‘Google this, google that’ : Nursing Students' Perspective on Virtual Studies in JAMK University of Applied Sciences

The study was conducted in order to produce information about nursing students’ experiences with virtual education with the aim of enabling teachers to better take into account the students’ perspective when creating virtual courses. The study was commissioned by the School of Health and Social Studies in JAMK University of Applied Sciences. The study was qualitative. It was conducted as an oral focus group interview. There were three participants all of whom were 2nd or 3rd year nursing students studying in English, each of whom had considerable experience with virtual courses. The interview was recorded, transcribed, classified and analysed. Seven phenomena arose from the data: teacher support, virtual work environment, virtual study module structure, virtual study module content, ethics in virtual studies, professional development as well as structure of nursing studies. While the students’ experiences with web-based courses have been mostly unsatisfactory, there have been positive events. The main development recommendations are to introduce Problem Based Learning into virtual courses, education about virtual studying should be provided, introductions to virtual courses should be arranged in the form of contact meetings, additional support for students should be provided as well as the virtual work environment should be improved.Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli tuottaa tietoa sairaanhoitajaopiskelijoiden kokemuksista virtuaaliopetuksesta. Taivoitteena oli auttaa opettajia ottamaan paremmin huomioon opiskelijoiden näkökulma verkkokurssien suunittelussa. Tutkimuksen toimeksiantaja oli Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulun hyvinvointilaitos. Tutkimus oli kvalitatiivinen. Se suoritettiin suullisena ryhmähaastatteluna. Haastateltavia oli kolme. Kaikki olivat joko toisen tai kolmannen vuoden englanninkielisen linjan sairaanhoitajaopiskelijoita. Jokaisella heistä oli huomattavasti kokemusta virtuaalikursseista. Haastattelu nauhoitettiin, litteroitiin, luokiteltiin ja analysoitiin. Seuraavat seitsemän ilmiötä oli havaittavissa tutkimustuloksista: opettajan tuki, verkko-oppimisymparistö, verkko-opintojakson rakenne, verkko-opintojakson sisältö, virtuaaliopintojen etiikka, ammattitaidon kehittyminen sekä sairaanhoitajaopintojen rakenne. Vaikka opiskeljoiden kokemukset verkkokursseista olivat enimmäkseen negatiivisia, löytyi niistä hyvääkin. Tärkeimmät viisi kehittämisehdotusta tutkimuksen perusteella olivat: PBL-opintoja pitäisi sisällyttää virtuaalikursseihin, opiskelijoille olisi hyvä järjestää opetusta virtuaaliopiskelemisesta, virtuaalikurssehin saisi sisältyä opastusta kontaktiopetuksena jokaisen kurssin alussa, opiskelijoille pitaisi järjestää lisää tukea sekä verkko-oppimisympäristöä tulisi kehittää

Risk of glaucoma after vitreoretinal surgery - Findings from a population-based cohort study

Purpose To investigate the association between different types of vitrectomy and risk of different types of glaucoma and to determine the effect of systemic medication and diabetes status on this risk. Methods A population-based nested case-control study included individuals of age >= 18 years who had undergone single vitrectomy, vitrectomy with retinal procedure, or combined phaco-vitrectomy between 2001 and 2010. End of follow-up was 2017. Odds ratio (OR) for the development of glaucoma after different types of vitrectomy and 95% confidence interval (CI) were based on conditional logistic regression models. For every glaucoma case, five controls were matched by age, sex, start of follow-up year, and hospital district. Results The cohort (n = 37 687), of which 52.8% was female, consisted of 6552 individuals diagnosed with glaucoma and 31 135 controls matched by age, sex, and hospital district. Vitrectomy was performed on 103 eyes in the glaucoma group and 158 eyes in the control group. As regards the risk of any glaucoma, the risk was lowest in eyes that underwent combined phaco-vitrectomy (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8-4.1), followed by single vitrectomy (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 2.1-4.8), and highest in eyes that underwent vitrectomy with retinal procedure (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.7-7.4). Diabetes had no effect (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-1.01), but 5-year systemic statin use slightly decreased glaucoma risk (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97). Conclusions Vitreoretinal surgery was associated with an increased glaucoma risk; the risk being related to the complexity of vitrectomy. Long-term systemic statin therapy may decrease glaucoma risk, while diabetes had no association.Peer reviewe

Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic : changes over time and the effect of socioeconomic status

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic strongly affected mental health, increasing the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress worldwide. Previous research has shown that low education and low income can negatively impact mental health. During the pandemic, the population of Switzerland had to change their daily lives, which might have influenced their mental health. Aims of the study: We used longitudinal data on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic to (a) assess psychological distress in the adult general population, (b) investigate changes in psychological distress during the pandemic, and (c) evaluate the association of income and education with psychological distress. Methods: Participants were recruited between January and May 2021 using a random sampling method, provided by the Federal Office of Statistics, from the adult general population in the canton of Lucerne (age ≥20 years, n = 5092). Sociodemographic data were collected with a baseline questionnaire. Mental health data were collected via monthly digital follow-up surveys using the validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21, three subscales with five categories from “normal” to “extremely severe”) to assess psychological distress. We used descriptive statistics to measure psychological distress and a one-way repeated measures ANOVA to test for the differences between the mean depression, anxiety, and stress scores over time. We used multilevel ordered logistic regression models to assess the association of income and education with psychological distress, adjusting for sex, age, nationality, employment, and previous Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, as these factors are known to influence psychological distress and socioeconomic position within countries. Results: In total, 953 (83%) individuals completed at least one digital follow-up survey (mean age = 57 years, range: 20–91). Most had achieved secondary education (95%) and had a monthly household income of 6001–12,000 Swiss Francs (41%). The majority (>80%) of the population reported “normal” depression, anxiety, and stress levels according to the DASS-21. We found no significant change in any of the subscales over time. Compared to those with middle household incomes, people with low household incomes reported higher anxiety levels (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.11, p = 0.041). People with a tertiary education reported lower anxiety levels than those with a secondary education (OR = 0.39, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Most participants reported normal levels of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic from February to November 2021. People with lower education levels and low incomes were more vulnerable to anxiety and should be considered in mental health campaigns

Worries and anxiety in parents of adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study-Parents.

OBJECTIVE Having a child diagnosed with cancer is distressing for parents. We aimed to compare worries and anxiety in parents of adult childhood cancer survivors with parents of the Swiss general population (GP-parents), and to evaluate characteristics associated with worry in parents of survivors. METHODS We conducted a nationwide, population-based study in parents of survivors (survivors aged ≥20 years at study, ≤16 years at diagnosis, >5 years post diagnosis) and GP-parents (≥1 child aged ≥20 years at study). We used the Worry and Anxiety Questionnaire (WAQ), and computed the WAQ total score (worries; possible range 0-80) and caseness for generalized anxiety disorder (anxiety), cognitive, somatic, and any criteria. We used multilevel, multivariable linear regression to identify characteristics associated with worries in parents of survivors. RESULTS We included 787 parents of 513 survivors (41.0% fathers) and 478 GP-parents (42.3% fathers). Parents of survivors and GP-parents did not differ regarding worries (16.6 vs. 17.1, p = .977), anxiety (2.7% vs. 3.6%, p = .536), cognitive (p = .440), and somatic criteria (p = .067). Less parents of survivors met any criteria (17.7% vs. 24.0%, p = .039). Half of parents reported current cancer-related worries. Higher cancer-related worries were reported by mothers (β = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.0-6.2), parents with one child (β = 5.9; 95% CI: 2.0-9.7), currently experiencing disadvantages because of their child's former disease (β = 7.3; 95% CI: 4.0-10.6), or with support needs (β = 9.0; 95% CI: 3.9-14.2; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS It is encouraging that most parents of adult survivors report similar worries and anxiety as GP-parents, but cancer-related worries are still prevalent. Efforts should be made to empower parents to seek psycho-social support if required

Is living in a household with children associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults? Results from the Swiss national seroprevalence study Corona Immunitas.

BACKGROUND We aimed to determine whether living in a household with children is associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults and investigated interacting factors that may influence this association. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 serology testing was performed in randomly selected individuals from the general population between end of October 2020 and February 2021 in 11 cantons in Switzerland. Data on sociodemographic and household characteristics, employment status, and health-related history was collected using questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of living with children <18 years of age (number, age group) and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Further, we assessed the influence of reported non-household contacts, employment status, and gender. RESULTS Of 2393 working age participants (18-64 years), 413 (17.2%) were seropositive. Our results suggest that living with children and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity are likely to be associated (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval [0.98-1.52], adjusted OR 1.25 [0.99-1.58]). A pattern of a positive association was also found for subgroups of children aged 0-11 years (OR 1.21 [0.90-1.60]) and 12-17 years (OR 1.14 [0.78-1.64]). Odds of seropositivity were higher with more children (OR 1.14 per additional child [1.02-1.27]). Men had higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when living with children than women (interaction: OR 1.74 [1.10-2.76]). CONCLUSIONS In adults from the general population living with children seems associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. However, child-related infection risk is not the same for every subgroup and depends on factors like gender. Further factors determining child-related infection risk need to be identified and causal links investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18181860

Is living in a household with children associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults? Results from the Swiss national seroprevalence study Corona Immunitas

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether living in a household with children is associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults and investigated interacting factors that may influence this association. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 serology testing was performed in randomly selected individuals from the general population between end of October 2020 and February 2021 in 11 cantons in Switzerland. Data on sociodemographic and household characteristics, employment status, and health-related history was collected using questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of living with children <18 years of age (number, age group) and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Further, we assessed the influence of reported non-household contacts, employment status, and gender. RESULTS: Of 2393 working age participants (18-64 years), 413 (17.2%) were seropositive. Our results suggest that living with children and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity are likely to be associated (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval [0.98-1.52], adjusted OR 1.25 [0.99-1.58]). A pattern of a positive association was also found for subgroups of children aged 0-11 years (OR 1.21 [0.90-1.60]) and 12-17 years (OR 1.14 [0.78-1.64]). Odds of seropositivity were higher with more children (OR 1.14 per additional child [1.02-1.27]). Men had higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when living with children than women (interaction: OR 1.74 [1.10-2.76]). CONCLUSIONS: In adults from the general population living with children seems associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. However, child-related infection risk is not the same for every subgroup and depends on factors like gender. Further factors determining child-related infection risk need to be identified and causal links investigated

Changes in Healthcare Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Causes—A Cohort Study From Switzerland

Objectives: To describe the frequency of and reasons for changes in healthcare utilization in those requiring ongoing treatment, and to assess characteristics associated with change, during the second wave of the pandemic.Methods: Corona Immunitas e-cohort study (age ≥20 years) participants completed monthly questionnaires. We compared participants reporting a change in healthcare utilization with those who did not using descriptive and bivariate statistics. We explored characteristics associated with the number of changes using negative binomial regression.Results: The study included 3,190 participants from nine research sites. One-fifth reported requiring regular treatment. Among these, 14% reported a change in healthcare utilization, defined as events in which participants reported that they changed their ongoing treatment, irrespective of the reason. Reasons for change were medication changes and side-effects, specifically for hypertension, or pulmonary embolism treatment. Females were more likely to report changes [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 2.15, p = 0.002]. Those with hypertension were least likely to report changes [IRR = 0.35, p = 0.019].Conclusion: Few of those requiring regular treatment reported changes in healthcare utilization. Continuity of care for females and chronic diseases besides hypertension must be emphasized

Interplay of Digital Proximity App Use and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake in Switzerland: Analysis of Two Population-Based Cohort Studies

Objectives: Our study aims to evaluate developments in vaccine uptake and digital proximity tracing app use in a localized context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Methods: We report findings from two population-based longitudinal cohorts in Switzerland from January to December 2021. Failure time analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to assess vaccine uptake and digital proximity tracing app (SwissCovid) uninstalling outcomes.Results: We observed a dichotomy of individuals who did not use the SwissCovid app and did not get vaccinated, and who used the SwissCovid app and got vaccinated during the study period. Increased vaccine uptake was observed with SwissCovid app use (aHR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.40–1.62 [CI-DFU]; aHR, 1.79; 95% CI: 1.62–1.99 [CSM]) compared to SwissCovid app non-use. Decreased SwissCovid uninstallation risk was observed for participants who got vaccinated (aHR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.38–0.81 [CI-DFU]; aHR, 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27–0.78 [CSM]) compared to participants who did not get vaccinated.Conclusion: In evolving epidemic contexts, these findings underscore the need for communication strategies as well as flexible digital proximity tracing app adjustments that accommodate different preventive measures and their anticipated interactions

Factors Associated With COVID-19 Non-Vaccination in Switzerland: A Nationwide Study

Objectives: We compared socio-demographic characteristics, health-related variables, vaccination-related beliefs and attitudes, vaccination acceptance, and personality traits of individuals who vaccinated against COVID-19 and who did not vaccinate by December 2021. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data of 10,642 adult participants from the Corona Immunitas eCohort, an age-stratified random sample of the population of several cantons in Switzerland. We used multivariable logistic regression models to explore associations of vaccination status with socio-demographic, health, and behavioral factors. Results: Non-vaccinated individuals represented 12.4% of the sample. Compared to vaccinated individuals, non-vaccinated individuals were more likely to be younger, healthier, employed, have lower income, not worried about their health, have previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, express lower vaccination acceptance, and/or report higher conscientiousness. Among non-vaccinated individuals, 19.9% and 21.3% had low confidence in the safety and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, respectively. However, 29.1% and 26.7% of individuals with concerns about vaccine effectiveness and side effects at baseline, respectively vaccinated during the study period. Conclusion: In addition to known socio-demographic and health-related factors, non-vaccination was associated with concerns regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness

Maternal TLR signaling is required for prenatal asthma protection by the nonpathogenic microbe Acinetobacter lwoffii F78

The pre- and postnatal environment may represent a window of opportunity for allergy and asthma prevention, and the hygiene hypothesis implies that microbial agents may play an important role in this regard. Using the cowshed-derived bacterium Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 together with a mouse model of experimental allergic airway inflammation, this study investigated the hygiene hypothesis, maternal (prenatal) microbial exposure, and the involvement of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in prenatal protection from asthma. Maternal intranasal exposure to A. lwoffii F78 protected against the development of experimental asthma in the progeny. Maternally, A. lwoffii F78 exposure resulted in a transient increase in lung and serum proinflammatory cytokine production and up-regulation of lung TLR messenger RNA. Conversely, suppression of TLRs was observed in placental tissue. To investigate further, the functional relevance of maternal TLR signaling was tested in TLR2/3/4/7/9−/− knockout mice. The asthma-preventive effect was completely abolished in heterozygous offspring from A. lwoffii F78–treated TLR2/3/4/7/9−/− homozygous mother mice. Furthermore, the mild local and systemic inflammatory response was also absent in these A. lwoffii F78–exposed mothers. These data establish a direct relationship between maternal bacterial exposures, functional maternal TLR signaling, and asthma protection in the progeny