Papers by Eleni Jelastopulu
World journal of psychiatry, Jan 22, 2018
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD) has been recently proposed as a distinct cli... more Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD) has been recently proposed as a distinct clinical entity in the WHO International Classification of Diseases, 11 version, due to be published, two decades after its first initiation. It is described as an enhanced version of the current definition of PTSD, with clinical features of PTSD plus three additional clusters of symptoms namely emotional dysregulation, negative self-cognitions and interpersonal hardship, thus resembling the clinical features commonly encountered in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Complex PTSD is related to complex trauma which is defined by its threatening and entrapping context, generally interpersonal in nature. In this manuscript, we review the current findings related to traumatic events predisposing the above-mentioned disorders as well as the biological correlates surrounding them, along with their clinical features. Furthermore, we suggest that besides the present distinct clinical diagnoses ...
World Journal of Orthopedics
To investigate the disability due to musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities in heavy ... more To investigate the disability due to musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities in heavy industry workers. The population under study consisted of 802 employees, both white- and blue-collar, working in a shipyard industry in Athens, Greece. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires and the recording of individual and job-related characteristics during the period 2006-2009. The questionnaires used were the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QD) Outcome Measure, the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. The QD was divided into three parameters - movement restrictions in everyday activities, work and sports/music activities - and the SF-36 into two items, physical and emotional. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed by means of the SPSS v.22 for Windows Statistical Package. The answers given by the participants for the QD did not reveal great discomfort regarding the execution of manual tasks, with the majority of the participants scoring under 5%, meaning no disability. After conducting multiple linear regression, age revealed a positive association with the parameter of restrictions in everyday activities (b = 0.64, P = 0.000). Basic education showed a statistically significant association regarding restrictions during leisure activities, with b = 2.140 (P = 0.029) for compulsory education graduates. WAI's final score displayed negative charging in the regression analysis of all three parameters, with b = -0.142 (P = 0.0), b = -0.099 (P = 0.055) and b = -0.376 (P = 0.001) respectively, while the physical and emotional components of SF-36 associated with movement restrictions only in daily activities and work. The participants' specialty made no statistically significant associations with any of the three parameters of the QD. Increased musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are associated with older age, lower basic education and physical and mental/emotional health and reduced working ability.
Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2017
To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic i... more To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Greek validated version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire was used for evaluating the quality of life of IBD patients. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 consecutive patients suffering from IBD and presenting for a clinic appointment at the endoscopy unit of Larnaca General Hospital during the period from October to November 2012. The criteria for participating in this study were constituted by the documented diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) after endoscopy and histologic examination at least 6 months before the study, adult patients (18 years old or older), the capability of verbal communication and the patient's written consent for attending this study. The majority of the questionnaires were completed by a nurse practitioner who specializes in IBD patient care. Regarding the physical dimension in patients with UC, males scored significantly higher than females (4.2 vs 3.4, P = 0.023). Higher scores were also observed in UC patients younger than 35 or older than 50 years (4.0 and 4.2 vs 3.2, respectively, P = 0.021). The psychological dimension revealed similar results in patients with UC, with males, and older ages scoring higher (5.0 vs 3.0, P = 0.01 and 4.7 vs 2.7, P < 0.5, respectively), whereas regarding CD higher scores were observed in married compared to unmarried (3.83 vs 2.33, P = 0.042). No statistical differences in any parameters in the social dimension were observed. Regarding the treatment of, patients with CD, overall higher scores were observed when treated with biological factors compared to standard therapy in all dimensions but with statistical significant difference in the social dimension (5.00 vs 3.25, P = 0.045). The study reveals a negative impact of IBD on HRQoL. Increased risks are age and gender in patients with UC and family status in patients with CD.
Healthcare, 2016
Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of Cypriot citizen... more Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of Cypriot citizens living in the current difficult period of economic recession. The specific objective was to investigate the different factors (gender, age, socio-economic factors, etc.) that may affect the levels of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression in patients attending the Rural Health Centre of Kofinou. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of a total of 300 Cypriots who visited Kofinou Health Centre in the period between July and September 2015. For the middle-aged citizens, the Greek version of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to 150 persons [1], while for the visiting senior citizens (aged over 65 years), the Greek version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used [2]. Results: HADS: A total of 150 people of average age 47 ± 11.5 years (min 23-max 64) participated in the study. Fifty-six percent were women. Seventy-seven percent stated they had a reduction in income (mean reduction 35% ± 25%) and 46.7% suffered from chronic disease. The 36.6% and 28.7% of the visitors showed moderate or severe forms of anxiety and depression, accordingly. Higher emotional distress is associated with lower educational level (b = -2.63, p < 0.001), lower income (b = -1.07, p = 0.017), and the presence of a chronic disease (b = 5.45, p < 0.001). The same factors are significantly associated with higher anxiety (Education: b = -1.20, p = 0.003; Income: b = -0.64, p = 0.01; Chronic disease: b = 2.82, p = 0.001). Additionally, a reduction in income (>35%) is associated with increased depression (p = 0.028). GDS: 150 patients out of which 77 were women (51.3%). The average age of participants was 72 ± 5.5 years. Ninety-three (62%) participants declared a reduction in income due to the financial crisis (mean reduction 20% ± 8%), while 139 (92.7%) stated that they had chronic disease. Fifty-three participants (35.3%) thought they had symptoms of depression after the economic crisis. The women showed higher level of geriatric depression symptoms than men (b = -1.96, p = 0.005), while age is associated with higher levels of GDS (b = 0.16, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The study shows that stress levels, depression, and emotional distress are increased in specific population groups. The main variables associated with the mental health of the participants are the presence of a chronic disease, income, and level of education.
Central European Journal of Public Health, Dec 1, 2009
The results of the study Benchmarking Regional Health Management II suggest that compulsory measl... more The results of the study Benchmarking Regional Health Management II suggest that compulsory measles immunisation is a good practice in public health management. Yet, the potential achievement of the desired health outcome alone is not a sufficient reason to make the immunisation obligatory. Rather, compulsory measles immunisation is a morally challenging measure. In this article, compulsory measles immunisation is critically evaluated from a public health ethics point of view. For this evaluation, a set of ethical criteria is proposed: respect for autonomy, health maximisation, efficiency, proportionality and social justice. The authors suggest it should not be taken for granted that compulsory measles immunisation should be championed, rather, health policy makers in the European Union should try to raise immunisation rates with non-compulsory means.
European Archives of Oto Rhino Laryngology and Head Neck, 2011
In the present paper we investigate the relationship of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposur... more In the present paper we investigate the relationship of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure to laryngeal cancer. 209 patients who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer from 2000 to 2009 at the University Hospital of Patras, Western Greece, were reviewed with regard to patient age, disease stage at presentation, tumor differentiation, tobacco product use, alcohol consumption, occupation, and ETS exposure in the working environment. Pearson Chi-square method was used to determine the effect of ETS exposure on cancer stage, TNM classification and tumor differentiation in the dichotomized population (exposed vs. not exposed) and in groups of low, medium and high ETS exposure. ETS exposure in the working environment was found to significantly affect overall disease stage and T stage (p \ 0.01) both in the dichotomic analysis and the group analysis. Minor significance was also noted for N stage (p = 0.047) in the exposure group analysis. Our data suggest that occupational ETS exposure presents a contributing risk factor for laryngeal cancer that requires further research to determine its significance.
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2016
Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence among companion anima... more Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence among companion animals and veterinary personnel (VP) was investigated. Strains' molecular characteristics were evaluated in order to assess S. aureus transmission. Specimens (224) from colonized and infected sites of 102 animals (92 dogs, 10 cats) and 18 VP were collected during 2012 and 2013. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by the disk diffusion method and Etest. mecA, mecC, tst (toxic shock syndrome toxin) and lukF/lukS-PV (Panton-Valentine leukocidin, PVL) genes were investigated by PCR. Genotypes were identified by Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec), accessory gene regulator group (agr), spa and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). S. aureus prevalence among pets and VP was 36.3% (37/102) and 38.9% (7/18), respectively. Younger companion animals, those living in rural areas, having a disease upon admission or Coagulase-negative staphylococci co-carriage showed significantly higher prevalence of S. aureus isolation (p<0.05). Twenty-six pets and five VP carried PVL-positive S. aureus. In total, 60 S. aureus strains were recovered (53 from pets, seven from VP) of which 16 were MRSA (26.7%), 12 mecA- and four mecC-positive. MRSA showed higher resistance rates against other antimicrobials as compared to methicillin-susceptible ones. Strains were classified by MLST in 13 STs, with the predominance of ST80 and ST15. In MRSA, SCCmec types II, IV and XI were identified. The most frequent spa types were t5559 and t7558. Fifty-six strains were classified into 15 PFGE types. Comparison of genetic markers shows that identical or very similar strains disseminate among animals and VP. Companion animals harbor PVL-positive clones constituting a possible source for transmission to humans.
European Journal of Epidemiology, Feb 1, 2003
A case-control study was conducted in a rural area of Achaia in western Greece to examine the ris... more A case-control study was conducted in a rural area of Achaia in western Greece to examine the risk factors of brucellosis. The participants in the study were 414 (7.
The results of the study Benchmarking Regional Health Management II suggest that compulsory measl... more The results of the study Benchmarking Regional Health Management II suggest that compulsory measles immunisation is a good practice in public health management. Yet, the potential achievement of the desired health outcome alone is not a sufficient reason to make the immunisation obligatory. Rather, compulsory measles immunisation is a morally challenging measure. In this article, compulsory measles immunisation is critically evaluated from a public health ethics point of view. For this evaluation, a set of ethical criteria is proposed: respect for autonomy, health maximisation, efficiency, proportionality and social justice. The authors suggest it should not be taken for granted that compulsory measles immunisation should be championed, rather, health policy makers in the European Union should try to raise immunisation rates with non-compulsory means.
BMC Research Notes, 2015
The Greek version of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) was evalua... more The Greek version of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) was evaluated to determine its psychometric properties, i.e., validity, internal consistency, sensitivity and responsiveness to be used for measuring the learning environment in Greek hospitals. The PHEEM was administered to Greek hospital residents. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was used to evaluate the fit of Structural Equation Models. Content validity was addressed by the original study. Construct validity was tested using confirmatory (to test the set of underlying dimensions suggested by the original study) and exploratory (to explore the dimensions needed to explain the variability of the given answers) factor analysis using Varimax rotation. Convergent validity was calculated by Pearson's correlation coefficient regarding the participant's PHEEM score and participant's overall satisfaction score of the added item "Overall, I am very satisfied with my specialization in this post". Sensitivity was checked by comparing good versus poor aspects of the educational environment and by satisfied versus unsatisfied participants. A total of 731 residents from 83 hospitals and 41 prefectures responded to the PHEEM. The original three-factor model didn't fit better compared to one factor model that is accounting for 32% of the variance. Cronbach's α was 0.933 when assuming one-factor model. Using a three-factor model (autonomy, teaching, social support), Cronbach's α were 0.815 (expected 0.830), 0.908 (0.839), 0.734 (0.793), respectively. The three-factor model gave an RMSEA value of 0.074 (90% confidence interval 0.071, 0.076), suggesting a fair fit. Pearson's correlation coefficient between total PHEEM and global satisfaction was 0.765. Mean question scores ranged from 19.0 (very poor) to 73.7 (very good), and mean participant scores from 5.5 (very unsatisfied) to 96.5 (very satisfied). The Greek version of PHEEM is a valid, reliable, and sensitive instrument measuring the educational environment among junior doctors in Greek hospitals and it can be used for evidence-based SWOT analysis and policy.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2015
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and probable under-diagnosis of depres... more The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and probable under-diagnosis of depressive symptoms in elderly of an urban and semi-urban area in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the members of 4 days care centers for older people (KAPI), three in the municipality of Patras, West-Greece, and in one in Tripolis, Peloponnese, Greece. A total of 378 individuals took part in the study, aged >60 years. A questionnaire was developed to collect basic demographic data, including three questions from the European Health Interview Survey, regarding self-reported or by a physician-diagnosed depression. Moreover, to all participants the Greek validated version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) was applied, to screen for depressive symptoms. According to GDS-15, 48.1% of the studied population screened positive for depressive symptoms (38.6% moderate, 9.5% severe), whereas having ever been affected with chronic depression reported 19.0% by themselves. In 162 members of KAPI of Patras and in 106 of Tripolis, who never reported have been affected by depression and depressive symptoms were observed in 27.7% and 44.7%, respectively. In 28 individuals from Patras, who reported not to know if they have depression and in 10 from Tripolis, depressive symptoms were observed in 60.7% and 90%, respectively, applying the GDS-15. Except the high prevalence, the present study reveals a remarkable under-detection of depressive symptoms in older adults. Various interventions in primary care are necessary so as to increase detection rates of depression among the elderly.
“Parentification” is the reversion of the roles between parents and children. Children undertake ... more “Parentification” is the reversion of the roles between parents and children. Children undertake roles either emotionally or practically that are not appropriate for their age but for an adult [1,2]. Thus, children become parentified. The aim of this study is to examine: a) the impact of the economic crisis on adults who have experienced the phenomenon of' “parentificaton” and b) if experiencing a traumatic event such as economic crisis, the person who had been called to take the role of a parent during their childhood and now has to undertake the same role as an adult, will be able to endure this weight again without being subject to psychological disorders. Three men and three women from Cyprus and Greece, between 23 and 26 years of age participated in a qualitative research with semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed by the method of thematic analysis. The results suggest the impact of economic crisis on parentified adults within specific themes. The identified theme...
Εffects of maternal age and parity on combined birthweight twin pairs -Διατροφικές συνήθειες και ... more Εffects of maternal age and parity on combined birthweight twin pairs -Διατροφικές συνήθειες και παχυσαρκία σε παιδιά της Πέμπτης και Έκτης Δημοτικού στην Πάτρα Ανασκοπήσεις -Λοιμώξεις και η αντιμετωπισή τους σε ασθενείς με κίρρωση -Kάπνισμα και Αναισθησία -Η εξέλιξη της έννοιας του υποδοχέα και η νέα ψυχοφαρμακολογία -Σαρτάνες: Η Νέα Γενιά των Αντιυπερτασικών Φαρμάκων Γνωστό Άγνωστο -Καρδιοπνευμονική Δοκιμσασία Κόπωσης: Ταξινόμηση Weber (κατηγορίες Weber) Ενδιαφέρουσα περίπτωση -Οξεία Παγκρεατίτιδα στο Δεύτερο Τρίμηνο της Κύησης Ο Θεράπων Ιατρός -Αναλγησία -Αναισθησία στη Μαιευτική Ειδικό άρθρο -Η θανατηφόρος Μάστιγα των Ναρκωτικών Πολιτιστικά, ενημέρωση κ.ά. ΤΟΜΟΣ 29 • ΤΕΥΧΟΣ 2 • OΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2010 VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 2 •
The aim of this study is to provide a profile of cervical cancer screening practices among the wo... more The aim of this study is to provide a profile of cervical cancer screening practices among the women in Patras and to assess factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake. Data from a representative sample of 873 women were analyzed. 67.2% had at least one Pap test in their life, with 54.4% having been tested in the previous three years. Women aged 35-44 and 45-54 years were more likely to have had a recent Pap test (OR>3) as well as married/partnered women (OR=2.4). Unemployed women and women with the lowest educational level were less likely to have had a recent Pap test. Compared to women with a monthly household income of <500€, those with higher income were more likely to have had a Pap test. The prevalence of Pap testing in Patras is very low. Our findings support the necessity of implementation of national screening programs or targeted screening interventions mainly in the identified under-screened population subgroups, i.e. women with socioeconomic disadvan...
Occupational stress has been associated with low job satisfaction and poor quality of work perfor... more Occupational stress has been associated with low job satisfaction and poor quality of work performance. The aim of this study was to identify sources of stress among the nursing staff and to evaluate job satisfaction, quality of nursing care and the collaboration between the nursing and medical staff, in order to improve the quality of the provided health care and the working conditions. In this cross sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 494 randomly selected nurses working in 5 hospitals in the prefecture of Achaia, West-Greece. Statistical analysis was performed using software SPSS v.17.0. The results indicate that stress and work satisfaction are negatively related and that the hospital and the department the participants worked in play a significant role in their work performance. Supervisors' and doctors' support, respect and acceptance influenced the variables under study as well. Additionally, another major factor that emerged from the analysis ...
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Papers by Eleni Jelastopulu