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Purpose: To evaluate the association between visual symptoms and use of digital devices considering the presence of visual dysfunctions. Methods: An optometric examination was conducted in a clinical sample of 346 patients to diagnose any type of visual anomaly. Visual symptoms were collected using the validated SQVD questionnaire. A threshold of 6 hours per day was used to quantify the effects of digital device usage and patients were divided into two groups: under and above of 35 years old. A multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between digital device use and symptoms, with visual dysfunctions considered as a confounding variable. Crude and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) were calculated for each variable. Results: 57.02 % of the subjects reported visual symptoms, and 65.02% exhibited some form of visual dysfunction. For patients under 35 years old, an association was found between having visual symptoms and digital device use (OR = 2.10, p = 0.01). However, after adjusting for visual dysfunctions, this association disappeared (OR = 1.44, p = 0.27) and the association was instead between symptoms and refractive dysfunction (OR = 6.52, p < 0.001), accommodative (OR = 10.47, p < 0.001), binocular (OR = 6.68, p < 0.001) and accommodative plus binocular dysfunctions (OR = 46.84, p < 0.001). Among patients over 35 years old, no association was found between symptoms and the use of digital devices (OR = 1.27, p = 0.49) but there was an association between symptoms and refractive dysfunction (OR = 3.54, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Visual symptoms are not dependent on the duration of digital device use but rather on the presence of any type of visual dysfunction: refractive, accommodative and/or binocular one, which should be diagnosed.(AU)

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En este estudio transversal se investiga la asociación entre los principales síntomas del Trastorno bipolar (TB) y las dificultades asociadas a las estrategias de regulación emocional (ERE) adaptativas y desadaptativas. Además, este estudio examina los efectos mediadores de las ERE con el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Método. Veinticuatro adultos con TB completaron la Escala de Conciencia de Atención Plena (MAAS), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI-II), la Escala de Autoevaluación de Manía de Altman (ARSM), el Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo (STAI-R), y el Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional Cognitiva (CERQ). Resultados. El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró cómo la depresión se relacionaba significativa y positivamente con la autoculpabilización, mientras que la ansiedad rasgo estaba positivamente asociada con la autoculpabilización y el catastrofismo. En segundo lugar, el análisis de mediación mostró un efecto de mediación significativo para la autoculpabilidad en la relación entre mindfulness y depresión (a*b = -.15; ICB 95% [-.36, -.03]) y entre mindfulness y ansiedad rasgo (a*b = -.09; ICB 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados informan del papel de la auto-culpabilidad y el catastrofismo en el TB y de cómo éstas podrían mediar significativamente entre el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Estos resultados sugieren que una práctica de meditación enfocada en el catastrofismo y la autoculpabilidad puede ser especialmente útil para reducir los síntomas en los pacientes bipolares.(AU)

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between the main symptoms of Bipolar disorder (BD) and emotional regulation dif-ficulties in adaptive and maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (ERS). In addition, this study examines the possible mediating effects of ERS with dispositional mindfulnessand bipolar symptoms. Method.Twenty-four adults diagnosed with BD completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Altman Mania Self-Assessment Scale (ARSM), the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-R), and the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Results. First, mul-tiple regression analysis showed how depression was significantly positively related to self-blame, whereas trait anxietywas positively associated with self-blame and catastrophizing. Second, the results of the mediation analy-sis have shown a significant mediation effect for the self-blamein the rela-tionship between mindfulnessand depression (a*b = -.15; BCI 95% [-.36, -.03]) and between mindfulnessand trait anxiety (a*b = -.09; BCI 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusions. Our results report the role of self-blame and catastrophiz-ing in BD and how these might significantly mediate between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results suggest that a meditation practice focused on reducing catastrophizing and self-blame may be especially helpful for symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar patients.(AU)

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AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a specific diagnosis of infertile women and men on their life quality and psychosexual functioning based on internationally validated questionnaires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 853 couples seeking treatment for infertility completed the gender-specific batteries comprised of Fertility Quality of Life tool (FertiQoL), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women, and Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) in men. Women were followed in the group of primary and secondary infertility and then with specific diagnoses - polycystic ovary syndrome, tubal factor, endometriosis, and idiopathic sterility. Men's categories reflected spermiogram results, i.e., normozoospermia, merged categories of milder disorders of a spermiogram (teratozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratospermia), oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) gravis, azoospermia, and when the man was not examined. RESULTS: When evaluating the quality of life in women, we found statistically significant differences between primary and secondary sterility. Primary infertile women scored worse especially in the social area. Worse assessment appeared also in mind-body (area evaluating affliction of the body). Emotional and relational domains included similar results in primary and secondary infertile women. With a specific diagnosis, statistically significant differences were not proved. Using the orientational cut-off score, FertiQoL stated that approximately 10% of women experienced adverse quality of life in relation to fertility. In the domain of sexual functioning, 30% of women demonstrated clinically significant dysfunctions. In men, respondents in the normozoospermic and non-diagnosed categories scored higher than those in the merged category and OAT gravis. Only 2% of men felt their quality of life was poor due to fertility, and clinically significant dysfunctions appeared only in 3% of them. CONCLUSION: In women, impaired fertility-related quality of life and psychosexual functioning are significantly linked to primary sterility, where specifically the social domain is affected. The impact of a specific diagnosis appears to be minimal. We found high levels of sexual dysfunctions in women. In men, we follow the link of evaluated quality of life in connection with their results of the spermiogram. With spermiogram defects, both areas of functioning can be affected.

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OBJECTIVES: Little is known about oral hygiene habits of patients suffering from chronic diseases. This study aims to describe oral hygiene behavior (OHB) in terms of tooth brushing and professional scaling frequency among patients with chronic diseases. Secondarily, it aims to assess the association between OHB and periodontitis, tooth loss, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of data of adult participants in the ComPaRe e-cohort. Participants were classified into having good, moderate, and poor OHB according to self-reported frequency of toothbrushing and professional tooth scaling. Periodontitis was assessed using the PEriodontal Screening Score (PESS). Weighted binary regression models were used to estimate the association between OHB and the following outcomes: (i) periodontitis; (ii) number of missing teeth; and (iii) OHRQoL based on the Oral Health Impact Profile-14. RESULTS: Overall, 8553 patients were included in the analyses (52.9% females, mean age of 56.3 ± 17 years). Of these, 2907 (34%), 3953 (46%) and 1693 (20%) were considered as having good, moderate, and poor OHB, respectively. Over half (54.1%) of the patients had a PESS ≥ 5 suggestive for severe periodontitis. Moderate OHB was associated with lower odds of PESS ≥ 5 compared to poor OHB (Adjusted Odds Ratio, OR = 0.81 [95%CI: 0.70-0.92]). Good and moderate OHB were significantly associated with lower odds of ≥ 10 missing teeth (OR = 0.26 [95%CI: 0.21-0.33] and OR = 0.47 [95%CI: 0.4-0.56], respectively) and better OHRQoL than poor OHB. CONCLUSIONS: Although, most of patients with chronic diseases reported to have good or moderate OHB, severe periodontitis is highly prevalent among this patient population in France. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study describes OHB in a representative sample of patients suffering from one or more chronic diseases and provides an estimate of the prevalence of self-reported severe periodontitis, missing teeth, and OHRQoL.

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OBJECTIVES: Current studies on the treatment of adolescent patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR) are limited by short follow-up periods and small sample sizes, and there are few comparative studies on the efficacy of conservative treatment with and without disc reduction for acute DDWOR. This study compared the therapeutic effects of two conservative treatment methods: physical therapy alone and physical therapy combined with non-surgical manual disc reduction and anterior repositioning splints (ARS), in adolescent patients with acute DDWOR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included adolescent patients with DDWOR who underwent physical therapy at the Temporomandibular Joint Rehabilitation Department of the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. Patient assessment data were collected before and after treatment. Patients were followed up through telephone and online questionnaires from March to August 2023. RESULTS: The results indicate that compared to physical therapy alone, the combination of physical therapy and non-surgical manual disc reduction with ARS showed better short-term efficacy, improved mouth opening, and better long-term pain control. Also, it may be effective in preventing degenerative joint disease. CONCLUSIONS: This combination therapy is recommended for clinical application in adolescent patients with acute DDWOR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present research demonstrates the superior efficacy of physical therapy and non-surgical manual disc reduction combined with anterior repositioning splint in adolescent patients with acute DDWOR.

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BACKGROUND: Numerous military soldiers have lost limbs as a result of the Syrian War. While there are variations between trauma-related amputations in military and civilian populations, both scenarios result in life-changing injuries. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between body image, self-esteem, and quality of life (QOL) domains following trauma-related major amputation. It will be the first study in Syria on the correlation between self-esteem and body image. It will help improve our quality of care to meet patient needs and increase well-being, which in turn will help to address body image, self-esteem, and QOL. METHOD: A cross-sectional study that recruited 235 soldiers with amputations in two centers and two military hospitals in Latakia and Tartous. Patients were given an 81-item questionnaire that included the Amputee Body-Image Scale (ABIS), the Rosenberg Self-esteem (RSE) scale, the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and unidimensional pain measures. The ANOVA test, a student's t-test, multiple linear regression, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a strong relationship between body image, self-esteem, and QOL, with the presence of body image concerns significantly associated with lower self-esteem scores and lower QOL scores (p=0.001). Patients with phantom pain sensation had significantly reduced self-esteem (p =0.001), greater body image concerns (p =0.001), and lower scores in all domains of QOL. We found that body image and self-esteem impacted the psychological, social, and environmental domains. After controlling for pain level and number of co-morbid conditions, body image and self-esteem did not predict WHOQOL-BREF scores, with the exception of the environmental domain, where no pain and low self-esteem predicted better environmental domain scores. CONCLUSION: Patients' body image and self-esteem were greatly impacted by lower-limb amputations. Additionally, phantom pain further impacted self-esteem, body image, and QOL. The image of the body had a profound effect on psychological, social, and environmental domains, and self-esteem was influenced by almost all aspects of QOL.

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BACKGROUND: Frailty syndrome is prevalent among many patients experiencing intermittent claudication symptoms. Considering that components of the frailty syndrome can affect both physical and psychological functions, it is likely that barriers to physical activity are heightened in these individuals. AIM: To analyze the association between barriers to physical activity and frailty in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 216 patients with symptomatic PAD (64.8% men, 65.6±9.4 yrs.). Nine personal and 8 environmental barriers to physical activity were investigated through a questionnaire on barriers to practicing physical activity in patients with intermittent claudication. Frailty was defined according to Fried et al. (2001) criteria which included unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low grip strength, slow walking speed, physical inactivity. Three or more criteria defined frail, one or 2 criteria defined pre-frail, and absence of criteria defined non-frail. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). RESULTS: Frail and pre-frail patients have more barriers than non-frail patients [frail: 11 (4); pre-frail: 10 (6); non-frail: 8 (7), p = 0.001]. Absence of a companion for physical activity, lack of knowledge and uncertainty about the benefits of physical activity, pain induced by walking and presence of obstacles that worsen leg pain were associated with frail and pre-frail status, independent of sex, age, ankle-brachial index, and total walking distance. CONCLUSION: Patients with PAD who are frail and pre-frail have more barriers to physical activity than non-frail patients. Therefore, specific interventions promoting PA are essential for these patients to improve their health outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: Patients with varicose veins are prevented from prolonged standing. Considering that exercise can be implemented in different positions, the aim of the current study was to compare the effects of training at standing and lying positions on quality of life, and clinical symptoms in women with mild varicose veins. METHODS: Twenty-five women with mild varicose veins aged 35-50 years were randomly assigned to three groups; exercise at standing position (n=10), exercise at lying position (n=8) and control (no treatment) group (n=7). Each exercise program involved 6 weeks of training. Quality of life, pain severity, ankle swelling, and lower leg and ankle circumferences were measured using the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), four-point pitting edema grading scale, and tape measure, respectively at baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference (LSD) as post hoc test. RESULTS: Following a 6-week exercise program, there was a significant improvement in the quality of life of the participants in both exercise groups, and a significant reduction in pain, ankle swelling, and lower leg and ankle circumferences compared to pre-training and control group (P <0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two exercise groups in terms of study variables (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that exercise program comprising standing position exercises can significantly reduce the symptoms of mild varicose veins.

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BACKGROUND: Walking as a treatment is recommended for people with intermittent claudication (IC), but participation tends to be poor. Walking treatment beliefs, as defined by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) are associated with walking behavior, so assessing and designing interventions targeting walking treatment beliefs are crucial. To assess walking treatment beliefs in people with IC in Gujarat, a translated, culturally adapted questionnaire that assesses the four TPB constructs (attitude, subjective normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control beliefs, and intention to walk) is required. AIM: To translate and cross-culturally assess the content validity and face validity of a Gujarati version of a TPB questionnaire that assesses walking treatment beliefs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A forward-backward translation of the 12-item TPB questionnaire was applied using a standardized approach. The translated versions were compared with the original questionnaire, and ten experts, rated each item according to: clarity, semantic, appropriateness, and cultural relevance. Content Validity Index (CVI), item level content validity (I-CVI), Scale -content validity index (S-CVI/Ave), and universal agreement (UA) were computed to summarize the overall content validity of the questionnaire as well as a proportion of agreement with content experts. Face validity was assessed using a think-aloud approach with ten patients with IC. This cognitive interviewing approach (think-aloud approach) asked participants to describe their thoughts whilst completing the questionnaire. Responses were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: There was complete agreement between experts for 9/12 items (I-CVI=1.00), leading to an overall agreement (S-CVI/Ave) of 0.98. For face validation, at least 50% of the participants had no significant problems with any question in the questionnaire. Most problems participants encountered were straightforward, such as re-reading some questions or considering the questions carefully before answering. CONCLUSION: The Gujarati TPB questionnaire had excellent content validity and was comprehensible and answerable by the majority of our participants with IC and, therefore, had good face validity; this will enable walking treatment beliefs to be assessed in people with IC.

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Introduction: burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and emotional exhaustion that occurs due to exposure to stressful conditions over a long period. It can lead to poor job performance, apathy, and lack of productivity. This study looks at the prevalence of burnout in medical interns in a tertiary hospital in South Africa and the factors that may contribute to burnout. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Medical interns working in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2019 were invited to participate. The participants filled questionnaire that had demographic information, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale, a scale to rate the rotations that they believed contributed towards their burnout and factors they think contributed towards their burnout. Our data was analyzed using Stata. Results: out of a possible 165 potential participants, 101 medical interns enrolled. 95% of the participants reported burnout. Statistically significant factors contributing towards burnout were lack of resources and poor relations with support staff and senior staff. The medical rotation that was reported by the participants to contribute most towards their burnout was internal medicine. Conclusion: burnout in this population of medical interns is alarmingly high. Higher than reported in similar studies in South Africa and internationally.

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Introduction: sexual violence is currently a serious public health problem affecting women´s health. Globally, 1 in 3 women faces sexual violence in their lifetime. Female industry workers are at an increased risk of sexual violence. Assessing the magnitude and factors associated with sexual violence among female industrial workers is important for interventions. The objective was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence among female large-scale industries workers in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 807 female industry workers from September to October 2021. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were done by Epi data v.3.1 and SPSS v.23, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratios were computed at 95%CI. A P-value below 0.05 was used to declare association. Results: the prevalence of sexual violence were 59.4% (95% CI; 56.0%-62.6%). The significantly associated factors include; age less than twenty-five (AOR=4.01, 95%CI; 2.81, 10.83), never-married women (AOR=3.07, 95%CI; 1.11, 8.46), being secondary education (AOR=2.65, 95%CI; 1.51, 4.66), being contract employee (AOR=4.65, 95%CI; 1.92, 11.22), drinking alcohol (AOR=3.01, 95%CI; 1.49, 6.09), and night work shift (AOR=9.01, 95%CI; 4.53, 17.93). Conclusion: high rate (59.4%) of sexual violence was reported. Age, marital status, educational status, contract type of work agreement, drinking alcohol, and working night work shift were risk factors. Hence, emphasis on creating safe working environment & transportation, education on reproductive rights and reporting of sexual violence.

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Introduction: female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections due to unprotected sex. Understanding and addressing the gaps in safer sex among FSWs can help to reduce HIV acquisition and transmission. This study described sexual practices, their correlates and use of HIV services among FSWs in Mombasa County, Kenya. Methods: participants were recruited for a baseline survey by a time-location cluster randomized design at predetermined intervals from five bars and five clubs in Mombasa County until a sample size of 160 was reached. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using R were conducted, and p<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: nearly all (99%) of the participants were unmarried, and 11% had tertiary education. Ninety-eight percent (98%) reported vaginal intercourse, 51% reported using alcohol/drugs before sex, and 28% practiced unprotected intercourse. About 64% had tested for HIV within three months, 14% believed that it is safe to reuse condoms, and 10% that it is safe to engage in unprotected sex. In bi-variate analysis, FSWs were more likely to engage in unprotected intercourse if they reported more frequent sex, more frequent sex with regular clients, poor HIV knowledge, alcohol/drug use, and violence. In multivariate analysis, risky sexual practices were associated with frequency of sexual intercourse, alcohol/drug use, and poor HIV knowledge. Conclusion: female sex workers engage in unprotected sex while under the influence of substances, belief in re-using condoms and have high frequency of sexual intercourse. Inadequate knowledge of HIV and substance use significantly correlated with unprotected sex. Interventions to address these modifiable factors are needed to mitigate the risk of HIV among FSWs.

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Introduction: childbirth experiences are women´s personal feelings and interpretations of birth processes, which could be difficult to describe and explain. The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) instilled tension and worries in all Nigerian citizens and could also affect the birth experiences and satisfaction of women. Thus, this study explored the experiences of childbirth and satisfaction with birth among women in selected Nigerian healthcare facilities during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: the study adopted a concurrent triangulation mixed method design, which utilized an in-depth interview and questionnaire to obtain different but complementary data. Sample sizes of 304 and 15 women were recruited for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Results: the majority of the participants perceived childbirth to be labor and delivery (3.66 ± 3.16); participants were mostly satisfied with reception received from staff (2.35 ± 2.29) and respecting their privacy (2.04 ± 1.52). Five (5) themes and 18 subthemes emerged from qualitative data. The themes were: understanding of childbirth, satisfaction with care, hospital experiences, unique experiences during birth, and social support. Conclusion: women had more positive and less negative but unique childbirth experiences. The majority expressed satisfaction within the care given by qualified and competent health workers, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic. The provision of physical and emotional support by intimate partners, midwives´ and family members during delivery had a significant influence on maternal satisfaction with the entire birth experience.

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BACKGROUND: Worsening loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic have become serious public health concerns worldwide. Despite previous research reporting persistent loneliness and social isolation under repeated emergency declarations and prolonged pandemics, long-term studies are needed to identify the actual conditions of loneliness and social isolation, and the factors that explain them. OBJECTIVE: In this study, 3 web-based surveys were conducted at 1-year intervals during the 2 years after the first state of emergency to examine changes in loneliness and social isolation and the psychosocial factors associated with them in the Japanese population. METHODS: The first survey (phase 1, May 11-12, 2020) was conducted at the end of the first emergency declaration period, the second survey (phase 2, June 14-20, 2021) was conducted at the end of the third emergency declaration period, and the third survey (phase 3, May 13-30, 2022) was conducted when the state of emergency had not been declared but many COVID-19-positive cases occurred during this period. We collected data on 3892 inhabitants (n=1813, 46.58% women; age: mean 50.3, SD 13.4 y) living in the 4 prefectures where emergency declaration measures were applied in phases 1 and 2. A linear mixed model analysis was performed to examine the association between psychosocial variables as explanatory variables and loneliness scores as the dependent variable in each phase. RESULTS: While many psychosocial and physical variables showed improvement for the 2 years, loneliness, social isolation, and the relationship with familiar people deteriorated, and the opportunities for exercise, favorite activities, and web-based interaction with familiar people decreased. Approximately half of those experiencing social isolation in phase 1 remained isolated throughout the 2-year period, and a greater number of people developed social isolation than those who were able to resolve it. The results of the linear mixed model analysis showed that most psychosocial and physical variables were related to loneliness regardless of the phase. Regarding the variables that showed a significant interaction with the phase, increased altruistic preventive behavior and a negative outlook for the future were more strongly associated with severe loneliness in phase 3 (P=.01 to <.001), while the association between fewer social networks and stronger loneliness tended to be more pronounced in phase 2. Although the interaction was not significant, the association between reduced face-to-face interaction, poorer relationships with familiar people, and increased loneliness tended to be stronger in phase 3. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that loneliness and social isolation remained unresolved throughout the long-term COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, in the final survey phase, these issues were influenced by a broader and more complex set of factors compared to earlier phases.

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BACKGROUND: HIV notification and testing integrated into partner service (PS) practices among HIV-positive individuals have been proven to be an efficient approach for case finding, although it remains a weak link in China. Although nonmarital sexual activities accounted for a large proportion of newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases in China, little is known about PS uptake and associated factors within nonmarital partnerships. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe HIV PS utilization and its associated factors among HIV-positive individuals with nonmarital sexual partners. METHODS: We recruited newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals who had nonmarital sexual partners in 2022 in Zhejiang Province and offered them PS. We described the PS uptake cascade within sexual partner categories and analyzed the associated factors with 3 primary outcomes from the participants' perspective: nonmarital partner enumeration, HIV testing, and HIV positivity. RESULTS: In this study, 3509 HIV-positive individuals were recruited as participants, and they enumerated 2507 nonmarital sex partners (2507/14,556, 17.2% of all nonmarital sex partners) with contact information. Among these, 43.1% (1090/2507) underwent an HIV test, with an HIV-positive rate of 28.3% (309/1090). Heterosexual commercial partners were the least likely of being enumerated (441/4292, 10.3%) and had the highest HIV-positive rate (40/107, 37.4%). At the participant level, 48.1% (1688/3509) of the participants enumerated at least one nonmarital sex partner with contact information, 52.7% (890/1688) had a sex partner tested for HIV, and 31% (276/890) had at least one nonmarital sex partner who tested positive. Multivariate analysis indicated that gender and transmission route were associated with both nonmarital sex partner enumeration and HIV testing. Age and occupation were associated with nonmarital sex partner enumeration and HIV positivity. Compared with participants who had no regular nonmarital sex partner, those who had a regular nonmarital sex partner were more likely to enumerate nonmarital sex partners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.017, 95% CI 2.560-3.554), have them get tested for HIV (aOR 1.725, 95% CI 1.403-2.122), and have an HIV-positive nonmarital sex partner (aOR 1.962, 95% CI 1.454-2.647). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of partner enumeration was low, and HIV testing rate was moderate among nonmarital partnerships of HIV-positive individuals. More efforts should be made to improve PS practices among HIV-positive individuals and address the gap in partner enumeration, especially for heterosexual commercial nonmarital partnerships. Additionally, enhancing PS operational skills among health care personnel could increase the overall efficiency of PS uptake in China.

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PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of oral health status (OHS) and sociodemographic indicators on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) aged 11-14 years and compare it with age-matched nondiabetic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 80 children aged between 11 and 14 years with T1DM and 80 age-matched nondiabetic children. The OHRQoL was measured using a validated structured Hindi version of the child perception questionnaire (CPQ11-14) questionnaire. The clinical OHS was assessed using the decayed, missing, or filled teeth index, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). Associations between OHRQoL and independent predictors were analyzed with the log-linear Poisson model regression method. RESULTS: CPQ11-14 scores were significantly lower in nondiabetic children than diabetic children, indicating better OHRQoL among nondiabetic children than diabetic children (P ≤ 0.05). The GI score exhibited a significantly lower value in nondiabetic children than in diabetic children (P = 0.014). In contrast, the mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth score showed a significantly higher value in nondiabetic children than in diabetic children (P ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in the mean PI of diabetic and nondiabetic children (P = 0.096). CONCLUSION: The result of the present study highlighted the detrimental effect of T1DM on OHRQoL in children.

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BACKGROUND: Children's fear and distress in dental settings often lead to anxiety and behavior issues. This study delves into why some children experience dental anxiety, whereas others do not, attributing differences to child-rearing and personality traits. Emotional intelligence (EQ), the ability to comprehend, generate, and manage emotions, is explored as a factor influencing a child's dental experience. This novel intelligence theory accommodates the intricacies of human-environment interactions. AIM: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between EQ and a child's dental anxiety, fear, and behavior in children aged 8-12 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Short Form, specifically developed for children aged between 8 and 12 years, was used among 100 participants reporting to the department outpatient department. The Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale, Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale, and Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale were used to evaluate behavior, anxiety, and fear, respectively. RESULTS: Results show a positive correlation between EQ and dental behavior (P = 0.002) whereas a negative correlation between EQ and dental anxiety and fear (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between emotional intelligence, dental behavior, anxiety, and fear among children. By recognizing the impact of EQ, dental practitioners could adopt personalized strategies to alleviate anxiety and enhance cooperation, improving overall dental experiences for young patients.

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Children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parent-caregivers often experience diabetes distress due to the daily demands of diabetes management. Regular screening for diabetes distress is needed to prevent the deterioration of metabolic control and the development of mental health disorders. The aim of this analysis was to examine the psychometric properties of the German versions of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale for Children (PAID-C) and for caregiver burden in Parents (P-PAID-C). Data were collected from 136 children aged 7-12 years (46.7% females) and 304 parents (Mage = 42.9 (SD 6.1) years; 78% mothers) by using linguistically translated questionnaires in a multicenter study. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlational analyses were conducted. Results confirmed the two-factor model for the PAID-C and the four-factor model for the P-PAID-C with a slight modification. Cronbach's αs for children and parents were 0.88 and 0.92, respectively. The PAID-C and P-PAID-C scores had small positive associations with HbA1c (rs = .220 and .139, respectively, all p < .05) and strong inverse association with the KIDSCREEN-10 index (r = -.643 and -.520, respectively, all p < .001). P-PAID-C scores increased with increasing depressive symptoms measured in nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire among parents (rs = .534, p < .001). The scores produced by the German PAID-C and P-PAID-C were reliable and valid in measuring diabetes burdens. These German versions of PAID can be utilized to assess diabetes-specific distress and to design interventions for children and their parents experiencing high levels of diabetes distress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

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Adherence to COPD treatment plays a crucial role in patient health outcomes. Understanding the correlation between treatment adherence and health status is vital for clinicians to develop effective disease management strategies. This study aimed to examine treatment adherence and its impact on the health status of COPD patients, specifically focusing on the effects of adhering to inhaled medications and breathing exercises. A cross-sectional study involving 420 outpatients diagnosed with COPD was conducted. The study encompassed administering questionnaires, observing patient breathing exercises, and measuring ventilatory function. Results showed that only 36.9% of participants adhered to treatment, with 44.7% following inhaler protocols and 36.9% regularly engaging in breathing exercises. The patients who were non-adherent exhibited a 0.3-fold increase in disease severity compared to the adherent group (p = .002). These findings suggest that consistent adherence to treatment, including inhaled medications and breathing exercises, may positively affect health status by reducing disease severity and airway obstruction in COPD patients. To address this, we recommend that home care clinicians implement a post-discharge assessment and intervention program. This program should focus on educating patients about the importance of treatment adherence and promoting behaviors that reinforce adherence to prescribed therapies.

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BACKGROUND: Children experiencing trauma are at risk of developing acute and chronic stress disorders. In 2022, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma required verified pediatric trauma centers to screen at-risk patients and provide mental health provider referrals as needed. OBJECTIVE: The study objective is to assess the current readiness of pediatric trauma centers to meet the new American College of Surgeons requirements. METHODS: This study used an exploratory, electronic, cross-sectional survey design. The Pediatric Trauma Society distributed a survey on mental health screening practices to its members in February 2023. Results were summarized with descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to compare responses of Levels I and II pediatric trauma centers. RESULTS: There were 91 survey responses from the PTS membership of 1247 (response rate of 7.3%). Fifty-nine participants were from Level I and 27 from Level II pediatric trauma centers. 63.8% of Level I and 51.9% of Level II center respondents currently screened for acute stress (χ2(1) = 1.09, p = .30). Of these, 75.7% of Level I and 57.1% of Level II center respondents routinely screened all admitted trauma patients (χ2(1) = 1.68, p = .19). However, only 32.4% of Level I and 21.4% of Level II respondents reported having outpatient acute stress referral protocols. For pediatric trauma centers currently without screening, 65% of Level I and 46.2% of Level II pediatric trauma center respondents felt they needed more than six months to establish a program (χ2(1) = 1.15, p = .28). Most respondents (68.9%) reported staff shortages as a barrier to the delivery of acute stress services. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric trauma center compliance with acute stress screening requirements for verification is variable. Pediatric trauma centers may benefit from technical assistance with acute stress screening.

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