agriculture. Nonetheless, the majority (n=463) expressed willingness to be trained in urban agriculture if given the opportunity. Contributions: This study provides key points as to how urban agriculture can be promoted. These include designating some portions of public and privately unused lands as "urban agriculture areas". In addition, financing institutions may also allocate small subsidies for marginally low-income families as their starting capital for urban agriculture activities. Finally, universities, non-government, and government agencies in the agriculture sector may train Cebuanos in backyard and rooftop gardening being the widely accepted urban agriculture form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In Canada, anaphylaxis-level food allergy constitutes a legal disability. Yet, no nationwide policies exist to support families. We sought to understand what parents of children with food allergy perceive as the most pressing food allergy-related policy concerns in Canada. Methods Between March–June 2019, we interviewed 23 families whose food allergic children (N = 28mean age 7.9 years) attending an allergy clinic in Winnipeg, Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Results Over 40% of children had multiple food allergies, representing most of Health Canada’s priority allergens. We identified four themes: (1) High prevalence. High priority?. (2) Food labels can be misleading, (3) Costs and creative ideas, and (4) Do we have to just deal with the status quo around allergies? Conclusion Food allergy ought to be a national policy priority, to improve the process for precautionary labelling, to improve funding, educational tools access to care, and knowledge of current allergy guidelines.

Patricia C Valery,1,2 Christina M Bernardes,1 Katherine A Stuart,3 Gunter F Hartel,1 Steven M McPhail,4 Richard Skoien,5 Tony Rahman,6 Paul J Clark,7 Leigh U Horsfall,2,3 Kelly L Hayward,2 Rohit Gupta,8 Elizabeth E Powell2,3 1QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; 2Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 3Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 4Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health and the School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 5Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 6Gastroenterology & Hepatology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD, Australia; 7Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 8Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, AustraliaCorrespondence: Patricia C ValeryQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, AustraliaTel +61 7 33620376Email Patricia.Valery@qimrberghofer.edu.auBackground: We report the development and psychometric testing of a Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC).Methods: The 50-item SNAC was administered to patients (n=465) diagnosed with cirrhosis recruited from five metropolitan hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Items were assessed for ceiling and floor effects, and exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure. Identified factors were assessed for internal consistency and convergent validity to validated psychosocial tools.Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 factors (39 items), which together accounted for 49.2% of the total variance. The 39-item SNAC met the requirements of a needs assessment tool and identified a range of needs important to patients with cirrhosis that were grouped in four subscales: “Psychosocial issues”, “Practical and physical needs”, “Information needs”, and “Lifestyle changes”. Cronbach’s alpha values for the four subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.92. Convergent validity was supported by a strong correlation between the total SNAC score and that of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ; Spearman rho − 0.68; p< 0.001), and moderate correlations with the Distress Thermometer (Spearman rho 0.53; p< 0.001) and seven subscales of a generic health-related quality of life instrument (Short Form 36; Spearman rho ranged from − 0.48 to − 0.57; p< 0.001). The SNAC discriminated patient groups with respect to sex (p=0.013), age group (p< 0.001), and hospital admission status (admitted vs not; p< 0.001).Conclusion: These data provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the SNAC, an instrument designed to measure type and amount of perceived unmet practical and psychological needs of people diagnosed with cirrhosis.Keywords: chronic liver disease, perceived needs, instrument validation, psychometric properties

Background: Among individuals experiencing homelessness, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder is extremely high. Alcohol-related harms are compounded by the use of non-beverage alcohol (NBA; e.g. rubbing alcohol, cooking wine). The dangers of NBA consumption pose significant risks to the individual and to others when consumed in large quantities and when mixed with other substances. The objectives of this paper are to describe the alcohol consumption patterns of individuals experiencing homelessness, identify substance use patterns, psychological stressors, and related harms associated with NBA consumption, and compare NBA consumers to non-NBA consumers in relation to their use of services and perceived barriers to care. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, 150 individuals experiencing homelessness were recruited from Edmonton's inner city and adjoining areas. Frequency, quantity, and volume of alcohol consumption were used to assess patterns of alcohol use in the last 6 months. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to compare participants reporting NBA consumption and non-NBA consumption (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The majority of participants were male (71.3%) and self-identified as Indigenous (74.0%). Overall, 24% (n = 36) reported NBA consumption within the last six months. NBA consumers were older than non-NBA consumers (p = 0.005), reported different perceived living stability (p = 0.022), and had higher psychological distress (p = 0.038). The majority of NBA consumers reported not receiving harm reduction services while also not needing such services (n = 18, 51.4%), which differed from non-NBA consumers (p = 0.003). Structural barriers (e.g. availability, location, cost) were most frequently reported as reasons for unmet harm reduction (60.9%) and hospital care (58.3%) needs, while barriers to skills training (58.5%) and counselling services (53.6%) were mostly motivational (e.g. personal beliefs). Conclusions: Within such an already marginalized population experiencing homelessness, individuals who consume NBA represent a vulnerable subpopulation who require adapted and distinct health and social services to stabilize and recover. Current harm reduction services are not prepared to effectively assist this group of individuals, and specific treatment programs are rare. Managed alcohol programs are a feasible approach but must be tailored to the specific needs of those who consume NBA, which is especially important for Indigenous people. More comprehensive assessments of NBA consumption are needed for program development and policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Parents have significant responsibility in the care of their critically ill children who have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). When staying with their children in the hospital, they also have particular needs that should be adequately acknowledged and responded to by healthcare providers. Moreover, when their needs are not identified and addressed, parents may experience stress and anxiety as a result. This study describes the needs of parents caring for hospitalized critically ill children, as perceived by parents and nurses. Methods This study used a descriptive qualitative research design. Five focus group discussions with nurses and parents of critically ill children, who were purposefully recruited, were conducted at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Hospital. A qualitative content analysis guided the analysis of the data. Results Two themes emerged from the perceptions of parents and nurses about the needs of parents caring for hospitalized critically ill children. These were: “engaging parents in the care of their children” and “receiving psychosocial support”. Both parents and nurses identified the importance of providing adequate information about their children’s progress, encouraging and involving parents in the care of their children and having flexible visiting time for parents was vital when caring for critically ill children. Conclusions This study provides an in-depth understanding of parents’ needs when caring for critically ill children in the hospital setting. Nurses caring for these children should understand the needs of parents and integrate the parents into the daily care of their children. Nurses should also continuously support, inform and engage parents during child-caring procedures. Finally, visiting times for intensive care units should be flexible and allow more time for parents to connect with their hospitalized children.

Abstract Objectives To explore the information needs of caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, and how they access and understand health information related to the management of their care person's chronic illness(es). Background Caregivers of CALD patients experience greater unmet needs compared to the general caregiver population. They experience many challenges in identifying resources and accessing formal supports to aid in self‐management behaviours. Methods Eleven caregivers were recruited from outpatient clinics in Québec, Canada. Consenting caregivers participated in one face‐to‐face or phone interview. A qualitative descriptive design and inductive content analysis were used to identify themes. Results Caregivers described a “village” approach to caregiving in which more than one individual was involved in patient care. The specific roles ascribed to caregivers defined their information needs. Caregivers described two categories of information needs: perceived and unperceived. Perceived information needs were explicit, and centred on the medical management of illnesses. Unperceived needs were unrecognized knowledge gaps that emerged during interviews and focused on self‐care. Conclusion Although caregivers' perceived needs are often met, their unperceived needs remain unmet. Health‐care providers should perform need assessments to identify caregivers' unperceived needs, with the aims of providing culturally competent care and ongoing support.

Pharmacists have been included in general practice teams to provide non-dispensing services for patients. In Australia, pharmacists’ role in general practice has been slowly expanding. However, there is a paucity of research to explore patients’ opinions toward pharmacist-led services in general practice. This study aimed to assess patient awareness, perceived needs, and satisfaction with these services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a purposeful sample of patients who visited six general practices in the Australian Capital Territory that included pharmacists in their team. The survey was informed by the literature and pre-tested. The survey was distributed to two samples: patients who had seen a pharmacist and those who had not seen a pharmacist. Of 100 responses received, 86 responses were included in the analysis: patients who had seen a pharmacist (n = 46) and patients who had not seen a pharmacist (n = 40). Almost all the patients who utilised pharmacist-led services were highly satisfied with those services. Among patients who had not seen a pharmacist, 50% were aware of the existence of general practice pharmacists. Patients who had visited the pharmacist rated higher scores for perceived needs. Patient satisfaction towards the pharmacist-led services in general practices was very high, and patients supported the expansion of these services. However, awareness of the availability of general practice pharmacist services could be improved.

Background: Oral diseases are identified as one of the most common of noncommunicable diseases affecting varied population. It is an important public health problem owing to the prevalence, socioeconomical aspect, expensive treatment, and lack of awareness. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess oral health status and treatment needs among teaching and nonteaching employees of a deemed university. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried among employees of the deemed university and systematic random sampling was employed for the selection of study participants. A total of 400 employees were included in the study. Demographic details along with medical history and history of deleterious habits were obtained from the participants by direct interview. Clinical examination was carried out according to the World Health Organization Oral Health Surveys 2013. Statistical Analysis: The data so collected were analyzed using SPSS Software Version 20.0 (Chicago, USA). Means and proportions were compared using Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square test, respectively. Results: A total of 400 participants, 237 from teaching and 137 from nonteaching were included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries was 78.7% among teaching faculty and 86.1% among nonteaching staff. Of the total sample, 48.7% (195) and 48.0% (169) self-reported dental needs and need for dental treatment, respectively. Conclusions: From the present study, we conclude that a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries, intervention urgency, and utilization of dental services was observed among the teaching and nonteaching staff belonging to different socioeconomic status and educational qualifications from different institutes within the deemed university.

Background: In Canada, anaphylaxis-level food allergy constitutes a legal disability. Yet, no nationwide policies exist to support families. We sought to understand what parents of children with food allergy perceive as the most pressing food allergy-related policy concerns in Canada.Methods: Between March-June 2019, we interviewed 23 families whose food allergic children (N = 28mean age 7.9 years) attending an allergy clinic in Winnipeg, Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.Results: Over 40% of children had multiple food allergies, representing most of Health Canada's priority allergens. We identified four themes: (1) High prevalence. High priority?. (2) Food labels can be misleading, (3) Costs and creative ideas, and (4) Do we have to just deal with the status quo around allergies?Conclusion: Food allergy ought to be a national policy priority, to improve the process for precautionary labelling, to improve funding, educational tools access to care, and knowledge of current allergy guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly two decades after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC), the prevalence of mental disorders remains elevated among traditional (e.g., police) and non-traditional (e.g., construction workers) responders who were involved in the WTC rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts. To date, however, scarce research has examined factors associated with perceived need for mental health care, which is critical to promoting engagement in mental health treatment in this population. Data were analyzed from 16,170 WTC responders, including 8881 police responders and 7289 non-traditional responders, who completed their first annual health monitoring visit with the WTC Health Program an average of 6.5 years after September 11, 2001. Predisposing, enabling, and need-based factors associated with perceived need for mental health care were examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Nearly half (48.7%) of non-traditional responders and a fifth (20.6%) of police responders reported a need for mental health care. The most common perceived needs were for psychotropic medication, individual psychotherapy, and stress management counseling. Predisposing (e.g., female gender) and need-based factors (e.g., WTC-related posttraumatic stress disorder) predicted perceived need for mental health care in both groups. Among non-traditional responders, Hispanic ethnicity and current suicidal ideation were additionally associated with this outcome. Non-traditional WTC responders are substantially more likely than police WTC responders to perceive a need for mental health treatment. Characterization of factors associated with perceived need for treatment can help inform population-based outreach and monitoring efforts designed to promote engagement in mental health treatment in WTC responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the nature of perceived needs of women victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their association with social demographic characteristics and self-reported mental health symptoms. The study uses data from case records of women victims of IPV (n = 154) seeking help from a victim assistance program housed within city police station located in the southwest, United States. The majority of the women in this study reported needs related to counseling, protection orders, Crime Victims' Compensation Rights, legal services, and Temporary Aid for Needy Families. Findings also indicate that perceived needs of women were significantly associated with self-reported mental health symptoms. Some needs had a stronger relationship to women's mental health symptoms than others. Overall these findings suggest that it is imperative to emphasize responses that can address all the needs of women (in addition to stopping IPV) to reduce mental health symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing the coverage by public or private resources in meeting health-related and social-related needs may be useful for service planning and guide optimization of care, important especially in view of an increase in the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: An ad hoc questionnaire assessed satisfaction of health-related and social care-related needs in a cross-sectional study of 1014 people with MS identified through MS outpatient clinics and local branches and social media channels of the Italian MS Society.Results: 87.1% and 79.8% of the responders had experienced at least one health-related or social-related need, respectively. The study demonstrated significant gaps between perceived needs and service provision. Rehabilitation, residential care, and psychological support were most frequently unsatisfied health-related needs, while the more commonly unmet social-related needs were financial support, elimination of architectural barriers, workplace adaptations, and career guidance. The multivariate analysis highlighted that the satisfaction of health-related needs was primarily associated with geographic area of residence. Social-related needs correlated with both clinical and sociodemographic aspects.Conclusion: The results provide insight into the range of interventions, care, and support people with MS report to be important to them at different points in their disease trajectory. More emphasis should be put on the inequitable distribution of NHS services in different geographic areas of Italy as well as on particularly fragile subgroups of the MS population (older individuals, and those with higher levels of disability) because the care of these individuals continues to be assumed by the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the information needs of caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, and how they access and understand health information related to the management of their care person's chronic illness(es). Background: Caregivers of CALD patients experience greater unmet needs compared to the general caregiver population. They experience many challenges in identifying resources and accessing formal supports to aid in self‐management behaviours. Methods: Eleven caregivers were recruited from outpatient clinics in Québec, Canada. Consenting caregivers participated in one face‐to‐face or phone interview. A qualitative descriptive design and inductive content analysis were used to identify themes. Results: Caregivers described a "village" approach to caregiving in which more than one individual was involved in patient care. The specific roles ascribed to caregivers defined their information needs. Caregivers described two categories of information needs: perceived and unperceived. Perceived information needs were explicit, and centred on the medical management of illnesses. Unperceived needs were unrecognized knowledge gaps that emerged during interviews and focused on self‐care. Conclusion: Although caregivers' perceived needs are often met, their unperceived needs remain unmet. Health‐care providers should perform need assessments to identify caregivers' unperceived needs, with the aims of providing culturally competent care and ongoing support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights • This study firstly explored changes in percentages of perceived met needs and their associated determinants. • Percentages of perceived met needs slightly increased overtime. • Mental well-being and change in wellbeing were positively associated with changes in percentages of perceived met needs. • Percentages of perceived met needs at baseline were negatively linked with changes in percentages of perceived met needs. • Mental well-being could be the target for improving perceived need of mental health care. Abstract There is a paucity of research on determinants associated with changes in perceived met needs for care over time. This study used a longitudinal cohort to explore changes in percentages of perceived met needs over time and to identify its related determinants. Data analyzed was from a longitudinal community-based survey. A total of 150 participants received at least one type of help both at baseline and a 2-year follow-up. Multivariate analyses were used. Perceived met needs of the study sample slightly increased over time. People who had a higher percentage of met needs at baseline were less likely to have an increase in percentage of perceived met needs at the 2-year follow-up, whereas, those who had a higher value of wellbeing and an increase in the value of mental wellbeing over time, were associated with an increase in the percentage of met needs at the 2-year follow-up. Determinants associated with changes in percentages of perceived met needs could be the target for improving perceived need for mental health care. Findings of this study indicate the need for longitudinal studies in perceived need for mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the awareness rate of students in the University of Ibadan campus on restorative dental treatment and also explore their perceived needs for a dental restoration. Methods: Data of surveyed 668 University of Ibadan students was used in this study. Study tool was a well-structured self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using the SPSS version 16 software. Results: The majority (55.2%) of the respondents were within the age range of 21-25 years, 51.3% were females, and 76.8% were Yorubas. The majority (96.9%) were aware of a dentist, while only 34.1% had ever visited a dentist in their life time. Only 14.22% had missing teeth, 17.7% had broken teeth, while 19.5% had discolored teeth. The majority (82.3%) were aware that a missing tooth can be restored. Only 47 out of the 130 respondents who had a discolored tooth felt the need to get a dental restoration. Only 115 out of 415 respondents who had a broken tooth felt the need to get a dental restoration. Removable denture is the most popularly known (36.7%) dental restorative device among the respondents. Conclusions: This study revealed a very high awareness rate of a dentist among students of the University of Ibadan. Many of these students had defective teeth that needed restoration; however many did not perceive the need to get them restored. The authors recommend the need for education and awareness on the benefits of good oral health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Studies have documented the perceived needs of carers of people with psychosis but most recruitment has utilised convenience sampling resulting in limited understanding of carers’ needs. This longitudinal study was conducted within the second Australian prevalence study of psychosis, aiming to obtain generalisable findings regarding perceived needs of carers of people with psychosis. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 98 carers of people with psychosis recruited in the Australian prevalence study of psychosis. Seventy‐eight of the carers were reinterviewed 1 year later to measure changes in their perceived needs. Correlational and paired T tests were conducted to identify relationships between perceived needs and carer's health and well‐being, and changes in levels of perceived needs over time. Qualitative responses were structurally coded by segmentation according to the Carers’ and Users’ Expectations of Services—Carer version. Thematic analysis of common words and phrases was undertaken to identify key themes concerning carers’ perceived needs. There was minimal improvement in carers’ perceived needs over time and their needs were closely related to their perception of their own social connectedness, psychological health and quality of life. Five themes were identified: Greater involvement of carers in the treatment plan, provision of relevant information to carers, multiple biopsychosocial support for carers, well‐being and independence interventions for people with psychosis, and choice to care and alternate caring arrangements. Although policy recognises the need to support carers, findings show that focused interventions are required to address carers’ perceived needs more holistically in current mental health services. To support carers’ recovery, services need to include carers in treatment planning, and consider ways to address their needs and improve their own health and well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Older adults (those above the age of 60) are an emerging demographic in Cambodia, and very little is understood about their oral health experiences, needs, perceptions and behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the oral health experiences, practices and perceptions of a convenience sample of a small but diverse group of older adults in Cambodia.Method: A cross-sectional qualitative study in which focus group interviews were conducted by 5 trained senior Cambodian dental students. A convenience sample of 56 older adults and caregivers was recruited across urban, semi-urban and rural locations. Focus group conversations were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.Results: The themes that emerged were around low expectations for both general health and oral health. A communal responsibility for health was expressed, and both money and transport were identified as key barriers to accessing care. Participants recognised that they had oral health problems, and acknowledged the impact of poor oral function on health and nutrition.Conclusion: This study is an important first step in better understanding the oral health experiences and perceptions of older people in Cambodia. Participants described the impacts of poor oral health as being important, even when compared with other general health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:This study aimed to assess responses to a structured measure of perceived need for treatment to understand whether differences in treatment uptake across age groups are related to differences in: (1) perceived need for mental health care; (2) perceptions of treatment needs being met; and/or (3) perceived attitudinal and structural treatment barriers. Methods:Data from a nationally representative sample of the Australian population (2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing) were analysed using logistic and multinomial regression. All participants potentially benefiting from mental health services were included in analyses; including those reporting symptoms of mental disorders, using mental health services, or self-reporting significant mental health problems in the past 12 months (n= 5733). All regression analyses were adjusted for gender, the presence of chronic physical health conditions, disorder type, and disorder severity. Results:Older adults were the least likely to report any perceived need for mental health care, and specifically reported lower needs for psychotherapy, information about available services, and support improving their ability to work. Older adults perceiving a need for mental health care were also the most likely to report having these needs met. There were no differences in attitudinal and structural barriers to treatment across age groups. Conclusions:These results highlight that age needs to be considered in strategies for improving engagement and efficacy of mental health services, as well as the need for further research to understand what drives age differences in perceived need for mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by Cantor's social care model, this study identified individual, family, and social support factors that influence urban older adults' need for home- and community-based services, including medical and rehabilitation, instrumental care and support, and psychosocial services. The data were extracted from the Sample Survey on Aged Population in Urban/Rural China conducted by the China Research Center on Aging in 2006. Results from multiple logistic regression show that older adults' need for medical and rehabilitation services is significantly related to instrumental activities of daily living, depression, not having filial children, friend support networks, and having a confidant. Older adults' need for instrumental care and support is related to their educational attainment, financial strain, instrumental activities of daily living, not living with children, and friend support networks. Finally, older adults' need for psychosocial services is significantly related to educational attainment, depression, not being married, friend support networks, and having a confidant. Implications for social service development are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of the present study are to describe changes over time in the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs of Indigenous Australians newly diagnosed with cancer and to identify factors associated with greater needs at diagnosis.Methods: Unmet needs were assessed by the Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous People (SCNAT-IP) within 3 months and at 6 months post-diagnosis. Overall needs and specific need domains were modelled using generalized estimating equations. Associations between risk factors and moderate-high unmet needs at diagnosis were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: Over half (54%) of the participants (n = 82) experienced at least one moderate-high unmet need at diagnosis which reduced to 34% at 6 months post-diagnosis. This improvement mainly reflected the decrease in needs from the physical/psychological domain (p = 0.042). The median overall unmet need score and most domain scores were significantly lower at 6 months. Eighteen percent experienced multiple (5+) moderate-high unmet needs at diagnosis (60% continued to report needs at 6 months). The top unmet needs at diagnosis were money worries (27%), concerns about the worries of those close to you (16%) and worry about your illness spreading/getting worse (15%). Having a higher education and having received cancer treatment in the last 30 days were significantly associated with greater needs at diagnosis.Conclusions: While unmet needs decreased over time, some patients continued to experience moderate-high unmet needs. This study indicates that needs should be monitored throughout the patient's journey. Coordination of support, particularly for those with multiple needs, may be important for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of mental healthcare is vital for the sustainable development of societies. However, current systems in several countries fail to meet citizens' needs and are called to identify new planning approaches to ensure the balance between supply and needs. Nevertheless, the estimation of mental healthcare needs is challenging since there are perceived needs, that are explicitly expressed, and unperceived needs, that are not explicitly expressed and are difficult to measure. To deal with this challenge, this study aims to build estimates for the future needs of mental healthcare services by departing from a simulation model based on a Markov cycle tree that considers both perceived and unperceived needs. The development and application of the proposed model to the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region in Portugal followed a mixed-method approach consisting of: i) a set of interviews with mental healthcare experts, providing information on key aspects entailing mental healthcare needs in general, and in the Portuguese context in particular; ii) a Markov cycle tree model, reflecting the information gathered in the interviews; and iii) a survey conducted to estimate key parameters required to apply the Markov model to the Portuguese context. The results indicate that mental healthcare needs are expected to increase by 2030, reaching 68.62% of the total population, with 21% of these representing perceived and unsatisfied needs, while 20% represents unperceived needs. Also, more than 95% of the required capacity by 2030 is expected to be missing. The suggested tool thus distinguishes among perceived and unperceived needs, helping policy makers and managers who aim to plan the future operations of mental healthcare systems. • A Markov cycle tree model was built to estimate future mental healthcare needs. • A mixed-method approach comprising interviews and a survey was used to collect data. • Mental healthcare needs are distinguished between perceived and unperceived needs. • Mental healthcare needs are expected to increase by 2030 in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, studies of domestic work and care did not include subjective perspectives of workers and carers and what they perceive as being necessary to carry out these tasks. A total of 37 caregivers of four different types were interviewed in 5 focus group discussions: housewives, responsible of household and workers, domestic assistants without specific certification, and family workers with specific certification. The results show 3 common points in all groups in relation to the perceived needs in domestic work and care: considering domestic work as a complex task, the importance of emotions, and the need for care for caregivers; and 2 points in common in 2 specific groups (a comprehensive definition of care and a need for social support). It is essential to ensure that all necessary elements are provided in comprehensive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complexity of schizophrenia lies in the combination of psychiatric, somatic and social needs requiring care. The aim of the study was to compare perceived needs between groups with absence/presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to analyze the relationship between needs, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and MetS in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Methods: A "real-world" cross-sectional study was set up with a comprehensive framework including the following, needs for care (Camberwell Assessment of Need Interview [CAN]), HRQoL (Euro Qol-5D Questionnaire), sociodemographic data, lifestyle habits, psychopathology (Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS]), global functioning (Global Assessment of Functioning Scale [GAF]), anthropometric measurements and blood test results were assessed for an outpatient sample (n = 60). Results: The mean number of needs (given by CAN) was identified for both groups. Patients with MetS rated a higher number of needs compared to the group without this condition. Mobility problems (given by EQ-5D) were negatively associated with the number of total and unmet needs. For participants with MetS, HRQoL was related to the number of needs and unmet needs. For people with MetS, positive symptomatology score (given by PANSS) was related to the number of needs and met needs and general symptomatology was associated with total, met and unmet needs. For individuals without MetS, the global functioning score (given by GAF) was significantly inversely related with total, met and unmet needs. Conclusions: Needs and HRQoL, as well as general symptomatology, were related only in patients with MetS. This has implications for treatment planning at the individual and organizational levels. An analysis of both physical and mental needs could provide a starting point for the extension of facilities in the health care system in order to reach the goal of improving quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to investigate the impact of language experience and academic level on the perceived needs of Iranian undergraduate EFL learners. Two groups of Iranian TEFL female students (freshmen and senior) were compared regarding their preferences, perceived needs and perceptions of different activity types about language learning. To collect data, Sihong's (2007) needs analysis questionnaire for English language needs was utilized. Thirty two freshman and twenty nine senior MA students with the age range of 25-35 were considered as the subject of this study. They were asked to fill out the questionnaire through email and they were given the confidence that the collected data would remain anonymous. Results revealed that there was a significant difference between freshman and senior EFL learners in their preferences, needs and opinions about various types of activities, and various aspects of language education. The findings also revealed that freshmen students required more practice in grammar and pronunciation than vocabulary for them. The most difficult components of language were pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar respectively; however, the senior students reported that vocabulary and grammar were the most difficult component of language skill and pronunciation was the least one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase from currently 332,000 to 900,000 by 2050. Around 200,000 unpaid caregivers are caring for community-dwelling people living with dementia, and therefore, supporting the caregivers' needs is of paramount importance. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the perceived needs of immediate family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Design and methods: We examined qualitative studies that reported on the self-perceived needs of partner and/or offspring caregivers who were caring for community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Results: Two themes were developed from 12 studies: caregiver needs related to the management of older people with dementia and caregivers' personal needs. The first theme further included four subthemes: information and knowledge needs; activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living and Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia support needs; formal care support needs; and informal care support needs. The second theme consisted of two subthemes: the need to address caregivers' physical and psychological health and the need to manage caregivers' own lives. Implications: The findings have important implications for the development of interventions that comprehensively address caregivers' individual needs. Caregivers' unmet needs highlight key areas for improvement in policy and service provision. The findings demonstrate the need for more rigorous qualitative studies exploring the perceived needs of partner and offspring caregivers respectively. Furthermore, examining the underlying relationships between different caregiver needs is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the oral health practices and perception of student nurses in Benin City. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions to collect the data from 1st-year students of dental nurses, basic and perioperative student nurses in Benin City. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 with P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: One hundred and thirty questionnaires were distributed with 112 returned giving a response rate of 86.1%. The participants consisted of three categories of nurses with age range 18-48 years. The mean age of participants was 28.7 years (standard deviation [SD] ±6.80) with those of dental nurses, basic and perioperative nursing students being 23.5 years (SD ± 2.36), 25.2 years (SD ± 3.36) and 36.6 years (SD ± 4.76), respectively. About 80.4% reported always using a toothbrush and fluoride paste out of which the basic student nurses (43%) reported the highest frequency. More than half of the participants (53.6%) brushed their teeth daily, and 76.8% reported taking snacks occasionally. Furthermore, 55.4% had never visited the dentist, with 18.8% visiting within the last 6 months preceding the study and only about a fifth (19.6%) visited for a check-up and 54.5% for scaling and polishing. Furthermore, 41.1% reported having fair oral hygiene. Conclusions: Oral hygiene practices and dental attendance of the student nurses require improvement. Primary oral health should be emphasised in the nursing curriculum, with training in oral examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]