Top 100 #PCOS influencers:Understanding who, why and how online content for PCOS is influenced

BackgroundWith the exponential increase in digital space of social media platforms, a new group called social media influencers are driving online content of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which eventually influences behaviour and decision-making process. The objective of this study was to identify the top 100 social media (Twitter) influencers and organizations from across the globe who are advocating for PCOS. We further explored the origin and journey of these social media influencers.MethodsWe identified the top 100 PCOS influencers and organizations between July and August 2022 using three social network analysis tools- Cronycle, Symplur and SocioViz. These influencers were invited to a semi-structured interview to explore why they chose to become an influencer and the support they have to deliver their online content. Two independent authors coded the anonymised transcripts from these interviews and broad themes were identified by thematic inductive analysis.Results95.0% of individual influencers and 80% of organisations are from high-income countries. Most influencers in our study agree that social media is an essential tool in the present day to raise awareness of PCOS. However, they reiterated social media also has significant disadvantages that require consideration and caution. Most influencers were driven by poor personal experience and worked voluntarily to reduce misinformation and improve the experiences of women diagnosed with PCOS in the future. Although there is an interest in working together, there is currently minimal collaborative work between influencers.ConclusionThere is a global inequity of #PCOS influencers online. Establishing standards and support based on evidence may help develop more influencers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, so we can counter misinformation and provide locally acceptable guidance.</jats:sec

A SIMBA CoMICs Initiative to Cocreating and Disseminating Evidence-Based, Peer-Reviewed Short Videos on Social Media:Mixed Methods Prospective Study

BACKGROUND: Social media is a powerful platform for disseminating health information, yet it is often riddled with misinformation. Further, few guidelines exist for producing reliable, peer-reviewed content. This study describes a framework for creating and disseminating evidence-based videos on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid conditions to improve health literacy and tackle misinformation.OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the creation, dissemination, and impact of evidence-based, peer-reviewed short videos on PCOS and thyroid disorders across social media. It also explores the experiences of content creators and assesses audience engagement.METHODS: This mixed methods prospective study was conducted between December 2022 and May 2023 and comprised five phases: (1) script generation, (2) video creation, (3) cross-platform publication, (4) process evaluation, and (5) impact evaluation. The SIMBA-CoMICs (Simulation via Instant Messaging for Bedside Application-Combined Medical Information Cines) initiative provides a structured process where medical concepts are simplified and converted to visually engaging videos. The initiative recruited medical students interested in making visually appealing and scientifically accurate videos for social media. The students were then guided to create video scripts based on frequently searched PCOS- and thyroid-related topics. Once experts confirmed the accuracy of the scripts, the medical students produced the videos. The videos were checked by clinical experts and experts with lived experience to ensure clarity and engagement. The SIMBA-CoMICs team then guided the students in editing these videos to fit platform requirements before posting them on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Engagement metrics were tracked over 2 months. Content creators were interviewed, and thematic analysis was performed to explore their experiences.RESULTS: The 20 videos received 718 likes, 120 shares, and 54,686 views across all platforms, with TikTok (19,458 views) and Twitter (19,678 views) being the most popular. Engagement increased significantly, with follower growth ranging from 5% on Twitter to 89% on TikTok. Thematic analysis of interviews with 8 out of 38 participants revealed 4 key themes: views on social media, advice for using social media, reasons for participating, and reflections on the project. Content creators highlighted the advantages of social media, such as large outreach (12 references), convenience (10 references), and accessibility to opportunities (7 references). Participants appreciated the nonrestrictive participation criteria, convenience (8 references), and the ability to record from home using prewritten scripts (6 references). Further recommendations to improve the content creation experience included awareness of audience demographics (9 references), sharing content on multiple platforms (5 references), and collaborating with organizations (3 references).CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the SIMBA CoMICs initiative in training medical students to create accurate medical information on PCOS and thyroid disorders for social media dissemination. The model offers a scalable solution to combat misinformation and improve health literacy.</p

An exploratory study on prevalence of self-medication among the students of selected university, Rajpura, Punjab

Background: Self-medication is defined as the use of non-prescription drugs by an individual for the treatment of self-diagnosed ailments. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of self-medication and to explore the factors leading to self-medication among the students of selected university. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of self-medication among students, to explore the factors leading to self-medication among students, and to find out the association between the prevalence of self-medication and selected socio-demographic variables.Methods: It was an exploratory design. 500 students were selected by using a convenient sampling method. Students of selected university were included in the study to assist the prevalence of self-medication and to explore the factors leading to self-medication. A self- structured questionnaire was used for collecting data.Result: Self-medication was reported by 88.4% of students. The most common ailment for which self-medication is being taken was pain (84.40%) followed by respiratory (83.80%). Most students take self-medication occasionally (77.30%). Only 5.40% of students take self-medication daily. The most common factor which leads to self-medication in students was confidence in self-medication (83.4%) followed by family and friend’s advice (82.0%). There was no association between socio-demographic variables and the prevalence of self-medication except association seen with gender.Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of self-medication in students of selected university was 88.4% and self-confidence is the most common factor which leads to self-medication. Self-medication is an important issue among students

Architectural framework and register-transfer level design synthesis for cost-effective smart eyewear

In today’s time more than 70% of the world’s population suffer from eye disnormalities leading to the usage of eyewear or spectacles. Integrating profound technologies with daily utilities could serve some of the issues improving and optimizing our lifestyle to the most. One such way is to infuse nanosized chip in eyewear i.e., powered spectacles or shades to detect the location of the spectacles whenever it is necessary. The nanosized chip proposed has features including self-designed Bluetooth operating digital circuit, timer logic, clock generation using astable multivibrator circuit, emergency button, beep alarm and impact sensor. The values of resistance and capacitace is calculated to be 18 K ohm and 47 uF to obtain 1 Hz frequency. An optimal pin placement arrangement is analyzed, and the timing waveform is simulated using Verilog as proof of logical working of the chip. 13 D flipflops have been calculated to refrain from eye related strains. This paper suggests a bottom-up approach and develops the architectural framework of the chip, its working flow, system on chip top-view, digital logic description of each block and its implementation using Verilog hardware description language (HDL). The complexity and computational cost of the designed chip is minimal thus being commercially viable

Is there a difference in clinical skills gained between healthcare professionals of high- and low and middle-income countries with online simulation-based learning?

Background: Healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with those in high-income countries (HICs) face unequal clinical learning opportunities, caused by barriers such as cost, time, and accessibility. Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) overcomes these barriers, acting as a free virtual simulation-based model which supports clinicians’ professional development. The study compared the impact of SIMBA in LMICs and HICs. Method: Sixteen SIMBA sessions were conducted between May 2020 and October 2021. Participants solved anonymised real-life clinical scenarios by interacting with moderators over WhatsApp. Participants completed pre- and post- SIMBA surveys; responses were grouped into HICs and LMICs using the 2022 World Bank Report. Participants’ performance, perceptions, and improvements in core competencies were compared using the Chi-square test. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions was also performed. Findings: 462 participants (29.7% from LMICs, n137) completed both the pre- and postSIMBA surveys. Participants from HICs showed better knowledge on patient management (p=.01), whereas participants from LMICs reported higher improvement in professionalism (p=.02). Both groups reported similar gains in patient care (p=.28), systems-based practice (p=.052), practice-based learning (p=.15), communication skills (p=.22), application to practice (p=.266), engagement (p=.197), and overall quality of the session (p=.101). In thematic analysis, strengths of SIMBA included providing individualised, structured, and engaging sessions. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals from both LMICs and HICs improved in their competencies, illustrating that SIMBA produces equivalent teaching experiences. Furthermore, SIMBA’s virtual nature enables international accessibility and potential for global scalability. This model could steer future standardised education policy development in LMICs

DEKODE—A cloud-based performance feedback model improved DKA care across multiple hospitals in the UK

AimA current gap in Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) research is understanding the factors contributing to variations in care and outcomes between people admitted with DKA. We aimed to create a system to facilitate gathering data on DKA management across multiple centres and identify trends in complications and outcomes associated with DKA.Research Design and MethodsBetween January 2020 and December 2022, we set up a cloud-based Quality improvement project (QIP) that provided regular feedback to 11 hospitals in the United Kingdom (UK).ResultsOf the 1977 episodes, we observed an increase in adherence in fluid prescription in hospitals C, D, E, F and G (C- 23% vs. 75% p = &lt;0.001; D- 27% vs. 60%, p = &lt;0.001; E- 17 vs. 79% p = &lt;0.001; F- 16% vs. 57%, p = &lt;0.001; G- 36% vs. 75% p = &lt;0.001). Notable improvements in adherence to glucose monitoring were observed in hospitals B, D, and G (B- 11 vs. 38% p = &lt;0.001; D- 36% vs. 56%, p = 0.05; G- 22% vs. 67% p = &lt;0.001). Although we didn't observe significant changes in complications and outcomes among participating hospitals from the start to the end of the reported period, notable fluctuations were evident across quarters. These variations were relayed to the respective hospitals, underscoring how feedback and interventions could influence the care provided. This initiative also marks the initial move towards establishing and improving data collection practices in acute diabetes.ConclusionsWe demonstrate a sustainable QIP that improves adherence to national guidelines in some indicators for DKA care and serves as an early warning system to identify adverse trends

Similar Events but Contrasting Impact: Appraising the Global Digital Reach of World Heart Day and Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

Background: With over 18.6 million deaths annually, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. One such complication of CVDs that can result in stroke is atrial fibrillation (Afib). As part of global outreach and awareness, World Heart Day and Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month are celebrated annually on 29 September and the month of September, respectively. Both of these events are important cardiovascular awareness initiatives to assist public education and develop awareness strategies, and they have received considerable support from leading international organizations. Objective: We studied the global digital impact of these campaigns via Google Trends and Twitter. Methods: We evaluated the overall number of tweets, impressions, popularity and top keywords/hashtags, and interest by region to determine the digital impact using various analytical tools. Hashtag network analysis was done using ForceAtlas2 model. Beyond social media, Google Trends web search analysis was carried out for both awareness campaigns to examine ‘interest by region’ over the past five years by analyzing relative search volume. Results: #WorldHeartDay and #UseHeart (dedicated social media hashtags for World Heart Day by the World Heart Federation) alone amassed over 1.005 billion and 41.89 million impressions as compared with the 1.62 million and 4.42 million impressions of #AfibMonth and #AfibAwarenessMonth, respectively. On Google Trends web search analysis, the impact of Afib awareness month was limited to the USA, but World Heart Day had a comparatively global reach with limited digital involvement in the African continent. Conclusions: World Heart Day and Afib awareness month present a compelling case study of vast digital impact and the effectiveness of targeted campaigning using specific themes and keywords. Though the efforts of the backing organizations are commended, planning and collaboration are needed to further widen the reach of Afib awareness month

Assessment of the quality, content, and reliability of YouTube® videos on diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome:a systematic review with cross-sectional analysis comparing peer-reviewed videos

YouTube® is one of the leading platforms for health information. However, the lack of regulation of content and quality raises concerns about accuracy and reliability. CoMICs (Concise Medical Information Cines) are evidence-based short videos created by medical students and junior doctors and reviewed by experts to ensure clinical accuracy. We performed a systematic review to understand the impact of videos on knowledge and awareness about diabetes and PCOS. We then evaluated the quality of YouTube® videos about diabetes and PCOS using various validated quality assessment tools and compared these with CoMICs videos on the same topics. Quality assessment tools like DISCERN, JAMA benchmark criteria, and global quality scale (GQS) score were employed. Some of the authors of this study also co-authored the creation of some of the CoMICs evaluated. Our study revealed that while videos effectively improve understanding of diabetes and PCOS, there are notable differences in quality and reliability of the videos on YouTube®. For diabetes, CoMICs videos had higher DISCERN scores (CoMICs vs YouTube®: 2.4 vs 1.6), superior reliability (P &lt; 0.01), and treatment quality (P &lt; 0.01) and met JAMA criteria for authorship (100% vs 30.6%) and currency (100% vs 53.1%). For PCOS, CoMICs had higher DISCERN scores (2.9 vs 1.9), reliability (P &lt; 0.01), and treatment quality (P &lt; 0.01); met JAMA criteria for authorship (100% vs 34.0%) and currency (100% vs 54.0%); and had higher GQS scores (4.0 vs 3.0). In conclusion, CoMICs outperformed other similar sources on YouTube® in providing reliable evidence-based medical information which may be used for patient education.</p

Reducing the Gap in Knowledge and Expectations between Clinicians and People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Adrenal Conditions:Simulation via Instant Messaging—Birmingham Advance: Patient and Public Involvement (SIMBA-PPI) Study

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of SIMBA as an educational intervention for both HCPs and people with either PCOS or adrenal conditions and to study the change in knowledge of people with PCOS or adrenal conditions about the conditions and expectations from the HCPs involved in their care following SIMBA-PPI sessions. Methods: Two SIMBA-PPI sessions (SIMBA-PPI Polycystic ovary syndrome (SIMBA-PCOS) and SIMBA-PPI Adrenal conditions (SIMBA-Adrenal conditions)) were conducted in September 2021 and March 2022. In both sessions, HCPs interacted with moderators on patient management through WhatsApp. Patients with respective conditions underwent workshop-style learning in the same cases. SIMBA-PCOS transcripts were also translated into Brazilian Portuguese and workshops were held in both Brazilian Portuguese and English. The two groups (HCPs and patients) were then brought together to discuss exploring gaps in knowledge and expectations. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test compared differences in pre- and post-SIMBA self-reported confidence levels in HCPs and patients. Qualitative data from the online recordings were transcribed and analysed with inductive thematic analysis to identify gaps in knowledge and expectations from managing the cases. Results: 48 HCPs and 25 patients participated in our study. When compared to pre-SIMBA confidence levels, SIMBA-PPI sessions effectively improved clinicians’ confidence in managing PCOS (40.5%, p &lt; .001) and adrenal conditions (23.0%, p &lt; .001) post-SIMBA. Patient participants’ confidence in HCPs significantly increased in the PCOS session (SIMBA-PCOS: 6.25%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Integration of PPI into SIMBA improved HCPs' confidence in managing PCOS and adrenal conditions. SIMBA-PPI also improved patients’ confidence in HCPs. Our findings suggest that participating in SIMBA-PPI sessions can reduce the gap in knowledge and expectations between patients and HCPs involved in their care