Research

11 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Symptoms, Mental Health and Quality of Life after Hospitalization in COVID-19 Patients

by Evangelos C. Fradelos, Stylianos Boutlas, Eleni Tsimitrea, Alexandra Sistou, Konstantinos Tourlakopoulos, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis

J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(5), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12050728 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

Patients recovering from novel coronavirus are reporting a variety of symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, myalgia as well as psychological distress and poor quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess quality of life and psychological distress in COVID-19 survivors [...] Read more.

Patients recovering from novel coronavirus are reporting a variety of symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, myalgia as well as psychological distress and poor quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess quality of life and psychological distress in COVID-19 survivors and the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that affect COVID-19 survivors’ mental health status and quality of life. A quantitative study was conducted among COVID-19 survivors, who had previously been admitted to the University Hospital of Larissa, Greece. Data were collected via a questionnaire consisting of three-parts. The first part consisted of questions about the demographic characteristics. The second part was the SF-36 QoL index. The third part was the Symptom Checklist-90r (SCL 90-R). In addition, clinical information such as the length and the department of hospitalization, days since discharge and pulmonary function (spirometry values) were recorded. From a total of 145 patients, 60% were male, aged 59.72 ± 12.74 and 78.6% of them were married; the majority had completed secondary education, 35.9% were pensioners and 58.6 were living in urban areas. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (67.6%) and pain (44.8%) and 11.7% were experiencing psychological distress. Pain, loss of smell, mandatory education, ICU admission, female gender and the experiencing of skin disturbance are associated with poor physical QoL among COVID-19 recovered patients. Greek COVID-19 previously hospitalized patients were reporting several symptoms associated with COVID-19. Good QoL and mental health were also reported. Physical pain, loss of smell and female gender were associated with poor QoL and psychological distress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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9 pages, 2852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasonographic Confirmation of Nasogastric Tube Placement in the COVID-19 Era

by Vasiliki Tsolaki, George E. Zakynthinos, Paris Zygoulis, Fotini Bardaka, Aikaterini Malita, Vasileios Aslanidis, Epaminondas Zakynthinos and Demosthenes Makris

J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(3), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12030337 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3208

Abstract

Background: Nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is a daily routine in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and misplacement of the NGT can cause serious complications. In COVID-19 ARDS patients, proning has emerged the need for frequent NGT re-evaluations. The gold standard technique, chest X-ray, [...] Read more.

Background: Nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is a daily routine in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and misplacement of the NGT can cause serious complications. In COVID-19 ARDS patients, proning has emerged the need for frequent NGT re-evaluations. The gold standard technique, chest X-ray, is not always feasible. In the present study we report our experience with the use of ultrasonographic confirmation of NGT position. Methods: A prospective study in 276 COVID-19 ARDS patients admitted after intubation in the ICU. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed using longitudinal or sagittal epigastric views. Examinations were performed during the initial NGT placement and every time the patients returned to the supine position after they had been proned or whenever critical care physicians or nurses considered that reconfirmation was necessary. Results: Ultrasonographic confirmation of correct NGT placement was feasible in 246/276 (89.13%) patients upon ICU admission. In 189/246 (76.8%) the tube could be visualized in the stomach (two parallel lines), in 172/246 (69.9%) the ultrasonographic whoosh test (“flash” due to air instillation through the tube, seen with ultrasonography) was evident, while in 164/246 (66.7%) both tests confirmed correct NGT placement. During ICU stay 590 ultrasonographic NGT evaluations were performed, and in 462 (78.14%) cases correct NGT placement were confirmed. In 392 cases, a chest X-ray was also ordered. The sensitivity of ultrasonographic NGT confirmation in these cases was 98.9%, specificity 57.9%, PPV 96.2%, and NPV 3.8%. The time for the full evaluation was 3.8 ± 3.4 min. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic confirmation of correct NGT placement is feasible in the initial placement, but also whenever needed thereafter, especially in the COVID-19 era, when changes in posture have become a daily practice in ARDS patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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13 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccination Intention Associated with Behaviors towards Protection and Perceptions Regarding the Pandemic

by Chrysoula Dafogianni, Polyxeni Mangoulia, Despoina Pappa, Panagiota Xanthopoulou, Ioannis Koutelekos, Mixalis Zografakis-Sfakianakis, Eftychia Ferentinou, Antigoni Fountouki, Marianna Drakopoulou, Anna Giga, Nikos Anastasiou, Nikoletta Margari and Georgia Fasoi

J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12020295 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1726

Abstract

Background: The impressively rapid availability of different types of COVID-19 vaccines and, on the other hand, the degree of their effectiveness as opposed to the likelihood of serious or non-serious side effects place a fairly large percentage of the population at a crossroads [...] Read more.

Background: The impressively rapid availability of different types of COVID-19 vaccines and, on the other hand, the degree of their effectiveness as opposed to the likelihood of serious or non-serious side effects place a fairly large percentage of the population at a crossroads regarding the choice to get vaccinated or not, hence threatening achievement of total immunization coverage and full immunity. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination intention in Greece regarding protection behaviors and perceptions of the pandemic. Methods: A total of 3753 participants completed a specially designed electronic questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. The study population consisted of healthcare workers, students, members of professional societies, teachers, and professors. The questionnaire was composed of four parts pertaining to demographic data and possible changes in hygiene attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In total, 43.3% of the participants stated that SARS-CoV-2 poses a significant risk. The most widespread protection practice was avoiding crowded places (90.1%), followed by reducing the use of public transport (86.1%) and washing their hands with soap and water more often than usual (84.2%). Women undertook significantly more behavioral changes than men and participants of other nationalities. About half of the participants (44%) implemented seven behavioral changes. Lower personal and general perceived risk due to COVID-19 was significantly associated with lower intention to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Strong hesitancy was observed towards COVID-19 vaccination. There is a need for further studies to be conducted to investigate the benefits and safety of vaccines for the purpose of better informing the public. Healthcare personnel can and should play a key role in this process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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14 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Professional Self-Concept and Self-Confidence for Nurses Dealing with COVID-19 Patients

by Nabeel F. Allobaney, Nidal F. Eshah, Ahmad A. Abujaber and Abdulqadir J. J. Nashwan

J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12020134 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4800

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the impact of dealing with COVID-19 patients in clinical areas on nurses’ professional self-concept and self-confidence. Background: Professional self-concept is considered a critical factor in the recruitment/retention process in nursing, nursing shortage, career satisfaction, and academic achievements. Professional self-confidence is [...] Read more.

Purpose: To identify the impact of dealing with COVID-19 patients in clinical areas on nurses’ professional self-concept and self-confidence. Background: Professional self-concept is considered a critical factor in the recruitment/retention process in nursing, nursing shortage, career satisfaction, and academic achievements. Professional self-confidence is also a crucial determinant in staff satisfaction, reducing turnover, and increasing work engagement. Design: Descriptive, comparative study. Methods: The study was conducted between February to May 2021 by utilizing a convenience sampling technique. A total of 170 nurses from two facilities were recruited from two COVID-19- and non-COVID-19-designated facilities. The level of professional self-concept and self-confidence was assessed by utilizing the Nurses’ Self-Concept Instrument and Self-Confidence Scale. Results: The professional self-concept level among the group exposed to COVID-19 patients was lower than the comparison group, while the professional self-confidence level among the exposed group to COVID-19 patients was similar to the comparison group. On the other hand, the satisfied staff and those who received professional training in dealing with COVID-19 patients reported a higher level of professional self-concept. Conclusions: Dealing with COVID-19 patients has an impact on professional self-concept; the exposure group was lower than those who did not deal with COVID-19 patients, while the professional self-confidence level among the exposed group was similar to the comparison group. Getting professional training in dealing with COVID-19 patients and being satisfied at work were significant factors in improving professional self-concept. Policymakers should create strategies that target the improvement of professional training in dealing with COVID-19 patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

13 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life, Sleep Quality, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Eating Habits, and Social Bounds in Nurses during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Qatar (The PROTECTOR Study): A Cross-Sectional, Comparative Study

by Abdulqadir J. Nashwan, Ralph C. Villar, Ahmad R. Al-Qudimat, Nisha Kader, Majid Alabdulla, Ahmad A. Abujaber, Mahmood M. Al-Jabry, Michel Harkous, Anite Philip, Raed Ali, Prem Chandra, Mohamed A. Yassin, Mujahed Shraim and Kalpana Singh

J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(9), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11090918 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6086

Abstract

There have been numerous concerns regarding the physical and mental health of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression potentiated nurses’ vulnerability to poor eating habits. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the differences [...] Read more.

There have been numerous concerns regarding the physical and mental health of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression potentiated nurses’ vulnerability to poor eating habits. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the differences between nurses’ characteristics with COVID-19 facility designation, and sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, eating habits, social bonds, and quality of life. Design: A cross-sectional, comparative study. Methods: An online survey was sent using the corporation’s email to nurses working in three hospitals in Qatar from September to December 2020. One of them is a designated COVID-19 facility. The sleep quality, depression, eating habits, social bonds, and quality of life were measured using The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Results: A total of 200 nurses participated in the study (RR: 13.3%). No statistically significant association was found between designated facility (COVID-19 vs. not COVID-19) or nurses’ characteristics and ISI categories (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.54, 2.44). Nurses working in COVID-19 facilities had increased odds of having higher EEQ categories by 2.62 times (95% CI 1.18, 5.83). Similarly, no statistically significant associations were found between any of the nurses’ characteristics and OSSS-3 categories. On the other hand, no statistically significant associations were found between any of the nurses’ characteristics and QOL domains except for the gender and social relationships’ domain. Conclusion: Overall, the quality of life of nurses in Qatar is on a positive level whether they are assigned to a COVID-19 facility or not. Although no significant difference was found with regard to the sleep quality, stress, anxiety, depression, and eating habits between nurses in a COVID-19 facility and in a non-COVID-19 facility, special interventions to diminish stressors need to be implemented and maintained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

10 pages, 1441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrimination of Exudative Pleural Effusions Based on Pleural Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)-C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels, and Their Combination: An Observational Prospective Study

by Garifallia Perlepe, Charalampos Varsamas, Efthymia Petinaki, Dionysios Antonopoulos, Zoe Daniil and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis

J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(9), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11090864 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

(1) Background: Malignant (MPE), parapneumonic (PPE) and tuberculous (TPE) pleural effusions constitute common causes of pleurisy. Discriminating among them is usually challenging. C-reactive protein (CRP) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) pleural levels (p-CRP, p-ADA) have been used as differentiators in many studies showing promising [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Malignant (MPE), parapneumonic (PPE) and tuberculous (TPE) pleural effusions constitute common causes of pleurisy. Discriminating among them is usually challenging. C-reactive protein (CRP) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) pleural levels (p-CRP, p-ADA) have been used as differentiators in many studies showing promising results. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of p-CRP, p-ADA levels and their combination among the three categories. (2) Methods: A prospective study of 100 patients with MPE (n = 59), PPE (n = 34) and TPE (n = 7) from a single centre was performed. p-CRP levels were evaluated between PPE and non-PPE and between complicated (CPPE) and non-complicated PPE. ADA levels were also measured to classify patients among MPE and non- MPE. Eventually, the combination of p-CRP and p-ADA values was used as a discrimination factor among PPE, MPE and TPE. (3) Results: ROC analysis revealed that p-CRP with a cut-off value: 4.4 mg/dL can successfully differentiate PPE (AUC = 0.998). The cut-off level of 10 mg/dL can predict CPPE with sensitivity: 63%, specificity: 71.4%, positive predictive value (PPV): 89%, and negative predictive value (NPV): 33%. Furthermore, patients with ADA levels ≤ 32 U/L were more likely to belong to the malignant group sensitivity: 93%, specificity: 78%, PPV: 85.9%, and NPV: 88.9%. Discriminant analysis showed that the combination of p-CRP and p-ADA levels can discriminate PPE, MPE and TPE in 93% of cases. (4) Conclusion: This study provides evidence that p-CRP and p-ADA levels could be possibly used in clinal practice in order to establish a diagnosis among MPE, PPE and TPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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13 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Personalized and Self-Management: Systematic Search and Evaluation Quality Factors and User Preference of Drug Reference Apps in Taiwan

by Yu-Chun Chen, Wei-Wei Liao, Mei-Chin Su and Yen-Hsi Lin

J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(8), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11080790 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1905

Abstract

Background: Drug reference apps promote self-management and improve the efficiency and quality of work for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patients. This study aimed to describe a systematic and stepwise process to identify drug reference apps in Taiwan, assess the quality of these apps, [...] Read more.

Background: Drug reference apps promote self-management and improve the efficiency and quality of work for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patients. This study aimed to describe a systematic and stepwise process to identify drug reference apps in Taiwan, assess the quality of these apps, and analyze the influential factors for user ratings. Methods: A two-step algorithm (KESS) consisting of keyword growing and systematic search was proposed. Seven independent reviewers were trained to evaluate these apps using Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A logistic regression model was fitted and average marginal effects (AME) were calculated to identify the effects of factors for higher user ratings. Results: A total of 23 drug reference apps in Taiwan were identified and analyzed. Generally, these drug reference apps were evaluated as acceptable quality with an average MARS score of 3.23. Higher user engagement, more functionality, better aesthetics, and more information associated with higher user ratings. Navigation is the most influential factor on higher user ratings (AME: 13.15%) followed by performance (AME: 11.03%), visual appeal (AME: 10.87%), credibility (AME: 10.67%), and quantity of information (AME: 10.42%). Conclusions: User experience and information clearly affect user ratings of drug reference apps. Five key factors should be considered when designing drug reference apps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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11 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Intelligence and Professional Boredom among Nursing Personnel in Greece

by Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Evangelos C. Fradelos, Eleftheria Nikolaou, Konstantinos Tsaras, Lamprini Kontopoulou and Foteini Malli

J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(8), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11080750 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2427

Abstract

Occupational (professional) boredom results in low performance at work. It has been positively associated with high levels of anxiety and depression as well as premature death. However, occupational boredom has not been extensively studied among working nurses. This study aimed to investigate the [...] Read more.

Occupational (professional) boredom results in low performance at work. It has been positively associated with high levels of anxiety and depression as well as premature death. However, occupational boredom has not been extensively studied among working nurses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and occupational boredom in nurses working in both public (52.9%) and private (47.1%) health units in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 189 nurses (84.7% females) with an average age of 40 years. Emotional intelligence was evaluated with the use of The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form and Professional boredom was assessed with the use of the Boredom Proneness Scale. The majority of Nurses showed relatively high values of total Emotional Intelligence (EI), and marginally low values of overall Professional Boredom. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the overall Professional Boredom of Nurses and the Well-being, Self-control, Emotionality and Sociability subscales of EI, as well as total EI (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the three dimensions of EI (Well-being, Self-Control and Emotionality) explained 39.0% of the variability of the total Professional Boredom of the working Nurses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

11 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The 6-Minute Walk Test and Anthropometric Characteristics as Assessment Tools in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. A Preliminary Report during the Pandemic

by Vasileios T. Stavrou, George D. Vavougios, Kyriaki Astara, Dimitra I. Siachpazidou, Eirini Papayianni and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis

J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(6), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11060563 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) exhibit low cardio-fitness impact, attributed to fragmented sleep architecture and associated pathophysiological sequelae. The purpose of our study was to investigate fitness indicators during 6-min walk test (6MWT) and oxidative stress markers in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) [...] Read more.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) exhibit low cardio-fitness impact, attributed to fragmented sleep architecture and associated pathophysiological sequelae. The purpose of our study was to investigate fitness indicators during 6-min walk test (6MWT) and oxidative stress markers in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in OSAS patients stratified by severity. A total of 37 newly diagnosed patients, comorbidity-free, were divided into two groups: (Moderate OSAS (n = 12), defined as ≥ 15 AHI < 30 events per hour; Age: 50.7 ± 7.2 years, BMI: 32.5 ± 4.0 kg/m² vs. Severe OSAS (n = 25), defined as AHΙ ≥ 30 events per hour; Age: 46.3 ± 10.4 years, BMI: 33.3 ± 7.9 kg/m²). Measurements included demographics, anthropometric characteristics, body composition, blood sampling for reactive oxygen metabolites’ levels (d-ROM) and plasma antioxidant capacity (PAT), and followed by a 6MWT. AHI was significantly associated with d-ROMs levels, chest circumference in maximal inhalation and exhalation (Δchest), neck circumference, as well as 6MWT-derived indices. In conclusion, our study determines bidirectional interrelationships between OSAS severity and anthropometrics, body composition, and fitness metrics. These findings indicate that the impact of OSAS should be evaluated well beyond polysomnography-derived parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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11 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Action and Reaction of Pre-Primary and Primary School-Age Children to Restrictions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece

by Dimitra I. Siachpazidou, Ourania S. Kotsiou, Grigorios Chatziparasidis, Dimitrios Papagiannis, George D. Vavougios, Eudoxia Gogou, Vasileios T. Stavrou and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis

J. Pers. Med. 2021, 11(6), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11060451 - 23 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restrictive measures to counteract it. School closure was quickly adopted by health authorities. We aimed to investigate the compliance of children aged 4 to 12 years with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and [...] Read more.

The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restrictive measures to counteract it. School closure was quickly adopted by health authorities. We aimed to investigate the compliance of children aged 4 to 12 years with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and evaluate the impact of school closure on the children’s educational, social, economic, and psychological outcomes. An online survey was distributed through a social networking platform to parents of pre-primary and primary school-age children. The study period was defined as from 27 November 2020 to 3 December 2020, two weeks after the school closure due to the general lockdown in Greece. This study showed that the school units were well-informed and complied with the protection measures against COVID-19. The pupils quickly adopted the protection measures, even those whose parents suggested masks were less effective. The quarantine-forced school closure highly impacted primary school children’s physical activity, quality of sleep, psychological status, eating habits, academic performance, and household income. Web use showed an increase, with the children over-spending extracurricular time in web activities. Our study highlights the need for long term monitoring of these aforementioned indices, and the development of COVID-19 mitigation measures that carefully incorporate effectiveness and societal impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Clinical and Community Nursing)

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