Zoi Tsimtsiou

The emotional intelligence of medical students: An exploratory cross-sectional study

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) may be related to student characteristics (such as conscientiousness and empathy), and performance at medical school, although few studies have so far been conducted. Aim: To investigate the association of EI with students’ age, sex, ethnicity and stage of study at a London medical school. Methods: All medical students were invited to complete an online EI instrument, the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) version 2, a 141-item measure of the ability to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions. An additional questionnaire to gather demographic data was linked to the MSCEIT. Results: We analysed 263 responses from a population of 2114 medical students after three reminders (12.3% response rate). Aggregated EI scores were similar through the curriculum. Age, sex and ethnicity explained 9.2% of the variance in aggregated EI scores. In terms of managing emotions, 6.7% of the variance was explained by the stage of study, with significantly higher scores for students in their final year compared to those in the first two years. Conclusion: This exploratory study provides preliminary data on EI scores for UK medical students identifies factors associated with higher and lower scores and suggests that aggregated EI scores remain stable during medical training.

Short-term efficacy of group pelvic floor training under intensive supervision versus unsupervised home training for female stress urinary incontinence: A randomized pilot study†

AIMS Current management guidelines propose pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as first line treatment for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of group PFMT under intensive supervision to that of individual home therapy in women with SUI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty women with clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of SUI were randomized in two equal-number groups. Following a common demonstration course, Group A women received a detailed schedule for home training, while Group B in addition attended a weekly hospital group visit. At 12 weeks both groups were assessed for changes in subjective and objective outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-two women, (10 Group A, 12 Group B) with a mean age of 47.3 years completed the study. Although significant (P<0.05) improvements were noted in both groups in quality of life scores, number of incontinence episodes/week, 24-hr frequency, and endurance, repetitions and fast contractions upon vaginal assessment of the PFMs, comparative analysis at the end of the study demonstrated significantly better results for women in Group B, who also improved in daily pad usage, underwear wetting, modified Oxford grading of the PFMs and hold with cough. Consequently, significantly more women in Group B reported improvement in their continence (100% vs. 20% in Group A). CONCLUSIONS Group PFMT under intensive supervision produced significantly better improvements in primary and secondary outcomes in the short-term compared to individual, unsupervised home application of PFMT.

Medical students' perceptions of the factors influencing their academic performance: An exploratory interview study with high-achieving and re-sitting medical students

Background: Little is known about medical students’ perceptions of the factors that influence their academic performance. Aim: To detect factors medical students, in the final years of their undergraduate medical studies, believe affect their academic performance. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with high-achieving and re-sitting students in the final two years of their studies in a London medical school. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was conducted. Similarities and differences in factors perceived to affect the academic performance of high-achieving and re-sitting students were identified. Results: Eight re-sitting and ten high-achieving students were interviewed. Three core themes were identified: engagement with learning; reflections on learning methods and experiences and the application of learning to future practice. High-achieving students showed a greater awareness of what worked in terms of their approaches to learning and coping with difficulty than re-sitting students. There were also differences in the degree of positive engagement with peers, suggesting the positive contribution of socialising with other medical students. Conclusions: This exploratory qualitative study identified attitudes, behaviours and motivations that appeared to contribute to success or failure at medical school. Our findings suggest ways to improve appraisal, remediation and support mechanisms for students.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents and Their Parents in Central Greece (FETA Project)

The increasing obesity trend in adolescence is a public health concern. The initial phase of Feeding Exercise Trial in Adolescents (FETA) aimed in investigating the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents and their parents and in identifying associated factors among parents’ and adolescents’ demographics, eating habits, and parental style. The sample consisted of 816 adolescents, aged 12–18 years old, and their parents from 17 middle and high schools in Larissa, central Greece. During school visits, anthropometric measurements were performed along with examination of blood pressure. The students completed the study tool that comprised of demographics and the modified versions of Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), the Parent-Initiated Motivational Climate Questionnaire-2 (PIMCQ-2) and the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire (FEAHQ). Their parents completed a questionnaire with demographics, anthropometrics and FEAHQ. Normal Body Mass Index was found in 75.2% of the adolescents, 2.6% of the adolescents were underweight, 18% overweight and 4.2% obese. Regarding the parents, 76.3% of the fathers and 39.2% of the mothers were overweight or obese. The logistic regression analysis revealed that, overweight or obesity in adolescence was associated with gender (boy), maternal overweight or obesity, lower maternal educational level, eating without feeling hungry, eating in rooms other than kitchen and having a father that motivates by worrying about failing. A significant proportion of adolescents and their parents are overweight or obese. Future interventions should focus both on the parents and children, taking into account the role of parental authority style, in preventing adolescents’ obesity.

The benefits and costs of a master's programme in primary health care: a cross-sectional postal survey.

BACKGROUND Masters programmes can provide continuing professional development, equipping GPs to teach, research, and lead general practice. A previous evaluation of the MSc in primary health care found that graduates were contributing significantly to the discipline of general practice. Given the changes in general practice over the last 10 years, it was considered useful to investigate longer-term outcomes. AIM To assess the benefits GPs have derived from the MSc in terms of the intended learning outcomes and their own plans for involvement in research and teaching. DESIGN OF STUDY A cross-sectional survey using a postal questionnaire. SETTING Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, Kings College London. METHOD A postal questionnaire was sent to the graduates of MSc in primary health care from 1997 until 2008. RESULTS A total of 50 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate 76%). After graduation, 22 GPs had completed another degree or diploma and 21 had work accepted for publication, resulting in 74 papers. Nine held academic posts at lecturer or senior lecturer level, 21 were GP trainers, and 21 undergraduate teachers. Twenty-five GPs held more than one teaching-related post. The majority of the graduates confirmed the attainment of the MScs intended outcomes. Positive influences of the MSc were identified, including career development, personal development, and job satisfaction. CONCLUSION Graduates reported a number of benefits to themselves, their practices, and their patients. As the requirements for continuing professional development of GPs become more stringent, and with the advent of revalidation, the current ad hoc approach to career development in general practice is becoming unsustainable. To enhance its credibility as an academic discipline, general practice must continue to develop its capacity for research and scholarship. Masters programmes are likely to have an important role in supporting professional development in general practice in the future.

Kidney organ donation knowledge and attitudes among health care professionals: Findings from a Greek general hospital

Identified barriers of organ donation advancement include lack of knowledge, personal beliefs, and a negative attitude from health professionals. This article reports on current knowledge and attitudes toward kidney donation among nurses and physicians in a Greek general hospital. A previously used questionnaire was applied. More physicians than nurses were donor card holders, with registration rates being lower than expected. Over half of the participants did not consider themselves well informed about registering as a kidney donor. Older nurses differed significantly from younger ones in their willingness to become live donors if an adult required a kidney. Nurses who were blood donors had higher odds ratio of feeling well informed when compared with nurses who were not blood donors. Integrating organ donation issues into undergraduate health science curricula and continuous education interdisciplinary programs is essential in increasing awareness, eradicating negativism, and reversing inertia.

Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination Coverage in Medical, Nursing, and Paramedical Students: A Cross-Sectional, Multi-Centered Study in Greece

Students of health professions are at high risk of hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection during their clinical training. The aim of this cross-sectional, multi-centered study was to investigate the HBV vaccination coverage in Greek medical, nursing, and paramedical students, to look into their attitudes towards the importance of vaccines and to reveal reasons associated with not being vaccinated. A self-completed, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 2119 students of health professions in Greece, during the academic year 2013–2014. The HBV vaccination coverage of students was high (83%), being higher among medical students (88.1%, vs. 81.4% among nursing and 80.1% among paramedical students; p < 0.001). The vast majority of them (95%) have been vaccinated during childhood. In addition, 30% of the unvaccinated students declared fear over HBV safety. Our results indicate that the healthcare students achieved higher reported immunization rates compared to the currently serving healthcare workers, but also to the students of the last decade. The fact that nursing and paramedical students have lower coverage figures underlines the importance of targeted interventions for the different subgroups of healthcare students in terms of educational programs and screening for HBV markers in order to increase HBV vaccination uptake.

Pathological Internet use, cyberbullying and mobile phone use in adolescence: a school-based study in Greece

Abstract Purpose This study investigated the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and cyberbullying and examined profiles of adolescents with increased risk to develop pathological behaviors. Methods In this cross-sectional, school-based study, 8053 students of 30 middle and 21 high schools (12–18 years old) were invited to participate, based on a multistage stratified random sampling technique. The Internet aiddiction test (IAT) was used along with information on socio-demographics, Internet activities and cyberbullying experience. Results Five thousand five hundred and ninety students participated (response rate 69.4%). Pathological Internet use (IAT ≥50) was found in 526 (10.1%), while 403 (7.3%) experienced cyberbullying as victims and 367 (6.6%) as perpetrators during the last year. In multivariable models, the odds of IA increased with online hours on mobile phones and Internet use during weekends, Internet café visits, chatrooms usage and engagement in cyberbullying. Cyberbullying victims were more likely to be older, female, Facebook and chatrooms users, while perpetrators were more likely to be male, older Internet users and fans of pornographic sites. A perpetrator was significantly more likely to have also been a victim [odds ratio (OR) = 5.51, confidence interval (CI): 3.92–7.74]. Hours of daily Internet use on a mobile phone was independently associated with IA and cyberbullying (OR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.30, 1.53 and OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01, 1.21, respectively. Conclusions Cyberbullying is associated with IA and the hours spent online on a mobile phone affected both conditions. The increasing Internet access through mobile phones or other devices should be accompanied by the appropriate education of both parents and adolescents on safe Internet use.

Enhancing clinical communication in dermatologists: a personalized educational intervention

Abstract Objectives: Effective communication is a vital component of patient-centered consultations with favorable treatment outcomes. This study aimed in testing the effectiveness of a personalized, communication training program for dermatologists in their practices. Methods: Fifteen dermatologists were offered the educational intervention NO.TE.S. (Non-Technical Skills). Depending on the dermatologists’ needs, seven to nine sessions with a 60-min duration were performed, focusing on: patient-centered care, principles of Neurolinguistic Programming, a guide to the medical interview, principles of motivational interviewing and self-care. After the program’s completion, participants completed anonymously an 18-item evaluation questionnaire. Results: All 14 participants would suggest NO.TE.S to a colleague. According to the main themes identified, their participation led to (i) re-consideration of the physician-patient relationship, (ii) more conscious application of the patient-centered model, (iii) improvement in communication skills, (iv) awareness of medical interview guides, (v) increase in self-confidence, and (vi) techniques of self-care. Eleven physicians (78.6%) declared improvement in patients’ satisfaction, 14 (100%) in their own satisfaction, seven (50%) in adherence to therapeutic plan and seven (50%) in treatment outcomes. Conclusion: The one-to-one coaching is a convenient and well-received personalized means of enhancing clinical communication in dermatologists, leading to more patient-centered medical encounters with better treatment outcomes.

Raising awareness on cyber safety: adolescents’ experience of a primary healthcare professional-led, school-based, multi-center intervention

Abstract Purpose Although safe Internet use is an emerging public health issue, there is a scarcity of published work describing relevant school-based interventions. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of a health professional-led, school-based intervention in raising awareness on cyber-safety in adolescents, Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate adolescents’ evaluation of this school-based intervention, 6 months after its implementation, as well as the impact of adolescents’ school class and gender on their evaluation. Methods A student sample was selected using a multistage stratified random sampling technique, according to the location and school grade level (middle, high school). The students – aged from 12 to 18 years old experienced an interactive presentation in their classrooms on the amount of time spent online, the use of social networks and the available support services. An evaluation tool was completed anonymously and voluntarily 6 months after the intervention. Results Four hundred and sixty-two students (response rate 90.7%, 246 middle, 216 high school) completed the evaluation tool. Younger students, especially the ones in the first year of middle school, scored significantly higher in all six parameters used in the evaluation of this intervention compared with all the older participants: (a) they had kept the presented information on Safeline and Saferinternet websites and the helpline Ypostirizo (70.2% vs. 33.7%, p < 0.001) (b) they had already used it (32.5% vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001), (c) they had learned new information on cyber safety (66.4% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), (d) they rated the intervention as more interesting (median 8 vs. 7, p < 0.05), (e) they had reconsidered the way they use Internet (median 7 vs. 6, p < 0.05) and (f) they had changed their cyber behavior (median 7 vs. 5, p < 0.05). Conclusion The active involvement of students in a discussion on cyber-safety based on their experiences was highly evaluated. The impact of the intervention on the youngest students underlines the need for raising awareness on cyber-safety and support services, earlier in the students’ life.