Conectar
by Ying Li, Jing Jia, Runze Lu, Liyan Dong, Lizhu Fang, Litao Sun, Zongyi Zhang, Qing Duan, Lijie Zhang, Kunzheng Lv, Huilai Ma
BackgroundQingdao, a historically high-risk area for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in China, is undergoing agricultural mechanization and urbanization. However, the specific risk factors for HFRS in this context remain unclear. This study sought to determine the risk factors for HFRS in Qingdao.
MethodsCommunity-based, 1:2 case-control study. Each case was matched with two healthy neighborhood controls based on biological sex, age, and the same neighborhood or village. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. Furthermore, stratified analyses were performed to explore risk factor heterogeneity between the peak season for Hantaan virus (HTNV) type HFRS (October-January) and other months.
Results93 cases (73.2%, 93/127) reported from January 2022 to September 2023 and 186 controls completed this questionnaire. Farmers accounted for the highest proportion (68.8%, 64/93). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, there were three significant risk factors for HFRS: piles of firewood and/or grain in residential yards (odds ratio [OR]=3.75, 95% CI: 2.14–6.55), mite and/or flea bites (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.06–3.18) and contacting with rats and/or their excreta (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.09–2.74); three variables represented significant protective factors for HFRS: frequency of sun exposure for quilts and bedding (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19–0.90), rodent control measures at home (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.81) and knowing the main sources of HFRS transmission (OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.36–0.90). Stratified analysis revealed that the influence of these factors varied by season, with rodent contact and control measures being particularly salient during the HTNV peak season.
ConclusionThis study provides the first comprehensive evidence of risk and protective factors for HFRS in Qingdao, highlighting the role of rodent control, promoting comprehensive health education, environmental management, and personal protection. However, the results should be interpreted considering the study’s limitations, including a 73.2% response rate and the potential for recall bias.
Advanced cancer not only affects the physical, psychological, and social functions of patients, but it also impacts their adolescent children. There is a dearth of information regarding the understanding of family functioning and specific needs of patients with advanced cancer and their adolescent children.
This qualitative study aimed to explore the experience and needs regarding family functioning of patients with advanced cancer and their adolescent children, as well as understanding potential approaches for maintaining positive family functioning.
A descriptive qualitative study was employed.
This study was conducted at three tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China, from January to September 2023. Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit participants. 17 stage III and IV patients with cancer and 11 adolescent children were interviewed.
Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted among patients with advanced cancer and their adolescent children. The data analysis employed Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method. The McMaster family functional model theoretical framework was utilised to facilitate the identification and organisation of topics, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the data.
Six themes were identified: communication challenges; impaired family role functioning; positive/negative feelings; over-involvement; change of behaviour control pattern; Needs for medical and psychological support. Both patients with advanced cancer and their adolescent children expressed collective views and needs regarding family functioning.
The findings of this study reveal an understanding of family functioning and needs among patients with advanced cancer and their adolescent children. The identified themes provide valuable insights for designing and implementing targeted intervention strategies.
Nursing interventions should focus on helping patients with advanced cancer and their adolescent children improve family functioning and communication skills. The findings indicate that communication challenges are a significant aspect of impaired family functioning, necessitating targeted interventions to enhance communication. Healthcare providers should be trained to recognise the diverse communication needs of families, which include providing resources for age-appropriate communication, counselling, and guidance on maintaining family routines. Enhancing the communication skills of patients and their children is crucial for addressing problem-solving needs and mitigating negative feelings, thereby fostering a more supportive family environment.
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