The Role of Education and Demographic Factors in Condom Use among Male Drug Users in Malaysia

@#Introduction: The rising prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs is a major public health issue. This study intends to explore education and demographic correlates of use of condoms among male drug users in Malaysia. Methods: Data were extracted from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey 2017. Pearson’s chi-square tests and a logistic regression were used to examine the associations between condom use and education, and demographic factors. Results: Only a small proportion of drug users used condoms (25.7%). Educational backgrounds, age, ethnicity and marital status were associated with condom use. The likelihood of using condoms was lower among less educated drug users (aOR: 0.308–0.339). There was an interaction effect of education and age on condom use (aOR: 0.116–0.308). Chinese (aOR: 3.117) and those of other ethnicities (aOR: 2.934) were more likely to use condoms when compared with Malays. Being married (aOR: 0.291) or divorced/widowed (aOR: 0.346) was associated with reduced odds of using condoms. Conclusion: Education and demographic factors play an important role in influencing the decisions of Malaysian drug users to use condoms. Therefore, HIV-preventive measures targeting drug users could benefit by paying special attention to these factors.

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.

Variation in COVID Mortality with Different Demographic Factors in Districts of India

Background : Descriptive data suggests significant disparity in the COVID-19 related deaths across different demographic zones. Several studies have examined these factors at the intra-country or intrastate level. Our study analyzed the data at a District level. Methods : This cross-sectional study analyzed the association between Socio-demographic factors and COVID19 Mortality at a District level using Univariate and Multivariate linear regression models. Data for sixty randomly selected Districts was collected and compiled from free sources available in the public domain. Linear regression models were built and factors that were found to be significant were used in the model. Results : Univariate analysis revealed that COVID Mortality has a positive correlation with the literacy rate and a negative correlation with the percentage Rural population of the District. No significant relation was found with primary Health Center accessibility, Sex Ratio and the percentage of chronic illness. On Multivariate analysis, it was negatively correlated to only the percentage of the Rural population. Conclusion and Relevance : Our study concluded that as the rural population increased in a district, COVID 19 mortality decreased. There was no significant association with other sociodemographic variables.

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.

Professional Identity of Medical Students of Malaysia: Influence of Demographic Factors

@#Introduction: In medical education one of the main goal is to facilitate the development of professional identity of medical students. It is influenced by sociocultural factors whose influence has been examined by the empirical scholarship on professional identity research in a robust way. The current research studied the influence of gender, ethnicity and year of study on the professional identity of medical students using a validated instrument. Methods: The quantitative research approach using the cross sectional survey design is adopted in the present study. The instrument for the measurement of professional identity was developed using the items adapted from previous research. Stratified random sampling was used to collect the data from 318 participants. The reliability and construct validity of the instrument was evaluated using Smart PLS 3. Data was analysed, for descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 26. Result: Ethnicity, gender and year of study had an impact on the professional identity of medical students. Indian ethnicity had significantly higher positive influence. The female students had higher professional identity than male medical students. As the students’ progressed to higher level of their training their professional identity progressively decreased. Conclusion: The medical students trained with similar curricular activities and the learning experiences develop different levels of professional identity. The level of professional identity developed by the medical students in deferent gender, ethnicity, and year of study differes. The sociocultural factors need to be considered when designing activities aimed at development of medical students’ professional identity.

Cultural Competency of Medical Students: An Asian Context

@#Introduction: People of different cultures perceive health and disease differently. A culturally competent healthcare team is needed to provide quality healthcare. In Asian medical schools, less emphasis is laid on cultural competency training. In this context, the study aims to assess the cultural competency of medical students in Malaysia and to fathom the demographic factors influencing it. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on students from all five years of a Malaysian medical school using an adapted version of Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire (CCCQ) to tap the self-perceived knowledge, skills, comfort level in cross-cultural encounters and attitude towards cultural competency. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. Results: Among the 291 respondents, the cultural competency was found to be significantly different among medical students of different year of study, age, and ethnicity. However, with regards to gender, country of birth or the number of languages spoken, the difference was insignificant. The clinical year students had significantly higher scores on the knowledge, skills, comfort level and attitude domains of cultural competency when compared to the preclinical students. Chinese students’ perception on cultural competence was significantly distinct from Indian and Malay students. Conclusion: Exposure to cross cultural encounters in clinical settings and personal experiences seem to influence cultural competency of the medical students. It provides valuable data to plan for interventions, training and self-development strategies aimed at providing culturally attuned patient centred care.

Sobrevida do câncer colorretal na Grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil / Colorectal cancer survival in Greater Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a sobrevida específica em cinco anos do câncer colorretal diagnosticado entre 2008 e 2013, segundo sexo e faixa etária, de residentes na Grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva. A sobrevida específica pelo câncer colorretal foi considerada como o tempo entre o diagnóstico da doença até o óbito por câncer colorretal, em meses. Utilizaram-se dados do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional e do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Para estimar a probabilidade de sobrevida por sexo e faixa etária, utilizou-se o estimador de Kaplan-Meier, e, para estimar o efeito da faixa etária na sobrevida dos participantes, foi ajustado modelo de Cox estratificado por sexo. Resultados: De 2008 a 2013, registraram-se 683 casos novos e 193 óbitos por câncer colorretal. O tempo mediano entre o diagnóstico e a morte por câncer colorretal foi de 44,8 meses (IC95% 42,4-47,3) para as mulheres e 46,1 meses (IC95% 43,4-48,6) para os homens e a probabilidade de sobrevida em cinco anos de 83,5% (IC95% 79,9-87,2%) e 89,6% (IC95% 86,4-93,0%), respectivamente. Os homens com 70-79 anos (HR=2,97; IC95% 1,11-3,87) e com 80 anos ou mais (HR=3,09; IC95% 1,31-7,27) apresentaram maior risco de mortalidade e sem diferença para as mulheres. Conclusão: O sexo feminino apresentou menor tempo entre o diagnóstico e o óbito pela doença, assim como menor probabilidade de sobrevida. Em contrapartida, foram os homens que apresentaram maior risco de mortalidade a partir dos 70 anos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the specific five-year survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed between 2008 and 2013, according to sex and age group, of residents in Greater Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Specific survival of CRC was considered as the time between disease diagnosis and death from CRC, in months. Data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry and the Brazilian Mortality Information System were used. To estimate the probability of survival by sex and age group, the Kaplan-Meier estimator was used, and to estimate the effect of age group on the survival of participants, the Cox model stratified by sex was adjusted. Results: From 2008 to 2013, 683 new cases and 193 deaths from CRC were registered. The median time between diagnosis and death from CRC was 44.8 months (95%CI 42.4- 47.3) for women and 46.1 months (95%CI 43.4-48.6) for men, and the five-year survival probabilities of 83.5% (95%CI 79.9-87.2%) and 89.6% (95%CI 86.4-93.0%), respectively. Men aged 70-79 years (HR=2.97; 95%CI 1.11-3.87) and 80 years or older (HR=3.09; 95%CI 1.31-7.27) were at higher risk of mortality, and we verified no difference for women. Conclusion: Women had a shorter time between the diagnosis of CRC and death from the disease as well as a lower probability of survival. Conversely, men were at higher risk of mortality after 70 years of age.

Fatores que influenciam a mortalidade infantil / Factors influencing infant mortality / Factores que influyen en la mortalidad infantil

A taxa de mortalidade infantil é um indicador internacional que melhor representa os estágios de desenvolvimento econômico e social de um país ou região, uma vez que está diretamente ligada às características socioeconômicas e, consequentemente, sofre variações decorrentes de alterações neste padrão. Este artigo aponta os principais fatores que contribuíram no aumento da taxa de mortalidade infantil no Brasil no período de 2005 a 2019. Logo, configura-se como do tipo observacional, de caráter ecológico, com abordagem quantitativa, utilizando dados secundários sobre mortalidade infantil. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por intermédio do site do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), utilizando a ferramenta denominada TABNET para subtrair as informações sobre Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Em seguida foram analisados no software estatístico RStudio e apresentados em tabelas e gráficos. Os principais motivos para óbitos foram: afecções originadas no período perinatal, malformações congênitas, deformidade e anomalias cromossômicas, doenças do aparelho respiratório e algumas doenças infecciosas e parasitárias, sendo assim, observou-se que o ambiente hospitalar com 90,93% atingiu os maiores casos de mortalidade, seguido do ambiente domiciliar com 5,53%. Em relação às regiões, o Sudeste obteve maior número de casos de mortalidade infantil, seguido da região Nordeste. Percebe-se que a redução da mortalidade infantil é de extrema importância, bem como a descrição dos fatores que contribuem para a sua redução.

The infant mortality rate is an international indicator that best represents the stages of economic and social development of a country or region, since it is directly linked to socioeconomic characteristics and, consequently, suffers variations arising from changes in this pattern. This article points out the main factors that contributed to the increase in the infant mortality rate in Brazil in the period from 2005 to 2019. Therefore, it is characterized as observational, ecological, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data on infant mortality. Data collection was carried out through the website of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), using the tool called TABNET to subtract information on the Mortality Information System (SIM). They were then analyzed in the statistical software RStudio and presented in tables and graphs. The main reasons for death were: disorders originating in the perinatal period, congenital malformations, deformity and chromosomal abnormalities, respiratory system diseases and some infectious and parasitic diseases. Thus, it was observed that the hospital environment with 90.93% reached the highest mortality cases, followed by the home environment with 5.53%. In relation to the regions, the Southeast region had the highest number of infant mortality cases, followed by the Northeast region. It is perceived that the reduction of infant mortality is of extreme importance, as well as the description of the factors that contribute to its reduction.

La tasa de mortalidad infantil es un indicador internacional que mejor representa las etapas de desarrollo económico y social de un país o región, ya que está directamente vinculada a las características socioeconómicas y, en consecuencia, sufre variaciones derivadas de los cambios en este patrón. Este artículo señala los principales factores que contribuyeron al aumento de la tasa de mortalidad infantil en Brasil en el período de 2005 a 2019. Por lo tanto, se configura como de tipo observacional, de carácter ecológico, con abordaje cuantitativo, utilizando datos secundarios sobre mortalidad infantil. La recogida de datos se realizó a través de la página web del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud (DATASUS), utilizando la herramienta denominada TABNET para sustraer la información sobre el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad (SIM). A continuación, se analizaron en el programa estadístico RStudio y se presentaron en tablas y gráficos. Las principales causas de muerte fueron: trastornos originados en el período perinatal, malformaciones congénitas, deformidades y anomalías cromosómicas, enfermedades del sistema respiratorio y algunas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias, por lo que se observó que el medio hospitalario con 90,93% alcanzó los mayores casos de mortalidad, seguido del medio domiciliario con 5,53%. En relación a las regiones, la región Sudeste presentó el mayor número de casos de mortalidad infantil, seguida de la región Nordeste. Se percibe que la reducción de la mortalidad infantil es de extrema importancia, así como la descripción de los factores que contribuyen a su reducción.

Associations of SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold values with age, gender, sample collection setting, and pandemic period

ABSTRACT Cycle threshold (Ct) values in COVID-19 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests estimate the viral load in biological samples. Studies have investigated variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load, aiming to identify factors associated with higher transmissibility. Using the results from tests performed between May/2020-July/2022 obtained from the database of a referent hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, we investigated associations between Ct values and patient's age, gender, sample collection setting and pandemic period according to the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant locally. We also examined variations in Ct values, COVID-19 incidence, mortality, and vaccination coverage over time. The study sample included 42,741 tests. Gender was not significantly associated with Ct values. Age, sample collection setting and the pandemic period were significantly associated with Ct values even after adjustment to the multivariable model. Results showed lower Ct values in older groups, during the Gamma and Delta periods, and in samples collected in emergency units; and higher Ct values in children under 10 years old, home-based tests, during the Omicron period. We found evidence of a linear trend in the association between age and Ct values, with Ct values decreasing as age increases. We found no clear temporal associations between Ct values and local indicators of COVID-19 incidence, mortality, or vaccination between February/2020-November/2022. Our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 Ct values, a proxy for viral load and transmissibility, can be influenced by demographic and epidemiological variables.

Perfil de los adultos mayores institucionalizados en relación de las variables biopsicosociales y clínicas en América Latina

El envejecimiento es la consecuencia de daños moleculares y celulares a través del tiempo; se caracteriza por su diversidad factorial debido a que elementos ambientales, sociales, protectores y agresores presentes en el individuo a lo largo de su vida se interrelacionan y se asocian a cambios y transiciones los cuales generan un descenso gradual de capacidades físicas-psíquicas de este, que causa la aparición de necesidades en el adulto mayor, que muchas veces no pueden ser suplidas por su círculo familiar ni social. En este caso, la institucionalización se presenta como un conjunto de requisitos que pueden surgir del sujeto desde el momento en que ingresa a la vejez. La presente es una revisión de la literatura existente que tuvo como. Objetivo: identificar cada uno de los factores epidemiológicos, sociodemográficos, clínicos, psicosociales y de calidad de vida del adulto mayor institucionalizado. Por ello, se abordan definiciones, conceptos y epidemiología de la situación actual del envejecimiento mundial, factores asociados a la institucionalización de adultos mayores; sus patologías más comunes, la funcionalidad y el grado de dependencia, su importancia y los instrumentos para su medición, entre otros, así como el impacto en su calidad de vida. Se ha encontrado que los adultos mayores experimentan cambios biopsicosociales durante este período, que dependen de su estilo de vida, sistemas sociales y familiares, y que afectan continuamente sus diferentes áreas de funcionamiento, pierden su autonomía, alteran su calidad de vida y su percepción de esta.

Aging is the consequence of molecular and cellular damage over time; it is characterized by its factorial diversity due to environmental elements, social, protective and aggressors present in the individual throughout his life are interrelated and associated with changes and transitions which generate a gradual decrease in physical-psychic capacities of this, which causes the appearance of needs in the elderly, which often cannot be supplied by their family or social circle. In this case, institutionalization is presented as a possible recourse to the demands that arise in the subject from his entry into the senescence. The present is a review of the existing literature that aimed to identify each of the epidemiological, sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial and quality of life factors of the institutionalized elderly. Therefore, it addresses definitions, concepts and epidemiology of the current situation of global aging, factors associated with the institutionalization of older adults; their most common pathologies, functionality and degree of dependence, their importance and the instruments for their measurement, among others, as well as the impact on their quality of life. It is concluded that older adults in this period experience biopsychosocial changes that depend on lifestyle, social and family system and continuously influence its various areas of operation, loss of autonomy, that alters your quality of life and your perception of it.

Conhecimento Nutricional de Adultos e Idosos do Município de Caxias do Sul-RS / Nutritional Knowledge of Residents of the City of Caxias do Sul-RS, Brazil

Introdução: Conhecimento nutricional é a noção de conceitos e processos relacionados à nutrição e saúde, incluindo associações de conhecimentos sobre dieta e saúde, dieta e doenças, fontes de nutrientes e recomendações dietéticas. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento nutricional da população de Caxias do Sul e investigar suas associações com variáveis sociodemográficas e dados antropométricos. Métodos: Estudo transversal incluindo moradores do município de Caxias do Sul, entre 18 e 80 anos. Através de questionário on-line, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e antropométricos dos participantes. Para avaliar o conhecimento nutricional, foram utilizadas as seções 2 e 4 do questionário GNKQ (General NutritionKnowledgeQuestionnaire for Adults). As 26 questões possuíam diversos itens e cada item assinalado corretamente recebeu 1 ponto, totalizando 57 pontos possíveis. O conhecimento nutricional foi classificado em baixo (até 19 pontos), médio (entre 20 e 38 pontos) e alto (acima de 39 pontos). Resultados: O conhecimento nutricional médio da amostra foi 39,9 ± 6,1 pontos. A maioria dos participantes foi classificada como detentores de alto conhecimento nutricional (n=184; 61,1%, média 43,8 ± 3,6 pontos). Houve diferença estatística entre gêneros (p<0,001), renda (p=0,009), escolaridade (p=0,015) e profissionais e estudantes de Nutrição (p<0,001). Mulheres, pessoas com renda mais elevada e grau de escolaridade maior, bem como estudantes e profissionais de Nutrição apresentaram maior conhecimento nutricional. Conclusão: A amostra de adultos e idosos de Caxias do Sul-RS possui um bom conhecimento nutricional, com maiores pontuações entre as participantes do sexo feminino, maior renda, maior escolaridade e profissionais ou estudantes de Nutrição.

Introduction: Nutritional knowledge is the understanding of the concepts and processes of nutrition and health, including combinations of knowledge about diet and health, diet and diseases, nutritional sources, and dietary recommendations. Objective: To assess the nutritional knowledge of the population from Caxias do Sul and investigate their associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric data. Methods: Cross-sectional study including residents of Caxias do Sul, between 18 and 80 years old. Through an online questionnaire, sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. To evaluate the nutritional knowledge, sections 2 and 4 from GNKQ (General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for adults) were used. The 26 questions had several items and each item marked correctly received 1 point, totaling 57 possible points. The nutritional knowledge was classified as low (up to 19 points), medium (between 20 and 38 points) and high (above 39 points). Results: The sample nutritional knowledge was 39.9 ± 6.1 points. Most of the participants were classified as high nutritional knowledge (n=184; 61.1%, average 43.8 ± 3.6 points). There was a statistical difference between gender (p<0.001), income (p=0.009), schooling (p=0.015) and nutrition students or dietitians (p<0.001). Women, people with higher income and schooling, as well as nutrition students or dietitians demonstrated higher nutritional knowledge. Conclusions: The sample of adults and older people from Caxias do Sul-RS has considerable nutritional knowledge, with a higher score between female participants, higher income, higher level of education, and nutrition students or dietitians.

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.

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.

Factores sociales y demográficos asociados al embarazo y al embarazo repetido en mujeres adolescentes de Perú / Social and demographic factors associated with pregnancy and repeated pregnancy in adolescent women in Peru

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los factores sociales y demográficos asociados al embarazo y al embarazo repetido en mujeres adolescentes de Perú MÉTODO: Estudio transversal analítico realizado a partir de las encuestas de población ENDES 2009 a 2018 en Perú. Participaron mujeres adolescentes entre 12 y 19 años de edad. Se recogió información de condición de embarazo y características sociales y demográficas. Se aplicó la prueba de χ2 y se calculó la razón de prevalencia ajustada con su intervalo de confianza al 95% usando regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. RESULTADOS: En el estudio se incluyeron 49 676 mujeres adolescentes. El 12,6% tuvieron un embarazo y el 5,1% tuvieron dos o más embarazos. Se evidenció asociación entre edad, región geográfica, origen étnico, nivel educativo, nivel económico y embarazo adolescente (p < 0,001). Los niveles educativo y económico inferiores presentaron una mayor razón de prevalencia de embarazo adolescente, siendo mayor incluso en situaciones de dos o más embarazos. CONCLUSIONES: En la población de mujeres adolescentes de Perú, el 17,7% estuvieron embarazadas y el 5,1% tuvieron embarazo repetido. Existe asociación entre embarazo adolescente y bajos niveles económico y educativo; esta asociación se incrementa en situaciones de embarazo repetido.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the social and demographic factors associated with pregnancy and repeated pregnancy in adolescent women in Peru. METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study carried out from the ENDES population surveys 2009 to 2018 in Peru. Adolescent women between 12 and 19 years of age participated. Information on pregnancy status and number of children was collected, as well as social and demographic characteristics. The χ2 test was applied, the adjusted prevalence ratio with its 95% confidence interval was calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: 49 676 adolescent women were included in the study. The 17.7% had one or more pregnancies and 5.1% two or more pregnancies. The analysis showed an association between geographic region, age, ethnic origin, educational level, economic level and adolescent pregnancy (p < 0.001). The lower levels of educational level and economic level presented a higher prevalence ratio of adolescent pregnancy, being higher even in situations of two or more pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: In the population of adolescent women in Peru, 17.7% were pregnant and 5.1% had repeated pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with low economic and educational levels; this association increases in situations of repeated pregnancy.

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.

Association of menopausal sexual dysfunction with demographic and obstetric factors in postmenopausal women in Hamadan, Iran

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common menopausal problem that may be affected by demographic factors. The present study aimed to determine demographic and obstetric factors affecting sexual dysfunction in menopause.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 315 postmenopausal women in Hamadan. The research instruments included demographic questionnaire, and female sexual function index (FSFI). Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to investigate the association of different factors and sexual function at a significance level of less than 0.05.Results: The participants' mean age was 54.15±4.24 years. Their mean sexual function score was 18.92±4.25 indicating poor sexual function. The multivariate analysis indicated that increasing the number of spouse marriage, sexual function score decreased by 2.45 (p=0.006). Furthermore, the sexual function score in those, who were not satisfied with their marriage, was 5.58 points lower than those who were satisfied with their marriage status (p <0.001).Conclusions: Given the relationship between number of spouse marriage and marital satisfaction with sexual function in postmenopausal women, it is necessary to design and implement training sessions for them.

Demographic profile in women undergoing second stage caesarean section

Background: Incidence of caesarean section is rapidly rising over the last two decades and 25% is contributed by second stage caesarean section. Demographic factors influencing fetomaternal outcome in second stage caesarean section include BMI, socioeconomic status, booking/ unbooking status, gravidity and maternal height.Methods: The present study was prospective observational study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Lady Hardanger Medical College New Delhi from December 2015 to March 2017. 80 women were enrolled in the study. A detailed history and examination of each patient was carried out. Women were observed during lab our till second stage caesarean section.Results: Mean age of population was 25.26±3.75 ranging from 19-40 year. 76.25% included in study were booked and 11.25% were unbooked, 42.5% belonged to lower middle class and 31.25% belonged to upper middle class. 47% women had height of <150 cm and 70% had a BMI between (25-29.9) kg/m. 43% women had gestational age between 39-40 weeks.Conclusions: Second stage caesarean section was more common in young age group and primigravidae. Higher BMI was not only operative but obstetrical risk as well.

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.