Exploring the association of self-rated oral health with self-rated general and mental health among older adults in a resource-poor context: Insights for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults in Ghana have been disproportionately affected by oral health issues such as caries and periodontitis. This situation calls for comprehensive attention within health and healthcare policies, due to the established connections between oral health and other aspects of health and well-being in high-income countries, including physical and mental health. However, there is a significant gap in the literature when it comes to exploring the association of oral health with physical and mental health in resource-constrained settings like Ghana. METHODS: To address this void, we collected a cross-sectional sample comprising older adults aged 60 and above (n = 1073) and analyzed self-rated health measures to investigate the relationship between oral health and general and mental health in Ghana. RESULTS: The results of our logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association: older adults who reported poor oral health were more likely to rate their general (OR = 5.10; p < .001) and mental health (OR = 4.78, p < .001) as poor, compared to those with good oral health, even after accounting for demographic and socioeconomic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, we discuss the policy implications of our findings, especially in the context of advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Ghana and other resource-constrained settings.

Factors Associated with the Uptake of HIV Testing in Canada: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Study.

In this study, we explore the factors associated with the uptake of HIV testing at the national level in Canada. Using the 2015-16 Canadian Community Health Survey and applying logistic regression analysis, we examine the associations between HIV testing and factors identified by the Andersen's behavioral model of healthcare utilization. We find that a range of predisposing, enabling, and need factors are significantly associated with HIV testing. For example, compared to the oldest respondents (i.e. 55-64), their younger counterparts (i.e. 45-54, 35-44, and 25-34) are more likely to have been tested for HIV. Compared to those in Atlantic Canada, respondents in Quebec (OR = 1.96, p < .001), Ontario (OR = 1.44, p < .001), Prairies (OR = 1.37, p < .001), British Columbia (OR = 1.99, p < .001), and the Territories (OR = 2.22, p < .001) are all more likely to have been tested for HIV. Based on these findings, we provide several important suggestions for policymakers and future research.

Toward Ending Violence Against Women: The Association of Intimate Partner Violence With Food Security Status Among Ever-Married Women in Cameroon.

Despite an extensive body of literature that explores potential mechanisms explaining the factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women, very few studies have studied the association of food security status with women's experience of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa countries, including Cameroon. Using data from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (n = 4,690), we explore the association between food security status and three distinct forms of IPV (i.e., emotional, sexual, and physical IPV) among ever-married women in Cameroon. Adjusting for socioeconomic, demographic, and attitudinal and behavioral characteristics, we found that women with severe (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09, p < .01), moderate (OR = 1.88, p < .05), and mild (OR = 1.76, p < .05) food insecurity were more likely to experience sexual IPV, compared to those without any food insecurity, whereas women with severe food insecurity were more likely to experience physical IPV (OR = 1.89, p < .001). Although women with severe (OR = 1.51, p < .01) and moderate (OR = 1.67, p < .001) food insecurity had a higher likelihood of experiencing emotional IPV at a bivariate level, we found that these associations became no longer significant in our adjusted model. These findings suggest that food insecurity is a critical risk factor for IPV among ever-married women in Cameroon. Addressing IPV requires a comprehensive strategy that places special emphasis on households experiencing food insecurity. There is also an urgent need to implement educational programs to increase awareness of the interconnection between food insecurity and IPV and to allocate resources to community-based initiatives that empower women both economically and socially.

Exploring the link between household structure and women's household decision-making autonomy in Mauritania.

Governments in sub-Saharan African countries aim to increase married women's household decision-making autonomy as it remains a critical determinant of desirable health behaviours such as healthcare utilisation, antenatal care visits, and safer sex negotiation. However, very few studies explore how household structure (i.e., monogamous or polygamous) is associated with married women's household decision-making autonomy. Our paper seeks to address this gap. Using the 2019-20 Mauritania Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative dataset, and applying logistic regression analysis, we explore how married women's household structure is associated with their household decision-making autonomy. We find that 9% of married women are in polygamous marriages, while 63% and 65% are involved in decision-making about their health and large household purchases, respectively. Additionally, 76% and 56% are involved in decision-making about visiting family or relatives and household expenditures. After accounting for socio-economic and demographic factors, we find that compared to women from monogamous households, those from polygamous households are less likely to participate in decision-making about their health (OR=0.65, p < 0.001), making large household purchases (OR=0.65, p < 0.001), visiting family or relatives (OR=0.72, p < 0.001), and household expenditure (OR=0.58, p < 0.001). Based on our findings, we recommend the urgent need to review and re-evaluate policies and approaches seeking to promote gender equality and women's autonomy in Mauritania. Specifically, it may be critical for intervention programmes to work around reducing power imbalances in polygamous household structures that continue to impact married women's household decision-making autonomy adversely. Such interventions should centre married women's socio-economic status as a central component of their empowerment strategies in Mauritania.

Knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women living with HIV in Malawi.

OBJECTIVES: To reduce the incidence of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in Malawi, interventions have been created for women to be informed about the MTCT of HIV and for women living with HIV to be entered into the HIV care cascade to ensure safer deliveries. Our study aimed to examine the effectiveness of these strategies by exploring the determinants of adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV among women living with HIV in Malawi. METHODS: We used the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey data and applied logistics regression analysis to explore the determinants of adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV among women living with HIV. RESULTS: Our findings estimated that 75% of women living with HIV possessed adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV. We also found that compared to those with no formal education, women with primary education (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.41) and secondary education or higher (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.21, 5.62) were more likely to have adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV. Furthermore, women who were resident in rural areas (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.58, 5.57), were more likely to have adequate knowledge of MTCT of HIV relative to those in urban areas. Finally, women who had adequate HIV knowledge (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.89) and those who rejected the endorsement of HIV stigma and discrimination (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.39, 3.81) were more likely to have adequate knowledge about the MTCT of HIV. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, there is an urgent need to offer women living with HIV in Malawi the opportunity to increase their knowledge of MTCT of HIV if the country is to make progress towards the elimination of MTCT of HIV as part of the overall strategy to contain new HIV infections in the country.

Assessing the role of dental insurance in oral health care disparities in Canadian adults.

Background: This study examines the association of dental insurance with oral health care access and utilization in Canada while accounting for income and sociodemographic factors. It contributes to a baseline of oral health care disparities before the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Data and methods: This retrospective study of Canadians aged 18 to 64 years is based on data from the 2022 Canadian Community Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association of dental insurance with the recency and frequency of dental visits, as well as avoidance of dental care because of cost. Results: Overall, 65.7% of Canadians reported visiting a dental professional in the previous year: 74.6% of those with private insurance, 62.8% with public insurance, and 49.8% uninsured. Cost-related avoidance of dental care was 16.0%, 20.9%, and 47.4% for the privately insured, publicly insured, and uninsured, respectively. After adjustment, adults with private (odds ratio [OR]=2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.32 to 2.78) and public (OR=2.17; 95% CI: 1.75 to 2.68) insurance were more likely to have visited a dental professional in the last year compared with those without insurance. Similarly, both private (OR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.25) and public (OR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.29) insurance holders showed a significantly lower likelihood of avoiding dental visits because of cost when compared with uninsured individuals. Interpretation: This study showed the significant association of dental insurance with access to oral health care in Canada, contributing to setting a critical benchmark for assessments of the CDCP's effectiveness in addressing oral health disparities.

Endorsement of HIV misconceptions over time among females and males in Haiti.

To address high HIV prevalence rates in Haiti, disseminating information about HIV transmission has been emphasized. Yet, after several decades, we do not know how effective HIV information dissemination has been in reducing HIV misconceptions. Using the 2005-06, 2012, and 2016-17 Haiti Demographic and Health Surveys and applying logistic regression, we found nuanced gender dynamics in endorsing HIV misconceptions over time. Among females at the bivariate level, the odds of endorsement of HIV misconceptions in 2012 (OR = 0.87, p < 0.05) and 2016-17 (OR = 0.68, p < 0.001) had declined compared to 2005-06. At the multivariate level, however, we observed that demographic factors suppressed the difference between 2005-06 and 2012, although those in 2016-17 (OR = 0.71, p < 0.001) were still less likely to endorse HIV misconceptions. However, this relationship disappeared once we added behavioral factors (OR = 0.93, p > 0.05). Among males, after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors at the multivariate level, those in 2012 (OR = 1.55, p < 0.001) and 2016-17 (OR = 1.24, p < 0.01) were more likely to endorse HIV misconceptions compared to men in 2005-06. We recommend that while improving women's access to HIV services, it is important to incorporate the HIV needs of males into the National HIV policy priority areas.

Beyond Purchasing Power: The Association Between Sense of Community Belongingness and Food Insecurity Among Older Adults in Canada.

Food is a basic human need, yet a significant proportion of older Canadian adults are vulnerable to food insecurity. The health risks associated with aging make food insecurity among this subgroup a critical policy issue. In Canada, policy solutions to food insecurity are however skewed toward the provision of income support to vulnerable groups. While these income support programs are timely, little emphasis is placed on social factors such as sense of community belongingness. This is despite evidence that food insecurity is a socially mediated experience that goes beyond the ability to purchase food. Drawing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 24,546) and using negative log-log regression, we examined the association between sense of community belongingness and food insecurity among older adults. Findings show that older adults with a "very weak" (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, p < .001) and "somewhat weak" (OR = 1.23, p < .01) sense of community belongingness were significantly more likely to be food insecure compared to those with a "very strong" sense of belongingness. This study contributes to a growing body of the literature that demonstrates the need for an integrated approach to addressing food insecurity - one that goes beyond income support to include consideration of social factors like sense of community belonging.

Polygamy and safe sex negotiation among married women: evidence from Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Research indicates that women in polygamous relationships may be exposed to unique sexual and reproductive health challenges. However, there are very few studies that examine whether polygamy is associated with safe sex negotiation among married women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon. METHODS: Using the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey, we apply logistic regression analysis to compare two indicators of safe sex negotiation (i.e., the ability to ask for condom use and refuse sex against their partner) between polygamous (n = 1,628) and monogamous (n = 5,686) women aged 15-49 years old. RESULTS: We find that 67% and 50% of married women can ask for condom use and refuse sex against their partner, respectively. Multivariate analysis further reveals that women in polygamous relationships are less likely to report they can ask for condom use (OR = 0.71, p < 0.001) and refuse sex (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001) in comparison to their monogamous counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis found that in Cameroon, women in polygamous relationships, Muslim women, married women with inadequate HIV knowledge, those who had never been tested for HIV and women with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to negotiate for safe sex. Based on these findings, we discuss several implications for policymakers, including the establishment of a comprehensive family planning educational program and the deployment of community health workers to disseminate educational initiatives pertaining to safe sex negotiation to community members.

Understanding the uptake of HIV testing among women in Liberia: the role of female genital mutilation/cutting.

Past studies show that the processes of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) on women can increase their susceptibility to HIV infection. This is because genital tears or ruptures, scars and wounds from FGM/C may expose survivors to heightened risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, if they engage in unsafe sexual practices. Hence, there is the need to promote HIV screening and testing among this population. Yet, in Liberia, there is a dearth of studies exploring the uptake of HIV testing among women who have experienced FGM/C. To understand this relationship, we used the 2019-2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) and employed logistic regression analysis to answer the following questions: (1) Are FGM/C survivors less likely to have been tested for HIV compared to non-FGM/C women; and (2) How does this disparity in the uptake of HIV testing differ by women's marital status? We found that survivors of FGM/C were less likely to have been tested for HIV than non-FGM/C women, even after accounting for theoretically relevant variables (OR = 0.83, p < 0.01). In response to our second question, we found that survivors of FGM/C who were formerly married were less likely to have been tested for HIV compared to their non-FGM/C counterparts (OR = 0.48, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of trauma-informed HIV prevention strategies in Liberia, and the need for policymakers to take a holistic approach to addressing the challenges that FGM/C survivors, especially formerly married women, may face in accessing HIV prevention and testing services, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all at-risk groups.

The association between mother-to-child HIV transmission knowledge and antenatal care utilisation in Cameroon.

While the health benefits of antenatal care (ANC) utilisation for mothers and their infants have been well documented, very few studies have explored the association between mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mothers' utilisation of ANC in HIV endemic regions such as Cameroon. To address this void in the literature, we use the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey to examine the association between mother's knowledge of MTCT of HIV and the three strands of ANC utilisation (i.e., number of ANC visits, timing to first ANC visit, and place of delivery). We found that women with adequate MTCT knowledge were more likely to have four to seven ANC visits (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.39, p < 0.001) and more than eight ANC visits (RRR = 1.43, p < 0.05), compared to their counterparts with inadequate knowledge. Similarly, women with adequate MTCT knowledge were more likely to attend ANC within the first trimester (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, p < 0.05) and to give birth in a health facility (OR = 1.37, p < 0.001) than their counterparts with inadequate MTCT of HIV knowledge. These results remained robust after controlling for theoretically relevant variables. Based on these findings, we discussed several implications for policymakers and recommendations for future research.

Healthcare seeking behaviour during illness among older adults in Ghana: does food security status matter?

BACKGROUND: Ghana's growing older adult population raises critical questions regarding healthcare for these older adults. At the same time, food insecurity is high among older adults in Ghana. This underscores the need to investigate the issues of food security and healthcare seeking behaviour among older adults. However, research on the association between food security status and healthcare seeking behaviour among older adults is scant in the Ghanaian context. In this study, we advance the social gerontology literature by examining the association between food security status and healthcare seeking behaviors among older adults. METHODS: Using a multi-stage sampling framework, we collected data from a representative sample of older adults across three regions in Ghana. Data were analyzed using logistic regression technique. We determined the significance of the test at a probability value of 0.05 or less. RESULTS: Over two-thirds (69%) of respondents did not seek care during their last illness. Additionally, 36% of respondents were severely food insecure, 21% were moderately food insecure, 7% were mildly food insecure, and 36% were food secure. After controlling for theoretically relevant variables, our multivariable analysis revealed a statistically significant association between food security status and healthcare seeking behaviors with older people who are food secure (OR = 1.80, p < 0.01) and mildly food insecure (OR = 1.89, p < 0.05) being more likely to seek healthcare compared with their counterparts who are food insecure. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need for sustainable intervention programs to improve food access and health service use among older adults in Ghana and similar contexts.

Understanding the association between unmet dental care needs and household food security status among older people in Ghana.

The literature recognizes food insecurity as a barrier to access to health care services. However, we know very little about the association between food insecurity and unmet dental care needs among older people in Ghana. To address this void in the literature, this study uses a representative survey of adults aged 60 or older from three regions in Ghana to examine whether older people who experienced household food insecurity differently report unmet dental care needs in comparison to their counterparts without any food insecurity. We find that 40% of older adults reported unmet dental care needs. Results from logistic regression analysis show that older people who experienced severe household food insecurity were more likely to report unmet dental care needs, compared to those who did not experience any type of food insecurity, even after accounting for theoretically relevant variables (OR = 1.94, p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we discuss several implications for policymakers and directions for future research.

Factors Associated with Deworming Medication Utilization among Pregnant Women in Benin: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey.

Deworming medication utilization is a useful strategy to reduce the burden of anemia among pregnant women. Yet, we know very little about the prevalence and correlates of deworming medication utilization among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. To address this void in the literature, we used the 2017-2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey and applied logistic regression analysis to explore the demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors associated with deworming medication utilization in Benin. We found that deworming medication coverage was 65% at the national level. We observed that women aged 35-49 years were less likely to use deworming medication compared to those aged 15-24 years (OR = 0.79, p < 0.01). Compared to Christian women, Muslim women (OR = 0.70, p < 0.01) and women of other religions (OR = 0.51, p < 0.01) were also less likely to use deworming medication. Moreover, women with lower levels of education and household wealth, as well as unemployed women, were less likely to use deworming medication in comparison to their educated, richer, and employed counterparts. Women who visited ANC fewer than eight times were also less likely to use deworming medication compared to their counterparts who did so eight times or more (OR = 0.65, p < 0.001). Based on these findings, we discussed several implications for policymakers.

Correction to: Strengthening the Collection and Use of Disaggregated Data to Understand and Monitor the Risk and Burden of COVID-19 Among Racialized Populations.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s42650-021-00050-2.].

Regular Dental Care Utilization: The Case of Immigrants in Ontario, Canada.

Considering the critical role of oral health on people's well-being, access to regular dental care to improve oral health may be a useful medium for improving immigrant integration and settlement in Canada. Using the 2013-14 Canadian Community Health Survey, this study contributes to the literature and policy by examining if there are disparities in regular utilization of dental care among recent immigrants, established immigrants, and the native-born in Ontario, Canada. Adopting Andersen's behavioural model of health services use as a conceptual framework, we introduce three sets of variables in our statistical analysis including predisposing, need, and enabling factors. At the bivariate level, recent (OR = 0.42, p < 0.001) and established immigrants (OR = 0.81, p < 0.001) are less likely to use dental care at least once a year than their native-born counterparts. Once accounting for enabling characteristics, however, we observe that the direction of the association becomes positive for established immigrants (OR = 1.15, p < 0.05). The difference between recent immigrants and the native-born is partially attenuated when we control for enabling characteristics but remains statistically significant (OR = 0.73, p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we provide several implications for policymakers and future research.

Association between poor food production and intimate partner violence among smallholder farmers in northwestern Benin.

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) remain concerningly high in Benin, particularly in the predominantly rural region of Atacora in the northwest. In the context of increasing food insecurity, concerns have been raised regarding the role that lack of food in the household may be playing in increasing the rate of IPV in this context. This study aims to investigate the association between household food production and IPV in Atacora, Benin. Using a social ecological model and drawing from family stress theory, we analysed data from a cross-sectional survey of 300 women in the study region. Logistic regression and sequential modelling results show that after controlling for individual, household and community level factors, insufficient food production is positively associated with women's likelihood of experiencing physical (adjusted OR=6.50 [2.48, 17.04], p < .01) and sexual violence (adjusted OR=4.49 [1.68, 11.99], p < .01). We conclude that production-oriented interventions in rural farming communities may reduce women's risk of IPV by increasing households' access to food and reducing family stress. Long term interventions would do well to focus on improving women's access to land and building capacity in the management of marital conflict without violence.

Maternal Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination in Benin: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey.

Tetanus toxoid vaccination is critical for improving maternal and child health. Yet, the prevalence and correlates of maternal tetanus toxoid vaccination coverage remain largely underexplored in Benin where infant and child mortality rates are high. Using the 2017−18 Benin Demographic and Health Survey, we apply logistic regression analysis to address this void in the literature. We find that overall maternal vaccination coverage is 69%. A range of demographic, health care, and socioeconomic factors are associated with maternal tetanus toxoid vaccination coverage. Women aged 20−34 (OR = 0.84, p < 0.05) and 35−49 (OR = 0.63, p < 0.01) are less likely to receive tetanus toxoid vaccination in comparison to those aged 15−19. Health care factors are also significantly associated with maternal tetanus toxoid vaccination, indicating that women who deliver at home (OR = 0.20, p < 0.001) and visit antenatal care fewer than eight times (OR = 0.62, p < 0.001) are less likely to receive tetanus toxoid vaccination than their counterparts who deliver in a health facility and visit antenatal care eight times or more. We also find that women with secondary (OR = 0.54, p < 0.05), primary (OR = 0.47, p < 0.01), and no education (OR = 0.47, p < 0.01) are less likely to receive tetanus toxoid vaccination compared to their counterparts with higher education. Based on these findings, we discuss several implications for policymakers.

Understanding the Link between Household Food Insecurity and Self-Rated Oral Health in Ghana.

There is increasing scholarly attention on the role of food insecurity on the health of older adults in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. Yet, we know very little about the association between food insecurity and self-rated oral health. To address this void in the literature, this study uses a representative survey of adults aged 60 or older from three regions in Ghana to examine whether respondents who experienced household food insecurity rated their oral health as poor compared to their counterparts who did not. We found that 34% of respondents rated their oral health as poor, while 7%, 21%, and 36% experienced mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity, respectively. Moreover, the results from the logistic regression analysis showed that older adults who experienced mild (OR = 1.66, p < 0.05), moderate (OR = 2.06, p < 0.01), and severe (OR = 2.71, p < 0.01) food insecurity were more likely to self-rate their oral health as poor, compared to those who did not experience any type of food insecurity. Based on these findings, we discuss several implications for policymakers and directions for future research.

Difficulties accessing health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: examining the intersectionality between immigrant status and visible minority status.

BACKGROUND: Difficulties accessing health care services can result in delaying in seeking and obtaining treatment. Although these difficulties are disproportionately experienced among vulnerable groups, we know very little about how the intersectionality of realities experienced by immigrants and visible minorities can impact their access to health care services since the pandemic. METHODS: Using Statistics Canada's Crowdsourcing Data: Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians-Experiences of Discrimination, we combine two variables (i.e., immigrant status and visible minority status) to create a new variable called visible minority immigrant status. This multiplicative approach is commonly used in intersectionality research, which allows us to explore disadvantages experienced by minorities with multiplicative identities. RESULTS: Main results show that, compared to white native-born, visible minority immigrants are less likely to report difficulties accessing non-emergency surgical care (OR = 0.55, p < 0.001), non-emergency diagnostic test (OR = 0.74, p < 0.01), dental care (OR = 0.71, p < 0.001), mental health care (OR = 0.77, p < 0.05), and making an appointment for rehabilitative care (OR = 0.56, p < 0.001) but more likely to report difficulties accessing emergency services/urgent care (OR = 1.46, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that there is a dynamic interplay of factors operating at multiple levels to shape the impact of COVID-19 related needs to be addressed through changes in social policies, which can tackle unique struggles faced by visible minority immigrants.