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Purpose: The aim of the study was to survey keratoconus management by optometrists in India. Methods: A validated online survey questionnaire was circulated to all optometrists from India who had completed 4 years of optometry programs. Practitioners were asked general contact lens practice questions and keratoconus management?related questions. For analysis, data were imported into SPSS (IBM Corp. 2011). Results: A total of 159 optometrists responded to the questionnaire, of whom 10.7% of practitioners had >10 years of experience and the remaining 89.3% had <10 years. Only 45.3% of respondents had corneal topography in their practice. Approximately 55% of practitioners prescribed gas permeable (GP) lenses. Around 77.4% of practitioners considered that a combination of multiple factors is necessary for keratoconus investigations. In addition, 91.8% of practitioners used the keratoconus severity classification. Also, 73% of practitioners consider that GP contact lens (CL) fitting is more difficult in keratoconic eyes than in healthy eyes. The average number of GP diagnostic lenses used in keratoconus CL fittings was 3.93 ± 1.92. A majority of practitioners calculate back optic zone radius (BOZR) using the manufacturer’s guidelines (based on manual keratometry [39.6%] or based on corneal topography [40.3%]). Around 40.3% of respondents prefer to refer patients to another optometrist for CL fitting before consulting an ophthalmologist for surgical intervention. Finally, half of the respondents participate in co?management with ophthalmologists after surgical treatment (54.1%). Conclusion: This study provides details about the management of keratoconus by optometrists in India. Keratoconus patient care could be improved with new evidence?based guidelines for the management and referral of these patients that would provide guidance on GP CL fitting procedures. Furthermore, it determines referral criteria and enhances co?management between optometrists and ophthalmologists.
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@#Introduction: Access to accurate and timely dietary information is of paramount importance in evaluating and developing well-targeted public health nutrition interventions. However, nationwide nutrition surveys are conducted infrequently because they are very costly to design, conduct and analyse. Dietary assessment tools, which are quick and cost- effective, are needed for population research and regular monitoring of Malaysians’ dietary habits. This paper describes the rationale and methodology of the Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS) project, which aims to bridge this knowledge gap on dietary intake of Malaysian adults. The main objective of the two-year project is to develop MHDOS as a valid tool to measure compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020. Methods: The MHDOS project has three study phases, namely (i) adaptation of an online survey and established diet quality scoring system for Malaysia, (ii) usability, validity and reliability testing of the online survey; and (iii) online survey administration in a nationwide study. The survey will be administered to approximately 10,000 Malaysian adults aged 18-59 years. Discussion: MHDOS consists of 38 questions that measures the quantity, quality and variety of foods consumed. Individuals will receive a diet quality score that reflects their overall compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines and feedback on how to improve their scores. The findings of the online survey, which serve to complement information between larger surveys, will be useful to measure compliance of Malaysians to national dietary guidelines and inform public health interventions.
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@#OBJECTIVE: To identify the glaucoma clinical practice patterns among the members of the Philippine Glaucoma Society (PGS) from 2015 to 2016 using an online survey. METHODS: An online link was sent to each consenting PGS member which directed them to two poll sites. These sites asked questions about demographics and their preferred clinical practice patterns. Frequency and percent distributions were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There was a high response rate from PGS members at 97% (42 out of 43 members). More than half of respondents (51%, n=22) defined glaucoma as glaucomatous optic neuropathy with an evident visual field loss. IOP was routinely measured by 90% (n=38) of the respondents with majority preferring to use the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) (98%, n=41). Gonioscopy was done on all new patients by all PGS members but only 62% did regular gonioscopy on follow-up consultations. Most of the respondents relied on the 90D lens (88%) to assess the optic nerve. Visual field examination (VFE) was routinely requested by all respondents. Pachymetry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were used sparingly at only 43% and 12% respectively. Appositional angle closure was addressed by performing laser iridotomy with majority of the respondents preferring a site that is covered by the upper eyelid (57%). Prostaglandin analogues were the top choice as first-line monotherapy for eyes with open-angle glaucoma. Majority of the respondents (55%) opted to do laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) as an adjunct to medical therapy. Mitomycin-C was the preferred intraoperative antimetabolite for trabeculectomy by 98% (n=41). Ahmed (71%, n=30) was the more favored glaucoma drainage device (GDD) by our respondents over Baerveldt (19%, n=8). CONCLUSION: This survey showed majority of the glaucoma practices of PGS members appear to adhere to the current clinical practice guidelines.
Subject(s)
Philippines , Glaucoma , Tetrahymenina , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Resumen: Introducción: luego de la difusión de las sales de rehidratación oral, que resultó en una radical disminución en la morbimortalidad por gastroenteritis aguda (GEA), existe interés creciente en tratamientos destinados a reducir su duración. Objetivo: conocer la utilización de los tratamientos para disminuir la duración de la GEA (probióticos, antisecretores, zinc) por los pediatras uruguayos. Método: encuesta online difundida a través de la Sociedad Uruguaya de Pediatría. Resultados: n=245 encuestas de pediatras procedentes de 17/19 departamentos del país (59% Montevideo). El 39,4% no indica probióticos en tratamiento de GEA; 5,8% lo indica siempre, y 49% en algunas situaciones (15,2% ingreso hospitalario; 21,2% inmunodeprimidos). La elección se basa en 13% en evidencia científica y 47,9% por disponibilidad en el lugar de cobertura. El 32,2% conoce adecuadamente el impacto en la duración de la diarrea. El 61,4% nunca utiliza antisecretores y 24,9% lo utiliza (96,6% racecadotrilo; 3,4% loperamida) en algunas situaciones (56,7% <5 años; 41,6% >5 años; 21,6% en pacientes que requieren internación). El 22% conoce adecuadamente el impacto de su utilización en la duración de la diarrea. En relación con el uso de zinc, 76,3% lo utiliza en algunas situaciones (64% pacientes desnutridos; 46% pacientes internados; 31% >6 meses y 26% <6 meses), y 6,9% lo utiliza siempre). Conclusiones: existe una amplia utilización de probióticos y zinc y un escaso uso de antisecretores en nuestro medio. Los pediatras uruguayos reconocen el posible rol de estos fármacos en la GEA. Un alto porcentaje de los pediatras no conoce la evidencia que fundamenta su uso. Es necesaria la implementación de programas de educación médica continua para guiar su uso.
Summary: Introduction: there is an increasing interest regarding treatments that shorten the duration of acute gastroenteritis (AG) in children, although little is known about it in Uruguay. Aim: that Uruguayan pediatricians get acquainted with probiotics, antisecretory drugs and zinc treatments. Methods: online survey sent to pediatricians members of the Uruguayan Pediatrics Association. Results: n=245 surveys carried out by pediatricians at 17/19 departments in Uruguay (59% from Montevideo). 39.4% stated they had not used probiotics to treat AG, 5.8% had always used it and 49% used it depending on the situation (15.2% used it with inpatients and 21.2% with immune depressed children). The choice of probiotics was based: 13% on scientific evidence and 47.9% on availability. 32.2% of pediatricians knew the real impact of probiotics on the duration of AG. 61.4% did not use antisecretory drugs and 24.9% used them depending on the situation (56.7% <5 years old, 41.6% >5 years, 21.6% inpatients). 96.6% of them chose Racecadotril and 3.4% Loperamide. 22% were aware of the real impact of the duration of AG. 76.3% of pediatricians used zinc to treat GEA in some situations (64% malnourished children, 46% inpatients, 31% >6 months, 26% <6 months) and 6.9% always used it. Conclusion: while probiotics and zinc are widely used, antisecretory drugs are slightly used as AG treatments in Uruguay. Uruguayan pediatricians identify the potential useful role of these treatments for AG, although many of them are not aware of its real use, so it is necessary to offer permanent medical training programs in this respect.
Resumo: Introdução: há um interesse crescente em tratamentos para reduzir a duração da gastroenterite aguda (GA) em pediatria, embora ainda há pouco conhecimento do tratamento no Uruguai. Objetivo: que os pediatras uruguaios se familiarizem com os tratamentos com probióticos, medicamentos anti-secretores e zinco. Métodos: pesquisa online enviada aos pediatras da Sociedade Uruguaia de Pediatria. Resultados: n = 245 pesquisas realizadas por pediatras em 17/19 departamentos do Uruguai (59% de Montevidéu). 39,4% afirmaram não ter usado probióticos para tratar a GEA, 5,8% sempre usaram e 49% usaram dependendo da situação (15,2% usaram com pacientes internados e 21,2% com imunossuprimidos). A escolha dos probióticos foi baseada: 13% na evidência científica e 47,9% na disponibilidade. 32,2% dos pediatras conheciam o real impacto dos probióticos na duração da GA. 61,4% não faziam uso de drogas antisecretoras e 24,9% usaram dependendo da situação (56,7% <5 anos, 41,6% ± 5 anos, 21,6% internados). 96,6% deles escolheram Racecadotril e 3,4% Loperamida. 2% conheciam o impacto real na duração da GA. 76,3% dos pediatras usaram zinco para tratar a GA em algumas situações (64% das crianças desnutridas, 46% dos pacientes internados, 31% >6 meses, 26% <6 meses) e 6,9% sempre usaram. Conclusão: os probióticos e o zinco são amplamente utilizados, enquanto os antisecretores são pouco usados no Uruguai. Pediatras uruguaios tem identificado o potencial papel útil desses tratamentos para a GA, embora muitos deles ainda não conheçam seu uso real, por isso é necessário oferecer programas permanentes de capacitação médica nesse assunto.
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BACKGROUND@#With the aim to prevent sick building syndrome and worsening of allergic symptoms, primarily resulting from the indoor environment, the relationships among people's residential environment in recent years, their lifestyle habits, their awareness, and their symptoms were investigated using an online survey.@*METHODS@#In the survey, respondents experiencing symptoms specific to sick building syndrome, although they were not diagnosed with sick building syndrome, were categorized in the pre-sick building syndrome group. The relationships among individual characteristics, residential environment, and individual awareness were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Results showed that the prevalence of pre-sick building syndrome was high among young (aged 20-29 years) population of both sexes. In addition, "condensation," "moisture," "musty odors" in the house, and the "use of deodorant and fragrance" were all significantly associated with pre-sick building syndrome. Conversely, there was no significant association with recently built "wooden" houses that are highly airtight and have thermal insulation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Efficient "ventilation" plans and "ventilation" improvement and air conditioning systems to prevent mold and condensation in rooms are necessary to maintain a good, indoor environment that is beneficial for health. Efforts should also be made to encourage individuals to regularly clean and effectively ventilate their homes.
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PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the level of problem drinking and assess factors that influence problem drinking in Korean college women. METHODS: The participants were 500 students who took part in a self-administered online survey. AUDIT, BDI-II, AES, PSS, and PES were included in the survey used in this study. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistic, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. RESULTS: The average score for AUDIT was 8.98±6.38 and the proportion of the problem drinking was 50.8%. Significant factors that influenced problem drinking were depression, alcohol expectations, age of first drink and family income. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest that the need to develop nursing intervention programs for early prevention of excessive alcohol use and recovery for college women who have a drinking problem.
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Female , Humans , Depression , Drinking , NursingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of parents' monitoring of school lunch programs and to examine the relationship of parents' school lunch monitoring with their level of trust in school lunch programs. METHODS: During November 2016, a web survey was conducted with 1,283 parents who had participated in monitoring of school lunch programs. A total of 621 parents completed the questionnaires (48.4% response rate) and the responses from 442 parents were analyzed (34.5% analysis rate) for elementary (n=196) and middle/high school parents (n=246), respectively. RESULTS: Both the elementary and middle/high school parents most wanted to participate in monitoring 1~2 times per month, which was less frequent than their current practice. They showed the highest experience rate in ‘food sanitation’ area in both the prior training and actual practice of school lunch monitoring. They most responded ‘increasing trust in school lunch programs’ as a merit and ‘lack of parents participating in monitoring’ as a problem of school lunch monitoring. The average levels of trust did not differ between elementary and middle/high school parents. Multiple regression analyses showed that elementary school parents' level of satisfaction in the monitored school lunch programs was positively associated with the parents' level of trust in general school lunch programs. Monitoring frequency and parents' age, in addition to level of satisfaction in the monitored school lunch program, were associated with level of trust in general school lunch programs among middle/high school parents. CONCLUSIONS: There was room for change in parents' school lunch monitoring programs to meet parents' needs better. Well-managed school lunch monitoring programs contributing to parents' satisfaction with school lunch programs could increase parents' level of trust in school lunch programs.
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Humans , Lunch , ParentsABSTRACT
With the number of long-term care facilities in Korea increasing substantially, their quality and evaluation system has been an issue of concern. Policy makers need to consider critical aspects relating to health outcomes and client satisfaction when evaluating quality in long-term care. This requires a substantial amount of information gathered from a system of inspection, survey, data, and feedback. This study reviews the characteristics of Online Survey Certification and Reporting system (OSCAR) and the survey instrument used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the U.S. and introduces the history of the U.S. nursing home (NH) inspection/survey system. OSCAR is administered by state agencies that contract with CMS and collect data through onsite inspections of facilities approximately once per year. The major components of OSCAR data are facility characteristics, resident characteristics, and survey deficiencies including scope and severity. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of OSCAR, the primary source of information on the performance of all Medicare/Medicaid certified facilities, including a comparison of resident health outcome evaluation measurement between Korea's assessment tool and OSCAR. Introduction of a data collection system that includes a periodic survey process similar to OSCAR may help policy makers gain a better understanding of the NH industry in Korea and address shortcomings of the system.