https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144521 2026-09-29T15:59:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149505 Title: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2-inhibitors questionnaire : a survey amongst peers Authors: Sciberras Giusti, Ebony; Mifsud, Roberta; Gauci, Zachary Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of oral antihyperglycemic agents which improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by preventing reabsorption of glucose in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney. As their use has become widespread in both the diabetic as well as the cardiac patient population it was deemed appropriate that a survey amongst peers be designed to assess knowledge of this medication’s characteristics.; METHODS: An online 42 closed-ended question survey was drafted. It comprised of 7 sections, each pertaining to an important characteristic of this drug class. The survey was circulated via email to doctors in all levels of training in both primary and secondary care.; RESULTS: A total of 171 questionnaire responses were received. Subsequent data analysis demonstrated generalized limited awareness of the different important considerations to prescribing this medication class.; CONCLUSION: This study reveals that there is a need for better doctor education on SGLT2 drug class. Henceforth an informative poster highlighting the most pertinent drug characteristics and considerations was created and circulated amongst doctors. 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149491 Title: Parents suffering from depression, their experience engaging with school professionals Authors: Deguara, Stephanie; Sacco, Rosemarie; Camilleri, Nigel Abstract: BACKGROUND: Schools are instrumental in supporting the wellbeing of children and adolescents, particularly when this occurs in partnership with families. When parents have mental health problems their children are at greater risk of developing internalising and externalising behaviours. The aim of this study was to acquire insights into barriers and facilitators to a successful parent-school relationship when parents suffer from depression.; METHODS: This was a qualitative study applying Braun & Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis style. Data were gathered through individual semi­-structured interviews and purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Mental health professionals in Community Mental Health Clincs were asked to help in recruitment. Parents suffering from depression, having children aged 5-16, were invited to participate and six mothers came forward.; RESULTS: The main themes identified to represent the experience of parents were, ‘Children’s needs prompt engagement’, ‘Ease of access matters’, ‘The value of being understood’ and ‘Understanding the silence and distancing’.; CONCLUSION: Findings showed that participants engaged with school professionals to address concerns related to their children. Parents recounted that they approached school professionals to share concerns about their children or responded to professionals who broached concerns. While an understanding attitude from these professionals encouraged parents to approach schools, blame and judgement led to withdrawal. It is recommended that engagement with parents is a core component in mental health literacy for educators. Discussion at an interagency level about the fear parents have of losing custody of their children is advised. 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149490 Title: Antenatal women’s knowledge and attitudes respecting the practice of ultrasonography in Saudi Arabia Authors: Alanazi, Muhannad Faleh Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Widely acknowledged as a crucial tool for antenatal care follow-up, ultrasound diagnoses early pregnancy problems and lowers maternal mortality. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the pregnant women's attitudes, knowledge, and related factors with regard to the safe use of ultrasonography in hospital research.; METHODS: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to September 2023 at the Obstetrics department of Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH), enrolling 304 pregnant women who came for antenatal care and referred to Radiology department for routine follow-up. 15 consecutive volunteers were given a pretested questionnaire both before and after the ultrasonography examination. Data analysis by IBM SPSS 22.0. The quantitative variable's percentage, frequency, and standard deviation calculations. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude. Chi-square test with a p-value of less than 0.05 for significance.; RESULTS: A total 304 pregnant women participated by questionaries and face to face interview in this study. The age less than 25 years found 41.1% higher compared to others age groups. Pregnant women who agreed to safe use of antenatal ultrasonography that noticed fairly good of knowledge and a positive attitude at 61.6% and 65.5%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression of knowledge and attitudes revealed statistically significant relationships age between 26 and 30 and over 30 years (AOR 0.94, 95% CI, (0.44–1.66), (AOR 1.35, 95% CI, (0.78–1.77), educational background (AOR 0.53 95% CI, 0.12-2.36), occupation (AOR 0.186, 95% CI, 0.053-0.67), and location of residence in cities (AOR 0.151 95% CI, 0.033-0.44) and attitudes (AOR 0.63 95% CI, 0.78-2.68), educational background (AOR 0.54 95% CI, 0.11-2.17), occupation (AOR 0.181,95% CI, 0.049-0.66), and location of residence in cities (AOR 0.153, 95% CI, 0.036-0.55) respectively.; CONCLUSION: According to this study, pregnant women have a generally good magnitude of knowledge and attitude regarding ultrasonography. Enhancing pregnant women's knowledge can be achieved by health workers in antenatal care facilities teaching them about the efficacy of ultrasonography. 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149489 Title: Clinical evolution of health care workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic Authors: Zerón, Hugo Mendieta; Benhumea, Acela Marlen Santamaría; del Moral Arellano, Gonzalo Abstract: BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) front line Health care workers (HCWs) and its variants are in high risk of acquiring the disease and subsequently exposing patients and others. The aim was to describe COVID-19 infected HCWs evolution in a third level hospital in the State of Mexico.; METHODS: This observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was carried out from January 2020 to August 2021. To determine the factors associated with the mortality of HCWs, different models were built with the logistic regression test using the SPSS program, considering a value of P < 0.05 as statistically significant.; RESULTS: 323 HCWs were studied, of which there was a mortality of 8 (2.4%). A regression model introducing only the variables marital status, confinement, sex and age, the following values were obtained: R = 0.467, R2 = 0.218, adjusted R2 = 0.208 and a standard error of the estimate of 0.140 (ANOVA with a p≤0.01).; CONCLUSION: 28% of COVID-19 health worker infected and a mortality of 2.4%. The variables marital status, confinement, sex and age were strong enough in a regression model to be significant for survival. 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z