Publications by authors named "S M Plakas"

The high demands of caring for and raising a child with autism spectrum disorder on a daily basis may lead parents to physical and mental fatigue. This study aimed to assess the effect of social support and spirituality on the fatigue of parents with children with autistic spectrum disorder. A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample was conducted in Schools of Special Education in Attica (Greece).

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Physical activity is an important factor in achieving healthy aging, offering older persons multiple benefits in terms of maintaining and improving their health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022, using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

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Background: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, life changed abruptly for older adults in Greece. Social isolation, lockdowns, the fear of serious illness and death, all contributed to an increased risk of developing depression.

Objective: To explore the presence and severity of depression in older adults in Greek provincial towns during the pandemic and to explore any possible relationships with loneliness and fear.

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Schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) need supervision in the management of their disorder by the school nurse, securing proper care and safety in the school environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the parents’ perceptions regarding the care and safety of their children with T1DM at school. In this cross-sectional study, 356 parents of children with T1DM attending primary and secondary school (convenience sample) completed the “Parents’ Opinions about School-based Care for Children with Diabetes” and the “Safety of children with T1DM at school”.

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Skull vault hemangiomas are benign vascular tumours of the calvaria that are usually asymptomatic or present as firm, painless lumps. We present a case of a 59-year-old female with a giant intraosseous calvarial hemangioma that was admitted in our department with a palpable mass over the left frontoparietal region, personality changes and impaired emotional and cognitive functions. The patient was treated with a two-step approach involving endovascular and surgical treatment, and suffered two rare, but recognized complications, a contrecoup intracerebral haemorrhage and valproate-induced stupor and parkinsonism.

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