Virtual reality for preoperative patient education: Impact on satisfaction, usability, and burnout from the perspective of new nurses

BACKGROUND Traditional paper-based preoperative patient education is a struggle for new nurses and requires extensive training.In this situation,virtual reality technology can help the new nurses.Despite its potential benefits,there are studies on patient satisfaction but there is limited information on the usability of virtual reality(VR)technology for new nurses in giving preoperative education to patients.AIM To investigate the impact on satisfaction,usability,and burnout of a system using VR technology in preoperative patient education.METHODS The study involved 20 nurses from the plastic surgery ward and 80 patients admitted between April and May 2019.Each nurse taught four patients:Two using traditional verbal education and two using virtual reality.The System Usability Scale,After-Scenario Questionnaire,and Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI)were employed to evaluate the impact of these education methods.RESULTS The VR education groups showed a statistically higher satisfaction than the traditional verbal education groups.Among the three subscales of the MBI,emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment improved statistically significantly.VR was also better in terms of usability.CONCLUSION This study suggests VR enhances usability and reduces burnout in nurses,but further research is needed to assess its impact on depersonalization and objective measures like stress and heart rate.

Impact of stage-specific limb function exercises guided by a selfmanagement education model on arteriovenous fistula maturation status

BACKGROUND The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula(AVF).However,due to the lack of a uni-fied exercise standard in China,many patients have insufficient awareness of the importance of AVF,leading to poor effectiveness of limb function exercise.The self-management education model can effectively promote patients to take pro-active health-related actions.This study focuses on the characteristics of patients during the peri-AVF period and conducts a phased limb function exercise under the guidance of the self-management education model to observe changes in fac-tors such as the maturity of AVF.AIM To assess the impact of stage-specific limb function exercises,directed by a self-management education model,on the maturation status of AVFs.METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with forearm AVFs from the Nephrology Department of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province,China.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method.The observation group underwent tailored stage-specific limb func-tion exercises,informed by a self-management education model which took into account the unique features of AVF at various stages,in conjunction with routine care.Conversely,the control group was given standard limb function exercises along with routine care.The assessment involves the maturity of AVFs post-intervention,post-operative complications,and the self-management level of the fistula in both groups patients.Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23.0.Count data were represented by frequency and percentage and subjected to chi-square test comparisons.Measurement data adhering to a normal distribution were presented as mean±SD.The independent samples t-test was utilized for inter-group comparisons,while the paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons.For measurement data not fitting a normal distribution,the median and interquartile range were presented and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.RESULTS At the 8-wk postoperative mark,the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in AVF symptom recognition,symptom prevention,and self-management compared to the control group(P<0.05).However,the variance in symptom management scores between the observation and control groups lacked statistical signi-ficance(P>0.05).At 4 wk after the operation,the observation group displayed a superior vessel diameter and depth from the skin of the drainage vessels in comparison to the control group(P<0.05).While the observation group did manifest elevated blood flow rates in the drainage vessels relative to the control group,this distinction was not statistically significant(P>0.05).By the 8-wk postoperative interval,the observation group outperformed the control group with notable enhancements in blood flow rates,vessel diameter,and depth from the skin of drainage vessels(P<0.01).Seven days following the procedure,the observation group manifested significantly diminished limb swelling and an overall reduced complication rate in contrast to the control group(P<0.05).The evaluation of infection,thrombosis,embolism,arterial aneurysm stenosis,and incision bleeding showed no notable differences between the two groups(P>0.05).By the 4-wk postoperative juncture,complications between the observation and control groups were statistically indistinguishable(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Stage-specific limb function exercises,under the guidance of a self-management education model,amplify the capacity of AVF patients to discern and prevent symptoms.Additionally,they expedite AVF maturation and miti-gate postoperative limb edema,underscoring their efficacy as a valuable method for the care and upkeep of AVF in hemodialysis patients.

Effect of health education based on information-motivationbehavioral skills model on patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction

BACKGROUND Vestibular dysfunction(VH)is a common concomitant symptom of late peri-pheral vestibular lesions,which can be trauma,poisoning,infection,heredity,and neurodegeneration,but about 50%of the causes are unknown.The study uses the information-motivation-behavioral skills(IMB)model for health education,effectively improve the quality of life,increase their self-confidence,reduce anxiety and depression,and effectively improve the psychological state of patients.AIM To explore the effect of health education based on the IMB model on the degree of vertigo,disability,anxiety and depression in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction.METHODS The clinical data of 80 patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the retrospective research objects,and they were divided into the control group and the observation group with 40 cases in each group according to different nursing methods.Among them,the control group was given routine nursing health education and guidance,and the observation group was given health education and guidance based on the IMB model.The changes in self-efficacy,anxiety and depression,and quality of life of patients with unilateral VH were compared between the two groups.RESULTS There was no significant difference in General Self-Efficacy Scale(GSES)scale scores between the two groups of patients before nursing(P>0.05),which was comparable;after nursing,the GSES scale scores of the two groups were higher than those before nursing.The nursing group was higher than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the scores of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)and anxiety and depression subscales between the two groups before nursing(P>0.05).After nursing,the HADS score,anxiety,and depression subscale scores of the two groups of patients were lower than those before nursing,and the nursing group was lower than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After nursing,the Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI)scale and DHI-P,DHI-E and DHI-F scores in the two groups were decreased,and the scores in the nursing group were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Health education based on the IMB model can effectively improve patients'quality of life,increase self-efficacy of patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction,enhance patients'confidence,enable patients to resume normal work and life as soon as possible,reduce patients'anxiety and depression,and effectively improve patients'psychological status.

Parental Educational Expectations,Academic Pressure,and Adolescent Mental Health:An Empirical Study Based on CEPS Survey Data

Background:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental educational expectations and adolescent mental health problems,with academic pressure as a moderating variable.Methods:This study was based on the baseline data of the China Education Panel Survey,which was collected within one school year during 2013–2014.It included 19,958 samples from seventh and ninth graders,who ranged from 11 to 18 years old.After removing missing values and conducting relevant data processing,the effective sample size for analysis was 16344.The OLS(Ordinary Least Squares)multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between parental educational expectations,academic pressure,and adolescents’mental health problems.In addition,we established an interaction term between parents’educational expectations and academic pressure to investigate the moderating effect of academic stress.Results:The study found that adolescents whose parents had high educational expectations reported less mental health problems.(β=−0.195;p<0.001).Additionally,adolescents who had high academic pressure reported more mental health problems.(β=0.649;p<0.001).Furthermore,the study found that academic pressure had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between parental educational expectations and adolescents’mental health problems(β=0.082;p<0.001).Conclusion:Parental educational expectations had a close relationship with adolescents’mental health problems,and academic pressure moderated this relationship.For those adolescents with high levels of academic pressure,the association between high parental educational expectations and mental health problems became stronger.On the contrary,for those adolescents with low levels of academic pressure,the association between high parental educational expectations and mental health problems became weaker.These findings shed new light on how parental educational expectations affected adolescent mental health problems and had significant implications for their healthy development.

Evaluation of the effects of health education interventions for hypertensive patients based on the health belief model

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke,and its prevalence is increasing worldwide.Health education interventions based on the health belief model(HBM)can improve the knowledge,attitudes,and behaviors of patients with hypertension and help them control their blood pressure.AIM To evaluate the effects of health education interventions based on the HBM in patients with hypertension in China.METHODS Between 2021 and 2023,140 patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.The intervention group received health education based on the HBM,including lectures,brochures,videos,and counseling sessions,whereas the control group received routine care.Outcomes were measured at baseline,three months,and six months after the intervention and included blood pressure,medication adherence,self-efficacy,and perceived benefits,barriers,susceptibility,and severity.RESULTS The intervention group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure[mean difference(MD):-8.2 mmHg,P<0.001]and diastolic blood pressure(MD:-5.1 mmHg,P=0.002)compared to the control group at six months.The intervention group also had higher medication adherence(MD:1.8,P<0.001),self-efficacy(MD:12.4,P<0.001),perceived benefits(MD:3.2,P<0.001),lower perceived barriers(MD:-2.6,P=0.001),higher perceived susceptibility(MD:2.8,P=0.002),and higher perceived severity(MD:3.1,P<0.001)than the control group at six months.CONCLUSION Health education interventions based on the HBM effectively improve blood pressure control and health beliefs in patients with hypertension and should be implemented in clinical practice and community settings.

Reform of Hospitality English Teaching Based on the Educational Concept of Outcome-Based Education(OBE)

The Outcome-Based Education(OBE)educational concept,proposed by renowned American educator Spady,aims to guide students in mastering learning laws and ultimately achieving expected learning outcomes.The application of OBE educational concept in Hospitality English curriculum not only can effectively enhance the learning effect but also promote the reform of the Hospitality English curriculum,thus improving students’learning enthusiasm.Therefore,taking the Hospitality English curriculum as an example,this paper points out the existing problems in the teaching of this course and suggests the reform measures based on the OBE teaching concept,hoping to provide guidelines for related educational work.

Making the case for the evolving role of social media in health professions education and a literature review on the application of some in ophthalmology

Background and Objective:Social media(SoMe)has emerged as a tool in health professions education(HPE),particularly amidst the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Despite the academia’s initial skepticism SoMe has been gaining traction in supporting learning communities,and offering opportunities for innovation in HPE.Our study aims to explore the integration of SoMe in HPE.Four key components were outlined as necessary for a successful integration,and include designing learning experiences,defining educator roles,selecting appropriate platforms,and establishing educational objectives.Methods:This article stemmed from the online Teaching Skills Series module on SoMe in education from the Ophthalmology Foundation,and drew upon evidence supporting learning theories relevant to SoMe integration and models of education.Additionally,we conducted a literature review considering Englishlanguage articles on the application of SoMe in ophthalmology from PubMed over the past decade.Key Content and Findings:Early adopters of SoMe platforms in HPE have leveraged these tools to enhance learning experiences through interaction,dialogue,content sharing,and active learning strategies.By integrating SoMe into educational programs,both online and in-person,educators can overcome time and geographical constraints,fostering more diverse and inclusive learning communities.Careful consideration is,however,necessary to address potential limitations within HPE.Conclusions:This article lays groundwork for expanding SoMe integration in HPE design,emphasizing the supportive scaffold of various learning theories,and the need of furthering robust research on examining its advantages over traditional educational formats.Our literature review underscores an ongoing multifaceted,random application of SoMe platforms in ophthalmology education.We advocate for an effective incorporation of SoMe in HPE education,with the need to comply with good educational practice.

Flexner's legacy and the future of medical education:Embracing challenge and opportunity

This editorial comments on the article by Alzerwi.We focus on the development course,present challenges,and future perspectives of medical education.Modern medical education is gradually undergoing significant and profound changes worldwide.The emergence of new ideas,methodologies,and techniques has created opportunities for medical education developments and brought new concerns and challenges,ultimately promoting virtuous progress in medical education reform.The sustainable development of medical education needs joint efforts and support from governments,medical colleges,hospitals,researchers,administrators,and educators.

Transforming education:Developing a practice-ready workforce

The well-known question,why do people keep doing the same thing but expect a different result,applies to nursing education.Healthcare delivery systems are in constant evolution yet much of nursing education operates with traditional teaching approaches expecting to produce graduates suitable for rapidly changing healthcare delivery systems.Nursing is a practice-based discipline with its own body of knowledge situated within the context of dy-namic nursing practice.It is the responsibility of nursing academia to prepare graduates suitable for practice.If we are to change prac-tice,we must rethink education.The impact and interruptions of the global COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to questions on best prac-tices to guide nursing education into the future.

Computing Science in Transdisciplinary Education

Transdisciplinary collaboration has achieved remarkable results in many fields,and many global challenges also require transdisciplinary collaboration.Therefore,transdisciplinary education and research is one of the inevitable trends in the future development of universities.In this context,HKUST has made innovative changes in transdisciplinary education and research.First,we set three missions for the development of HKUST in transdisciplinary education and research.Second,we established the HKUST Guangzhou Campus to carry out a new revolution in transdisciplinary education and research.In addition,Big Data,AI,and computer science play a vital role in transdisciplinary research and collaboration,and we also need to rethink the role of computer science and how to better refer to supporting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ultrasound Scanning Competencies in Midwifery Education in Zambia: Findings from a Desk Review and Needs Assessment

Introduction: Ultrasound is an essential component of antenatal care. Midwives provide most of the antenatal care but they do not perform ultrasound as it has been beyond their scope of practice. This leaves many women in Low and Middle-Income Countries without access to ultrasound scanning. The aim of this study was to identify competencies in ultrasound scanning in midwifery education. Methods: A desk review and needs assessment were conducted between July and October 2023. Articles and curricula on the internet, Google scholar and PubMed were searched for content on ultrasound scanning competencies. A Google form consisting of 20 questions was administered via email and WhatsApp to 135 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The desk review showed that it is feasible to train midwives in ultrasound scanning. The training programs for midwives in obstetric ultrasound were conducted for 1 week to 3 months with most of them running for 4 weeks. Content included introduction to general principles of ultrasound, physics, basic knowledge in embryology, obstetrics, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, estimating amniotic fluid and gestational age. Experts like sonographers trained midwives. Theory and hands on were the teaching methods used. Written and practical assessments were conducted. Needs assessment revealed that majority of participants 71 (53%) knew about basic ultrasound training for midwives. All participants (100%) said it is necessary to train midwives in basic ultrasound scan in Zambia. Some content should include, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, assessing amniotic fluid level, and gestational age determination. Most participants 91 (67%) suggested that the appropriate duration of training is 4 - 6 weeks. Conclusion: Empowering every midwife with ultrasound scanning skills will enable early detection of any abnormality among pregnant women and prompt intervention to save lives.

Analysis on the Way of Integrating Educational Drama into Patriotism Education for Primary School Students

In the process of patriotism education for primary school students,educational drama can play a very important role.However,the premise is that educational drama should be successfully integrated into the process of patriotism education of primary school students,instead of simply and mechanically stuffing educational drama into patriotism education of primary school students.As far as the integration mode of educational drama is concerned,educational drama can be divided into three kinds,namely,discipline-oriented drama education,infiltration-oriented drama education and activity-oriented drama.Therefore,the integration methods are also divided into three categories,namely,setting up educational drama courses,using educational drama to infiltrate patriotic education into other disciplines and carrying out activity-oriented drama education.

The Impact of Simulation Education on Self-Efficacy in Pre-Registration Nursing Students

This literature review primarily aims to explore and synthesise the previous studies in simulation education research conducted over the past five years related to the effects of simulation training on the self-efficacy of undergraduate pre-registration nursing students. The second aim of this study is to explore additional outcome variables that were examined in the previous studies. Five electronic databases were searched systematically. These databases were MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Embase and PsycINFO. The PICO model was employed to identify the search terms, with a thesaurus being used to provide synonyms. Reference lists of relevant articles were examined and hand searches of journals were also undertaken. The quality of each study was assessed using the Simulation Research Rubric (SRR). A total of 11 studies were included. All studies explored the impact of simulation education on undergraduate pre-registration nursing. Six studies explored nursing students’ competence and performance and two papers examined their critical thinking. Problem solving, learning motivation, communication skills and knowledge acquisition were examined once. The majority of studies indicated that simulation training has a positive impact on pre-registration nursing students’ self-efficacy and other outcome variables. Furthermore, the study results indicate that simulation training is more dependable than traditional training, and students were extremely satisfied with the simulation training. However, most of the studies included in this review had several gaps, including study design, sample size and dissimilarities between the scales used. Further research with large samples, reliable and valid instruments, and outcomes measures (such as critical thinking and transferability of skills) is required to provide better insight into the effectiveness of simulation in undergraduate nursing education. .

Quality Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials for Diabetic Foot

Background: The quality of online Arabic educational materials for diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is unknown. This study evaluated Arabic websites as patients’ sources of information for DFS. Methods: The study assessed patient-related websites about DFS using a modified Ensuring Quality of Information for Patients (EQIP) tool (score 0 - 35). Specific terms were searched in Google to identify DFS websites;eligibility criteria were applied to 20 pages of search results to select the included websites. Data on country of origin, source types and subtypes, and website traffic were extracted. Additional therapeutic information regarding prevention and conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments was also recorded and analyzed. Results: Among 559 websites, 157 were eligible for inclusion. The median EQIP score was 16 out of 35, indicating poor quality in one of three domains (content, identification, or structure). Most sources originated from Arab countries (75.8%) were non-governmental (94.9%), and were medical information websites (46.5%). High-scoring websites were significantly more likely than low-scoring websites to describe information on prevention (30.9% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.001), conservative treatment (34.1% vs. 13%, p = 0.002), or pharmacological treatment (32.5% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.024). There were increased odds of scoring high if a website provided information on prevention (OR = 12.9, 95% CI [1.68 - 98.57], p = 0.014). Conclusion: Most Arabic online patient information on DFS is of poor quality. Quality control measures are needed to ensure accurate health information for the public.

Maxillofacial Surgery Education: Where Is It Heading?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians. Since then, surgeons have treated craniofacial trauma and alveolodental fractures. In 1846, Hullihen performed a mandibular body osteotomy to correct prognathism, marking a significant milestone in the field. Over time, the specialty has evolved significantly. The field of craniofacial surgery has undergone several phases, including its involvement in conflicts during world wars and the treatment of craniofacial fractures and discrepancies. The process of learning and teaching specialties has evolved differently in various countries throughout the 20th century. Currently, there is no uniformity in the training and registration of specialized professionals, resulting in distinct scenarios. Considering the accessibility of scientific knowledge through technology and globalization, it is crucial to provide an objective overview of the current state of education in the field. This paper focuses on effective professional training as the primary subject of residency courses in this specialty. A proposal is presented for education, emphasizing the significance of providing quality professional training that is tailored to the specific legislation of each country.

Improving innovation and entrepreneurship education in higher institutions: the impact of "Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation" education on undergraduates' entrepreneurial intentions

The exploration of the way"mass entrepreneurship and innovation"(MEI)education influences students'aspirations to become entrepreneurs has grown into an important area of analysis in studies related to higher education.This research intends to examine the consequences of MEI education on students'tendency towards entrepreneurship,and to put forward methods for augmenting the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship in private higher educational establishments.To achieve this objective,questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed in the study,which involved a total of 197 students and five education experts.The statistical analysis of the questionnaire data revealed that MEI education was positively related to students'entrepreneurial intentions,and that both entrepreneurial experience and family entrepreneurial background played moderating roles in this relationship.The interview findings indicated that private universities could enhance educational reforms by designing talent training programs,developing diversified curricula,and developing more professional entrepreneurial platforms to encourage students'entrepreneurial intentions.This study offers fresh insights for improving and perfecting the mechanism of innovation and entrepreneurship education in private universities.

Effect of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Glycaemic Control in Sudanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Research Background: The high prevalence of diabetes in Sudan, estimated at 16%, highlights the importance of effective health education in diabetes management. Diabetes self-management education has been identified as a crucial tool in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and abilities necessary for self-management among individuals with diabetes. Aim: To assess the impact of diabetes self-management education on medication adherence and glycemic control in Sudanese adults with type 2 diabetes before and 3 months after the DSME intervention. Method: The study was conducted in Sudan between September 2022 and March 2023, it was an interventional, one-group, pre- and post-test study that aimed to assess the impact of diabetes self-management education (DSME) on medication adherence and diabetes control in Sudanese adults with type 2 diabetes. The research was conducted in primary health care centers in six cities in Sudan and involved 244 participants. The data entry and statistical analysis were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.0. A paired t test was used for analysis. Results: The study included 244 participants, 67% of whom were males. The age mean ± SD was 48.6 ± 9.3 years, and 85.3% of participants were married. Age at onset of diabetes mean ± SD was 40.60 ± 7.81 years;44.6% had diabetes for less than 5 years;and 84.1% had a positive family history of diabetes mellitus. The levels of poor, low, and partial adherence to medication decreased by 8.2%, 4%, and 20.6%, respectively, after the intervention. The levels of good and high medication regime adherence increased by 13% and 19.8%, respectively;BMI decreased by 1.1 ± 0.73 kg/m2 (p = 0.005). The fasting blood sugar decreased by 69 ± 32.9 mg/dl (p = 0.049), and the glycated hemoglobin decreased by 1.21 ± 0.28% (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study reinforce the importance of patient education in improving glycemic control and enhancing self-management behaviors. Patient education plays a critical role in enhancing glycemic control and self-management behaviors. It is essential for healthcare providers to adopt a patient-centered approach, taking into account the individual's beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about their illness and treatment. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach, including enhancing healthcare professionals’ knowledge and communication skills, offering accessible and culturally sensitive diabetes education programs, and addressing barriers to resources and support for self-management.

Education Programs for Invasive Procedures Involving Nurses: A Scoping Review

Background: Implementing invasive procedures is an important part of patient management by clinical nurses;however, there are gaps between nurses’ actual knowledge and skills and expected professional care capacity. Purpose: This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature related to recent institution-provided educational programs for invasive procedures involving clinical nurses. This study seeks to understand the contents of educational programs and the methods for assessing educational effects. Methods: This scoping review was completed using the following four databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Emcare for the period 2000-2022. We included studies that used all forms of educational approaches (e.g., didactic lectures, hands-on training, or on-the-job training). This scoping review considered peer-reviewed publications published in English using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed approaches. A total of 83 studies underwent in the final analysis. Results and Conclusion: A combination of didactic lectures and hands-on training was provided as an educational program in most studies. Contrary to our prediction, educational interventions with advanced technologies such as VR are extremely rare, suggesting that the effectiveness of advanced technologies in learning invasive procedures should be examined to facilitate and retain educational effects more efficiently in future studies. Regarding the assessment of educational effects, nurses’ cognitive (i.e., theoretical knowledge about procedures), psychomotor (i.e., implementing procedures), and psychological aspects (e.g., confidence and self-efficacy in procedures) were evaluated using questionnaires and observational methods. While most studies used a one-group pretest-posttest design, the ratio of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was relatively low. Thus, an RCT design should be introduced in future studies to test the validity of the developed educational program more accurately.

Analysis of the Reform of Ideological and Political Education in College English Curriculum from the Perspective of“Cultural Confidence”

With the rapid development of the education industry,higher requirements have been put forward for college English education and teaching,accelerating the pace of college English reform.Issues such as how to integrate knowledge transmission,language expression skill improvement,cultural element extraction,and ideological and political education,and present the role of curriculum education function have attracted attention.In the era of informatization,college students’thinking has undergone certain changes and gradually developed towards diversification.Therefore,universities should start from the perspective of cultural confidence,extract valuable ideological and political elements,and explore effective tourism ideological and political teaching methods.While helping college students enhance their cultural confidence,it is also beneficial for them to better inherit traditional Chinese culture.This article conducts an in-depth exploration of ideological and political education in college English courses from the perspective of“cultural confidence”and uses scientific and effective measures to solve the problems encountered,aiming to provide valuable guidelines for relevant researchers.

Causal association of obesity-related anthropometric traits with myopia and the mediating role of educational attainment:a Mendelian randomization study

AIM:To study the causal relationship between obesityrelated anthropometric traits and myopia and the mediating role of educational attainment(EA).METHODS:Univariable Mendelian randomization(UVMR)was performed to evaluate the causal association between body mass index(BMI),height,waist-hip ratio(WHR,adjusted for BMI),and mean spherical equivalent(MSE).BMI was divided into fat and fat-free mass and included in multivariable Mendelian randomization(MVMR)to explore the roles of different BMI components in the causal relationship between BMI and MSE.A mediation analysis based on two-step Mendelian randomization(MR)was carried out.Specifically,UVMR was conducted to estimate the causal effect of BMI on EA.The direct effect of EA on MSE was estimated from MVMR.The mediation effect of EA in the BMI-EA-MSE model was calculated by the product of coefficients method.Expression quantitative trait loci(eQTL)-MR,reverse MR,and Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression(LDSC)were performed to assess the robustness.RESULTS:Genetically predicted higher BMI had a positive total effect on MSE(βIVW=0.26 D,95%CI=0.14 to 0.37 D,P<0.001),whereas there was no significant association between height,WHR,and MSE.Fat mass was found to play a significant role in the effect of body mass on MSE(βIVW=0.50 D,95%CI=0.21 to 0.78 D,P=0.001),but there was no significant association between fat-free mass and MSE.The causal effect of BMI on EA was-0.14(95%CI=-0.16 to-0.11,P<0.001),and the direct effect of EA on MSE was-0.63 D(95%CI=-0.81 to-0.44 D,P<0.001).The mediating effect of EA in the BMI-EA-MSE model was 0.09 D(95%CI=0.06 to 0.12 D),with a mediation proportion of 33%(95%CI=22.1%to 44.6%).No reverse causal associations were detected except for BMI on EA.The results of eQTL-MR and LDSC were consistent with each MR analysis.CONCLUSION:Genetically predicted higher BMI decreases the degree of myopia with a 33%mediation proportion by EA,and fat mass provides a dominant protective role in body mass-myopia.As a supplement to previous observational studies,it provides strong evidence for the relationship between anthropometric traits and refractive errors and offers a theoretical basis for future measures to prevent and control myopia.