Objective: This study explored patient perceptions of person-centred care (PCC) in Australian osteopathic practice. Results: Data from a national health service survey were analysed. Of 2354 respondents, 143 (6.1%) consulted an osteopath in the preceding year. Of these, 87 (60.8%) completed the Patient-Centred Care Scale (PCCS). Across all PCC items, agreement ranged from 51% to 61%. Items with the most disagreement (strongly disagree/ disagree) were related to feeling understood as an individual and the osteopath's interest in addressing health problems. Items with the highest levels of agreement (strongly agree/agree) were related to the osteopath using patient feedback to guide treatment and clarity regarding expectations during consultations. Conclusion: While many respondents reported positive experiences, a substantial neutral response and a notable proportion of negative experiences regarding certain PCC aspects highlight the need for further research. Future qualitative research should investigate reasons for neutral responses and explore challenges to PCC implementation in osteopathic practice.
Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effect of ginger consumption on metabolic indices, including energy expenditure (EE), Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER), and substrate utilization (fat, carbohydrate, and protein) during three periods: rest, exercise, and post-exercise recovery in active young women during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Methods: In this randomized, crossover, double-blind trial, twelve active young eumenorrheic women (ages 20-30) participated. Each participant completed two exercise sessions during the follicular phase, consuming either 500 mg of ginger or a placebo, with a one-month interval between sessions. The exercise consisted of 30 min of pedaling on a stationary bike at 70-75% of the maximum heart rate. Measurements of EE, EPOC, RER, and substrate utilization were conducted during rest, exercise, and recovery periods using indirect calorimetry. Results: Ginger consumption significantly increased fat utilization during rest (p < 0.001), exercise (p < 0.001), and recovery (p = 0.002) compared to the placebo. Additionally, ginger reduced RER during resting (p < 0.001), exercise (p = 0.003), and recovery (p = 0.009). However, there were no significant effects on EE, EPOC, or fat and carbohydrate utilization (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Ginger consumption enhances fat utilization and metabolic efficiency among recreationally active young women during exercise without affecting carbohydrate and protein availability or overall energy expenditure.
Introduction: To evaluate the relationships between caffeine consumption, sleep quality, and anxiety levels among medical residents and to examine the potential indirect associations involving night-shift workload and sleep quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 407 residents. Daily caffeine intake (mg/day), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and GAD-7 scores were assessed. Non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation were used, multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess independent associations and exploratory mediation analyses were performed using bootstrap resampling (5000 iterations). Results: Median caffeine intake was 325 (235-467) mg/day, PSQI 6 (4-9), and GAD-7 7 (3-10). Caffeine intake was higher in males (p = 0.018), single participants (p = 0.021), and surgical departments (p < 0.001); PSQI scores were also higher in surgical specialties (p = 0.021). Smokers had higher caffeine intake (p < 0.001) and PSQI scores (p = 0.043). Night-time/on-call caffeine intake was associated with higher consumption (p < 0.001) and poorer sleep quality (p = 0.003). Caffeine intake correlated with weekly working hours (r = 0.188, p < 0.001) and number of night shifts (r = 0.234, p < 0.001), while PSQI correlated with GAD-7 (r = 0.425, p < 0.001) and night shifts (r = 0.251, p < 0.001). Exploratory mediation analyses suggested a statistically significant indirect association in the night shifts -* caffeine -* sleep quality pathway (indirect effect p = 0.012). Similarly, an indirect association was observed in the caffeine -* sleep quality -* anxiety pathway (p < 0.001), whereas the direct association between caffeine intake and GAD-7 was not significant (p = 0.373). Conclusion: Caffeine consumption, sleep quality, and anxiety appear to be interrelated within an associative framework in residents, and the relationship between caffeine and anxiety may be largely explained by its association with sleep quality. Given the cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted as non-causal associations, and reverse or bidirectional relationships are possible. Awareness of caffeine timing and sleephygiene-focused institutional strategies may be beneficial, particularly during night-shift periods.
Background The use of skin-whitening creams is widespread worldwide, particularly in Asian countries where fair skin is considered a symbol of beauty. The use of these products in Pakistan is common, as many products are available over the counter, even in general stores. The present study was carried out to identify the hydroquinone content in selected skin-whitening creams available on the market and to evaluate females’ perceptions and practices toward whitening creams on the skin. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A sample size of 387 (with a 10% inflation for non-response) was calculated, and data were collected from the female population of Bahawalpur through a structured questionnaire via a convenient sampling method. After a survey, the 12 most commonly used samples (8 registered creams and 4 mixtures from beauty parlors) of creams were taken. Hydroquinone was detected via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The prevalence of skin-whitening cream use was 51.5% among females aged 18-45 years, even though most respondents were aware of both the harmful and beneficial effects caused by these products. Few respondents believed that skin-whitening creams can also cause systemic harm to the user. The odds of using skin-whitening products were 70% lower in undergraduate females than in illiterate females (OR 0.375; 95% CI 0.158, 0.891) and 60% lower in postgraduate females than in illiterate females (OR 0.416; 95% CI 0.158, 0.891). Among the 8 registered creams and 4 mixtures, only one mixture contained hydroquinone within the concentration range approved by the FDA. Conclusion Skin-whitening creams are widely used despite known adverse effects, driven largely by sociocultural preferences for fair skin. The presence of unlabeled and unregulated products in the market, particularly mixtures from beauty parlors, raises significant safety concerns. Although hydroquinone was detected within permissible limits in only one sample, the lack of transparency in product composition poses potential health risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement, proper labeling, and targeted public awareness campaigns to reduce misuse and promote safer practices.
Purpose This study aims to determine the effects of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) applied before exams on coping with stress and anxiety. Methods This experimental study, conducted as a randomized controlled trial, divided participants into two groups: the EFT Group (n=31) and the Breathing Group (n=31). Two interventions were performed in both groups one week apart before the midterm exams, and final measurements were taken one week after the exams. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety to assess anxiety, and the Coping Styles with Stress Scale. Results Of the students, 90.3% reported experiencing anxiety before a significant exam. In both groups, there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels before and after the interventions (p=0.001). However, no significant differences were found in coping with stress between pre and post intervention values within and between groups. Conclusion While both EFT and Breathing exercises were effective in reducing exam anxiety, they had no significant effect on coping with stress. The long-standing war in Somalia and the presence of a fatalistic approach instead of active coping strategies may explain these findings.
