Materia socio-medica最新文献

{"title":"The Role of Law Enforcement Mechanisms in the Care of Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace of Health Professionals in Kosovo.","authors":"Albina Xhemajli, Naser Rugova, Doncho Donev","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.187-191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2024.36.187-191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Workplace health and safety are critical concerns for healthcare professionals, who are often exposed to various occupational hazards.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness and impact of law enforcement mechanisms in ensuring occupational health and safety for healthcare professionals in Kosovo.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Consist in conduct research on the role of law enforcement mechanisms in ensuring the occupational health and safety of healthcare professionals in Kosovo, using a qualitative methodology with questionnaires targeting the Health Inspectorate and Labor Inspectorate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that while laws and regulations for workplace safety in healthcare exist in Kosovo, their enforcement is inconsistent and often inadequate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concludes that the enforcement of workplace health and safety laws in Kosovo's healthcare sector is inadequate, leading to unsafe working conditions for healthcare professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 3","pages":"187-191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11693137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges of Occupational Health and Safety Management in Healthcare Institutions in Kosovo.","authors":"Albina Xhemaili Kelmendi, Naser Rugova, Doncho Donev","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.149-154","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.149-154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Occupational health and safety (OHS) in healthcare institutions are crucial for the well-being of healthcare workers who are exposed to numerous risks in their working environment. In Kosovo, where healthcare institutions operate under resource constraints, understanding the challenges of OHS management challenges is vital for developing effective strategies.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to explore the challenges of OHS management in Kosovo's healthcare system, focusing on three levels of healthcare provision in both the public and private sectors. The study aims to identify gaps in policies, practices, and infrastructure that affect the safety of healthcare workers and propose actionable recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative research design was used, involving 191 healthcare professionals from primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare. Participants were randomly selected from public and private institutions. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of OHS practices, perceptions, and barriers. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed significant challenges in OHS management, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of personal protective equipment, insufficient training, and weak enforcement of regulations. Healthcare professionals reported high exposure to biological, chemical, and physical hazards, compounded by limited institutional support. Private sector facilities demonstrated slightly better resource availability but faced similar regulatory gaps.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights critical deficiencies in OHS management in Kosovo's health system, posing risks to health professionals and the overall service quality. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and improved resource allocation. Strengthening OHS management is essential for safeguarding the health workforce and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery in Kosovo.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 2","pages":"149-154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11662998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142879185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heart Failure After Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Analysis from Bosnia and Herzegovina.","authors":"Armin Sljivo, Amel Dzanic, Lana Lekic, Aladin Altic, Arian Abdulkhaliq","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.110-114","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.110-114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The incidence of HF following ACS remains unacceptably high at discharge and several identified risk factors contribute to the development of HF in this context.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of HF in patients admitted to the Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessels, and Rheumatic Diseases at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo following ACS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessels, and Rheumatic Diseases of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo between February 1^st and April 1^st, 2023, involving patients who were admitted because of ACS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with HFrEF were significantly (p=0.034) older (70.0 (62.0;76.0) vs 67.0 (57.5;75.0)), had (p=0.046) higher median score of LDH (321.5 (222.3; 501.5) vs. 256.0 (200.0; 420.0)), fibrinogen (p=0.047) (4.5 (3.2; 5.1) vs 3.6 (2.8; 5.0)), and NT-proBNP (p<0.001) (3705.0 (2500.0; 12559.5) vs. 500.0 (275.0; 333.0)), had enlarged left atrium diameter (3.9 (3.4; 4.4) vs 3.6 (3.1; 4.1)), enlarged left ventricular diameter both in diastole (5.1 (4.5; 5.8) vs 4.6 (4.1; 5.1)) and systole (3.7 (3.2; 4.1) vs 3.5 (3.1; 3.7)), thinner interventricular septum diameter both in diastole (1.1 (1.0; 1.2) vs 1.2 (1.1; 1.3)) and systole (1.3 (1.2; 1.5) vs. 1.4 (1.3; 1.5)) and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (37.0 (30.0; 47.5) vs. 35.0 (28.0; 40.0 )) compared to patients without HFrEF. Severe mitral regurgitation was more observed in group of patients with HFrEF (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HFrEF patients showed a 40% incidence of post-ACS, had elevated LDH, fibrinogen, and NT-proBNP levels, along with distinct echocardiographic differences, including enlarged heart chambers and higher mitral regurgitation rates following ACS. Early HF risk factor management is crucial for optimizing outcomes in ACS patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 2","pages":"110-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11663006/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142879212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 Antibodies Associated with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare Workers.","authors":"Amela Dubinovic-Rekic, Nurka Pranjic","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.222-228","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.222-228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypothetically, PPE played an estimated influential role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission among HCWs before immune-prophylaxis by vaccination in BH. Objective: This research aims to determine the relationship between PPE use and the serological response to SARS-COV-2 among HCWs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The sample contained 127 COVID-19 outpatients with an average age of 43.5 ± 10.8, 66% women, and 80 (63%) health workers as the study group (37% non-medical workers as a control subjects). The created questionnaire collected sociodemographic data on comorbidity or not, application of PPE, and severity of the clinical picture of COVID-19 infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All subjects were monitored for the dynamics of antibodies, separately for IgM- and Ig-G three times, repeated every 3 months (only three before immuno-prophylaxis by vaccinations). A serological investigation of subjects' blood was collected by trained medical staff in vacutainers with a clotting activator to obtain the subjects' serum centrifuged, separated, and tested on the AFIAS 6 COVID-19 apparatus. Healthcare workers who did not wear goggles had significantly higher IgM antibody levels than HCWs who use them [F=9.359 (1, 102), p=.003, partial η2=.084]. Also, HCWs who did not use a visor had significantly higher IgM nucleocapsid antibody titer than those who used it daily or occasionally [F=4.790 (1, 102), p=.031, partial η2=.045]. Increase SARAS-COV-2 IgM titer three, six, or nine months after past COVID-19 infection and before vaccination.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It presents a new acute or recent asymptomatic infection in our HCWs and unrecognized COVID-19. This implies considerable source and unrecognized risk of transmission of the SARS-COV-2 virus, and among HCWs, COVID-19 is an infectious disease with a high prevalence rate.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 3","pages":"222-228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11693126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Anti-Ro/SSA and Anti-La/SSB Autoantibodies With Pregnancy Outcome in the General Population.","authors":"Georgios Dragoutsos, Christina Tsiggalou, Efthymios Oikonomou, Anastasia Bothou, Grigorios Trypsiannis, Konstantinos Nikolettos, Christos Damaskos, Nikolaos Garmpis, Dimitrios Kyriakou, Theopi Nalbanti, Georgios Iatrakis, Nikolaos Nikolettos, Panagiotis Tsikouras","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.47-53","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2024.36.47-53","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autoimmune diseases encompass a diverse array of disorders that disturb the optimal functioning of the immune system, which is to eliminate the 'foreign or/and dangerous' to mistakenly target the body's own tissues.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this research is to evaluate the most effective approach to managing autoimmune diseases within the framework of pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The exact causes and etiologies of these diseases are multifactorial and mostly still unclear. Ro/SSA autoantibodies and La/SSB, could be found in Sjögren's disease (SJ), systemic lupus (SLE) and other autoimmune disorders. Smoking, stress, UV exposure, vitamin D deficiency, and other genetic and environmental factors have been identified as risk factors for rheumatic diseases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over the years, an ever-increasing incidence of these diseases has been observed in the general population, with the female sex being at increased risk for their occurrence. This fact raises the question of what should be the management of these pathological entities during pregnancy. Taking into account the very significant impact on the quality of paitients'daily life and the seemingly augmented prevalence of autoimmune diseases, as well as their preference in the female population, the reasonable question arises as to what should be the optimal management of these diseases in the context of pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given the limited data of the global medical community regarding the etiological factors and mechanisms that trigger the onset of rheumatic diseases, the management of pregnant women is a complex conundrum that health professionals are challenged to face and solve.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 1","pages":"47-53"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10999136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140864235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reasons for Referring Patients for Determining the Hormonal Status of the Thyroid Gland From the Level of Primary Health Care in Sarajevo Canton.","authors":"Amela Dizdarevic-Bostandzic, Ismana Surkovic, Sefkija Balic, Vanja Karlovic-Beslic","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.14-17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2024.36.14-17","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid dysfunction includes hyper- and hypofunction of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism). The spectrum encompasses both subclinical and clinical disease presentation. The etiology is vast and varied, as are the risk factors and simptoms.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The main aim of the research is to indicate the leading symptom for initial thyroid hormone status evaluation, as well as to identify the distribution of positive and negative test results, and specific disorders according to sex and age groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The research is designed as a retrospective, clinical, descriptive study. There were 500 participants included, 355 female and 145 male. Patients were referred to the Department of endocrinology by their primary care physicians. The data was collected through patient documentation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 500 participants, 71% of diagnostic requests made were for women. 80% of subjects had normal thyroid hormone status, p<0.001. Most requests were made for the 41-60 age group, p<0.001. Women had similar number of positive and negative test outcomes, as well as men. When it comes to the age groups, outcomes were similar in all of them, 15-23% positive and 77-85% negative. There were significant differences in the type of symptom expressed in both men and women, as well as all the age groups. Men reported high blood pressure as the most common symptom (30.3%), while women reported weight gain (22.3%). In the 18-25 and 26-40 age groups most common symptom belongs to the category of other. Age group of 41-60 reported weight gain as the most common symptom, while in participants older than 60, high blood pressure is proven to be the most common. Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder in both men and women, as well as in all age groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It is statistically proven that there were more requests made for women, and older age groups. Leading symptom for initial thyroid hormone status evaluation is high blood pressure. There is no statistically significant difference in distribution of thyroid disorders according to sex or age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 1","pages":"14-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10999135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140862178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Blood-Stream Infections: Causative Agents, Antibiotic Resistance and Associated Factors in Older Patients.","authors":"Hoang-Van Quang, Le-Thi Kim Nhung, Pham-Thi Thanh Thuy, Phan Chau Quyen, Le Bao Huy, Ho Si Dung","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.82-89","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2024.36.82-89","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rate of multi-drug antibiotic resistance in nosocomial bloodstream infections in elderly patients is increasing. This study examined the data for bloodstream infections to gain a better understanding of bacterial antibiotic resistance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective study of 817 patients with the first positive blood culture between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Moyen's age was 77.4 ± 9.8 years, male (52.4%) and SOFA 5.0 ± 4. ESBL(+) rate was 78/817 (9.5%). ESBL(+) rate for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 69/141 (48.9%) and 9/52 (17.3%), respectively. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (17.3%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (13.7%), and Staphylococcus species (23.1%). The rate of septic shock and mortality accounted for 22.3% and 28.9%, respectively. Escherichia coli is highly sensitive to carbapenem, and resistant (>50%) with quinolone and aminoside. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly sensitive to carbapenem. Acinetobacter baumannii was resistant to meropenem (75%). Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was sensitive to quinolone (13.8 %), and highly resistant to remaining antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus had a low resistance rate for vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid. Multivariate analysis showed that the significant factors associated with mortality were age >75; SOFA >7; respiratory infection; intensive care unit treatment and presentation with septic shock.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The mortality rate was still high, especially for antibiotic-resistant agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 1","pages":"82-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10999148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140861401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Role of Ki67 in the Liver of Diabetic Rats.","authors":"Suha Khayri Ababneh, Ali Abu Siyam, Moath Alqaraleh, Futoon Abedrabbu Al-Rawashde, Muna M Abbas, Sokiyna Ababneh, Nihad Al-Othman, Islam Khayri Ababneh, Ahed J Alkhatib","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.250-256","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.250-256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes is not a single disease but rather, it is one aspect of metabolic syndrome. The pathologic aspects of diabetes involve cellular changes that need to be understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The main objective of this study was to explore the role of Ki67 in the liver of diabetic rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study methodology involved the induction of diabetes in rats using Alloxan (120 mg/kg). A total of 20 albino rats were randomly assigned into two groups control group (N=10) and diabetes group (n=10). Diabetic group received the dose of alloxan, while the control group received similar dose of normal saline. Glucose level was monitored daily. After the end of the experiment (one -month period), all animals were terminated. Blood samples were taken to measure biochemical investigations including glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Liver tissue was excised and washed with normal saline and fixed in buffered formalin (10%). Liver tissue was processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin for routine histological examination and also stained by immunohistochemistry for Ki67 biomarker.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed the efficacy of the diabetic model. All biochemical investigations were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared with that of control group (p<0.001). Histological studies showed the existence of morphological alterations in cells and fatty changes in the diabetic group compared with the control group. The expression of Ki67 was significantly higher in the diabetic group compared with that in the control group (p=0.011).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Taken together, diabetes has adverse effects on the spleen from a histological point of view, and from the expression of Ki67.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 4","pages":"250-256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830229/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143443112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Palliative Care Needs and Responses Among Lung Cancer Patients: Insights from a Provincial Hospital in Vietnam.","authors":"An Minh Nguyen, Linh Dieu Ha, Linh Phuong Nguyen, Long Hoang Vo","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.257-267","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.257-267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer remains a global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality rates despite advancements in prevention and treatment. In 2022, cancer was the second leading cause of death worldwide, contributing to approximately 9.7 million deaths and 20 million new cases.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study evaluates the palliative care needs and responses among lung cancer patients, aiming to inform healthcare policies and enhance palliative care delivery in Vietnam.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a provincial hospital from February to October 2024. The study included 204 lung cancer patients aged ≥18 years, capable of providing informed consent and participating in interviews. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire grounded in national palliative care guidelines, assessing eight domains: physical, psychological, informational, daily activities, communication, spiritual care, self-management, and social welfare needs. The tool exhibited excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.74-0.97).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 204 participants, 75% were ≥60 years old, with a male predominance (72.5%) and rural residency (85.3%). Educational attainment was generally low (51% with lower secondary or below), and the majority were farmers (67.2%). Most patients were in advanced disease stages (Stage III: 38.2%; Stage IV: 32.4%). Physical needs, such as breathing difficulty relief (82.3%), and social interaction (86.8%) were predominant. Psychological needs, particularly anxiety reduction, were reported by 74.5%. Notably, 85.3% required clear medical explanations, and 90.2% sought better disease-related communication. While self-management (90.2%) and financial support (90.7%) were the most effectively addressed needs, spiritual care received the least attention, with 66.2% of patients reporting unmet needs and only 37.7% receiving adequate support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings underscore critical gaps in palliative care, especially in spiritual, psychological, and financial support. A holistic, patient-centered approach integrating spiritual care, rehabilitation, and enhanced social support is essential. Improved access to specialized services through telemedicine and outreach programs is vital for rural patients. These results call for policy reform and strengthened healthcare infrastructure to meet the comprehensive needs of lung cancer patients. Future studies should evaluate the long-term outcomes of targeted palliative interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 4","pages":"257-267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143443113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insights Into the Employability of Midwifery Graduates. A Case Study of the International Hellenic University.","authors":"Anatoli Theodoridou, Zoi Koukou, Eleftheria Taousani, Eleni Katsantoni, Angeliki Antonakou","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.36.40-46","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2024.36.40-46","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study examines the employability and career trajectories of International Hellenic University's (IHU) midwifery students who graduated between 2016 to 2021, with a focus on undergraduate curriculum changes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To comprehensively examine the post-graduation journey of recent IHU Midwifery graduates. This includes shedding light on their employment trajectories, satisfaction levels, and the practical application of academic knowledge. Through this exploration, the study seeks to inform educational strategies to ensure alignment with the evolving needs of midwifery professionals in Greece.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Online questionnaires that explored post-graduation experiences, perspectives on the study program, and future plans. The questionnaires consisted of a mix of open and closed-ended questions and were completed by 273 recipients. The study was conducted from May to September 2023, with participant anonymity maintained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: This study revealed differences between graduates of the 'old' and 'new' midwifery undergraduate curriculum. There were notable variations in the perceived impact of the six-month internship on employment. The study also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational experiences, emphasizing the nuanced challenges faced during clinical practice, practical training, and simulation training. Finally, the self-employed professionals and those employed in the public sector expressed higher satisfaction with the alignment of their employment with their undergraduate studies, than their counterparts in the private sector (p=0.038).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study offers valuable insights into job placement, knowledge sufficiency, and the impact of the pandemic on midwifery undergraduate education. These findings can guide tailored strategies for improved education and holistic professional development, ultimately enhancing maternal and neonatal care.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"36 1","pages":"40-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10999145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140873014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}