Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related illness that usually manifests during the twentieth week of gestation and is characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria. It causes damage to essential organs and is a major global cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies on medical professionals’ awareness of preeclampsia in Africa and around the world show that different contexts require different levels of comprehension. Available data suggest that most people have misconceptions about the disease, hence this study aimed to assess the impact of healthcare professionals’ knowledge on the incidence and control of the disease in selected health facilities in the Northern and Savannah regions of Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study in which data from 339 health care workers on knowledge and practices on pre-eclampsia in health care facilities located in the Northern part of Ghana were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The results showed substantial gaps in knowledge about the signs and symptoms of PE. There was a varying degree of knowledge of the signs and symptoms, ranging from 46.0
Introduction:Adherence to diabetes self-care management is a lifestyle modification for people with diabetes. Objective:To assess adherence to diabetic self-care management and associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients in North Shewa Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2023. Methods:The study employed a concurrent mixed-methods approach among 600 type 2 diabetic patients in North Shewa Zone public hospitals in Amhara, Ethiopia. The study was conducted from May 5 to May 20, 2023. The quantitative data were collected by using a semi-structured interview-administered questionnaire and chart review. Logistic regression was employed, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data were collected by in-depth interviews, and audio recordings were first transcribed verbatim and then translated to the English language by the first author and analyzed manually using a thematic approach. Result:Out of the total 600 type 2 diabetic patients, 262 (43.7%) with 95% CI: 40-47.8% of the study participants had good adherence to diabetes self-care practices. The multivariable analysis indicated that type 2 diabetic patients who lived in urban areas [AOR: 5.4, 95% CI: (1.05-8.7)] were 5.4 times more likely to have good diabetic self-care practice than those rural residents. Those who had a high school level of education [AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: (1.3-6.6)] were 2.9 times more likely to have good self-care practice, and those with college and above [AOR: 5, 95% CI (2-12):] were five times more likely to have good self-care practice. Regarding occupation, unemployed people were 66% less likely to have good self-care practices than employed people. Those who had no availability of healthcare services [AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: (0.09-0.37)] were less likely by 81% to have good self-care practice than those who had availability of healthcare services. These are significantly associated with diabetic self-care practice. The qualitative component clarified six themes: lack of education and awareness, financial affordability, accessibility, lack of family support, and having diabetic-related complications were identified as barriers. Conclusion:This study indicated that adherence of patients with type 2 diabetes to the recommended self-care practices was considerably poor. Different factors included the respondents who had a high school level or higher level of education and those who lived in urban areas. This was supported by the results from the qualitative part and thus the endorsement to strengthen diabetes health education to patients and their families. So, diabetic patients require an integrated approach through treatment as well as health education, which will increase the health and well-being of the patient.
Imposter phenomenon (IP) refers to an internalized sense of intellectual deceit and persistent self-doubt, even with evidence of competence. The phenomenon significantly impacts mental health, often leading to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as affecting career progression by obstructing professional development and reducing overall job satisfaction. This narrative review explores the key aspects of the impostor phenomenon, including its clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, prevalence, and treatment approaches. By synthesizing existing literature, the review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these topics, offering insights into the impact of the impostor phenomenon on individuals and highlighting effective strategies for intervention.
Altered gut microbiota has emerged as a major contributing factor to the etiology of chronic conditions in humans. Antibiotic exposure, historically dating back to the mass production of penicillin in the early 1940s, has been proposed as a primary contributor to the cumulative alteration of microbiota over generations. However, the mechanistic link between the antibiotics-altered microbiota and chronic conditions remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that variants of the key beneficial gut microbe, Akkermansia muciniphila, were selected upon exposure to penicillin. These variants had mutations in the promoter of a TEM-type β-lactamase gene or pur genes encoding the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway, and they exhibited compromised abilities to mitigate host obesity in a murine model. Notably, variants of A. muciniphila are prevalent in the human microbiome worldwide. These findings highlight a previously unknown mechanism through which antibiotics influence host health by affecting the beneficial capacities of the key gut microbes. Furthermore, the global prevalence of A. muciniphila variants raises the possibility that these variants contribute to global epidemics of chronic conditions, warranting further investigations in human populations.
Introduction It is important for health professional societies to involve members in defining their roles and future activities including research priorities. Aim This study aimed to identify members’ views on the areas of research that European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) should prioritise in delivering research support, research projects and education. Method An online questionnaire was initially developed by the ESCP Research Committee and reviewed by the research team. It included structured and open-ended items related to respondents’ demographics, research experience, views on future research priorities, topics that ESCP should prioritise, and barriers to research involvement. After testing face and content validity, the questionnaire was sent to all ESCP members (N = 417). Descriptive statistics and summative content analysis were used. Results Eighty-two responses were received (response rate: 19.7%). Research on real-world processes that facilitate the implementation of clinical pharmacy services into every-day practice was the priority for most respondents (n = 77, 93.9%). Respondents believed that ESCP should focus on research support for implementation science (n = 52, 63.4%) and methods to analyse clinical judgement and decision-making (n = 48, 58.5%). The perceived barriers to developing high-quality research in clinical pharmacy were reported as a lack of knowledge, skills and training, limited funding opportunities and insufficient time. Conclusion Research topics identified will help to inform ESCP and its committees on the priorities for research activities of the society in the near future, as well as other collaborating professional organisations of the current priority research objectives of ESCP in the international context.
