https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54347 2026-04-14T23:37:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54634 Title: Comparing job satisfaction amongst Maltese podiatrists working in different clinical settings. Abstract: Aim The aim of the study is to explore the level of job satisfaction amongst Maltese Podiatrists working in two different clinical settings. Methods A comparative quantitative non experimental design was used in this research. The sample comprised 23 Maltese Sate Registered Podiatrist working within the Podiatry Department. Twelve podiatrists were recruited from a hospital setting and 11 podiatrists were recruited from a Primary Care setting. All participants had at least 2 years of work experience as podiatrists in that particular setting and worked on a full time basis (40 hours per week). The study was conducted from September 2011 until February 2012. All consenting participants were asked to fill in the short form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire is composed of 20 statements and is used to explore the levels of job satisfaction. Results When comparing the levels of job satisfaction between the Maltese Podiatrists working in a Primary Care setting and those working in a Hospital setting, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.609). Generally, Maltese podiatrists were highly satisfied with their occupation both in Primary Care setting and hospital setting. Although the level of overall job satisfaction was reported to be high, the participants reported a low mean satisfaction score for their work compensation and chances of advancements in their work place. Conclusion The study has shown that Maltese Podiatrist working within the Podiatry Department in the Department of Health experience overall high levels of job satisfaction. When comparing job satisfaction between podiatrists working in different clinical environments, no statistical difference was found. However, these findings also highlight the fact that Maltese podiatrists feel that they are not well compensated for their work and that they are limited to advancement in their workplace. Further research in diverse clinical settings such as private podiatry clinics and private hospitals may be necessary to compare levels of job satisfaction amongst podiatrists. Description: B.SC.(HONS)PODIATRY 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54616 Title: Measuring limb length : an intra and inter-rater reliability study. Abstract: Background Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD) is defined as a condition in which paired limbs are unequal. The difference in limb length may result in a number of clinical problems affecting gait such as low back pain, hip osteoarthritis, stress fractures, altered balance and associated running injuries. Measurement of LLD can be performed in a number of ways, with the gold standard being the use of radiographic methods which, however have significant drawbacks in being expensive, expose patient to radiation and are time consuming. Measuring LLD with a tape measure is cheap, readily available and is the fastest method; however its reliability is questionable. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the Intra- and Inter-rater reliability of measuring LLD using a Tape Measure by raters of different clinical experience. Research Design and Method A convenience sample of thirty healthy participants, with a mean age of 19.97 years (SD- 1.47 years) enrolled in this study. Participants were assessed for LLD using a Tape Measure. Three Podiatrists, with varying years of experience, performed the required tests. The measurements were taken from the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine to Medial Malleolus and from Anterior Superior Iliac Spine to Lateral Malleolus. The same measurements were taken for a second time after a period of 15 days. The raters were blinded throughout all the data collection. Results This study found low Intra and Inter-rater Reliability when using the Tape Measure to calculate LLD in healthy individuals. The lntra-rater reliability results for Limb Length Discrepancy measured over the medial side had an Intra Class Con-elation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.324 and 0.481 for raters B and C, respectively. The results for the measurements taken over the Lateral side had an ICC of 0.324 and 0.317 for raters B and C, respectively. The results for rater A were not significant and had to be discarded. The Inter-rater measurements taken over the lateral aspect on Day 0, resulted in an lnter-rater reliability of ICC 0.206. The other three results had to be discarded since they were not significant. Results showed that the years of clinical experience had no significant effect on the reliability of the measurements taken. Conclusion The study confirmed that there is poor Intra-rater reliability when measuring LLD; thus it is questionable whether these measurement techniques can be utilized clinically. Both measurements taken over the Medial and Lateral aspect showed almost equal reliability, with the Medial aspect proving to be slightly more reliable, though still considered as poorly reliable. Inter-rater reliability was lower than the lntra-rater reliability results. The results confirmed that the reliability of the tape measure is not dependant on the duration of clinical experience of the raters and caution should be exercised when applying this test to clinical decision making. Description: B.SC.(HONS)PODIATRY 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54609 Title: The relationship between peripheral vascular disease and sensory peripheral neuropathy in people living with type-2 diabetes in Malta. Abstract: AIM The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between Peripheral Vascular Disease and Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy in patients living with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Malta. RESEARCH DESING AND METHOD A matched case-control study was conducted at local health Centres in Malta. Twenty four patients living with Type-2 Diabetes were recruited. The sample compromised of twelve patients living with Peripheral Vascular Disease and twelve patients without Peripheral Vascular Disease. Patients were matched for age, duration of diabetes and gender. The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) was used to determine patients with vascular status. The 10 gram monofilament test was used to assess for Peripheral Neuropathy in this study. In addition demographic data including age, date of birth and treatment of diabetes were recorded. RESULTS This study found no significant difference (P=0.590) m Peripheral Neuropathy in the recruited subjects . CONCLUSION No significant difference was noted between Peripheral Vascular Disease and Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy in patients living with Type-2 Diabetes in Malta. Description: B.SC.(HONS)PODIATRY 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54607 Title: An evaluation of peripheral arterial insufficiency between smokers and non-smokers in Malta. Abstract: Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition effecting the general population. PAD is associated with functional disability, risk of limb loss and is overlooked in primary care settings because most patients are asymptomatic. Although many risk factors are associated with PAD, smoking is considered as the most potent habitual risk factor that is still highly prevalent in the Maltese population. Aim: To investigate whether daily tobacco smoking has an affect on peripheral artery insufficiency, specifically lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease in a cohort of middleaged healthy individuals. Objectives: To assess the association between smoking status and lower extremity PAD by using easily accessible screening methods such as foot pulse palpation, ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) and quantitative Doppler waveform analysis. Design & Methods: A non-experimental quantitative study was employed to evaluate the effects of smoking on peripheral arterial insufficiency among smokers (n=20) and nonsmokers (n=20); aged between 40-60 years; and not suffering from any cardiovascular disease. Participants were matched on gender, body mass index (kg/m2 ) and age (years). A clinical examination utilising the Huntleigh<ill Dopplex Assist was used to measure the ABPI and quantitatively analyse the Doppler arterial waveforms on the selected study population. Results: The mean age of the participants was 49.93 (± 5.92). Only 1 smoker had a low ABPI (<0.90) while the rest had normal ABPI scores. There was no significant difference in mean ABPI scores between smokers and non-smokers (p-values= left limbs, 0. 729; right limbs, 0. 730) however significant difference was noted in the Doppler waveforms on all arteries assessed between the two groups (p-values= <0.05), with smoking associated with significantly abnormal Doppler waveforms. Conclusion: Low ABPI is indicative of PAD and it increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and death as reviewed in the literature, but a normal ABPI does not preclude peripheral arterial disease in a selected population of middle-aged smokers, as seen in this study. Quantitative Doppler waveform analysis utilising a hand-held Doppler may reveal arterial insufficiency in asymptomatic smoking subjects with normal ABPI scores. It is therefore concluded that in middle aged smokers with no concomitant cardiovascular risk characteristics, routine assessment of pedal waveforms is important in order to prevent complications attributable to PAD. Description: B.SC.(HONS)PODIATRY 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z