Frequency of Lower Lung Field Tuberculosis in Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims People who have diabetes mellitus (DM) are thought to be more susceptible to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Several published comparative investigations have reported that chest x‐ray images from PTB with DM are considered atypical due to their frequent involvement of the lower lung field (LLF). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of lower lung field tuberculosis (LLF‐TB) in DM and the risk factor of DM for the development of TB. Methods This study was a cross‐sectional study. PTB was diagnosed by positive sputum acid‐fast bacilli (AFB),/Culture,/Gene Xpert MTB/RIF, and DM, which was proven by taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or receiving insulin at the time of hospital admission. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis and seropositive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were excluded from this study. A chest x‐ray posterior‐anterior (P/A) view was done to assess the frequency and patterns of lung involvement. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factor of DM for the development of TB. Results A total of 117 PTB‐DM participants were studied in this study. The mean age and frequency of isolated LLF‐TB were 53.17 ± 14.38 years and 20.5%, respectively. The prevalence of LLF‐TB and other radiological patterns were statistically significantly correlated with smear positivity (83.3% vs. 20.4%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) > 50 mm (95.8% vs. 16.1%), and HbA1c > 7 (79.2% vs. 16.1%). Regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) was 6.81 and 3.93 for DM and age (> 40 years) for the development of LLF‐TB ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion The frequency of LLF‐TB among PTB DM patients was around 1/5th. The development of LLF‐TB was substantially associated with DM and age greater than 40 years.

Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening: A Cross‐Sectional Study Among Ethnically Diverse Women in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

ABSTRACT Background Globally, Ghana is one of the countries with the greatest cervical cancer (CC) burdens and mortality rates. Available research has focused primarily on women's experiences in the general population neglecting factors that influence cervical cancer screening (CCS) among ethnically diverse populations in Ghana. Aim This study explored the factors influencing CCS among ethnically diverse women in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Method From April to June 2023, a community‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out in the Aboabo and Asawase communities of the Ashanti Region. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to determine the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Outcome variables with p ‐values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Habits, knowledge, perceived benefits, and facilitating factors influenced CCS among ethnically diverse women. An overall self‐reported CCS rate of 7.2% ( n  = 32) with an early age of sexual initiation of 15–20 years was recorded. While habits (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.09, 0.58; p  = 0.002), affect (OR = 0.00, 95% CI 0.00, 0.03; p  < 0.001), and the perceived benefits of screening (OR = 3.07, 95% Cl 1.01, 10.8; p  = 0.059) were associated with CCS. Norms (OR = 0.00, 95% CI 0.00, 20,948,726,859,075; p  > 0.9), knowledge (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.61, 2.53; p  = 0.5), and facilitating factors (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.51, 2.01; p  > 0.9) were not statistically significant with CCS. Conclusion Poor knowledge, lower perceived benefits of CCS, and weak facilitating factors were identified as barriers to CCS. Implementing national CCS and vaccination campaigns to improve awareness, and screening to reduce women's risk is encouraged.

Prognostic Models of Mortality Following First‐Ever Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Population‐Based Retrospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims There is a lack of population‐based studies focusing on guideline‐based prognostic models for stroke. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model that predicts mortality following a first‐ever acute ischemic stroke. Methods The study included 899 adult patients ( ≥ 18 years) with confirmed diagnosis of first‐ever acute ischemic stroke enrolled in the Malaysian National Stroke Registry (NSR) from January 2009 to December 2019. The primary outcome was mortality within 90 days post‐stroke (266 events [29.6%]). The prognostic model was developed using logistic regression (75%, n  = 674) and internally validated (25%, n  = 225). Model performance was assessed using discrimination (area under the curve (AUC]) and calibration (Hosmer‐Lemeshow test [HL]). Results The final model includes factors associated with increased risk of mortality, such as age (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.06 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.03, 1.10; p < 0.001]), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score aOR 1.08 (95% CI 1.08, 1.13; p  = 0.004), and diabetes aOR 2.29 (95% CI 1.20, 4.37; p  = 0.012). The protective factors were antiplatelet within 48 h. aOR 0.40 (95% CI 0.19, 0.81; p  = 0.01), dysphagia screening aOR 0.30 (95% CI 0.15, 0.61; p  = 0.001), antiplatelets upon discharge aOR 0.17 (95% CI 0.08, 0.35; p  < 0.001), lipid‐lowering therapy aOR 0.37 (95% CI 0.17, 0.82; p  = 0.01), stroke education aOR 0.02 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05; p  < 0.001) and rehabilitation aOR 0.08 (95% CI 0.04, 0.16; p  < 0.001). The model demonstrated excellent performance (discrimination [AUC = 0.94] and calibration [HL, X 2 p  = 0.63]). Conclusion The study developed a validated prognostic model that excellently predicts mortality after a first‐ever acute ischemic stroke with potential clinical utility in acute stroke care decision‐making. The predictors could be valuable for creating risk calculators and aiding healthcare providers and patients in making well‐informed clinical decisions during the stroke care process.

Dengue Investigation Research in Bangladesh: Insights From a Scoping Review

The Evaluation of Patient‐Controlled Analgesia Compared to Standard Opioid Analgesic Therapy in Pain Management Among Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Protocol

Evaluating the Efficacy of a 5‐Min Music Listening Intervention for State Anxiety Reduction in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Exploring Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonists Usage Among Non‐Diabetic Healthcare Providers: A Cross‐Sectional Multi‐Country Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) were initially developed for type 2 diabetes but have gained widespread use for weight management, including among non‐diabetic individuals. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GLP‐1RA use, describe usage patterns, and explore healthcare providers' (HCPs) perceptions of their efficacy and safety. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 657 HCPs from 10 countries using a structured online survey between September and December 2023. Convenience sampling was employed, statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17. Associations between demographic characteristics and perceptions of GLP‐1RAs were analyzed using the chi‐square test. Results Among 657 HCPs, 59.2% were female and 40.8% were male, with a median age of 36.0 years (IQR: 29.0–44.0) and a median BMI of 26.7 (IQR: 23.8–30.7). Among professional groups, nurses accounted for 44.7%, followed by physicians (36.2%) and allied health professionals (18.7%). Semaglutide (45.7%, 95% CI: 41.8%−49.5%) was the most commonly used GLP‐1RA, followed by Liraglutide (36.9%, 95% CI: 33.2%−40.8%). Other GLP‐1RAs were used less frequently, including Dulaglutide (17.0%, 95% CI: 14.2%−20.1%), Exenatide (14.1%, 95% CI: 11.5%−17.0%), Albiglutide (7.0%, 95% CI: 5.1%−9.2%), and Lixisenatide (8.5%, 95% CI: 6.5%−10.9%. Regarding perceived safety, 68.6% considered GLP‐1RAs safe. Safety perceptions were significantly associated with educational level ( p  = 0.022), with participants holding higher degrees being more likely to perceive GLP‐1RAs as unsafe (18.3%) compared to those with a bachelor's degree or lower (10.8%). No associations were found with age ( p  = 0.487), sex ( p  = 0.729), or BMI ( p  = 0.089). Similarly, 73.5% of participants considered GLP‐1RAs effective for perceived efficacy. No associations were found with sex ( p  = 0.663) or BMI ( p  = 0.446). Older participants ( p  = 0.011) and those with higher education ( p  = 0.006) were more likely to perceive GLP‐1RAs as ineffective. Conclusion This study provides the first prevalence estimate of GLP‐1RA use among HCPs and GLP1‐Ras users and explores the associations between demographic characteristics and perceptions of safety and efficacy. The findings highlight the self‐prescribing practices of these medications for weight management and underscore the need for appropriate monitoring to avoid potential health risks.

Assessing the Parental Knowledge and Practices Related to Foreign Body Aspiration in Children in Majmmah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is common in the pediatric population, typically between 6 months and 4 years. It can be life‐threatening and cause complications such as obstructive bronchitis, recurrent bronchopneumonia, emphysema, and atelectasis. Public awareness and education about risk factors and behaviors to reduce the risk of FBA have been identified as one of the most crucial approaches to prevent the problem or minimize its effects. Methods A study in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia, aimed to evaluate parental practices and awareness about their children's FBA. The study included 462 parents, both Saudi and non‐Saudi, aged 18 and above. The data were collected through an electronic questionnaire in Arabic and English, and analyzed using SPSS software. The study aimed to provide insight into local parents' attitudes and actions toward their children's aspirations. Results A total of 462 parents participated in this study questionnaire, with 367 (79.44%) being mothers and 95 (20.56%) fathers of children. The majority of mothers (67.3%) and fathers (56.8%) indicated that children aged 1–5 years were more prone to swallowing or inhaling foreign objects, while a smaller percentage of mothers (21.8%) and fathers (23.2%) reported this risk for children under 1 year. The Internet emerged as the primary source of information on FBA, with 21% of parents relying on it. However, the findings revealed that (20%) of parents exhibited low levels of knowledge and practices related to FBA. Conclusion The research revealed significant associations between demographic factors and ignorance, including sex and peanut feeding. Educational level changed the way individuals considered the presence of foreign bodies in the airway system and enhanced knowledge of what to do during an emergency as well as confidence in grown‐ups' ability to handle such situations.

From Knowledge to Habits: Changes in COVID‐19 Health Attitudes, Practices, and Sources of Information (HAPS) at Qatar University Post‐Pandemic

ABSTRACT Background and Aims The COVID‐19 pandemic has profoundly impacted health behaviors globally and this study investigated changes in Health, Attitudes, Practices, and Sources of information (HAPS) among 1186 students, faculty, and staff at Qatar University following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. We aimed to identify demographic influences on HAPS and assess behavioral shifts from peak pandemic practices. Methods A cross‐sectional survey adapted from the KAPS model, comprising 20 true/false questions, was administered to 1186 participants. The survey assessed demographics, health habits, public practices, attitudes towards COVID‐19, and information sources. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 28 and Excel. Results Results revealed significant shifts: mask‐wearing decreased by 78% (from 90.5% to 10.7%, p  < 0.001), and hand sanitizer use decreased by 35.6% (from 72% to 36.4%, p  < 0.001). Handwashing, however, decreased only by 13.6% (from 69.9% to 56.3%, p  < 0.001). Notably, older adults (50+ ; n  = 69) reported the highest median HAPS scores. Based on publicly available university data, approximately 60% of this group are likely faculty or staff, with an estimated 75% being non‐Qatari, often from South Asian or other Arab countries. Non‐Qataris ( n  = 496) generally exhibited higher health habit ( p  = 0.015) and attitude scores ( p  < 0.001) compared to Qataris ( n  = 690). Social media was the primary source of COVID‐19 information (66.4%). Conclusions This study reveals significant shifts in health behaviors and information sources among Qatar University's population post‐pandemic. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly among younger and Qatari populations, to promote sustained healthy habits. Such interventions should leverage social media and address demographic disparities to improve pandemic preparedness. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing tailored public health strategies and improving pandemic preparedness.

Nursing Students' Perspectives on Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into Clinical Practice and Training: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT Background The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has introduced transformative tools to enhance clinical decision‐making and streamline workflows. In nursing, a profession characterized by human‐centric care, AI adoption offers both significant opportunities and notable challenges. However, the perspectives of nursing students, future professionals, on integrating AI into clinical practice and education remain underexplored. Aim This study aimed to explore nursing students' perceptions of incorporating AI into their clinical training and professional practice, with a focus on identifying benefits, challenges, and potential areas for improvement. Methods A qualitative descriptive design explored the experiences and attitudes of 25 nursing students from five colleges in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants were purposively sampled to ensure diverse educational and clinical backgrounds. Semi‐structured interviews in Bangla, lasting 40–50 min, were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were collected from May 8, 2024 to August 10, 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes. Credibility was ensured through member checking, dependability via an audit trail, and confirmability through peer debriefing. Data visualization tools were used to map thematic relationships effectively. Results Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) AI integration in nursing education, (2) ethical and professional concerns, (3) preparedness for AI‐driven practice, and (4) AI's impact on nursing practice. Participants expressed both optimism about AI's potential to improve accuracy and efficiency and apprehension about their readiness to use AI effectively in practice. Conclusion The findings underscore the need for comprehensive curriculum reforms that incorporate AI training, address ethical concerns, and emphasize the role of AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. These insights provide a roadmap for integrating AI into nursing education while preserving the compassionate core of nursing practice.