ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5729-6450
Current Organisations
University of Southampton
,
University of Leicester
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Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1155/2015/981563
Abstract: The reflexive property of the ear can cause various physical attributes to appear on the auricle in the presence of bodily disorders. The association of auricular signals (presence or absence of discoloration, marks after pressing, tenderness, and electrical resistance) and diabetes mellitus (DM) should be further investigated because auricular diagnosis is an objective, painless, and noninvasive method that provides rapid access to information. A matched case-control study on 282 subjects was conducted. Cases ( n = 141 ) were defined as those diagnosed with type 2 DM (T2DM). Every subject in the case group was matched with the control by age and gender. Ear diagnosis was conducted in three aspects: inspection, electrical detection, and tenderness testing. Results suggest that the tenderness and electrical conductivity of some auricular points, including “pancreas and gallbladder,” “endocrine,” “kidney,” “lower tragus,” “heart,” and “eyes,” were associated with T2DM status in Chinese population. In the subgroup analyses, certain auricular signals were also associated with glycemic control, disease duration, and related complications. Auricular diagnosis could be considered as a screening method for vulnerable populations with T2DM risk. Thus, appropriate interventions can be implemented to prevent or delay the progression of T2DM.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 05-08-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYT.2022.940281
Abstract: The objective of this study is to explore the association of problem gambling with demographics, psychological distress, and gaming behavior in young adult gacha gamers in Hong Kong. Cross-sectional data was collected in the first and fifth waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong online. Participants who aged 18–25 years and had been playing gacha games over the past 12 months were recruited. Stepwise multiple regression was used to explore the association among risk of problem gambling, gaming behavior, participation in gaming activities and psychological distress. A two-sided p-value & .05 was considered as statistical significance. Three hundred and thirty-seven completed questionnaires were received with no missing data. 34.7% ( n = 117) of the participants had non/low-risk of problem gambling. About 40% ( n = 136) of them had moderate-risk and the remaining 25% ( n = 84) were at high risk of problem gambling. A higher proportion of female participants (78.6%) were found in high-risk group as compared to 39.7% and 55.6% only in the non/low-risk and moderate-risk groups, respectively. The regression model ( R 2 = 0.513, F = 71.895, p & 0.001) showed that 51.3% of the variance of the total problem gambling score could be explained by stress, anxiety, monthly expenses on gacha purchases, number of motives for gacha purchase and number of gambling activities engaged. The present study provides empirical evidence to support the association between problem gambling and microtransaction especially for gacha which is the most popular type of video game microtransaction in Asia. The established regression model suggests that gacha gamers with higher risk of problem gambling tend to have greater stress, higher anxiety level, spend more on gacha purchase, have more motives for gacha purchases and engage in more gambling activities. In contrast to the extant literature, higher proportion of female participants in high-risk group indicates that female gacha gamers are also at very high risk of becoming problem gamblers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/GGI.13509
Abstract: The prevalence of chronic pain among nursing home residents with dementia is high. This present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a play activities program among nursing home residents with dementia. Each nursing home was randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. A 1-h play activities program was offered weekly for 8 weeks to the experimental group, whereas participants in the control group read books and magazines for 15 min weekly for the 8 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, post-intervention (at week 8) and 4 weeks after the intervention. A total of 53 nursing home residents from four nursing homes were recruited. There were significant treatment effects on pain, depression and happiness level when comparing the experimental group and control group. However, there were no treatment effects on activities of daily living, social engagement, behavioral symptoms and mobility between the two groups. The play activities program was useful in reducing pain and improving the psychological health of nursing home residents with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018 18: 1485-1490.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-04-2022
DOI: 10.3390/JCM11092294
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate if baseline relative peripheral refraction (RPR) influences the myopia control effects in Chinese myopic children wearing Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses. Peripheral refraction at 10°, 20°, and 30° nasal (10 N, 20 N, 30 N) and temporal (10 T, 20 T, 30 T) retina were measured at six-month intervals for children who participated in a 2-year randomized controlled trial. The relationship between the baseline peripheral refractions and myopia progression and axial length changes were analysed. A total of 79 children and 81 children in the DIMS and single vision (SV) group were investigated, respectively. In the DIMS group, more baseline myopic RPR spherical equivalent (SE) was associated with more myopic progression (10 N: r = 0.36, p = 0.001 20 N: r = 0.35, p = 0.001) and greater axial elongation (10 N: r = −0.34, p = 0.001 20 N: r = −0.29, p = 0.006) after adjusting for co-factors. In the SV group, baseline RPR had association with only myopia progression (10 N: r = 0.37, p = 0.001 20 N: r = 0.36, p = 0.001 30 N: r = 0.35, p = 0.002) but not with axial elongation after Bonferroni correction (p 0.008). No statistically significant relationship was found between temporal retina and myopia progression or axial elongation in both groups. Children with baseline myopic RPR had statistically significant more myopia progression (mean difference around −0.40 D) and more axial elongation (mean difference 0.15 mm) when compared with the children having baseline hyperopic RPR in the DIMS group but not in the SV group. In conclusion, the baseline RPR profile may not influence future myopia progression or axial elongation for the SV lens wearers. However, DIMS lenses slowed down myopia progression and was better in myopia control for the children with baseline hyperopic RPR than the children with myopic RPR. This may partially explain why myopia control effects vary among myopic children. Customised myopic defocus for in iduals may optimise myopia control effects, and further research to determine the optimal dosage, with consideration of peripheral retinal profile, is warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JGS.14374
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-09-2021
Abstract: A wearable activity tracker (WAT) incorporated with behavioral change techniques (BCTs) increases physical activity in younger adults however, its effectiveness with frail older adults is unknown. The feasibility and preliminary effects of a WAT-based exercise intervention to increase physical activity levels in frail older adults was investigated in this pilot study involving 40 community-dwelling frail older adults. The experimental group received a 14-week WAT-based group exercise intervention and a 3-month follow-up, while the control group only received similar physical training and all BCTs. The recruitment rate was 93%, and the average attendance rate was 85.2% and 82.2% in the WAT and control groups, respectively, establishing feasibility. Adherence to wearing the WAT was 94.2% and 92% during the intervention and follow-up periods, respectively. A significant interaction effect between time and group was found in all physical assessments, possibly lasting for 3 months post-intervention. However, no significant difference between groups was observed in any daily activity level by the ActiGraph measurement. The majority of the WAT group’s ActiGraph measurements reverted to baseline levels at the 1-month follow-up. Thus, the WAT-based exercise program has potential for employment among community-dwelling frail older adults, but sustaining the effects after the intervention remains a major challenge.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JAR.12731
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-06-2020
Abstract: Background: 80% of nursing home residents have reported chronic pain, which is often accepted by older adults as part of aging. Peer support models are being used to help in iduals manage their chronic conditions and overcome the challenges of limited healthcare resources. The aims of this study were: (i) to examine the effectiveness of a 12 week peer-led pain management program (PAP) for nursing home residents and (ii) to evaluate their experiences. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used. The 12 week pain management program was provided for the experimental group. Outcomes were measured at three time points. The participants’ satisfaction and acceptance were evaluated by a semi-structured interview after the program was completed. Results: Pain self-efficacy, pain intensity, pain interference, pain knowledge, and depression levels improved after the completion of the 12 week peer-led PAP. The pain-intensity level reported at week 12 was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Semi-structured interviews showed that the nursing home residents were satisfied with the pain education that they received. Conclusions: The 12 week peer-led PAP appeared to improve the pain-related and psychological outcome measures in nursing home residents, and the feedback on the peer-led PAP from the nursing home residents was positive.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-2020
Abstract: Health-related behaviors during adolescence have lifelong impacts. However, there are unclear areas regarding the associations between health-related quality of life and demographic characteristics, as well as physical and psychosocial indicators. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quality of life and body weight, sleep outcome, social support by age, and cohabitants, given that income, self-esteem, lifestyle, emotional, social and behavioral problems were taken into account among adolescents in East and Southeast Asia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Zhengzhou of China, Hong Kong, Kansai region of Japan, Taipei of Taiwan, Bangkok of Thailand and Manila of the Philippines between 2016 and 2017 among 21,359 urban adolescents aged between 9 and 16. The results showed that adolescents who had better self-esteem and control of emotions and behaviors had much higher level of perceived quality of life. Those who were overweight or obese, sleepy in the daytime, and not living with parents had worse quality of life compared with those who were not. In conclusion, psychosocial well-being should have a higher priority in the promotion of quality of life among Asian adolescents. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explore the differences in perceived quality of life between genders and countries.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.RIDD.2014.07.016
Abstract: A quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest design with a control group was used to evaluate the effects of a simplified 5-step multimedia visualization hand hygiene improvement program by schoolchildren with mild intellectual disability (MID). A total of twenty schoolchildren aged 6-12 years old with MID (12 males) were recruited and they were assigned into intervention (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. To evaluate the quality of their hand washing, Glow gel, which contains plastic simulated germs that are visible under an ultra-violet l , was applied to participants' hands to assess the quality of hand washing by comparing the amount of visible Glow gel before and after hand washing using a 4-point scale. Four raters used this 4-point scale to assess the quality of hand washing through digital photo images of the participants' hands. A total of eight digital photos per participant were taken. A fifteen-minute hand washing training session was conducted every school day for 4 weeks for the intervention group. Those in the control group received no training. A multimedia visual package on steps of hand washing was presented together with a reward system, whereby a number of stars were earned each week depending on the quality of hand washing. Results showed encouraging findings, as the schoolchildren in the intervention group showed significant improvement in hand washing (p<0.001) and the improvement was stronger than that of the control group (p=0.02). To conclude, a systematic instruction emphasizing multimedia visualization in a hand washing improvement program can be successfully implemented in a special school, and the effect of integrating multimedia visuals in the hand hygiene program could improve hand hygiene among schoolchildren with MID.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 13-01-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-11-2020
Abstract: This study examined the association between smart device usage and the 1-year change in refractive error among a representative s le of Hong Kong children and adolescents aged 8–14 years. A total of 1597 participants (49.9% male, mean age 10.9, SD 2.0) who completed both baseline (2017–2018) and 1-year follow-up (2018–2019) eye examinations were included in the present study. The non-cycloplegic auto-refractive error was measured and the average spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was analyzed. The participants also self-reported their smart device usage at baseline. Multivariate regression adjusted for age, sex, baseline SER, parents’ short-sightedness, BMI, time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and caregiver-reported socio-economic status showed that, compared with the reference group ( h per day on both smartphone and tablet usages), those who spent ≥2 h per day using a smartphone and h per day using a tablet had a significantly negative shift in refractive error (1-year change in SER −0.25 vs. −0.09 D, p = 0.01) for the right eye, while the level of significance was marginal (1-year change −0.28 vs. −0.15 D, p = 0.055) for the left eye. To conclude, our data suggested spending at most 2 h per day on both smartphones and tablets.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-023-07335-8
Abstract: Cognitive frailty is a risk for many adverse health outcomes that are commonly observed in older people. Physical activity is known to be effective to reserve cognitive frailty but the prevalence of physical inactivity is still high in older people. E-health enhances behavioural change effects through an innovative way to deliver behavioural change methods that can enhance the behavioural change effects. However, its effects on older people with cognitive frailty, its effects compared with conventional behavioural change methods, and the sustainability of the effects are unclear. This study employs a single-blinded, two-parallel-group, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial design with a 1:1 group allocation ratio. Eligible participants are aged 60 years or above, have cognitive frailty and physical inactivity, and possess a smartphone for more than six months. The study will be conducted in community settings. In the intervention group, participants will receive a 2-week brisk-walking training followed by a 12-week e-health intervention. In the control group, participants will receive a 2-week brisk-walking training followed by a 12-week conventional behavioural change intervention. The primary outcome is minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aims to recruit a total of 184 participants. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) will be used to examine the effects of the intervention. The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05758740) on 7th March 2023, t2/show/NCT05758740 , and all items come from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set. It has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Tung Wah College, Hong Kong (reference number: REC2022136). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences relevant to the subject fields. The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05758740) and all items come from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set. The latest version of the protocol was published online on 7th March 2023.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-10-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-11-2023
DOI: 10.1111/NHS.12990
Abstract: This study aimed to describe and compare end‐of‐life care and decision‐making preferences among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults between Wuhan and Hong Kong in China. The study adopted a cross‐sectional correlation design and recruited a convenience s le of 259 older adults, aged ≥65 years old from five community centers in Wuhan and Hong Kong. Participants completed a validated structured questionnaire that measured their end‐of‐life care and decision‐making preferences. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results showed that Wuhan participants were significantly more likely to view “trying every means to extend the life span” as very important/important and they perceived “support from religious personnel” as unimportant/very unimportant. Different from those older adults in Hong Kong, the Wuhan participants significantly chose their home as the preferred place for end‐of‐life care and death. They also tended to prefer family members to enact the decision‐maker role in end‐of‐life decision situations. The study suggests older adults in Hong Kong and Wuhan have some differences in preferences for end‐of‐life care and decision‐making, which provides the basis for future development of culturally relevant community‐based end‐of‐life care.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13845
Abstract: To gain insight into the experiences of family carers participating in a weight management programme via mH ealth tools for overweight children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Many weight reduction programs fail to show positive and sustainable impacts due to not involving parents, who are usually unavailable to attend school‐based health programs. The mH ealth interactive interventions were carried out in September 2015–August 2016, engaging carers to monitor and sustain their children's healthy lifestyle behaviours at home being one way to achieve this. Qualitative research design to conduct focus group discussion with family carers involved in a school‐based weight management programme via the mH ealth interventions. An exploratory study was used to examine family carers’ views of participating in a weight management programme. Focus group interviews examined the in‐depth experiences of 20 family carers in providing social support and monitoring lifestyle behaviours via the mH ealth interactive interventions. Twenty family carers were recruited and four themes emerged: (a) improving family carer–child interactions and communications (b) gaining useful and practical health information from experts (c) supporting each other via an mH ealth platform and (d) appreciating the collaborative effort between school personnel and family carers. Family carers stressed the usefulness of the mH ealth interactive interventions in monitoring and sustaining the children's healthy lifestyle behaviours at home. The mH ealth interactive interventions for increasing family carers’ involvement and monitoring were well received. The findings provide new insights into using mH ealth interventions in future weight management programmes involving parental participation in the home environment.
Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
Date: 30-04-2021
DOI: 10.1192/BJO.2021.47
Abstract: Self-harm and suicidal behaviour are recognised as public health concerns. Prolonged social withdrawal behaviour, or hikikomori , is reported as a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. To examine the occurrence and additional risk of prolonged social withdrawal behaviour on self-harm and suicidal behaviour among Chinese university students. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with three universities in southern China. A two-stage random s ling was adopted for recruitment, with students in different years of study, in different departments of each participating university. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the sociodemographic and psychological correlates of self-harm and suicidal behaviours among male and female participants with hikikomori status. Of the students who completed the online survey, 1735 (72.23%) were included in the analysis 11.5% ( n = 200) reported self-harm behaviour and 11.8% ( n = 204) reported suicidal behaviours in the past 12 months. Men showed a higher prevalence rate of self-harm than women (14.7% v. 10.8%, P = 0.048), but a similar rate of suicidal behaviours (11.9% v. 11.3%, P = 0.78). The overall prevalence rate of social withdrawal behaviour was 3.2% (7.0% for men and 2.3% for women, P 0.001). Prolonged social withdrawal behaviour status was significantly associated with self-harm (odds ratio 2.00, 95% CI 1.22–3.29) and suicidal behaviour (odds ratio 2.35, 95% CI 1.45–3.81). However, the associations became statistically insignificant after adjustment for psychological factors in the final models in the logistic regression analyses. Prolonged social withdrawal behaviour appears to be associated with self-harm and suicidal behaviour, but psychological factors have stronger links with suicidality.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-08-2019
Abstract: Background: Chronic pain is common among older adults and is associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Given the burden of pain and limited healthcare resources, devising innovative and cost-effective ways of managing chronic pain is of high priority. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences and perceptions of peer volunteers (PVs) in a peer-led pain management program among nursing home residents in Hong Kong. Methods: Forty-six PVs were recruited and trained to lead a pain management program (PAP). The PAP consisted of one 1 hour session per week for 12 weeks. It included 20 min of physical exercises performed under the supervision of PVs, followed by 30 min of pain management education, including information on pain situations, the impacts of pain, the use of drugs and non-drug strategies for pain management, demonstrations, and return demonstrations of various non-drug pain management techniques. Quantitative data were collected from questionnaires (demographics, pain situation, and pain knowledge) for all PVs. Qualitative data (PVs’ experiences in leading the PAP, their perceived benefits, barriers encountered, and recommendations for improving the PAP) were collected at week 12 (upon completion of the PAP). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and content analysis for qualitative data. Results: A total of 46 PVs were recruited (34 females, 74%), with a mean ± SD age of 61.0 ± 5.1 years. Thirty-one of them reported having chronic pain. Before the training, their self-rated pain knowledge was 40.0 ± 20.5 (maximum 100 points) while their actual pain knowledge score was 86.1 ± 10.6 (maximum 100 points). The PVs reported an improvement in their knowledge and skills after leading PAPs. No PVs reported having received any negative comments about their role in leading the PAP but mentioned that they had received feedback on how to improve the program. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that peer-led pain management programs are feasible and can lead to positive experiences for the PVs. Peer support models are coming into wide use because they show promise in helping patients to manage chronic conditions. Peer volunteers will become important resources in elderly care. The barriers that were identified may lead to improvements in the design and planning of future PAPs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-04-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S11325-021-02377-1
Abstract: We analyzed the association between bedtime smart device usage habits and accelerometer-measured sleep outcomes (total sleeping time, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset) in Hong Kong children and adolescents aged 8–14. A total of 467 students in Hong Kong participated in this study from 2016 to 2017. They self-reported their bedtime smart device usage habits. The primary caregiver of each participant was also invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire about the family’s social-economic status and bedtime smart device usage habits. An ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer was used to assess participants’ 7-day sleep outcomes. The mean age of the participants was 10.3 (SD 1.9), and 54% were girls. Among the participants, 27% ( n = 139) used a smart device before sleep, and 33% ( n = 170) kept the smart device on before sleep. In total, 27% ( n = 128) placed the smart device within reach before sleep, 23% ( n = 107) would wake up when notifications were received, and 25% ( n = 117) immediately checked the device after being awakened by a notification. Multiple regression controlling for age, sex, socio-economic status, and other confounders showed that those who woke up after receiving a notification had a statistically longer sleeping time (19.7 min, 95% CI: 0.3, 39.1, p = 0.046), lower sleep efficiency (− 0.71%, 95% CI − 1.40, − 0.02, p = 0.04), and a longer wake after sleep onset (2.6 min, 95% CI: 0.1, 5.1, p = 0.045) than those who did not. Nonetheless, all primary caregivers’ bedtime smart device habits were insignificantly associated with all sleep outcomes of their children. Those who woke up after receiving smart device notifications had lower sleep efficiency and longer wake after sleep onset than those who did not, and they compensated for their sleep loss by lengthening their total sleep time.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1111/CDOE.12037
Abstract: To assess the association between self-reported oral health (SROH) and general health, this study examined the cross-sectional associations between SROH and nine chronic health conditions, namely cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, nervous system disease, eye/nose/throat disease, stomach/intestinal disease, and musculoskeletal disease in Hong Kong. This study included 41,641 participants recruited in the FAMILY Project cohort study during March 2009-March 2011. SROH was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the effect of dichotomized SROH (0: very good/good/average, 1: bad/very bad) on nine chronic health conditions, adjusted for age, sex, education, personal income, smoking and drinking habits, Body mass index (BMI), and blood pressures. All the nine chronic health conditions investigated were associated with SROH. SROH showed the strongest cross-sectional association with nervous system disease (odds ratio = 3.30, P < 0.001), while the odds ratio with other significant chronic health conditions ranged from 1.13 (high cholesterol, P = 0.033)-1.73 (stomach/intestinal disease, P < 0.001). Poor SROH is associated with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, nervous system disease, eye/nose/throat disease, stomach/intestinal disease, and musculoskeletal disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.AJIC.2015.03.023
Abstract: Infectious diseases are common among schoolchildren as a result of their poor hand hygiene, especially in those who have developmental disabilities. A quasi-experimental study using a pre- to post-test design with a control group was used to test the feasibility and sustainability of simplified 5-step handwashing techniques to measure the hand hygiene outcome for students with mild intellectual disability. Sickness-related school absenteeism was compared. The intervention group experienced a significant increase in the rating of their handwashing quality in both hands from pre- to post-test: left dorsum (+1.05, P < .001) right dorsum (+1.00, P < .001) left palm (+0.98, P < .001) and right palm (+1.09, P < .001). The pre- to post-test difference in the intervention group (+1.03, P < .001) was significantly greater than the difference in the control group (+0.34, P = .001). There were no differences between the post-test and the sustainability assessment in the intervention group. The intervention school experienced a significantly lower absenteeism rate (0.0167) than the control group in the same year (0.028, P = .04).Students in this study showed better performance in simplified handwashing techniques and experienced lower absenteeism than those using usual practice in special education school settings. The simplified 5-step hand hygiene technique has been proven effective in reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-04-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-023-32700-7
Abstract: This study evaluated the long-term myopia control effect and safety in children wearing Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses. Participants who completed the 2-year RCT were followed for a total of 6 years their cycloplegic refractions and axial length were measured. Group 1 (n = 36) wore DIMS spectacles for 6 years Group 2 (n = 14) wore DIMS lens for the first 3.5 years and SV spectacles afterwards Group 3 (n = 22) wore SV spectacles in the first 2 years and switched to DIMS Group 4 (n = 18) wore SV spectacles in the first 2 years, switched to DIMS for 1.5 years and then SV spectacles again. Group 1 showed no significant differences in myopia progression (− 0.52 ± 0.66 vs. − 0.40 ± 0.72D) and axial elongation (0.32 ± 0.26 vs. 0.28 ± 0.28 mm, both p 0.05) between the first and the later 3 years. In the last 2.5 years, DIMS lens groups (Groups 1 and 3) had less myopia progression and axial elongation than the single vision groups (Groups 2 and 4). There was no evidence of rebound after stopping the treatment. Post-wear visual functions in all groups were within norms. The results supported that DIMS lenses provided sustained myopia control without adverse effects over the 6-year study period. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT02206217.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 29-12-2020
Abstract: chool closures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated students’ loneliness, addictive gaming behaviors, and poor mental health. These mental health issues confronting young people are of public concern. his study aimed to examine the associations between loneliness and gaming addiction behaviors among young people in Hong Kong and to investigate how familial factors, psychological distress, and gender differences moderate these relationships. his cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2020 when schools reopened after 6 months of school closures. Participants included 2863 children and adolescents in primary (Grades 4 to 6) and secondary (Grades 7 and 8) schools (female participants: 1502/2863, 52.5%). Chi-square tests, one-way analyses of variance, and independent-s les i t /i tests were performed to compare the differences of distribution in gaming addiction behaviors across gender, age, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors that relate to excessive or pathological gaming behaviors separately, in comparison with leisure gaming. total of 83.0% (2377/2863) of the participants played video games during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of excessive and pathological game addiction behaviors was 20.9% (597/2863) and 5.3% (153/2863), respectively. More male students had gaming addiction symptoms than female students. The multinomial logistic regressions showed that feeling lonely was associated with more problematic gaming behaviors, and the association was stronger for older female students. Low socioeconomic status, less parental support and less supervision, and poor mental health were risk factors for gaming addiction behaviors, especially among primary school students. oneliness was associated with gaming addiction behaviors the findings from this study suggested that this association was similar across gender and age groups among young people. Familial support and supervision during school closures can protect young people from developing problematic gaming behaviors. Results of this study have implications for prevention and early intervention on behalf of policy makers and game developers.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-06-2019
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201906.0302.V1
Abstract: Abstract Background: Chronic pain is common among older adults and is associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Given the expected burden and limited healthcare resources, an innovative and cost-effective method to manage chronic pain should be developed. Peer volunteers (PVs) have been used as an affordable alternative to professional services to help patients manage their chronic conditions including pain with success and acceptance. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences and perceptions of PVs in a peer-led pain management program among nursing home residents. Methods: This longitudinal study formed part of a wider research study, a clustered randomised controlled trial, which investigates the effectiveness of a 12-week peer-led pain management program (PAP) in relieving chronic pain and enhancing pain self-efficacy among nursing home residents. Quantitative data were collected from questionnaires (demographics, pain situation and pain knowledge) for all PVs. Qualitative data (PVs& rsquo experiences in leading the PAP, their perceived benefits, limitations and barriers encountered, its usefulness to the participants and recommendations for improving the PAP) were collected from focus group for a selected s le at baseline (before attending the training) and at week 12 (upon completion of the PAP). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and NVivo 8. Results: A total of 46 PVs were recruited (34 female, 74%), with mean& lusmn SD age of 61.0& lusmn .1 years. Thirty-one PVs reported to have chronic pain. Before the training, self-rated pain knowledge was 39.1& lusmn .4 (maximum 100 points). When actual pain knowledge was assessed, a mean pain knowledge score of 86.1& lusmn .6 points was found. There was a significant difference between the self-rated pain knowledge and the pain knowledge score (p& .001). PVs reported to have improvement in their knowledge and skills. No PVs reported negative comments regarding their role in the PAP, although experienced barriers such as communication, space and privacy were reported. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that peer-led pain management program is feasible. Barriers identified may benefit the design and planning of future PAP. Trial registration: ClincalTrials.gov (NCT03823495), 30 January 2019. (Retrospectively registered).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-05-2022
Abstract: The need to better monitor coercion practices in psychiatric hospitals has been recognised. We aim to describe how physical restraint events occur in psychiatric hospitals and identify factors associated with physical-restraint use. A cohort register study was used. We analyzed physical restraint documents among 14 wards in two psychiatric hospitals in Hong Kong (1 July and 31 December 2018). In total, 1798 incidents occurred (the rate of physical restraint event 0.43). Typically, physically restrained patients were in early middle-age, of both genders, diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum and other psychotic disorders, and admitted voluntarily. Alternate methods for physical restraint were reported, such as an explanation of the situation to the patients, time-out or sedation. A longer period of being physically restrained was associated with being male, aged ≥40 years, having involuntary status, and neurodevelopmental-disorder diagnosis. Our findings support a call for greater action to promote the best practices in managing patient aggression and decreasing the use of physical restraint in psychiatric wards. The reasons for the use of physical restraint, especially for those patients who are admitted to a psychiatric hospital on a voluntary basis and are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, needs to be better understood and analysed.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-05-2021
DOI: 10.2196/26808
Abstract: School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated students’ loneliness, addictive gaming behaviors, and poor mental health. These mental health issues confronting young people are of public concern. This study aimed to examine the associations between loneliness and gaming addiction behaviors among young people in Hong Kong and to investigate how familial factors, psychological distress, and gender differences moderate these relationships. This cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2020 when schools reopened after 6 months of school closures. Participants included 2863 children and adolescents in primary (Grades 4 to 6) and secondary (Grades 7 and 8) schools (female participants: 1502/2863, 52.5%). Chi-square tests, one-way analyses of variance, and independent-s les t tests were performed to compare the differences of distribution in gaming addiction behaviors across gender, age, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors that relate to excessive or pathological gaming behaviors separately, in comparison with leisure gaming. A total of 83.0% (2377/2863) of the participants played video games during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of excessive and pathological game addiction behaviors was 20.9% (597/2863) and 5.3% (153/2863), respectively. More male students had gaming addiction symptoms than female students. The multinomial logistic regressions showed that feeling lonely was associated with more problematic gaming behaviors, and the association was stronger for older female students. Low socioeconomic status, less parental support and less supervision, and poor mental health were risk factors for gaming addiction behaviors, especially among primary school students. Loneliness was associated with gaming addiction behaviors the findings from this study suggested that this association was similar across gender and age groups among young people. Familial support and supervision during school closures can protect young people from developing problematic gaming behaviors. Results of this study have implications for prevention and early intervention on behalf of policy makers and game developers.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-09-2022
Abstract: Community-dwelling older adults suffer from chronic pain. Pain negatively affects their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The majority of pain management education and programs focus only on older adults. Their informal caregivers should be involved in pain management. A dyadic pain management program for reducing pain and psychological health symptoms, and improving pain self-efficacy, quality of life, and physical function in older adults is proposed for evaluation of its effectiveness. This will be a cluster randomized controlled trial. Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 or above and their informal caregivers will be recruited. The dyadic pain management program will be an eight-week group-based program. The participants in the experimental group will receive four weeks of center-based, face-to-face activities and four weeks of digital-based activities via a WhatsApp group. The control group will receive the usual care and a pain management p hlet. Data will be collected at baseline, and at the eighth-week and sixteenth-week follow-up session. The outcome measurements will include pain intensity, pain self-efficacy, perceived quality of life, depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Data on the caregiver burden will be collected from the informal caregivers. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all social activities have been suspended. In the near future, as the pandemic subsides, the dyadic pain management program will be launched to benefit community-dwelling older adults and informal caregivers and to reduce their pain and the care burden, respectively.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 31-07-2020
DOI: 10.2196/16596
Abstract: Cognitive frailty is the coexistence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment and is an at-risk state for many adverse health outcomes. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is protective against the progression of cognitive frailty. Physical inactivity is common in older people, and brisk walking is a feasible form of physical activity that can enhance their MVPA. Mobile health (mHealth) employing persuasive technology has been successful in increasing the levels of physical activity in older people. However, its feasibility and effects on older people with cognitive frailty are unclear. We aimed to identify the issues related to the feasibility of an mHealth intervention and the trial (ie, recruitment, retention, participation, and compliance) and to examine the effects of the intervention on cognitive function, physical frailty, walking time, and MVPA. An open-label, parallel design, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was employed. The eligibility criteria for the participants were age ≥60 years, having cognitive frailty, and having physical inactivity. In the intervention group, participants received both conventional behavior change intervention and mHealth (ie, smartphone-assisted program using Samsung Health and WhatsApp) interventions. In the control group, participants received conventional behavior change intervention only. The outcomes included cognitive function, frailty, walking time, and MVPA. Permuted block randomization in 1:1 ratio was used. The feasibility issue was described in terms of participant recruitment, retention, participation, and compliance. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the within-group effects in both groups separately. We recruited 99 participants 33 eligible participants were randomized into either the intervention group (n=16) or the control (n=17) group. The median age was 71.0 years (IQR 9.0) and the majority of them were females (28/33, 85%). The recruitment rate was 33% (33/99), the participant retention rate was 91% (30/33), and the attendance rate of all the face-to-face sessions was 100% (33/33). The majority of the smartphone messages were read by the participants within 30 minutes (91/216, 42.1%). ActiGraph (58/66 days, 88%) and smartphone (54/56 days, 97%) wearing compliances were good. After the interventions, cognitive function improvement was significant in both the intervention (P=.003) and the control (P=.009) groups. The increase in frailty reduction (P=.005), walking time (P=.03), step count (P=.02), brisk walking time (P=.009), peak cadence (P=.003), and MVPA time (P=.02) were significant only in the intervention group. Our mHealth intervention is feasible for implementation in older people with cognitive impairment and is effective at enhancing compliance with the brisk walking training program delivered by the conventional behavior change interventions. We provide preliminary evidence that this mHealth intervention can increase MVPA time to an extent sufficient to yield clinical benefits (ie, reduction in cognitive frailty). A full-powered and assessor-blinded RCT should be employed in the future to warrant these effects. HKU Clinical Trials Registry HKUCTR-2283 www.hkuctr.com/Study/Show/31df4708944944bd99e730d839db4756
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-02-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JASH.2017.01.007
Abstract: Childhood obesity has been a public health concern increasingly. We investigated the age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI), blood pressure level, and other obesity measures in Hong Kong children and adolescents. We used the data from Wellness Population of Youth Study, a health examination for anthropometric measurements among children and adolescents (aged 9-15 years) in Hong Kong, conducted in Oct 2012-Jun 2013 (n = 4410). Anthropometric measures including weight, height, pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triceps and scapula skinfold thickness, and waist circumference were measured following universal standard protocol. Overweight and obesity were classified using the 2000 International Obesity Task Force, 2007 World Health Organization, and 2000 Centers of Disease Control and Prevention age- and sex-specific growth charts. Hypertension was categorized using Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and Chinese standards. The prevalence of obesity, overweight, and hypertension of Hong Kong adolescents according to the above definitions were 5.4%-15.1%, 20.8%-25.9%, and 12.0%-13.8%, respectively. Boys had higher systolic blood pressure, waist, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio (all P < .001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, scapula skinfold, waist, and BMI increased with age, while pulse and waist-to-height ratio decreased with age. To conclude, compared with worldwide data, the situations of obesity and overweight among Hong Kong children and adolescents were more severe.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-03-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 08-10-2019
Abstract: ognitive frailty is the coexistence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment and is an at-risk state for many adverse health outcomes. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is protective against the progression of cognitive frailty. Physical inactivity is common in older people, and brisk walking is a feasible form of physical activity that can enhance their MVPA. Mobile health (mHealth) employing persuasive technology has been successful in increasing the levels of physical activity in older people. However, its feasibility and effects on older people with cognitive frailty are unclear. e aimed to identify the issues related to the feasibility of an mHealth intervention and the trial (ie, recruitment, retention, participation, and compliance) and to examine the effects of the intervention on cognitive function, physical frailty, walking time, and MVPA. n open-label, parallel design, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was employed. The eligibility criteria for the participants were age ≥60 years, having cognitive frailty, and having physical inactivity. In the intervention group, participants received both conventional behavior change intervention and mHealth (ie, smartphone-assisted program using Samsung Health and WhatsApp) interventions. In the control group, participants received conventional behavior change intervention only. The outcomes included cognitive function, frailty, walking time, and MVPA. Permuted block randomization in 1:1 ratio was used. The feasibility issue was described in terms of participant recruitment, retention, participation, and compliance. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the within-group effects in both groups separately. e recruited 99 participants 33 eligible participants were randomized into either the intervention group (n=16) or the control (n=17) group. The median age was 71.0 years (IQR 9.0) and the majority of them were females (28/33, 85%). The recruitment rate was 33% (33/99), the participant retention rate was 91% (30/33), and the attendance rate of all the face-to-face sessions was 100% (33/33). The majority of the smartphone messages were read by the participants within 30 minutes (91/216, 42.1%). ActiGraph (58/66 days, 88%) and smartphone (54/56 days, 97%) wearing compliances were good. After the interventions, cognitive function improvement was significant in both the intervention ( i P /i =.003) and the control ( i P /i =.009) groups. The increase in frailty reduction ( i P /i =.005), walking time ( i P /i =.03), step count ( i P /i =.02), brisk walking time ( i P /i =.009), peak cadence ( i P /i =.003), and MVPA time ( i P /i =.02) were significant only in the intervention group. ur mHealth intervention is feasible for implementation in older people with cognitive impairment and is effective at enhancing compliance with the brisk walking training program delivered by the conventional behavior change interventions. We provide preliminary evidence that this mHealth intervention can increase MVPA time to an extent sufficient to yield clinical benefits (ie, reduction in cognitive frailty). A full-powered and assessor-blinded RCT should be employed in the future to warrant these effects. KU Clinical Trials Registry HKUCTR-2283 www.hkuctr.com/Study/Show/31df4708944944bd99e730d839db4756
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-12-2023
DOI: 10.1111/OPO.13086
Abstract: To investigate changes in relative peripheral refraction (RPR) associated with myopia progression in children who wore single‐vision (SV) lenses for 2 years and switched to Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses in the third year versus children who wore DIMS lenses for 3 years. In the first 2 years, children were allocated randomly to wear either DIMS or SV lenses. In the third year, children in the DIMS group continued to wear these lenses, while those in the SV group were switched to DIMS lenses (Control‐to‐DIMS group). Central and peripheral refraction and axial length were monitored every 6 months. Over 3 years, the DIMS group ( n = 65) showed good myopia control and maintained a relatively constant and symmetrical RPR profile without significant changes. In the first 2 years, children who wore SV lenses ( n = 55) showed asymmetrical RPR changes, with significant increases in hyperopic RPR at 20° nasal (N) (mean difference: 0.88 ± 1.06 D, p 0.0001) and 30N (mean difference: 1.07 ± 1.09 D, p 0.0001). The Control‐to‐DIMS group showed significant myopia retardation after wearing DIMS lenses in the third year. When compared with the RPR changes in the first 2 years, significant reductions in hyperopic RPR were observed at 20N (mean difference: −1.14 ± 1.93 D, p 0.0001) and 30N (mean difference: −1.07 ± 1.17 D, p 0.0001) in the third year. However, no significant difference between the RPR changes found in the nasal retina and temporal retina ( p 0.05) was noted in the third year. Symmetrical changes in RPR were found in children switching from SV to DIMS lenses, and a symmetrical pattern of RPR was noted in children who wore DIMS for 3 years. Myopia control using myopic defocus in the mid‐periphery influenced the RPR changes and retarded myopia progression by altering the eye's growth pattern.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-2019
Abstract: Background: Given the risk of physical and psychosocial health that emerge in adolescents that are continuing into adulthood, identifying and addressing early signs of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) decline provides an opportunity to ensure that young people have a healthier progression through adolescence. Aim: To investigate the association between demographic characteristics, lifestyle health behaviours, and HRQoL of adolescents who live in Asia Pacific region, including Hong Kong in China, Beijing in China, Akashi in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, and Bangkok in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional self-reported survey carried out in a s le of 2296 adolescents that were aged 9–16 years (mean= 12.0 standard deviation [SD] = 1.63) was conducted in the five cities of the Asia Pacific region between January and August 2017. Demographic characteristics, adolescent lifestyle behaviours, and HRQoL were measured with demographic questionnaire, Adolescent Lifestyle Questionnaire’s (ALQ) seven domains and Paediatric Quality of Life’s (PedsQL 4.0) global score, respectively. Mixed multilevel model (MMLM) was used to fit the data. Results: After adjusting the demographic variables, one score increase in ALQ physical participation, nutrition, social support, and identity awareness are associated with an increase in PedsQL global score. On the contrary, one score increase in ALQ health practices is associated with a decrease in the PedsQL global score. The estimated mean of PedsQL global score of South Korea, Beijing, and Japan were better, while the score of Thailand and Hong Kong were poorer. Conclusions: Differentiating the impacts of promoting health behaviours among different countries can help in better understanding the health needs of adolescents in each country, especially in the Asia Pacific region, so that adequate and relevant resources can be allocated to reduce health-risk taking behaviours among this vulnerable group for health-promoting strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2017
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 11-2019
Abstract: Nearly all children and teens in Hong Kong own a smartphone. There is currently no validated instrument that measures whether they use their phone too much. This study tested the psychometric properties of a translated Chinese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and examined the demographic correlates of smartphone addiction among Hong Kong children and adolescents. A total of 1,901 primary school children and secondary school pupils were recruited from 15 Hong Kong schools. Furthermore, 1,797 primary caregivers were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire on their socioeconomic status and educational attainment. The study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the factor structure of SAS-SV for half the participants (
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S403587
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.AJIC.2019.06.009
Abstract: Proper handwashing technique can reduce the mortality of a child. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a school-based hand hygiene program on the handwashing compliance of children and school absenteeism in Southern Africa. We conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized trial in which 6 private primary schools were allocated randomly to either intervention (3 schools) or control (3 schools) groups. The intervention group consisted of implementing a series of planned activities and measures of hand hygiene program over 9 months. Parameters of primary and secondary outcomes were estimated with generalized estimating equations. There were no significant between-group differences in demographic characteristics. The knowledge scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than the scores in the control group, and the technique scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than the scores in the control group after baseline. Further, after the third month, the cleanliness scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than the scores in the control group. In addition, the number of sick leave days decreased in the intervention group. The impact of the school-based hand hygiene program was positive. It can be used in both the planning and development of a hand hygiene protocol to increase the handwashing compliance rate of schoolchildren and to reduce school absenteeism in developing countries.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Paul Lee.