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This paper aims to provide surveillance information about the extent and consequences of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use by adolescents for three sentinel sites in South Africa (Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng province). From 1997 to 2001, data were gathered from multiple sources, including specialist treatment centres, trauma units, school students, rave party attenders, and arrestees. Since the start of surveillance, an increasing proportion of South African adolescents are using AODs. Surveys point to high levels of alcohol misuse among high school students, with alcohol being the most common substance of abuse. Cannabis is the most frequently reported illicit drug of abuse among adolescents. This is reflected in the large proportion of adolescents receiving treatment for cannabis, cannabis-positive arrestees, and cannabis-positive trauma patients. Cannabis smoked together with methaqualone is the second most common primary drug of abuse in Cape Town. Arrestee data highlights the potentially negative effect of adolescent methaqualone use. Cocaine and heroin are emerging as problem drugs of abuse among adolescents in large metropolitan centres. Ecstasy (MDMA) use occurs mainly among adolescents who attend rave parties and clubs. The study points to the need for AOD intervention programmes that target young people and the need for continued monitoring of adolescent AOD use in the future.

Background: Although physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of health, physically disabled individuals tend to have a sedentary lifestyle. The Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) is a self-report instrument evaluating PA barriers. This study was intended to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of BPAQ-MI (P-BPAQ-MI) and to report the prevalence and severity of PA barriers among Persian-speaking individuals. Methods: The translation and back translation of the BPAQ-MI was conducted according to an internationally accepted guideline and tested on 163 participants to assess its reliability and validity. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were analyzed using Cronbach alpha and Spearman correlation coefficient. Convergent construct validity was established by comparing the scores of P-BPAQ-MI and The Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. Known-groups construct validity was assessed with regard to type of assistive device and sex of the individual. Prevalence and severity of the barriers were reported by computing the percentage and means of "yes" answers. Results: The P-BPAQ-MI domains demonstrated very good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha of.77–.95) and excellent test–retest reliability (Spearman rho of.73–.96) with a significant inverse small correlation with Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire indexes. The P-BPAQ-MI successfully discriminated between individuals with different assistive devices and sex. Community Built Environment barriers were the most prevalent and severe. Conclusions: The P-BPAQ-MI is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the PA barriers of people with physical disability. The community barriers were the most frequently reported obstacles to PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthesis-patient mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can be measured echocardiographically (measured prosthesis-patient mismatch [PPMm]) or predicted (predicted prosthesis-patient mismatch [PPMp]) using published effective orifice area (EOA) reference values. However, the clinical implications of PPM post-TAVR remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of PPMm and PPMp post-TAVR and their impact on mortality in a large international cohort. The IMPPACT TAVR (Impact of Measured or Predicted Prosthesis-pAtient mismatCh after TAVR) registry included 38,808 TAVR patients from 26 international centers. Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria were used to define prosthesis-patient mismatch severity. EOA was determined echocardiographically (PPMm) or predicted (PPMp) based on core lab–derived EOA reference values. The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality. The prevalence of PPMp (moderate: 6.8%, severe: 0.6%) was significantly lower than that of PPMm (moderate: 20.7%, severe: 4.3%; P < 0.001) with negligible correlation between the 2 methods (Kendall's tau c correlation coefficient: 0.063; P < 0.001). In unadjusted analyses, severe PPMm adversely influenced 2-year survival (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02-1.45; P = 0.027), whereas severe PPMp was not associated with outcomes (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.55-1.19; P = 0.291). After adjusting for confounders, neither PPMm nor PPMp had a significant effect on 2-year all-cause mortality. PPMm and PPMp were associated with different patient characteristics, with PPMm tending toward worse (especially low flow) and PPMp toward better (especially women) survival. After adjusting for confounders, neither PPMm nor PPMp significantly affected 2-year all-cause mortality. Hence, valve selection should not solely be based on hemodynamics but rather on a holistic approach, including patient and procedural specifics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Methods Results Conclusion To identify factors associated with the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in children at 4 years of age.Participants from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort were included. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental data were collected through interviews and physical examinations during cohort follow‐up. Dental examination at 4 years of age revealed the presence of TDI. A theoretical model was constructed using a directed acyclic graph (DAG). A descriptive analysis was performed, followed by Poisson regression models relating TDI to each outcome.Data from 3650 4‐year‐old children were analyzed; the prevalence of dental trauma was 20.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.9%–21.5%). The prevalence of TDI was lower among girls compared with boys, suggesting a protective effect of female sex (relative risk [RR] 0.80 [95% CI: 0.79–0.91]). Increased height for age (RR 1.55 [95% CI: 1.14–2.09]), increased overjet (RR 1.45 [95% CI: 1.2–1.74]), and anterior open bite (RR 1.26 [95% CI: 1.01–1.56]) demonstrated an association with TDI after testing regression models based on DAGs.Male sex, increased height, and increased overjet and open bite were factors predisposing to TDI at 4 years of age. Understanding these factors can contribute to the implementation of targeted prevention strategies for reducing TDI and their potential long‐term consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusions We first estimated the prevalence of primary and secondary infertility in Tanzania and then examined its association with recent experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV).We used cross‐sectional data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2022 and included 6894 women aged 20–49 years to estimate the prevalence of primary and secondary infertility. In a subset of 2802 partnered women who were surveyed about physical, emotional, and sexual IPV, we also examined the association of any form of IPV in the 12 months prior to the survey with both primary and secondary infertility using multivariable logistic regression.The prevalence of primary infertility was 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 3.1) and secondary infertility was 15.4% (95% CI: 2.1, 61.0). Primary infertility was higher in urban areas (1.9%) compared to rural areas (1.7%) (P < 0.001). Over one‐third (37.9%) of the women who were surveyed concerning IPV reported experiencing at least one form of IPV in the 12 months prior to the survey. Almost one‐fifth (18.3%) of women with secondary infertility had experienced at least one form of violence in the past 12 months prior to the survey, compared to 1.5% with primary infertility (P = 0.656). Women with secondary infertility were 1.58 times more likely to have experienced any form of IPV (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.33).In Tanzania, the high prevalences of both infertility and IPV and the link between the two warrants the need for strengthening infertility care and treatment and support for women experiencing IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic changes (pure LATE-NC) is a term used to describe brains with LATE-NC but lacking intermediate or severe levels of Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic changes (ADNC). Focusing on pure LATE-NC, we analyzed data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Neuropathology Data Set, comprising clinical and pathological information aggregated from 32 NIH-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). After excluding subjects dying with unusual conditions, n = 1,926 autopsied subjects were included in the analyses. For > 90% of these participants, apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele status was known; 46.5% had at least one APOE 4 allele. In most human populations, only 15–25% of people are APOE ε4 carriers. ADRCs with higher documented AD risk allele (APOE or BIN1) rates had fewer participants lacking ADNC, and correspondingly low rates of pure LATE-NC. Among APOE ε4 non-carries, 5.3% had pure LATE-NC, 37.0% had pure ADNC, and 3.6% had pure neocortical Lewy body pathology. In terms of clinical impact, participants with pure LATE-NC tended to die after having received a diagnosis of dementia: 56% died with dementia among APOE ε4 non-carrier participants, comparable to 61% with pure ADNC. LATE-NC was associated with increased Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB) scores, i.e. worsened global cognitive impairments, in participants with no/low ADNC and no neocortical Lewy body pathology (p = 0.0023). Among pure LATE-NC cases, there was a trend for higher LATE-NC stages to be associated with worse CDR-SOB scores (p = 0.026 for linear trend of LATE-NC stages). Pure LATE-NC was not associated with clinical features of disinhibition or primary progressive aphasia. In summary, LATE-NC with no or low levels of ADNC was less frequent than pure ADNC but was not rare, particularly among individuals who lacked the APOE 4 allele, and in study cohorts with APOE 4 frequencies similar to those in most human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant oral health issue affecting children under six years old. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of ECC in Nigeria through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases for studies on ECC prevalence in Nigeria. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist was used to assess study quality. A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence estimates and mean dmft scores. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 7,362 participants. The pooled ECC prevalence in Nigeria was 17% (95% CI 11–24%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 97%). Subgroup analyses revealed variations across geopolitical zones and study settings. The pooled mean dmft score was 0.44 (95% CI 0.24–0.74). Age group and gender showed minimal impact on ECC prevalence. Conclusion: With a 17% prevalence rate, ECC remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, standardized national surveys, and further research into region-specific risk factors to address ECC effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of episiotomy among puerperal women accessing postnatal care in the Kumasi Metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1750 postnatal mothers who had spontaneous vaginal using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were conducted to show the rate of episiotomy. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted using Jamovi software version 2.5.3. Results: The prevalence of episiotomy among the study population was 49.7% compared to the 10% of all deliveries recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). Among those who had an episiotomy, 88.5% gave consent, and 77.6% required repairs. In the bivariate analysis educational status, age, perineal tearing, marital status, household monthly income, spontaneous vaginal deliveries and previous episiotomy had a significant association with episiotomy risk. In the multivariate analysis, married women, lower education levels, moderate household incomes, grand multiparous women, spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), instrumental deliveries, longer second stages of labour, and attending more antenatal care (ANC) sessions were all associated with a reduced likelihood of episiotomy. Higher one-minute Apgar scores and anemia also lowered the odds. Conversely, hypertensives, women with four or more previous vaginal deliveries, and those with a history of episiotomy were more likely to undergo the procedure. Conclusion: Episiotomies conducted was high, indicating potential overuse compared to WHO's recommendations. Antenatal attendance and timing should be prioritised to improve maternal preparation and outcomes. Policy interventions to reduce unnecessary episiotomies are needed. Midwifery education must also emphasise the importance of respectful maternity care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In developing countries, prisoners are one of the marginalized groups most susceptible to intestinal parasite infection due to inadequate living conditions, malnutrition, a lack of potable water, overcrowding, and poor hygiene. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of Hosanna town prison. Materials and Methods: An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in Hosanna Town's prisoners from June 1 to July 30, 2022, on a total of 420 inmates. The study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, sanitation, hygienic, and related information were collected by using pretested questionnaires. In addition, about 5 g of stool sample was collected using a leak‐proof plastic stool cup and examined microscopically by using direct wet mount preparation and formalin–ether concentration techniques, and data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 25. Results: This study indicated an overall 39.2% (95% CI: 34.6–44.1) prevalence of intestinal parasites (165/420). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent intestinal parasite found, followed by Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms, Taenia species, and Schistosoma mansoni. About 3.1% of participants had dual parasitic infections. In addition, there is a significant association in multivariable logistic regression analysis between intestinal parasitic infection and various hygiene practices such as not using soap when washing hands after using the toilet ((aOR 1.62 (95% CI: 1.06–2.48)), p ≤ 0.027), not regularly washing hands before meals ((aOR 2.83 (95% CI: 1.79–4.46)), p ≤ 0.001), poor hand hygiene overall ((aOR 3.18 (95% CI: 2.00–4.99)), p ≤ 0.001), not trimming fingernails ((aOR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.29–3.37)), p ≤ 0.003), and length of time in prison (aOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 22.62–6.96, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 39.2%, with 38.8% of the infected individuals falling within the 25–34 age range. Additionally, 67.3% of those infected had been imprisoned for over a year. Furthermore, the personal hygiene status of prisoners was found to be substantially correlated with the presence of parasites. Hosanna town prison should ensure sufficient sanitary supplies, promote personal hygiene, and implement health education. Regular medical checkups and routine nail‐clipping sessions are crucial for maintaining cleanliness and reducing parasite transmission among inmates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods Results Conclusions The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) and examine risk factors for IAH in adults with type 1 diabetes.We conducted a population‐based registry study of 10,202 adults (≥18 years) with type 1 diabetes using data from the Norwegian Diabetes Register for Adults. The registry used the 1‐item Gold scale, measuring hypoglycaemia symptom awareness. We calculated the overall prevalence of IAH (Gold score ≥4) (95% CI) and prevalence for subgroups based on demographic and clinical variables. We estimated IAH prevalence based on continuous scales of age, diabetes duration and HbA1c using predicted probabilities from generalised additive logistic regression models. Finally, we quantified the associations of selected variables on IAH prevalence using log‐binomial regression models.Overall, 18.0% reported IAH (95% CI 17.2, 18.7). The prevalence increased linearly with the participants' age, whereas the associations of diabetes duration and HbA1c with IAH were non‐linear with higher prevalence in both lower and higher tails of their distributions. Multiple severe hypoglycaemic events, female sex, age ≥ 65 years, diabetes duration ≤4 years or ≥ 30 years, multiple DKA events and CGM use were associated with higher risk for IAH. HbA1c 65–74 mmol/mol (8.1–8.9%) was associated with lower risk for IAH.In this nationwide study, the IAH prevalence was 18.0%. Multiple hypoglycaemic events, female sex and diabetes duration were identified as important risk factors for IAH. Study findings highlight the complexity of self‐reported hypoglycaemia symptom awareness and emphasise the importance of routinely addressing symptom awareness in diabetes follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency disorders affecting pregnant women; its prevalence in developed countries is 14% and in developing countries 51%. It is therefore important to understand the prevalence and associated factors of anemia in our study area. This will encourage antenatal caregivers to identify and treat anemia early in pregnancy. Objective: Therefore, the study's goal was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its contributing factors among pregnant women receiving prenatal care. Methods: Between April 2021 and May 2021, 295 pregnant women attending prenatal care participated in a cross‐sectional facility‐based study. Epidata software was used to enter the data, which were then exported to SPSS software for Windows version 23 for analysis. To determine the factors contributing to anemia in pregnant women, descriptive statistics collected with the study were performed together with bivariable logistic regression and the log‐binomial model. Results: Among the 295 study participants, 24.7% were anemic. Out of these, most were mild types 78.1%. Illiterate pregnant women (ARR 2.89; 95% CI: 1.76–6.43, p value = 0.037), with no iron‐containing food intake per day (ARR 1.74; 95% CI: 1.59–1.95, p value = 0.01), and infected with malaria (ARR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.76–2.53, p value = 0.03) had higher odds of being anemic, compared to their counterpart. Gestational age of the first (ARR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03–0.98, p value = 0.01), and second (ARR 0.8; 95% CI: 0.43–0.96, p value = 0.013) trimester has lower odds of being anemic compared to their counterpart. Conclusion: Anemia in pregnant women is found to be a moderate public health issue in the research location. It is strongly and independently impacted by malaria infection and iron‐containing meal consumption. Reducing the prevalence of anemia is made possible by improved iron‐containing meal consumption. In addition, it is strongly advised that pregnant women receive education and should take iron supplements during pregnancy visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Method Results Conclusions The absence of consensus regarding the presence and interpretation of certain symptoms as indicative of either a psychosis spectrum disorder or an eating disorder (ED) can hinder cooperation amongst treatment programmes for the early detection of psychosis and an ED. This study trans‐diagnostically assessed the prevalence and co‐occurrence of at‐risk mental states for a psychosis (ARMS) or the risk of having an ED (EDr), and it explored the characteristics of ARMS profiles of individuals with an EDr.This cross‐sectional and observational‐prevalence study used assessment outcomes from an ED screening instrument (SCOFF), a psychosis prodromal screening questionnaire (PQ16) and a CAARMS interview (to evaluate the possibility of ARMS) with newly admitted outpatients aged 16–35 who were referred for various kinds of non‐psychotic disorders from a secondary Mental Health Care Centre in the Netherlands. Data analysis consisted of calculating prevalences, associations amongst variables and conditional probabilities.Of the 736 individuals who were screened, an EDr was identified in 51.2% and 49.0% of the participants who scored high on the PQ16, half of whom also completed the CAARMS interview. The results indicated that 53.0% of the participants were classified as not having ARMS, 28.3% as having ARMS and 18.7% as having a psychosis. EDr patients presented with symptoms of a psychotic spectrum disorder, which included both ED‐consistent and ED‐inconsistent symptoms. There were relatively frequent endorsements of the two subscale items guilt/punishment and ideas of reference.From a trans‐diagnostical perspective, the results indicate that collaboration amongst ED programmes and psychosis prevention interventions should be strongly encouraged. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct studies that assess associations amongst and features of psychotic spectrum symptoms in EDs. The unexpectedly high proportion of EDr suggests that a co‐morbid ED in other kinds of psychopathology is being overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with both T2DM and HTN have a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disorders, and mortality than those with either HTN or T2DM alone. Patients' psychological well‐being plays a significant role in the optimum management of these chronic conditions. This study is aimed at determining the current prevalence of HTN and its related clinical and psychological factors in patients with T2DM. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital with 156 patients diagnosed with T2DM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. In addition, the following information was obtained from the patients' clinical files: blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum creatinine, and urine protein. Depression, resilience, and coping skills of the participants were measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18, Resilience Scale for Adults, and Brief COPE Inventory, respectively. Data were analyzed using STATA version 18, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The median age of respondents was 62.0 (IQR: 51.50, 67.00) years. The majority was female (76.3%). The prevalence of HTN among the patients with T2DM was 79.9% (95% CI: 72.7–85.9). The average body mass index (BMI) of the patients was 28871kg/m2 with 34.8% and 36.2% being overweight and obese, respectively. The average HBA1C level was 8.6 ± 2.1 with 71.8% of the patients having poor glycemic control. Increasing age, caregiver, and personal resilience were factors significantly associated with HTN (p value of <0.05) among patients with T2DM. Conclusion: The prevalence of HTN among T2DM patients was high; age, caregiver, and personal resilience significantly predicted HTN among T2DM patients. These findings have implications for healthcare providers in implementing strategies to reduce central obesity and incorporating resilience as an important factor in improving treatment outcomes in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased substantially around the world; various global studies have documented the use of CAM by surgical patients in the preoperative period, with rates of herbal medications and other nonherbal treatments ranging from 12 to 69%. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of CAM and its patterns of use among surgical patients. Methods: From December 2020 to April 2021, a descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in Palestine. A face‒to-face interview questionnaire was used. The participants were asked questions regarding sociodemographics, clinical information, CAM usage, reasons for its use, and opinions on its efficacy. Results: Among the 300 surgical patients who were interviewed in this study, 252 (84.0%) reported that they had ever used CAM, while a total of 122 (48.4%) had used CAM before their surgery, 81.7% of the respondents used herbal methods, and 64.7% of them used nonherbal methods. CAM use among our study population was not linked to specific demographics or other characteristics, except health insurance (p = 0.004). The most commonly used herbs among surgical patients are Salvia officinalis L. (Sage) (84.1%) and Pimpinella anisum L. (Anise) (75.5%). The highest percentage was found among patients with university qualifications (73.2%), who used more than three methods (p < 0.001). In addition, 59.4% of the females used more than three therapies, whereas 45.9% of the males did (p = 0.032). Conclusions: The herbal methods used are common among surgical patients in Palestine and are consistent with the enormous increase in the use of CAM. Therefore, awareness should be raised among the public regarding the risks and benefits of CAM use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitic (IP) infections caused by helminths are among the most significant public health concerns that mainly affect deprived people in Sub-Sahara African countries. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic helminths among patients attending Mekaneselam hospital. Method: In this cross-sectional study conducted from August 2022 to February 2023, stool specimens were collected and examined microscopically to detect intestinal helminths using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire was employed to obtain information regarding the socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors. Data were analyzed via appropriate univariate and multivariable logistic regression methods using SPSS version 25.0. Result: The overall prevalence of the parasitic helminths was 51 (12.6%) out of 404 patients attending in Mekaneselam town during the study period. In this study, seven species of intestinal helminths were detected, with Ascaris lumbricoides (5.7%) being the most prevalent followed by Trichuris trichiura (2.2%). Significant positive associations were observed between intestinal helminths infection and the socio-demographic characteristics including marital status (χ2 = 7.97, p = 0.047), educational level (χ2 = 9.34, p = 0.025) and residence (χ2 = 3.90, p = 0.048). The odds of being infected with IP were three times higher among divorced patients than married individuals (AOR = 3.21, CI = 1.15–8.96, p = 0.03). Illiterate individuals were three times (AOR = 2.61, CI = 1.24–5.49, p = 0.011) and those who attended primary school were two times (AOR = 2.3, CI = 1.029–5.143, p = 0.042), more likely to have helminthic infections. Participants who did not wash their hands after using the toilet were five times more likely to acquire IP helminths than those who did (AOR = 4.36, CI = 2.83–6.72, p = 0.000). In the case of the feeding habit, study subjects who ate unwashed vegetables were more likely to acquire helminths than those who did not eat unwashed vegetables (AOR = 5. 43, CI = 4.33–23.77, p = 0.000). Conclusion: This study highlighted a substantial prevalence of intestinal helminths infections (12.6%) in the study area, warranting the urgent need for attention and interventions from relevant public health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGuided by six research questions, this study adopted survey design to investigate the prevalence of unorthodox psychoactive substance use amongst students. 700 students were drawn from a population of 10,560 students. ‘Prevalence of Use of Unorthodox Psychoactive Substances Questionnaire’ (PUUPSQ) was used for gathering data, which was analyzed using frequency, percentage, bar charts and pie charts. The results showed, amongst others, that 57% of the respondents had taken at least one of the 20 investigated substances, which indicates high prevalence. It was recommended, amongst others, that adequate awareness on these substances should be created amongst the stakeholders in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depression disorders are one of the most widespread mental disorders among college students. In university students, depression has been associated with lower academic performance, worse work performance, and increased dropout risk. his study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and highlight risk factors among Saudi international university students (IUS) in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia. Subject and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi students who chose to study abroad. A self-administered online questionnaire was sent to the students using an online survey. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic data (e.g., age, gender, specialty, etc.), medical characteristics, social status, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) to assess the student's depression. Results: Of the 401 students, 52.4% were younger (age 18 – 25 years), and more than half were males (53.9%). Most of the participants were studying in the US (46.6%), followed by the UK (40.6%) and Australia (12.7%). The rate of major depression among Saudi students studying abroad was 40.4%. In univariate analysis, major depression was influenced by age, marital status, specialty, personal and family history of mental illness, contact with family and friends, and feeling like a stranger. However, after conducting multivariate regression analysis, previous diagnoses of mental illness and feeling a stranger were identified as the significant independent risk factors for major depression. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression among Saudi IUS. The prevalence of major depression among Saudi IUS was 40.4%. Previous history of mental illness and feeling like strangers were identified as the most prominent risk factors in this study. Identifying the prevalence and contributing factors of depression can guide academic institutions and governments in the development of effective interventions and support for IUS's mental well-being. Future research could diversify the sample and employ longitudinal designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The COVID‐19 infection fatality rate (IFR) is the proportion of individuals infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 who subsequently die. As COVID‐19 disproportionately affects older individuals, age‐specific IFR estimates are imperative to facilitate comparisons of the impact of COVID‐19 between locations and prioritize distribution of scarce resources. However, there lacks a coherent method to synthesize available data to create estimates of IFR and seroprevalence that vary continuously with age and adequately reflect uncertainties inherent in the underlying data. In this article, we introduce a novel Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate IFR as a continuous function of age that acknowledges heterogeneity in population age structure across locations and accounts for uncertainty in the estimates due to seroprevalence sampling variability and the imperfect serology test assays. Our approach simultaneously models test assay characteristics, serology, and death data, where the serology and death data are often available only for binned age groups. Information is shared across locations through hierarchical modeling to improve estimation of the parameters with limited data. Modeling data from 26 developing country locations during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we found seroprevalence did not change dramatically with age, and the IFR at age 60 was above the high‐income country estimate for most locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Method Results Discussion The present meta‐analysis aims to assess whether individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) demonstrate elevated autistic traits, to explore potential associations between autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms; as well as to estimate the prevalence of a positive screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessed via Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), in AN.A systematic literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science in August 2023 and later updated in April 2024 to identify relevant studies. Twenty‐two studies with 1172 AN patients and 2747 healthy controls (HCs) met the inclusion criteria.There was a significant difference between AN and HC groups in autistic traits (g = 0.88, CI = 0.65–1.12), and a significant but modest correlation was found between autistic traits and severity of eating disorder symptoms (r = 0.28, CI = 0.11–0.44). Proportion meta‐analysis indicated that 29% (CI = 0.19–0.38) of children and adults scored above the cut‐off for ASD.The current findings suggest that AN frequently overlaps with both autistic traits and autistic symptomatology. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate autism and autistic traits in individuals with AN to tailor individualized treatment plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that represents a worldwide health problem due to its global expansion, multidrug resistance, and difficult laboratory identification. Among the risk factors for colonization/infection by C. auris , a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) stands out. This prospective multicenter study aimed to monitor the trend of the local epidemiology of Candida spp. and unveil the prevalence of C. auris. Methods: From 2020 to 2022, axillar/inguinal swabs were collected from adult patients at three points: upon admission (D1) and on the fifth (D5) and eighth (D8) days of their ICU stay. We employed culture-based screening methods combined with molecular techniques to identify Candida spp. down to the species level. Specific screening for Candida auris was conducted using a real-time PCR assay in combination with an improved selective culture medium, mannitol salt agar auris (MSAA). To validate the effectiveness of MSAA, a collection of reference C. auris strains representing the four major geographical clades was used. Results: We enrolled 675 patients, and 355 Candida isolates were retrieved from the 988 swab samples collected. From those, 185/355 (52.1%) were identified as C. albicans and 170/355 (47.9%) as non- albicans Candida (NAC). MSAA medium showed a specificity of 94.8%, albeit C. auris was not detected in this cohort. The dynamics of Candida spp. colonization by ICU were significant at the three collection points. Upon admission, C. albicans was associated with the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital ICU (p =0.003) and C. tropicalis with the general Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca (FFH) ICU (p =0.006). C. parapsilosis and C. lusitaniae were associated with FFH ICUs, with the general ICU at D5 (p =0.047) and surgical ICU at D8 (p =0.012). The dynamics of NAC colonization by ICU were significantly different at D1 (p =0.011), D5 (p =0.047), and D8 (p =0.012). Conclusion: We developed and implemented a screening protocol for C. auris while uncovering the colonization patterns of Candida in the ICU. Our findings contribute to the optimization of overall patient management, ensuring that ICU protocols are resilient and adaptive to emerging fungal threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a significant poultry pathogen, causing ongoing economic losses in China's poultry industry. To understand its circulation and risk factors associated with farm infection, we carried out an epidemiological study on 1,065 farms across 18 provinces from 2019 and 2022. We collected a total of 43,696 swabs and tested them for NDV using an RT-PCR that targets the partial F gene. The overall bird-level NDV prevalence in the 4 years (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022) were 1.49% (95%CI: 1.27, 1.71%), 1.24% (95%CI: 1.04, 1.44%), 0.59% (95%CI: 0.45, 0.74%), and 0.44% (95%CI: 0.31, 0.58%) respectively, while the farm-level prevalence of the 4 years were 11.27% (95%CI: 7.93, 14.60%), 13.85% (95%CI: 10.10, 17.61%), 12.63% (95%CI: 8.00, 17.26%), and 10.71% (95%CI: 6.38, 15.04%), respectively. The result also showed a high degree of variation in farm-level prevalence (ranging from 0 to 90%) across the provinces. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that four factors, namely layer farm (OR = 2.282, 95% CI: 1.211, 4.298), broiler farm (OR = 2.339, 95% CI: 1.206, 4.534), using mixed feed (OR = 2.973, 95% CI: 1.962, 4.505), and indoor housing with some free-range access (OR = 1.788, 95%CI: 1.096, 2.917), increased the risk of NDV infection on farms. We isolated 104 NDVs, which were all classified into Class II by the phylogenetic analysis, but from two genotypes: four belonged to genotype I, while the remaining 100 mainly belonged to genotype II, indicating that the circulating NDVs were primarily LaSota-like low pathogenic viruses. We used random forest algorithm to established an occurrence risk model, The accuracy of the model was 90.81%. This large-scale investigation revealed NDV prevalence at bird, farm, and province levels over the 4 years. It also identified risk factors associated with farm NDV infections. The findings provide new insights into the epidemiology of NDV in China and offer references for global NDV control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease in camels caused by an intestinal protozoan parasite of the genus Eimeria , which is linked to significant causes of reduced milk and meat production. In Saudi Arabia, scare literature focused on the coprological investigation of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). To determine the taxonomic status of camel parasite species, we performed morphological characterization of oocysts and genetic analysis (18S rRNA and ITS-1 gene regions) of Eimeria species collected from camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 150 faecal samples were obtained from camels at the old camel market. These samples were tested for the presence of Eimeria oocysts using the conventional floatation technique before being sporulated in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Eimeria oocysts were morphologically and molecularly examined and identified, and the infection rate of parasitic infections was determined. Results: Our findings revealed that the overall frequency of oocysts was 30%. The identified species was Eimeria rajasthani , which had a typical ellipsoidal oocyst shape. Oocystic polar granule, micropyle, micropylar cap, and oocyst residuum are not visible. Sporocysts are oval with stieda body. Sporocyst residuum contains many granules and sporozoites with refractile bodies and nuclei. Genetic analyses of the sequence data from the partial 18S rRNA and ITS-1 gene regions revealed that the sequences obtained from E. rajasthani oocysts are related to DNA sequences reported from E. lamae from the Alpaca from China, particularly the 18S rRNA sequences. Conclusion: This study emphasized the need to use molecular phylogenetic tools to describe camel intestinal coccidian parasites with traditional morphology-based approaches to better understand their biology. For camel husbandry and disease control, more studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiology of these protozoan parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of hypertension increases with age, and older people with this condition are at increased risk of developing orthostatic hypotension (OH) due to age-related changes in blood pressure regulation mechanisms as well as prescribed medications. OH increases the risk of falls, often with subsequent fractures as well as other morbidity and even mortality. The prevalence and characteristics of OH in older people with hypertension in Low-Income Countries have not been well characterized. This study aims to determine the prevalence of OH and associated factors among older people with hypertension in northern Ethiopia. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of patients aged 60 years and older with hypertension receiving pharmacotherapy and followed up at the University of Gondar Hospital, Ethiopia. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in the supine position, and after 3 min of standing; the level of BP drop (> 20/10) was used to define measured OH. Data regarding symptoms of OH were also collected using the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ). The data were entered into Microsoft Excel version 2016 and exported to SPSS version 20 for statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the factors associated with OH. Results: A total of 240 participants were included, with a mean age of 68.8 ± 7.1 years. The prevalence of OH was 23.8% (CI: 21.5%, 26.1%). Of the medications used, calcium channel blocker (CCBs) treatment was strongly associated with OH (AOR = 2.03[95%CI = 1.08–3.8]). Two-thirds (61.4%) of participants with measured OH experienced relevant symptoms of OH. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of OH among older patients with hypertension attending a tertiary care hospital in Gondar, with one in four affected. The use of CCBs was identified as an independent risk factor for OH. Most patients with OH experienced relevant symptoms, so monitoring this condition in this group may help prevent adverse consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in older adults, even though it is commonly misdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to exacerbations of preexisting medical conditions and even a higher mortality rate. In the present systematic review with meta-analysis, we quantify the magnitude of depression and its associated risk factors among the older adult population in Egypt. Methods: A thorough literature search was performed from 2010 up to October 2023. The results were presented as proportions or risk difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated using the random effects model. A sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the robustness of the results. Results: Our study included 14 articles with 5857 older adults published between 2011 and 2023. All the included studies assessed depression in geriatrics using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Of the 14 studies, 5 were for community-dwelling older adults, 3 were for older adults attending primary health care (PHC) centers, 2 were for hospitalized older adults, 3 were for residing in geriatric homes, and one for residing in geriatric homes, hospitalized older adults, and community-dwelling older adults. The overall prevalence of depression among Egyptian geriatrics was 64.6%. The pooled prevalence of depression was 59.6%, 67.0%, 67.0%, and 62.0% for community-dwelling older adults, older adults people attending PHC, hospitalized older adults, and older adults residing in geriatric homes, respectively. Older adults with chronic illness, female sex, and low-income elders and elders who were not employed had a higher risk for depression with pooled risk differences of 34.9%, 17.8%, 23.8%, and 15.1% (P < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, there was no significant difference in risk for depression in the older adults residing in urban areas compared to rural areas, the older adults aged + 70 compared to those less than 70, individuals with low levels of education or who are illiterate compared with those with higher levels of education and the older adults who live alone compared with those living with family. Conclusion: More than half of the older adults in Egypt suffer from depressive symptoms. Chronic diseases, female sex, unemployment, and low-income inequality are the most significant factors contributing to depression among Egypt's older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) is challenging due to diverse symptoms and the absence of specific biomarkers. Concurrent autoimmune diseases (AID) or non-specific antibodies further complicate diagnosis, progression monitoring, and management. Data on AID prevalence in MS patients are sparse. This study aims to identify concurrent AIDs alongside MS. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed patient records at our university hospital from 2010 to 2017, focusing on cases suspected of inflammatory demyelinating disease. The 2017 McDonald criteria were applied. Additionally, we measured neurofilament light (NfL) levels from available CSF samples in our biobank. Results: We identified a total of 315 patients, of whom 66% were women. In total, 13.7% of all patients had concurrent AID, while 20.3% had isolated antibody findings without AID. The most common AID was autoimmune thyroiditis (8.9%), followed by chronic inflammatory skin diseases (1.6%), arthritis (1%), type 1 diabetes (1%), Sjögren's syndrome (0.6%), and inflammatory bowel diseases (0.6%). Cardiolipin antibodies were the most frequent isolated antibody finding (8.6%). Our data showed that, from the perspective of the initial demyelinating event, neither comorbid AID nor isolated antibodies significantly influenced relapses or MS progression over a median follow-up of 9 months. Standard CSF parameters and NfL levels were similar between the groups at the time of MS diagnosis. Conclusion: Our study shows that AIDs, particularly autoimmune thyroiditis, frequently occur at the onset of MS. The proportion of AIDs commonly treated with immunomodulatory therapy in our cohort was similar to that observed in the general population. Comorbid AID did not affect NfL levels, indicating similar disease activity. Future research should explore new AID emergence during the course of MS, especially considering the increased incidence of rheumatic diseases later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking, yet evidence suggests potential health risks, especially among vulnerable populations. This study examines the immediate adverse events following e-cigarette use in individuals with preexisting health conditions to better understand these risks.We conducted a STROBE-compliant observational study to identify specific preexisting medical conditions that may increase the risk of adverse events following e-cigarette use. A cross-sectional survey was deployed from January 3rd to March 3rd, 2023. A total of 4695 current and former e-cigarette users completed the survey. Logistic regression models were utilized to examine associations between 23 distinct preexisting conditions and 48 adverse events, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and income.The analysis encompassed 4,421 respondents, demonstrating that individuals with solid organ transplants faced notably pronounced risks, with odds ratios indicating a seven-fold increase in mouth/tongue blisters (OR = 7.05), nearly five-fold for heart palpitations (OR = 4.92), and heartburn (OR = 4.79). Stem cell transplantation recipients also showed significantly heightened risks for similar adverse events, including mouth/tongue blisters (OR = 5.53) and heart palpitations (OR = 4.65). Metabolic diseases were linked to substantially increased odds of mouth/tongue blisters (OR = 5.63), hair loss (OR = 4.09), and migraine (OR = 3.50), highlighting a specific vulnerability to e-cigarette aerosol exposure among these groups.The findings highlight the acute health risks associated with e-cigarette use in individuals with certain preexisting conditions. These results challenge the notion that e-cigarette use poses limited harm to human health and highlight the need for tailored public health strategies to protect vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of low back pain among nurses is notably high, which negatively affects their job performance and overall work quality. Aim of study: This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among nurses in Nablus city and investigate how personal and work-related factor and the occurrence of low back pain in this population. Method: Employing a cross-sectional study design, we employed validated instruments, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire. The study encompassed 258 nursing employees from both the largest and smallest Ministry of Health (MOH) and private sector hospitals in Nablus city, West Bank, Palestine. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Result: A total of 258 nurses participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 98%. The lifetime prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) was 82% (n = 212) throughout their life. Additionally, the prevalence of LBP in the 12 months preceding data collection was 78% (N = 201), 71% (N = 182) in the month leading up to the study, and 61% (N = 156) on the day of data collection. Conclusion: The study disclosed a high prevalence of low back pain among nurses, underscoring the urgency for effective solutions. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive research to better understand and address this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caring for people with mental illness requires a significant investment of personal physical, mental, social, and financial resources, which greatly impact the daily lives of caregivers. The process of providing care is multifaceted and intricate, involving both positive and negative emotional responses. Burden of care is a term used to describe the negative effects of caregivers' burden on their physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of the most recent information available regarding the pooled prevalence of burden of care among people with mental illness in Africa. Methods: In this study, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), which is a suitable guideline for reports of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The PROSPERO protocol number for this review is CRD42024499138. To find publications for the systematic review and meta-analysis, we used PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for cross-sectional study quality assessment was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel, and then it was exported into STATA 11.0 for analysis. A funnel plot and an objective examination of Egger's regression test were used to check for publication bias. Results: We have included 12 studies conducted in African countries with 2156 study participants, of whom 1176 (54.55%) were female individuals. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of burden of care among caregivers of people with mental illness in Africa was 61.73 (95% CI: 51.25–72.21%). Further, in subgroup analysis regarding the study country, the pooled prevalence of carer burden among caregivers of people with mental illness in Egypt and Nigeria was 79.19% and 55.22%, respectively. Conclusion: This review found a high pooled prevalence of caregiver burden related to mental illness in Africa. To minimize the challenges faced by individuals with mental illnesses, as well as the burden on their caregivers, stakeholders may find these findings useful for addressing prevention, early screening, and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The zoonotic infectious diseases of poverty (zIDPs) are a group of diseases contributing to global poverty, with significant impacts on a substantial population. This study aims to describe the global, regional, and national burden of zIDPs—schistosomiasis, cystic echinococcosis, cysticercosis, and food-borne trematodiases (FBTs)—to support policy making and resource allocation for their control and elimination. Methods: Data of zIDPs from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 were retrieved from 1990 to 2021. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rate were described and the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify their burden and temporal trends. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between age-standardized rates and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Results: In 2021, these zIDPs exhibited a certain level of ASPRs and age-standardized DALY rates, while maintaining relatively low ASMRs. Noticeably, schistosomiasis presented the highest ASPR of 1914.299 (95% UI: 1378.920, 2510.853 per 100,000 population) and an age-standardized DALY rate of 21.895 (95% UI: 12.937, 37.278 per 100,000 population) among the zIDPs. The tapestry of burden—woven predominantly through low and lower-middle SDI regions—stretched across Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. From 1990 to 2021, a kaleidoscopic shift was observed globally as ASPRs, ASMRs, and age-standardized DALY rates declined significantly, as reflected by the EAPC values. Negative correlations were observed between the ASPRs, ASMRs, age-standardized DALY rates of schistosomiasis (r value = − 0.610, − 0.622 and − 0.610), cystic echinococcosis (− 0.676 of ASMR, − 0.550 of age-standardized DALYs), cysticercosis (− 0.420, − 0.797 and − 0.591) and the SDI. In contrast, a slight positive correlation was noted between the ASPR, age-standardized DALY rates of FBTs and SDI with r value of 0.221 and 0.213, respectively. Conclusion: The burden of zIDPs declined across almost all endemic regions from 1990 to 2021, yet still predominated in low and low-middle SDI regions. Substantial challenges exist to achieve the goal of control and elimination of zIDPs, and integrated approaches based on One Health need to be strengthened to improve health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larynx cancer poses a significant public health challenge in China, with rising incidence and mortality rates over the past decades. Understanding the long-term trends and underlying factors is crucial for effective intervention and policy formulation. Data were utilized from the global burden of disease (GBD) Study 2021 to analyze the incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) due to larynx cancer in China from 1990 to 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis identified key changes in trends, while age-period-cohort (APC) analysis and decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of aging, epidemiological changes, and population growth to these trends. Our study found a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of larynx cancer in China, particularly among males. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for males were substantially higher than those for females. Decomposition analysis revealed that aging was the primary driver of increasing incidence and mortality rates, while epidemiological changes had a mitigating effect. Joinpoint analysis identified periods of rapid urbanization and economic growth as key turning points for increased incidence. Bayesian APC models projected a continued upward trend in incidence rates up to 2030. The rising burden of larynx cancer in China underscores the need for targeted public health interventions, including smoking cessation programs, environmental pollution control, and early detection strategies. Addressing gender disparities and implementing effective prevention measures are crucial to mitigating the impact of larynx cancer in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Design Data Sources Eligibility Criteria for Selection Results Conclusions Systematic Review Registration Data on the global prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is significantly varied and limited across countries and over time. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the global, regional, and national burden of CRS from the years 1980 to 2021, as well as identify those factors that influence levels of such burden.We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of general population‐based observational studies focusing on CRS. We calculated pooled estimates of CRS prevalence and incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted stratifying by sex, age cohorts, geographic regions, smoking status, obesity, and comorbid conditions.PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases.We included general population‐based observational studies on CRS published from database inception through October 20, 2023.A total of 28 eligible studies, encompassing more than 237 million participants and 11,342,923 patients with CRS from 20 countries across four continents, were included in the analysis. Global pooled prevalence of CRS and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was found to be 8.71% (95% CI, 6.69–11.33; number of studies, 20) and 0.65% (95% CI, 0.56–0.75; number of studies, 4), respectively. The prevalence of CRS was greater in Europe compared with North America, South America, and Asia; adults compared with children; smokers compared with never‐smoker; those with obesity compared with normal weight; and those with comorbidities such as asthma, diabetes mellitus, eczema, and nasal septal deviation. Pooled prevalence of CRS increased from 1980 to 2020 (1980–2000: 4.72%; 95% CI, 2.12–10.49; 2014–2020: 19.40%; 95% CI, 12.12–31.07). Similar patterns were observed in CRS incidence.Our study provides valuable insights into CRS prevalence and incidence across diverse demographic and clinical factors, highlighting its increasing global burden. The reported prevalence of CRS varies internationally, and may be increasing over time. To enhance data quality and comparability, standardization of reporting methodologies is imperative.PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42024527805). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Material and Methods Results Conclusions Intimate partner violence against women is a global health issue. Exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy leads to health‐related problems for both the mother and the newborn. However, current knowledge on its occurrence varies widely and assessing the problem using standardized tools in different contexts is needed. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of IPV in pregnant women in Denmark and Spain through digital screening tools.A cross‐sectional design was used to systematically screen for intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending antenatal care by using standardized digital screening tools, Woman Abuse Screening Tool and Abuse Assessment Screen.A total of 17 220 pregnant women in Denmark and 2222 pregnant women in Spain were invited to participate. The response rate was high in both countries (77.3% and 92.5%, respectively). Overall, 6.9% (n = 913) and 13.7% (n = 282) screened positive in Denmark and Spain, respectively. Logistic regressions estimated crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals of the relationship between sociodemographic variables and intimate partner violence. In both countries, being unmarried and lacking social support were risk factors of intimate partner violence. Additionally, in Denmark, pregnant women older than 40 years, unemployed or foreign, were at higher risk, while having higher educational levels was a protective factor. In Spain, not having a partner at the time of questionnaire completion and having at least one child prior to the current pregnancy were risk factors of intimate partner violence.Prevalence results and found associated factors contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the occurrence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Denmark and Spain, while highlighting the feasibility of digital systematic screening in antenatal settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined obesity and recreational screen time trends in children receiving special education services from 1999 to 2018. We analysed data from 2565 children aged 5–17 years from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Their body mass index (BMI) and recreational screen time were analysed using ordinal and logistic regressions. The obesity prevalence (aOR = 1.043, 95% CI [1.006, 1.082]) and rate of recreational screen time guideline compliance (less than 2 hours [reference]; aOR = 1.082, 95% CI [1.041, 1.124]) in these children showed a small but significantly increasing trend during the two decades, respectively. This group of children also showed disparities in weight status, where growing trends were found in male, non-White, and 12–17 years old children. Children who did not meet the recreational screen time guideline were more likely to be obese compared to be in a healthy weight condition (aOR = 1.353, 95% CI [1.054, 1.736]). The findings point out the substantial need for sustainable and effective actions to reduce obesity and recreational screen time among children receiving special education services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Internet addiction is a mental health issue that can have detrimental effects on an individual's life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Internet Addiction and identify the risk factors associated with this behavioral addiction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 universities in southern Morocco, involving 1,690 students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, and information on substance use, and included validated tools to assess Internet addiction (Young's IADQ), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire. PHQ-9), and social phobia (Mini Neuropsychiatric International Interview. M.I.N.I). Results: The findings of our study indicate that the prevalence of Internet addiction was 30.60% (95% CI), depressive symptoms were present in 44.10% of participants, and the prevalence of social Phobia was 30.20%. A significant correlation was identified between early initiation of tobacco and Internet addiction (p = 0.05). The multivariate regression model revealed a possible association between cocaine use and Internet Addiction (OR = 5.67, IC 95%: 0.45 to 10.80) (p = 0.03), as well as a significant association between social phobia and a higher internet addiction score (OR = 3.45, IC 95%: 1.70–5.02) (p < 0.001). However, depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with internet addiction (p = 0.38). Conclusion: These results highlight the urgent need to address internet addiction in the coming years. Implementing Multidisciplinary prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and follow-up measures are essential to mitigate the physical, psychosocial, and academic impacts of this addiction on students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Edentulous patients can also suffer from sleep bruxism (SB), just like dentate patients. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of SB in edentulous patients using the definitive method. Methods: Twenty‐three edentulous patients underwent treatment with new conventional complete dentures. Definitive SB was evaluated using the Bruxoff (portable electromyography device) while sleeping at home. The prevalence of SB was assessed by the Bruxmeter software, where SB was evaluated as "absent" (score zero), "light" (<2 episodes), "moderate" (between 2 and 4 episodes), or "severe" (>4 episodes). The prevalence was expressed with descriptive statistics in percentage using the number of detected cases out of the total number of patients. Results: Eighteen patients (78.26%) were diagnosed with SB. The severity of SB was 55.5%, 5.5%, and 39% for the light, moderate, and severe scores, respectively. Conclusions: Almost 8 out of 10 edentulous patients have SB. Approximately half of the SB‐detected patients showed moderate to severe severity of bruxism as measured by a commercial, at‐home device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have compared the influencing factors of postpartum depression between primiparous and multiparous women. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of postpartum depression in primiparous and multiparous women, and provide reference suggestions for clinical nursing. Methods: A total of 429 postpartum women who gave birth at a Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shandong Province, China, from April to June 2024, were recruited by convenience sampling. A Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used for investigation. SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze the data, and multivariate regression was employed to analyze the influencing factors of postpartum depression between primiparous and multiparous women. Results: The total prevalence of postpartum depression among 429 postpartum women (191 primiparas and 238 multiparas) was 22.14%. The prevalence of postpartum depression among primiparous and multiparous women were 21.99% and 22.27%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference [OR=1.016, 95% CI (0.642, 1.608)]. Sleep quality is a common protective factor for postpartum depression in both primiparous and multiparous women, while perceived social support is another protective factor for multiparous women. The risk factors are different in both two group, there is no risk factor found in primiparous women, the newborns health and women's expectation on newborns gender are risk factors for postpartum depression in multiparous women. Conclusions: Both primiparous and multiparous women have a high risk of postpartum depression. In order to promote the mental health of postpartum women, precise nursing measures should be adopted for different parity of postpartum women in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social anxiety disorder imposes impacts of functional disability, poor educational achievement, loss of work productivity, social impairment, greater financial dependency, and impairment in quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and identify determinants of social anxiety disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 May 2022 among 354 people living with HIV using a simple random sampling technique. The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) Scale was used to assess the presence of social anxiety disorder. Data were gathered using chart review tools and a structured questionnaire, which was administered by a pretested face-to-face interviewer. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data once they were imported into EpiData Manager version 4.6. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. After calculating odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI), statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 336 respondents participated in the study, resulting in a response rate of 94.91%. The magnitude of social anxiety disorder was 32.44% (95% CI: 27.4, 37.2). Being female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.61, 7.84], having a stage III/IV HIV/AIDS status (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.10, 9.13), being alcohol dependent (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.45, 5.44), and having perceived stigma (AOR = 5.62, 95% CI: 2.95, 10.72) were predictors of social anxiety disorder. Conclusion: In this study, approximately one-third of people living with HIV/AIDS had social anxiety disorder. Being female, having a stage III/IV HIV/AIDS status, being alcohol dependent, and having perceived stigma were predictors of social anxiety disorder. Therefore, training for health care providers on the screening, counselling, and management of social anxiety disorder is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressively debilitating disorder that has seen a notable rise in prevalence in recent years. This study examines the burden of MS from 1990 to 2019, providing a detailed analysis by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) across 204 countries and territories. Methods: Data on the prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to MS were obtained from the publically available Global Burden of Disease 2019 project. The estimates are reported as numbers, percentages, and age-standardized rates per 100,000, accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals. Results: In 2019, MS accounted for 1.8 million prevalent cases, 22.4 thousand deaths and 1.2 million DALYs worldwide. There were significant declines in the global age-standardized prevalence, mortality and DALY rates of MS over the period 1990–2019. In 2019, females exhibited a higher global point prevalence and a greater total number of prevalent MS cases than males across all age groups. At the regional level, a non-linear relationship was observed between the age-standardized DALY rate of MS and SDI. Conclusion: Although the global age-standardized DALY rate of MS decreased between 1990 and 2019, MS continues to account for a considerable number of DALYs and prevalent cases. Integrating MS and its associated risk factors into healthcare planning is vital, especially in areas with high levels of socioeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, diarrhea continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for children under five, with an annual rate of 149 million cases of illness and 760,000 deaths. This study aimed to assess prevalence and contributing factors of diarrhea among children under-five years in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1387 participants from February to June 2023. A multistage sampling method was conducted. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered in to Epi data and exported to STATA for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with diarrhea with p-value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of diarrheal disease among children under five was 17.16%. Child’s age 12 to 23 months [AOR = 16.642; 95% CI: (3.119, 88.805)], protected drinking water [AOR: 0.629; 95% CI: (0.840, 0.928)], health insurance [AOR = 0.571;95% CI: (0.386, 0.844)], institutional delivery [AOR = 0.426, 95% CI: (0.256, 0.707)], water shortage [AOR = 1.570, 95% CI: (1.083, 2.277)], and vaccinated for measles [AOR = 0.124, 95% CI: (0.065, 0.236)] were associated with diarrhea. Conclusion: Age of children, source of drinking water, health insurance, place of delivery, family size, water shortage, liquid waste disposal, and measles vaccination were significantly associated with diarrhea among under five children. Interventions targeting improvements in drinking water sources, health insurance coverage, sanitation practices, and vaccination rates are crucial for mitigating the impact of diarrheal disease among children under five years in Awi Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to estimate prevalence and incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid relationships between ADHD and other psychiatric disorders in Japan. Methods: Using the real-world JMDC Claims Database, we conducted a cross-sectional study (analysis years 2017–2021) and retrospective cohort study (observation 2 years before/after the initial ADHD diagnosis; data collection 2005–2021; enrollment 2017–2019). Patients were male or female, aged 0–57 years. Cross-sectional study patients had an ADHD or other psychiatric disorder diagnosis (with or without medication) and were continuously registered in each analysis year; retrospective study patients had an ADHD diagnosis and ≥2 years' observation before and after diagnosis. Endpoints were annual prevalence and incidence of ADHD in Japan, prevalence and risk ratio of each psychiatric comorbidity in patients with ADHD, prevalence and risk ratios of ADHD in patients with each psychiatric comorbidity, and prevalence of psychiatric disorders before/after the initial ADHD diagnosis. Results: ADHD prevalence in children/adolescents and adults increased each year from 2017 to 2021. Prevalence in boys was 3.5–4.1 times higher than in girls. Prevalence in adults was lower than in children/adolescents, with a small sex difference. ADHD was highly comorbid with various psychiatric disorders. In 2019, the most common comorbidity in children/adolescents with ADHD was autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 54.4%); in adults, it was mood disorders (60.9%). ADHD prevalence in patients with various psychiatric disorders was higher than in the control population. ADHD prevalence was highest in patients with oppositional defiance disorder among both children/adolescents and adults (77.2% and 69.2%, respectively). In the retrospective cohort study (N = 14,940), the most common psychiatric disorders diagnosed prior to ADHD diagnosis were ASD in children/adolescents (33.9% of patients), and mood disorders and sleep disorders in adults (36.9% and 23.8% of patients, respectively). Discussion: ADHD was comorbid with various psychiatric disorders in Japan. In children and adolescents with ADHD, ASD was often diagnosed prior to ADHD. Psychiatric disorders, especially mood disorders and sleep disorders, were frequently diagnosed prior to the initial ADHD diagnosis in adults. The likelihood of comorbid ADHD should be considered when diagnosing adult patients with psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions have significantly changed the environment and the delivery of direct care in all health services, including psychiatric hospitals. The aim of the study is two-fold: 1) to retrospectively assess the incidence of seclusion and mechanical restraint in a Quebec mental health hospital over 4 years; and 2) to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their incidence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study based on medical records from a Quebec mental health hospital collected (a) from April 2016 to March 2019), (b) from April 2019 to March 2020 (pre-COVID onset), and (c) from April 2020 to March 2021 (post-COVID onset). Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, Mann-Kendall test and Welch's t-test were performed. Results: Following several years during which the use of restrictive measures remained stable, we have noted a significant increase within the first year following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can be seen in the use of both seclusion and restraints, which have risen 205% and 170% respectively. Conclusion: There are a multitude of factors associated with the incidence of seclusion and restraint that have the potential to be triggered during emergencies and global crisis situations, impacting in turn the rights of an already vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer, albeit preventable, is the second-most deadly gynecological cancer in developing nations. Little is known about cervical cancer among Bangladeshi women. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of cervical cancer screening and demographic correlates to identify potential variabilities in screening rates among different demographic groups and regions. Methods: This study used secondary data from the WHO STEPS 2018 Survey. We used Bayesian regression to perform the bivariate analyses between the outcome and each explanatory factor, as it generates more acceptable results and improves parameter estimates. The top-ranked socio-demographic factors were identified using a two-step cluster analysis. This method determines the relevance of predictor variables and automatically establishes the number of clusters. Results: The prevalence of Bangladeshi women who had ever been screened for cervical cancer was 6.2%. In the adjusted model, women with the following socio-demographic factors had a higher likelihood of developing cervical cancer: being 18–29 years old (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 0.24, 15.27) or 45–59 years old (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.22, 6.0), currently married (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.70), and employed (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.06). Women in the Barisal division were found to have higher odds of being screened for cervical cancer (AOR = 21, 95% CI: 0.66, 121.97). Cluster analysis found residence status predisposes women to cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: There is a significant potential for substantial reductions in the burden of cervical cancer in Bangladesh by strengthening the application of cervical cancer screening. Future studies should examine how socioeconomic status, culture, and healthcare access affect cervical cancer screening trends for different divisions in Bangladesh. An independent national cancer registry is urgently needed to evaluate screening trends and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Data on child functioning and disability are important for public policy development which aimed at reducing child disability prevalence and strengthening the provision of appropriate and timely health care services. This study reports the prevalence of functional difficulty in Malaysian children aged 2–17 years and its associated sociodemographic factors and epilepsy. Methods: Data on children aged 2–17 years (n = 4576) were generated from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, a population-based cross-sectional survey. Functional difficulty in children was assessed using the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)/Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG) Child Functioning Module (CFM). The questionnaires were administered to the parents or guardians of the children via face-to-face interviews. Functional difficulty, defined as having difficulty in at least one domain, was examined for its prevalence and associations with sociodemographic variables and the epilepsy variable in children using descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of functional difficulty among children aged 2–17 years was 4.7%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older children, children from households whose heads of household had a lower education level and children who have epilepsy were significantly more likely to experience functional difficulty (p < 0.05). Children of Chinese ethnicity were less likely to experience functional difficulty compared to children of Malay ethnicity. Conclusions: This study provides baseline findings on the prevalence of functional difficulty among children in Malaysia using nationally representative data. Although the prevalence was relatively low, the information is important for the planning of strategies to improve the development and well-being of children in Malaysia and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brazil has the highest number of HTLV-1 infection in Latin America, with around one million cases spread unevenly across regions. However, there is a limited number of studies on this infection in the general population. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV as well as identify types, and subtypes of HTLV among the urban population of Campo Grande, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS). Results: Between July 2023 and March 2024, all information was obtained from self-reported interviews, and blood samples were collected and screened for anti-HTLV-1/2 by immunoassay and confirmed using the immunoblot method. The proviral DNA of HTLV-1/2 in positive samples was quantified by real-time PCR (qPCR) and genotyped by nucleotide sequencing (Sanger's method). The study enrolled 611 participants, with the majority being women (90.54%), mixed race (46.32%), heterosexual (87.64%), and with a median age of 39 years. The prevalence rate of anti-HTLV-1 infection was 0.82% (CI 95% 0.34–1.96). All positive samples (n = 5) were identified as belonging to the Cosmopolitan subtype, one belonging to Japanese and four to Transcontinental subgroups. Among the five positive individuals, two presented symptoms associated with HTLV-1 infection. Conclusion: This study highlights an intermediate prevalence of HTLV-1 in the urban population of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, and provides epidemiological information that could help bridge the gaps in the distribution of HTLV in the general population. Also, medical care was provided for individuals presenting clinical manifestations who were previously unaware of their serological status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Aim Methods Results Conclusion Coeliac disease (CD) is common in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but prevalence varies globally due to differing screening protocols. There have been substantial changes in screening guidelines over the past two decades.To evaluate CD prevalence in patients with T1D, focusing on screening studies using antitissue transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) antibody.We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus for studies published up to 11 December 2023 using keywords related to CD and diabetes. We used random‐effects models for overall prevalence and all subgroups, with heterogeneity assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic performed in STATA 18.We included 106 articles involving 65,102 T1D patients across 40 countries. The pooled CD seroprevalence and confirmed CD prevalence were 9% (95% confidence interval, CI, 8%–10%) and 6% (95% CI 5%–7%), respectively. The prevalence was higher in females and children. Denmark, Saudi Arabia and Libya exhibited the highest prevalence (11%), followed by India and Egypt (10%). Belgium, France, Germany, South Africa and the United States had the lowest prevalence (2%). High‐income countries showed significantly a lower CD prevalence than middle‐income countries (p = 0.03). Meta‐regression based on the Human Development Index (HDI) indicated that countries with higher HDI have lower seroprevalence and confirmed CD prevalence.Approximately 1 in 16 patients globally and 1 in 12 patients in Asia and the Middle East with T1D has CD. We suggest that all patients with T1D should be screened for CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva due to hypersensitivity reactions to various allergens. Understanding its epidemiology and clinical characteristics is crucial for effective management and public health interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, triggers, and associated factors of allergic conjunctivitis among residents of the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, including descriptive statistics and bivariable/multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 693 participants were recruited through convenience sampling via online platforms. Among the participants, 73.9% reported ocular symptoms, while 26.1% did not. Dust emerged as the most common trigger for ocular symptoms (32.9%), followed by eye drops/contact lenses (8.7%), animal dander (6.9%), and chemicals (5.8%). Notably, 39.7% reported experiencing ocular symptoms throughout the year. Despite the prevalence of ocular symptoms, only 26.7% consulted an ophthalmologist. Multivariable analysis revealed that gender and seasonal variation in symptoms were associated with allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis. Females showed a lower odds ratio (OR) of being diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis compared to males (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.29–1.31), and participants experiencing symptoms with no specific season had significantly lower odds of being diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.72). A history of allergic rhinitis demonstrated a strong positive association with allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.83–7.75). Conclusion: The study highlights the considerable burden of allergic conjunctivitis and the underutilization of healthcare services among affected individuals in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. Tailored interventions and increased awareness are essential for effective management and mitigation of allergic conjunctivitis's impact on affected individuals and healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can adversely affect pregnancy, yet their prevalence in rural communities remains poorly understood. Objective: For an initial evaluation of the UTI burden among pregnant women in the San Marcos province of rural Andean Peru, we aimed to determine the UTI prevalence in the region. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a subsample of 250 pregnant women enrolled in the Peruvian Andes Multigenerational High Altitude Cohort (ALTO) from 2021 to 2022. Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered to collect demographic, socioeconomic, maternal health and behavioural data. Urine samples were obtained for dipstick analyses. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between risk factors and UTI. Results: The study participants had a median age of 28 years (IQR: 22–33). A UTI prevalence of 27.6% (CI: 22.4%–33.5%) was observed, surpassing estimates from other regions of Peru. Notably, nearly all pregnant women (96%) utilised antenatal care (ANC) services at least once, primarily visiting health centres and community health posts where doctors and obstetricians were the main care providers. In this population, none of the risk factors exhibited statistically significant associations with UTIs. Conclusion: Our study highlights the prevalence of UTIs among Andean pregnant women in San Marcos and underscores the critical need for routine UTI screening and treatment during ANC visits as recommended by national guidelines. While accessibility to ANC services is not a barrier in this region, enhancing the availability and quality of UTI screening services is crucial. Plain language summary: How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Women in Rural Areas of the Andes in Peru? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause complications during pregnancy, but we don't know enough about how common they are in rural areas. This study looked at how many pregnant women in San Marcos, a rural area in the Andes of Peru, have UTIs. The goal was to better understand the problem in this community. We studied 250 pregnant women who were part of a larger research project called the Peruvian Andes Multigenerational High Altitude Cohort (ALTO), conducted between 2021 and 2022. The women answered questions about their health, occupation, education and lifestyle. They also provided urine samples, which were tested for UTIs using a dipstick test. The women in this study were, on average, 28 years old. We found that about 28% of the women had a UTI during pregnancy, which is higher than rates reported in other parts of Peru. Almost all of the women (96%) received antenatal care at least once, with most of them going to local health centers or community health posts, where obstetricians provided care. However, even though these women were receiving antenatal care, many were not regularly tested or treated for UTIs. Our study shows that UTIs are common in pregnant women in this region. Since UTIs can lead to serious health problems for both mothers and babies, it's important to make UTI testing a regular part of antenatal care and improve access to treatment in rural communities like San Marcos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, neurological diseases has surpassed cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of global disease burden. Among these, headache disorders are the most prevalent and have emerged as the main cause of disability in people under 50 years old in recent years. Since the release of GBD 2021, there has been no comprehensive systematic exposition on the burden of headache among individuals under 50 years old and a forecast for future burdens. This study aims to quantify the global, regional, and national burden of headache disorders among people under 50 from 1992 to 2021 and to predict future trends in order to provide policy makers with precise and effective epidemiological evidence. Methods: This study extracted the incidence, prevalence, and DALYs data related to headache disorders in the 5–50 age group from the GBD 2021. After age-standardizing the data, we used joinpoint regression analysis and health inequity analysis to analyze the burden and temporal trend of headache disorders and predicted the future disease burden and changes based on the age-period-cohort model. Results: By 2021, the case number of global incidence, prevalence and DALYs have increased by 35, 39, and 41%, respectively, over the past 30 years. The incidence and prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) are significantly higher than those of migraine, but migraine causes greater health burdens. The burden is higher for female than for male. In terms of age, youth aged 25–29 years had the highest incidence in 2021, with an age-standardized rate (ASR) of 13,454.64 (95%CI, 9,546.96–18,361.36) per 100,000 population. Nationally, the highest ASR of incidence and prevalence are found in Norway, and the most damaging to health is found in Belgium. Among the five sociodemographic index (SDI) categories, the middle SDI has the highest number of cases (190 million in 2021). It is worth noting that the forecast shows that by 2046 the three indicators will reach 680 million, 2.33 billion, and 41 million, respectively, indicating that the burden of headache disorders in this age group will continue to persist. Conclusion: Globally, the burden of headache disorders in people under 50 years of age remains significant and has not improved over the past 30 years, especially in regions with high SDI. Headache problems will continue to pose a serious public health challenge for this age group for some time to come. This study reveals the burden and distribution of headache disorders in this age group, providing important basis for governments and policymakers to accurately and effectively allocate health care resources, strengthen prevention and management strategies, and respond to this global health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and burdensome symptoms for patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), considerably impacting their quality of life and employment. Numerous reports have described the prevalence of MS-related fatigue, but there is no global consensus on this matter. Objective: To examine the global prevalence of MS-related fatigue and identify sources of heterogeneity in the published literature. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang database for potential literature from 2000 to January 31, 2024. A random effects model was used to calculate the prevalence of MS-related fatigue. Subgroup analyses and a meta-regression were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Results: Sixty-nine studies from 27 countries were included. The global prevalence of MS-related fatigue was 59.1%, and it has decreased every decade since 2000. Fatigue was prevalent among females, those with lower education levels, those who were older, those with greater disability, and those with longer MS durations. The meta-regression revealed that fatigue measurement instruments were the largest source of heterogeneity. Conclusion: The prevalence of MS-related fatigue is quite high. Healthcare professionals should screen for and manage fatigue for PwMS as early as possible and pay attention to populations with a high prevalence of fatigue. The high heterogeneity among the prevalence rates due to differences in the fatigue scales suggests the importance of reaching a consensus on the best screening tools for MS-related fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]