Gender and Age Differences in Cardiac Size Parameters of Ghanaian Adults: Can One Parameter Fit All? Part Two

BackgroundThe cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is a radiographic parameter commonly used in assessing the size of the heart. This study evaluated the gender and age-based differences in the average cardiothoracic ratios, and transverse cardiac diameters (TCD) of adults in Ghana.MethodPlain chest radiography reports of 2004 patients (without known chest related diseases) generated by two radiologists with at least 15 years'' experience from July 2016 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed for this study. The CTR for each radiograph was calculated using the formula CTR=(TCD÷TTD)×100, where TCD and TTD represent transverse cardiac diameters and transverse thoracic diameters, respectively. Data were analyzed with the statistical package for social sciences version 23. The independent t-test and One-way Analysis of Variance tests were used in the analyses.ResultsA total of 2004 patients'' chest x-rays were used in the analyses. The ages of the patients ranged from 20–86 years old with a mean of 39.4±14.04 years. The mean CTR for males was 46.6 ± 3.7% while that of females was 47.7±3.7%. The difference in the overall CTR among the gender groupings was statistically significant (p = 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between the gender categories among patients in the following age groups: 30–39 (p=0.046), 40–49 (p=0.001), 50–59 (p=0.001) and 60–69 (p=0.001).ConclusionThe study reveals there are significant gender and age-related differences in cardiac size parameters obtained from routine, frontal chest radiographs. These differences, if considered, may result in early and appropriate treatment of cardiac pathology in some age groups.     

Effect of Concept Mapping Education on Critical Thinking Skills of Medical Students: A Quasi-experimental Study

BackgroundFostering critical thinking (CT) is one of the most important missions in medical education. Concept mapping is a method used to plan and create medical care through a diagrammatic representation of patient problems and medical interventions. Concept mapping as a general method can be used to improve CT skills in medical students. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of concept mapping on CT skills of medical students.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 second-year medical students which take an anatomy course. Participants were randomly assigned into a control group (lecture-based) and an intervention group (concept mapping). CT levels of medical students were assessed using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test.ResultsBefore intervention, CT scores of the intervention and control groups were 6.68 ± 2.55 and 6.64 ±2.74, respectively, and after intervention, they were 11.64 ±2.29 and 10.04 ± 3.11, respectively. Comparison of mean score differences for both groups before and after intervention demonstrated that CT scores in the experimental group significantly increased after intervention (P=0.021).ConclusionsMedical students who were taught through concept mapping showed an increase in CT scores, compared with those in the control group. Medical students require effective CT skills in order to make sound knowledge-based assessment and treatment choices during patient care. Therefore, instructors and planners of medical education are expected to apply this educational strategy for developing CT skills in medical students.     

Eating Competence and Dietary Intake of Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

Sexual and gender minority college students are underrepresented in nutrition research and may face unique challenges related to eating which impact their overall diet quality. We assessed the differences in eating competence and dietary intake between sexual and gender minority (SGM) and cisgender heterosexual (CH) college students. Participants (n = 2645) reported sexual orientation, gender identity and completed the Eating Competence Satter Inventory (ecSI 2.0™ through an online questionnaire. Three-day food records examined dietary intake. Intake was compared to recommendations for nutrients of public health concern. Chi-square and ANCOVA examined differences between eating competence and dietary intake. There were no differences in total ecSI 2.0™ scores. Subscale scores for Eating Attitudes and Contextual Skills were significantly higher in CH vs. SGM students (13.4 ± 0.1 vs. 12.4 ± 0.4 p = 0.01 and 10.7 ± 0.1 vs. 9.9 ± 0.3, p = 0.01, respectively). Most students (40.8%) met one nutrient recommendation. The proportion of students meeting nutrient recommendations were similar for SGM and CH. SGM populations may struggle with attitudes and eating behaviors. Dietary intake of SGM and CH students were similarly inadequate when compared to recommendations.     

An Observational Study in Manipur State,India on Preventive Behavior Influenced by Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic Mediated by Cyberchondria and Information Overload

ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a public health emergency posing unprecedented challenges for health authorities. Social media may serve as an effective platform to disseminate health-related information. This study aimed to assess the extent of social media use, its impact on preventive behavior, and negative health effects such as cyberchondria and information overload.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted between June 10, 2020 and August 9, 2020 among people visiting the outpatient department of the authors’ institution, and participants were also recruited during field visits for an awareness drive. Questions were developed on preventive behavior, and the Short Cyberchondria Scale and instruments dealing with information overload and perceived vulnerability were used.ResultsThe study recruited 767 participants with a mean age of about 45 years. Most of the participants (>90%) engaged in preventive behaviors, which were influenced by the extent of information received through social media platforms (β=3.297; p<0.001) and awareness of infection when a family member tested positive (β=29.082; p<0.001) or a neighbor tested positive (β=27.964; p<0.001). The majority (63.0%) of individuals often searched for COVID-19 related news on social media platforms. The mean±standard deviation scores for cyberchondria and information overload were 9.09±4.05 and 8.69±2.56, respectively. Significant and moderately strong correlations were found between cyberchondria, information overload, and perceived vulnerability to COVID-19.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that the use of social media as an information-seeking platform altered preventive behavior. However, excessive and misleading information resulted in cyberchondria and information overload.     

School milieu characteristics and disordered eating in high school graduates

Research has confirmed a relationship between our culture's emphasis on thinness, and disordered eating. The present study sought to expand our understanding of the relationship between sociocultural variables and disordered eating. It hypothesized that students from high schools that encourage competitiveness, value traditional feminine behaviors and conformity to traditional norms, and discourage social support and interpersonal involvements among students are particularly likely to report symptoms of disordered eating and related psychopathology. Social climate measures, an abbreviated Eating Disorders Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale were completed by 211 female high school graduates recruited among the incoming students of two U.S. campuses. The hypothesis of elevated scores on measures of disordered eating among females from schools perceived as emphasizing competitiveness and traditional feminine and dependent behaviors was not confirmed. Results, however, suggested a modest relationship between perception of the high school as low in social involvement and feelings of ineffectiveness and loneliness.     

Central corneal thickness in a healthy Tunisian population

Aim:To study the central corneal thickness of a Tunisian population and determine the influence of age, gender, axial length and refractive error on central corneal thickness (CCT) values. Methods:An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 608 eyes of consecutive Tunisian patients without ophthalmic disease. Corneal tomography (Oculus Pentacam, USA) and a complete eye examination were performed on all patients. The relationship between the central corneal thickness values and variables of age, refractive error, axial length and gender was assessed. Results:The mean central corneal thickness was 522±37.17μm (range 461 to 655 μm). No statistical association was found between central corneal thickness values and variables of age, refractive error, axial length and gender. Conclusions:The normal CCT value in the Tunisian population was of 522±37.17 µm. We have analyzed, for the first time, normal central corneal thickness values of a healthy Tunisian population.     

Knowledge and Attitude of Iranian Medical University Students about Organ Donation and Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundMedical professionals'' knowledge of and attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation have positive impact on donation rates. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of medical university students in Iran about organ donation and transplantation.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on 1078 undergraduate students in Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, from January to June 2019. All eligible students were recruited using convenient sampling. Data were gathered using knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and transplantation questionnaire. The higher scores of both subscales, the knowledge subscale (range from 0 to 13) and the attitude subscale (range from 13 to 65), indicate the better knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and transplantation.ResultsThe mean age of students was 22.24±5.16 years. Finding showed that the mean score of students'' knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and organ transplantation were 8.48±1.71 and 48.55±8.11 respectively. Also, the mean score of students'' knowledges in females (P<0.001), married (P=0.001) and who had organ donation card (P<0.001) was significantly higher. Nearly all of the students had heard about organ donation (98.3%) and organ transplantation (98.4%). Majority of them pointed that their source of information about organ donation and transplantation was television (TV) program (47.1%). Most of the students (73.8%) reported that they agree to donate their organs but most of them (67.5%) did not know how to obtain organ donation card and only 9.6% of them had the organ donor card as a volunteer donor.ConclusionAccording to finding, despite the awareness and favorable attitude about organ donation and transplantation among medical students, the number of registered donors was low. In addition to promoting college students'' awareness about organ donation for increasing registered donors, it is needed to aware and pursue lay people through social media.     

Estimation of Stature from Arm Span,Arm Length and Tibial Length among Adolescents of Aged 15–18 in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

BackgroundKnowing the relationship between stature and different anatomical anthropometric parameters help forensic scientists, anatomists and clinicians to estimate standing height from mutilated remains of body parts in clinical practices and forensic investigations. It is a necessity when measuring height is unenviable due to certain medical conditions and in field studies. This study aims to estimate stature from arm span, arm length and tibial length among adolescents of age 15–18 in Ethiopia.MethodsA school based cross-sectional study was carried out among 416 high school students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May to June 2019. Stratified multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Anthropometric measurement including weight, height, arm span, arm length and tibial length was measured. Data entry was done by Epi-Data a version 4.4.3.1 and data analysis was carried out by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Regression models and multiplication factors were generated for estimation of height from anthropometric parameters.ResultFrom total participants 51.4% were females and 48.6% were males. The mean height of study participants was 164.36±8.89cm for males and 155.75±5.86cm for females. The correlation coefficients(R) of anatomical anthropometric measurements with height were: arm span (males R=0.843, females R=0.708), arm length (males R=0.806, females R=0.635), and tibial length (males R=0.738, females R=0.611).ConclusionStature predicted from arm span, arm length, and tibial length is a valid indicator of height. Arm span was appeared to be the best predictor of stature.     

医院实习学生网络成瘾的影响因素分析

目的探讨医学生网络成瘾的影响因素，为学生管理和对医学生网络成瘾进行预防、纠正提供理论依据。方法以近2年来在烟台市2所医院实习、见习的医学学生为研究对象，对影响医学生网络成瘾的主要因素进行对比分析。结果医学生网络接触使用率为98．97％，网络成瘾率为10．83％，网络吸引因素、孤独、男性、部分家庭因素、焦虑、社交恐怖是个体网络成瘾的危险因素。结论医学生网络成瘾的发生与各种心理及社会因素关系密切，网络成瘾学生的防治要以性别、个体心理特点及生活学习环境方面为重点。     

厦门市小学生性别角色与家庭因素的关联

目的 分析厦门市小学生性别特质得分和性别角色类型与家庭因素的关联,为促进儿童青少年性别角色健康发展提供科学依据.方法 采取整群抽样的方法,于2018年5月在厦门市2所九年一贯制学校开展调查,纳入823名小学生作为研究对象,通过儿童性别角色量表(CSRI)调查小学生男女性特质得分和性别角色类型(男性化、女性化、双性化、未...     

Social Intelligence Counseling Intervention to Reduce Bullying Behaviors Among Thai Lower Secondary School Students: A Mixed-method Study

ObjectivesTo develop and investigate the effectiveness of an integrative counseling intervention for enhancing social intelligence and reducing bullying behaviors among lower secondary school students in Bangkok, Thailand.MethodsAn interventional mixed-method design was employed in 2 phases. Phase 1 involved the development of a qualitative method-based integrative counseling program from key informants using the eclecticism technique. In phase 2, a randomized controlled trial with a wait-list control was conducted and qualitative research was performed with students who demonstrated bullying behaviors. Demographic data, Social Intelligence Scale (SIS) scores, and Bullying-Behavior Scale (BBS) scores were collected at baseline. Changes in SIS scores and qualitative findings obtained from in-depth interviews were examined after counseling ended, and BBS scores were collected again 1 month later.ResultsThe developed social intelligence counseling program included eight 1-hour weekly sessions consisting of 3 components: (1) social awareness, (2) social information processing, and (3) social skills. After receiving this intervention, scores for the SIS overall (p<0.001) and all of its components (p<0.05) were significantly enhanced in the experimental group compared to the control group. Moreover, the mean BBS scores in the experimental group significantly decreased 1 month after counseling (p=0.001). With regard to the qualitative research results, the experimental students demonstrated improvements in all components of social intelligence.ConclusionsThe results indicated that a preventive counseling program may enhance social intelligence, decrease bullying behaviors among lower secondary school students, and prevent further incidents of school violence. However, further studies in various population subgroups should also be performed.     

大学生性别特质分布特点研究

目的了解大学生性别特质分布的特点,为大学生的心理健康教育提供科学依据。方法采用性别角色量表,对399名理科、文科和医科一至三年级学生的性别特质分布进行问卷测试。结果男女大学生有双性化、男性化、女性化和未分化4种性别特质类型。医科大学生年级间的未分化性度取向及文科大学生年级间双性化、未分化性度取向的构成比例差别有统计学意义。文科三年级大学生双性化比例最高,未分化比例最低。结论对大学生进行人文教育有利于改变其性度取向,改善其心理品质。     

The Differential Effects of Social Media on Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation Among the Younger and Older Adult Population in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Population-Based Cross-sectional Survey Study

BackgroundSocial media has become a ubiquitous part of daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic isolation. However, the role of social media use in depression and suicidal ideation of the general public remains unclear. Related empirical studies were limited and reported inconsistent findings. Little is known about the potential underlying mechanisms that may illustrate the relationship between social media use and depression and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveThis study tested the mediation effects of social loneliness and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on the relationship between social media use and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, as well as the moderation effect of age on the mediation models.MethodsWe administered a population-based random telephone survey in May and June 2020, when infection control measures were being vigorously implemented in Hong Kong. A total of 1070 adults (658 social media users and 412 nonusers) completed the survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup SEM were conducted to test the mediation and moderation effects.ResultsThe weighted prevalence of probable depression was 11.6%; 1.6% had suicidal ideation in the past 2 weeks. Both moderated mediation models of depressive symptoms (χ²₆₂=335.3; P<.05; comparative fit index [CFI]=0.94; nonnormed fit index [NNFI]=0.92; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.06) and suicidal ideation (χ²₃₄=50.8; P<.05; CFI=0.99; NNFI=0.99; RMSEA=0.02) showed acceptable model fit. There was a significantly negative direct effect of social media use on depressive symptoms among older people (β=–.07; P=.04) but not among younger people (β=.04; P=.55). The indirect effect via PTSD symptoms was significantly positive among both younger people (β=.09; P=.02) and older people (β=.10; P=.01). The indirect effect via social loneliness was significant among older people (β=–.01; P=.04) but not among younger people (β=.01; P=.31). The direct effect of social media use on suicidal ideation was not statistically significant in either age group (P>.05). The indirect effects via PTSD symptoms were statistically significant among younger people (β=.02; P=.04) and older people (β=.03; P=.01). Social loneliness was not a significant mediator between social media use and suicidal ideation among either age group (P>.05).ConclusionsSocial media may be a “double-edged sword” for psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its roles vary across age groups. The mediators identified in this study can be addressed by psychological interventions to prevent severe mental health problems during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise in kidney transplant recipients: A qualitative study

BackgroundExercise has the potential to attenuate the high levels of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality present in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Despite this, activity levels in KTRs remain low. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of exercise in KTRs.MethodsThirteen KTRs (eight males; mean ± SD; age 53 ± 13 years; estimated glomerular filtration rate 53 ± 21 ml/min/1.73 m²) were recruited and completed semistructured one‐to‐one interviews at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. All KTRs were eligible if their kidney transplant was completed >12 weeks before interview and their consultant considered them to have no major contraindications to exercise. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and subject to framework analysis to identify and report themes.ResultsThemes were organized into personal, behavioural and environmental factors based on social cognitive theory. Facilitators of exercise were largely internal: enjoyment, exercise for general health and health of the transplanted kidney and desire to maintain normality. Social interaction, support and guidance of healthcare professionals and goal setting were perceived as motivational. Harming the kidney, a lack of guidance, self‐motivation and accessibility were barriers to exercise.ConclusionThese results provide detailed insight into the development of interventions designed to increase physical activity in KTRs. They provide strong evidence that specific exercise guidelines are required for this population and that the healthcare system could have a key role in supporting KTRs to become more physically active. Interventions need to be multifaceted to appeal to the differing levels of support desired by KTRs.Patient or Public ContributionKTRs were involved in the development of the interview topic guide to ensure all relevant topics were explored.     

社会支持和大学生社交焦虑的关系

目的了解大学生社交焦虑的基本状况及社会支持与其关系。方法采用无记名问卷调查,共获有效问卷357份。调查工具包括社交恐怖症量表（SPIN）,社交回避及苦恼量表（SAD）、领悟社会支持量表（PSSS）和社会支持评定量表（SSRS）。结果8.1%的大学生存在社交焦虑,其中男生6.63%,女生9.42%;理工类学生社交焦虑检出率最高,为14.29%,医学类学生最低,为4.55%;χ2检验显示社交焦虑与性别等因素无相关性。t检验和Logistic回归分析发现,社会支持与社交焦虑有负相关性。结论社会支持对社交焦虑的发生有影响,应帮助学生建立社会支持系统并使其能够充分利用。