OBJECTIVE To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify the factors that influence it. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Asklepieion" General Hospital of Voula from December 2021 to December 2022. The study comprised 110 patients diagnosed with RA. Data collection was conducted using the short version of the SF-12 questionnaire. Data were collected using a convenience sampling approach. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26.0. RESULTS The mean score for the "physical health" subscale was 54.8 +/- 23.5, while the mean score for the "mental health" subscale was 53.7 +/- 24.2. These scores indicated a moderate quality of life. A statistically significant correlation was found between the "physical health" and "mental health" subscales, with the highest values observed in younger participants and those with a shorter disease duration, a higher level of education, and those who were married and or partnered. No significant statistical correlation was observed between the HRQoL subscales and patients' gender. The coefficient of determination of the model (Radj(2)) was 0.952, with the independent variables "Rheumatoid arthritis duration (years)", "Age" and "Education" explaining 95.2% of the variation in the dependent variable "SF-12 - physical health". Also, the Radj(2) was 0.953, with the independent variables "Rheumatoid arthritis duration (years)", "Age" and "Education" explaining 95.3% of variation in the dependent variable "SF-12 mental health". CONCLUSIONS The present study highlighted the importance of socio-demographic characteristics to the HRQoL of individuals with RA. Healthcare providers should consider these characteristics, in conjunction with the overall impact of the disease, to enhance the quality of life of people suffering from RA.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the self-reported risk of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the population of Alonnisos and explore its correlation with demographic, dietary, cognitive and behavioral factors. METHOD This cross-sectional epidemiological study involves 236 adult permanent residents of Alonnisos (115 men and 121 women), a number that represents approximately 10% of the local population, making the sample representative of the island's general population. Participants completed questionnaires assessing RLS risk, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet Score), cognitive function (general practitioner assessment of cognition), work ability (Work Ability Index), as well as demographic data. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software, with a significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS Of the 236 participants, 15.32% were found to be at high risk for RLS. A significant correlation was observed between RLS risk and younger age and lower body mass index (BMI). No statistically significant differences were found in relation to smoking habits, dietary adherence, cognitive function, work ability, or dementia risk. CONCLUSIONS The high proportion of individuals at riskfor RLS in the population of Alonnisos, combined with limited access to healthcare services, highlights the need to strengthen primary health care and develop health promotion programs for remote islands. The findings of this study may contribute to the design of targeted interventions for improving health in similar isolated populations.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Jean Nicolas Corvisart (1755-1821) played a pivotal role in initiating major advances in cardiology, preparing the ground for the emergence of clinical medicine in the 19th century. The rise of the anatomoclinical method at the Paris School of Medicine decisively contributed to the establishment of cardiology as a distinct medical specialty. Clinical examination techniques were expanded through the reintroduction of percussion, promoted by Corvisart, and auscultation with the stethoscope, invented by Ren & eacute;-Th & eacute;ophile-Hyacinthe Laennec (1781-1826).
OBJECTIVE To assess the extent of regional disparities in public primary health care (PHC), focusing on services provided by PHC units owned by regional health authorities (RHAs). METHOD The research was based on the development of resource allocation indicators that highlighted variations between PHC units and hospitals and among RHAs. All data were freely accessible and related to the number of visits to PHC units and hospitals, key RHA's financial figures, staffing of PHC units, and the catchment population per region. RESULTS In an environment of declining visits to public PHC, a tendency for PHC facilities to attract more emergencies than in the past was identified. At the same time, in specific geographical areas, hospitals were found to absorb proportionately more cases, that is, about half of the total. Strong regional disparities were identified among RHAs, starting with their size in terms of the number of visits to PHC units. Two RHAs deviated significantly from the others in terms of medical and nursing staff indicators. Service utilization and productivity also differed significantly, creating the basis for variations in efficiency. At the financial level, additional inequalities were identified, with some RHAs accumulating higher-value assets, more regular income, and more government grants than others. CONCLUSIONS Regional disparities/inequalities in Greek public PHC extend across the entire spectrum of resource allocation. Balance is impossible to achieve through market self-regulation; therefore, the reallocation of resources is assigned to health policy. This process should consider standard indicators of asset and human resource density, service utilization, labor productivity, and efficiency.
The quality of healthcare services is a fundamental priority for modern healthcare systems, with leadership playing a crucial role in shaping a culture of quality and enhancing patient safety. Approaches such as transformational leadership, empowerment-based leadership, and participative management have been shown to positively influence service outcomes. Leaders who focus on strengthening patient safety, fostering a positive organizational culture, and promoting innovation contribute significantly to the sustainability of healthcare systems. The aim of the present article is to analyze the role of leadership behavior in improving healthcare services, focusing on three key dimensions: leadership and patient safety, leadership and organizational culture, and leadership and innovation in healthcare services. The management of the continuous education of healthcare leaders and the integration of technological solutions for monitoring and managing patient safety are future challenges. Leadership executives who promote collaboration, innovation, and continuous education play a decisive role in shaping a positive work environment.
