The Acne Disability Index: Usefulness confirmed

One hundred and four patients with acne completed a questionnaire derived from the Cardiff Acne Disability Index Questionnaire. In addition, 59% of patients returned an identical follow-up questionnaire 6 months later. Significant disability from acne was identified in many patients, with the median initial Acne Disability Index (ADI) being 6 (maximum possible 15), improving to 3 after treatment. Scores correlated poorly with the clinical severity of acne. The questionnaire proved useful for identifying patients with poor self-image who might benefit from more potent treatment for their acne, and to evaluate the effect of treatment.     

Assessment of safety and feasibility of a new technical variant of gastropexy for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: an experience with 435 cases

Background  

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) performed through the Introducer Technique is associated with lower risk of surgical infection when compared to the Pull Technique. Its use is less widespread as the fixation of the stomach to the abdominal wall is a stage of the procedure that is difficult to be performed. We present a new technical variant of gastropexy which is fast and easy to be performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new technical variant of gastropexy in patients submitted to gastrostomy performed through the Introducer Technique.     

Lead-containing preparations in the Asian community: A retrospective survey

Traditional Asian and Arab preparations can contain lead. Of particular note is the eye cosmetic known as surma, or kohl. Following detailed examination of the use of this material amongst the Asian community within Britain, the Government undertook a programme of education to inform of the dangers the use of such materials presents. In this paper we report the results of a retrospective pilot survey of the effectiveness of these campaigns among 46 Asian women in Nottingham. The results show that the use of surma is still widespread, both among the women and their children and families. The most effective means of communicating the dangers of these materials appears to be via television programmes.     

Foot Protective System : A Boon to Demining Soldiers

Background

A significant number of soldiers suffer serious injuries or die in the process of demining and a protective device is necessary in such operations.

Methods

All the patients involved in demining operations using the foot protection devices in last one year were analysed.

Results

We received 35 patients, of which only five had limb injuries and 30 had eye injuries. Of the five, three had closed calcaneal fractures and two contusion of foot. No fatality, amputation or compound fracture occured.

Conclusion

Early results after the use of this device during demining operations are encouraging.Key Words: Mine blast injury, Demining, Spider boot     

Developing a Valid Evaluation for Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Objectives The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires that residency programs evaluate the acquisition of six general competencies, including Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS). To develop a 360-degree method for accomplishing this, a semantic-differentiation matrix for various communication traits for nurses to evaluate physician ICS was developed. The authors sought to determine whether this evaluation method could discriminate between more experienced medical communicators (faculty) and less experienced medical communicators (residents).
Methods A 98-item questionnaire measured several communication dimensions by using an eight-element semantic-differentiation scale. In addition, global assessment ratings assessed nursing perceptions of physician ICS skills. This process was repeated for various clinical scenarios.
Results There were 26 nurse evaluators, 19 emergency medicine (EM) residents (EM2 and EM3), and 30 EM faculty. Each physician received five independent evaluations (total, 245 evaluations). All EM residents (EM2 and EM3) were compared with the EM faculty. All eight items on the semantic-differentiation scale were compared. Likewise, the global assessment scores were compared. In every category, the faculty scored higher (Mann-Whitney U: p < 0.001).
Conclusions An evaluation process integrating a semantic-differentiation matrix was applied to various clinical scenarios (as well as global assessment items) and demonstrated discriminatory results. Faculty physicians scored significantly higher than resident physicians. The ability to provide discriminatory results is a requisite in the development of a valid evaluation process. The described semantic-differentiation matrix and global assessment questions may be valid measurements of ICS.     

HIV/AIDS stigma among older PLWHA in south rural China

Stigma is a common problem among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, little is known about HIV/AIDS‐related stigma in older PLWHA over the age of 50. This study described the stigma of HIV/AIDS and its factors based on 120 PLWHA aged 50 or older in an area of high HIV prevalence in south rural China. Each participant completed a face‐to‐face questionnaire that collected information on demographic characteristics, AIDS‐related events and experience of HIV/AIDS‐related stigma. Finally, only 18.1% reported experiencing external stigma compared with 64.3% feeling internal stigma. Regression analysis indicated that social support and health status were the two variables that were significantly predictive of both external and internal stigma. Whatever, the more support were received from family members by PLWHA, the less external stigma was perceived. Negative marital situation was also related to external stigma. Reducing HIV/AIDS stigma requires a supportive environment, positive attitude and correct knowledge of AIDS. Health workers and policy makers should take practical approaches to reduce prejudice.