HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101185
Inaam B Aldamanhori, Nada J Alghamdi, Sadan M Alharbi, Shadan A Aljarri, Haya A AlHemli, Moataza M Abdel Wahab
{"title":"Premature Hair Graying and Its Associated Factors Among Medical Students and Resident Physicians at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.","authors":"Inaam B Aldamanhori, Nada J Alghamdi, Sadan M Alharbi, Shadan A Aljarri, Haya A AlHemli, Moataza M Abdel Wahab","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101185","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Premature hair graying (PHG) is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting individuals worldwide. It has been recognized as an important cause of low self-esteem, with a significant physical and social impact. This study investigated the factors associated with PHG by comparing medical students and resident physicians to other non-medical majors at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU). <b>Methods:</b> This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted on resident physicians and students from 10 different colleges of IAU, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. This study evaluated the characteristics of PHG and its associated risk factors using an online distributed questionnaire. <b>Results:</b> A total of 2644 students and resident physicians were included in this study, with 45.6% coming from medical colleges. The findings show that the premature graying of hair was higher among obese and overweight individuals and those with a combined deficiency of vitamins B12 and vitamin D. Other factors associated with PHG included a family history of PHG, a lack of exercise, smoking, and allergic rhinitis. Gray hair onset before 25 years old was higher among those with high stress levels (95%) than those with moderate (90%) and or mild (86%) stress levels (<i>p</i> = 0.029). <b>Conclusions:</b> In our study, higher stress levels were related to an earlier age of PHG onset, and there was no difference between medical and non-medical students in PHG. Recommendations for future research include randomized clinical trials and larger cohort studies regarding the characteristics of PHG in the Middle East and those with Arabic ethnicity and assessing the medications that induce possible hair repigmentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Positive Psychology Insights on the Effects of Spirituality on Shared Decision-Making in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: The Chain-Mediated Effects of Benefit-Finding and Decision Self-Efficacy.","authors":"Zitian Liu, Weiyue Zhou, Yinglan Wu, Yuxin Zhou, Weimin Jiang","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101188","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: As the terminal stage of cardiovascular disease, heart failure (HF) has garnered significant attention due to its recurrent nature, high mortality rates, and substantial medical burden. Shared decision-making (SDM) is an innovative strategy to improve medication adherence. From positive psychology insights, the effects on spirituality, benefit-finding (BF), decision self-efficacy, and patient engagement in SDM remain unexplored. <b>Methods</b>: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to September 2024 at a hospital in Jiangsu. Data on general information, spirituality, BF, decision self-efficacy, and SDM were collected from 387 patients with chronic heart failure. <b>Results</b>: Spirituality was significantly associated with SDM (β = 0.8839, <i>p</i> < 0.001). BF played a mediating role in the relationship between spirituality and SDM (β = 0.2020, 95% CI: 0.0058-0.0261), accounting for 22.9% of the total effect. Decision self-efficacy was identified as a mediator in this relationship (β = 0.2636, 95% CI: 0.0120-0.0284), accounting for 29.8%. In addition, both BF and decision self-efficacy exhibited a chain mediation effect on the association between spirituality and SDM (β = 0.1451, 95% CI: 0.0061-0.0162), and the total indirect effect accounted for 69.1%. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study is the first to demonstrate that spirituality has significant direct and indirect effects on SDM, and it also reveals the underlying psychological mechanisms. Spiritual support services, BF intervention, and enhancing patients' decision self-efficacy can promote their participation in SDM. These findings highlight the role of positive psychology in promoting SDM, showing potential contribution to promoting medication adherence in HF patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101181
Ioana Elena Lile, Tareq Hajaj, Ioana Veja, Tiberiu Hosszu, Ligia Luminița Vaida, Liana Todor, Otilia Stana, Ramona-Amina Popovici, Diana Marian
{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Natural Mouthrinses and Chlorhexidine in Dental Plaque Management: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Ioana Elena Lile, Tareq Hajaj, Ioana Veja, Tiberiu Hosszu, Ligia Luminița Vaida, Liana Todor, Otilia Stana, Ramona-Amina Popovici, Diana Marian","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101181","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101181","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> This study evaluated the efficacy of mouthrinses containing natural compounds-specifically, propolis and green tea extracts-in reducing bacterial dental plaque compared to a placebo and a 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse. We hypothesized that these natural compounds would significantly reduce plaque accumulation, with efficacy comparable to chlorhexidine. <b>Objective:</b> The objective was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of two natural mouthrinses-10% propolis and 5% green tea-compared to a placebo and 0.2% chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. <b>Trial Design:</b> The trial design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 60 healthy adult volunteers received a professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) and were then randomized into four groups (<i>n</i> = 15 each): a propolis mouthwash, a green tea mouthwash, a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (positive control), and a placebo rinse. The participants rinsed twice daily for four weeks in addition to standard tooth brushing. The plaque levels were assessed using the Silness-Löe plaque index at baseline and after four weeks. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. <b>Results:</b> All groups had similar baseline plaque scores (≈2.5). After four weeks, the propolis and green tea groups showed significant reductions in plaque (mean indices of 1.02 and 1.12, respectively) compared to the placebo group (mean index = 2.01, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The chlorhexidine group achieved a mean plaque index of 0.90. The propolis rinse showed no significant difference from chlorhexidine (<i>p</i> = 0.40), indicating comparable efficacy. The green tea rinse had a slightly higher plaque index than chlorhexidine (<i>p</i> = 0.03). No significant adverse effects were reported. <b>Conclusions:</b> Mouthwashes containing 10% propolis or 5% green tea significantly reduced dental plaque, with propolis demonstrating efficacy comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101184
Mi-Lee Kim, Yeol Kim, Yu-Ri Choe
{"title":"Unmet Needs Mediate the Impact of Fear of Cancer Recurrence on Screening Participation Among Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mi-Lee Kim, Yeol Kim, Yu-Ri Choe","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101184","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Cancer survivors require ongoing follow-up care, including regular health screening, to detect recurrence or secondary malignancies. Nonetheless, psychosocial factors may influence their participation in screening. This study aimed to investigate the associations among fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), unmet needs, and screening behavior in cancer survivors and to explore whether unmet needs mediated the relationship between FCR and health screening participation. <b>Methods</b>: Data from a cross-sectional pilot survey of 326 adult cancer survivors who completed primary cancer treatment in Korea were analyzed. Screening participation was defined as having undergone either a general health check-up or cancer screening within the past 2 years. Factors associated with screening behavior were identified using logistic regression analysis. Additionally, mediation analysis was conducted to examine the indirect effects of FCR on screening through unmet needs. <b>Results:</b> Higher income, older age, longer time since diagnosis, and fewer unmet needs were significantly associated with screening participation. FCR was not directly associated with screening but was positively associated with higher unmet needs (OR: 4.59 [95% CI: 2.66, 7.94], <i>p</i> < 0.001), which were negatively associated with screening (OR: 0.41 [95% CI: 0.20, 0.84], <i>p</i> = 0.015). The indirect effect of FCR on screening for unmet needs was statistically significant (OR: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.08, 0.85], <i>p</i> = 0.027). <b>Conclusions</b>: Unmet needs may mediate the relationship between FCR and screening behavior in cancer survivors. Addressing these needs may represent a promising strategy for improving adherence to recommended follow-up screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111079/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101177
Adriana-Loredana Pintilie, Andreea Zabara Antal, Bogdan-Mihnea Ciuntu, David Toma, Raluca Tiron, Ruxandra Stirbu, Mihai Lucian Zabara, Radu Crisan Dabija
{"title":"A Possible Missing Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) Associated with Tobacco Use and Inflammation Biomarkers.","authors":"Adriana-Loredana Pintilie, Andreea Zabara Antal, Bogdan-Mihnea Ciuntu, David Toma, Raluca Tiron, Ruxandra Stirbu, Mihai Lucian Zabara, Radu Crisan Dabija","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101177","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as a chronic condition associated with systemic low-grade inflammation. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, TNF-α, and IL-6 have been observed in OSA patients, independent of obesity. Tobacco use, a known pro-inflammatory factor, may further exacerbate this burden. This study aimed to evaluate whether smoking influences inflammatory markers and OSA severity in newly diagnosed patients. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective, observational study on individuals newly diagnosed with OSA between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 at the Clinical Hospital of Pulmonary Diseases Iași. All participants underwent overnight respiratory polygraphy using the SleepDoc Porti 9 system (Löwenstein Medical), with OSA severity classified according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria. Inflammatory status was assessed using CRP and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Smokers were defined as individuals who had smoked within the past year; non-smokers had a lifetime history of fewer than 50 cigarettes. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. <b>Results:</b> Smokers (n = 55) shoation Index (ODI) values, compared to non-smokers (n = 49): AHI 45.29 ± 20.94 vs. 38.40 ± 19.84 events/hour, ODI 45.69 ± 21.05 vs. 38.44 ± 19.40 events/hour (<i>p</i> < 0.05 for both). Mean CRP levels were approximately 3.5 times higher in smokers (10.32 ± 11.69 mg/dL) than in non-smokers (2.97 ± 2.45 mg/dL), indicating a significantly elevated inflammatory burden. <b>Conclusions:</b> The inflammatory burden and clinical severity of OSA may be influenced by smoking. Routine inflammatory marker screening, particularly CRP, may improve risk stratification and treatment planning in OSA patients, especially those who smoke or are obese. Routine assessment of CRP and other inflammatory markers may improve risk stratification and guide personalized treatment strategies, particularly in smokers and obese patients with OSA.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110878/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144157830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101182
Jie Yang, Guocheng Ding, Zhixin Duan, Yixiang Yan, Yuyue Zhang, Dong Jiang, Jianquan Wang
{"title":"Clinical Outcomes of Non-Elastic Compression Bandage Versus Elastic Bandage Following Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair.","authors":"Jie Yang, Guocheng Ding, Zhixin Duan, Yixiang Yan, Yuyue Zhang, Dong Jiang, Jianquan Wang","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101182","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: This study aims to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes of using non-elastic compression bandages versus elastic bandages after lateral ankle ligament repair. <b>Methods</b>: This retrospective study analyzed a total of 110 patients who underwent repair surgery for chronic lateral ankle ligament injuries. Based on the postoperative bandaging method, patients were divided into two groups: the non-elastic compression bandage group (Group NECB, 55 cases) and the elastic bandage group (Group EB, 55 cases). A comparison was made between the two groups of patients regarding postoperative ankle joint swelling, pain scores (VAS scores), ankle function (AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale), range of motion of the ankle joint, the incidence of perioperative complications (including subcutaneous ecchymosis, wound seepage, and events requiring loosening of the bandage due to pain), and the status of return to work postoperatively. <b>Results</b>: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of early postoperative ankle joint swelling or increased circumference (0.53 ± 1.47 cm vs. 1.08 ± 1.84 cm, <i>p</i> = 0.095) or VAS scores at 1 day (3.84 ± 2.14 vs. 3.63 ± 2.03, <i>p</i> = 0.595), 7 days (2.20 ± 1.89 vs. 1.78 ± 1.67, <i>p</i> = 0.216), 14 days (1.45 ± 1.56 vs. 0.97 ± 1.23, <i>p</i> = 0.075), or 3 months (1.27 ± 1.50 vs. 1.38 ± 1.76, <i>p</i> = 0.744). Both groups demonstrated comparable functional recovery based on AOFAS scores at 3 months (89.89 ± 8.08 vs. 90.05 ± 9.50, <i>p</i> = 0.926), ROM in all measured directions (<i>p</i> > 0.05), and return to work status (<i>p</i> = 0.567). However, the incidence of complications was significantly lower in Group NECB (3.6%) compared to Group EB (30.9%). The reported complications in Group EB were mainly related to postoperative subcutaneous ecchymosis and discomfort requiring bandage loosening. <b>Conclusions</b>: There is no difference between non-elastic compression bandaging with cotton padding and elastic bandaging in postoperative swelling, pain, and functional recovery. However, in reducing the incidence of postoperative skin adverse events, using non-elastic compression bandages with cotton padding proves to be more ideal as a bandaging method after lateral ankle ligament repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101179
Célio Cruz, Ana Querido, Vanda Varela Pedrosa
{"title":"Perceptions and Practices of Interdisciplinary Action in an Intra-Hospital Support Team for Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Célio Cruz, Ana Querido, Vanda Varela Pedrosa","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101179","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The quality of palliative care (PC) services is closely linked to the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration. A coordinated approach among professionals from different fields fosters holistic, person-centered care, ensuring comprehensive support for patients with complex conditions and their families. In hospital settings, In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Teams (EIHSCPs) play a key role in delivering specialized care, enhancing interdepartmental communication, training other healthcare professionals, and optimizing resources. Strong leadership by PC specialists, combined with effective team management, contributes to symptom relief, improved quality of life, and cost reduction. However, interdisciplinary collaboration presents challenges, including competing priorities, resource constraints, and communication barriers. Despite its recognized benefits, research on its implementation in PC, particularly in Portugal, remains scarce. <b>Objective:</b> This study explores the perspectives and practices of professionals within an EIHSCP, examining team dynamics, interprofessional collaboration, and key facilitators and barriers. <b>Methods</b>: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers from the EIHSCP in the Médio Tejo region. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. <b>Results</b>: The interview findings were organized into three themes: (1) Social Representations and Interdisciplinary Practice; (2) Competencies for Interdisciplinary Practice; and (3) Challenges in Interdisciplinary Practice. Participants consistently highlighted that interdisciplinary collaboration enhances communication between services and improves care quality. While teamwork is central, patient- and family-centered care remains the priority. Key competencies include empathy, ethics, active listening, and cultural sensitivity, alongside structural and procedural elements such as team meetings, integrated communication, and clear referral criteria. Continuous education and professional development are essential. Challenges primarily stem from limited human and material resources, staff workload and stress, communication gaps between hospital and community teams, and insufficient institutional recognition. Suggested improvements focus on investing in ongoing training, strengthening communication and inter-institutional collaboration, and revising the organizational model of PC within Portugal's National Health Service. <b>Conclusions</b>: Interdisciplinary collaboration in PC is fundamental for holistic, patient-centered care but is hindered by structural and organizational barriers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-19DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101180
Metka Skubic, Tita Stanek Zidarič, Anita Jug Došler, Lucija Šerjak
{"title":"Enhancing Midwifery Students' Knowledge and Skills in Communication, Counselling, and Therapeutic Approaches Through an Elective Pilot Course: A Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Metka Skubic, Tita Stanek Zidarič, Anita Jug Došler, Lucija Šerjak","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101180","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Midwives are crucial in addressing complex women's health issues, such as infertility, breastfeeding challenges, and neonatal health. An elective pilot course, \"<i>Educational, Counseling, and Therapeutic Approaches in Midwifery</i>\", was designed to enhance midwifery students' knowledge and skills in communication, counseling, and therapeutic skills via e-learning approaches. <b>Methods</b>: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining pre- and post-testing to assess students' skill development. In addition, guided reflective discussions were based on video and audio recordings of pre-prepared role-playing scenarios. Students worked in pairs, alternating roles as midwives and patients, to engage in real-life situations. During the reflective discussions, students critically analyzed their experiences of the consultation process, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and reflecting on what went well and what could be improved in future interactions. <b>Results</b>: The initial findings revealed that students were overconfident in their skills, but through role-playing and reflective discussions, they recognized gaps in their knowledge and developed a deeper understanding of essential competencies. <b>Conclusions</b>: The elective pilot course proved effective in enhancing students' knowledge and skills as counselors. These results emphasize the importance of integrating structured e-learning and educational strategies into midwifery training to improve care and health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Restenosis and Patient Survival During the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Lyudmila Pivina, Andrey Orekhov, Gulnara Batenova, Diana Ygiyeva, Tatyana Belikhina, Maksim Pivin, Altay Dyussupov","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101175","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: In-stent restenosis of coronary arteries is a significant problem in interventional cardiology. Inflammatory processes in the arterial intima play a key role among the well-known risk factors for restenosis. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the development of inflammation and the activation of the coagulation system. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for coronary artery restenosis and patient survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. <b>Materials and Methods</b>: We performed a cross-sectional study on a targeted sample of patients with coronary artery disease who underwent repeat myocardial revascularization (931 patients). The main study group, consisting of patients with coronary artery stent restenosis, included 420 patients (38.5% had previous COVID-19). The control group included 511 patients without stent restenosis (20.9% had COVID-19). <b>Results</b>: The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for COVID-19 was 2.29 (95% CI 2.78-3.19) (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and the OR for C-reactive protein (CRP) was 1.08 (95% CI 1.002-1.013). The average hospital survival time for subjects with prior COVID-19 (N = 269) was 9.53 ± 0.106 days (95% CI 9.32-9.74), while for those without COVID-19 (N = 662), it was 9.89 ± 0.032 days (95% CI 9.83-9.96) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The one-year survival time was 316.7 ± 6.982 days (95% CI 303.0-330.4) for the COVID-19 group and 340.14 ± 3.243 days (95% CI 333.8-346.5) for the non-COVID-19 group (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions</b>: The main risk factors for in-stent restenosis were COVID-19 and elevated CRP levels. The average survival time in the group with prior COVID-19 was statistically significantly lower than in patients without COVID-19, both during the hospital stay and within one year after repeated revascularization.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111108/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HealthcarePub Date : 2025-05-18DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101176
Du-Ri Kim, Jong-Hwan Park, Min-Woo Jang, Min-Ji Sung, Seung-Hwan Song, Up Huh, Young-Jin Ra, Young-Jin Tak
{"title":"Feasibility of Wearable Digital Healthcare Devices Among Korean Male Seafarers: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Du-Ri Kim, Jong-Hwan Park, Min-Woo Jang, Min-Ji Sung, Seung-Hwan Song, Up Huh, Young-Jin Ra, Young-Jin Tak","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13101176","DOIUrl":"10.3390/healthcare13101176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>This study is a pilot evaluation of the applicability of wearable digital healthcare devices for Korean male seafarers. Seafarers are exposed to health risks due to unstable and confined living conditions, and their access to healthcare services becomes significantly challenging, especially with the substantial decrease in physical activity onboard. This study aimed to monitor the physical activity of these seafarers through wearable devices and evaluate the potential of managing their health using these technologies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>During the 12-week study, which included 11 participants, it was confirmed that monitoring physical activity using wearable devices and smartphone applications was effective.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over the 12-week period, the average systolic blood pressure decreased from 137.09 ± 13.05 mmHg to 124.36 ± 5.66 mmHg, and the average diastolic blood pressure decreased from 86.45 ± 10.24 mmHg to 77.45 ± 5.26 mmHg, showing a statistically significant reduction (<i>p</i> = 0.011). Additionally, participants experienced an average weight reduction of 1.19 kg. Satisfaction with the use of wearable devices was reported to be moderate.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Such digital healthcare can encourage the maintenance of healthy habits by continuously monitoring physical activity and providing feedback. Considering the difficulties seafarers face in accessing medical services, the adoption of digital healthcare through wearable devices is essential, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases and overall health improvement of seafarers. Future research should explore the long-term benefits and potential challenges of these digital healthcare solutions on a larger scale.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12111138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144158222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}