Journal of Health Scope
Volume:13 Issue: 4, Nov 2024

Context:

 Conflict of interest has always been one of the challenges facing healthcare systems. The pharmaceutical sector is one of the main components of healthcare systems affected by conflicts of interest.

This systematic review investigated strategies to manage conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical sector.

In this systematic review, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched using the keywords "conflict of interest" and "pharmaceutical sector" without a time limitation until 2024. The quality of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists.

A total of 6,217 records were retrieved from the databases, out of which 46 were included in the review. The main strategies for managing conflicts of interest include industry relationship management, empowerment, and transparency and disclosure. These strategies are carried out and supported by two mechanisms: Legislation and self-regulation.

Conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical sector can be addressed through the management of communications, empowerment, education, and, most importantly, transparency in financial and non-financial relationships. These efforts can be supported by government regulations or industry-based self-regulation. Such actions must be implemented and coordinated within the health system.

The concept of family-centered care (FCC) is central to the care model and is an essential core principle of pediatric nursing.

This study aimed to assess undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of FCC in selected government universities and examine differences in nursing students' perceptions of FCC based on gender and academic level.

A cross-sectional design was used, involving 124 eligible students. Data were collected using a validated Family-Centered Care Questionnaire (FCCQ), which had a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.90. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25 was employed for data analysis, specifically for calculating means, standard deviations (SDs), frequencies, percentages, and conducting independent t -tests.

The overall mean score of perceptions was 3.35 ± 0.76. The "Family is the constant" dimension had the highest score (3.45 ± 0.91), while the "Developmental needs" dimension had the lowest score (3.26 ± 0.95). There was a significant difference in perceptions of FCC between male and female students (t = -5.291, P < 0.001) and between third- and fourth-year students (t = 7.345, P < 0.001).

It can be concluded that undergraduate nursing students had modest perceptions of FCC, and there was a significant difference in these perceptions based on gender and academic level. This study provides valuable insight into FCC, which can inform policy design and interventions in nursing education in Jordan. An educational program is recommended to improve undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of FCC.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), commonly arising from poor posture, are among the most prevalent workplace health issues.

This intervention study aims to compare the effects of two training approaches, lecture and E-mail, on posture correction among bank employees in southeastern Iran.

The study was conducted in Zahedan, Iran, with 120 bank employees from eleven branches. Posture was assessed using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. The intervention included two training methods (lecture and E-mail) alongside a control group that received no training.

Before the intervention, the mean RULA scores for the lecture, E-mail, and control groups were 4.1 ± 1.6, 4.15 ± 1.14, and 4.19 ± 1.4, respectively (P = 0.39). Post-intervention, the RULA scores dropped to 2.92 ± 0.43 for the lecture group, 2.87 ± 0.56 for the E-mail group, and 3.97 ± 1.6 for the control group (P = 0.028). Although there was no significant difference (P = 0.6) between the lecture and E-mail groups, both training methods showed a statistically significant improvement over the control group (P < 0.05).

Both lecture and E-mail training methods effectively improved posture among participants. However, lectures might be more practical in Iran, where E-mail use is less frequent and employees may not check their E-mails regularly.

Microplastics (MPs) exposure can affect humans in various ways, with tap water being one of the potential sources. Microplastics can absorb other pollutants and pose risks to both humans and the environment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of MPs in tap water from the drinking water distribution system of Isfahan, Iran, and to determine the exposure to MPs from drinking tap water.

Samples were collected from different points in the drinking water distribution system of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were prepared for analysis through filtration and chemical digestion. The MPs were counted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the composition of MPs was analyzed using a micro-Raman spectrometer.

The concentration of MPs in tap water was found to be 287.0 ± 65.9 MPs/l. MPs ≤ 10 µm were the predominant sizes, and fibers were the predominant shape. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polypropylene were the most frequently identified MPs, respectively.

Considering that the Iranian population consumes 7 - 15 liters of water daily for drinking and cooking, it is estimated that the average intake of MPs through cooking and drinking water is 2009 - 43,051 particles per day.

The Work Ability Index (WAI) evaluates how well workers cope with the physical and mental demands of their jobs.

This study aims to explore how demographic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) influence work ability among employees at the largest specialized hospital in southeast Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest specialized hospital in Zahedan. A sample of 194 clinical staff and support personnel, including nurses, nursing assistants, patient transporters, and cleaning staff, were randomly selected through a stratified random sampling method. Work ability and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed using the Persian versions of the WAI and Cornell Questionnaires. Quantitative data were presented as mean ± SD, while qualitative data were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and one- and multi-factor General Linear Models were used for data analysis in SPSS version 19.

Work ability decreased with age (P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between work ability and age, job category, education, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, job, education, and BMI, lower back pain (P = 0.002), thigh pain (P = 0.004), and knee pain (P = 0.026) were significantly linked to work ability. There was a notable negative correlation between work ability and discomfort score (r = -0.337, P < 0.001), with nursing assistants reporting higher discomfort scores compared to nurses, cleaning staff, and patient transporters (P < 0.05).

Our findings suggest a potential link between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work ability. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a program focused on identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with MSDs.

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) occurs less frequently in younger individuals compared to older ones. The development of atherosclerotic plaque is primarily linked to oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Ox-LDL).

This study aimed to investigate circulating Ox-LDL levels in individuals with premature MI and compare them to controls without a history of ischemic heart disease.

In this case-control study, 35 patients who experienced a premature MI within 24 hours of symptom onset and met the age criteria (men ≤ 55 years and women ≤ 65 years) were recruited as cases. For comparison, 35 age and sex-matched individuals without a history of ischemic heart disease were selected as controls.

Analysis of circulating Ox-LDL levels revealed a significant elevation in patients with premature MI compared to controls (2.25 ± 1.78 vs. 1.04 ± 1.17 µg/dL; P = 0.002). Elevated Ox-LDL levels were associated with a 1.70-fold increased risk of premature MI compared to healthy individuals (95% CI: 1.16 - 2.49; P = 0.007).

This study demonstrates an association between elevated Ox-LDL levels and premature MI, particularly in younger individuals. Measuring Ox-LDL levels may help predict heart attack risk, and interventions aimed at reducing these levels could potentially prevent atherosclerosis.

The prevalence of child abuse is increasing globally, and this form of abuse can lead to severe and long-term problems in adulthood. In Iran, child abuse ranks as the most common form of domestic violence.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of abuse and its influencing factors among elementary school children.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 in the city of Abadan. A total of 378 students from grades two to six in seven schools were selected using cluster and random sampling methods. The research instruments included a demographic questionnaire and a standard child abuse questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 software, with both descriptive and analytical statistics applied.

The average age of the children was 10.43 years. The most common form of child abuse reported was parental neglect, with a prevalence of 75.53%. A significant relationship was found between physical abuse and factors such as the father's education (P = 0.001), parental illness (P = 0.001), parental addiction (P = 0.006), and parents' divorce (P = 0.03). Additionally, psychological abuse was significantly associated with the mother's education (P = 0.001), parental addiction (P = 0.02), loneliness at home (P = 0.002), and the child's grade (P = 0.001). Parental neglect showed a significant relationship with the child's grade (P = 0.014), birth order (P = 0.004), and place of living (P = 0.053).

The most common form of abuse among students was parental neglect. A lack of parental awareness regarding appropriate child-rearing behaviors can contribute to child abuse. Therefore, it is recommended that schools and other relevant institutions increase efforts to educate parents on preventing various forms of abuse.

The global COVID-19 outbreak has posed significant challenges to public health. Social capital has emerged as a crucial social factor in mitigating the effects of COVID-19.

This study aimed to assess the social capital levels of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and compare these levels between inpatient and outpatient cases.

In 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted at Ganjavaian Hospital in Dezful city, Iran, involving 428 COVID-19 patients. The participants were selected through a stratified random sampling method and divided into two groups: Inpatients and outpatients. Data were collected using a standardized social capital instrument, along with demographic information on variables such as age, gender, education level, marital status, and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Among the COVID-19 patients, the social capital components of individual trust, cohesion/social support, and social trust/associative relations were measured at 3.24 ± 0.25, 3.15 ± 0.28, and 2.49 ± 0.41, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between patient status and age (OR = 1.47, CI 95%: 1.21 - 1.80), education level (OR = 2.64, CI 95%: 1.50 - 4.71), individual trust (OR = 3.40, CI 95%: 1.55 - 7.47), and cohesion/social support (OR = 3.03, CI 95%: 1.49 - 6.28).

Outpatients demonstrated higher levels of social capital compared to inpatients, highlighting the critical role social capital plays in coping with illness. This disparity suggests that outpatients benefit from stronger social networks and support systems. Enhancing social capital for hospitalized patients could significantly improve their health outcomes.