scholarly journals Testing and Prescribing Vitamin B12 in Swiss General Practice: A Survey among Physicians

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2610
Author(s):  
Katarina Bardheci ◽  
Levy Jäger ◽  
Lorenz Risch ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Jakob M. Burgstaller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Substantial Variation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
E Mail

Testing and prescribing vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is increasing in Switzerland but substantial variation among general practitioners (GPs) with respect to testing has been noted. In this study, we aimed at exploring GPs’ mindsets regarding vitamin B12 testing and prescribing. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed by e-mail to Swiss GPs. The questionnaire explored mindsets related to testing and prescribing vitamin B12 in specific clinical situations, as well as testing and prescribing strategies. The questionnaire was sent to 876 GPs and 390 GPs responded (44.5%). The most controversial domains for testing and prescribing vitamin B12 were idiopathic fatigue (57.4% and 43.4% of GPs agreed, respectively) and depressive symptoms (53.0% and 35.4% of GPs agreed, respectively). There was substantial variation among GPs with regard to testing strategies (89.5% of GPS used a serum cobalamin test, 71.3% of GPS used holotranscobalamin, and 27.6% of GPs used homocysteine or methylmalonic acid). Intramuscular injection was the predominantly prescribed route of application (median of 87.5% of the prescriptions). In this study, we focus on discordant mindsets that can be specifically targeted by using educational interventions, and research questions that still need answering specifically about the effectiveness of vitamin B12 for idiopathic fatigue.

scholarly journals Diabetes knowledge, risk perception, and quality of life among South Asian caregivers in young adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001268
Author(s):  
Angela Koipuram ◽  
Sandra Carroll ◽  
Zubin Punthakee ◽  
Diana Sherifali
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Design And Methods

IntroductionPersons of South Asian descent have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The management of T2DM in the South Asian community has required the support of adult children, potentially impacting the quality of life, diabetes-related knowledge, and risk perception among these caregivers.Research design and methodsTo investigate diabetes-related knowledge, quality of life, risk perception, and actual risk of developing diabetes among South Asian young adults whose parents are living with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted (n=150). An online survey was administered. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in diabetes-related knowledge between males and females (p<0.001). Males (in comparison to females) had a lower risk perception of developing diabetes (p=0.06). Further, risk perception and diabetes-related knowledge were positively associated with caregiver’s physical health (p=0.002).ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of providing gender-specific and culturally tailored diabetes educational interventions.

scholarly journals Impact of HIV Infection and Zidovudine Therapy on RBC Parameters and Urine Methylmalonic Acid Levels

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adewumi Adediran ◽  
Vincent Osunkalu ◽  
Tamunomieibi Wakama ◽  
Sarah John-Olabode ◽  
Akinsegun Akinbami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Zidovudine Therapy ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Background. Anaemia is a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HIV infection and zidovudine on red blood cells (RBC) parameters and urine methylmalonic acid (UMMA) levels in patients with HIV infection.Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 114 subjects, 94 of which are HIV-infected nonanaemic and 20 HIV negative subjects (Cg) as control. Full blood count parameters and urine methylmalonic acid (UMMA) level of each subject were determined. Associations were determined by Chi-square test and logistic regression statistics where appropriate.Results. Subjects on zidovudine-based ART had mean MCV (93 fL) higher than that of control group (82.9 fL) and ART-naïve (85.9 fL) subjects and the highest mean RDW. Mean UMMA level, which reflects vitamin B12 level status, was high in all HIV-infected groups but was significantly higher in ART-naïve subjects than in ART-experienced subjects.Conclusion. Although non-zidovudine therapy may be associated with macrocytosis (MCV > 95 fL), zidovudine therapy and ART naivety may not. Suboptimal level of vitamin B12 as measured by high UMMA though highest in ART-naïve subjects was common in all HIV-infected subjects.

scholarly journals Public’s Knowledge and Beliefs towards Universal Safety Precautions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: A web-based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3-s) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
Deependra Prasad Sarraf ◽  
Pramendra Prasad Gupta ◽  
Shashi Keshwar
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a global pandemic. In the absence of vaccines or specific drugs for COVID-19, a better understanding and implementation of universal safety precautions is essential for the prevention of COVID-19 virus infection globally. People’s adherence to the universal precautions safety measures against COVID-19 is essential which is largely affected by their knowledge and belief. Objectives: To assess the public’s knowledge and belief toward the universal safety precautions during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based online survey was conducted in general public in Nepal during April, 2020. A self-designed questionnaire was prepared using Google forms via docs.google.com/forms for the collection of the data. The study participants were grouped into two categories according to their level of knowledge: excellent (score 80% and above) and average (score less than 80%). Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 228, majority were male (90.4%) and aged 36-45 years (36%). Mean knowledge score was 4.68±1.41. Most of them (57.9%) had average knowledge. Average of the correct responses in the knowledge and belief domain were found to be 66.9% and 71.2% respectively. Majority of the public (55.3%) believed that home-made alcohol-based hand sanitizer is equally effective to factory-made standard sanitizer against COVID-19 virus. Conclusion: Knowledge toward universal safety precautions against COVID-19 were average among the majority of the public. There was gap between knowledge and belief domain. There is an unmet need for long term educational interventions among the public regarding the preventive methods against COVID-19. Keywords: Knowledge; Belief; COVID-19; Nepal; Public; Universal safety precautions.

Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 among Healthcare Professionals in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Online Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula ◽  
Abdullah Shehab
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infectious Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Government Websites ◽  
And Control

Background: During the first week of March, a large number of cases of COVID-19 were reported across the world including the UAE. Aim: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among HCPs in the UAE. Methods: During the first week of March, a cross-sectional study was conducted among EMA HCPs. A 23-item survey questionnaire on knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19, including specific questions related to the different sources of information was used. Each correct response was scored as “1” and wrong as “0”. The sum of the knowledge scores ≤4 out of 7 was considered as poor knowledge and the sum of the perception scores (score >5 out of 7) as a positive perception. Results: A total of 353 HCPs completed the study and half of them were male (n=178; 50.4%), doctors (n=257;72.8%), and aged between 35-44 years (n=116; 32.9%). Although most of the participants were aware of COVID-19 (n=350; 99.2%), only a limited (n=168;47.6%) proportion of them got the opportunity to attend lectures/discussions related to COVID-19. Government websites (43.1%) and news bulletins (36%) were the primary sources for COVID-19 information. HCPs' knowledge about COVID-19 was found to be satisfactory (58.4%) and their perceptions were positive (78.5%). Conclusion: As the number of COVID-19 cases is consistently increasing in the UAE, it is important to improve the level of knowledge and perceptions among HCPs. Educational interventions focusing on prevention and control of COVID-19 should be prioritized to empower HCPs in infectious disease outbreaks.

scholarly journals Association of Cognitive Impairment with Combinations of Vitamin B12–Related Parameters

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 1436-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorte L Lildballe ◽  
Sergey Fedosov ◽  
Paul Sherliker ◽  
Harold Hin ◽  
Robert Clarke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Total Homocysteine ◽  
Nested Case Control

BACKGROUND Low vitamin B12 concentrations have been associated with higher risks of cognitive impairment, but whether these associations are causal is uncertain. The associations of cognitive impairment with combinations of vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and total homocysteine, and with the vitamin B12 transport proteins transcobalamin and haptocorrin, have not been previously studied. METHODS We performed a population-based cross-sectional study of 839 people 75 years old or older. We examined the association of cognitive function as measured by mini–mental state examination scores, with markers of vitamin B12 status. Spearman correlations as well as multivariate-adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs for cognitive impairment were calculated for extreme thirds of serum concentrations of vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid, total homocysteine, combination of these markers in a wellness score, heaptocorrin, and transcobalamin for all data and with B12 analogs in a nested case-control study. RESULTS Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with low vitamin B12 [odds ratio 2.3 (95% CI 1.2–4.5)]; low holotranscobalamin [4.1 (2.0–8.7)], high methylmalonic acid [3.5 (1.8–7.1)], high homocysteine [4.8 (2.3–10.0)] and low wellness score [5.1 (2.61–10.46)]. After correction for relevant covariates, cognitive impairment remained significantly associated with high homocysteine [4.85 (2.24–10.53)] and with a low wellness score [5.60 (2.61–12.01)] but not with transcobalamin, haptocorrin, or analogs on haptocorrin. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment was associated with the combined effects of the 4 biomarkers of vitamin B12 deficiency when included in a wellness score but was not associated with binding proteins or analogs on haptocorrin.

Does Dispositional Mindfulness Predict the Development of Grit?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽  
Paul Jose ◽  
Karen Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Facets

Abstract. Grit, that is, perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a novel construct that has gained attention in recent years ( Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007 ). To date, little research has been performed with the goal of identifying the antecedents of grit. Thus, in order to fill this gap in the literature, self-report data were collected to examine whether mindfulness, a mindset of being-in-the-present in a nonjudgmental way, plays a role in fostering grittiness. Three hundred and forty-three undergraduate students completed an online survey once in a cross-sectional study, and of these, 74 students completed the survey again 4.5 months later. Although the cross-sectional analyses identified a number of positive associations between mindfulness and grit, the longitudinal analysis revealed that the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judging were the most important positive predictors of grit 4.5 months later. This set of findings offers implications for future grit interventions.

Learning Electrocardiogram Interpretation: Insights from Residents and a Proposed Solution in an Observational Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alakchar ◽  
Abdisamad M. Ibrahim ◽  
Mohsin Salih ◽  
Mukul Bhattarai ◽  
Nitin Tandan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resident Attitudes ◽  
Internal Medicine Residents ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Degree Of Participation ◽  
Electrocardiogram Interpretation

BACKGROUND Interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKG) is an essential tool for every physician. Despite this, the diagnosis of life-threatening pathology on EKG remains suboptimal in trainees. The purpose of this study is to study resident attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs, and describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. OBJECTIVE Study attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs. Describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. METHODS Design: An observational cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey of resident attitudes and comfort with EKG interpretation. This was followed by creation of a WhatsApp group for discussion and interpretation of EKGs with peers. At the end of the day, the official EKG interpretation was posted. Setting: Internal medicine residency at Southern Illinois University. Participants: Internal medicine residents Interventions: Creation of WhatsApp group to aid with EKG interpretation Measurements: A 17 item questionnaire, followed by detection of degree of participation in a WhatsApp group. RESULTS Forty-one out of 63 residents (65%) completed the survey. 85% of respondents thought that an interactive way to teach EKGs is the best method of teaching, and 73% did not feel confident interpreting EKGs. 30% often rely on automated EKG interpretation. Further analysis indicated that PGY-1 residents reported ordering fewer EKGs (correlation coefficient -0.399, p = 0.012) and were uncomfortable diagnosing QT prolongation on an EKG (correlation coefficient -0.310, p = 0.049). Residents in the third or greater year of training ordered more EKGs (correlation coefficient 0.379, p = 0.015), less frequently relied on the computer for EKG diagnosis (correlation coefficient 0.399, p = 0.010), and were comfortable diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction and atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, most IM trainees do not feel comfortable interpreting EKG, however, this does improve with PGY year. WhatsApp is a possible platform for teaching EKGs.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

scholarly journals A Cross-National Study of Dementia Stigma Among the General Public in Israel and Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Perla Werner ◽  
Sarang Kim
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Subjective Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cross National

Background: Despite the increasing amount of research on dementia stigma, there is a dearth of cross-national studies conducted on this subject. This is surprising since the experience of stigma is closely associated to socio-cultural aspects. Objective: The present study intended to expand knowledge about the impact of culture on dementia stigma by comparing the level and correlates of stigmatic beliefs about dementia among the general public in Israel and Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted with two age-matched samples: 447 adults in Israel and 290 adults in Australia. Results: Overall, dementia stigma was moderate in both countries. However, the level of dementia stigma was significantly higher in Australia than in Israel. Lower levels of subjective knowledge and higher levels of ageism were associated with increased levels of stigmatic beliefs in both countries. Gender was a significant correlate of dementia stigma, with male participants reporting higher levels of public stigma than women, although this gender difference was mainly driven by the Australian sample. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that providing knowledge and decreasing ageist attitudes should be key considerations in dementia awareness and stigma reduction campaigns despite the cultural context. In addition, developing gender-specific messages should be considered as a way of improving the effects of such campaigns.

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