Consumers’ Psychological Perception of Antibacterial Drugs Use  - Pages 148-158

Gulmira M. Muldaeva, Aizhan R. Beisenayeva, Almagul B. Kuzgibekova, Leila I. Arystan, Anel R. Beisenayeva and Leila S. Haydargaliyeva

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2020.08.02.9
Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this article is to analyse consumers' psychological perception of antibacterial drugs use (ABD). For this purpose, the authors conducted a study in the form of a survey among patients, doctors and pharmacists.

Background: Currently, antibiotic resistance is increasing globally due to unreasonable prescriptions of antibacterial drugs. This issue is also urgent, as this method of treatment is the most expensive and common among patients.

Method: The main method of research in the article is a method of analysis and survey of general practitioners, pharmacists and patients in Karaganda.

Results: It was established that the majority of study participants acquired ABDs through doctors’ prescriptions. The respondents aged 45 to 59 years are more reasonable in purchasing antibiotics. The results of the study also showed a low level of consumer knowledge of antibacterial drugs.

Conclusion: Therefore, the results of the study will be of interest to anyone who is interested in a reasonable prescription of antibacterial drugs, as well as in the reduction of their prescriptions.

Keywords: Antibiotics, treatment, prescription drugs, drug prescription, free purchase of antibiotics.

The Effect of Uric Acid as a Predisposing Factor on Polyneuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus  - Pages 167-173

Shahram Rafie, Fatemeh Alemi, Gholam Reza Shamsaei, Mehrnoosh Zakerkish and Leila Yazdanpanah

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2020.08.02.11
Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract: Background: Since serum uric acid is a controllable and modifiable factor in diabetic patients, identifying the risk factors and accelerating the incidence of neuropathy in these patients plays an important role, and can reduce its level, and the patient's disability, as well as additional therapeutic costs for the patient and the health system in the country.

Method: In this retrospective cohort study conducted at the Golestan Hospital in 2015-2017, the study population was 100 type 2 diabetic patients based on NCS of 54 patients with polyneuropathy. First, the demographic data on clinical examinations, lab tests, and uric acid levels in these patients were recorded on a checklist. Then, in 2017, patients were reassessed for clinical investigations and lab tests, and all data entered on the previous checklist. Finally, all the data were analyzed using the SPSS v23.

Results: The mean age of patients with polyneuropathy was 51.77 years, and there was a significant relationship between age, BMI and duration of diabetes with neuropathy, but there was no significant difference in gender, smoking and hypertension. The mean serum level of uric acid in the two years ago was 3.85 mg/dl, and at the time of the study, it was 4.18±1.55 mg/dl. There was no significant difference in serum levels of this substance after two years of follow up in patients with polyneuropathy (P=0.139). The incidence of polyneuropathy was reported by NCS findings of 54%. In other words, 54% of diabetic patients developed diabetic polyneuropathy for two years.

Conclusion: Polyneuropathy is a common complication in diabetic patients, and the serum levels of uric acid over time cannot have a significant effect on the incidence of this disorder.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Polyneuropathy, Uric Acid.

Social and Psychological Support for Personnel in Organisations: Work-Life Balance Programmes  - Pages 159-166

Marianna Tkalych, Iryna Snyadanko, Natalya Guba and Yuliia Zhelezniakova

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2020.08.02.10
Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to explore the work-life balance concept, assessing the level and the peculiarities of work-life balance.

Background: The paper covers the psychological reconstruction of the concept of "the work-life balance" in terms of its implicit understanding and differentiated diagnosis.

Method: The main research methods are: theoretical – the study of literature on the research problem; empirical – a study on the methodology for assessing psychological well-being, as well as methods of descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results: It has been designed an inventory based on 16 statements divided into the work-life balance components by means of the factor analysis. Satisfaction with work and family roles have been found to have additive effects on happiness, life satisfaction, and perceived quality of life. The basic strategies in social and psychological programs in organisations have been analysed as focus strategies, "resource/refusal" strategies, adaptive strategies. Adaptive strategies are the ones helping to adapt to problems arising at work or/and at home.

Conclusion: Empirical findings suggest that involvement in multiple roles can improve psychological and mental health by buffering negative effects such as reduced. The use of individual adaptive strategies with the resource increase strategy perfectly contributes to the work-life balance achievement.

Keywords: Work-life conflict, work-life enrichment, social and psychological strategies, relationships.

Evaluating the Effect of Novel Ways of Teaching Symptoms and Treatment of Acute Stroke on Thrombolytic Therapy  - Pages 174-180

Shahram Rafie, Davood Kashipazha and Navid Sabahi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2020.08.02.12
Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract: Background and Objective: Given that a small percentage of people with ischemic stroke are treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in Iran, it is necessary to use appropriate educational methods that, in addition to raising the awareness of patients about stroke, lead them to refer health centres early. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of new methods of training warning signs of acute stroke on thrombolytic therapy. Method: This was a community-based empirical intervention study in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2018. Initially, educational content was provided, including warning signs of a stroke, its risk factors, and the need for prompt referral to a well-equipped treatment centre for thrombolytic therapy. This content was used to prepare brochures, pamphlets, posters, and training sessions for health care personnel. Before starting, immediately, and three months after the training course, a questionnaire was used to assess staff knowledge of stroke symptoms and the need for rapid patient referral for FAST-based thrombolytic therapy. Also, the timely referral of patients with suspected stroke to hospital, as well as their thrombolytic therapy during the six months after the intervention and the similar six months in the previous year were compared. Results: The level of knowledge was significantly increased at the end of training (P<0.0001). Although this average was reduced three months after completion of training, the difference was not significant (P = 0.42). Based on the results, the number of stroke patients referred to hospital in golden time (less than 4.5 hours) from the beginning of training to 6 months after the end of the course (n = 54) was increased compared to the same period last year (n=38). The number of thrombolytic patients from the beginning of the training course to 6 months after the course (n=38) increased compared to the same period of the previous year (n=21). Conclusion: Based on the results, the implementation of educational programs was reported to be effective in raising public awareness of stroke symptoms and the need for prompt hospital referral for appropriate and timely treatment. .

Keywords: Ischemic stroke, Thrombolytic therapy, Educational programs.