Predictors of perceived unsupportive behaviours by spouses in women with breast cancer

Background: Unsupportive responses from relatives and spouses play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of breast cancer patients and their spouses, about whom little is known about them and their unsupportive responses predictors. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of perceived spouse unsupportive behaviours in women with breast cancer and their spouses. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional study, in which 220 couples, including women with breast cancer and their spouses, participated in random samples in chemotherapy and cancer hospitals in Iran in 2020. In the present study, data was collected using a demographic checklist and the Unsupportive Partner Behaviour scale. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA, independent t-Test, Hochberg post-hoc test and Chi-square test were used for group comparison. Univariate and multivariate linear regression methods were also used to assess the effect size. Results: Predictors of perceived unsupportive behaviours in women were: number of children (p = 0.047), life with relatives (p = 0.051), residence in suburbs (p = 0.006), marital status (p = 0.001), education and occupation of the spouse (p = 0.026), going to the hospital alone (p = 0.001), type of treatment received (p = 0.242), duration of diagnosis (p = 0.018) and type of residence (p = 0.051). Moreover, predictors of perceived unsupportive behaviours in men included: education and occupation of men (p = 0.035) and women (p = 0.050), type of treatment received (p = 0.050), employment of women (p = 0.030) and men (p = 0.009), residence in suburbs (p = 0.014), marital status (p = 0.019) and going to the hospital alone (p = 0.006). Conclusions: The variety of socio-economic, demographic and therapeutic factors were shown to be predictors of perceived unsupportive behaviours by spouses with breast cancer that can be modified by healthcare professionals in order to increase a couple’s mutual support

Combination Influence of Humic Acid and Chelated Iron on yield and quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L) in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

This study was conducted during winter season of 2020, at Murtka farm, Qushtapa, Erbil with GPS reading of (latitude 36. 068 880 N, longitude 44. 031 990 E) and elevation 413. m.a.s.l. to study the role of 5 levels of humic acid( 0, 15 ,30,45 and 60 Mg ha-1 ), five levels of chelated iron (0, 4, 8, 12 and16 Mg ha-1) and their combinations o yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L).The results indicated significant effect of humic acid and combination between humic acid and chelated iron on broccoli yield, the highest yield values of yield and 21.20 and 22.53 Mg ha-1 were recorded from application of 60Mg ha-1 humic acid and combination treatment of HA4-Fe3 or adding of 60 Mg ha-1 humic acid with 12 Mg ha-1 chelated iron respectively, while the lowest values 15.28 and 15.08 Mg ha-1 were obtained from HA0 and HA0-Fe0 respectively. The highest protein, potassium, phosphorus and Fe (30.25% ,4.10 g 100g-1 ,0.45 g 100 g-1 and 253 mg kg-1 head) were recorded from combination treatments of HA3-Fe2, HA4-Fe2, HA4-Fe2 and HA1-Fe4 respectively, while their lowest were obtained from control. The combination between humic acid and chelated iron (Fe-EDDHA) caused 1.71,2.37 ,1.60, 2.01 ,1.71 and1.49 times increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron protein content and broccoli yield respectively

Validation of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF): A pilot study

Fieldwork education is an integral part of the educational process in occupational therapy and assessing student competency at the end of fieldwork is important. The aim of this study was to design and conduct an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) for occupational therapy students on Level II fieldwork in Iran. A seven-station OSCE was designed and conducted with 13 students. Face and content validity of the exam scenarios and grading checklists was assessed via faculty review. The correlation between scores from each station and total OSCE scores were obtained to assess construct validity. Inter-rater reliability between two independent examiners at each OSCE station was determined. The participants’ (including both students and examiners) reactions to and learning from the exam was assessed using a self-report questionnaire that included participants\u27 attitudes, satisfaction, and emotional response to the OSCE. Finally, a focus group of 12 examiners was conducted to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the exam. It was ascertained that the OSCE had good and acceptable face, content, and construct validity as well as inter-examiner reliability. All students reported that the exam was stressful, and most students (n=8, 61%) and examiners (n=5, 42%) reported there was not enough time for each station. Strength and weaknesses of the exam as related to the exam condition, exam content, students, and examiners were reported. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results, in order to use OSCE as a method of evaluating occupational therapy students, some changes should be applied

Predicting Students’ School Engagement Based on Communication Skills, Self-restraint, Perceived Parenting Style, and Sensory Processing

Background and Aims Passion generally refers to the stimuli that shape a certain pattern of behavior. It can affects all aspects of a person’s life, including education and academic success. The present study aims to assess the predictability of school engagement based on communication skills, self-restraint, perceived parenting style, and sensory processing.Methods This is a descriptive-analytical study using the structural equation modeling (SEM).The study population consists of all secondary school students in Tehran (district 6). Sampling was done using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Using Cochran’s formula, the minimum sample size was obtained 385. Data collection tools were Baumrind’s parenting styles questionnaire, communication skills test-revised (CSTR), self-restraint scale, adolescent/adult sensory profile, and School Engagement Measure. To evaluate the SEM model, the significance level and path coefficients were investigated using the bootstrap method (re-sampling and sequential) and student’s t-test. Results Of 385 participants, 199 were girls (51.7%) and 186 were boys (48.3%), mostly aged 16 years (47.8%). Their mean age was 17.1±0.84 years. Results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2), Stone-Geisser’s Q2, and path coefficients were positive in all variables. The R2 value was 0.71, indicating that the independent variables together could predict 71% of school engagement.Conclusion Communication skills, self-restraint, perceived parenting style, and sensory processing are predictors of school engagement in students. Among these variables, communication skills have the highest effect

Emergency medical technicians occupational stress scale: development and validation

INTRODUCTION: Several stress factors are experienced by emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the identification and management of which may be a major challenge due to the lack of valid and reliable instruments. This study aimed to develop a relevant and easy-to-use occupational stress scale (OSS) for EMTs with adequate psychometric properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mixed method with an exploratory sequential design was used in this research. Items were generated based on the existing literature and a qualitative study, followed by testing the content and face validity of the items. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was done with a random sample of 247 EMTs. Also, internal consistency and stability reliability were investigated. RESULTS: From the initial 74 items, 20 with content validity ratio and content validity index were removed. In EFA, the item set resolved to a 50-item scale in the six dimensions include: Patient and family conditions, Environmental and occupational conditions, Traumatic consequences, Supportive management problems, Lack of support, and Interpersonal and individual tension. Cronbach's alpha and Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) showed excellent reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The OSS-EMT represents a psychometrically derived instrument that identified important stressors for EMTs., and is probably among the first studies in Iran. While explaining the methodology precisely, this study evaluated the validity and reliability of the OSS in EMTs based on principles of survey instrument development and validation

Perceived spouse unsupportive behaviors in women with breast cancer and their spouses

Introduction. Unsupportive responses from relatives, particularly spouses, play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of breast cancer patients and their spouses. Failure to meet the physical and psychological needs of breast cancer patients and their spouses can lead to anxiety, depression, and numerous marital problems. The aim of this study was designed to describe perceived spouse unsupportive behaviors in women with breast cancer and their spouses. Material and methods. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 220 women with breast cancer along with their husbands participated in this study through random sampling. In the present study, data collection was performed using a demographic information checklist and a questionnaire. Results. The mean perceived women’s unsupportive behavior (20.73 ± 8.44) was higher than that of men’s (18.80 ± 5.83), which was statistically significant (P = 0.003). The mean score of perceived women’s unsupportive behavior in the categories of marital status, companion, place of residence, men’s and women’s occupation, and the type of residential house, and the mean score of perceived men’s unsupportive behavior in the category of current treatment were different. Conclusions. Women perceive their spouses’ behaviors as less supportive than their spouses’ perceptions of women’s behavior, which highlights the need for husbands to be more attentive to the impact of their behavior on their wives. Furthermore, talking with each other about problems is the most imperative factor in perceiving support by couples; accordingly, it can be concluded that couples who are reluctant to talk to each other concerning the problem perceive less mutual support

Socioeconomic, livelihood and cultural profile of the Meghna River Hilsa Fishing Community in Chandpur, Bangladesh

The goal of the study was to build a comprehensive portrait of the socioeconomic, livelihood, and cultural profile of the Meghna River fishing community in Chandpur, Bangladesh. Shatnol Malopara, an ecologically and economically suitable fishing community under the Matlab Uttor Upazila of Chandpur district, was selected for the in-depth investigation, where 410 fishermen relied solely on fishing for their livelihood. This community is made up of 185 households, supporting close to 1000 people. They are all Hindus, and fishing was their ancestral profession. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The research revealed that the majority (35%) of fishermen were in the 18-30 age range. The community preferred nuclear families (98%), and the average family size was 5-8 individuals, which is predominant at 80%. About 60% of households lived in tiny tin shades and 40% in medium tin shades, while 60% did not have their own land. They (80%) rely on solar energy for illumination and for health facilities 50% of fisher households depend on the local pharmacy to take medication. Almost 100% of the residents in this community used potable drinking water, and 50% of fishers have ring slab latrines while the other 50% have pits. According to the survey, 60% of fishermen were very poor, 20% were poor, and 20% were moderately poor. Based on the survey, the majority (70%) of the fishermen earned between the ranges of 3000-5000 BDT (Bangladesh Taka) per month. During the ban period, the majority of fishers (50%) took out loans from various sources. Non-governmental organizations that operate microcredit businesses provided 70% of the loans to fishermen. According to the survey, 32% of fishermen had a boat and gear, while 68% worked as labor or engaged in catch-sharing with Mohajons' boats and gear. A range of crafts (Dingi nouka, Kosa nouka with mechanization) and fishing gear (Kona jal, Gulti jal, Dhon jal, Chap jal, Bada jal, Current jal, Chewa jal, etc.) was observed to be used in the study area. They have a plethora of traditional ecological knowledge as a result of their fishing ancestors. The study revealed that hilsa fishermen had a variety of issues. Extortion by local extortionists was the principal concern; other issues included inadequate credit and alternative income sources during the ban period. To assist the community in raising its standard of living, government agencies, nonprofits, and other relevant groups of organizations should adopt a number of steps. It is imperative to prioritize alternative income-generating options in this context

Risk of Nosocomial Transmission of Nipah Virus in a Bangladesh Hospital

We conducted a seroprevalence study and exposure survey of healthcare workers to assess the risk of nosocomial transmission of Nipah virus during an outbreak in Bangladesh in 2004. No evidence of recent Nipah virus infection was detected despite substantial exposures and minimal use of personal protective equipmen

Randomised controlled trial of topical corticosteroid and home?based narrowband UVB for active and limited vitiligo: results of the HI?Light Vitiligo trial

BackgroundEvidence for the effectiveness of vitiligo treatments is limited.ObjectivesTo determine effectiveness of (a) hand‐held narrowband‐UVB (NB‐UVB) and (b) combination of potent topical corticosteroid (TCS) and NB‐UVB compared to TCS, for localised vitiligo.MethodsPragmatic, 3‐arm, placebo‐controlled RCT (9 months’ treatment; 12 months’ follow‐up). Adults and children, recruited from secondary care and community, aged ≥5 years with active vitiligo affecting 75% expected were more likely to achieve treatment success, but effects were lost once treatment stopped. Localised grade 3 or 4 erythema was reported in 62 (12%) participants (including 3 with dummy light). Skin thinning was reported in 13 (2.5%) participants (including 1 with placebo ointment).ConclusionCombination treatment with home‐based hand‐held NB‐UVB plus TCS is likely to be superior to TCS alone for treatment of localised vitiligo. Combination treatment was relatively safe and well tolerated but was only successful in around a quarter of participants

An economic evaluation of the randomized controlled trial of topical corticosteroid and home-based narrowband ultraviolet B for active and limited vitiligo (the HI-Light Vitiligo Trial)

Background: Economic evidence for vitiligo treatments is absent. Objectives: To determine the cost-effectiveness of (i) handheld narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and (ii) a combination of topical corticosteroid (TCS) and NB-UVB compared with TCS alone for localized vitiligo. Methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a pragmatic, three-arm, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial with 9 months’ treatment. In total 517 adults and children (aged ≥ 5 years) with active vitiligo affecting < 10% of skin were recruited from secondary care and the community and were randomized 1: 1: 1 to receive TCS, NB-UVB or both. Cost per successful treatment (measured on the Vitiligo Noticeability Scale) was estimated. Secondary cost–utility analyses measured quality-adjusted life-years using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels for those aged ≥ 11 years and the Child Health Utility 9D for those aged 5 to < 18 years. The trial was registered with number ISRCTN17160087 on 8 January 2015. Results: The mean ± SD cost per participant was £775 ± 83·7 for NB-UVB, £813 ± 111.4 for combination treatment and £600 ± 96·2 for TCS. In analyses adjusted for age and target patch location, the incremental difference in cost for combination treatment compared with TCS was £211 (95% confidence interval 188–235), corresponding to a risk difference of 10·9% (number needed to treat = 9). The incremental cost was £1932 per successful treatment. The incremental difference in cost for NB-UVB compared with TCS was £173 (95% confidence interval 151–196), with a risk difference of 5·2% (number needed to treat = 19). The incremental cost was £3336 per successful treatment. Conclusions: Combination treatment, compared with TCS alone, has a lower incremental cost per additional successful treatment than NB-UVB only. Combination treatment would be considered cost-effective if decision makers are willing to pay £1932 per additional treatment success