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Context: The Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPAS) was recently developed to evaluate the disability process and health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DPAS in physically active individuals with musculoskeletal injury. Methods: The study sample comprised 64 physically active individuals with musculoskeletal injury aged 16–40 years. The DPAS was translated into Turkish according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. Short Form-36 was used concurrently to test the construct validity. The test–retest reliability of the Turkish version of the scale assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach α was calculated for internal consistency. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis carried out on the Turkish version of the DPAS was confirmed. Cronbach α was calculated to be.946. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between.593 and.924 (P <.001). The Turkish version of the scale showed significant correlations with domains of the Short Form-36 (P <.05). When the sensitivity of the study was evaluated, the highest correlation was found between DPAS total score and impairments (r =.906, P =.001), and the lowest correlation was between DPAS total score and quality of life (r =.637, P =.001). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the DPAS is a reliable, valid, and practical tool. The Turkish version of the DPAS can be used by health professionals to understand quality of life, the disability process, and activity limitations in Turkish-speaking physically active people after musculoskeletal injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercises by mechanical hippotherapy devices on postural control, balance, mobility, and Quality of Life in patients with stroke. This was a randomized controlled clinical trial with a total of 30 which were randomly divided into two groups. The participants in the mechanical hippotherapy group (MHG) (n = 15) were given exercises with a mechanical hippotherapy device for 15 min in addition to intensive conventional treatments (45 min), while the control group (CG) (n = 15) received additional 15 min of postural control and balance exercises for five days per week for four consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was The Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcomes were the Fugl–Meyer (FM) Rating Scale, Biodex Balance Measurement (BBM), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and quality of Life Short Form (SF-36). In the MHG, FM-Lower extremity score (−6.4, p = 0.024), FM-Upper extremity score (−12.87, p = 0.013), TIS (−5.87, p = 0.04) and TUG (5.73, p = 0.027) improved statistically significant compared to CG. Exercises using mechanical hippotherapy devices could improve postural control, functional mobility and balance in patients with stroke. It may also improve the quality of life. NCT03528993 NCT03528993 It was concluded from our results that mechanical hippotherapy could be included in the treatment programs of stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Depression is a prevalent disorder with effects beyond mental health. A positive association with mortality has been mostly reported, however, evidence comes from a few high-income countries. This study aims to assess the association between depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality in the Chilean population and assess a potential secular effect in this association. Methods: This prospective study used data from the Chilean National Health Survey (CNHS). Data from 3151 and 3749 participants from the 2003 and 2010 CNHS, respectively, were linked to mortality register data. Cox survival analysis was performed. The main exposure was depressive symptoms, measured with CIDI-SF (cut-off ≥ 5), and the outcome all-cause mortality. The study period was limited to 8.5 years to allow for the same length of follow-up. Results: 10% and 8.5% of participants from the 2003 and 2010 cohort died during the follow-up. Adjusting for age and sex, those with depressive symptoms had 1.58 (95% CI 1.18–2.13) and 1.65 (95% CI 1.14–2.12) times the risk to die than those without symptoms in the 2003 and 2010 cohort, respectively. In models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural variables and comorbidities, participants with depressive symptoms had 1.42 (95% CI 1.05–1.92) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.07–− 1.99) times the risk to die compared to those without symptoms in the 2003 and 2010 cohort, respectively. Conclusion: Chilean adults with depressive symptoms are at higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without symptoms. The effect size was similar regardless of the economic development of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometric testing the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) into Persian Seventy-two patients diagnosed with shoulder instability participated in reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness analysis. All the patients filled out the WOSI with an interval of two weeks to assess reliability. The shortened Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) were assessed to evaluate construct validity. In order to assess responsiveness patients filled out WOSI before and after the physiotherapy and global rating of change scale at last session of physiotherapy. Reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC (1,2)), construct validity by two tailed Pearson (r), and responsiveness by longitudinal validity and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. The ICC (1,2) was 0.90 and correlation analysis revealed high level of correlation with: Quick-DASH (r = 0.82); SPADI (r = 0.72); physical SF-36 (r = −0.52); and mental SF-36 (r = −0.48). Responsiveness analysis demonstrated the area under curve was 0.90, with minimal clinical important difference 46.87. We found the Persian-WOSI as a valid, reliable, and responsive questionnaire to evaluate quality of life of patients with shoulder instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic traumatic neck pain has a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, whether PTSS moderates treatment effects is unknown. This study investigated: 1) whether PTSS was associated with patient-reported outcomes and clinical test results at baseline; 2) whether PTSS moderated the effect of a multimodal physiotherapy intervention of exercise therapy and patient education; and 3) whether adherence to the intervention differed across PTSS groups. Secondary data analysis from a randomized controlled trial on chronic neck pain with 12-month follow-up was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups (NT = non-traumatic, LT = traumatic low PTSS, HT = traumatic high PTSS) based on self-reported onset of pain and the Impact of Event Scale. The baseline data were used to analyze the association of PTSS with patient demographics and scores of physical and mental health-related quality of life, depression, neck-related disability, kinesiophobia, and clinical tests. Baseline, 4-month and 12-month follow-up data were analyzed to investigate possible moderating effects on outcomes. Data on adherence were collected at four months. 115 participants were included (NT n = 45; LT n = 46; HT n = 24). The HT group reported lower mental health scores and more depressive symptoms at baseline. PTSS did not significantly moderate the treatment effect on any outcomes. The HT group tended to have lower adherence to the multimodal physiotherapy intervention than the LT group. For patients with traumatic neck pain, high levels of PTSS are associated with poorer psychological outcomes but do not affect the outcomes of multimodal physiotherapy intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal studies are essential for examining how social and institutional determinants of health, historical and contemporary, affect disparities in COVID-19 related outcomes. The unequal impacts of COVID-19 likely exacerbated selected attrition in longitudinal research. This study examines attrition and survey mode effects in the SHOW COVID-19 study which recruited from a statewide, representative cohort. Participants were recruited from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) cohort. Online surveys, or phone interviews, were administered at three timepoints during 2020–2021. The surveys captured social, behavioral, and structural determinants of health and the lived experience. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine predictors of participation and survey mode effects. A total of 2304 adults completed at least one COVID-19 online survey. Participants were more educated, older, and more likely to be female, married, non-Hispanic, and White compared to non-participants. Phone participants were older, less educated, and more likely be non-White, food insecure, and have co-morbidities compared to online participants. Mode effects were seen with reporting COVID-19 beliefs, loneliness, and anxiety. The SHOW COVID-19 cohort offers unique longitudinal data but suffered from selected attrition. Phone interview is an important mode for retention and representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that vaping raises oxidative stress levels and has been implicated in poor mental health. The objective of this study is to assess cross-sectional associations between quality of life (QOL) indicators and e-cigarette (EC) use in young Canadian adults. We used data from the 2016–2017 Canadian Health Measures Survey. We compared physical activity (daily steps), physiological measurements (high-density lipoprotein for cholesterol level), self-perceived life stress, mental health, and QOL between ever-use EC users and non-users. Multivariable binary or ordinal logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analyses included 905 participants (15–30 years) with 115 (12.7%) reporting EC use and 790 non-users. After adjusting for confounders, compared to non-users, EC users had significantly higher odds of being physically active (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.14–4.20) but also with self-reported extreme life stress (OR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.45–4.92). Albeit statistically non-significant, EC users also had higher odds of poorer QOL (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 0.64–1.95). No statistically significant interactions between EC use, cigarette smoking, cannabis consumption and health outcomes were observed. Conclusion: Our study found that EC use was independently and significantly associated with increased odds of life stress and an indication of poorer QOL. Ongoing surveillance on young EC users is important to measure the long-term impact of vaping on their physical, mental health and quality of life to target for interventions. What is Known: • E-cigarette use has been associated with high-risk behaviours and adverse mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. What is New: • E-cigarette users had significantly higher odds of being physically active and higher amounts of life stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the year 2030, 19–21 per cent of the population of New Zealand (NZ) is projected to be aged 65 and over. Like many countries, life expectancy in NZ differs by gender but also ethnicity: in 2019, life expectancy for Māori (indigenous) women was 77.1 years compared with 84.4 years for non-Māori women. If Māori and NZ European women are to flourish in later life, examining the factors associated with their wellbeing is paramount. The current study draws on the Life Course Perspective to explore how wellbeing is associated with age-related life events among mid- to later-life NZ women. The women in this study (N = 19,624) are participants in the 2018 wave of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study, a national probabilistic 20-year longitudinal study (mean age = 55.62; Māori = 10.8%, NZ European = 89.2%). We found that stressful life events were negatively associated with life satisfaction but positively associated with meaning in life. Māori women exhibited lower levels of life satisfaction but there were no ethnic differences for meaning in life; however, Māori and NZ European women showed different patterns of significant correlates associated with meaning in life. Findings highlight the necessity of an intersectional approach to the study of mid- to later-life wellbeing and the utility of measuring wellbeing in more than one way within NZ's unique cultural-historical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the feasibility and potential benefits of a peer support programme for adults with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes (T2D) starting continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: This part of the Steno2tech study is an exploratory, single‐centre, open‐labelled, prospective, randomised controlled trial (RCT). A total of 60 participants were randomised 2:1 to 12 months of CGM with or without peer support. All participants received a 3‐h diabetes self‐management education course including a CGM part on how to use the CGM and interpret the CGM‐derived data. Peer support consisted of three 3‐h peer support meetings over the first 6 months of the study period with groups of three to six people. The exploratory outcomes included the acceptability and feasibility of the peer support intervention, and the between‐group difference in change in several glycaemic, metabolic and participant‐reported outcomes measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results: The peer support intervention was found acceptable and feasible. Participants shared their experiences of using and interpreting CGM data and its association with health behaviour. While both groups had improvements in glycaemic, metabolic and participant‐reported outcomes, there were no significant between‐group differences. Conclusions: Although feasible, we found no measured additional benefits when adding a peer support programme after starting CGM in this exploratory RCT including adults with insulin‐treated T2D. Understanding the perceived effect of and preferences for a peer support intervention from the participants' points of view, including why individuals declined to participate, would be of value for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To provide an updated estimate of the association between body mass index (BMI) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among the general population in England and to identify population subgroups with the highest potential utility gains from obesity interventions. Materials and Methods: The sample included 12 158 adults with valid HRQoL and BMI data from the 2017 and 2018 Health Survey for England. Robust standard error linear regression, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle behaviours and obesity‐related comorbidities, was used for the baseline analysis. Robustness checks assessed the impact of (a) estimator selection; (b) model specifications; (c) statistical outliers at high BMI; (d) potential BMI measurement error; and (e) data pooling. Results: The study found a significant association between HRQoL and BMI, which exhibited an inverted U‐shaped relationship. The mean HRQoL peaked at 25.7 kg/m2 in men and 22.6 kg/m2 in women and was reduced in the underweight, overweight and obesity BMI ranges. Sensitivity analyses reported similar coefficients, suggesting a robust model specification. Conclusions: Reduced HRQoL beyond optimal BMI underlines the importance of maintaining a normal BMI range for overall health. The rising prevalence of class III obesity is a major public health concern given its disproportionate impact on health, health care utilization and costs. Obesity management is key to preventing the reduction in HRQoL associated with obesity‐related comorbidities, and this analysis supports the development of targeted policies and population health initiatives for people with class III obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationship partners' impacts on health are not fully captured by existing measures. A measure that applies to a prevention context and accounts for both partners' perspectives is needed. This work developed and assessed the psychometric properties of the novel Partner Investment in Health scale (PI-H). A cross-sectional design assessed participants (N = 261) using an online survey. Exploratory factor analyses were used to determine the PI-H factor structure. Items assessed the person's investment in their partner's health and their perception of their partner's investment in their health. A 2 factor structure underlying 24 items on the PI-H scale was supported. Factors represented 1) the respondent's investment and 2) the respondent's perception of their partner's investment. The PI-H significantly correlated with related measures (e.g. relationship satisfaction, dyadic and communal coping; p <.05). A full PI-H scale, two subscales, and a short version of the scale (8 items) are presented. Correlations demonstrated convergent validity and suggested the PI-H is distinct from existing constructs. Theoretical implications and applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognized as a main public health challenge, with serious consequences for women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Despite its public health importance, most studies of IPV in Ethiopia mainly focused on individual characteristics and didn't identify how factors operating at different levels affect IPV. Thus, there is limited evidence regarding the hierarchical-level factors of IPV and the effect of individual and community-level determinants of IPV. The aim of this study is to assess the individual and community-level factors associated with violence against women among ever-married reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of secondary data retrieved from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey was conducted among reproductive age group women (15–49 years of age) who reported ever being married within the available data set for the domestic violence module. STATA 14 was used to conduct the analysis. A two-level mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations between IPV and individual- and community-level factors. IPV variability across the community was assessed using ICC and PCV. The model's fitness was assessed using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and the likelihood ratio test. Result: The life time prevalence of IPV in this study was 33% [95% CI: 30.74, 34.25]. Women's age 20–24 (AOR = 5.85, 95% CI: 201 3.10, 11.04), 25–29 age group (AOR = 6.41, 95% CI; 3.34, 12.32), 30–34 age group (AOR = 9.48, 95% CI: 4.71, 19.06), 35–39 age group (AOR = 9.88, 95% CI: 4.79, 20.39), 40–44 age group (AOR = 11.10, 95% CI: 5.16, 23.89), and 45–49, (AOR = 14.15, 95% CI: 6.01, 32.80), early marriage (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.47), witnessing inter-parental violence during childhood (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 2.16, 3.96), having a lot of living children (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.74), having a partner who drank alcohol (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.42–3.67), decision-making autonomy of the women (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.97), Poor wealth index (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.18), middle wealth index (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.54) and exposure to media (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.00) were all significantly associated with IPV. Conclusion and recommendation: This study showed that one-third of the women experienced IPV in their lifetime. The finding suggested that community based interventions and multi-sectorial collaborations are needed to reduce the IPV and its adverse consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adults 60 years and older are among the high-risk group for COVID-19. • We identified two groups with less than 80% booster uptake using a latent class analysis. • Both groups were characterized by low education and living in rural areas. Estimate COVID-19 vaccine booster uptake and identify sociodemographic profiles associated with vaccine booster uptake in Mexican adults aged 60 and older. Using data from the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey, we estimated COVID-19 booster uptake in Mexican adults 60 and older. We conducted a latent class analysis using sociodemographic characteristics and then estimated group-specific booster prevalence. Adults aged 60 and older with a completed vaccination schedule had 80.3% booster coverage. Two groups showed the lowest coverage: 1) unemployed and informal working men with elementary education with low socioeconomic status (73.8% boosted), and 2) female homekeepers with elementary education or less living in rural areas (77.0% boosted). Our analysis points to the need to reach out to men and women with elementary education or less who live in rural areas to strengthen booster campaigns in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The practice of female genital mutilation is associated with harmful social norms promoting violence against girls and women. Various studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated factors. However, there has been limited studies conducted to assess the association between female genital mutilation and markers of women's autonomy, such as their ability to negotiate for safer sex. In this study, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to negotiate for safer sex in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: We pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted from 2010 to 2020. Data from a sample of 50,337 currently married and cohabiting women from eleven sub-Saharan African countries were included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to refuse sex and ask their partners to use condom. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the findings of the logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Female genital mutilation was performed on 56.1% of women included in our study. The highest and lowest prevalence of female genital mutilation were found among women from Guinea (96.3%) and Togo (6.9%), respectively. We found that women who had undergone female genital mutilation were less likely to refuse sex from their partners (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.96) and ask their partners to use condoms (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.86) compared to those who had not undergone female genital mutilation. Conclusion: Female genital mutilation hinders women's ability to negotiate for safer sex. It is necessary to implement health education and promotion interventions (e.g., decision making skills) that assist women who have experienced female genital mutilation to negotiate for safer sex. These interventions are crucial to enhance sexual health outcomes for these women. Further, strict enforcement of policies and laws aimed at eradicating the practice of female genital mutilation are encouraged to help contribute to the improvement of women's reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), within the first hour of birth, is crucial for promoting exclusive breastfeeding and establishing optimal nursing practices. However, global EIBF rates remain low, with even lower rates observed in Africa. Despite existing research gaps, this study aims to determine the prevalence of EIBF and identify maternal and child-related factors associated with its practice in West Africa. Methods: This study utilized West African Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 13 countries, including 146,964 children's records. To assess model fit, likelihood test and deviance were used. Similarly, intraclass correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were employed for random effect. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify individual- and community-level factors influencing EIBF due to the hierarchical nature of the data. Variables with p-values ≤0.2 in the binary model and <0.05 in the final analysis were considered significantly associated with EIBF. Results: The pooled prevalence of EIBF in West African nations was 50.60% (95% CI; 50.34–50.85%). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Serra Leone (75.33%) and the lowest prevalence was found in Senegal (33.94%). In the multilevel multiple logistic regression model, maternal education (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI, 1.03,1.16), marital status AOR = 1.07, 95% CI, 1.01,1.13), birth weight (AOR = 0.91, CI 0.86,0.96), birth orders (AOR = 1.09, CI 1.03,1.16), and (AOR = 1.11, CI 1.03,1.19), place of residence (AOR = 1.14, CI 1.07,1.21), and mode of delivery type (AOR = 0.26, CI 0.24,0.29) were significantly correlated with EIBF in West Africa. Conclusions: The incidence of EIBF in West Africa was found to be low. The study emphasizes the need for targeted behavioral change communication programs to address timely breastfeeding initiation, specifically targeting mothers and child characteristics. Factors such as education, delivery mode, marital status, birth weight, birth order, and place of residence were significantly associated with EIBF. Special attention should be given to improving EIBF rates among women undergoing caesarean sections, infants with low birth weight, and primiparous mothers, along with structural improvements in the healthcare sector in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is essential health care and medical support provided to pregnant women, with the aim of promoting optimal health for both the mother and the developing baby. Pregnant women should initiate ANC within the first trimester of pregnancy to access a wide range of crucial services. Early initiation of ANC significantly reduces adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet many women in Sub-Saharan Africa delay its initiation. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and determinants of delayed ANC initiation in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS). The study involved women of reproductive age who had given birth within the five years prior to the survey and had attended ANC for their most recent child. A total weighted sample of 2,895 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Due to the hierarchical nature of the data, we employed a multi-level logistic regression model to examine both individual and community level factors associated with delayed ANC initiation. The findings of the regressions were presented with odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values. All the statistical analysis were performed using STATA—14 software. Results: This study showed that 62.3% (95% CI: 60.5, 64.1) of pregnant women in Ethiopia delayed ANC initiation. Participants, on average, began their ANC at 4 months gestational age. Women with no education (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.0), poorest wealth status (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.8), from the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) region (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.3), and those who gave birth at home (AOR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.7) were more likely to delay ANC initiation. Conclusions: The prevalence of delayed ANC initiation in Ethiopia was high. Enhancing mothers' education, empowering them through economic initiatives, improving their health-seeking behavior towards facility delivery, and universally reinforcing standardized ANC, along with collaborating with the existing local community structure to disseminate health information, are recommended measures to reduce delayed ANC initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to adapt the Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy – Health Index (FSHD-HI) to an Italian population affected by FSHD by translating, validating, and testing this instrument in an Italian cohort. Italian FSHD patients were interviewed regarding the form and content of the translated instrument. Subsequently, forty FSHD patients were recruited to test the reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC for test-retest; and Cronbach's Alpha for Internal consistency), known groups (Mann-Whitney U test and Area Under the Curve, AUC) and concurrent validity (Pearson's and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient) of the instrument by serially completing the FSHD-HI and an extensive set of tests measuring the neuromotor, psychological and cognitive functions, and perceived quality of life (QoL) aspects. The Italian translation of the FSHD-HI and its subscales were highly relevant to patients, had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.90), optimal test-retest reliability (ICC= 0.95), and was significantly associated with motor function, respiratory function, and QoL assessments. Overall, the Italian FSHD-HI is a valid and well-suited measurement of the multi-dimensional aspects of disease burden in FSHD patients. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) negatively impacts the quality of life and increases the disease burden. It is important for the clinical community to have a valid instrument that can serially measure a patient's perception of their multifactorial disease burden in FSHD. The Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy – Health Index (FSHD-HI) is a valid instrument that allows patients to provide their perspective regarding their current health state. FSHD-HI-IT provides a valid option for measuring multifactorial disease burden in Italian patients with FSHD during clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment in health has been proposed as a mechanism to promote upward social mobility. Previous analyses have reported inconsistent estimates of the returns to investment in health in Mexico based on different models for different years. We aim to estimate returns for Mexico using data from four time points Adult height and labor income are drawn from the periodical national health and nutrition surveys–a group of relatively standardized surveys—that are representative of individuals living in the country in 2000, 2006, 2012 & 2018. These surveys collect anthropometric measurements and information on individuals' labor income. We estimated Mincerian models separately for men and women using OLS, Heckman, instrumental variables, and Heckman with instrumental variables models. Our results indicate significant and positive returns to health for the four surveys, similar in magnitude across years for women and with variations for men. By 2018, returns to health were about 7.4% per additional centimeter in height for females and 9.3% for males. Investments in health and nutrition during childhood and adolescence that increase health capital–measured as adult height—may promote social mobility in Mexico and similar countries to the extent that these investments differentially increase health capital among the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The maternal continuum of care (CoC) is a cost-effective approach to mitigate preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Women in developing countries, including Tanzania, face an increased vulnerability to significant dropout rates from maternal CoC, and addressing dropout from the continuum remains a persistent public health challenge. Method: This study used the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). A total weighted sample of 5,172 women who gave birth in the past 5 years and had first antenatal care (ANC) were included in this study. Multilevel binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with dropout from the 3 components of maternal CoC (i.e., ANC, institutional delivery, and postnatal care (PNC)). Results: The vast majority, 83.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 82.83%, 84.83%), of women reported dropout from the maternal CoC. The odds of dropout from the CoC was 36% (AOR = 0.64, (95% CI: 0.41, 0.98)) lower among married women compared to their divorced counterparts. Women who belonged to the richer wealth index reported a 39% (AOR = 0.61, (95% CI: 0.39, 0.95)) reduction in the odds of dropout, while those belonged to the richest wealth index demonstrated a 49% (AOR = 0.51, (95% CI: 0.31, 0.82)) reduction. The odds of dropout from CoC was 37% (AOR = 0.63, (95% CI: 0.45,0.87)) lower among women who reported the use of internet in the past 12 months compared to those who had no prior exposure to the internet. Geographical location emerged as a significant factor, with women residing in the Northern region and Southern Highland Zone, respectively, experiencing a 44% (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.89) and 58% (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26–0.68) lower odds of dropout compared to their counterparts in the central zone. Conclusion: The dropout rate from the maternity CoC in Tanzania was high. The findings contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding maternity care continuity and underscore the need for targeted interventions, considering factors such as marital status, socioeconomic status, internet usage, and geographical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Age‐related decline in physical functioning has significant implications for health in later life but declines begin earlier in midlife. Physical activity (PA) volume is associated with physical function, but the importance of the pattern in which PA is accumulated is unclear. This study investigates associations between patterns of PA accumulation, including the composition, variation, and temporal distribution of upright and stepping events, with physical function in midlife. Methods: Participants (n = 4378) from the 1970 British Cohort Study wore an activPAL3 accelerometer on the thigh for 7 consecutive days. Exposure measures included a suite of metrics describing the frequency, duration, and composition of upright events, as well as the duration and volume (total steps) of stepping events. In addition, patterns of accumulation of upright and sedentary events were examined including how fragmented/transient they were (upright‐to‐sedentary transition probability [USTP]) and their burstiness (the tendency for events to be clustered together followed by longer interevent times). Physical function outcomes included grip strength (GS), balance, and SF‐36 physical functioning subscale (SF‐36pf). Cross‐sectional analyses included multivariable linear regression models to assess associations, adjusting for covariates including overall PA volume (mean daily step count). Results: Higher upright event burstiness was associated with higher GS, and higher USTP was associated with lower GS. Duration and step volume of stepping events were positively associated with SF‐36pf in females. Step‐weighted cadence was positively associated with SF‐36pf and balance. Contradictory findings were also present (e.g., more transient stepping events were associated with better GS) particularly for GS in males. Inconsistencies between sexes were observed across some associations. Conclusion: Our study reveals that diverse patterns of PA accumulation exhibit distinct associations with various measures of physical function in midlife, irrespective of the overall volume. Contradictory findings and inconsistency between sexes warrant further investigation. Patterns of PA accumulation, in addition to volume, should be considered in future PA research. Longitudinal studies are required to determine whether a given volume of activity accumulated in different patterns, impacts associations between PA and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To measure the association between SLE remission and scores of patients-reported outcome (PRO) measures. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of SLE patients with a 2-year follow-up, using Lupus Patient-Reported Outcome (LupusPRO), Lupus Quality of Life (LupusQoL), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life (SLEQOL) and 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires. Remission was defined as remission off treatment (ROFT) and remission on treatment (RONT) according to the definitions of remission in SLE consensus. Mixed models accounting for repeated measures were used to compare groups as follow: ROFT and RONT vs no remission and lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) vs no LLDAS. Results A total of 1478 medical visits and 2547 PRO questionnaires were collected during the follow-up from the 336 recruited patients. A between-group difference in PRO scores reaching at least 5 points on a 0–100 scale was obtained in the following domains: lupus symptoms (LLDAS: +5 points on the 0–100 scale, RONT: +9, ROFT: +5), lupus medication (LLDAS: +5, RONT: +8, ROFT: +9), pain vitality (LLDAS: +6, RONT: +9, ROFT: +6) of LupusPRO; role emotional (LLDAS: +5, RONT: +8), role physical (RONT: +7 and ROFT: +7), bodily pain (RONT: +6), mental health (RONT: +5) and social functioning (RONT: +6) of SF-36. In contrast, a between-group difference reaching at least 5 points was not achieved for any of the LupusQoL and SLEQOL domains. Conclusions RONT, ROFT and LLDAS were associated with significant and clinically relevant higher QoL in most PRO domains of the LupusPRO (disease specific) and SF-36 (generic) questionnaires, but not with LupusQoL and SLEQOL disease-specific questionnaires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of unmet need for contraception among women in sexual unions in Benin. Methods Data for the study was extracted from the recent 2017–2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample of 9513 women of reproductive age was included in the study. We used multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis to examine the factors associated with unmet need for contraception. Results The prevalence of unmet need for contraception was 38.0% (36.7, 39.2). The odds of unmet need for contraception was higher among women with ≥4 births compared with those with no births, and among those who reported that someone else or others usually made decisions regarding their healthcare compared with those who make their own healthcare decisions. Wealth index was associated with a higher likelihood of unmet need for contraception. Also, the region of residence was associated with unmet need for contraception, with the highest odds being among women from the Mono region (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.18, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.58). Conclusions Our study shows that the unmet need for contraception among women in Benin is relatively high. Our findings call on relevant stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organisations, to enhance women's empowerment as part of interventions that seek to prioritise contraceptive services for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrimination is associated with numerous psychological health outcomes over the life course. The nine-item Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) is one of the most widely used measures of discrimination; however, this nine-item measure may not be feasible in large-scale population health surveys where a shortened discrimination measure would be advantageous. The current study examined the construct validity of a combined two-item discrimination measure adapted from the EDS by Add Health (N = 14,839) as compared to the full nine-item EDS and a two-item EDS scale (parallel to the adapted combined measure) used in the National Survey of American Life (NSAL; N = 1,111) and National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) studies (N = 1,055). Results identified convergence among the EDS scales, with high item-total correlations, convergent validity, and criterion validity for psychological outcomes, thus providing evidence for the construct validity of the two-item combined scale. Taken together, the findings provide support for using this reduced scale in studies where the full EDS scale is not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate predictive value of the myopia growth chart based on population-based health survey data using longitudinal cohorts. Methods: Patients aged from 5 to 18 years and underwent two or more cycloplegic refraction (CR) exams with at least one year of interval were included. Percentile deviation was calculated by subtracting percentile at final exam from the percentile at initial exam based on the chart. Spherical equivalent (SE) deviation was calculated by SE at final CR subtracted from predicted SE based on initial CR using the chart. Results: 2310 eyes from 1155 subjects were included. There were 1344 eyes (58.2%) categorized as inliers, where both initial and final CR were within the 2nd to 99th percentile. Mean percentile and SE deviations were + 11.0 ± 22.9 percentiles and -0.60 ± 1.33 diopters, each. Outliers, those except the inliers, were 966 eyes (41.8%). Most outliers (709 eyes, 73.4%) were outside the chart for both initial and final exam. The rest of the outliers (257 eyes, 26.2%) were within the 2 to 99 percentile range on the chart at least once, either at initial or final exams; most of those (202 eyes, 78.6%) progressed toward myopia more than predicted. Conclusions: In our large cohorts, both inliers and outliers tended to progress toward more myopia than predicted from the chart. This suggests the chart predicts childhood myopia rather conservatively. The myopia growth chart may be useful as a screening tool in detecting children at high risk of developing high myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to identify different profiles of chronic disease resource utilization among patients with coronary heart disease in Tibet and explore the relationship between these profiles and quality of life. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: Patients with coronary heart disease who were treated in a tertiary hospital in Tibet and its cooperative points from January 2021 to July 2021 were selected as the study participants. All participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Chronic Disease Resource Utilization Questionnaire (CIRS) and the Health Status Survey Short Form (SF‐36). Chronic disease resource utilization was profiled, and its relationship to quality of life was explored using hierarchical linear regression. Results: A total of 382 patients were enrolled in this study. Regarding chronic disease resource utilization, the participants were divided into three latent profiles: 'Poor utilization group' (n = 151), 'Effective utilization group' (n = 155) and 'Full utilization group' (n = 76). Different profiles of chronic disease resource utilization of patients were significantly associated with quality of life (R2 =.126, p <.001). Conclusion: Healthcare providers should identify patients with different profiles, define their utilization features of chronic disease resources and adopt targeted interventions to guide them in acquiring enough disease support resources to improve their quality of life. Implication: Understanding different resources using preferences of coronary heart disease patients can help healthcare providers and related sectors to provide other supports based on different profiles of patients, thus enhancing their quality of life. Reporting Method: The study followed the STROBE guideline. No Patient or Public Contribution: There was no patient or public involvement in the design of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the venous insufficiency (VI) or lipedema on the symptoms, functions, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: 96 patients with stage 3/4 knee OA were included in the study. Patients were grouped as OA (n = 35), VI + OA (n = 35), and lipedema + OA (n = 26). Range of motion (ROM), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), short-form (SF-36), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were evaluated. Results: WOMAC stiffness score was significantly higher in the VI group than the other groups (p <.05). VAS resting, WOMAC pain, function, and total scores were significantly higher in the lipedema + OA and VI + OA groups than the OA group (p <.05). SF-36-physical role limitation was significantly lower in the lipedema and VI groups (p <.05). Conclusion: VI or lipedema accompanying knee OA increases the existing disability due to OA by negatively affecting patients regarding pain, QoL, and physical functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, overall and stratified by vaccination status, is important for developing targeted strategies to increase vaccination coverage and protect adolescents from COVID-19. Design: The 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a cross-sectional nationally representative household survey of U.S. adults. Setting: A probability sample of households in the U.S. Sample: One child aged 12-17 years is randomly selected from each family in the household. A knowledgeable adult (eg, parent or guardian), responds on behalf of the child through an in-person interview (response rate = 49.9%). Measures: Input measures-sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status; output measures-ever had COVID-19, moderate/severe COVID-19, long COVID Analysis: Prevalence of COVID-19 outcomes was assessed for adolescents aged 12-17 years. Factors associated with each COVID-19 outcome were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Among 2758 adolescents aged 12-17 years in 2022, 60.5% had received ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 30.2% had ever been diagnosed by a doctor that they had COVID-19, 29.5% had moderate/severe COVID-19, and 6.2% had long COVID. Adolescents who were vaccinated with ≥1 dose were less likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 (aOR =.79) and less likely to have long COVID (aOR =.30). Conclusion: Targeted messaging to highlight the importance of early treatment, the harms of long COVID-19, and the benefits of vaccination in protecting against long-term effects may be necessary to ensure that all adolescents and their families are adequately protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Risky sexual behavior exposes an individual to the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though risky sexual behavior is a devastating problem in low- and middle-income countries, studies on risky sexual behavior and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Eastern African countries are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Eastern African countries that help to target high-risk groups and set appropriate intervention. Method: The appended and recent Demographic and Health Survey dataset of 10 Eastern African countries from 2012 to 2022 was used for data analysis. A total of 111,895 participants were included in this study as a weighted sample. Associated factors were determined using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Significant factors in the multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model were declared significant at p-values < 0.05. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and confidence interval (CI) were used to interpret the results. Result: The overall magnitude of risky sexual behavior among reproductive-age women in Eastern African countries was 28.16% (95% CI 27.90%, 28.43%), which ranged from 3.80% in Ethiopia to 67.13% in Kenya. In the multivariable analysis, being a younger woman, being an educated woman, being tested for human immunodeficiency virus, having work, drinking alcohol, and being an urban dweller were factors that were significantly associated with higher odds of risky sexual behavior. Conclusion: The overall magnitude of risky sexual behavior among reproductive-age women in Eastern African countries was high. Individual-level (being a younger woman, being an educated woman, being tested for human immunodeficiency virus, having work, and drinking alcohol) and community-level (being an urban dweller) variables were associated with higher odds of risky sexual behavior. Therefore, policymakers and other stakeholders should give special consideration to urban dwellers, educated, worker and younger women. Better to improve the healthy behavior of women by minimizing alcohol consumption and strengthening HIV testing and counseling services to reduce the magnitude of risky sexual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survey studies have played a significant role in understanding the gaps in the knowledge and practices of health practitioners. However, there have been no such survey studies on Ocular Allergy (OA). Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a survey on OA to better understand the gaps in the diagnostic, treatment, and collaborative care approaches of health practitioners in OA. The survey is titled "Survey on Ocular Allergy for Health Practitioners (SOAHP)". SOAHP was developed in a five-stage process. First, item extraction via the use of a literature review, second, face and content validity, third, a pilot study, fourth, test–retest reliability, and fifth, finalisation of the survey. 65 items under 6 domains were initially generated in the item extraction phase. Content validity was conducted on 15 experts in the field. This was conducted twice to reach consensus whereby items and domains were added, edited, kept, or removed, resulting in 50 items under 7 domains. The pilot study was conducted on 15 participants from the five relevant health practitioner fields (Allergists/Immunologists, General Practitioners (GPs), Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Pharmacists). This altered the survey further to 40 items under 7 domains. Test–retest reliability was conducted on 25 participants from the five health practitioner fields. Reliability was moderate to almost perfect for most (97%) investigated items. The finalised survey was 40 items under 7 domains. SOAHP is the first survey created to assess diagnostic, treatment and collaborative care approaches of Allergists/Immunologists, GPs, Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Pharmacists on OA. SOAHP will be a useful tool in clinical research on OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Miscarriage is a major public health concern in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. This study aims to examine the factors associated with miscarriage among pregnant women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in the past 15 years. Methods: There were a total of weighted sample of 26,376 cross-sectional pregnancy data from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 combined together, which was used in the study. Multilevel logistic regression analysis that adjusted for cluster and survey weights was used to identify factors associated with miscarriage among pregnant women of reproductive age in Nepal. Results: The results showed that maternal age, contraception, tobacco smoking, wealth index, respondents' educational status, and, caste/ethnicity were found to be strong factors of miscarriage in Nepal. The likelihood of having a miscarriage among older women (≥40 years) was more than 100% (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.73, 2.59]), among non-users of contraception was 88.9% (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI [1.68, 2.11]) (p<005) and non-smoking women had a 19% lower odds of miscarriage (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.69, 0.95]). Respondents from the richest wealth index had 50% (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.22, 1.85]) higher likelihood of miscarriage. Mothers with only primary education had a 25% higher chance of miscarriage (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.09, 1.44]) compared to those with secondary and higher secondary education. In relation to caste/ethnicity, Dalits had 13% lesser likelihood (aOR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.74, 1.02]) and Janajatis had 26% lower chances of a miscarriage than Brahmin/Chettri (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.64, 0.85]). Conclusion: Findings from this study show that miscarriages are associated with maternal age, use of contraception, smoking, wealth index, caste, and ethnicity. Interventions aimed to improve use of contraceptives, avoiding smoking and pregnancy planning on the basis of maternal age, are needed to prevent miscarriage. Also, women from Brahmin ethinicity and those with the highest income index require greater attention when it comes to miscarriage prevention strategies in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has increasingly received attention in the last three decades. However, IPV-related studies in both high- and low- and middle-income countries adopted a victim-oriented perspective in which men are perpetrators and women, the victims. Using socio-cultural and resource theories as guiding frameworks, this paper assessed the associations between men's education and IPV in Central Africa, using nationally representative data of married and cohabiting women of reproductive ages. Methods: Data included in the analyses come from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Gabon, and Chad. Analyzed sub-samples consisted of 3421, 5023, 3930, and 3221 married/cohabiting women of reproductive ages in Chad, DRC, Cameroon, and Gabon, respectively. Results: Findings indicated significant variations of IPV prevalence within and across countries. Previous research demonstrated that men's education is a protective factor in health-related studies. The present study, however, provide no clear evidence on the linkages between men's education and IPV. In contrast, the paper substantiated that highly educated women were at higher risks of IPV when spouses/partners were less educated. Conclusion: These findings have policy and programmatic implications because they might impede progress towards SDG goals on the elimination of all forms of violence against girls and women in Central Africa, which recorded the worst development indicators in sub-Saharan Africa. On a methodological note, studies are increasingly using pooled data to increase statistical power. Those studies can be very limited to devise effective IPV—interventions since they mask geographical variations within and across countries. More effective IPV—interventions should be culturally rooted and accounting for geographical variations because some areas are more affected than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Undernutrition poses a significant global public health challenge, adversely affecting childhood cognitive and physical development while increasing the risk of disease and mortality. Stunting, characterized by impaired growth and development in children due to insufficient psychological stimulation, frequent infections, and inadequate nutrition, remains a critical issue. Although economic growth alone cannot fully address the prevalence of stunting, there exists a robust correlation between a country's income level and childhood stunting rates. Countries with higher incomes tend to have lower rates of childhood stunting. Notably, while childhood stunting is declining worldwide, it remains persistent in Africa. Consequently, this study aims to assess the prevalence of childhood stunting and its determinants in low- and lower-middle-income African countries Method: This study conducted a secondary analysis of standard demographic and health surveys in low- and lower-middle-income African countries spanning the period from 2010 to 2022. The analysis included a total sample of 204,214 weighted children under the age of five years. To identify the determinants of stunting, we employed a multilevel mixed-effect model, considering the three levels of variables. The measures of association (fixed effect) were determined using the adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval. Significance was declared when the association between the outcome variable and the explanatory variable had a p-value less than 0.05. Result: In low and lower-middle-income African countries, 31.28% of children under five years old experience stunting, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 31.08% to 31.48%. The results from a multilevel mixed-effect analysis revealed that 24 months or more of age of child, male gender, low and high birth weight, low and high maternal BMI, no and low maternal education, low household wealth index, multiple (twin or triplet) births, rural residence, and low income of countries were significantly associated with childhood stunting. Conclusion: Stunting among children under five years of age in low- and lower-middle-income African countries was relatively high. Individual, community, and country-level factors were statistically associated with childhood stunting. Equally importantly, with child, maternal, and community factors of stunting, the income of countries needs to be considered in providing nutritional interventions to mitigate childhood stunting in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem, principally affecting young children and reproductive-age mothers. Although anemia is a main public health concern in low-income countries, there is no evidence about its prevalence and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Liberia. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among women of reproductive age in Liberia. Methods: We used the data extracted from the fifth Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS-V) that were carried out between October 2019 and February 2020. The sample was chosen using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling procedure. Overall weighted samples of 4027 women of reproductive age were used in the analysis. Data weighting was carried out to obtain reliable estimates and standard errors as well as to restore the representativeness of the data. Stata version 14 software was used for data extraction, coding, and analysis. We used multilevel analysis to identify the significant factors associated with anemia among women of reproductive age. Results: The prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Liberia was 44.51 (95% CI: 42.97–46.04). From these, about 23.10% of women of reproductive age were mildly anemic, 20.63% were moderately anemic and 0.78% was severely anemic. In multivariable analysis; women with the groups of 20–24 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.92), 25–29 years (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.77), 30–34 years (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.83), 35–39 years (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.79), 40–44 years (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43,0.87), 45–49 years (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39,0.82), overweight (AOR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.98), obese (AOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.88), using modern contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.72), and being from the Northcentral region (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.72) were significantly associated with lower odds of anemia. However, being pregnant (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.73) and having higher parity (3 children or more) (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.93) were significantly associated with higher odds of anemia. Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of anemia in women of reproductive age was relatively high. Therefore, it is better to provide special emphasis on high-risk groups such as pregnant and multiparous women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) combines all three forms of anthropometric failures to assess undernutrition status of children. There is no study on CIAF to identify the real and severe form of under nutrition among Ethiopian children that addressed community level factors. So, this study determined CIAF and identified important factors which helps to design appropriate intervention strategies by using multi-level advanced statistical model. Methods: The study included 5,530 under five children and utilized a secondary data (EMDHS 2019) which was collected through community-based and cross-sectionally from March 21 to June 28, 2019. Composite index of anthropometric failure among under five children was assessed and a two-stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Descriptive summary statistics was computed. A multi-level binary logistic regression model was employed to identify important predictors of CIAF in under five children. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% CI was estimated and level of significance 0.05 was used to determine significant predictors of CIAF. Results: The prevalence of composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) was 40.69% (95% CI: 39.41, 42.00) in Ethiopia. Both individual and community level predictors were identified for CIAF in under five children. Among individual level predictors being male sex, older age, short birth interval, from mothers who have not formal education, and from poor household wealth quintile were associated with higher odds of CIAF among under five children. Low community women literacy and being from agriculturally based regions were the community level predictors that were associated with higher odds of CIAF in under five children in Ethiopia. Conclusions: The burden of composite index of anthropometric failure in under five children was high in Ethiopia. Age of child, sex of child, preceding birth interval, mother's education, household wealth index, community women literacy and administrative regions of Ethiopia were identified as significant predictors of CIAF. Therefore, emphasis should be given for those factors to decrease the prevalence of CIAF in under five children in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental health problems and financial difficulties each increase the risk of social exclusion. However, few large studies representing a broad age range have investigated the combined social effect of having both difficulties. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine associations of mental health problems, financial difficulties, and the combination of both with social exclusion. Methods: This analysis was based on responses from 28,047 adults (age > 18 years) from the general population participating in The Norwegian Counties Public Health Survey 2019. Respondents answered questions about their financial situation, mental health problems, and social exclusion. Social exclusion was measured as a lack of social support, low participation in organized social activities, low participation in other activities, missing someone to be with, feeling excluded, and feeling isolated. Adjustments for sex and age were made in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Having mental health problems or financial difficulties was associated with various measures of social exclusion (odds ratios [ORs] with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.33 [1.23–1.43] to 12.63 [10.90–14.64]). However, the odds of social exclusion strongly increased for respondents who reported a combination of mental health problems and financial difficulties compared with those who did not report either (ORs [CIs]: 2.08 [1.90–2.27] to 29.46 [25.32–34.27]). Conclusions: Having the combination of mental health problems and financial difficulties is strongly associated with increased risk for social exclusion, far beyond the effect of either factor alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with women having 1 in 36 lifetime risk. The WHO launched the new comprehensive recommendations/guidelines on antenatal care (ANC) in 2016, which stresses the essence of quality antenatal care. Consequently, the objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the quality of ANC in 13 SSA countries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that is premised on pre-existing secondary data, spanning 2015 to 2021. Data for the study was obtained from the Measure DHS Programme and included a total of 79,725 women aged 15–49 were included. The outcome variable was quality ANC and it was derived as a composite variable from four main ANC services: blood pressure taken, urine taken, receipt of iron supplementation and blood sample taken. Thirteen independent variables were included and broadly categorised into individual and community-level characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to present the proportion of women who had quality ANC across the respective countries. A two-level multilevel regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the direction of association between quality ANC and the independent variables. Results: The overall average of women who had quality ANC was 53.8% [CI = 51.2,57.5] spanning from 82.3% [CI = 80.6,85.3] in Cameroon to 11% [CI = 10.0, 11.4] in Burundi. Women with secondary/higher education had higher odds of obtaining quality ANC compared with those without formal education [aOR = 1.23, Credible Interval [Crl] = 1.10,1.37]. Poorest women were more likely to have quality ANC relative to the richest women [aOR = 1.21, Crl = 1.14,1.27]. Married women were more likely to receive quality ANC relative to those cohabiting [aOR = 2.04, Crl = 1.94,3.05]. Women who had four or more ANC visits had higher odds of quality ANC [aOR = 2.21, Crl = 2.04,2.38]. Variation existed in receipt of quality ANC at the community-level [σ2 = 0.29, Crl = 0.24,0.33]. The findings also indicated that a 36.2% variation in quality ANC is attributable to community-level factors. Conclusion: To achieve significant improvement in the coverage of quality ANC, the focus of maternal health interventions ought to prioritise uneducated women, those cohabiting, and those who are unable to have at least four ANCs. Further, ample recognition should be accorded to the existing and potential facilitators and barriers to quality ANC across and within countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Hypoparathyroidism (HPt) is a rare endocrine disorder often of postsurgical origin, resulting in hypocalcaemia. Several complications have been described including impairment of quality of life (QoL). Our study aims to evaluate the effect of hypoparathyroidism on the QoL of patients diagnosed with HPt. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition of the Hassan II University Hospital of Fez. We included in our study all patients followed for chronic HPt. Well-being was assessed using the WHO 5 index, and QoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in its validated Arabic version. Data were entered into Excel and analysed using SPSS 26. Multiple linear regression was utilized to ascertain the variables linked to the QoL in individuals diagnosed with HPt. Results. A total of 143 patients with HPt were included in the study, 86.7% of whom were female. The mean age of the patients was 44.6 ± 17.3 years. 89.9% were of postsurgical etiology. The assessment of well-being by the WHO 5 index showed a low score (<50), meaning poor well-being in 44.8%. Regarding the QoL, the assessment showed low scores in the areas of general health (41.7), limitations due to physical condition (40.5), vitality (41.4), and limitations due to psychological condition (42.6). The multiple linear regression model revealed a noteworthy association between low SF-36 score and advanced age (β = −5.91; p < 0.001), surgical etiology (β = 8.71; p < 0.001), low education level (β = −10.1; p < 0.001), and poor compliance with medication (β = −11.3; p < 0.001). However, the relationship between impaired QoL and achievement of normocalcemia was nonsignificant (p = 0.69). Conclusions. Our work objective is that patients with HPt have a reduced and multifactorial QoL. Despite normocalcemia, it is hypothesized that parathyroid hormone directly influences QoL. These results could serve as a basis for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sierra Leone has poor indicators of reproductive health and a high prevalence of unintended pregnancies. To date, no study has explored determinants of ovulatory cycle knowledge in Sierra Leone. We investigated geographic region to determine where the needs for improved ovulatory cycle knowledge are greatest in Sierra Leone. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of women of reproductive age (n = 15,574) based on the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey. Geographic region and sociodemographic covariates were included in a multivariate logistic regression model predicting the odds that participants possessed accurate knowledge of when in the ovulatory cycle pregnancy initiation is most likely. Results: In Sierra Leone, 39.8% (CI = 37.4–40.9) of 15-49-year-old women had accurate knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Women in the Northern and Southern regions possessed the highest prevalence of correct knowledge (46.7%, CI = 43.1–50.3 and 45.1%, CI = 41.9–48.2, respectively). Women from the Northwestern (AOR = 0.29, CI = 0.22–0.38), Eastern (AOR = 0.55, CI = 0.41–0.72), and Western regions (AOR = 0.63, CI = 0.50–0.80) had significantly lower odds of accurate ovulatory cycle knowledge compared to others. Women aged 15–19, those with a primary school education, and participants with a parity of none all had the lowest odds of correct ovulatory cycle knowledge as well. Conclusion: Less than four in ten women in Sierra Leone had accurate knowledge of when in the ovulatory cycle pregnancy is most likely to occur. This suggests that family planning outreach programs should include education on the ovulatory cycle and the importance of understanding the implications of its timing. This can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies throughout Sierra Leone, and can have an especially positive impact in the Northwestern, Eastern, and Western regions, where ovulatory cycle knowledge was significantly lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass media campaigns are frequently used to address public health issues. Considering the considerable cost, there has been little analysis of why campaigns sometimes fail. This study used a sequential mixed methods approach to explore the mechanisms that can lead to failure and to identify what can be done to avoid or overcome common mistakes in campaign planning, implementation, and evaluation. We conducted interviews and a survey with 28 public health social marketing and mass media campaign experts over three rounds of research and analysed the data thematically, generating themes inductively. We identified four systemic factors that drive success: long-term strategic thinking and commitment, understanding the campaign context, doing and learning from evaluation, and fostering strong relationships. The factors did not operate in isolation, rather good (or poor) execution in one area was likely to influence performance in another. The experts also emphasised that a change of political context could drastically affect one or more of the identified factors. Our analysis showed that campaign failures are not simply individuals making mistakes. Systemic issues throughout the planning, execution, and evaluation phases need to be addressed if campaign outcomes are to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the association between e-cigarette use and mental health are mostly among adolescents and young adults, leaving limited evidence of this association among general US adults. Besides, few studies have examined how e-cigarette use or dual use of e-cigarette and combustible cigarette is related to cognitive function. Cross-sectional data of 56,734 adults from the 2020–2021 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine the independent association between e-cigarette use or dual use and anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, serious psychological distress (SPD), and cognitive impairment. Compared with never e-cigarette users, current e-cigarette users had 2.10-fold (95 % CI: 1.84, 2.39), 2.53-fold (95 % CI: 2.13, 3.00), 2.02-fold (95 % CI: 1.47, 2.76), and 2.00-fold (95 % CI: 1.47, 2.72) higher odds of reporting anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, SPD, and cognitive impairment, respectively. Former e-cigarette use was also associated with all three mental conditions and cognitive impairment (AOR ranged from 1.38 to 2.53, all P < 0.01). Dual users were more likely to report all three mental conditions and cognitive impairment than those who never used combustible cigarette and e-cigarette (AOR ranged from 1.89 to 2.83, all P < 0.01). Dual users also had a greater likelihood of having anxiety or depression symptoms than exclusive combustible cigarette users (AOR ranged from 1.46 to 1.47, all P < 0.01). E-cigarette use or dual use is associated with poor mental health and cognitive impairment among US adults. Regulations on e-cigarette use are needed to prevent mental illness and improve cognitive function. • Current or former e-cigarette use was significantly associated with mental conditions including anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and serious psychological distress among overall US adults. • Current or former e-cigarette users were more likely to report cognitive impairment than never e-cigarette users. • Dual users had significantly higher odds of having all three mental conditions and cognitive impairment than never smokers. • Dual users were also more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depression than exclusive combustible cigarette users. • The magnitude of the association between e-cigarette use and anxiety, depression, or cognitive impairment differs by sex groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in Peru has increased over the years. Approximately one third of the Peruvian population lives at high altitudes. This population presents particular physiological, genetic and environmental characteristics that could be related to the prevalence of hypertension and its subtypes. Objective: To assess the association between altitude and hypertension in the Peruvian population through an analysis of a nationally representative survey. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey for the period 2016–2019. We included 122,336 individuals aged 18 years and older. Hypertension was defined according to the JNC-7 guidelines. High-altitude location was defined as a residential cluster located above 2,500 meters above sea level. We utilized generalized linear models from the Poisson family with a log-link function to assess the magnitude of the association between high altitude and hypertension. Additionally, we employed multinomial regression models to analyze the association between high altitude and subtypes of hypertension, including isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH). Results: In the adjusted Poisson regression model, we found that the prevalence of hypertension among participants living at high altitudes was lower compared to those living at low altitudes (aPR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.86–0.93). In the adjusted multinomial regression model, we observed a lower prevalence rate of ISH among participants residing at high altitudes (aRPR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61–0.73) and a higher prevalence rate of IDH among participants residing at high altitudes (aRPR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.32–1.94). Conclusions: Residents at high altitudes in Peru have a lower prevalence rate of ISH and a higher prevalence rate of IDH compared to those living at low altitudes. Further studies are needed to determine the influence of other biological, environmental, and healthcare access factors on this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood anaemia is a public health problem in Ethiopia. Machine learning (ML) is a growing in medicine field to predict diseases. Diagnosis of childhood anaemia is resource intensive. The aim of this study is to apply machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict childhood anaemia using socio-demographic, economic, and maternal and child related variables. The study used data from 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey (EDHS). We used Python software version 3.11 to apply and test ML algorithms through logistic regression, Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN). We evaluated the performance of each of the ML algorithms using discrimination and calibration parameters. The predictive performance of the algorithms was between 60% and 66%. The logistic regression model was the best predictive model of ML with accuracy (66%), sensitivity (82%), specificity (42%), and AUC (69%), followed by RF with accuracy (64%), sensitivity (79%), specificity (42%), and AUC (63%). The logistic regression and the RF models of ML showed poorest family, child age category between 6 and 23 months, uneducated mother, unemployed mother, and stunting as high importance predictors of childhood anaemia. Applying logistic regression and RF models of ML can detect combinations of predictors of childhood anaemia that can be used in primary health care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, there are 37.7 million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). So far, there is no study done in Gambia which assessed comprehensive HIV knowledge and its associated factors. Therefore, this study aims to assess comprehensive HIV knowledge and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Gambia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of comprehensive HIV knowledge and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Gambia. Methods: The study used the Gambian Demographic and Health Survey, which was conducted from 21 November 2019 to 30 March 2020 in Gambia. The survey employed a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique to recruit study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV comprehensive knowledge. Statistical significance was declared at a P value of less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The overall prevalence of comprehensive HIV knowledge was 27.1% (25.1–36.2%). Older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.20 (95% CI 1.16–1.26)], using contraceptive [AOR of 1.15 (95% CI 1.01–1.31)], higher education [AOR of 4.73 (95% CI 3.86–5.81)], rich wealth quintile [AOR of 1.61 (95% CI 1.37–1.87)], media exposure [AOR of 1.76 (95% CI 1.39–2.23)], ever tested for HIV [AOR of 1.55 (95% CI 1.42–1.74)], visited health facility within the last 12 months [AOR of 1.26 (95% CI 1.12–1.41)] and decision-making autonomy [AOR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.27–1.60)] were positively associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge. However, being married [AOR of 0.72 (95% CI 0.62–0.82)] was negatively associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge. Conclusions: The prevalence of comprehensive HIV knowledge was low in Gambia. Educational interventions that focused mainly on awareness creation about HIV/AIDS should be designed especially for married women and lower socio-economic status. An effort has to be made to address those disparities at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Despite adequate hormone substitution in Hashimoto disease, some patients may have persistent symptoms with a possible autoimmune pathophysiology. A recent randomized trial (RCT) using patient-reported outcome measures as the primary endpoint showed benefit in total thyroidectomy, but at a cost of high complication rates. Objective. To verify results from the RCT in an observational study including a wider range of patients and explore means of predicting who may benefit from such surgery. Design. A total of 154 patients with Hashimoto disease, euthyroid with or without thyroid hormone substitution, and persistent Hashimoto-related symptoms were subjected to total thyroidectomy and followed for 18 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the General Health (GH) dimensional score in the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results. Eighteen months after surgery, a clinically significant improvement in GH was seen, similar to the findings in the previous RCT. Anti-TPO antibody titers were markedly reduced after surgery, but preoperative titers or other preoperative parameters could not predict the outcome of surgery. Three (1.9%) of 154 patients experienced permanent unilateral recurrent nerve palsy and six (3.9%) experienced hypoparathyroidism after surgery. Conclusions. Thyroidectomy had a beneficial symptom-reducing effect in euthyroid patients with Hashimoto disease and persistent symptoms. The pathophysiology of residual symptoms remains unclear, and surgical complication rates are high. If thyroidectomy is considered as a treatment option, it should be performed in dedicated centers with experienced endocrine surgeons and as part of further studies on persistent symptoms. This trial is registered with NCT-02319538. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, undernutrition is the leading cause of mortality among under-five children. Bangladesh and India were in the top ten countries in the world for under-five mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate the nutritional status of Bengali under-five children. Methods: Data on 25938 under-five children were retrieved from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18 (BDHS) and the National Family Health Survey of India 2015–16 (NFHS-4). Stunting, wasting, underweight and thinness were considered to understand the nutritional status of under-five children. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of undernutrition among children. Results: Over one-quarter of Bengali under-five children were found to be suffering from the problem of stunting (31.9%) and underweight (28.1%), while other nutritional indicators raised serious concern and revealed inter-country disparities. In the cases of wasting, underweight and thinness, the mean z-scores and frequency differences between Bangladesh and India were significant. The nutritional status of Bengali under-five children appeared to have improved in Bangladesh compared to India. Child undernutrition had significant relations with maternal undernutrition in both countries. Girls in Bangladesh had slightly better nutritional status than boys. In Bangladesh, lack of formal education among mothers was a leading cause of child undernutrition. Stunting and underweight coexist with low household wealth index in both counties. Conclusions: The research revealed that various factors were associated with child undernutrition in Bengalis. It has been proposed that programmes promoting maternal education and nutrition, along with household wealth index be prioritised. The study recommends that the Governments of Bangladesh and India should increase the budget for health of children so as to reach the sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the 1990s, global eating habits changed, affecting poorer and middle-income nations, as well as richer countries. This shift, known as the "obesity transition," led to more people becoming overweight or obese worldwide. In Ecuador, this change is happening, and now, one in three children is affected by overweight or obesity (OW/OB). This study explores the links between social, economic, and demographic factors and childhood obesity in Ecuador, seeking to provide insights for shaping future health policies in response to this intricate shift. Methods: A cross-sectional study using 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey data from Ecuador. Weighted percentages were computed, and odds ratios for OW/OB unadjusted and adjusted for each category of explanatory variables were estimated using multilevel multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Among 10,807 Ecuadorian school children aged 5 to 11, the prevalence of OW/OB was 36.0%. Males exhibited 1.26 times higher odds than females (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.33), and each additional year of age increased the odds by 1.10 times (95% CI: 1.09 to 1.10). Economic quintiles indicated increased odds (1.17 to 1.39) from the 2nd to 5th quintile (the richest) compared with the first quintile (the poorest). Larger household size slightly reduced odds of OW/OB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.95), while regular physical activity decreased odds ([aOR] = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.82). The consumption of school-provided meals showed a non-significant reduction (aOR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.06). Children from families recognizing and using processed food labels had a higher likelihood of being overweight or obese (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.26). Conclusion: Age, male gender, and higher economic quintile increase OW/OB in Ecuadorian school children. Larger households and physical activity slightly decrease risks. Ecuador needs policies for healthy schools and homes, focusing on health, protection, and good eating habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the prevalence of COVID-19, many people try to protect themselves against the virus by self-quarantining. Spiritual wellbeing improves the quality of life and helps people in hardships. This web-based descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 362 Iranian residents, in 2020. In this study, a multi-stage cluster sampling method was used. During the COVID-19 pandemic, spiritual well-being and quality of life were at medium levels in families. There is a positive relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of life, and a number of factors that affect them. It is necessary to design, implement and evaluate interventions considering these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The primary aims of the current nationwide study were to establish the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of consumption of illicit drugs and its correlates in the general population of Singapore. Method: A representative sample of 6509 Singapore residents (Singapore citizens and permanent residents) aged between 15 and 65 years were randomly selected for participation. Questionnaires were administered to assess the consumption of illicit drugs and collect information on correlates. All analyses were weighted to produce prevalence estimates for the consumption of drugs and other measured outcomes. Rao-Scott chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with lifetime consumption of illicit drugs. Results: The study was completed with a response rate of 73.2%. The lifetime prevalence of consuming illegal drugs was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-2.8) (n=180). Compared to individuals aged 15-34, those aged 50-65 (odds ratio [OR] 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) had lower odds of lifetime drug consumption. Current smokers (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.7-8.3) and ex-smokers (OR 5.9, 95% CI 3.2-11.1) had significantly higher odds of lifetime drug consumption than non-smokers. Individuals with hazardous alcohol use (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7-6.5) had higher odds of lifetime drug consumption than those without hazardous alcohol use. Conclusion: This is the first nationwide study to examine the prevalence of illicit drug consumption in the general population of Singapore. The results highlight the need to increase awareness of drug consumption in Singapore, especially among parents, teachers, healthcare workers and others who work with young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This reviewaimed to compare the effectiveness of resistance exercise with that of other exercises in functional improvement and pain control in patients with fibromyalgia. Design: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published from their inception until March 2023. The following medical search heading terms were used: "resistance OR strength OR strengthening" AND "fibromyalgia." The analysis was performed using the statistical package Review Manager, version 5.4.1. Results: This study reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials involving 530 patients. In comparisonwith no intervention, resistance exercise reduced the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total score, pain score, tender points, and depression and improved physical function. Compared with flexibility exercise, resistance exercise reduced the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total score. Compared with aerobic exercise, resistance exercise shows similar effects on pain control, reduction of tender points, and improvement of physical function. Conclusions: Compared with other exercises, resistance exercise demonstrated a more favorable effect on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total score, and the effects on pain control, tender points, physical function, and depression were comparable. Thus, resistance exercise exhibits comparable or superior effects when compared with other interventions and more precise research is needed to confirm this conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal and representative health communication data, such as the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), track changing patterns of health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among the public. Such data have significant implications for effective health communication and intervention strategies. However, nationally representative data may have less descriptive and predictive value when used to guide state-level public health efforts, especially given rapidly evolving health communication and media environments. Public health challenges and priorities, as well as health needs and characteristics of intended audiences, often vary across different states; yet, statelevel longitudinal and representative health communication data are limited. Therefore, we developed the Texas Health Communication Survey, modeled on HINTS, to support health communication research and practice within the state of Texas. Using first round data from a representative sample of Texans (N=1,028), we reported baseline descriptive findings of key variables related to engagement with health information, interpersonal health communication, and eHealth. We also identified differences in these variables by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, which indicates health inequity among different communities and the importance of tailoring public health efforts. Moreover, we compared our data with national data collected via HINTS and discussed some similarities and differences. Overall, our findings highlighted the importance of tracking regional data. The Texas Health Communication Survey, as an example of longitudinal and representative regional health communication data, will provide important insights to identify public health needs, guide intervention development, and make policy decisions across the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]