Efecto de factores sociodemográficos en la mortalidad del COVID-19 en Costa Rica: un enfoque geográfico

Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) se ha extendido entre la población de todo el país y ha tenido un gran impacto a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, existen diferencias geográficas importantes en la mortalidad de COVID-19 entre las diferentes regiones del mundo y en Costa Rica. Objetivo: Explorar el efecto de algunos de los factores sociodemográficos en la mortalidad de COVID-19 en pequeñas divisiones geográficas o cantones de Costa Rica. Métodos: Usamos registros oficiales y aplicamos un modelo de regresión clásica de Poisson y un modelo de regresión ponderada geográficamente. Resultados: Obtuvimos un criterio de información de Akaike (AIC) más bajo con la regresión ponderada (927.1 en la regresión de Poison versus 358.4 en la regresión ponderada). Los cantones con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad por COVID-19 tuvo una población más densa; bienestar material más alto; menor proporción de cobertura de salud y están ubicadas en el área del Pacífico de Costa Rica. Conclusiones: Una estrategia de intervención de COVID-19 específica debería concentrarse en áreas de la costa pacífica con poblaciones más densas, mayor bienestar material y menor población por unidad de salud.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread among the population of Costa Rica and has had a great global impact. However, there are important geographic differences in mortality from COVID-19 among world regions and within Costa Rica. Objective: To explore the effect of some sociodemographic factors on COVID-19 mortality in the small geographic divisions or cantons of Costa Rica. Methods: We used official records and applied a classical epidemiological Poisson regression model and a geographically weighted regression model. Results: We obtained a lower Akaike Information Criterion with the weighted regression (927.1 in Poisson regression versus 358.4 in weighted regression). The cantons with higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 had a denser population; higher material well-being; less population by health service units and are located near the Pacific coast. Conclusions: A specific COVID-19 intervention strategy should concentrate on Pacific coast areas with denser population, higher material well-being and less population by health service units.

Association of socio-demographic factors and likelihood of depression with family function among community – dwelling elderly

Background and Objective@#A positive family functionality is a significant factor to a good quality of life in the elderly. This study sought to determine the factors that contribute to family dysfunction among community-dwelling older persons.@*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was done among community-dwelling elderly ages 60 years old and above through the outpatient department of a tertiary government hospital. A researcher-assisted interview was done to gather socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, family type, and, GDS-S score, and family APGAR. Multiple linear regression analysis was done to determine the association of the said socio-demographic factors and likelihood of depression through GDS-S with family function through family APGAR.@*Results@#Among the 309 respondents, the average age of respondents was 69 years(SD=6.53), with female predominance of 61.8%, and a higher frequency of older persons belonging to an extended family. The mean GDS-S score is 1.69(SD=1.83), with a frequency of 13.9%. A very minimal percentage of 8.06% (25, N=309) showed to exhibit family dysfunction. Regression studies revealed association of advancing age, and female sex with family dysfunction. The type of family, and GDS-S are not significantly associated with family dysfunction.@*Conclusion@#Advancing age and female sex are associated with family dysfunction. There is no specific family type that is significantly associated with family dysfunction. Likelihood of depression does not necessarily imply family dysfunction in an elderly.

Antenatal depression and its correlates - a cross-sectional study in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi

Background- Antenatal depression is affecting 10% pregnant women worldwide with higher prevalence in developing countries. This causes poor maternal and foetal outcome and also affects cognitive development of the child. Aim and objective: To estimate magnitude of antenatal depression and its risk factors. Methodology- A cross-sectional survey was done at the antenatal clinic of community health department catering to an urban resettlement colony, East Delhi. Estimated sample size was 216 (including 10% non-response rate). Pregnant women attending the ANC clinic from October 2019 to February 2020 were enrolled. EPDS questionnaire was used to assess depression during pregnancy. Results-The antenatal depression was found in 11.8% subjects as per EPDS score. Working female and belonging to Muslim religion, past history of abortion, complications in previous pregnancy, financial debt, physical violence and substance use in family showed significant association with antenatal depression. Conclusion –Depression was prevalent among antenatal women and was found to be associated with various risk factors.

A Study of Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Newborns Delivered at Oneof the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Saurashtra Region, Gujarat

Introduction :Birth weight is one of the most important criteria for determining neonatal and infant survival and is considered a sensitive index of the nation's health and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low birth weight (LBW) as “Birth weight less than 2500 grams” regardless of gestational age, the measurement being taken preferably within the first hour of life. 1)ToObjectives : estimate the prevalence of LBW among sample population at tertiary care hospital. 2)To study the distribution of newborns, according to socio-demographic characteristics of the mother and its association with LBW. A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 newborns betweenMethod: December 2020 and November 2021. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected from the case file and face-to-face interview. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Prevalence of low birth weight was 29.2%. Majority 271Results: (54.2%) of newborn mothers' age group was between 21 to 25 years. More than half 272 (54.4%) newborns were from mothers who studied up to primary level education and more than three forth 389 (77.8%) were from mothers who were housewives. Majority 293 (58.6%) of newborns were from the urban area, around three forth 382 (76.4%) newborns were Hindu and nearly two fifth 194 (38.8%) newborns belonged to lower middle class. Prevalence of low birth weight was significantly higher in mothers aged >35 andyears ?20 , who were illiterate, doing labour work and belonging to lower socio-economic class.years Conclusion: The prevalence of Low Birth Weight was 29.2% among sample population. Socio-demographic variables like maternal age >35 years 20 years, illiteracy, labour work and lower socio-economic class, ? had shown significant risk for delivering Low Birth Weight babies.

Vitamin A knowledge and household consumption frequency of vitamin A – rich foods in Tangail, Bangladesh

@#Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most serious health problems in developing countries. This study aims to explore the comparative figure of vitamin A knowledge, household consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods, and association of socio-demographic factors with knowledge and consumption in four residential areas in Tangail district, Bangladesh. Methods: This study used a population-based cross-sectional design with 400 study participants selected using purposive sampling technique. Knowledge and consumption frequency were assessed by a structured questionnaire along with food frequency table. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Only 33.5% participants had primary vitamin A knowledge, where most from urban (48.5%) and semi-urban (30.6%) areas had comparatively higher knowledge than those from rural (11.2%) and slum (9.7%) areas. Specific knowledge level was also poorer in rural and slum areas than urban and semi-urban areas. Most of the participants received knowledge through commercial advertisements (65.7%). Household consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods (plant and animal) was comparatively lower in rural and slum areas than in urban and semi-urban areas. Different socio-demographic factors (place of residence, education and household income) significantly influenced participant’s vitamin A knowledge and household consumption of vitamin A-rich foods (p<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the study population lacked knowledge regarding the importance of vitamin A. Consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods was still poorer in slum and rural areas than in urban and semi-urban areas.

Socio-demographic risk factors associated with febrile seizures at Puducherry: a retrospective study

Background: Febrile seizures occur commonly in the under 5 age group and is associated with few risk factors causing its recurrence like very high fever, family history of seizures, low sodium levels and younger age of onset which are subject to seasonal and wide geographical variations. This study aimed at detecting the major risk factors associated with recurrent febrile seizures in an Indian population.Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted among a total of 300 cases aged 6 months to 5 years attending to the paediatric OPD with history of fever followed by febrile seizures. Information regarding socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with febrile seizure was collected and analyzed.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 25.6'2.2 months and majority (60%) were males. Family history of seizures was present in 25.3% (n=76) of the children with febrile seizures. Respiratory infections (73.3%) and gastroenteritis (17%) were the major infective reasons associated with the occurrence of febrile seizures followed by pneumonia (6.3%) and urinary tract infections (5%). Recurrence of FS was significantly higher among the children with family history of FS (p=0.009), age at onset lesser (p<0.001) and simple FS seizures.Conclusions: Younger age at onset and positive family history of seizures were important socio-demographic risk factors associated with recurrent febrile seizures.

Barriers to exclusive breast feeding, the missing links: a cross sectional study from Puducherry, India

Background: Breast milk, the first natural food for a new-born, provides all the energy and essential nutrients an infant requires for the first 6 months of life. The NHFS -4 survey shows only 45.5% of children are exclusively breastfed (EBF) in Puducherry. This study aims at assessing the socio-demographic characteristics associated with exclusive breastfeeding in a tertiary hospital in Puducherry and identify the barriers in the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Puducherry. Sample size: 115 mothers of 6 months to 2-year-old children, born term gestation with a birth weight of >2.5 kg, attending the Paediatric OPD. Questionnaire-based study comprising of socio-demographic and parameters pertaining to exclusive breast-feeding.Results: Only 44.3% of the mothers have exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months. Shorter duration of spacing between births and caesarean section had significant negative association with exclusive breast-feeding. Most of the mothers received postnatal counselling on breast-feeding (94%) of which 58% were by health care personnel. Despite that, only a sixth (19%) of them were well versed with proper breastfeeding techniques. Poor secretion (45.3%), sore/inverted nipple (23.5%) amounted to the most common of the barriers. Among working mothers, 42.9% attributed their jobs as the cause for early weaning.Conclusions: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding is still low even among a literate study group. There were no significant association with socio-demographic factors found, but lacunae were identified. A more objective post-natal counselling to mothers involving their caregivers may improve the current scenario.

Correlation of sociodemographic factors and intestinal parasites in pregnant women

Background: Pregnant women often experience more severe intestinal parasitic infections than their non-pregnant counterparts. Intestinal parasitic infections also disturb pregnancy at the maternal and fetal level. Objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pregnant women and its relationship with various socio-demographic factors.Methods: A single stool specimen was collected. A saline and iodine mount was examined microscopically to demonstrate the intestinal parasites. Formol ether Concentration technique was performed to increase the yield of the eggs and larvae. Modified acid-fast staining was done for opportunistic parasitic infections.Results: In this study 300 pregnant women were screened for presence of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 42.67%. Women who practiced hand washing regularly and had knowledge about parasites had lesser infection. The dietary practice of taking green leafy vegetables had protective effect during pregnancy. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was almost same in both rural and urban women. Higher prevalence of intestinal parasites was found in lower socioeconomic class. Women who used river as source of water supply had slightly more prevalence than those who used municipal water. The prevalence of hookworm infection was more in women who never wore sandals.Conclusions: The high prevalence of intestinal parasites in the pregnant women indicates faecal pollution of soil and domestic water supply.  Education and awareness regarding intestinal parasites need to be done during their routine antenatal visits. Emphasis should be made on consistent hand washing, consumption of washed leafy vegetables and use of footwear. Deworming of pregnant women should be considered in the national guidelines.

Sociodemographic Factors of Mental Health Literacy Among Housewives Living in Low Cost Apartments in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

@# Evaluation of mental health literacy is important in assisting the development of intervention and policies toward preventing mental health problems. This study aims to explore mental health literacy and its sociodemographic predictors in a group of housewives living in low-cost apartments in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A Malay version of the self-administered Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) was used in this cross-sectional study. Age, ethnicity, religion, educational level and family income were tested using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. Result: A total of 103 eligible respondents participated in the study. Most respondents were from the age group of 30 and above, from the Malay ethnic group, Muslims, had formal education up to secondary level with a monthly family income below RM4000 (USD980). The overall mean (sd) mental health literacy score was low 106.65 (11.21) and was significantly associated with ethnicity, religion, educational level and family income (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mental health literacy scores were low and showed variations within sociodemographic groups. Keywords: Socio demographic factors; Mental Health Literacy; Housewife; Low cost apartment

Study of sociodemographic factors of women undergoing caesarean section in tertiary care centre of rural area of central India

Background: Many studies have attempted to examine and evaluate the changes in population characteristics that may have contributed to the observed increase in CS rate. The aim of this study was to determine the caesarean section rate and demographic characteristics of women undergoing caesarean section in our rural tertiary health centre of central India.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in department of obstetrics and gynecology. The study instrument comprised a pre-structured data collection proforma which had various sections; social demographic characteristics, obstetric history and gestation details.Results: The overall caesarean section rate (CSR) was 36.88%. Maximum women (39.62%) who underwent Caesarean section were of age group 25-29 years. 58.05% from rural while 41.95% from urban area. CS was more in women of lower middle (22.80%) and upper lower (20.80%) class. Majority of women who had caesarean section were educated till higher school (31.87%) or were graduate (22.61%), 5.85% were illiterate. Majority of women (56.40%) were housewives. CSR was 70.83% in referred and 28.31% in booked. 52.86% women were nulliparous. Caesarean section was maximum (83%) in term, 16.92% preterm women and 0.08% post term women. 38.69% were referred from other health facilities. Maximum referrals 43.21% were from the district hospital.Conclusions: It was noted that the preference for caesarean section is more in women of 25-29 years, lower middle and upper middle class, rural women, educated upto high school and housewives at our centre. This hospital also serves as referral centre from surrounding health facilities increasing the caesarean section rate of the institute.

A study on prevalence of overweight and obesity in school going adolescents and its association with socio-demographic factors in Lucknow district

Background: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Obesity has become a global public health issue and is widely recognized as a key risk factor for coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and many other health problems. The objectives of present study were to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its association with socio-demographic factors amongst school-going adolescents in Lucknow district.Methods: This study was a school-based cross-sectional study and was carried out in urban and rural areas of Lucknow, from January 2018 to June 2018. Sample size was 620. A multi-stage random sampling technique has been used to select the required sample size. Data analysis was done using software MS Office excel and SPSS 18 for windows.Results: A total of 620 adolescents were studied. Majority (82.1%) of adolescents were found to be non-overweight/obese while 17.9% were found to be overweight/obese. Majority (66.7%) of students were overweight or obese, belonging to social class I while only 15.7% students were overweight or obese belonging to social class V.Conclusions: The results of our study show that overweight/obesity continues to be a public health concern in adolescents. The current study shows that adolescent overweight and obesity are increasing even in low socio-economic status. Emphasis should be placed on awareness program for obesity prevention among school students by strengthening lifestyle change.

A cross-sectional study to investigate factors related to the time of initiation of breastfeeding in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life prevents around 20% newborn deaths and 13% under-five deaths. EIBF is predominately associated with socioeconomic, health related, and individual factors. Very few studies in Gujarat and probably none in Jamnagar district have been conducted to know factors related to the timing of initiation of breastfeeding. Objectives: This study was carried out with the objective to find out the prevalence of EIBF and association of demographic, antenatal, and intranatal factors with prelacteal feeding practice in Jamnagar district of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in 2015–2016 in four talukas of Jamnagar district with a sample size of 426 mother-infant pairs calculated with appropriate formula using prevalence of EIBF. Out of this, 400 samples with adequate response were analyzed. Multistage sampling was done and mothers who gave valid consent were taken as respondent. Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Pearson correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of EIBF was 62% in Jamnagar district. About 94.8% newborn of 15–19 years aged mothers, 96.4% newborns of mothers of Class-V socio-economic class, 87.5% newborns of illiterate mothers, 96.5% newborns of farmer mothers, and 77.4% of 1st birth order newborns received breastfeeding within 1 h of their birth. The proportion of newborn receiving breastfeeding within 1–4 h after birth increased significantly with increasing number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (P < 0.01). Among mothers with prolonged labor, 43.5% could initiate breastfeeding early. Mode of delivery and health facility for delivery were a significant determinant for the time of initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion: EIBF decreased with increasing age of mothers, increasing socio-economic class and increasing the education level of mothers. The practice of EIBF is also low among employed mothers, among newborn with high birth order and among mothers of general caste. EIBF is high in mothers with fewer ANC visits, among mothers with prolonged labor, in case of normal delivery, delivery at primary health care, and delivery assisted by female health staff.

Socio-demographic determinants of treatment outcome in multidrug resistant tuberculosis cases registered under Programmatic management of drug resistant tuberculosis services in Amritsar, Punjab

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major public health problem. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The treatment success rate worldwide is around 50%.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all MDR-TB patients who were registered and being treated under PMDT services in Amritsar district from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015. The treatment outcome with their socio-demographic determinants was ascertained. Data management and analysis was done by using Microsoft excel and SPSS.Results: Out of 87 MDR-TB patients, 57 (65.5%) were males and 30 (34.4%) were females. The various treatment outcomes observed were- 30 (34.5%) cured, 19 (21.8%) treatment completed, 18 (20.7%) died, 13 (14.9%) defaulted, 4 (4.6%) shifted to XDR TB regime and 3 (3.4%) failure.Conclusions: On statistical analysis, it was observed that age (p=0.000), marital status (p=0.024), educational status (p=0.011) and occupation (p=0.002) were significantly associated with the treatment outcome. Other factors like sex, type of family and socio-economic status did not affect the treatment outcome.

Association between socio-demographic factors and blood groups with risk of diabetes mellitus in Dangila hospital, Awi Zone, North West Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease which is categorized as hyperglycemia. This disease is a multi-factorial trait that appears by interactions of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study was conducted through case–control method of study in Dangila, Ethiopia. The total number of individuals included as study subjects was 403, of these 201 were diabetic patients (81 type I and 120 type II diabetic patients) and 202 were non-diabetics patients. From 403 participants, 225 were males and 178 were females. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.RESULTS:A significant association was obtained between sex, age, marital status, blood group and Rh factors with diabetes mellitus but not with residence and family histories. Male from sex, above 40 years from age, married from marital status were more susceptible for diabetes, contrary females, 16-40 years and singles were lower risk of diabetic than other comparable categories. In case of blood group, type A was more susceptible and blood type O and AB were lower risk rate of diabetes mellitus. Additionally blood AB/Rh negative individuals were not affected by type I diabetes mellitus.CONCLUSION:The socio-demographic factor sex, age, and marital status showed a significant association but family history and residence did not show a significant association with DM. In blood groups, the other important point that observed was, no one founds who had AB blood groups that diagnose type one DM. The majority of the study participants had Rh-positive, though the significant difference between diabetic and non-diabetic was observed only in Rh negatives.

Hemoglobin status in pregnant women for diagnosis of anemia, assessment of severity and its socio-demographic determinants in rural area of Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Anaemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency disorders affecting the pregnant women in the developing countries. In India anaemia in pregnancy is a major health issue with adverse maternal and foetal outcome. Nutritional anaemia in pregnant women continues to be a cause of concern despite the fact that this problem is largely preventable and easily treatable. Objectives was to determine the prevalence and severity of anaemia in the pregnant women.Methods: Around 350 pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy were enrolled coming for the 1st time in outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kanpur from Janurary 2016 to December 2016. Information regarding age, age at marriage, age at 1st pregnancy, parity, Interval between previous and index pregnancy, no of abortions, educational status, dietary habits, Type of family, Socioeconomic status was collected in pre-designed structured schedule after taking written consent from pregnant women attending out-patient department. Haemoglobin estimation was done by auto analyser and anaemia was graded according to WHO criterion. Statistical analysis was done by percentages and proportions.Results: A high prevalence of anaemia, (87.71%) was observed in pregnant women. The current study shows (24.7%) cases of mild anaemia, (54.5%) cases of moderate anaemia, and (7.9%) of severe anaemia.Conclusions: A very high prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy needs awareness about late marriage, birth spacing, one or two child norm, antenatal care, green leafy vegetable in diet, mandatory regular supply of iron folic acid (IFA) tablets to adolescent and pregnant women along with correction of other nutritional deficiencies.

Padrões de prática de atividade física em adolescentes de um município da região Nordeste do Brasil / Standards of physical activity practices in adolescents in a city of Northeastern Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os padrões de prática de atividade física e analisar suas variações conforme as características sociodemográficas de adolescentes de um município da região nordeste do Brasil. A amostra foi de 2.350 adolescentes do município de João Pessoa (PB). Foram determinadas as prevalências de atividade física e calculados os escores de prática (minutos/semana): geral e por tipos (esportes, exercícios físicos, deslocamento ativo e atividades recreativas). A regressão linear foi utilizada para estimar a contribuição relativa dos tipos de prática para o escore geral de atividade física. As atividades mais praticadas foram: deslocamentos (55,2%) e esportes (52,7%). As atividades que apresentaram maior capacidade explicativa para o escore geral de prática foram: esportes (38,1%) e exercícios físicos (21,8%). A capacidade explicativa dos esportes foi elevada em todos os subgrupos, exceto no sexo feminino. A prática de exercícios físicos contribuiu para as maiores variações no escore geral nos adolescentes do sexo feminino e de escolas privadas. As atividades recreativas e o deslocamento ativo tiveram a maior contribuição para o sexo feminino. Esportes e exercícios foram as atividades que mais contribuíram para explicar as variações no escore geral de prática.

Abstract The scope of this study was to describe the standards of physical activity practices and analyze its variations as sociodemographic characteristics of adolescents in a city of Northeastern Brazil. The sample consisted of 2,350 adolescents in the city of João Pessoa in the Brazilian State of Paraíba. The prevalence of physical activity was determined and the practice scores (minutes/week) calculated: general and types (sports, exercise, active commuting and recreational activities). Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the relative contribution of the types of practice for the general score of physical activity. The physical activities most practiced were active commuting (55.2%) and sports (52.7%). The activities that presented the greatest explanatory capacity for the overall score of practice were: sports (38.1%) and exercises (21.8%). The explanatory capacity of sports was increased in all subgroups, except in female patients. The practice of exercise contributes to the major changes in the general score in female adolescents from private schools. Recreational activities and active commuting had the largest contribution for the female gender. Sports and exercise were the activities that contributed the most to explain the changes in the general practice score.

Magnitude of depression and its determinants among older persons in urban community of Agra

Background: With increasing life expectancy people are living longer but they are not necessarily healthier than before. Nearly a quarter (23%) of the overall global burden of death and illness is in people aged over 60, and much of this burden is attributable to long-term illness like non-communicable diseases and mental health problems. Aims & Objectives: Aim of the study the magnitude of depression among elderly population of Agra. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of depression in elderly population of Agra. 2. To study the factors associated with depression among elderly population of Agra. Material and Methods: This study was conducted among 355 elderly in urban Agra. Data was collected by house to house visit using pre-designed and pre-tested schedule. Geriatric depression scale (GDS-30) was used to assess the burden of depression in study population. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 68.05 years. Depression was found in 50.1% among study population and 15.5% had severe depression. Depression was more among the Illiterates, Muslims, financial dependents, those who were suffering from chronic disease/s, encountered a stressor in the last 6 months, less religious, not living with partner or suffered elderly abuse. Conclusion: High burden of depression was found among the victims of elderly abuse. Stressful life events and absence of spouse were found to be significant risk factors for depression. To deal with these factors we suggest a link worker Geriatric Age Social Health Agent (G-ASHA) to act as a link between family, community and authorities.

Socio-Demographic Influences on Adolescents' Eating Behavior: Based on the Korean Youth Risk Web-Based Survey from 2015

This study was conducted to explore socio-demographic influences on eating behaviors among adolescents in Korea. Data were obtained from the Eleventh Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2015 KYRBS), a nationwide representative sample of 3,532,149 middle and high school students. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, t-test, and logistic regression based on complex sample design using SPSS 20.0 statistics. The results showed that intake frequency of soda, fast food, and instant noodles was higher in male than female students (P<0.001). Additionally, the frequency of eating breakfast, fruits, vegetables, and milk was higher among high school students than middle school students (P<0.001). Higher levels of economic status were associated with less skipping breakfast. Adolescents with mothers that had higher levels of education were more likely to be frequent consumers of fruits, vegetables, and milk, and to eat breakfast.

Plasma Antioxidant Vitamins Are Not Related to Body Mass Index but Socio-demographic Factors among Apparently Healthy Nigerians Resident in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Existing literature suggests that oxidative stress may be an important underlying denominator for obesity development and its co-morbidities. The beneficial role of antioxidants in the prevention of oxidative stress and development of diseases is well known. The present study explored the associations between antioxidant vitamins and body mass index (BMI) with other health-related factors in apparently healthy Nigerians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 443 apparently healthy adults aged 18-83 years (mean 38.4±13.7 years) were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic data of the participants while weight (kg) and height (m) were determined using standard procedures. Participants were categorised as underweight (n=18), normal weight (n=259), overweight (n=124) and obese (n=42) in accordance with WHO BMI classification. Blood samples were collected for determination of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E using HPLC. Results: The prevalence of obesity in our study population was 9.5%. Obesity and overweight were found to be more prevalent among the artisans and individuals with secondary education. Vitamins A, C and E levels were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the BMI groups. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a non-significant relationship between plasma antioxidant vitamins and BMI in apparently healthy Nigerians in Abakaliki. However, our study suggests that secondary education and the middle age group (31-40 years) may be associated with overweight and obesity.

Prevalence of stroke and associated disability in Brazil: National Health Survey - 2013 / Prevalência de acidente vascular cerebral e de incapacidade associada no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - 2013

There is scarce data about prevalence of stroke in Brazil. The National Health Survey (PNS) is a community-based epidemiological survey, with a nationally representative sample to assess the absolute numbers with respective prevalence rates of stroke and post-stroke disabilities. It was estimated 2,231.000 stroke and 568,000 stroke cases with severe disabilities. The point prevalences was 1.6% and 1.4% in men and women, respectively. The prevalences of post-stroke disabilities were 29.5% for men and 21.5% for women. Stroke prevalence rates increased with aging, low education level, among people living in urban areas with no difference according to self-reported skin color. The degree of post-stroke disability was not statistically different according to sex, race, education level or living area. This new data from PNS show high stroke prevalence rates especially in older individuals without formal education and urban dweller, but the degree of stroke disability was not determined by the sociodemographic characteristics of the Brazilian population.

Há poucos dados sobre prevalência de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) no Brasil. A Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), um inquérito epidemiológico de base domiciliar, com amostra representativa nacional avaliou a prevalência de AVC no Brasil calculou o número absoluto estimado de pessoas com AVC e incapacidade por AVC e respectivas prevalências. Estimou-se 2.231.000 pessoas com AVC e 568.000 com incapacidade grave. A prevalência pontual foi 1,6% em homens e 1,4% em mulheres, e a de incapacidade 29,5% em homens e de 21,5% em mulheres. A prevalência aumentou com a idade, nos menos escolarizados, residentes da zona urbana sem diferenças pela cor da pele auto-declarada. O grau de incapacidade pós-AVC não foi estatisticamente diferente segundo sexo, raça, nível de educação ou área de moradia. Os dados inéditos da PNS mostram altas taxas de prevalências de AVC principalmente em indivíduos mais idosos, sem educação formal, moradores de centros urbanos porém o grau de incapacidade pelo ACV não foi determinado pelas características sociodemográficas da população brasileira.