Background. Properly calculated sample sizes are essential for the scientific and ethical validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Prior audits in medical and dental fields have documented incomplete reporting of samplesize calculation parameters, but no study has systematically assessed trends in implant dentistry across the pre- and post-CONSORT uptake eras. Objective. To quantify the completeness of a priori sample-size parameter reporting in implant dentistry RCTs and to compare reporting between 2005–2009 (Period 1) and 2020–2024 (Period 2). Methods. We searched PubMed (last searched November 2024) for RCTs published in six implant dentistry journals, limited to English-language articles with free full text. Two trained reviewers divided the screening and scoring. For each trial, we recorded whether a sample-size calculation was declared and whether four parameters were reported: type I error (α), power (1−β), variability/effect, and minimum clinically relevant difference (MCRD)/effect. The primary outcome was a completeness score (0–4). Means were compared with Welch’s t-test, corroborated by Mann–Whitney U. Inter-rater reliability was assessed on a 20% re-scored subset (κw = 0.90, 95% CI 0.76–0.98). Results. Of 341 records retrieved, 259 RCTs met eligibility (Period 1: 52; Period 2: 207). Mean completeness increased from 1.25 ± 1.70 to 2.88 ± 1.64 (Δ = +1.63; Welch p = 2.59×10⁻⁸; Hedges’ g = 0.98, 95% CI 0.67– 1.30). Item-wise reporting improved for all parameters: sample-size calculation declaration 36.5% to 82.1%; α 38.5% to 74.9%; power 25.0% to 74.4%; variability/ effect 30.8% to 69.6%; MCRD/effect 30.8% to 68.6%. A sensitivity analysis removing the double-credit rule for standardized effect sizes confirmed robustness (P2 mean 2.76, still highly significant). Conclusion. Reporting of sample-size parameters in implant dentistry RCTs improved substantially between the two periods. However, variability and MCRD remain underreported in roughly one-third of recent trials, suggesting that targeted editorial guidance and standardized templates could close the remaining gap.
Background. Despite the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, disparities in access to reproductive health information and family planning services continue to contribute to unmet contraceptive needs among women of reproductive age (WRA) in the Philippines. Area classification (urban versus rural) has been recognized as an important determinant of contraceptive behaviors; however, evidence comparing these disparities in the Caraga Region remains limited. Objective. The study aims to determine the influence of area classification disparities on contraceptive use and nonuse among Women of Reproductive Age in the Caraga Region, Mindanao, Philippines. Methods. The study employed a descriptive correlational research design. The study respondents are Women of Reproductive Age. The age range covers 15-49 years old. The area classification of the respondents was determined and tested for correlation with contraceptive use and non-use. This includes the number of known contraceptives and their uses, factors for contraceptive use and non-use, and contraceptive sources of information. Results. The area classification and the number of known contraceptives and their use have no significant relationship. These have p-values higher than the significance level (0.241; 0.163). The area classification disparities and reasons for using contraceptives (Child Spacing and Avoiding unplanned pregnancy) have no significant relationship. This has a p-value of 0.858 and 0.969. On the other hand, area classification and the factor for not using contraceptives (fear of side effects) are significantly associated. This has a p-value of 0.042. Lastly, the public clinic, as the frequently visited health facility, and lectures, as well as family planning professionals, are also significantly correlated (P-values: 0.001, 0.007, and 0.003). Conclusion. The key significant disparities revealed that urban WRA respondents have a higher tendency to fear side effects as a factor for contraceptive non-use and family planning lectures as the source of contraceptive information. On the other hand, rural WRA respondents have public clinics as the frequently visited health facility and family planning professionals as the source of contraceptive information.
Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health problem, with many patients requiring longterm hemodialysis as kidney function declines. While hemodialysis prolongs survival, its repetitive and prolonged nature can lead to physical discomfort, psychological distress, boredom, reduced treatment adherence, and diminished quality of life among patients. Objective. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lifelong hemodialysis as a factor contributing to patients' lack of willingness to comply with treatment. Specifically, the study focused on examining the levels of burnout, boredom, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients in the city of Medan. Methods. This study used the descriptive correlation design with three questionnaires, burnout, boredom, and KDQOL-SF36. Furthermore, a sample of 157 people who met the inclusion criteria for hemodialysis >1 year, routine 2 times a week, and body weight not more than 2.5% of previous HD during the last 6 months were included. The data analysis was carried out using chi-square. Results. Most participants were women (56%) and had been undergoing HD for more than three years (70%). The most common physical complaint was dizziness (28%). A moderate level of boredom was reported by (86%) of patients, mild burnout by (86%), and poor quality of life by (55%). Chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between burnout and quality of life (p = 0.000), and between boredom and quality of life (p = 0.000). Conclusion. The level of burnout and boredom experienced by hemodialysis patients has a significant impact on their quality of life. This highlights the importance of the role of family members and healthcare workers, particularly nurses, in providing services and using pleasant facilities to minimize fatigue and boredom during dialysis, which could help to improve patients quality of life.
Background. Chylothorax is a rare cause of pleural effusion in children, and various management methods have been proposed, though the optimal treatment remains debated. Objective. This study aimed to describe the clinical profile, treatment, outcomes, and complications of pediatric patients diagnosed with chylothorax admitted at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital. Methods. Pediatric patients diagnosed with chylothorax who underwent chest tube insertion and removal and received dietary modification and/or octreotide/somatostatin as management of chylothorax from January 2014 to January 2024 were included in this retrospective study. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the association between dietary modifications and chylothorax resolution time, while a two-way ANOVA with rank transformation determined the association of initial use of octreotide/somatostatin on resolution time and median drainage volume. Results. Among a total of 22 patients, most patients developed chylothorax as a complication of cardiothoracic surgery. While fasting led to a shorter resolution time for chylothorax, the difference was not statistically significant. Initial use of octreotide/somatostatin was associated with a significantly longer median resolution time compared to those who did not (p = 0.0466). Factors such as hospital-acquired pneumonia, sepsis, hypoalbuminemia, and nonpostoperative causes of chylothorax influenced outcomes, but did not significantly affect in-hospital mortality or length of hospital stay. Conclusion. There is no significant difference in time-to-resolution of chylothorax across various initial nutritional strategies. While initial use of octreotide/somatostatin may have significantly provided longer resolution time, larger data sets and prospective controlled trials are still recommended to strongly support this finding.
