Abdullah Almaqhawi, Elham Al Hayim, Fatima Ali Al Amer, Sukainah Almuhanna, Nurah Abdullatef Al Khteeb, Shatha Hamed Al Khwajah
{"title":"Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) Among Diabetic Patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Abdullah Almaqhawi, Elham Al Hayim, Fatima Ali Al Amer, Sukainah Almuhanna, Nurah Abdullatef Al Khteeb, Shatha Hamed Al Khwajah","doi":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.256-263","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.256-263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a popular practice among Saudis. CAM refers to drugs and medical procedures that doctors do not typically employ.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study's goal was to determine the prevalence of CAM and the most prevalent form used among patients with diabetes in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study enrolled individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Online questionnaires were employed between March to July 2023 to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, information about diabetes, knowledge and use of CAM, and the different types of herbal supplements used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 386 patients, 54.1% were males, 45.9% were aged between 46 and 60 years old, and 45.9% had heard of CAM. The most popular CAM treatment for diabetes was biologically based, and the most common reason for using CAM was its accessibility (27.1%). The majority (82.1%) of diabetic patients reported using CAM as a treatment. Independent predictors of CAM use were diabetes complications, having heard of CAM, and social media.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CAM use has a high prevalence in the treatment of diabetes. Independent predictors of CAM use were a shorter disease duration, diabetes complications, having heard of CAM, and social media. To avoid negative and unnecessary side effects, patients must be informed about CAM use.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"35 4","pages":"256-263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10875948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139914320","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":"Prothrombotic, Proinflammatory Markers, and Troponin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Might Be a Predictive Factors for Pulmonary Embolism.","authors":"Jasmina Bosnjic","doi":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.264-269","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.264-269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The association between diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is still unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of prothrombotic, proinflammatory markers, and troponin for pulmonary embolism and its complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The retrospective cohort study included 294 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus divided into two groups: (a) the first group with pulmonary embolism (n=165); (b) the control group without pulmonary embolism (n=129). The data were collected from May 2018 to May 2023. In all patients we analyzed: anthropometric parameters, laboratory parameters (troponin, D-dimer, CRP, fibrinogen, uric acid, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides), arterial blood pressure, antiphospholipid antibodies, HOMA-IR index, CT angiography of the pulmonary artery, rate of adverse clinical events in pulmonary embolism (need for inotropic catecholamine support, fibrinolysis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and rate of intrahospital mortality from pulmonary embolism.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Troponin levels were significantly higher in the PE group compared to the non-PE group (p = 0.002). D-dimer, CRP, uric acid, fibrinogen and HOMA- IR were significantly elevated in the PE group compared to the non-PE group (p < 0.001). Patients with pulmonary embolism in T2DM proved to have significantly more in-hospital death within 10 days of hospital admission (p<0.001), compared to patients with T2DM, without pulmonary embolism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prothrombotic, proinflammatory markers, and troponin have good prognostic value for short-term outcomes in PE among patients with T2DM.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"35 4","pages":"264-269"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10875931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139914365","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":"Psychiatric Morbidity Among Older Hospitalized Patients.","authors":"Nerminka Aljukic, Mevludin Hasanovic, Izet Pajevic, Esmina Avdibegovic, Anel Brigic","doi":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.275-279","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.275-279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, life expectancy is increasing, leading to an equal proportion of elderly and young individuals, which carries extensive implications. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the average age at death in 2021 was 77 years, positioning BiH in the middle of the global list of average life expectancy. Current studiesinvestigate whether the prevalence of psychiatric disorders increases or decreases with age, but results are inconsistent regarding the role of age.There is no prior research on mental disorders in the elderly population in BiH. The experience of the previous war in BiH and the post-war complex \"transitional period\" have been associated with specific challenges to the mental health of this population, inspiring our research topic.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the psychiatric morbidity in hospitalized individuals aged≥55 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The sample consisted of all patients over age 55 treated at the Department of Psychiatry in Tuzla between January 2018 and December 2020 (N=637), divided into four age categories. Data were obtained from medical records, and for research purposes, a specific questionnaire was constructed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The predominant psychiatric morbidity stemmed from the category of affective disorders, most common within the \"55-64 years\" age group, while organic mental disorders were more prevalent in other age groups.Substance use disorders were present in patients aged \"55-64 years\", with a sharp decline in their prevalence in older age. Female participants had a significantly higher prevalence of affective, psychotic, neurotic, and stress-related disorders, whereas male participants exhibited an increased prevalence of organic mental and substance use disorders.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In total sample, the most prevalent diagnoses belong to the category of affective disorders. Female were most frequently diagnosed with affective disorders, whereas organic mental disorders and substance use disorders prevail in male.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"35 4","pages":"275-279"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10875944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139914366","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}
Athanasios Pitis, Maria Diamantopoulou, Foteini Tzavella
{"title":"The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic and Social Determinants of Health on the Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence. A Systematic Review.","authors":"Athanasios Pitis, Maria Diamantopoulou, Foteini Tzavella","doi":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.295-303","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.295-303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The pandemic has increased the rates of violent behavior towards women by their partners worldwide. Increased time spent living with the abusive partner, working at home and limited social contact combined with socioeconomic characteristics contributed to the increase in this type of violence.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the impact of pandemic COVID-19 and social determinants of health (SDOH) on the intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women from their partners.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted to investigate the impact of COVID-19 and social determinants of health on violence experienced by women from their partner(s) as a consequence of incarceration. The Pubmed and Scopus databases were searched during December 2022, using the keywords \"intimate partner violence\", \"women\", \"COVID-19\", \"socioeconomic factors\", \"social determinants of health\".</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 917 studies initially retrieved, 38 studies found an increased prevalence of women's reported violence by their partners, 10 found a low prevalence, and 9 found no difference in prevalence before and during restraint. The most common forms of violence were psychological, physical and sexual. In 30 studies, social determinants such as socioeconomic level, education and living conditions were found to be associated with the prevalence of violence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was an increase in violence against women during quarantine which was associated with the effect of social determinants. However, due to research limitations of the studies, additional research is needed to draw firm conclusions that can be generalized to the population.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"35 4","pages":"295-303"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10875957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139914367","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":"Education on Vaccination Competence: an Intensive Course for Skillful Health Science Students.","authors":"Dimitra Perifanou, Eleni Konstantinou, Sari Nyman, Anne Nikula, Aija Ahokas, Joan-Carles Casas-Baroy, Daniela Cavani, Paola Ferri, Paola Galbany-Estragués, Cinzia Gradellini, Kristina Grendova, Michaela Machajova, Montse Romero-Mas, Daniela Mecugni, Xavier Palomar-Aumatell, Janka Prnova, Carme Roure Pujol, Heli Thomander, Evanthia Sakellari","doi":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.312-318","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.312-318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions for public health. Studies have shown that health professionals who have good knowledge and positive attitudes towards vaccination are more likely to provide effective vaccination protection to people, including themselves. Therefore, health science students must acquire evidence-based knowledge during their education to meet the challenges of healthcare.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and feedback of health science students who participated in the Educating Vaccination Competence (EDUVAC) Intensive Course.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A five-day Intensive Course was implemented for health science students, which included a pre-assignment. The EDUVAC Intensive Course used different teaching methods (lectures, workshops, interactive games, discussions), group work, study visits, and cultural programs to encourage students' motivation. For the purpose of the study, students filled out an online questionnaire after giving informed consent.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sample consisted of 31 health science students from five European Higher Institutions. They had very good knowledge on most knowledge questions. In the post measurement it was significantly greater and equal to 81%, p<0.001. Almost all students (93.5%) totally agreed that <i>\"It is important for adults to receive all recommended vaccines according to national guidelines\"</i>. The statement <i>\"I have had an active attitude and participation in the Intensive Course\"</i> received 80.6% total agreement. Over 90.3% rated the Intensive Course as <i>\"excellent\"</i> or \"<i>above average\"</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>After completing the EDUVAC Intensive Course, students felt confident in their vaccination knowledge and skills, which benefited their professional development.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"35 4","pages":"312-318"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10875935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139914361","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":"Internet Addiction in Undergraduate Students of the University of Medicine in Tirana, Albania.","authors":"Enkelejda Shkurti, Diamant Shtiza","doi":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.334-338","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2023.35.334-338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The usage of the internet amid university students and has increased significantly. Internet dependence between university students rises the hazard of adverse mental, somatic, economic concerns.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of our study is to determine the prevalence and aspects related to internet dependence amid university students in the University of Medicine in Tirana, Albania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was held in June-August 2022 at University of Medicine in Tirana, Albania. By using Internet Addiction Test (IAT) we collected data on respondents' social-demographic features, internet use rehearsals, observed mental status and interactive bond of participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 405 students who delivered their whole reply, we found that the prevalence of Internet Dependence is 109(27.65%).Regarding the gender the majority of the participants were females 275 (67.91%). Prior to the field of study the nursing students involved the larger part of the respondents 177 (43.7%). 234 (57.77%) of the students reported to have a middle economic status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Almost twenty eight percent of medical university students in Albania depend on the internet. Internet dependence is correlated with applying the internet at the university, using more time on the internet per day, and spending the internet for social media. More surveys are required to regulate the load of psychological issues related to internet dependence in high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"35 4","pages":"334-338"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10875949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139914364","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}
Khalid Nasralla, Sumeya A Khieri, Abdelilah Kunna, Zaheera Saadia, Ali Osman Ali, Mohamed Alkhatim Alsammani
{"title":"The Relationship Between the Weight of the Placenta, Body Mass Index and Fetal Birth Weight Among Sudanese Women.","authors":"Khalid Nasralla, Sumeya A Khieri, Abdelilah Kunna, Zaheera Saadia, Ali Osman Ali, Mohamed Alkhatim Alsammani","doi":"10.5455/msm.2020.32.196-199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2020.32.196-199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Accurate estimation of fetal birth weight is essential for the management of labor and delivery. The predictability of fetal weighs by clinical assessment and ultrasound is limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aimed to evaluate the association between fetal birth weight and placental weight and other demographic characteristics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>a total of 369 live born of a singleton term pregnancies (37 to 42 weeks gestations) were included in the study. Immediately after delivery, the placenta was weighed with cord and membranes. A linear regression was used to examine the effect of placental weight and other variables on fetal birth weight.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean of birth weight was 3122.5±477.8 grams. Placenta weight had a mean of 556.92±112.488 grams. The mean gestational age was 39.0543±.89642 weeks. The association between the placental weight and the birth weight was significant, and we found that for each gram increase in placental weight, birth weight is increased by 2.848g (SE = 0.178, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a significant association between placental weight and fetal birth weight, and we found that for each kg increase in maternal weight, birth weight is increased by 17.018 g (SE = 5.281, p =0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Placenta weight and BMI are independent predictors of fetal birth weight.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"32 3","pages":"196-199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11027961/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140875131","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}