Knowledge of Root Canal Treatment and Its Association with Patients’ Demographics – A Cross-Sectional Insight

Introduction:Endodonticsisthedivisionofdentistrythatmainlydealtwiththephysiology,pathophysiology,pathologyandmorphologyofhumandentaltissues.Thestudydeterminedtheknowledgeamongpatientswhounderwentrootcanaltreatment(RCT).Methods:Across-sectionalstudywascarriedamongRCTpatientsvisitingvariousdentalclinics.Avalidatedself-administeredquestionnaireincludinginformationrelatedtoknowledgeaboutRCTwasusedtocollectrequireddata.StatisticalPackageforSocialScience(SPSS)Version22.0wasusedtoanalyzethedata Results:RegardingtheRCTknowledge,itwasrevealedthatpatientswithpreviousRCThistorywerehavingbetterknowledgethanpatientswithoutRCThistoryorthosewhowereplanningtoundergoforRCTprocedure(p=<0.001).DifferencesbetweensmokingstatusandRCTknowledgewerealsostatisticallysignificant(p=0.048).Conclusion:Inconclusion,moderateknowledgewasobservedamongpatientswhounderwentRCTorthosewhowereplanningtoperformRCT

Evaluation of Drug-related Knowledge and Clinical Skills among Future Healthcare Professionals

Background: The main objective of this study was to determine and compare current drug-related knowledge and clinical skills in terms of medication error identification among future healthcare professionals. Methods: Study participantswere asked to identify errors in three different prescriptions. Around 15 minutes were given to complete the questionnaire without using any references in a classroom setting. The medication error identificationrate was calculated based on the number of students that have identified the errors correctly.Results: Among 225 respondents, significant differences were found between the three groups,i.e. Prescription 1 p=0.001, Prescription 2 p=0.023, Prescription 3 p=0.024. Pharmacy students had highermedication erroridentification rate compared to medical and nursing students.Conclusion: Final year pharmacy students were found to have the best drug-related knowledge and clinical skills in terms ofmedication error identification

Determinants of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients on Root Canal Treatment

Introduction: Several determinants directly affect the Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of root canal treatment (RCT) patients like knowledge, attitude, perceptions, age, gender, marital status, smoking and pre-exposure history of RCT. This study determined the sociodemographic determinants of OHRQoLamong patients underwent RCT.Methods: This cross-sectional study determiningthe OHRQoL of patients on RCTwas conducted among patients visiting various dental clinics. A self-administered and validated questionnaire comprising of four OHRQoL themes was used to collect the data.Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver. 22.0 was used to analyze the data.One-way ANOVA and independent t-test were used to determine the p-value.Results: For each theme of the OHRQoL research tool, its association was statistically significant with at least one demographic determinant ofthe RCT patients. A total of 26.3% of the participantswere males and 73.7% were females.Among the RCT patients, 38.5% were single whereas 61.5% were married. Conclusion: In conclusion, a moderately-good level of OHRQoL was observed among the patients on RCT.

A Cross-sectional Assessment of Quality of Life among Pharmacy Academics

Introduction: These days, living a good quality life has become a luxury rather than a necessity and investigating the quality of life (QoL) across teaching professionals seems to be beneficial. This study aimed to determine the association between demographic and socioeconomic variables and the QoL among pharmacy academics. Methods: Stratified random sampling was applied to collect data using a pre-validated and self-administered questionnaire the Duke Health Profile (DHP). Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver. 22.0 was used to analyze the descriptive and inferential data.Results: One hundred and fifty-five pharmacy academics were included in this study where majority 98 (63.2%) were males and 57 (36.8%) were females. The majority 74.2% weremarried and 68.4% were having more than 5 years of teaching experience. A total of 123 ofthe pharmacy academics were more than 35 years old which accounted for 79.4% of the respondents. Various determinants like age, residence, gender, administrative position, marital status, monthly income, and teaching experience are the main factors affecting QoL among pharmacy academics. Conclusion: From the present study it could be concluded that QoL among pharmacy academics was significantly influenced by numerous socio-economic and demographic determinants

Health-Related Quality of Life among University Healthcare Academics

Introduction: Having a good health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is important to ensure good job performance. However, it is subjective and it cannot be measured easily. This study aimed to evaluate HRQoL among universityhealthcare academics in public andprivate universities.Method:In this study,a stratified random sampling approach was employed. The strata were created based on departments in the universities. Arandom sample from each stratum was taken in a number proportional to the stratum's size when compared to the overall target population. A validated questionnaire comprising two sections was administered online to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test) were applied using SPSS version 22.Results: Out of all the total 130 respondents, 57 (43.8%) were from a private university and the other 73 (56.2%) were from a public university. There were 61 (46.9%) male respondents and 69 (53.1%) female respondents. HRQoL according to the studied domains of the DUKE health profile was associated with various demographic and socioeconomic variables such as type of institution, department/faculty, age, gender, number of children,and years of experience.Conclusion:The demographic and socioeconomic variables were strongly associated with the HRQoL among university healthcare academics.

Out-of-pocket Healthcare Costs of COPD Exacerbation Episodes: A Hidden Cost and Growing Strain on Family Budgets

Introduction: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) appears to be the main reason for hospitalization among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the substantial economic burden of COPD in terms of out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) among COPD patients. Methods: This study consisted of 67 consenting patients with AECOPD. A cross-sectional study was performed via convenience sampling. Data were gathered based on per episode of exacerbation and the calculation of OOPCs was done based on direct and indirectcosts. Results:This study showed that the mean length of hospital stay for four severity levels (according to GOLD guidelines) was 3.4, 7.2, 10.3 and 14.1 days, respectively. The mean OOPCs per episode of exacerbation according to the severity level were 139.1, 153.3, 171.4 and 365.8 USD, respectively Conclusion: Impacts of OOPCs regarding AECOPD episodes on healthcare resources are worthy of attention. Cost estimation from patients’ perspective especially OOPCs estimation is important in decision and policy-making to improve healthcare states of a population

Career Satisfaction among Community Pharmacists

Objective: This study's objective was to determine the level of career satisfaction among practicing Community Pharmacists (CPs) and the impact of various factors on career satisfaction. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered instrument to accessthe current level of career satisfaction among CPs. The survey instrument questions were adopted from previous studiesand werecontextualized to suit studyobjectivesand revalidated using face and content validation. The study instrument was distributed and collected. Results: A total of 172 responses from CPswere received, 112(65.1%) from males and 60(34.9%) from females. The difference in age categories was significantly profound in theless than 34 years old group being 113(65.7%) compared withthe more than 34 years old being 59(34.3%). Around 98(57%) were working in chain pharmacies and 74(43%) in independent pharmacy stores. The study result showed126 (73.3%) were unsatisfiedin their careers and 46(26.7%) were satisfied. Conclusion:Age and working experience are both major contributing factors to career satisfaction levels. Only 36.5% reported having higher career satisfaction levels among total participated CPs

How Do Out-of-Pocket Expenditures Affect Healthcare: A Qualitative Insight of Acute Exacerbation among Asthma Patients

Introduction: This study was designed todetermine the out of pocket costs (OOPCs) of acute exacerbation of asthma (AEA) in asthma patients attending a public hospital.Methodology:A cross-sectionalstudy was done by interviewing the patients using the convenience sampling technique. Data were obtained based on per episode of AEA. OOPCs were calculated based on direct and indirect costs. A total of 128patients participated in the study. The data were analyzed with SPSS ver 23.Results: The study group comprised of 88 males (68.8%), 57 (44.5%) singles and 67 (52.3%) less than 40 years of age. There were considerable differences found between the severity levels and lengths of hospital stay towards theOOPCs. Conclusion:The severity of the AEA and length of stay in the hospital increase the per episode OOPCs of AEA among asthma patients

Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imparts a substantial economic burden on an individual and society. Exacerbation of COPD (ECOPD) is the primary cost driver for this burden as it usually associated with hospital admissions of COPD patients. The present study aimed to determine the direct costs of acute ECOPD among COPD patients.Methods:A total of 90 eligible patients with acute ECOPD who were admitted to the hospital were involved in this study. A convenient sampling technique was used during data collection. Cost data were collected according to the expenditures and existing information. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. TheSpearman's rank test was used to observe the differences (correlations) between the Govt perspective and the patient perspective.Results:The direct costs per episode of acute ECOPD were determined according to the Anthonisen criteria for evaluating acute ECOPD. The mean direct costs for severity III, severity I and severity I were 89.1, 134.8 and 178.2 USD respectively. The cost of acute ECOPD was positively associated with disease severity, length of hospital stay and the number of co-morbidities.Conclusion:Acute ECOPD patients consume a considerable amount of healthcare resources and pose a significant economic burden on the government

Health-related Quality of Life among Community Pharmacists

Introduction:The role of community pharmacists (CPs) has kept on changing. Due to the evolving role of CPs, it is important to know its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among CPs. Besides, the literature on the HRQoL of CPs is not being enriched, there is an urge to carry out a study to evaluate the HRQoL among CPs. This study aimed to examine the association between the socio-demographic factors and the HRQoLamongCPs. Methodology: A set of questions related to the HRQoL has been adopted from a pre-validated questionnaire, the Duke Health Profile and contextualized it to measure study outcomes. The target population in this study was the registered CPs that were practicing. The site of the study included all the chain and independent pharmacies. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)version 22.0 was used to analyze the data and the significance level was set at p≤0.05. Variousdomains of the Duke Health Profile (DHP) were calculated using the provided formula Results: A total of 172 respondents were included in this study. Several HRQoL domains were significantly associated with socio-demographic factors. The univariate analysis illustrated that mental and general healthstatehad significant associations with age, practice setting was significantly associated with the mental health state, the salary was significantly associated with self-esteem and mental health was significantly associated with length of service and practice setting. Dysfunction dimensions of anxiety, anxiety-depression, and pain were significantly associated withgender. Conclusion: Gender, age, length of service, salary and practice setting were the risk factors for HRQoL among CPs

Predictors of Job and Workplace Satisfaction among Community Pharmacists

Aims: This study aimed to assess the current levels of job and workplace satisfactionamong community pharmacists (CPs) and to explore the factors that can affect their job and workplace satisfaction. Methods: A self-administered research tool (questionnaire) was developed based on previously published literature. After its reliability and validity measurements, the questionnaire was distributed to the target population and data was collected. Data wereentered into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver. 22.0 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square,and multiple regression analysis. The level of significance (α) was set at 0.05.Results: CPs reported high satisfaction (76.7%) concerning their jobs. Only 23.3% of them were not satisfied with their current job. Univariate analysis showed that job and workplace satisfactionamong CPs was not significantly associated with gender, age, length of service, position and salary. However, the univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference between practice settings and job and workplace satisfactionwith p= 0.013. Among the respondents, those who worked in the chain pharmacies (83.7%) expressed greater job and workplace satisfaction, which is 16% higher than those working in independent pharmacies (67.6%). Therefore, practice setting was shown as the predictor of job and workplace satisfactionamong CPs by using multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: Overall, CPswere relatively satisfied with their current job. Our results had reinforced previous studies that reported that practice settings can affect pharmacists’ job and workplace satisfaction.

Medication Errors Identification Rates by Healthcare Students

Introduction:Medication errors caused devastating consequences affecting both the healthcare system and the patient’s trust. Junior doctors, pharmacists, and nurses are prone to make these mistakes. Thus, this study served a purpose to evaluate the pharmacological knowledge of the healthcare students (HCSs) i.e. pharmacy, medical, and nursing studentsthroughdetecting errors in the prescriptions, as this will reflect their performance once they come in real practice.Methodology:A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a validated research tool consisting ofdemographics attributes (gender, race, duration of pre-university and age) as well as three prescriptions. The research tool was distributed to final year HCSs. Demographic data of the respondents were required to investigate the contributing factors in medication errors’ identification. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS ver. 22.Results: 197 students responded to this study. Findings show that pharmacy students yield high percentages compared to medical and nursing students in identifying errors in the prescriptions. 91.1% of pharmacy students were successful in recognizing the errors in prescription 1, 55.0% in prescription 2 whereas 96.2% in prescription 3. There wasa significantassociation betweenthe age of the respondents and their ability in identifying the errors (p=0.012). No significant relationship was observed between race, gender and duration of pre-university in identifying the mistakes in the prescriptions (p>0.05).Conclusion: Pharmacy students had the highest percentage ofmedication error identification rates probably in light of the pharmacy curriculum focuses mainlyon pharmacology and therapeutic monitoring. This study portrays the importance of additional clinical training in undergraduate programs to enhance student’s pharmacological knowledge and their attitude towards patient safety practices

Relationship between gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) both have no adequate classification in addition to nomenclature that creates difficulties for researchers to find link between them. Aim of this work was to review the most recent data available on PIH and GDM and find the association between both conditions during gestation. Epidemeologies and whole studies which have done till now days, could not satisfy that what is association between PIH and GDM. The main issue to solve is how to find the association between GDM and PIH. Very limited data and research studies are available, creating hindrance to find any association. The one way to find the association now, can be that it should be checked the level of hypertension before, during and after gestation. According to the available data and research, it could be deduced that insulin resistance, present in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), may provide association more frequently. However, no direct evidential data is available for this link.

Relationship between gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) both have no adequate classification in addition to nomenclature that creates difficulties for researchers to find link between them. Aim of this work was to review the most recent data available on PIH and GDM and find the association between both conditions during gestation. Epidemeologies and whole studies which have done till now days, could not satisfy that what is association between PIH and GDM. The main issue to solve is how to find the association between GDM and PIH. Very limited data and research studies are available, creating hindrance to find any association. The one way to find the association now, can be that it should be checked the level of hypertension before, during and after gestation. According to the available data and research, it could be deduced that insulin resistance, present in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), may provide association more frequently. However, no direct evidential data is available for this link.

Guideline adherence and control of diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities in various wards of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

To assess the adherence of physicians involved in the management of diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities with reference to Clinical Practice Guideline 2009 given by Ministry of Health Malaysia in the tertiary care hospital, Pinang General Hospital Malaysia. Cross-sectional study was done at tertiary care hospital, Penang, Malaysia. The total 51 physicians and 1020 patient’s prescriptions written by same physicians were taken from the record of the Penang General Hospital (20 prescriptions for each enrolled physician). All 1020 patients were suffering from diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities. These patients were recruited from the different wards of the Penang General Hospital. Depending on the recommendations of CPG 2009 the prescriptions of patients were divided into adherent and non-adherent prescriptions. The overall good level of physician adherence was seen with respect to the recommendations of CPG 2009 in all prescriptions. A statistically significant negative association (Ф= 0.094, p-value=0.003) was observed between diabetes mellitus control and co-morbidities. CPG adherent had statistically weak negative association (Ф= -0.081, p-value=0.010) with patients having co-morbidities. No statistically significant association was observed between CPG adherence and any other co-morbidity. The study explored the several features of prescription pattern of physicians involved in the management of diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities and recognized the need for improvement in their prescription pattern for treating the diabetes mellitus.

Guideline adherence and control of diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities in various wards of a tertiary hospital Malaysia.

To assess the adherence of physicians involved in the management of diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities with reference to Clinical Practice Guideline 2009given by Ministry of Health Malaysia in the tertiary care hospital, Pinang General Hospital Malaysia. Cross-sectional study was done at tertiary care hospital, Penang, Malaysia. The total 51physicians and 1020 patient’s prescriptions written by same physicians were taken from the record of the Penang General Hospital (20 prescriptions for each enrolled physician). All 1020 patients were suffering from diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities. These patients were recruited from the different wards of the Penang General Hospital. Depending on the recommendations of CPG 2009 the prescrip-tions of patients were divided into adherent and non-adherent prescriptions. The overall good level of physician adherence was seen with respect to the recommendations of CPG2009 in all prescriptions. A statistically significant negative association (Ф= 0.094, p-value=0.003) was observed between diabetes mellitus control and co-morbidities. CPG adherent had statistically weak negative association (Ф= - 0.081, p-value=0.010) with patients having co-morbidities. No statistically significant association was observed between CPG adherence and any other co-morbidity. The study explored the several features of prescription pattern of physicians involved in the management of diabetes mellitus with or without co-morbidities and recognized the need for improvement in their prescription pattern for treating the diabetes mellitus.