Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

From Theory To Practice: Integrating Safe Patient Handling And Mobility Into Occupational Therapy Curriculum (Part 1/2), Kimberly Santorufo, Asha Roy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are at high-risk of musculoskeletal injury because of the manual and physical demands of job-related tasks. Many occupational therapists are sustaining injuries or changing careers because of an injury. Safe patient handling and mobility approaches should be used in occupational therapy practice to ensure the safety of both patient and therapist while assisting patients in meeting occupation-based and patient-centered goals. However, despite legislation, guidelines from the American Occupational Therapy Association, and recent evidence, most occupational therapy academic programs and educators continue to teach manual patient handling as the standard of practice. To ensure safety, longevity, and career-retention, academic …

Professional Behaviors As Forced Assimilation: A Critical Reflection On The U.S. History Of Education And Beyond, Quinn P. Tyminski, Karla Reese, Linn Wakeford

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Historically, education has been used as a mechanism of assimilation for marginalized identities in the United States, demanding conformity to the dominant culture and society. The occupational therapy (OT) profession is not immune and must examine and understand how our educational systems have erected and maintained barriers designed to exclude people from historically minoritized communities through the lens of professional behaviors. Professionalism and professional behaviors are not well-defined constructs in OT, and there is significant variability among educational institutions in how professional behavior standards are written, communicated, and applied. There is significant inconsistency across OT educational programs in the US …

An Academic Self-Regulation Program For First-Generation Students In Occupational Therapy: A Preexperimental Study, Pola Ham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

First-generation students at U.S. universities have lower academic performance than their continuing-generation counterparts. They also have a lower level of academic self-regulation and academic self-efficacy. Bandura’s social cognition theory and Zimmerman’s self-regulation theory were used as theoretical frameworks to guide an intervention program relating to self-efficacy and self-regulation. A pretest and posttest survey measured changes in the participants’ use of the academic self-regulatory strategies and level of confidence in using those strategies. An open-ended questionnaire provided a detailed account of the participants’ lived experiences of the program. The researcher-facilitator designed an academic self-regulation program using Zimmerman’s (1998) self-regulated learning framework …

Comprehensive Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Management Programs Addressing Both Psychosocial And Physical Needs: A Scoping Review, Amanda Wheeler, Claudine Campbell, Chenchen Cui

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer worldwide, which can lead to many negative sequelae, with up to a third of women developing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Breast cancer-related lymphedema requires chronic maintenance and is associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes compared to women without lymphedema. Occupational therapists are well-positioned to address the complex needs of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. This review aimed to identify existing research that reports outcomes of lymphedema management programs addressing both physical and mental health needs of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Method: A scoping review was conducted …

Linking The International Classification Of Functioning, Disability And Health (Icf) To Occupational Therapy Skilled Nursing Home Interventions, Janel Anne Belarmino, Laura Novak, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Rehabilitation practitioners use the ICF as a framework to guide clinical decision-making, demonstrate the focus of interventions, and bridge interprofessional communication. The aim of this study was to examine occupational therapy interventions implemented with older adults for short term rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities and link the interventions to the ICF.

Method: Through secondary analysis of previously collected field notes of skilled nursing facility occupational therapy interventions, the researchers linked 60 interventions to 133 third level ICF categories.

Results: Of the 133 categories, 62% (n = 82) were linked to Activities and Participation, 23% (n = 31) were …

The Lived Experience Of Therapists During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study Using Photovoice Methodology, Alison De La Montaigne, Catana Brown, Sarah A. Anderson, Tamara Turner

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: A qualitative phenomenological design using photovoice methodology for collecting data was used (Wang & Burris, 1997). The study participants included twelve therapists. Using photovoice methodology, the participants used a picture to represent their experience and wrote an accompanying narrative to address the question, “How has COVID-19 impacted your life?” Thematic analysis was used to code and develop themes for the participant photovoices and the virtual focus group transcripts (Braun & Clark, 2006). Zoom was used as the virtual platform for the virtual …

An Occupational Therapy Work-Self-Efficacy Intervention For Lgbtq+ Young People In Transitional Housing, Emily K. Simpson, Monika I. Robinson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) young people who are unhoused experience barriers transitioning into adult roles and responsibilities which negatively impacts workforce participation.

Methods: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a work self-efficacy intervention on self-efficacy and goal attainment in LGBTQ+ young people at a transitional living facility (TLF). Nine residents and three staff participated in this convergent mixed methods design investigating a work intervention.

Results: The total median score on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (p = 0.042) and the Work Self-Efficacy Scale (p = 0.043) …

How Acute Care And Inpatient Occupational Therapists Describe Their Experiences With Secondary Traumatic Stress, Julie Suto, Ashley E. Lane, Rocio Torres, Emily K. Simpson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The primary purpose of this research was to explore how occupational therapists in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings describe their experiences of secondary traumatic stress (STS).

Methods: Researchers used a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Electronic surveys (n = 181) and qualitative data collection through interviews (n = 6) and a focus group (n = 3) were used. Qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Both data sets were compared to identify patterns.

Results: Five main categories were identified: (a) supports to worker role, (b) barriers to worker role, (c) …

A Multisensory, Interdisciplinary Approach To Visual Neglect For Enhancement Of Visual Attention Following Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage: A Case Report, Leah G. Allan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report provides a review of the medical background and inpatient rehabilitation course of a 41-year-old female presenting with right basal ganglia hematoma in the setting of hypertension and polysubstance use. Emphasis is placed on analysis and discussion of the interdisciplinary, multisensory therapy approaches used to address her visual neglect and homonymous hemianopia.

Method: Single-patient case report

Results: On the Disability Rating Scale, the patient’s score improved from a Day 16 score of 10 to a Day 58 score of 7. On the Modified Barthel Index, her performance improved from a Day 16 score of …

Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review, Sabina Khan, Christianah Edema

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: We aimed to examine the psychosocial interventions used by occupational therapists in managing pediatric TBI, and to identify unique psychosocial needs in this population.

Methods: The scoping review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Four databases were searched for relevant studies namely: Embase (Elsevier), Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and PsycNet. Included studies were studies written in English reporting on psychosocial interventions for pediatric TBI by occupational therapists and/or the psychosocial needs of children with TBI.

Results: The search identified 13 relevant studies published from 2006 to 2020. Multiple psychosocial interventions were pinpointed in these studies, …

Exploring The Relationship Between Handwriting Legibility And Praxis In Third And Fourth Grade Students, Denise K. Donica, Larymi Beck, Kathryn Mumford

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Research suggests praxis and sensory integration contributes to handwriting legibility in primary students. However, little research has demonstrated performance-based measures of praxis and its relationship to handwriting legibility. This study examined performance-based praxis skills of third and fourth grade students with and without handwriting difficulties (HD).

Method: Handwriting legibility and praxis were examined in 33 third and fourth grade students at a local primary school using the Handwriting Legibility Scale and five praxis tests from the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their handwriting legibility scores: students with HD (n = 6) …

State Of The Journal: The Importance Of Human Occupation, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Psychometric Development Of Scales Measuring Attitudes About And Interest In Integrated Healthcare Clinical Practice, Mark Cassano, Robert A. Ditomasso, Barbara A. Golden, Scott D. Glassman

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

The landscape of integrated healthcare models continues to evolve, and with these changes, providers are facing the challenge of adopting approaches to care that may not have been taught in their training. With interprofessional education on the rise, some providers often struggle to modify their clinical methodology to accommodate an interdisciplinary team-based care format. In an effort to better understand the attitudes and interest levels that may affect a provider’s engagement in these models of care, the Integrated Health Attitudes and Interest Scales were developed. Using a best practices model, items for the measure were created by the investigators and …

Notalgia Paresthetica: Case Report, Emily M. Garelick, David Kasper

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a dermatologic condition that causes pruritus of the skin on the medial border of the inferior scapula and/or upper back. It is a chronic neurologic dysesthesia caused by pain from nerve fiber damage at the thoracic spine, levels two to six. Patients can also experience paresthesia, allodynia, and pruritus that is exacerbated by heat. It has been shown in multiple case reports that thoracic nerve impingement could be responsible for this problem, specifically herniated intervertebral discs, vertebral changes, and osteoarthritic lesions. Multiple methods of treatment have been reported to be effective including topical steroids and anesthetics, …

Prospective Receptivity And Acceptability Of Brief Alcohol Interventions Among Women And Racial/Ethnic Minority Veterans In Primary Care, Jacob L. Scharer, Robyn Shepardson, Brandi Roelk, Julie C. Gass, Laura Wray, Stephen A. Maisto, Jennifer Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) are an evidence-based practice for addressing hazardous drinking among primary care patients, yet implementation of BAIs in practice has been difficult and disparities have been identified regarding implementing BAIs with women and racial/ethnic minority patients. Further, patient engagement is a commonly identified barrier to BAI implementation. This mixed methods study aimed to assess acceptability of BAIs among women and racial/ethnic minority primary care patients and to identify factors that may impact their receptivity to engaging in a BAI. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 patients who had screened positive for hazardous alcohol use. Patients reported neutral …

Improving Patient Engagement Through Whole Health: Veteran Perspectives On A Values Assessment Tool, Luke D. Mitzel, Robyn Shepardson, Emily M. Johnson, Jennifer Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Amidst rising rates of costly chronic diseases, a growing emphasis for integrated primary care settings is offering proactive, person-centered, and whole-person care. Through its Whole Health approach, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is a leading force in this movement. VA’s Whole Health focuses on delivering patient-centered care that engages and empowers Veterans to improve health outcomes. The Personal Health Inventory (PHI) is a brief, whole-person focused, values assessment of what matters most that can lead to personalized health planning. Using a concurrent triangulation (convergent) mixed methods design, we examined the perspectives of 25 post-9/11 Veterans using semi-structured telephone interviews. Qualitative …

Pharmacotherapeutic Efficacy Of Astaxanthin Toward Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review, Harnd Abdullah Ali, Bushra Hassan Marouf, Lanja Ibraheim Saeed, Rafl M. Kamil, Savan Mohammed Dilshad

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in women, characterized by the malignant proliferation of breast epithelial cells that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Astaxanthin (ASN), a marine-derived xanthophyll carotenoid, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Emerging evidence suggests that ASN may exert anti-neoplastic effects by inhibiting tumorigenesis and suppressing the growth and progression of BC cells. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of ASN as a pharmacological agent in the prevention and management of breast cancer.

Methodology: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in …

Awareness Of Epinephrine Pen Use Among Students Of Faculty Of Applied Medical Sciences At Umm Al Qura University, Saudi Arabia 2024, Ahmed Ali Shammah

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Introduction: Anaphylaxis is a dangerous hypersensivity reaction that is characterised by generalised allergic response. Epinephrine is significant treatment for managing anaphylaxis. Moreover, epinephrine pens consider important first-aid kits in universities. Background and Aims: This research aims to explore awareness and usage of epinephrine pen between the student in faculty of Applied Medical Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia and to explore their practices and knowledge in anaphylaxis management. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to students across various departments and academic years within the faculty. A quota sampling method employed to ensure diverse representation. Data were …

Harm Reduction Without Supportive Policing: Experiences Of Drug Users In Nepal, Chandra Jha, Dennis Donovan

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This study explored the impact of drug criminalization and policing on harm reduction efforts in Nepal. In contexts marked by widespread corruption, drug criminalization often exacerbates the mistreatment by law enforcement of people who use drugs (PWUD), creating substantial barriers to their accessing harm reduction services. Utilizing a constructivist framework and a modified grounded theory approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 PWUD to examine their experiences with drug use, interactions with police, and the consequent effects on harm reduction efforts. Three key themes emerged: the exploitation of PWUD as a significant source of income for corrupt police officers, the …

Assessment Of Surgical Outcomes And Factors Affecting Vision After Cataract Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study At Al-Zubair General Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, Maytham Neamah, Zainab Taher

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Cataract is the most common elective and ambulatory procedure globally, and its incidence continues to rise, leading to an increasing number of cataract surgeries aimed at eliminating the burden of cataract blindness in the aging population. Cataract surgery is safe, predictable, and cost-effective. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical visual outcomes and factors influencing vision in patients who underwent cataract surgery in the Al-Zubair district, Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on cataract surgeries of all ages performed at Al-Zubair General Hospital between October 2014 and November 2022. Data based on demographic characteristics, preoperative …

Versatility Of First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap For Thumb Reconstruction, Abdulrahman Miran, Hemin Aladden, Gultan Taimur, Ahmed Abdulla, Rana Kamal Kamal

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Coverage of extensive defects of the thumb, with exposure of tendon and/or bone, presents challenging reconstructive problems. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the versatility, applicability, and patient satisfaction with the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction. Methods: This prospective case series study was conducted over approximately four years (June 2017–September 2022) in the Plastic Surgery Department at Rizgary Teaching Hospital in Erbil. Twelve patients with complex soft tissue thumb defects exposing vital structures were included and treated with first dorsal metacarpal artery island flaps. Results: Twelve patients participated in the study. Their mean …

Generalized Anxiety Disorders Among The Adult Population In Basra During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Raya Habeeb Abdulimam, Elaf Mohemmed Saleh, Ikram M. Abbas

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Anxiety disorders encompass conditions characterized by excessive fear and anxiety, along with related behavioral disturbances. During epidemics, many individuals experience distress due to immediate health impacts and feelings of loneliness; however, others fear infection, death, or the loss of loved ones. The COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq, part of the global coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, may have exacerbated anxiety disorders among patients and their families. Aim: This study aims to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adult population in Basra. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted using an online survey with a questionnaire available via …

Accuracy Of C-Reactive Protein (Crp) And Hematological Indices As A Screening Tool In Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis, Zainab Farhan, Kassim Rahi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Early recognition of neonatal sepsis is challenging due to its subtle and nonspecific symptoms. Failure to recognize or delays in diagnosis can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Laboratory sepsis markers complement clinical signs and risk factors in diagnosing sepsis. The current approach for early recognition of sepsis combines clinical presentation, biomarkers, and blood culture. Aims: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of C-reactive protein and basic hematological indices, such as neutropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, in diagnosing sepsis, measuring the sensitivity of each test, and evaluating the outcomes of the studied sample. Methods: This study consisted of 90 …

Thyroid Function Test Evaluation In Prostate Cancer Patients In Khartoum State, Abdalla Ali

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Thyroid hormones (TH) are key regulators of essential cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. They play an important role in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Therefore, this study aimed to assess thyroid function tests among PCa patients in Khartoum State. Methods: The study comprised 100 male participants, including 50 PCa patients as a case study and 50 healthy men as the control group. Blood samples were collected for thyroid function test and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using TosohTM device (China) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the device FortressTM. Results: Statistical analysis of the test results of …

Peritoneal Dialysis In Iraq: Past And The Modern Era, Ali Al Saedi, Yasir Sharba, Abdalmahdi Al_Sallami, Majid Al Matwari, Zainab Hussein

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The peritoneal cavity, a region of the abdomen, receives dialysate, a cleansing solution, via a catheter tube. The dialysate removes waste from blood vessels in the peritoneum; subsequently, the fluid is removed from the body and disposed of. Benefits of chronic PD include reduced costs, home-based therapy, single access, a decreased need for highly skilled workers and large infrastructure. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of acute and chronic PD in the Iraqi population Methods: We have gathered data regarding every patient who received acute and chronic peritoneal dialysis in Iraq in period between 2016-2024 …

Nutritional Status In Iraqi Hemodialysis Patients, Nawaf Al-Neaimy, Ismael Ismael, Dalia Ali, Ali Al Saedi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Malnutrition is a commonly encountered issue in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and significantly impacts disease progression and mortality. We aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of malnutrition among Iraqi patients on a regular hemodialysis (HD) program. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the level of malnutrition among hemodialysis patients across all Iraqi centers. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted across all Iraqi cities from January 1 to December 31, 2023, examined patients undergoing HD. A standardized questionnaire was utilized for data collection, which was centralized through governorate centers. Results: Using subjective global assessment (SGA), 3,639 patients (33.9%) …

Maternal Mortality In Basra From 2019-2021, Mayyada Abdul -Jaleel Salman, Halah Alabdullah, Nadeem Raheem Shiaa

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Maternal mortality is a crucial community health indicator. The World Health Organization defines maternal death as “the annual number of female deaths from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes) during pregnancy and labor or within 42 days following the termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and location of the pregnancy.” Aim: This study aims to calculate the maternal mortality ratio in Basra over three years, identify the causes of death, and describe the sociodemographic factors of deceased mothers. Methods: A registry-based, descriptive, and retrospective study conducted over three …

Awareness Of Health Matters Related To Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers In Basra: Awareness Of Health Matters Related To Pregnancy, Zainab Alfaaz

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Prenatal care is an effective health intervention for reducing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, the risk of which is significantly higher in Basra (or Iraq in general) due to ignorance compared to other regions who offer prenatal care. Aim: This study aimed to assess health awareness related to pregnancy among women visiting primary health care centers in Basra Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 100 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) attending three primary health care centers in Basra, selected by random sampling technique. Data analysis was performed utilize the statistical …

Evaluating The Outcome Of Different Reconstructive Surgical Options For The Management Of Shoulder Deformity Following Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury Due To Erb’S Palsy, Mohamedbakir Abbas Abdulzahra, Thamer A. Hamdan

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP) refers to an injury to all or part of the brachial plexus occurring at the time of delivery. Injuries associated with the upper brachial plexus are termed Erb’s palsy, while those associated with the lower brachial plexus are referred to as Klumpke palsy. Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries are often associated with large birth weight and shoulder dystocia. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of different secondary reconstructive surgical options for the treatment of OBPP Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Basra General Hospital from October 2022 to November 2023. Sixty-eight patients …

Outcome Of Newborns With Diabetic Mothers, Thakaa Zaki Ali, Jihad Kadhim

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that can affect pregnant women; if diabetic mothers are not well controlled, newborns may face higher risks of serious problems during pregnancy and at birth. Methods: This study was a cohort follow-up study that assessed the outcome of infants born to diabetic mothers (IDM). It involved two groups: a study group of 77 IDM (45 males and 32 females) born at Basra maternity and Children Hospital during the set six-month period (January 1 to June 30, 2018) and a control group of 137 infants born to non-diabetic mothers (69 males and 68 …