ABSTRACT
BackgroundTelemedicine services worldwide have experienced an unprecedented boom since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple studies have noted telemedicine as an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face management of patients. This study provides insight into public perception and impression of telemedicine in Hong Kong, specifically among the elderly who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19. MethodsFace-to-face surveys were conducted on elderly relatives of current medical students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong who were aged [≥] 60 years. The survey included socio-demographic details; past medical history; and concerns towards telemedicine use. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine statistically significant associations. The primary outcomes are consideration of telemedicine use during: (1) a severe outbreak; and (2) after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results109 surveys were conducted. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that expectation of government subsidies for telemedicine services was the strongest common driver, and also the only positive independent predictors of telemedicine use for both during a severe outbreak, as well as after the COVID-19 pandemic. No negative independent predictors of telemedicine use during severe outbreak were found. Negative independent predictors of telemedicine use after the COVID-19 pandemic included old age, and living in the New Territories. ConclusionsGovernment support such as telemedicine-specific subsidies will be crucial in promoting telemedicine use in Hong Kong both during a severe outbreak and after the current COVID-19 pandemic. Robust dissemination of information regarding the pros and cons of telemedicine towards the public, especially towards the elderly population, is warranted.
ABSTRACT
Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide that plays multiple roles in humans and other mammals. The functions of ghrelin include food intake regulation, gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and acid secretion by the GI tract. Many GI disorders involving infection, inflammation, and malignancy are also correlated with altered ghrelin production and secretion. Although suppressed ghrelin responses have already been observed in various GI disorders, such as chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and cachexia, elevated ghrelin responses have also been reported in celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, we recently reported that decreased fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels were observed in female patients with functional dyspepsia compared with healthy subjects. These alterations of ghrelin responses were significantly correlated with meal-related symptoms (bloating and early satiation) in female functional dyspepsia patients. We therefore support the notion that abnormal ghrelin responses may play important roles in various GI disorders. Furthermore, human clinical trials and animal studies involving the administration of ghrelin or its receptor agonists have shown promising improvements in gastroparesis, anorexia, and cancer. This review summarizes the impact of ghrelin, its family of peptides, and its receptors on GI diseases and proposes ghrelin modulation as a potential therapy.
