Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Mar 2017
Predictors and Moderators of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: An Investigation of Anxiety Sensitivity and Resilience in Individuals with Chronic Pain.
Anxiety sensitivity has been proposed as a psychological vulnerability factor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have also supported the protective role of resilience for overcoming the negative effects of trauma exposure. Given the linkages between anxiety sensitivity, resilience, trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress, this study explored the potential moderating roles of anxiety sensitivity and resilience on the association between trauma history and PTSD symptoms in a sample of individuals with chronic pain. ⋯ There are potential benefits of PTSD interventions that increase resilience and decrease anxiety sensitivity in individuals with chronic pain, especially for those who have experienced a traumatic event. Given that the presence of PTSD symptomatology in chronic pain populations negatively impact patient well-being, it would be important for clinicians to assess, monitor and treat PTSD in individuals with chronic pain.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 2017
Gender Differences in Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Cardiovascular Disease and its Treatment among Asian Patients.
Introduction: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) impact on cardiac disease outcomes, with noted cultural and gender differences. In this Asian cohort, we aimed to analyse the KAP of patients towards cardiac diseases and pertinent factors that influence such behaviour, focusing on gender differences. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among consecutive outpatients from a cardiac clinic over 2 months in 2014. ⋯ Conclusion: In our Asian cohort, knowledge of cardiovascular health plays a significant role in influencing attitudes and practices. There exists significant gender differences in KAP. Adopting gender-specific strategies for future public health campaigns could address the above gender differences.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2016
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Paediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Events in Singapore: Retrospective Single Centre Experience.
Introduction: There is limited data on paediatric resuscitation outcomes in Asia. We aimed to describe outcomes of paediatric in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) and peri-resuscitation factors associated with mortality in our institution. Materials and Methods: Using data from our hospital's code registry from 2009 to 2014, we analysed all patients younger than 18 years of age with IHCA who required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ Risk factors for hospital mortality included: age, duration of CPR, adrenaline, calcium or bicarbonate administration during CPR, Paediatric Index of Mortality (PIM)- II scores, first recorded post-resuscitation pH and hyperglycaemia within 24 hours of resuscitation. Conclusion: We demonstrated an association between clinical demographics (age, PIM-II scores), CPR variables (duration of CPR and administration of adrenaline, calcium or bicarbonate) and post-resuscitation laboratory results (first recorded pH and hyperglycaemia within 24 hours) with PICU survival. The availability and quality of post- resuscitation care may have implications on survival after paediatric IHCA.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Dec 2016
Anaphylaxis in Children: Experience of 485 Episodes in 1,272,482 Patient Attendances at a Tertiary Paediatric Emergency Department from 2007 to 2014.
Introduction: Anaphylaxis is a predominantly childhood disease. Most of the literature on anaphylaxis has emerged from Western countries. This study aimed to describe the incidence, triggers and clinical presentation of anaphylaxis among children in Singapore, look for predictors for anaphylaxis with severe outcomes, and study the incidence of biphasic reactions. ⋯ Conclusion: We described the presentation and management of anaphylaxis in the Singapore population. A history of drug allergy is associated with severe presentation. Biphasic reactions are rare in our population.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2016
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Caregiver Dependence among Older Adults in a Southeast Asian Population.
Currently very little is known about the prevalence or magnitude of caregiver dependence in Singapore and thus, there is a need to fill this gap in this multiethnic ageing population. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of caregiver dependence among older adults in Singapore. ⋯ Various sociodemographic and health-related conditions were significantly associated with caregiver dependence. Dependent older adults will put greater demands on health and social services, resulting in greater healthcare expenditures. Hence, effective planning, services and support are crucial to meet the needs of dependent older adults and their caregivers.