The impact of access to electricity on mental health in conflict-affected territories: An exploratory study in Gaza.

BACKGROUND: Access to affordable and clean energy is an essential component of the Sustainable Development Goals and a determinant of physical and mental health. However, the occupied Palestinian territory, the Gaza Strip, has experienced prolonged issues with electricity, water and gas supplies. This has significantly impacted on daily life and the area is on the verge of disaster. This research focused on the mental health effects of the lack of electricity in Gaza which have not been previously documented. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic approach was adopted. A survey was administrated face-to-face with respondents from 350 participating households. Inferential statistical analysis was used to examine the relationship between the domains of anxiety, depression, wellbeing and electricity supply factors. A multiple linear regression model was also utilised. RESULTS: There is a highly statistically significant link between continuity of electricity and level of anxiety (p < .001). The same effect was reported in the level of depression, and a higher level was observed among residents with an intermittent or disrupted electricity supply, with a statistically significant link between the level of depression and continuity of electricity. CONCLUSION: Electricity issues, especially when combined with other stressors associated with living in Gaza, lead to serious mental health concerns. Urgent attention must be given to developing sustainable, reliable and affordable energy supplies for short- and long-term health and community development.

Health Impact of Drinking Water Quality on the Occurrence of Osteoporosis in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Background: Improving water supply quality could be essential for disease prevention strategy that promotes human health. The study aims to investigate the relationship between drinking water quality and the occurrence of osteoporosis in Gaza Strip. Methods: A case-control study design was used, and a multistage sampling method was employed at the main orthopedic clinic. Participants included 200 individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis and 200 without osteoporosis. All subjects underwent a DEXA scan, and drinking water samples for chemical analysis were done. A structured face-to-face interview was conducted Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26, and both descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and binary logistic regression) were used. Results: Factors such as the source of drinking and cooking water, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status were found important in the occurrence of osteoporosis. The source of drinking, cooking water, lifestyle, and socioeconomic played a significant impact in the development of osteoporosis. Bivariate analysis revealed that a number of factors, including female gender, low physical activity, older age (41-50), inadequate education, drinking and cooking water source, and older age (41-50), had a statistically significant association with osteoporosis. With the exception of Mg (>PH =.105, Ca =.102, Mg =.046), the chemical water quality parameter had an impact on the occurrence of osteoporosis but did not achieve a significant difference. Osteoporosis was less likely to occur in people who were obese. Age, obesity, and the lack of magnesium in drinking water were independent predictors of osteoporosis. Conclusions: The study has identified the need for preventive measures to improve drinking water quality to reduce the incidence of various health conditions, including osteoporosis.

Successful aging among community-dwelling palestinian older adults: Prevalence and association with sociodemographic characteristics, health, and nutritional status.

BACKGROUND: Aging population and life expectancy are increasing globally, to cope with this trend, successful aging (SA) attracted the attention of gerontology research to determine its prevalence, risk factors, and its correlates. However, the published research about SA and older adult's health are sparse in Palestine. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of SA, normal aging, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Palestinian older adults in Hebron governorates. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during March 2018-May 2018 among a total of 185 participants selected by stratified random sampling from five different areas in Hebron governance. SA was defined based on the multidimentional model; absence of chronic diseases, normal functional status with complete independency, maintains normal cognitive and psychological function and social engagement. Sociodemographic data, nutrition, and health status were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of SA among older Palestinians (22.2%), usual aging (58.9%), and the MCI (18.9%), with no significant difference in the prevalence between men and women P <0.05. The most prevalent subdomain is independent living skill (77.8%) and the lowest is the absence of chronic diseases (30.8%). SA was associated with younger older age (60-70 years), still working, and well-nourished participants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed, successful aging is associated with younger age, still working and good nutritional status. Further research with appropriate methodology different parts of Palestine is required.

The Impact of Oral Intake of Dydrogesterone on Fetal Heart Development During Early Pregnancy.

Congenital heart disease is the most frequent form of congenital anomaly in newborn infants and accounts for more than a quarter of all serious congenital afflictions worldwide. A genetic etiology is identified in <20 % of cases of congenital heart defects, and in most cases the etiology remains a mystery. In the context of the health burden caused by congenital heart disease, the contribution of non-inherited risk factors is important especially if it turns out to be caused by a drug which can be avoided during pregnancy. We sought to determine whether maternal dydrogesterone treatment in early pregnancy is associated with congenital heart disease in the infant. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of birth defects and associated risk factors. Data were obtained and compared between 202 children born with congenital heart disease and a control group consisting of 200 children. All children were born in the period of 2010-2013. Dydrogesterone exposure was defined as any reported use during the first trimester of pregnancy. Exclusion criteria included stillbirths, children with chromosomal abnormalities and infants of mothers with chronic medical illnesses, e.g., diabetes. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data and attempt to identify a causal relationship between drug exposure and congenital heart disease. Mothers of children born with congenital heart disease received more dydrogesterone during first trimester of pregnancy than mothers of children in the control group [adjusted odds ratio 2.71; (95 % CI 1.54-4.24); P = 0.001]. We identified a positive association between dydrogesterone usage during early pregnancy and congenital heart disease in the offspring. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Health behaviour and health awareness in infant mortality in the Gaza Strip.

BACKGROUND: Infant death rate has declined over the past decades, yet remains high in Palestine. The topic of infant death is well researched and for the first time in Palestine. The objective of our study is to assess the level of awareness and health behaviour of mothers and how this behaviour has affected infant mortality. METHODS: Person to person interviews were done with 550 mothers of infants (275 cases and 275 controls) in the Gaza Strip. Stillbirths were excluded. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the relationship of health behavioural factors and infant mortality. RESULT: The study showed that infant mortality risks were higher in mothers exposed to passive smoking. Infant mortality was lower for infants receiving exclusive breastfeeding. There was also a significant association between the sleeping position of the baby and infant mortality. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the importance of explicit attention to health education. A well-organized consultation and health promotion approach should focus on couples whose child has died, in order to combat infant mortality.