OAR@UM Collection:

MMJ publication delays : a plea and an apology

2022-06-03T13:27:44Z

Title: MMJ publication delays : a plea and an apology Abstract: Both authors and readers of the Malta Medical Journal would have noticed that the editorial process has been unduly slow over the past few months. Unfortunately, this observation is correct and, unusually, this delay is not entirely all due to repercussions from COVID! There have been numerous issues that have contributed to a slowing down in manuscript turnover, most beyond the control of the editorial Board. Paradoxically, the first reason follows a positive development in that the MMJ is receiving many more submissions for possible acceptance for publication. All manuscripts are required to go through the editorial process, although a minority do not proceed beyond an initial vetting exercise at editorial level. These would include, for example, those papers found to bear an unacceptable ‘likeness’ to other previously published work after scrutiny by Turnitin (NB: ALL submitted papers are screened for plagiarism), non-exceptional case reports, or papers with little reference to the local scene. This weeding out process eliminates only a small percentage of submissions not exceeding 25%, and means that the vast majority of papers are sent out to referees. The increased number of submissions adds extra pressure on the editorial team. The latter is a finite group of volunteers who, without exception, all have other full and/or part-time jobs, and dedicate time to the MMJ oltre these commitments. Furthermore, the editorial team has not expanded to cater for this increased workload: indeed, unforeseen constraints on some staff members have, if anything, decreased their availability to the MMJ. [excerpt]

Validation of the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5) in the Maltese perinatal population

2022-06-03T13:20:41Z

Title: Validation of the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5) in the Maltese perinatal population Authors: Buhagiar, Rachel; Dimech, Catherine; Felice, Ethel Abstract: BACKGROUND: Perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD) is a stress-induced mental health condition, occurring in pregnancy and/or following childbirth. Left untreated, PPTSD can result in negative consequences for the entire family unit. This paper reports the validation of the self-report Post-Traumatic Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5) questionnaire against the gold standard Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-V (CAPS-5) diagnostic interview in the Maltese perinatal population.; METHODS: The original English version of the PCL-5 was translated into Maltese and culturally adapted for use in this population. A total of 175 pregnant and/or post-partum mothers were recruited and self-completed the PCL-5 questionnaire. 28 mothers met criteria for CAPS-5 assessment which was performed by one of two trained professionals, following inter-rater reliability assessment.; RESULTS: A strong, positive correlation between the Maltese and English-version of the PCL-5 was obtained (Kendall's tau-b 0.812; p-value <0.001). The internal consistency of the PCL-5 was high (Cronbach alpha=0.935) and the instrument showed a good validity (Pearson Correlation=0.710; p-value 0.004). The suggested PCL-5 cut off point for a provisional PPTSD diagnosis is 36. The prevalence of PPTSD for Malta ranges between 0% and 3.63%. This figure needs to be interpreted given the relatively small sample size.; CONCLUSION: The Maltese-language version of PCL-5 has good reliability and validity, confirming its diagnostic utility as a screening instrument in the early and timely detection of PPTSD sufferers.

Cyberbullying and mental health of adolescents

2022-06-03T12:43:19Z

Title: Cyberbullying and mental health of adolescents Authors: Grech, Faye; Lauri, Mary Anne Abstract: BACKGROUND: For most adolescents cyberbullying can be very devastating, resulting in both physical and psychological symptoms. Young people who are victims of cyberbullying experience mild to severe mental health issues.; METHODS: This study investigates the incidence and effects of cyberbullying among a sample of 367 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16. The data was collected through a questionnaire which was adapted from the EU Kids Online European study. Motivations for cyberbullying include revenge, jealousy, power and a minority do it for fun.; RESULTS: One-third of cyber victims experience anger, sadness, fear and humiliation. They also feel unsafe, helpless and excluded. Results also show that 18% of those who were cyberbullied resorted to self-harm while 30% experienced suicidal ideation.; CONCLUSION: Cyberbullying needs to be given more importance in the training of health professionals since it has a negative effect on wellbeing and mental health.

The aetiology of acute gastroenteritis in children in Malta and the role of empirical antibiotics in this condition

2022-06-03T12:42:42Z

Title: The aetiology of acute gastroenteritis in children in Malta and the role of empirical antibiotics in this condition Authors: Caruana Galizia, Sarah Anne; Vella, Cecil Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in Europe. No specific clinical feature differentiates bacterial from viral gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis self-resolves without antibiotics in the majority of healthy children regardless of the aetiology. Empirical antibiotics should only be prescribed for specific indications, as stated in the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) / European Society for Pediatrics Infectious Diseases (ESPID) Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children in Europe. This audit aimed to assess the prevalence of the different pathogens causing acute gastroenteritis in children in Malta and to establish whether empirical antibiotics are being prescribed according to the aforementioned guidelines.; METHOD: All children admitted to Mater Dei Hospital between 1st September 2019 and 29th February 2020 with acute gastroenteritis were included. The data was collected retrospectively from iSOFT Clinical Manager and medical records. The results were compared to the aforementioned guidelines.; RESULTS: Rotavirus was the most commonly identified pathogen accounting for 37.9% of all cases. Non-typhoid Salmonella was the commonest bacterial cause. Empirical antibiotics were prescribed in 20.3% of all cases but were indicated in 8.4%. Empirical antibiotics were only indicated in 37.9% of the patients who received them. The commonest indicator was severe toxaemia.; CONCLUSION: Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children in Malta. The majority of patients (79.7%) were not prescribed empirical antibiotics in accordance with the guidelines. However, only 37.9% of the prescribed empirical antibiotics were indicated, hence their use could still be reduced further.