Title: Heavy Metal Consumption and the Effect on the Child-Bearing Health of Women and the Development of their Children

Abstract:

Problem: Research has found that heavy metal ingestion through drinking and/or cooking with water contaminated by such elelments as lead, arsenic, flouride,selenium, cadmium, and others cause significant health problems such as cancers, cariovascular problems, neurological damage, pulmonary, and other organ deficits in women of child-bearing age as the elements cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development; as well as in the maturing child who often incurs developmental problems and cognitve deficits.

Research question: What is the relationship between malnutrition and excretion of heavy metals in the urine on the child-bearing health of women, the physical health and developmental achivevements of their children ages birth through age 12 in Uganda?

Methods: Sample size: women N=200; children birth – age 12 N=200; villages where reserach conducted: N=5 (3 supplied by government water sources; 2 obtained water from ground sources)

Preliminary findings: Government supplied water was evaluated by the water quality experts on the team and found to be safe from bacteria and heavy metals; water from the ground souorces found to be highly contaminated by bacteria and toxic evels of heavy metals - flouride, lead, arsenic. Participants consuming water from the ground sources were found to have significantly more pregnancy-related problems, fetal deaths, premature births, and children with developmental delays than women and children using the government water source. Final statistical analysis still in progress.

Conclusions: Preliminary findings support current reserach on the effect of heavy metals on the health and well-being of child-beraing women and their children. In order for the governments of developing nations to take action on supplying clean, safe water to their constituents, hard data is essential for them to see the extent of the effects. This research is ongoing.

Biography:

Hunter completed her PhD from University of Connecticut in 1994. She has been involved in global health for over 20 years in Africa, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Belfast, and Taiwan. She is a full professor and Associate Director of Nursing Programs at WSU-Vancouver Campus; as well as the Medical Director for the Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital Uganda Charitable Foundation. She has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals and over 50 professional presentations on her research across the globe.

Title: How to make a universally defined definition of ‘fever’ and ‘hyperthermia’

Abstract:

Today, fever is defined as a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100.40 F). The same temperature is used to determine hyperthermia. The temperature of the fever is below 42 degrees, but the temperature of the hyperthermia may be above 42 degrees, but the common factor for fever and hyperthermia is only an increase in temperature of more than 38 degrees. Fever and hyperthermia are treated by lowering the temperature because there is no distinction between fever and hyperthermia and it is not known what the temperature of the fever is. And the fever is believed to be a symptom and is dangerous. In such a situation there is no other way but to reduce the body temperature as in hyperthermia. Therefore, no specific definition, diagnosis, or treatment is required to distinguish between fever and hyperthermia. So many questions arose as to the purpose of the fever temperature and the difference between fever and hyperthermia. Its symptoms, signs, signals, and activity are separated from each other and it necessitates a new definition, diagnosis, and treatment of fever and hyperthermia. Researchers agree that fever, and ‘hyperthermia’, are not yet universally defined1 and that there is no basic knowledge of fever in the modern medical literature. There is no similarity between what happens when there is a fever and what happens when there is hyperthermia, and they are contradictory.

Biography:

A practicing physician in the field of healthcare in the state of Kerala in India for the last 34 years and very much interested in basic research. His interest is spread across the fever, inflammation and back pain. He was a writer. He already printed and published Ten books on these subjects. He wrote hundreds of articles in various magazines. After scientific studies, he have developed 8000 affirmative cross-checking questions. It can explain all queries related to fever.

Title: Qualitative Focus Groups with Professionals of Special Education and Parents of Young Females with Intellectual Disability Exploring Experiences with Menstrual Hygiene Management and the Trigger for the NonTherapeutic Hysterectomy in Mexico

Abstract:

How primary carers, physicians, health education professionals, and others see or understand the subject of menstruation in women with intellectual disability (ID) is rooted in the socio-cultural context and in the socioeconomic structures in which all of them live. The aim of this study was to explore how parents of young females with ID and special education professionals perceive and experience menstrual hygiene management, which coping strategies are applied; and what triggers the performance of a hysterectomy. A qualitative focus group study design was conducted with 69 parents and 11 special education professionals, in 14 schools and one Down syndrome clinic, in Mexico City. Data were analysed using the method of thematic analysis. The main concern of parents was how to cope with the underlying disease. They perceived menstrual bleeding positively. Their psychological distress had to do with the reproductive health of their daughters, with their wish to avoid pregnancy, and with their fear of death and leaving their daughters alone and helpless without them. None of them favoured hysterectomy. Medical indication of hysterectomy was identified as the trigger for its performance. There is an urgent need of policy development/review on best practices for hysterectomy in the females in question. The study here reported has a number of strengths. This is the first study of its kind in Latin America. It provides a picture of feelings, values, and beliefs that revolve around menstruation and hysterectomy and that are shared by the direct carers of Mexican women with ID. It should be mentioned that extreme care was taken in the methodological rigour with which this research was performed in order to reduce potential biases that are characteristics of focus group discussions. By way of conclusion, this study is particularly useful and has clinical and social value because it highlights the urgency of incorporating ethical thinking into quotidian clinical practice in order to transform a physician−parent/female with ID relationship that is merely technical-bureaucratic into a relationship that is truly professional and personal; that is, at the service of the patients with ID. As well, the fact that the results showed that non-therapeutic hysterectomy is still a live issue in Mexico is indicative of the need to set up effective educational and training programmes on menstrual hygiene management, sex and sexual health, in the context of IDs entities; both at the individual and community level. This study also generates new material for a normative inquiry that attempts to develop (based on evidence) and to lead to the enactment of policies and statutes in this area of public health and clinical practice to fix this serious and long-standing problem.

Biography:

Rosario has experience in public health, participating in national surveys and research projects together with PAHO, has allowed the development of clear and convincing ideas regarding the application in the first level of care and the nursing function, bringing this thought to teaching It has allowed the transmission and creation of bonds in community work. Conducting qualitative research is undoubtedly the best tool for nursing and its approach to communities, families and individuals who need to be heard and, in the same way, take care of their physical, psychological, social, health and environment needs.

Title: Assessment of functional independence in individuals with intellectual disabilities as part of special education diagnosis - case studies

Abstract:

We focus on the application of standardized tests aimed at assessing functional independence in children (WeeFIM test) and adults (FIM test) in special education diagnostics. The target group is two clients with a diagnosis of intellectual disability (N=2; client 1: mild mental retardation, according to ICD-10: F70; aged 6.5 years; client 2: moderate mental retardation, according to ICD-10: F71; aged 13.4 years). The primary intervention applied to the clients was a special education intervention focusing on the identified deficits in cognitive, motor and social skills. The presented results highlight the importance of applying these tests specifically in special education. Both probands after the intervention showed improvement in the observed indicators of the tests. The aim of the presented article is to point out the appropriateness of the use of tests of functional measures of independence in special education practice. The authors further discuss the implications of this application for future practice. It is estimated that up to 3% of people in the general population have some degree of intellectual disability. The actual diagnosis of intellectual disability is based primarily on clinical history, level of intellectual ability and level of adaptive function. In addition to clinical assessment, cognitive function or adaptive functioning in activities of daily living are also diagnosed on the basis of individually administered standardized tests. The conceptual framework of intellectual disability has evolved over the years primarily from the medical model. This model considers a person with an intellectual disability to be limited in his or her ability to perform expected individual and social responsibilities. Thus, the individual is attributed a functional limitation. Advances in science and medicine have contributed significantly to the increasing number of individuals with serious illnesses. We need to be aware of this increase and be able to respond appropriately. The attitudes of society and, where appropriate, educational staff are also important. It is these attitudes towards individuals with certain types of disabilities that determine future education and other approaches that develop the individual and thus promote social adaptability.

Biography:

In his professional career, Michal Vostry focuses on issues related to the compensatory rehabilitation of people diagnosed with a form of dementia or other mental disabilities. Vostry studied occupational therapy and special education. He tries to combine these disciplines to create comprehensive approaches to these individuals. He has written a number of publications on the subject, ranging from peer-reviewed articles to scientific monographs. He also regularly presents his theses at international conferences and, through discussion, tries to develop cooperation between the professions and thus improve intervention approaches.

Title: Detecting Health Warning Signs of People with Intellectual Disability (ID) Having Difficulty in Expressing Symptoms in the community: An Interview Survey

Abstract:

Aim: The first phase of this interview survey was conducted to detect health warning signs of people with ID having difficulty of expressing their symptoms by their family in the community.  Method: A metropolitan area was chosen (Area Z) in which the ID population ratio was similar to the national average.  Following consent from seven parents of two workplaces for people with ID in Area Z, their interviews were analyzed using qualitative inductive analysis.  Results: The subjects’ families with ID were five males and two females in the 20’s to 50’s, with ID ranging from mild to severe.  The parents noticed only slight differences in the usual health states of their family members with ID in their complexions, facial expressions, appetite, appearance of listlessness, and their unusual silence. The signs easily observed as health warning by the parents were cough, runny nose, extreme body temperatures, frequency of toilet use, diarrhea, and vomiting. It was difficult for the families to detect where the individuals with ID felt pain, or to assess the degree of the pain, or to forecast sudden vomiting, or to observe excrement prior to their flushing the toilet.  Conclusion: Not only do we need to focus on how to detect unnoticeable health warning signs of individuals with ID, but also further focus on how to communicate the subtle nuances that can help distinguish abnormalities in the usual state of health.

Biography:

Sooja Kim has completed her PhD at the age of 45 years from Kawasaki University of Medeical Welfare.  She is an associated professor of Kanagawa University of Human Servises, School of Nursing.

Title: Coping self-efficacy predicting stage transition and fat reduction dietary habits in Coronary Artery Disease and Diabetic Outpatients

Abstract:

To delay cardiovascular complications in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and diabetic patients, dietary management is crucial, and requires dietary changes in food contents, food habits, and meal patterns.  Behavior change used to be regarded as a two-stage process, from unhealthy to healthy behavior, until more social, emotional, and cognitive factors were found to interact in the course of behavioural change. Using three coping self-efficacy factors at baseline, a predictive correlational study was designed to project stage transition, and dietary fat reduction habits at six months. Coping self-efficacy included negative affective, positive social, and difficult situations. Dietary fat reduction habits consisted of substituting high-to low-fat foods, modifying meat to decrease fat content, avoiding frying foods, replacing high-fat foods with fruits or vegetables, and avoiding fat as a spread or flavoring. Coronary Artery Disease (n = 333) and diabetic (n = 208) patients completed the Dietary Habits Questionnaire, Stage of Change scale, and Coping Self-efficacy Dietary Habit scale at baseline and at six months. Higher self-efficacy when feeling emotionally vulnerable, and during inconvenient situations which make eating low-fat foods difficult were, respectively, 1.222 and 1.302 times more likely to predict forward stage transitioning or remaining in the maintenance stage.  Higher self-efficacy during inconvenient situations, and stage transition, were 2.097 times and 2.805 more likely, respectively, to predict substituting foods, modifying meat, and avoiding frying. Low coping self-efficacy individuals, especially when feeling emotionally vulnerable, would benefit from strategic interventions aimed at substituting high- to low-fat foods, modifying meats, and avoiding frying.

Biography:

Sylvie Robichaud-Ekstrand has completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the Montreal University and postdoctoral studies from the Montreal Heart Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Canada. Her current research program aims at developing and evaluating cognitive, affective and behavioural approaches to assist individuals with manifest disease or at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to adopt healthier lifestyles. Nurse- and interdisciplinary-led interventions are evaluated for the primary and secondary prevention of CVD among adults. From 2004 to 2009, she was a member on the CIHR Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes Institute Advisory Board.

Title: Knowledge, beliefs and preventive behaviors regarding osteoporosis among female health colleges' students at king Abdulaziz University

Abstract:

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bones reduce. It is a silent thief, producing no symptoms until a fragility fracture occurs. Osteoporosis affects 1 in 4 women and more than 1 in 8 men in their lifetime. The purpose of this study is to assess the osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors for students attending health colleges at King Abdul-Aziz University in Jeddah. Materials and methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at King Abdul-Aziz University in Jeddah. Validated questionnaires had been used which composed of Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT), Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) and Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey (OPBS). Tools were revised by 5 experts in the field of nursing to test the content validity. Modifications were carried out according to the panel on clarity of sentences and appropriateness of content to achieve the aims of the current study.  Reliability coefficients for all tools are within the acceptable range (0.70). All data analyses were performed using SPSS version 21. Findings: The overall mean knowledge score was 45.4 ± 13.9 out of 100 with majority female students were classified as having moderate knowledge (52.5%). With regards to OHBS, the overall mean OHBS score was 127.2 ± 17.2 which indicates high perceived OHBS. Among the OHBS subscales, high perceived rating was observed on benefits of exercise, benefits of calcium intake and health motivation whereas low perceived rating were observed to susceptibility seriousness, barrier to exercise and barriers to calcium intake. In the assessment of Osteoporosis preventive behavior, majority of the study participants had an inadequate milk (74.2%), Yogurt (85.6%) cheese (56.2%) consumption per week while nearly all of them were not adherence to calcium supplement (91%) whereas 49.4% of the students were not actively participated in physical activity in the last seven days. Conclusion & Significance: While the knowledge of the female medical students regarding osteoporosis deemed moderate and their perceived health behavior showed to be high however their preventive behaviors appeared low.

Biography:

Ensherah Saeed Messad Althobiti, is classified as a senior nursing Specialist, BSN, MSN in Medical & Surgical. With a total of 15 years' experience in the nursing field. She was working as Nursing Training and Education Manager at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, in Taif, Saudia Arabia.

Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Acute Kidney Injury Risk Assessment among Surgical Nurses in a Single Centre

Abstract:

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) has constantly been discussed in the ICU settings, but inadequate findings pertaining to AKI incidence were reported among surgical patients, particularly in Malaysia. Understanding the onset characteristic of AKI and the risk factors associated with its prognosis enables the improvement of the clinical prevention and treating the AKI. Adequate knowledge of AKI among nurses particularly in early recognition is an important opportunity to identify and prevent the development of AKI among at-risk patients. However, many studies revealed inadequate knowledge and understanding of AKI among nurses remain unacceptably low.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of nursing risk assessment on AKI towards surgical department nurses. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in a public teaching hospital, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 30th June to 8th July 2022. 75 nurses were randomly selected from multiple units in the surgical department. KAP of the multiple surgical unit nurses was measured with 30 selfadministered questionnaires. The instrument was developed for this research and underwent a content validity process.

Results: The majority of the respondents were female nurses with a mean age of 35.7. The mean average years of respondents’ nursing experience was 9.78 years. 33 nurses had their advanced clinical training and 21.3% had experience working in the critical care unit. The overall level of KAP on AKI among surgical nurses was moderate (61.4%) There was a significant difference in KAP on AKI score between ten working units in a surgical department (p=0.031). Nurses who had advanced training were found to have a significant difference in KAP on AKI score (p=0.019). Nurse positions such as head nurse and staff nurse were reported to be significantly in total KAP on AKI score. Even though nurses demonstrated good knowledge and practice in AKI risk assessment, 93.3% of the nurses were unable to define AKI correctly and 70.7% had a lack of knowledge in performing AKI risk assessment. However, only 2.6% of surgical nurses select the correct risk factors of AKI as they were unfamiliar with AKI risk assessment could be able to prevent patient complications.

Conclusion: KAP on AKI among surgical department nurses was at a moderate level. To enhance nurses’ KAP in identifying AKI for surgery patients, there is a need to develop an education program on AKI risk assessment for the nurses to improve their care delivery.

Biography:

Nooreena Yusop is a highly motivated lecturer at PICOMS International University College, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Participating in advanced course for Renal, Nephrology and Dialysis. A highly trained and experienced Malaysia Registered Nurse with a demonstrated history of working in both public and private hospital in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, healthcare industry and executing clinical services and managerial posts. Possesses an exceeding skill in Intensive and Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Renal nursing care. Responsible for departmental and hospital-wide quality of service and patient safety, which involved the implementation, adherence, assessment, and analysis of processes that highly impact the quality of hospital operation and service. Strong and outstanding healthcare professional’s services by background, with Master’s Degree in Nursing Science and pursuing Doctorate Philosophy in Nursing.