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HIV-2 is endemic in West Africa. There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines on the diagnosis, management and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-2 or HIV-1/HIV-2 dual infections. Because of these issues, we designed a West African collaborative cohort for HIV-2 infection within the framework of the International epidemiological Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA).We collected data on all HIV-2 and HIV-1/HIV-2 dually seropositive patients (both ARV-naive and starting ART) and followed-up in clinical centres in the IeDEA-WA network including a total of 13 clinics in five countries: Benin, Burkina-Faso Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal, in the West Africa region.Data was merged for 1,754 patients (56% female), including 1,021 HIV-2 infected patients (551 on ART) and 733 dually seropositive for both HIV-1 and HIV 2 (463 on ART). At ART initiation, the median age of HIV-2 patients was 45.3 years, IQR: (38.3-51.7) and 42.4 years, IQR (37.0-47.3) for dually seropositive patients (p = 0.048). Overall, 16.7% of HIV-2 patients on ART had an advanced clinical stage (WHO IV or CDC-C). The median CD4 count at the ART initiation is 166 cells/mm(3), IQR (83-247) among HIV-2 infected patients and 146 cells/mm(3), IQR (55-249) among dually seropositive patients. Overall, in ART-treated patients, the CD4 count increased 126 cells/mm(3) after 24 months on ART for HIV-2 patients and 169 cells/mm(3) for dually seropositive patients. Of 551 HIV-2 patients on ART, 5.8% died and 10.2% were lost to follow-up during the median time on ART of 2.4 years, IQR (0.7-4.3).This large multi-country study of HIV-2 and HIV-1/HIV-2 dual infection in West Africa suggests that routine clinical care is less than optimal and that management and treatment of HIV-2 could be further informed by ongoing studies and randomized clinical trials in this population.

This study examines the effect of determinants of stakeholders' attitudes on the perceived relevance of guidance services, policy implementation, and career success. An explanatory research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 413 guidance service coordinators at the regional, district, and school levels were selected. A self-developed questionnaire was used for the data collection. It was found that the availability of funds (finance) for payment of expenses incurred in relation to guidance services, competent and adequate guidance coordinators, and a dedicated office to ensure confidentiality for guidance services were the three determinants that predicted the perceived relevance of guidance services in Ghana. Additionally, provisions for guidance services on the teaching timetable, availability of logistics (material resources), and quality guidance coordinators were the only three determinants that influenced policy implementation and monitoring of guidance services at the basic school levels in Ghana. Human resources again emerged as the only determinant that influenced the career success of beneficiaries in Ghana. The study recommends that Ghana Education Service and heads of basic schools should appoint competent and adequate guidance service coordinators, resource them financially and logistically, allocate guidance services on the teaching timetable, and provide a dedicated office to ensure confidentiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study examined mothers' experiences with preterm infants in Accra, Ghana, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic, existing poverty, and global economic depressions severely challenged access to communal, familial, and individual resources. We argue that, in a family crisis, contextual and external institutional resources, such as access to quality healthcare resources, play crucial roles in mothers' risk exposure and adaptation. Study design/methodology/approach: Using a qualitative approach with an immersive exploratory-descriptive design, the study interviewed twenty-five (25) mothers whose preterm infants were discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Findings: The study showed that mothers of preterm infants experienced varying range of challenges, including diminished appetite, decreased productivity, and feelings of hopelessness, both during and following their infants' hospitalization. Having access to adequate income, information, medication, and experienced medical practitioners remains critical to the management of stressful situations associated with the care of preterm children. Conclusion for practice: Access to funding, preterm information, quality medication, and qualified health professionals can help mothers of preterm infants' better deal with negative experiences than those who do not have adequate amounts of these resources. Access to critical resources can safeguard mothers' mental health and the survival of preterm infants within the first year of delivery. A policy on the existing national health insurance scheme can be enacted to expand coverage and absorb the cost of care for the mother and child within the first eighteen months after delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally and impose suffering and economic difficulties, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Community pharmacists present an opportunity for effective prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases. The overarching aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with the extent of involvement, barriers and facilitators, and perceptions of Lesotho community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to licensed community pharmacists across four districts between March and July 2023. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed for data analysis using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: Apart from medicine dispensing, community pharmacists were mostly involved in hypertension (mean = 4.38±.73) and diabetes (mean = 4.17±.91) screening, weight management advice (mean = 3.81±.87), disease education (mean = 3.93±.83), medication management therapy (mean = 3.74±.99, 3.81±.88), referral of and follow up on patients (mean = 3.70±.98 and 3.87±.92). There was a significant association between the extent of involvement and pharmacy location, experience of community pharmacists, availability of tools, number of patients seen daily, and presence of other healthcare professionals at a community pharmacy (p<0.05). The most common barriers were related to patient factors (>75% agree to strongly agree), such as lack of awareness of community pharmacists' services. Community pharmacists possessed positive (mean >3) attitudes and perceptions regarding their role in cardiovascular disease management. Conclusions: Besides dispensing medicine, community pharmacists had varying extent of involvement in health promotion activities. The provision of these services differed between socio-demographic groups. Community pharmacists possessed good knowledge, positive attitudes towards their cardiovascular disease management role. Thus, they can improve cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, the barriers potentially limit their scope of practice and encourage inconsistent community pharmacy services. The findings present pertinent information to policy-makers, regulators, and pharmacists that can inform the development of frameworks to improve clinical and pharmacy practice in Lesotho and low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem. Adherence to intensive insulin therapy is necessary to achieve better glycemic control in types 1 and 2 DM. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of adherence to insulin therapy, its predictors and to identify barriers to its adherence. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey among adult (≥18 years) diabetic patients who are currently using insulin, either alone or in combination with an oral antidiabetic regimen, and seeking primary care at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital in Ghana. A total of one hundred and eight-six patients were conveniently sampled, and interviewed. Insulin adherence was determined using the Medication Adherence Reporting Scale-5. Descriptive statistics, a chi-square test of independence, and a multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using STATA version 14 (StataCorp, TX USA). Results: The majority of the patients interviewed were over 60 years (40.32%); female (61.83%); married (68.82%); and had completed secondary education (48.39%). 67.20% of the patients were adherent to insulin therapy. Adherence level was associated with age (p = 0.020), marital status (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.012), type of DM (p<0.001), regular follow-up (p = 0.007) and comorbidities (p = 0.002) and was only predicted by the type of DM (aOR = 14.82 C.I 1.34–163.50, p-value = 0.028). Conclusion: Adherence to insulin therapy among our study population was suboptimal, which is a concern considering the associated increased risk of complications. Adherence assessment and counselling by healthcare professionals to address barriers to poor adherence must be continually undertaken to achieve optimal glycemic control. Impact of findings on practice statements: Continuous adherence assessment and counselling must be offered to all diabetes mellitus patients on insulin therapy as part of their ambulatory care to help improve outcomes. Using the Medication Adherence Reporting Scale-5 to determine patient adherence levels is an easy-to-use and an inexpensive method; however, it should be used with caution due to the potential for misclassification. Efforts must be made to provide appropriate strategies to deal with barriers to insulin adherence at ambulatory care clinics as part of the individualized comprehensive diabetic care to reduce diabetic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has become a global health concern. It is a deeply entrenched harmful practice involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. To inform effective policymaking and raise awareness about FGM's health risks, understanding socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing the timing of girls' circumcision is crucial. This study employed semi-parametric survival models to examine the association between residential status and time-to-circumcision of girls in Ethiopia. The data used in this study was the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) report, which was conducted by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA). The analysis revealed that residential status (rural vs urban, HR = 1.73: 1.35–2.70), religion (Muslim vs Christian, HR = 1.51: 1.38–2.70), mother's educational level (none vs higher, HR = 5.25: 2.23–12.36 or primary vs higher HR = 4.12: 1.25–9.68), father's educational level (none vs higher, HR = 1.65: 1.12–2.43), and mother's age (15–24 years vs 35 +, HR = 1.89: 1.21–2.95 or 24–34 years vs 35 +, HR = 1.55: 1.18–2.02) are significant risk factors for age at circumcision. Mother's age and family wealth index were time dependent risk factors. Effective interventions to reduce FGM prevalence would need to address multiple aspects simultaneously, including improving access to education (especially for girls and women), targeting both urban and rural areas with awareness campaigns, and considering culturally sensitive approaches that take into account religious and traditional beliefs while promoting the health and rights of girls and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea is deemed as a food security crop due to its ability to produce significant yields under conditions where other staples fail. Its resilience in harsh environments; such as drought, heat and marginal soils; along with its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and suitability as livestock feed make cowpea a preferred choice in many farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite its importance, Cowpea yields in farmers' fields remain suboptimal, primarily due to biotic and abiotic factors and the use of either unimproved varieties or improved varieties that are not well-suited to local conditions. Multi environment testing of genotypes is essential for recommending varieties suited for either specific or for wide cultivation. This study aimed, to identify and recommend cowpea breeding lines for wide or specific cultivation in the Sudan Savanna and Deciduous Forest zones of Ghana. The research utilized twenty early-maturing advance cowpea breeding lines and three check varieties (released varieties). The experiment was conducted in two locations: Bunso in the Deciduous Forest zone and Manga in the Sudan Savanna zone over 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 cropping seasons. Combined analysis of variance revealed a significant genotype-environment interaction (GEI) which accounted for 35.12% of the variation in yield. The environments were classified into three mega environments, with Bunso_2021 identified as the near-ideal environment where the genotypes exhibited their maximum genetic potentials. In terms of adaption, genotype UG_04 demonstrated broad adaption, showing high yield and stability across all test environments. Genotypes UG_01 and UG_02 performed particularly well in Bunso_2021 and Bunso_2022, while UG_04 and UG_14 excelled in Manga_2021. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting cowpea varieties that can enhance productivity and stability in diverse agro-ecological zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health emergency with prevalence in sub-Sahara Africa expected to experience the highest increase by 2045. Glycemic control is central to diabetes management, but it is influenced by various factors. This study determines the level of glycemic control and the associated individual factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital from 9th November to 15th December 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle modifications, co-morbidities, adherence to medication and diet regimens and duration of diabetes. Anthropometric and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were taken. Chi-squared and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine factors associated with glycemic control at 95% confidence levels. Results: A total of 227 patients participated in this study. The majority of the participants were females (77.97%) and the mean (+SD) age was 60.76 + 12.12 years. Good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%) among the participants was 38.77% (n = 88) and the median HbA1c was 7.5% (IQR: 6.5% to 9.4%). Significant factors associated with good glycemic control were eating healthy meals (AOR: 4.78, 95% CI: 1.65, 13.88: p = 0.004), oral hypoglycemic agents alone (AOR: 15.71, 95% CI: 1.90, 129.44: p = 0.010) and those with previously good glycemic control (AOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 2.16, 8.43: <0.001). Conclusion: This study showed low levels of good glycemic control among T2DM patients at the primary care level in Ghana. Healthy eating, oral hypoglycemic agents and those with previously normal HbA1c were associated with glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cardiovascular disease in the United States and heart disease is the leading cause of death in North Dakota. Although obesity is a major risk factor for CHD, some studies have reported an inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and CHD outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of CHD among individuals with and without obesity is essential to guide health planning. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and identify predictors of CHD among North Dakota adults with and without obesity. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2017 to 2021 were provided by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for CHD and potential risk factors among respondents with and without obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of CHD in both groups. Results: A total of 17,092 respondents were included in the study. Respondents with obesity had a higher prevalence of CHD (4.7%, 95% CI: 4.2–5.4) than those without obesity (3.0%, 95% CI: 2.7–3.4). Predictors of CHD among both groups included age, sex, self-reported general health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Having a personal doctor (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.13–3.23) and arthritis (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.34–2.22) were significant predictors of CHD among respondents without obesity, but not among those without obesity. Conclusion: While the prevalence of CHD was significantly higher among adults with obesity compared to those without obesity, the findings of the stratified analysis indicated that predictors of the condition tended to be similar for the two groups. This study provides useful information to guide health planning and control programs that aim to reduce the burden of CHD in North Dakota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a nonparametric mixed exponentially weighted moving average-moving average (NPEWMA-MA) sign control chart for monitoring shifts in process location, particularly when the distribution of a critical quality characteristic is either unknown or non-normal. In literature, the variance expression of the mixed exponentially weighted moving average-moving average (EWMA-MA) statistic is calculated by allowing sequential moving averages to be independent, and thus the exclusion of covariance terms results in an inaccurate variance expression. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the EWMA-MA control chart deteriorates when the distribution of a critical quality characteristic deviates from normality. The proposed NPEWMA-MA sign control chart addresses these by utilizing the corrected variance of the EWMA-MA statistic and incorporating the nonparametric sign test into the EWMA-MA charting structure. The chart integrates the moving average (MA) statistic into the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic. The EWMA-MA charting statistic assigns more weight to recent w samples, with weights for previous observations decling exponentially. Monte Carlo simulations assess the chart's performance using various run length (RL) characteristics such as average run length (ARL), standard deviation of run length (SDRL), and median run length (MRL). Additional measures for overall performance include the average extra quadratic loss (AEQL) and relative mean index (RMI). The proposed NPEWMA-MA sign control chart demonstrates superior performance compared to existing nonparametric control charts across different symmetrical and asymmetric distributions. It efficiently detects process shifts, as validated through both a simulated study and a real-life example from a combined cycle power plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sporadic nature of blood transfusion therapy coupled with the alteration of HAMP genes may exacerbate the risk of iron burden in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients. The study determined the polymorphic distribution of the HAMP promoter gene rs10421768 and hepcidin levels in SCA patients. Method: Sixty participants aged ≥12years [45 SCA patients and 15 controls (HbA)] were recruited from 15th March, 2023 to 20th July, 2023 for a case-control study at Methodist Hospital Wenchi, Ghana. Complete blood count and hepcidin levels assessment were done using haematology analyzer and ELISA, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Qiagen Kit, and HAMP gene rs10421768 (c.-582 A>G) was sequenced using the MassARRAY method. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The frequencies of the HAMP promoter rs10421768 genotypes AA, AG, and GG were 64.4%, 33.3%, and 2.2% in SCA patients, and 86.7%, 13.3%, and 0% in the controls, respectively. Serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher among controls than cases [204.0 (154.1–219.3) vs 150.2 (108.1–195.6)μg/L, p<0.010]. Participants with HAMP rs10421768 homozygous A genotype had higher serum levels of hepcidin compared with those in the wild genotypes (AG/GG) group [(188.7 (130.9–226.9) vs 136.8 (109.7–157.8)μg/L, p<0.016]. Disease severity and blood cell parameters were not associated with the HAMP variants (p>0.05). Conclusion: The HAMP promoter rs10421768 AA genotype has the highest frequency of distribution and the GG genotype with the least distribution. Participants with HAMP rs10421768 G allele (c.-582A>G) had reduced levels of hepcidin. HAMP rs10421768 genotypes had no association with blood cell parameters and disease severity. The HAMP rs10421768 genotypes may influence serum levels of hepcidin. Further study is required to elucidate the potential effect of the G allele on hepcidin transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria mostly after 20 weeks of gestation. It affects 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide, with detrimental consequences for both mother and foetus. Evidence, suggests that genetic factors, including vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, could contribute to PE complexity. However, their role in the Ghanaian population remains underexplored. We assessed the interplay between Vitamin D, VDR gene variants and preeclampsia risk in Ghanaian women. Methods: This unmatched case-control study was conducted at Kumasi South Hospital, Ghana, from June to November 2022. A total of 162 participants consisting of 62 PE cases and 100 normotensive controls were enrolled. Clinical and obstetric data were collected. Blood samples were also collected for DNA extraction and vitamin D assay. Genotyping of VDR Fok1 and Bsm1 gene variants was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Polymerase Chain Reaction—Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis whereas Vitamin D levels were estimated using sandwich ELISA. Statistical analyses were computed with SPSS version 25 and GraphPad prism version 8.0. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Vitamin D concentration were significantly lower in the PE group (p < 0.0001). Vitamin D deficiency (aOR = 3.311, 95% CI: 1.584–6.921, p = 0.0010) was significantly associated with a three-fold increase in preeclampsia risk, whilst VDR gene variants, particularly the "bb" genotype (cOR = 0.227, 95% CI: 0.055–0.944, p = 0.0410) was associated with reduced risk of PE. There was no association between the distribution of Fok1 genotypes and PE. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of PE among Ghanaian women. However, the VDR gene variant, "bb", genotype, for Bsm1 reduces the risk of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait speed is an essential predictor of functional and cognitive decline in older adults. The study aimed to investigate the gait speed of older adults in Ghana and South Africa and to determine its associated factors, as the Sub-Saharan representatives in the World Health Organization's Study on Global AGEing in Older Adults (SAGE). A secondary analysis of data from the SAGE study which consists of nationally representative data involving participants aged ≥50+ years with smaller samples of younger adults aged 18–49 years in Ghana and South Africa was conducted. SAGE study employed a multistage, stratified clustered sample design and involved the use of a standardised questionnaire to obtain participants' (n = 5808) demographic, anthropometric and gait speed information. The standard 4 metre-gait speed was used. Median gait speed for the study group, which comprised African/Black participants aged ≥50+ years was 0.769(Q1 = 0.571, Q3 = 0.952)m/s for males and 0.667 (Q1 = 0.500,Q3 = 0.833)m/s for females. For every unit increase in age, the odds of being in a higher-ranked gait speed category was 0.96(95%CI 0·96, 0·97, p<0.001) times that of the previous age. Females had odds of 0.55 (95%CI 0.50, 0.61, p<0.001) of recording higher gait speed, as compared to males. Rural dwellers had odds of 1.43 (95%CI 1.29, 1.58, p < 0.001) of being in a higher-ranked category of gait speed compared to urban dwellers. Underweight (OR = 0.85, 95%C1 = 0.73–1.00, p<0.05) and obesity (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.46–0.61, p<0.001) were associated with slower gait speed. Amongst functional indices, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) score was the biggest determinant of gait speed. Having a "Severe/Extreme" WHODAS score had the strongest association with gait speed (OR = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.14–0.23, p<0.001). These gait speed results provide an essential reference for older adults' care in Ghana and South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The impact of cardiovascular diseases can be minimized by addressing modifiable risk factors at primary health care level. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases for early detection and initiation of treatment. However, the role of Lesotho community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the Lesotho community pharmacists' role in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The methodological reporting of this study was guided by the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies. A list of registered community pharmacists was obtained from the Ministry of Health. Pharmacists were selected based on their close proximity to the researcher and invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Results: Five themes were identified namely: 1) Current roles 2) Future role 3) Facilitators, 4) Barriers, and 5) Community pharmacists' perceptions of their roles. Generally, community pharmacists were involved in medication counselling, health promotion, and referral of patients. Lack of support from government, patients' lack of adherence, poor interprofessional relationship, and lack of clear community pharmacy practice guidelines were identified as barriers. Despite the challenges, community pharmacists are motivated by patients' gratitude for their services. Conclusions: Lesotho community pharmacists can potentially improve cardiovascular diseases' health outcomes at primary healthcare level through early detection of CVD risk factors, and health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that necessitates coordinated strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing and reduce AMR. A key activity is ascertaining current prescribing patterns in hospitals to identify targets for quality improvement programmes. Methods: The World Health Organisation point prevalence survey methodology was used to assess antibiotic prescribing in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. All core variables identified by the methodology were recorded. Results: A total of 78.8% (82/104) patients were prescribed at least one antibiotic, with the majority from adult surgical wards (52.14%). Significantly longer hospital stays were associated with patients who underwent surgery (p = 0.0423). "Access" antibiotics dominated total prescriptions (63.8%, 132/207) with ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, and ciprofloxacin being the most prescribed "Watch" antibiotics. The most common indications were for medical prophylaxis (59.8%, 49/82) and surgical prophylaxis (46.3%, 38/82). Over one-third of surgical prophylaxis (34.2%, 13/38) indications extended beyond one day. There was moderate documentation of reasons for antibiotic treatment in patient notes (65.9%, 54/82), and targeted therapy after samples were taken for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (41.7%, 10/24). Guideline compliance was low (25%) where available. Conclusions: There was high use of antibiotics within the hospital which needs addressing. Identified quality targets include developing surgical prophylaxis guidelines, reviewing "Watch" antibiotic prescribing, and assessing antibiotic durations for patients on two or more antibiotics. Organizational-level deficiencies were also identified that need addressing to help instigate ASPs. These can be addressed by developing local prescribing protocols and antibiotic stewardship policies in this hospital and wider in Ghana and across Africa. Author summary: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disparities for women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers have continued even amidst mounting evidence for the superior performance of diverse workforces. In response, we launched the Diversity and Science Lecture series, a cross-institutional platform where junior life scientists present their research and comment on diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. We characterize speaker representation from 79 profiles and investigate topic noteworthiness via quantitative content analysis of talk transcripts. Nearly every speaker discussed interpersonal support, and three-fifths of speakers commented on race or ethnicity. Other topics, such as sexual and gender minority identity, were less frequently addressed but highly salient to the speakers who mentioned them. We found that significantly co-occurring topics reflected not only conceptual similarity, such as terms for racial identities, but also intersectional significance, such as identifying as a Latina/Hispanic woman or Asian immigrant, and interactions between concerns and identities, including the heightened value of friendship to the LGBTQ community, which we reproduce using transcripts from an independent seminar series. Our approach to scholar profiles and talk transcripts serves as an example for transmuting hundreds of hours of scholarly discourse into rich datasets that can power computational audits of speaker diversity and illuminate speakers' personal and professional priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research shows that frailty is associated with higher sedentary behaviour, but the evidence to date regarding this association is inconclusive. This study assessed whether the above association is moderated or modified by gender and age, with sedentary behaviour measured with a more inclusive method. Methods: This study adopted a STROBE-compliant cross-sectional design with sensitivity analyses and measures against common methods bias. The participants were community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 66 years) in two Ghanaian towns. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from 1005 participants after the minimum sample size necessary was calculated. The hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: After adjusting for the ultimate confounders, frailty was associated with higher sedentary behaviour (β = 0.14; t = 2.93; p <0.05) as well as partial and absolute sedentary behaviour. Gender modified the above associations in the sense that frailty was more strongly associated with sedentary behaviour among women, compared with men. Age also modified the association between frailty and sedentary behaviour, which suggests that frailty was more strongly associated with higher sedentary behaviour at a higher age. Conclusion: Sedentary behaviour could be higher at higher frailty among older adults. Frailty is more strongly associated with sedentary behaviour at a higher age and among women, compared with men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]