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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]

Subthreshold anxiety may act as a critical precursor and risk factor for the onset of threshold anxiety. However, accurate prevalence rates of subthreshold anxiety and its role in leading to threshold anxiety require further elucidation. We conducted a search on PubMed and Web of Science using predefined criteria and identified 45 articles with a total of 278,971 individuals to estimate the prevalence rates using a random effects model. The incidence risk ratio (IRR) was estimated by comparing the proportion of individuals with subthreshold anxiety who developed threshold anxiety to those without subthreshold anxiety in seven articles involving 18,693 individuals. Our analysis revealed an overall prevalence of subthreshold anxiety of 6.19%. Specifically, among individuals with subthreshold generalized anxiety disorders, adolescents show the highest prevalence (9.47%), outpacing adults (4.69%) and the elderly (3.49%). Further analysis of seven studies showed an increased risk of developing threshold anxiety in individuals with subthreshold anxiety (IRR = 2.63), with a higher transition rate (9.59%) compared to those without subthreshold anxiety (3.65%). Anxiety disorders may be conceptualized as a spectrum, with subthreshold anxiety serving as a significant prodromal state and risk factor for the development of threshold anxiety. Proactive management of subthreshold anxiety represents an effective approach for the prevention of its progression to threshold anxiety. Future research should investigate the risk of progression from subthreshold to threshold anxiety across various types, and explore how factors, such as social support and personality traits facilitate this progression. • Assessed prevalence rates and progression risks of subthreshold anxiety. • Significant differences exist in prevalence across subthreshold anxiety types. • Subthreshold generalized anxiety disorder is most prevalent in adolescents and least in the elderly. • Subthreshold anxiety markedly increases the risk of developing threshold anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of suicidal tendencies among the public. However, there is limited research reporting on the changing trends in suicidal ideation after 2020 in the context of the long-term normalization of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in China. The self-administered online questionnaire was adopted to collect 12-month suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, and some demographic information from university students by convenient cluster sampling in Shandong, Shaanxi, and Jilin Provinces, China. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between different factors and suicidal ideation. The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation from 2021 to 2023 among university students was 3.89 %, 5.81 %, and 4.33 %, respectively, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The trends presented a similar tendency in the subgroups according to gender, majors, and grades, except among urban freshman-year students. The associated factors of suicidal ideation were different among university students in different surveys. However, female gender, poor mental health, and depressive symptoms were linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation. More representative large-scale longitudinal studies should be used to monitor the suicidal behavior of university students. The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation among Chinese university students exhibited a pattern of initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease from 2021 to 2023. Despite the complete lifting of COVID-19 prevention and control measures in China, the prolonged three-year epidemic may have enduring adverse effects on university students, underscoring the ongoing importance of providing continuous mental health services to this population. • The prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation from 2021 to 2023 among Chinese university students showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. • Each survey showed a higher prevalence of 12-month suicidal ideation among female university students than among males. • Female gender, poor mental health status, and depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is increasingly prevalent among patients with bipolar disorder (BD), raising concerns in psychology and mental health. Investigating the incidence and factors associated with NSSI is crucial for developing prevention and intervention strategies. NSSI behaviors were identified using the Ottawa Self-injury Inventory. The Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale supplemented with questions for the DSM-5 specifier of mixed features (CUDOS-M) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Hypo-)Manic Episode with Mixed Features-DSM-5 Module (MINI-M) were used to evaluate clinical symptoms. Non-parametric tests, chi-square tests, point-biserial correlation and logistic regression analyses were employed for the purposes of data analysis. The enrolled sample comprised 1044 patients with BD from 20 research centers across China. Out of 1044 individuals, 446 exhibited NSSI behaviors, with 101 of them being adolescents, leading to a prevalence of 78.3 % among adolescent patients. The most common methods for females and males were "cutting" (41.2 %) and "hitting" (34.7 %), respectively. By binary logistic regression analysis, young age, female, bipolar type II disorder, with suicidal ideation and mixed states, depressive symptoms and without family history of mental disorder were correlates of NSSI in patients with BD (P < 0.05). As a cross-sectional study, causality between NSSI behaviors and associated factors cannot be established. Reporting and recall biases may occur due to self-rating scales and retrospective reports. Our study indicates a concerning prevalence of NSSI, particularly among young patients with BD in China. Future research should focus on understanding NSSI behaviors in this population and developing effective interventions. • The prevalence and correlates of non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese bipolar patients have rarely been reported. • The most common methods of non-suicidal self-injury were "cutting" for females and "hitting" for males. • Non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in patients with bipolar disorder were found to be related to specific factors. • High incidence of non-suicidal self-injury in bipolar adolescents necessitates prevention and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: People with hypertension are more susceptible to developing cardiometabolic risk factors including overweight, obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aim to determine the trends in the prevalence of these risk factors among Iranian adults with hypertension from 2007 to 2021. Methods: We utilized data for adults from 25 to 64 years old from four rounds of the STEPwise approach to non-communicable diseases risk factor surveillance (STEPS) study conducted in Iran in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2021. Direct standardization by age, sex, and residency area was conducted using the 2016 Iranian census population. Weighted least squares linear regression was performed to assess the statistical changes in the trends. Results: Overall, 21,088 participants were included in this study. From 2007 to 2021, the standardized prevalence of hypertension among adults did not change significantly (from 24.5 to 22.8%). Dyslipidemia was the most prevalent comorbidity among adults with hypertension (from 83.7 to 85.5%). The standardized prevalence of overweight (39.3–40.4%) did not change significantly among adults with hypertension, while the standardized prevalence of obesity (34.3–38.4%), diabetes (10.3–13.5%), and MetS (64.4–78.3%) increased significantly, with MetS showing the highest annually change (0.9%). Considering changes in specific subgroups, significant increases in obesity were observed in males, the 45–54 age group, and rural subgroups. For MetS and diabetes, all subgroups showed a significant increase, except for diabetes in age groups, where significant increases were limited to the 55–64 age group. Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and MetS among adults with hypertension in Iran. The observed disparities in these trends across different subgroups highlight the need for health policymakers to implement targeted strategies that account for age, sex, and area differences to effectively prevent and control these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Osteoporosis remains a major public health concern, considering its high prevalence along with its association with osteoporotic fractures. It imposes a heavy burden on the society worldwide as the population ages. This paper aims to provide a brief review on Iranian multicenter osteoporosis studies (IMOS) studies and provide some recommendations for improvement. Methods: IMOS studies were conducted to investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis and related risk factors. This paper provides a general view on the Iranian multicenter osteoporosis studies (IMOS), conducted during last decades. Results: The results showed a high prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in the Iranian population. Although the study protocols were mainly similar, some differences were observed in terms of the study population and design. The protocol of IMOS-3 was modified to overcome the setbacks noted in the previous studies; however, it was implemented in two cities with noticeably different socioeconomic and geographical characteristics from five cities where the first phase was conducted, resulting in different lifestyles and habits. Although previous IMOS studies have raised major concerns regarding the high prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, interpretation should be made with caution given the differences, especially in the surveyed cities. Such discrepancies cause problems in trend analysis, and nationally representative samplings are preferably needed to correctly compare the prevalence of osteoporosis and related risk factors. Conclusions: Considering the aging population and the importance of osteoporosis and its complication, developing a standard surveillance system to obtain valid and nationally representative estimates is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary poisoning with anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) has been identified as an important threat for raptor conservation worldwide. In 2019, the California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1788 (made effective in 2020), which prohibits or limits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in the state, as a follow-up to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's ban on SGARS implemented in 2014. Currently, the adherence to these recent restrictions on ARs in southern California is unknown. To assess whether these bans prevented exposure of raptors and other wildlife to ARs, we investigated (1) the prevalence of exposure to eight different ARs in the blood of Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) before and after the 2019 ban, and (2) the distribution of resighted (encountered) wing-tagged Turkey Vultures included in this study to assess where exposure might occur. Of 27 Turkey Vultures tested for eight ARs, one out of 11 sampled in 2017 had detectable (trace) but not quantifiable levels of difethialone, and two out of 16 (12.5%) sampled in 2021 had detectable levels of diphacinone (one had 8 ppb; another indicated as positive without quantification). Overall, the prevalence of exposure to ARs was 11.1% (3 of 27), 7.4% for diphacinone and 3.7% for difethialone. Based on 93 resightings of 20 of the wing-tagged Turkey Vultures, all but one remained within the areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties of southern California. Our study suggests that the exposure risk of Turkey Vultures to ARs persisted despite recent restrictions. Our small sample size and reliance on blood in live vultures rather than liver tissue in dead ones may be underestimating true ARs exposure in our study population. We propose a continued and integrated monitoring approach that includes measurements of ARs in both free-ranging (blood samples) and deceased (liver samples) Turkey Vultures for effective large-scale monitoring. This approach will assess compliance with current and future bans and regulations regarding the use of these poisons in California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The association between lung cancer and obstructive sleep apnea has remained a matter of debate for years. Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to increase the incidence of lung cancer due to intermittent hypoxaemia and sleep fragmentation. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with lung cancer and its effect on those patients' performance status. This is a prevalence study that was conducted at Chest Diseases Department, Alexandria Main University Hospitals. We enrolled 153 patients with lung cancer. All patients underwent cardiorespiratory monitoring using a home sleep‐testing device. Performance status was assessed using Karnofsky performance status scale. The study included 120 (78.4%) males and 33 (21.6%) females newly diagnosed with lung cancer. The mean age was 59.98 ± 11.11 years. Obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 5) was present in 134 (87.6%) patients. Eighty‐five (63.4%) patients had mild obstructive sleep apnea, 39 (29.1%) patients had moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and 10 (7.46%) patients had severe obstructive sleep apnea. Prolonged nocturnal oxygen desaturation as demonstrated by time of oxygen saturation spent below 90% (T90%) during total sleep time > 30% was present in 25 (16.3%) patients. There was a significant difference in the median value of Karnofsky performance status scale between patients with lung cancer and associated obstructive sleep apnea and those without obstructive sleep apnea. In conclusion, obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent among patients with lung cancer. Performance status is worse among patients with lung cancer in the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. Screening patients with lung cancer for obstructive sleep apnea is important regardless of the presence of classical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune crónica que produce daño a diferentes órganos y sistemas, lo que conlleva una morbilidad significativa y un aumento en el riesgo de muerte. Es más frecuente en las mujeres en edad reproductiva. A nivel mundial, el LES afecta aproximadamente a 5 millones de personas. Si bien puede presentarse en cualquier región geográfica, se ha demostrado que existe una mayor incidencia y prevalencia en afroamericanos, asiáticos e hispanos. Sin embargo, la información epidemiológica disponible sobre esta enfermedad proviene mayormente de países europeos y asiáticos, así como de EE. UU. En Latinoamérica (LATAM), pocos países cuentan con estudios descriptivos, como Argentina, Colombia y México, los cuales reportan diferentes incidencias y prevalencias, probablemente asociadas a diferencias étnicas y reportes. Esta revisión tiene como finalidad resumir la información epidemiológica actual sobre el LES en LATAM. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects several organs, causing significant morbidity and increased mortality. It's more frequent in young, fertile women and can appear in all ethnic groups. The worldwide prevalence report indicates that there are at least 5 million patients with SLE. Although this disease can be found in every geographic region, certain races are more affected, such as Afro-American, Hispanic, and Asian populations. Furthermore, most of the epidemiologic information comes from Europe or the USA. In Latin America, only a few countries have reported data, like Argentina, Colombia, or Mexico, and even in these countries, the numbers vary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of frailty prevalence and incidence trends over time is essential for planning the necessary health and social resources. The objective of this study was to assess frailty prevalence, incidence, reversibility and mortality rates, and trends for the population aged ≥65 years in Catalonia over the period 2017–2021. Longitudinal epidemiological study. An observational longitudinal 5-year study (1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021) of the population aged ≥65 years in Catalonia (approximately 1.5 million individuals) was performed using retrospectively collected data from different health databases. Frailty status was evaluated using the electronic Screening Index of Frailty (e-SIF) and categorised as robust, pre-frail, moderately frail or severely frail. Standardised frailty prevalence rates were 10.5 % (2017), 11.8 % (2018), 13.1 % (2019), 12.9 % (2020) and 14.3 % (2021) [p-value for trend = 0.010]. Standardised frailty incidence rates per 1000 non-frail persons/year were 35 (2018), 36 (2019), 28 (2020) and 33 (2021) [p-value for trend = 0.492]. Both prevalence and incidence were higher in women and increased with age. Standardised frailty reversibility rates per 1000 frail persons/year were 123 (2018), 108 (2019) and 121 (2020) [p-value for trend = 0.406], and decreased with age. Standardised mortality rates for frail individuals per 1000 frail persons/year were 93 (2018), 84 (2019) and 110 (2020) [p-value for trend = 0.555], and increased with frailty severity. Frailty prevalence in Catalonia increased by 36 % between 2017 and 2021; however, no clear trend was evident for frailty incidence and reversibility, while results for mortality were likely to have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of multiple developmental disabilities, identify associated characteristics, and examine trends among American children from 2016 to 2022. This was a cross-sectional study. Using the National Survey of Children's Health data from 2016 to 2022, we estimated the prevalence of multiple developmental disabilities among children aged 3–17 years. Multiple developmental disabilities were defined as two or more concurrent disabilities from 12 common disabilities. Trends were investigated using log-linear regression. Multivariate log-binominal regression was used to compare the prevalence prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2016–2019) with prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). From 239,534 eligible children (mean age = 10.1 years; male = 51.7%), we found the overall prevalence of multiple developmental disabilities was 10.6%. The most predominant phenotype was attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder concurrent with behavioural problems (2.1%). Higher prevalence was found among boys, non-Hispanic black children, those from low-household-income families and from families with lower education levels. Prevalence of multiple developmental disabilities increased from 9.8% in 2016 to 11.5% in 2022 (P = 0.014) with significantly higher prevalence during COVID-19 pandemic than before (11.2% vs 10.1%). These increases were found consistently across most sociodemographic groups. Children from certain socio-disadvantaged groups were disproportionally affected by multiple developmental disabilities, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve health. The increasing prevalence during the pandemic suggests the need for ongoing monitoring of the trend and the impact of these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: In the United States, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection occurs primarily through injection drug use (IDU), but transmission also occurs through other ways. This study examined HCV prevalence and disparities among US residents aged 12–59 years with no IDU history. Methods: We analysed 2013‐March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to calculate the HCV prevalence among people with no drug use history and only a non‐IDU history, collectively referred to as no IDU history. These estimates were compared to those with an IDU history and stratified by sociodemographic and hepatitis A and hepatitis B serologic characteristics. Results: The current HCV infection prevalence among people aged 12–59 was.7% overall, and specifically 17.2% among people with an IDU history,.9% among people with a non‐IDU history and.2% among people with no drug use history. These rates represented 1.4 million people with current HCV infection, of whom, 730 000 had an IDU history, 262 000 had a non‐IDU history and 309 000 had no drug use history. Among people with no drug use history, current HCV infection prevalence was higher for people born during 1954–1965 versus after 1965, had completed high school or less versus at least some college and had past/present hepatitis B versus vaccinated for hepatitis B. Conclusion: While the HCV infection burden was highest among people with an IDU history, we found a sizeable burden among people without such a history. These findings support policies and practices aimed at addressing disparities among people needing treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The global prevalence of overweight/obesity has been rising, and this trend is apparent in US and European incident end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) populations. We aimed to examine temporal trends in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and underweight among adult incident ESKD patients in Japan by year of dialysis initiation between 2006 and 2019 in comparison with those observed in the Japanese adult population during the same period. Methods: Using data from the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry and the National Health and Nutrition Survey, the sex‐specific prevalence of overweight/obesity and that of underweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and <18.5 kg/m2, respectively) were calculated, adjusted for age according to the 2019 Population Census via the direct method. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine trends. Results: From 2006 to 2019, the age‐adjusted prevalence of overweight/obesity in the incident ESKD population increased for males (AAPC 3.36 [95% CI, 2.70 to 4.09]) and females (AAPC 2.86 [95% CI, 1.65 to 4.19]). The age‐adjusted prevalence of overweight/obesity in the general population increased for males (AAPC 0.87 [95% CI, 0.26 to 1.42]) but not for females (AAPC 0.01 [95% CI, −0.55 to 0.57]). The age‐adjusted prevalence of underweight in the incident ESKD population significantly decreased but was higher than that in the general population for both sexes. Conclusion: An increasing trend of overweight/obesity was observed in the incident ESKD population in Japan. There is a pressing need to address both underweight and overweight/obesity in the incident ESKD population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prevalence of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) among people with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) has been sub-optimally researched in Australia and internationally. We evaluated the prevalence of TRS among a cohort of FES patients and compared their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics to those with FES who were treatment responsive. Methods: Over 2 years, we collated demographic, clinical and treatment-related data of all patients with ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth revision) diagnosis of schizophrenia who were active in October 2020 at four early psychosis intervention services (EPIS) in Western Australia. We used a modified version of Suzuki et al. criteria to diagnose TRS. The data were analysed utilising descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, Student's t -test and the False-Discovery Rate method. Results: The prevalence of TRS among the 167 patients diagnosed with FES was 41.3%, and the rates did not differ significantly between the services (p = 0.955). Those in the TRS group were less independent (p = 0.011), had more prolonged unemployment (p = 0.014) and were more likely to be on disability pension (p = 0.011) compared to the treatment responsive group. Furthermore, they had greater severity of symptoms (p = 0.002), longer duration of psychiatric symptoms (p = 0.019), more hospitalisations (p = 0.002) and longer cumulative admission durations (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Our study revealed that treatment resistance to antipsychotics is prevalent among people with FES managed at EPIS. Notably, it establishes an association between TRS and heightened clinical severity and psychosocial and treatment burden. These findings highlight the imperative for early detection of treatment resistance and timely and specialised interventions for this condition in mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The higher rate of mental illness, including severe psychotic disorders, among people in prisons compared to the general community is well-established. However, there have been no reviews or attempts to pool data on the reported prevalence of mental illness across prisons in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases from 1966 to the end of 2020 was conducted to identify studies reporting rates of 'any' mental illness, and separately rates of psychotic illness, among adult men and women in Australian and New Zealand prisons. A meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021241946), with separate analyses conducted for lifetime and current prevalence rates. Results: Seventeen studies, with a total of 10,209 people in prison, met inclusion criteria. The pooled lifetime prevalence of 'any' mental illness was 69.0% (95% confidence interval = [0.56, 0.79]), and the pooled lifetime prevalence for psychosis was 9.1% (95% confidence interval = [0.07, 0.12]). Meanwhile, the pooled prevalence for 'any' current mental illness was 54.0% (95% confidence interval = [0.39, 0.68]) and for any current psychosis was 6.4% (95% confidence interval = [0.04, 0.10]). There was substantial heterogeneity between studies, with evidence that lifetime rates of psychosis have increased over time, with true prevalence estimates in 95% of all comparable populations falling between 2.7% and 26.4%. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental illness, including severe psychotic illness, is high in Australian and New Zealand prisons. Furthermore, there is evidence that the prevalence of psychosis may be increasing over time, indicating more effort is needed to ensure diversion of people with mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into healthcare pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global burden of neck pain has persisted at a relatively elevated level from 1990 to 2019, with projections indicating a continuing upward trend. Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019 of neck pain burden, focusing on age-standardized incidence rates, age-standardized prevalence rates, and age-standardized years lived with disability (YLDs) rates at the global, regional, and national levels. The age–period–cohort analysis was used to estimate the effects of age (5-99 years), period (1990-2019), and cohort (1893-2012) at the global, regional, and national levels. Future projections for the global burden of neck pain from 2020 to 2044 were estimated using the nordpred age–period–cohort model. From 1990 to 2019, the global incidence, prevalence cases, and YLDs counts of neck pain have increased by 71.89%, 98.21%, and 78.17%, respectively. The joinpoint analysis indicated significant shifts in the global trends of age-standardized neck pain burden, which varied across regions and nations. The age–period–cohort model indicated that the neck pain burden was predominantly concentrated in middle-aged and older age, with period and cohort effects showing minimal variation from 1990 to 2019. Compared with 2019, the incident cases, prevalent cases, and YLDs counts of neck pain were projected to increase by 134%, 142%, and 140% by 2044. The global burden of neck pain has persisted at a relatively elevated level from 1990 to 2019, with projections indicating a continuing upward trend. Future research is urgently needed to better understand the predictors and clinical course of neck pain and to enhance prevention and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both physiological and epidemiological research suggest that certain psychoactive substances have a greater potential for abuse (e.g. heroin) than others (e.g. hallucinogens). The use of multiple substances is also associated with a higher risk of substance use disorder (SUD). The goal of the present study was to evaluate the association between the use of different substances and the risk of SUD while accounting for polysubstance use. Data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 58,034, unweighted) were used. Eight different substances (i.e. Alcohol, Cannabis, Cocaine, Inhalants, Hallucinogens, Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Opiate Misuse) were compared with respect to their typical frequency of use; the prevalence of SUD among individuals using each substance; the odds of SUDs when controlling for polysubstance use; and the rate of other substance use among those with a substance-specific SUD. Notable differences were found regarding the frequency of use and the rate of SUD among individuals reporting past year use. Heroin and methamphetamine were associated with the highest risk of SUD across all analyses. In contrast, hallucinogens and inhalants were consistently identified as having the lowest risk. The present results confirm that certain substances appear to have an inherently greater association with SUD compared to other substances. While these findings are not fundamentally divergent from prior epidemiological studies or ranking systems, they provide a more solid empirical foundation for assumptions of differential risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of parental mental health problems is important for early intervention and prevention measures and shaping services for parents and their children. However, large representative surveys of parental mental health problems and associated risk factors are lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence rates of parental mental health problems using a standardised measure of psychiatric morbidity (General Health Questionnaire; GHQ‐12), in a representative sample of parents and caregivers of children and young people (2–19 years) in Northern Ireland. Further, this study explored associated risk factors of parental mental health problems. A random household survey of parents and children was conducted between June 2019 and March 2020. Parental responses on demographic, economic, familial and psychological measures were collected (N = 2815) and 22% of parents and caregivers screened positive for mental health problems. The STROBE checklist for observational research was adhered to. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that being in receipt of benefits, having poor family support, a history of adverse childhood experiences, a history of exposure to politically motivated violence (the Troubles), and a child with conduct problems and poor health were all independent risk factors of increased parental mental health problems. Findings will help to inform future commissioning and development of services and broaden understanding of the correlates of parental mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition often described as the "chameleon of gynecology" because of its elusive symptoms. The World Health Organization acknowledges its severe impact on quality of life due to pain, fatigue, depression, and infertility. There is limited literature on the prevalence of endometriosis, knowledge of which is essential for effective prevention, treatment strategies, and funding. We aim to structure and present the published data on endometriosis prevalence, synthesizing the discrepancy between health insurance and clinical data. PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and LIVIVO were researched for peer‐reviewed articles published between January 2000 and July 2023 on women of reproductive age. Health insurance companies argue that few women (~1%) are affected by endometriosis. Interestingly, the prevalence of clinical data studies (6.8%), population‐based surveys/self‐reported studies (6.6%), and symptomatic patient data (21%) revealed a different picture. Based on the data gathered, a multi‐layered prevalence model has been proposed to illustrate the large discrepancy in the prevalence numbers, leading to the disease being underestimated and underfunded. This variability may be influenced by the heterogeneity in designs and the analyzed data, and clinical complexity. In summary, this narrative review reveals that the prevalence of endometriosis is higher than health insurance and other stakeholders might have previously assumed. Synopsis: Key findings lie in the synthesized review: when prevalence data on endometriosis are disaggregated, a clear picture emerges as to why the data differ greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a frequently encountered cause of chronic dizziness, significantly impacting daily life. Despite its prevalence, PPPD remains underdiagnosed, particularly in South India, where clinical data are limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PPPD and its clinical characteristics in this region. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 237 individuals aged 18 to 60 years using online surveys and in-person interviews with clinical evaluation. Diagnostic tools included the Niigata Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness Questionnaire (NPQ), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and Patient Health Questionnaire for Somatic Symptoms (PHQ-SADS) and GANS-SOP (Gans Sensory Organisation Performance) Test. Among the participants, 46 (22 females, 24 males) were diagnosed with PPPD, with a mean age of 37.80 ± 12.84 years. Visual dominance was a primary exacerbating factor in 18 individuals, while others were affected by upright posture and movement. DHI scores indicated significant emotional and functional impairment, with 22 reporting mild disability, 14 moderate, and 2 severe. PHQ-SADS revealed associations between PPPD and anxiety and depression symptoms. Findings on the GANS- SOP revealed the presence of a multifactorial pattern indicative of the deficits across vestibular, visual and proprioceptive systems. In conclusion, PPPD presents a considerable burden, affecting individuals across different age groups and genders. Improved awareness and diagnostic strategies are needed to address the challenges of diagnosing and managing PPPD effectively. Further research is warranted to refine diagnostic approaches and develop targeted interventions for this complex disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease of the Rohingya refugees and host community in Bangladesh. Methods: An unpublished pilot was conducted for the sample size calculation. Two‐stage cluster sampling method was used to select 50 participants from refugee camps and 50 from the host community. Structured questionnaire and periodontal examination were completed. Composite measures of periodontal disease were based on the World Workshop (WW) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‐American Academy of Periodontology. Linear regression models, for clinical attachment level and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and ordered logistic regression models, for composite measures, were fitted to test the association of periodontal measures and refugee status. Results: Compared to the host community, a smaller percentage of refugees reported good oral health‐related behaviours. Refugees exhibited lower levels of bleeding on probing but higher PPD, hence a higher proportion had severe stages of periodontitis. As per the WW, prevalence of periodontal disease was 88% and 100% in the host and refugee groups, respectively. In the unadjusted models, refugees were three times more likely to have severe stages of periodontitis; this association was attenuated when adjusted for confounders (sociodemographic variables and oral health‐related behaviours). Conclusions: Prevalence of periodontitis was high both in the host community and refugees. The refugees exhibited a more severe disease profile. The oral health of both groups is under‐researched impacting the response of the health system. Large‐scale research systematically exploring the oral health of both groups will inform the design and delivery of community‐based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual snow (VS) and visual snow syndrome (VSS) are becoming increasingly recognized. However, their prevalence worldwide is unknown. This study aimed to investigate lifetime prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of VS and VSS in a representative population sample from Italy. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among students attending different faculties in three universities in the central and southern regions of Italy. Eligible participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire. In patients fulfilling possible criteria for VS/VSS, the diagnosis was validated by an on‐site visit conducted by experienced neurologists and neuro‐ophthalmologists that included optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Results: A total of 750 participants completed the study. Seven (0.9%) reported symptoms compatible with VS (mean age 24.8 ± 3.85 years). Among the seven patients, five (0.7%) also met the phenomenological and temporal criteria for VSS. Neuroimaging and ophthalmological examinations showed normal results upon review or during the on‐site visit including OCTA. For the five patients with full VSS, the other visual symptoms reported were enhanced entoptic phenomenon (n = 5), photophobia (n = 5), palinopsia (n = 1), and nyctalopia (n = 4). In four of the seven patients (57%) reporting VS symptoms, there was a concomitant diagnosis of migraine with aura, and in one (14%) migraine without aura. All patients (n = 7) reported tinnitus. Six of the seven (85.7%) patients with VS/VSS had never used specific treatments for the condition. None of the seven patients had received a previous diagnosis of VS/VSS. Conclusions: The prevalence in Italy of VSS is around 1%. However, there is a limited tendency for affected individuals to seek medical attention, leading to a low rate of diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Duodenal atresia (DA) is the most common atresia of the small bowel. This study aims to assess the prevalence, mortality, and associated anomalies related to DA in Finland from 2004 to 2017. Material and Methods A nationwide study based on registers maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and Statistics Finland containing data on all live births and stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy. The cases were identified based on the ICD-9 and 10 (International Classification of Diseases revisions 9 and 10) codes. Associated anomalies were classified based on the EUROCAT criteria; minor anomalies were excluded. Results There were 249 DA cases including 222 (89.2%) live births, 16 (6.4%) stillbirths, and 11 (4.4%) terminations. There was no significant change in the prevalence rates between 2004 and 2017. Live birth prevalence was 2.75/10,000 and total prevalence was 3.08/10,000 births. A total of 100 (40.2%) cases were isolated, 67 (26.9%) had other multiple congenital anomalies, and 83 (33.3%) were syndromic. There were no terminations in isolated DA. Most associated anomalies were cardiac (36.1%), followed by other gastrointestinal tract anomalies (23.7%) and limb deformities/defects (7.2%). Trisomy 21 was observed in 63 cases (25.3%). Neonatal mortality was 3.6% (n = 8) and at 1 year 95.0% were alive. Both neonatal and infant mortalities were associated with cardiac anomalies (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). All neonatal deaths had associated cardiac defect(s). Conclusions The prevalence of DA in Finland remains stable and among the highest reported. DA is often associated with cardiac anomalies, which portend a high risk for mortality. Despite the burden of associated anomalies, overall survival is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rett syndrome (RTT), a developmental disorder primarily affecting girls and linked to methyl‐CpG binding protein‐2 (MECP2) gene mutations, presents musculoskeletal abnormalities with varying prevalence across studies and age groups. Our aim was to delineate the prevalence of orthopaedic conditions in individuals with RTT. Method: Three databases were searched and independently screened by two reviewers to retrieve observational studies published after 2000 that recruited 10 or more patients diagnosed with RTT and reported the prevalence of any orthopaedic conditions (scoliosis, hip displacement, knee problems or foot deformities). A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to determine the pooled prevalence based on study weight. Results: Of 867 screened studies, 21 studies involving 9997 girls with RTT (mean age 14.1 years; range, 3–38.5) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of scoliosis was 64.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 55.4–73.6%; I2 = 99%; P < 0.01], of hip displacement was 29.6% (95% CI 8.9–50.2%; I2 = 97%; P < 0.01) and of foot deformities was 53% (95% CI 17.5–89.2%; I2 = 98%; P < 0.01). Knee problems were reported in only one study. Scoliosis prevalence increased in studies with a high percentage of genetic testing and MECP2 positivity [69.1% (95% CI 58.9–79.2%; I2 = 99%; P < 0.01)], those with a mean age over 13 years [73% (95% CI 59.1–87%; I2 = 100%; P < 0.01)], and studies combining both variables [80.13% (95% CI 70.8–89.4%; I2 = 81%; P < 0.01)]. Conclusions: This meta‐analysis found that approximately two in three girls with RTT develop scoliosis, one in two exhibit foot deformities and one in three experience hip displacement. These findings enhance our understanding of the prevalence of orthopaedic conditions in RTT, which can guide the establishment of surveillance protocols, clinical guidelines and management strategies tailored to the needs of RTT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to examine the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and its association with glycaemic control metrics in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Materials and Methods: We enrolled 244 children and adolescents with T1D (115 girls, mean age: 16.2 ± 3.2 years). The diagnosis of MASLD was defined by the presence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in combination with at least one of five common cardiometabolic risk factors. Metrics of short‐term and long‐term glycaemic control, blood pressure, lipids, anthropometric characteristics and three genetic variants strongly related to MASLD susceptibility (rs738409 [patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3], rs58542926 [transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2] and rs1260326 [glucokinase regulator]) were assessed. Characteristics of these subjects with and without MASLD were compared using the unpaired Student t test, Mann–Whitney test or χ2 test as appropriate. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the main independent predictors of MASLD. Results: The prevalence of MASLD was 27.5% in children and adolescents with T1D. Blood pressure, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1c and time above range (TAR) were significantly higher in subjects with MASLD than in those without MASLD. Mean HbA1c values from diabetes onset (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.703, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.040–2.787, p = 0.034), TAR (adjusted OR: 1.028, 95% CI: 1.009–1.047, p = 0.006) and plasma LDL cholesterol (adjusted OR: 1.045, 95% CI: 1.013–1.078, p = 0.004) were independently associated with the presence of MASLD. Conclusions: MASLD is a common condition in children and adolescents with T1D. The mean HbA1c values from diabetes onset, TAR and LDL cholesterol levels were the independent predictors of MASLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Loneliness is a risk factor for mental and physical disorders. Rapid individualization, with increasing associated social burden, is a contributing factor to loneliness among Koreans. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between loneliness and mental disorders, as well as to determine whether long-term loneliness is a factor predicting the occurrence of mental disorders in adults. Methods: The National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021, a nationally representative survey on mental disorders, was conducted. Responses from 5511 participants were collected using the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, Structured Clinical Interview for Internet Gaming Disorder, and the World Health Organization Adult Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) self-report scale. Loneliness and its duration were investigated among these participants. Results: Loneliness was reported by approximately 2.9% of the general population. Loneliness was associated with an increased adulthood prevalence of alcohol use disorders, nicotine use disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adult ADHD, and internet gaming disorders. Long-term loneliness was significantly associated with an elevated risk of alcohol use disorders, nicotine use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Internet gaming disorder was associated with loneliness lasting > 1 year. Conclusion: Various adult psychiatric disorders were associated with loneliness. The significant dose-effect relationship indicated the importance of early detection of and intervention for loneliness to reduce its negative consequences on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of local studies, the current study was conducted in four villages located in the province of Cajabamba (Cajamarca, Peru) to demonstrate and determine the point prevalence of enteric nematodes in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) raised in a family-commercial breeding system. A total of 384 faecal samples were collected from guinea pigs and processed using the Sheather Sugar method. The eggs of P. uncinata, Trichuris spp., and Capillaria spp. were identified in guinea pigs from all four villages, resulting in an overall prevalence of 66.15±4.73%. Among the villages, the highest prevalence was observed in Naranjos, with a prevalence of 78.16±8.68% (68 out of 87 guinea pigs). This was followed by Malcas with a prevalence of 67.24±8.54% (78 out of 116 guinea pigs), Ogosgón-Paucamonte with a prevalence of 64.08±9.27% (66 out of 103 guinea pigs), and La Esperanza with a prevalence of 53.85±11.06% (42 out of 78 guinea pigs). Furthermore, it was found that 66.54±5.80% of guinea pigs had a single nematode, 28.35±5.54% had two nematodes, and 5.12±2.71% had three nematodes. Thus, the presence of enteric nematodes in guinea pigs raised in a family-commercial breeding system from four villages in the Cajabamba district was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term medication leads some people with HIV (PWH) to limited treatment options (LTO) due to multiple factors. The present study investigated the prevalence of PWH with LTO in Japan and their clinical characteristics, persistence, and adherence. PWH who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2017 and 2022 were identified in the Medical Data Vision (MDV) Japanese claims database. PWH with LTO were defined as: 1) receiving regimens indicative for LTO or 2) having a complex treatment history (≥4 different core agents, ≥11 ART agents). Prevalence by calendar year, clinical characteristics, persistence, and adherence measured by the proportion of days covered (PDC) of ART were investigated. A total of 5740 PWH were included, and 207 (3.6 %) were identified as LTO. Mean (SD) age was 50.3 (11.8) years, 148 (71.5 %) had evidence of AIDS-defining condition, and 25 (12.1 %) had hemophilia. The prevalence of PWH with LTO increased from 2.58 % in 2017 to 3.55 % in 2022. Persistence at 1 year was estimated as 70.3 % and mean PDC through 1 year was 96.7 %. Between the years 2017–2022, 3.6 % (approximately 200) Japanese PWH were identified as having LTO. The results of this analysis found clinical characteristics of PWH with LTO as older age and higher percentages with an AIDS-defining condition and hemophilia than the general HIV population. Low persistence indicates that treatment optimization is required in this population. These results will help health care providers to understand the clinical characteristics of PWH with LTO and may contribute to the establishment of appropriate treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) as a type of bacterial infection are the most common infections in older people. The present study was conducted with the aim of combining, summarizing, unifying, resolving inconsistencies in the results of preliminary studies, investigating the effect of potential factors and estimating the global prevalence of UTIs in the older persons through a systematic review and meta-analysis. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the articles published in the period of 1982–2022 were analyzed. The articles were searched in Iranian databases of SID and MagIran, as well as international databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar through the relevant and validated keywords using MeSH/Emtree. Thirty-six articles with a sample size of 4,207,470 people met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Global prevalence of UTIs in the older persons was 23.6% (95% Confidence Interval: 19.4–28.4). The highest prevalence of UTIs in the older persons was in the following sub-groups: Africa (30%; 95% CI: 12.7–55.8), women (30%; 95% CI: 14.6–51.7), diagnosis with urine culture (25.3%; 95% CI: 18.3–33.8), and residents in the nursing home (47.2%; 95% CI: 24.2–71.5). The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of UTIs was high in the older persons, especially in women and residents of nursing homes. Therefore, it is recommended that health officials and policymakers pay more attention to the prevention and control of UTIs in older adults. Highlights: Thirty-six articles with a sample size of 4,207,470 people were included in the study. Global prevalence of UTIs in older persons was 23.6% (95% CI: 19.4–28.4%). The highest prevalence of UTIs in the older persons was related to those living in nursing homes (47.2%; 95% CI: 24.2–71.5), and women (30%; 95% CI: 14.6–51.7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 20.6% among United States (US) adults. Multiple US surveys have shown a consistently higher burden of mental health struggles among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and questioning (LGBTQ+) adults compared to non-LGBTQ+ adults. However, it is not known whether diagnosis and treatment for those adults who do report symptoms of MDD differ based on sexual orientation. We test for differences in prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of MDD in sexual minorities using appropriate multivariable logistic regression using the New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES). About 10% of NYC adults (≥ 20 years old) self-identify as a sexual minority and 8.5% of adults in NYC have MDD based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score. Significantly higher proportion of sexual minorities in NYC have depression compared to non-sexual minorities (17.7% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.01). In the multivariable model, sexual minorities were 2.33 (CI = [1.24–4.39], p = 0.009) times more likely to have depression compared to non-sexual minorities. Additionally, people with multimorbidity were more likely to be diagnosed for depression (OR = 3.78, CI = [1.33, 10.75], p = 0.013). Disparities exist in the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of MDD in NYC adults. Targeted outreach toward the LGBTQ + community should be considered by public health officials when designing primary and secondary prevention programs for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the incidence and prognosis of malignancy in individuals with thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A)-associated membranous nephropathy (MN). First, we performed a systematic literature review of prevalence of malignancy in THSD7A-associated MN. Then, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 454 patients diagnosed with MN through renal biopsy at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. We assessed the presence of serum anti-THSD7A antibodies and performed immunohistochemical staining of renal tissue for THSD7A. Subsequently, we followed patients with THSD7A-associated MN for a minimum of 3–5 years, collecting their clinical, pathological characteristics, and prognosis. Additionally, we conducted a literature review on patients with THSD7A-associated MN in conjunction with malignancy. We identified a total of nine articles containing comprehensive data on THSD7A-associated MN and malignancy. Among 235 patients with THSD7A-positive MN, 36 individuals had concurrent malignancies, resulting in a malignancy prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 8.9–17.7%). In our center, we followed up with 15 patients diagnosed with THSD7A-associated MN and observed three cases of concomitant tumors: two cases of lung adenocarcinoma and one case of small cell lung cancer with multiple metastases. The prevalence of malignancy in our cohort was 20%. Notably, we detected positive THSD7A staining in both renal and lung cancer tissues in one patient with small cell lung cancer. Patients with THSD7A-associated MN should undergo vigilant follow-up assessments, with a particular focus on actively seeking potential tumorigenic lesions to prevent misdiagnosis or oversight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, diarrheal disease continues to be the second leading cause of death among under-five children, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and associated risk factors among under-five attending Robe Didea General Hospital (RDGH) in Arsi Robe Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 30 2020. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among under-five children who attended the pediatrics department of RDGH. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the study subjects. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the analysis used SPSS version 21. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association between risky factors and diarrheal prevalence, and a p value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of diarrhea during the 2 weeks preceding the interviews was 28.7%. Mothers/caregivers with formal education [AOR = 0.30; 95% CI (0.17–.053)], unimproved source of drinking water [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI (1.15–3.87)], absence of household-based water treatment [AOR = 4.42; 95% CI (2.20–8.86)], absence of a household latrine [AOR = 4.407; 95% CI (2.49–7.79)], no exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI (1.06–3.38)] and hand wash using water only [AOR = 2.84; 95% CI (1.24–6.49)] were statistically significant risk factors associated with the prevalence of childhood diarrhea after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions and Recommendations: A number of environmental and behavioral factors were found to exacerbate diarrheal prevalence among outpatients of RDGH. Promoting female education, washing the hands of mothers/caregivers with soap or detergents, exclusive breast-feeding for at least 6 months, provision of improved water sources and construction of family latrines and home-based water treatment are recommended for the prevention of diarrhea among under-five children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: Breathlessness is a common, distressing and limiting symptom in people with advanced disease, but is challenging to assess as the symptom intensity depends on the level of exertion (symptom stimulus) during the assessment. This review outlines how to use recently developed normative reference equations to evaluate breathlessness responses, accounting for level of exertion, for valid assessment in symptom research. Recent findings: Published normative reference equations are freely available to predict the breathlessness intensity response (on a 0-10 Borg scale) among healthy people after a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) or an incremental cycle cardiopulmonary exercise test (iCPET). The predicted normal values account for individual characteristics (including age, sex, height, and body mass) and level of exertion (walk distance for 6MWT; power output, oxygen uptake, or minute ventilation at any point during the iCPET). The equations can be used to (1) construct a matched healthy control dataset for a study; (2) determine how abnormal an individual's exertional breathlessness is compared with healthy controls; (3) identify abnormal exertional breathlessness (rating > upper limit of normal); and (4) validly compare exertional breathlessness levels across individuals and groups. Summary: Methods for standardized and valid assessment of exertional breathlessness have emerged for improved symptoms research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirst is a symptom of dehydration and one of the main complications affecting postoperative outcomes and comfort. Persistent water scarcity can have a detrimental effect on the cognitive function and psychology of patients. However, the current evidence about the prevalence and risk factors for postoperative thirst is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of postoperative thirst and provide guidance for clinical practice. Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database. Eligible studies were evaluated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The collected data were pooled and analyzed using Stata15.0. A total of 11 cross-sectional studies were included involving 20,612 patients. Eight studies reported prevalence and the pooled prevalence of postoperative thirst was 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.664 to 0.858). Five studies contributed to meta-syntheses of risk factors for postoperative thirst. The results indicated that sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.84, I2 = 80.2%, P =.006), anesthesia drug (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06 to 2.06, I2 = 94.8%, P <.001), surgical type (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.9, I2 = 77.9%, P =.004) were statistically associated with postoperative thirst. Our study shows a high prevalence of postoperative thirst. Sex, anesthesia drug, and surgical type are risk factors that influence postoperative thirst. Nurses and other health care professionals should routinely assess the postoperative thirst of patients and perform targeted interventions to alleviate their distressing symptoms and improve the quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. It is associated with adverse outcomes after several orthopaedic procedures. However, its role in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is not fully explored. Therefore, we wanted to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to answer the following questions: (1) What is the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing TJA?; (2) What factors are associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing TJA?; What is the impact of sarcopenia on medical outcomes following TJA?; and (4) What is the impact of sarcopenia on surgical outcomes following TJA? Electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched. The data were pooled using the random-effects model and graphically represented by a forest plot. We included a total of 13 studies, evaluating 399,097 patients. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia was 20.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.6 to 28.8%; P <.00001; I2 = 94.7%) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 5.2% (95% CI 0.1 to 69.7%; P =.128; I2 = 99.6%) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Meta-regression found no links between age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, obesity, arthroplasty type, and sarcopenia prevalence in TJA. Sarcopenia increased risk of blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] 4.68 [95% CI 3.51 to 6.25]; P <.00001), pneumonia (OR 1.94 [95% CI 1.14 to 3.30]; P =.01), urinary tract infection (UTI) (OR 1.64 [95% CI 1.31 to 2.05]; P <.001), prosthetic fracture (OR 2.12 [95% CI 1.51 to 2.98]; P <.0001), prosthetic dislocation (OR 1.99 [95% CI 1.62 to 2.44]; P <.00001), and mechanical loosening (OR 1.78 [95% CI 1.43 to 2.22]; P <.00001) in TKA. Sarcopenic patients were at an increased risk of UTI (OR 1.79 [95% CI 1.32 to 2.43]; P =.0002) and prosthetic loosening (OR 1.97 [95% CI 1.10 to 3.53]; P =.02) post-THA. Baseline sarcopenia was prevalent in patients undergoing TJA. It was associated with an increased risk of UTI and prosthetic loosening following TKA and THA. Increased risk of blood transfusion, pneumonia, prosthetic fractures, and mechanical loosening following TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Newcastle disease (ND) severely affects domestic chickens and birds like ducks, turkeys, and pigeons. This review, based on 31 studies in Ethiopia from 2000-2024, analyzed ND prevalence using a random-effects model. Results show 83.3% of studies came from Oromia and Amhara regions. The overall ND prevalence was 22%, with the highest rates in the South (45%) and lowest in Oromia (17%). Serological tests showed higher prevalence (28%) than molecular tests (18%). Males and domestic chickens had lower odds than females and exotics. The review indicated four NDV genotypes (I, II, VI, VII) circulating in Oromia and three (II, VI, VII) in Amhara. Publication bias appeared in funnel plot, but did not significantly impact the overall results. The high ND prevalence and study variations underscore the urgent need for further research and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the effects of anticholinergic drug use have been increasingly highlighted, trends in anticholinergic use remain poorly understood. Aim: To determine the changes in frequency and pattern of anticholinergic drug use within a low- and middle-income country. Method: Comparisons were made between population-based datasets collected from Malaysian residents aged 55 years and older in 2013–15 and 2020–22. Anticholinergic exposure was determined using the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) tool. Drugs with ACB were categorised according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. Results: A total number of 5707 medications were recorded from the 1616 participants included in the 2013–15 dataset. A total number of 6175 medications were recorded from 2733 participants in 2020–22. Two hundred and ninety-three (18.1%) and 280 (10.2%) participants consumed ≥ 1 medication with ACB ≥ 1 in 2013–15 and 2020–22 respectively. The use of nervous system drugs with ACB had increased (27 (0.47%) versus 39 (0.63%). The use of ACB drugs in the cardiovascular (224 (3.9%) versus 215 (3.4%)) and alimentary tract and metabolism (30 (0.52%) versus 4 (0.06%)) classes had reduced over time. Participants in 2020–22 were significantly less likely than those in 2013–15 to have total ACB = 1 − 2 (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.473[0.385–0.581]) and ACB ≥ 3 (0.251[0.137 − 0.460]) compared to ACB = 0 after adjustment for potential confounders (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although anticholinergic exposure has decreased over time, the use of medications with anticholinergic effects in the nervous system class has risen. This increase is attributable to antipsychotic use, which is of concern due to potential cardiovascular complications, and deserves further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Numerous researches have demonstrated that sleep quality deteriorates during menopause, but the prevalence rates vary between studies. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality during menopause and to explore potential moderators of discrepancies in prevalence between studies. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase databases were comprehensively searched from database creation to June 19, 2024. Studies were included if they focused on menopausal women and provided an estimate of the prevalence of poor sleep quality, which could be derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Totally, 37 studies with 29,284 menopausal women were included in the analysis. A meta-analysis based on a random-effects model revealed that the prevalence of poor sleep quality during menopause was 50.8% (95% CI: 45.4–56.3%). The PSQI score was 6.24 (95% CI: 5.73—6.75). Subgroup analyses indicated that cut-off values of PSQI, menopausal status, age range, depressive symptoms and geographic region moderated the prevalence of poor sleep quality. Meta-regression analyses indicated that quality score was negatively correlated with the pooled prevalence. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is a prevalent phenomenon among women during menopause. In light of the numerous adverse effects of poor sleep quality on menopausal women, it is of paramount importance to assess sleep quality on a regular basis and to implement effective interventions for menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objectives: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a very common and underdiagnosed condition in head and neck cancers (HNC) patients. If untreated, SDB can lead to negative health consequences. The identification of SDB in HNC patients is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment and to improve outcomes. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of coexisting SDB in HNC patients and to evaluate methods of assessing SDB in the population. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Database, the Web of Science, and Scopus was performed for studies related to SDB in HNC patients. In total, 1713 articles were identified. 19 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis. The studies involved 584 subjects. Results: The prevalence of SDB ranged from 57 to 90% before cancer treatment and from 12 to 96% after. When using an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) cut-off ≥ 5/h to diagnosis SDB, the prevalence of SDB was 57–90% before cancer treatment and 12–94% after treatment. Sleep studies using polysomnography are the most commonly used assessment tools, but thresholds for diagnosis have been inconsistent. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of SDB in HNC patients. However, the diagnostic and thresholds methods used for detecting SDB vary widely. To determine the accurate prevalence of SDB, prospective, systematic studies of SDB in unselected cohorts of HNC participants are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This cross-sectional study sought to assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis in Greenland among various age groups and examine the corresponding quality of care. We collected data from Greenland's electronic medical records and evaluated the quality of care using six internationally recommended indicators, which are: percentage of AF patients with an assessment of smoking status within the previous year, an assessment of body mass index within the previous year, assessment of blood pressure within the previous year, measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), treatment with an anticoagulant and percentage of patients with a measurement of serum-creatinine. We found the prevalence of AF among patients aged 20 years or older in Greenland to be 1.75% (95% CI 1.62-1.88). We found an increasing prevalence of AF with age and a greater proportion of men than women until the age of 74 years. Our study suggests that the associated quality of care could be higher as the requirement of only one of the six quality indicators was met. A lack of registration may partly explain this, and initiatives to improve the quality of care are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major concern across the world, and its prevalence assessment has been a priority in numerous countries. However, data about IPV prevalence in Portugal is scarce and not up-to-date. This study aims to estimate IPV prevalence in Portugal. A community sample of 1392 adults (77.4% female, mean age = 34.95 years, SD = 12.80) was collected through a web-based survey, between March and June of 2020. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Conflict Tactic Scales-2 (CTS-2). Accounting for all forms of IPV, a past-year prevalence of 64.4% and 64.6% were found, for victimization and perpetration, respectively. Regarding gender or sexual orientation, no significant differences were found in the past-year or the lifetime prevalence, neither concerning frequency. Directionality and dyadic concordance types were analyzed and showed that most violence was bidirectional. Having perpetrated violence in previous intimate relationships was the most influential factor when predicting past-year perpetration or victimization. Other significant predictors were age, being victimized before 15 years old, cohabitation with the intimate partner, and drug use, but the last two were only significant for victimization. Findings support the idea that IPV is a relevant phenomenon, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. It is the first nationwide, gender-inclusive study to do so in Portugal. Studies based on different samples might provide important evidence to prevent hasty conclusions about IPV prevalence and patterns and to guide empirically driven policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii occurs in a wide range of intermediate hosts, whose blood may be a meal for different tick species. A few studies have examined the role of ticks in the life cycle of T. gondii. This one includes the largest number and all stages of Ixodes ricinus collected from the widest area, covering seven recreational localities within a forest biotope in Northern Poland. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in 2144 collected questing ticks to establish whether they may be involved in T. gondii life cycle. The additional goal was to genotype the detected T. gondii, as knowledge about its genotypes occurring in European ticks is insufficient. A further purpose was to detect coinfection with T. gondii and Borreliaceae in the collected ticks, as all of them have previously been tested for the presence of bacteria DNA. Nested PCR and sequencing of the obtained B1 gene fragment were conducted. T. gondii DNA was detected in 0.9% of all ticks (1.1% of nymphs and 0.7% of larvae). The presence of T. gondii in unfed larvae and nymphs may indicate the possibility of its vertical transmission. The prevalence of T. gondii DNA in ticks collected from individual sites was focal (0-4.3%) and seems to depend on local climatic conditions. Among all examined ticks, 0.3% were coinfected with T. gondii and Borreliella spp., vs. 0.6% of specimens with a single T. gondii infection. The obtained B1 sequences showed the greatest similarity (99.71–100%) to the sequence representing type III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most widespread and fatal pulmonary complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Existing knowledge on the prevalence and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is inconclusive. Therefore, we designed this review to address this gap. Materials and Methods: To find relevant observational studies discussing the prevalence and/or risk factors of RA-ILD, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were explored. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) / hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with a fixed/ random effects model. While subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis and sensitivity analysis were carried out to determine the sources of heterogeneity, the I² statistic was utilized to assess between-studies heterogeneity. Funnel plots and Egger's test were employed to assess publication bias. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, our review was conducted. Results: A total of 56 studies with 11,851 RA-ILD patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of RA-ILD was 18.7% (95% CI 15.8-21.6) with significant heterogeneity (I² = 96.4%). The prevalence of RA-ILD was found to be more likely as a result of several identified factors, including male sex (ORs = 1.92 95% CI 1.70-2.16), older age (WMDs = 6.89, 95% CI 3.10- 10.67), having a smoking history (ORs=1.91, 95% CI 1.48-2.47), pulmonary comorbidities predicted (HRs = 2.08, 95% CI 1.89-2.30), longer RA duration (ORs = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05), older age of RA onset (WMDs =4.46, 95% CI 0.63-8.29), positive RF (HRs = 1.15, 95%CI 0.75-1.77; ORs = 2.11, 95%CI 1.65-2.68), positive ACPA (ORs = 2.11, 95%CI 1.65-2.68), higher ESR (ORs = 1.008, 95%CI 1.002-1.014), moderate and high DAS28 (≥3.2) (ORs = 1.87, 95%CI 1.36-2.58), rheumatoid nodules (ORs = 1.87, 95% CI 1.18-2.98), LEF use (ORs = 1.42, 95%CI 1.08-1.87) and steroid use (HRs= 1.70, 1.13-2.55). The use of biological agents was a protective factor (HRs = 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87). Conclusion(s): The pooled prevalence of RA-ILD in our study was approximately 18.7%. Furthermore, we identified 13 risk factors for RA-ILD, including male sex, older age, having a smoking history, pulmonary comorbidities, older age of RA onset, longer RA duration, positive RF, positive ACPA, higher ESR, moderate and high DAS28 (≥3.2), rheumatoid nodules, LEF use and steroid use. Additionally, biological agents use was a protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Remnant cholesterol (RC) is the cholesterol content of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. This study aimed to investigate the association between RC levels and kidney stones in U.S. adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2007 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 10,551 participants with complete data were included and analyzed in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline function, subgroup analysis and mediation analysis were preformed to estimate the independent relationship between RC levels and kidney stones. Results: Participants with stone formation had higher levels of RC than those with without stone formation (25.78±13.83 vs 23.27±13.04, p < 0.001). The results of logistic regression analysis and dose-response risk curves revealed a positive nonlinear association between RC levels and risk of kidney stones [univariate: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =2.388, 95% CI: 1.797-3.173, p < 0.001; multivariate: aOR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.050-1.929, p=0.023]. Compared with the discordantly low RC group, the discordantly high RC group was associated with increased risk of kidney stones (aOR = 1.185, 95% CI: 1.013-1.386, p=0.034). Similar results were demonstrated according to the discordance of different clinical cut points. And metabolic syndrome parameters and vitamin D levels parallelly mediated the association between RC and kidney stone risk. Conclusions: Higher RC levels were independently associated with an increased risk of kidney stone incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a multidimensional phenomenon among cancer survivors. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of FCR and its predictors among survivors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Korea. Methods: Participants who finished NSCLC treatment one or more months prior completed the Korean version of Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (K-FCRI-SF) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) at single tertiary hospital in Korea. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression and stepwise backward selection were used to determine the potential predictors of FCR. Results: Of the total 949 participants (mean age 63.4 ± 8.8 years, 44.3% women), 55.8% had high FCR. Female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.95), pathologic stage III (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18–3.30), poor overall quality of life (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03–1.95), poor emotional functioning (aOR 3.91, 95% CI 2.64–5.81), poor social functioning (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.31–2.68), and severe dyspnea (aOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.03–8.21) were independent predictors of high FCR. Old age (≥ 70 years) was included in the final model (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.51–1.06) but did not show clinical significance. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that high FCR was prevalent in NSCLC patients in Korea. To prevent this, we suggest screening and early detection of FCR based on sex, pathologic stage, quality of life, emotional and social functioning, and dyspnea. Implications for cancer survivors: Screening and early detection of FCR based on sex, pathologic stage, quality of life, emotional and social functioning, and dyspnea is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a major health challenge with potentially devastating maternal and physical health outcomes. Development of diabetes mellitus has been hypothesized as one of the potential adverse effects of PPD among mothers in the postpartum period, but this association has not been adequately studied especially in low resource settings. This study aimed at determining prevalence of postpartum depression and its association with diabetes mellitus among mothers in Mbarara District, southwestern Uganda. We conducted a facility based cross-sectional study of 309 mothers between 6th week to 6th month after childbirth. Using proportionate stratified consecutive sampling, mothers were enrolled from postnatal clinics of two health facilities, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Bwizibwera Health center IV. PPD was diagnosed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed by measuring Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Logistic regression was used to determine the association of PPD and diabetes mellitus among mothers. The study established that PPD prevalence of PPD among mothers of 6th weeks to 6th months postpartum period in Mbarara was 40.5% (95% CI: 35.1–45.1%) and it was statistically significantly associated with diabetes mellitus in mothers between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among mothers with PPD was 28% compared to 13.6% among mothers without PPD. Mothers with PPD had 3 times higher odds of being newly diagnosed with diabetes as compared to those without PPD (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.62–5.74, p = 0.001). Mothers with PPD between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum are more likely to have diabetes mellitus as compared to those without PPD. Well-designed prospective analytical studies are needed to conclude on the risk of diabetes mellitus in relation to PPD. Early screening of PPD may be considered in postpartum mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apathy is a prevalent and debilitating neuropsychiatric symptom among persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, particularly those residing in long-term care facilities (LTCF). Despite its profound effects on the quality of life for both residents and their caregivers, apathy remains underrecognized and poorly understood in the context of dementia care. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and biopsychosocial characteristics of apathy among newly admitted residents with dementia in Canadian LTCF using an Apathy Index derived from the interRAI Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from newly admitted residents with dementia from various LTCF (N = 97,789) across seven Canadian provinces between 2015 and 2019. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between apathy and multiple variables including sociodemographic and clinical variables. The biopsychosocial model of health was used to guide analysis. Results: The prevalence rate of apathy among the Canadian long-term care residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias was 13.1%. Apathy was associated with various variables including male sex, pain, use of psychotropics, high Activity of Daily Living Self-Performance Hierarchy Scale scores, depression, aggression, severe cognitive impairment, and insomnia. Preferences for certain activities such as card games, art and craft, reading, music and exercise were inversely related to apathy while gardening was not. Conclusions: By shedding light on this complex phenomenon within a Canadian context, we recommend that targeted interventions and improved care strategies to enhance the well-being of persons living with dementia should be prioritized in LTCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria has a stable perennial transmission across Uganda. Placental malaria is associated with adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. The factors associated with placental malaria are poorly understood in the study setting. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of placental malaria and to determine its associated factors among parturient women in Lira District, Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 366 pregnant women who delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Data were collected from December 2018 to February 2019 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The variables were socio-demographic, obstetric characteristics, and malaria preventive practices. Standard Diagnostic Bioline Rapid Diagnostic Tests were used to detect placental malaria present in placental blood. Microscopy was used to quantify the grade of placental malaria parasitaemia. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with placental malaria. Results: The mean age of the participants was 25.34 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.73). The prevalence of placental malaria was [4.4% (16/366) 95% CI (2.5 to 7.0)]. Of these, only 7/16 were positive on microscopy, with 2/7 having moderate parasitemia and 5/7 having mild parasitaemia. Women aged less than 20 years [AOR 3.48, 95% CI (1.13 to 10.72)], and those not taking iron supplements during pregnancy [AOR = 3.55, 95% CI (1.02 to 12.31)] were associated with an increased likelihood of having placental malaria. Conclusion: The prevalence of placental malaria was low in this setting. This may have reflected the low malaria transmission rates following intensive indoor residual spraying. Placental malaria infection was associated with younger age and not taking iron supplements during pregnancy. Public health measures need to scale up and emphasise adherence to malaria preventive measures during pregnancy especially among teenage mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]