International journal of health sciences
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Musculoskeletal pain in teleworking from home and workplaces: A narrative review
Full text linkObjective: To do a narrative review of the literature about the relations between the workplaces and workspaces in working at home set-up during the COVID-19 pandemic and work-related musculoskeletal pain in teleworkers. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. The period analysed was 2021 to 2023. Only articles examining the associations between workplaces and musculoskeletal disorders/pain in teleworkers working from home were considered for inclusion, and they had to be written in the English language. Results: The search revealed a total of 884 results, and at the end, 10 studies were selected for this narrative review of literature. In most of the studies emerged ergonomically inadequate workplaces emerged with associations to teleworkers' musculoskeletal pain. Conclusions: Inadequate workplaces were found in working from home set-ups during the pandemic, with frequent use of other furniture and equipment not ergonomically adequate, contributing to musculoskeletal pain. There is still a need for policies and regulations procedures to guarantee better working conditions at workplaces
Could numeric rating scale take the place of neck disability index, as a self-reported instrument of the neck/arm pain-related daily living disability, in patients with cervical radiculopathy?
Full text linkBackground: Quantification of neck and upper extremity pain-related disability is crucial for treatment selection and, finally, for assessing clinical outcomes of the selected treatment in patients with cervical radiculopathy. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the properly adapted Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) in the context of a neck/arm pain-related daily living disability self-report instrument in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Data from 75 patients with neck/arm pain due to radiculopathy were collected. NRS was used to obtain the self-reported neck/arm pain severity. NDI and a proper adaptation of the NRS were used to obtain the self-reported daily living disability due to neck/arm pain. Results: There was “mild”, statistically significant, positive correlation between NRS for neck/arm pain severity and NDI (r = 0.351, P = 0.001) as well as “mild”, statistically significant, positive correlation between NRS for pain influence on daily living activities and NDI (r = 0.417, P = 0.000). Additionally, the NDI value could be predicted in a low percentage of 16% based on preoperative NRS for pain influence on daily living activities.
Reno-protective effect of agmatine in methotrexate-induced kidney injury in rats
Full text linkBackground: L-arginine's endogenous metabolite agmatine (AGM) is recognized to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant qualities. Investigating the dose-dependent renal-protective effect of AGM in rats with MTX-induced kidney damage was the goal of this study. Methods: In this experimental study, fifty male rats were divided into five groups (n = 10). Group I (control) received oral saline for 7 days and IP saline on day 7. Group II (MTX) received oral saline for 7 days and IP MTX (20 mg/kg) on day 7. Groups III–V received AGM orally at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day for 7 days, followed by IP MTX (20 mg/kg) on day 7. Results: Intraperitoneal MTX (20 mg/kg) significantly increased renal somatic index, MDA, 8-OHdG, NO, TNF-α, IL-1, serum creatinine, BUN, and NF-κB, while it decreased GSH, SOD, HO-1 activity, Nrf2 expression, and creatinine clearance. AGM administration at various doses showed a protective renal effect against MTX-induced changes. Conclusions: Many disorders can be effectively treated with MTX. The toxicity of MTX, which includes nephrotoxicity with a mechanism involving inflammation and oxidative damage, frequently limits its therapeutic uses
Influential socio-demographic traits in caesarean delivery diagnosis through statistical analysis
Full text linkCesarean Section (CS) delivery is another mode of parturition other than the vaginal delivery. In some cases (pregnancy complications and so on), it may be necessary to use CS delivery rather than natural birth delivery. Yet, not all CS deliveries are required. Unwarranted CS delivery may lead both the mother and the baby to some serious health issues. The worldwide rise in CS rates has led to concerns over possible overuse. The chi-square test, crosstab analysis, gamma coefficient analysis, and Cramer’s V were employed to identify the most significant socio-demographic effect on the CS delivery rate. This research suggests that other than residence, four factors household income, previous CS delivery, number of antenatal care visits, and watching TV during pregnancy have a stronger associate with CS rate, but the remaining five, smoking during pregnancy, listening to radio during pregnancy, mother’s education, and terminated pregnancy had no any associate to CS rate. Additionally, these results will enable the authority to understand the causes of the rising trend of CS delivery and to take measures to limit CS delivery. It will also shed light on some of the common myths concerning why CS is performed
Assessment of perceived social support on the quality of life of patients with heart failure: A randomized clinical trial
Full text linkHeart Failure (HF) patients usually have a high physical and emotional burden, due to the very intense symptoms, but also the psychological burden, at the same time as the poor Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL). Studies have found that increased perceived Social Support (SS) can contribute to the improvement of symptoms and HR-QoL through its different modes of functioning. The aim: of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a dual nursing intervention, with an educational approach at the discharge of patients with HF and subsequently, structured telephone follow-up, on the perceived SS and its effect, on HR-QoL, for a period of 12 months after the patients' discharge from the hospital, in relation to usual care. Material - Method: This is a Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT), with an intervention and control group, which was carried out at the Cardiology Clinic of the Secondary General Hospital of Serres. A total of 186 hospitalized patients with HF (NYHA I-IV), who met the admission criteria and were scheduled for discharge, were randomized.
A quasi-experimental study to assess the effectiveness of an educational package on knowledge and attitude regarding sibling rivalry and its prevention among mothers of under 5 children in selected areas of Gurugram
Full text linkSibling rivalry denotes the animosity or tension that may arise between brothers and sisters. This phenomenon can manifest in various forms, ranging from typical familial conflicts—such as when children tug at one another's hair or refuse to share a cherished toy, testing the patience of parents everywhere—to more profound and enduring conflicts that may persist into adulthood. In essence, sibling rivalry is a commonplace behavioral response characterized by feelings of jealousy and competition among siblings[i]. Objective: Assess the effectiveness of educational package on knowledge and attitude regarding sibling rivalry and its prevention among mothers of under 5 children. Methods: The approach utilized for the research study was quantitative approach using a Quasi Experimental Non Equivalent control group before after design. 70 mothers (35 in experimental and 35 in control group) were selected by using purposive sample technique. The data were collected by self structured questionnaire and Likert scale. The data was analyzed by SPSS 30 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The intervention group experienced a substantial increase in adequate knowledge (from 2.9% to 42.9%) and a sharp drop in inadequate knowledge (from 48.6% to 2.9%), while the control group showed only minor improvements. 
Factors associated with outcomes of intravitreal triamcinolone injection among pseudophakic cystoid macular edema patients at KCMC from 2017 to 2023
Full text linkBackground: Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME), also known as Irvine–Gass syndrome, is a postoperative complication of cataract surgery characterized by cystic retinal changes and potential vision loss. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) is used as a treatment due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects, although standardized protocols are lacking. Aim: To evaluate the outcomes and factors associated with IVTA injections among PCME patients treated at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) between January 2017 and December 2023. Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving PCME patients treated with a single 4 mg IVTA injection. Data on visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were collected at baseline, and at one, three-, and six-month post-treatment. VA was assessed using the Snellen chart and converted to logMAR for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to evaluate treatment outcomes and identify associated factors. Results: A total of 90 eyes from 86 patients were included. Mean VA improved from 1.13 logMAR at baseline to 0.80 logMAR at six months. Mean CMT decreased from 498.0 µm to 339.7 µm over the same period. Better baseline VA was significantly associated with visual improvement, while younger age and single injection were predictors of favorable anatomical outcomes.
Cost of illness for COVID-19 patients at Dr. Loekmono Hadi Regional Hospital, Kudus Regency
Full text linkThis research aims to determine the total difference in the patient's real cost of this research's purpose is to find out the total difference in the real cost of the COVID-19 hospital patient which is viewed by age factors, degree of COVID-19 severity, comorbide and type of therapy with Keputusan Menteri Kesehatan claims. The study was a pharmakoeconomic analysis based on the hospital's perspective on direct medical costs, retrospective method of data fetching through patient medical records during October 2020 October 2021. The variables in this study are composed of free variables of age, comorbide, lengthy treatment and type, as variables depending on the cost of the patient's rill. The method of analysis t test for the 2 different groups the rate of 95%. The study showed that the total cost of Covid-19 disease was the October 2020–Oktober 2021 period of 3,749,452,350 is the result of the exact sum of 360 samples of the COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patient's real cost of rill indicates significant differences in age, comorbide, degree of severity, lengthy treatment and therapy of long treatment in the form of p <.05 shows a correlation of age cost, comorbide, degree of severity, and treatment
Effectiveness of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in abdominal wound dehiscence
Full text linkAbdominal wound dehiscence, a severe postoperative complication, is the partial or total separation of layers of an abdominal surgical wound. This condition is associated with significant morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Traditional management involves moist-to-dry dressings, which can be painful and ineffective in promoting rapid wound closure. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), also known as vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), is a modern and effective technique for managing complex wounds. NPWT involves applying controlled sub-atmospheric pressure to the wound bed. This therapy is gaining recognition as a valuable tool for treating abdominal wound dehiscence due to its multiple mechanisms of action. This article reviews the effectiveness of NPWT in managing this challenging condition. NPWT works through several key mechanisms that are particularly beneficial for complex abdominal wounds: Macro-deformation; Micro-deformation; Removal of exudate. Enhanced Blood Flow: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy has emerged as a superior treatment modality for abdominal wound dehiscence. Its ability to mechanically close the wound, promote tissue growth, and control infection makes it a highly effective tool for accelerating the healing process. By improving clinical outcomes and reducing the length of hospital stays.
Factor analysis of research culture: A comparative study of 3-point and 5-point Likert Scales
Full text linkUnderstanding factors that foster a strong research culture requires a reliable measurement tool. The 3-point and 5-point Likert scales are widely used in surveys to gauge attitudes. However, the choice between these scales may influence data quality, reliability, and interpretation, potentially affecting the actor's analysis. Despite its widespread use, there is limited research comparing the scales’ dimensionality, model fit, and validity in contributing to research culture assessments. Thus, the study aims to compare the effectiveness of 3-point and 5-point Likert scales using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). This descriptive-comparative study was conducted among 1,139 allied health students in selected sectarian institutions in the Philippines, using purposive and random sampling techniques. The respondents completed a self-constructed research culture questionnaire. Data analysis using SPSS and AMOS confirmed three factors: motivation, attitude, and competence in research with CFA indicating a good fit. But the 5-point Likert scale has better reliability and validity results; it showed higher composite reliability, better average variance extracted (AVE) coefficients, and better construct validity using the Fornell-Larcker criterion, while the 3-point has a better fit using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC).