Analytical Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Insights Into Hepatitis B Awareness and Vaccination Trends Among Healthcare Providers: A Comprehensive Study.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses significant occupational risks to healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of HCWs regarding HBV infection and vaccination is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies. This study aims to assess the KAPs of the HCWs regarding HBV transmission, prevention, and vaccination in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospitalfrom January 2024 to May 2024. Participants included doctors, interns, nurses, and technicians (n = 112) who completed a validated questionnaire assessing their KAPs regarding HBV infection, prevention, and vaccination. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The categorical data were presented in frequencies and percentages. The statistical significance was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine their statistical significance (p < 0.05). The majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge (mean score = 6.40), positive attitudes (mean score = 7.29), and appropriate practices (mean score = 7.11) toward HBV prevention and vaccination. Significant differences were observed based on designation with p < 0.05 (p = 0.04), with doctors consistently exhibiting higher KAP scores (mean score = 8.7) compared to nurses (mean score = 6.24) and technicians (mean score = 7.36). Our study found that while most HCWs understand hepatitis B and support vaccination, doctors exhibit superior knowledge compared to nurses and technicians. High adherence to prevention protocols is noted, but targeted educational interventions, such as workshops and continuous medical education, are needed to address knowledge gaps. Regular updates and mentorship programs can enhance understanding and foster a collaborative environment, leading to more effective hepatitis B prevention and improved patient care.

Correlation of Doppler Indices Within the Umbilical Vein Compared With Gestational Age and Fetal Weight in a Normal Pregnancy

Objective: Given the sophistication of ultrasonography, it is possible to explore and better comprehend the link between gestational age (GA), fetal weight (FW), and the diameter of the umbilical vein (UV). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Doppler indices, within the UV, compared with GA and FW, in a normal pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The design of this work was a cross-sectional analytical study. The sample size was calculated to include a sample size of 61, for statistical significance. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data. The inclusion criteria were to recruit pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45 years, in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In this cohort, the exclusion criteria were to be no co-existing maternal medical conditions chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, cardiovascular problems, infections, hypercoagulability, and endocrine disorders. Results: A total of 61 pregnant women participated in this study, with a mean age of 25.21 ± 2.79 years. The mean GA was 32.4 ± 6.5 weeks. GA demonstrated a strong positive correlation with UV diameter ( r = .772, P &lt; .001), UV velocity ( r = .687, P &lt; .001), and UV volume ( r = .732, P &lt; .001). UV diameter showed a strong positive correlation with UV velocity ( r = .593, P &lt; .001) and an even stronger positive correlation with UV volume ( r = .928, P &lt; .001). UV velocity showed a strong positive correlation with UV volume ( r = .754, P &lt; .001). These findings may suggest that as GA increases, there are corresponding increases in UV diameter, velocity, and volume. Conclusion: In this cohort, the data collected demonstrated significant correlations between UV Doppler indices, GA, and FW, in normal pregnancies.

Prevalence, characterization, and risk factors of gestational anemia in Quindío, Colombia, 2018-2023

To describe the prevalence and characterize gestational anemia in women attending prenatal care in the department of Quindío, Colombia, and to identify associated risk factors. An analytical crosssectional study was conducted. Out of 1,003 pregnant women, 307 were selected. The study included pregnant women aged 18 years or older who attended a prenatal care program at three high-complexity private institutions in Armenia (Quindío, Colombia) from 2018 to 2023, providing a five-year observation window. Pregnant women with a diagnosis of fetal malformations and hemolytic disease, those who changed healthcare centers, or moved out of Quindío were excluded. The mean age of the participants was 28.14 ± 5.27 years. The prevalence of gestational anemia was identified as 26.38 %, with an average hemoglobin level of 9.82 ± 1.74 g/dL. Of these, 12.37 % had hemoglobin levels of 10.1-10.9 g/dL (mild anemia), 8.46 % had levels of 7.1-10.0 g/dL (moderate anemia), and 5.53 % had levels below 7.0 g/dL (severe anemia). In the third trimester, the prevalence of anemia increased to 41.97 % (n = 34/81), with 91.35 % (n = 74/81) of cases being iron-deficiency anemia. A BMI of < 18.5 (OR: 15.46; 95 % CI: 7.13-28.59), multiple pregnancy (OR: 9.73; 95 % CI: 1.49-26.83), and a history of pregestational anemia (OR: 7.43; 95 % CI: 4.52-9.13) were associated with gestational anemia. The prevalence of gestational anemia is over 25 % and increases in the third trimester. It is important to identify risk factors during preconception evaluation and prenatal care.

Factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand

Globally, the number of elderly people is increasing. It is important for elderly people to be financially active to enhance their values and health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand. The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted using the 2017 Elderly Population Survey database of the National Statistical Office, which includes 32,035 individuals. The statistical analysis was performed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). This study revealed that 31.05% of the elderly participants desired to work (95% CI: 30.54-31.55). Statistically significant factors influencing this desire included demographic characteristics such as gender (female, AOR=1.76), age groups (middle elderly stage, AOR=3.13; late elderly stage, AOR=8.88), and literacy (ability to read and write, AOR=1.21). Marital status also played a role, with married (AOR=1.39) and single (AOR=1.37) individuals showing a higher desire to work. Health-related factors were equally important. Those with better physical health had a much higher likelihood of wanting to work compared to those with very poor health (AOR=5.81). Furthermore, engaging in exercise (AOR=1.30), participating in social groups (AOR=2.50), and community activities (AOR=1.11) were positively associated with the desire to work. Sensory abilities, such as clear vision (AOR=1.14) and hearing (AOR=1.42), as well as residing in rural areas (AOR=1.23), also influenced this desire. Approximately one-third of the elderly people were willing to work. Factors that were associated with the desire to work included gender, age, reading and writing ability, marital status, physical health, engaging in exercise, ability to participate in social groups, participation in community activities, vision and hearing ability and location of residence. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach that considers these factors should be undertaken to promote suitable work for elderly people to enhance their values and health.

Analysis of ballistic trajectories and its association with clinical outcomes in civilian penetrating brain injury.

Civilian penetrating brain injuries (PBI) caused by firearms are a medical emergency with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between trajectory vectors in CT brain angiography and clinical outcomes in patients with civilian gunshots. This is a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study that includes patients over 15 years of age with PBI due to firearms, admitted from January 2019 to December 2021 at a University Hospital in Cali, Colombia. A brain CT with angio-CT was performed the first day of admission. An XYZ coordinate system centered on the Turk's saddle was developed. Trajectories of projectiles were plotted and compared to a patient 0 in a 3D-Slicer software. A bivariate analysis of the clinical and geometric characteristics of the trajectory was performed. Primary outcomes include mortality and disability at 6 months. Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 27.39 ± 11.66 years were included. The vectors of non-survivors show a trend, crossing at a specific area. This area was designated as a "potential lethal zone" and inside this area, injuries around 25.3mm from the circle of Willis, were associated with greater mortality (p < 0.005). In our study PBI avoiding the ventricular system, brain stem, dorsum sellae and the circle of Willis were associated with more survivability. A "potential lethal zone" was detected and associated with poor outcome after civilian PBI due to firearms. A better evaluation of the performance of this "potential lethal zone" in larger studies will be required.

Penetration of M-Health Apps and Devices among Undergraduate Medical Students in Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: With advance in technologies, there is a notable shift in healthcare industry towards integrating mobile health solutions. Medical students are at the forefront to be proficient in the use of cutting-edge medical technologies. This study gives insight about the penetration of m-health among the budding young doctors of Puducherry. Materials and Methods: A facility based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 undergraduate medical students over a period of two months (Aug-September 2023). Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to estimate the m-health app/device user, usage pattern and attitude towards m-health apps/devices. Data collected in google form and descriptive statistics was done using MS Excel 2019. Chi square test was applied to find the association between study participant characteristic and m-health app/device user. Results: Proportion of the participants using m-health app was 31.8%. The M-health devices used by the participants were smartphone (100.0%), smartwatch (54%), wrist band (32.2%), blood pressure monitoring device (13.7%). They were using for physical fitness (85.5%), clinical training (32.3%) and disease monitoring (26.6%). Around half 46% of the participants were using it for at least once in a day. Majority (91.1%) were highly confident and confident on the results provided by m-health apps/devices. Proportion of male participants using were higher compared to the female participants. Conclusion: Around one-third of the participants are using mhealth. Almost majority for physical fitness. Male gender was associated with m-health app use. Though there are few downsides with the advancing technology it will be addressed with its evolution.

Symptom Persistence Following COVID-19 Infection among an Indigenous Community Residing in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Introduction/Objectives: Several studies have documented the development and persistence of symptoms related to COVID-19 and its secondary complications up to 12 months after the infection. We aimed to identify the medical complications following COVID-19 infection in the Indigenous Zapotec population of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region in Oaxaca, Mexico. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study that included 90 Indigenous Zapotec participants (30 males and 60 females) from the Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca, Mexico, who had an infectious process due to SARS-CoV-2. Sociodemographic and clinical data were identified through questionnaires. Results: Among the 201 participants, 90 individuals (66.7% women, 33.3% men) had contracted COVID-19. Out of these, 61 individuals reported persistent symptoms post-infection, with a mean symptom duration of 13.87 months. The results show significant variations in symptom duration based on age, marital status, educational attainment, vaccination status, and blood group. The most commonly reported symptoms included a dry cough, fever, myalgia, fatigue, headache, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This study highlights the post-COVID-19 symptoms and their prevalence within a specific sample of the Indigenous Zapotec population in Oaxaca, along with the sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing the duration of these symptoms. It underscores the necessity of personalized recovery strategies and highlights the critical role of vaccination in mitigating the long-term impacts of SARS-CoV-2.

Relationship of Stromal Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (STILs) with Grading Histopathology in Penis Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Background:Penile squamous cell carcinoma is the most common penile malignance found in the world. Assessment of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (STILs) associated with grading against penile squamous cell carcinoma can provide a potential prognostic picture and help determine the action. Method:Cross-sectional analytical study with 32 samples of histopathological preparations diagnosed as penile squamous cell carcinoma at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The assessment of stromal TILs was carried out by assessing the number of lymphocyte inflammatory cells in the peritumoral stroma and then determined the assessment score, zero score no lymphocytes (minimum), score one found 0-10% lymphocytes (moderately), score two found 20-40% lymphocytes (massive) , score three found 50-90% lymphocytes. Grading assessments are categorized into grade I (well differentiated), grade II (moderately differentiated), and grade III (poorly differentiated). Result:The most grading found was grade II (43.8%) and the most STILs found were score three (50.0%). There is a significant relationship between grading and STILs in penile squamous cell carcinoma (p value=0.0001) i.e. the higher the STILs score , the lower the tumor grade. Conclusion:There is a relationship between STILs and histopathological grading in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma so that it can be used as an indikasi prognosis in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma.

Perfil epidemiológico, sobrevida e prognóstico materno em unidade de terapia intensiva no nordeste do Brasil

Objective. To study the epidemiologic profile and determine maternal survival and prognosis in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the Northeast of the country. Methods. Analytical cross-sectional design study that evaluated pregnant women, puerperae, and women in postabortion or ectopic pregnancy admitted to an obstetric ICU in Teresina between May/2016 and May/2017. Results. Of the 11,466 occurrences in the period, 456 women were admitted to the ICU. Among the causes of hospitalization, 80.3% patients were direct obstetric causes, 16.2% indirect and 3.5% non-obstetric. A total of 159 patients met the Near Miss criteria, with statistical significance between presentation of the criteria and mortality (p&lt;0.001; x²=30.974). The mortality rate was 3.5%, all of them being Near Miss cases. There was a statistically significant and direct correlation between survival and number of clinical (p&lt;0.001; rp=0.270), laboratory (p&lt;0.001; rp=0.358) and management (p&lt;0.001; rp=0.465) criteria. It was identified that the higher the number of criteria, the longer the length of hospitalization and worse the prognosis (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion. Women admitted to the ICU for indirect obstetric causes who met maternal Near Miss criteria had longer hospitalization and worse prognosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, cesarean section delivery, and lack of exclusive breastfeeding exposure in patients from the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico.

the combination of cesarean section delivery and limited exposure to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first six months of life may increase the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to establish an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adulthood, cesarean section delivery and incomplete breastfeeding (FBF) in individuals from the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico. this analytical cross-sectional study included patients over 18 years of age with T2DM and normal weight, overweight or obesity, regardless of sex. Informed consent was obtained. Variables encompassed T2DM, type of delivery method, first-year diet, family history, demographic, socioeconomic, and educational characteristics, and anthropometric measurements. For statistical analysis, Student's t test, chi-square tests and odds ratios were employed. the study evaluated 218 patients with an average age of 57.8 years (± 12.7) and an average age at T2DM diagnosis of 46.2 years (± 12.5). FBF (65.6 %) and partial breastfeeding (PBF) (23.8 %) prevailed in the first six months. The average age at T2DM diagnosis was 46.7 years (± 12.1) for vaginally born patients and 30.7 years (± 15.5) for cesarean-born patients (p = 0.001). Cesarean delivery increased obesity risk by nine times in patients with T2DM [OR = 8.9 (CI, 1.05, 75.2), p = 0.02]. prioritizing the limitation of nonmedically justified cesarean section deliveries is crucial to mitigate the risk of obesity and T2DM in adulthood. .

Midwakh smoking as an emerging risky behavior: insight from Qatar 2022.

Alternative tobacco products like midwakh are gaining popularity as potential substitutes for traditional cigarettes despite a misconception among smokers that they may be less harmful. To determine the prevalence, knowledge, beliefs, and predictors of midwakh smoking among adult smokers in Qatar during 2022. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to July 2022. A simple random sample (N = 1036) was employed to include participants from the list of adults 18 years and above obtained from Qatar's National Health Information System who were invited to participate in a telephone survey. Among the 806 participants (response rate 77.8%), 9.3% were current midwakh smokers, and 5.2% had ever smoked midwakh. The majority were male (97.2%), non-Qatari (70.9%), and aged over 24 years. Additionally, 66.7% of midwakh smokers reported having at least one family member or friend who smoked any tobacco product. Reasons for midwakh use included enjoyment, experimentation, cessation of other tobacco products, affordability, and lack of odor. Moreover, 70.9% believed midwakh smoking could lead to addiction, while 66.7% perceived it as more dangerous than other tobacco products, potentially causing severe health conditions like lung cancer. Multivariable logistic regression indicated a significant association between midwakh use and nationality, with Qataris being 0.21 times less likely to smoke midwakh than non-Qataris (adjusted odds ratio of 0.214, 95% confidence interval: 1.58-4.225, p value of 0.0001). Midwakh smoking poses health risks comparable to other tobacco products, with peer influence being significant. Urgent action is needed to heighten awareness and allocate resources for effective intervention.

Patient satisfaction with quality of care at out-patient departments in selected health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana

BackgroundHealth care is an indispensable element for economic growth and development of individuals and nations. Healthcare service quality is associated with patient satisfaction, ensuring the safety and security of patients, reducing mortality and morbidity, and improving the quality of life. Patient satisfaction with health service is linked to increased utilization following contendness with healthcare received from health providers. There is an increasing public perception of poor quality of care among patients visiting public health facilities in Ghana which translates into service dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, patient dissatisfaction will more likely result in poor utilization, disregard for medical advice, and treatment non-adherence. The study was conducted to assess patients’ satisfaction with quality of care at the outpatient departments of selected health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana.MethodsAn institutional-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among patients (aged ≥ 18 years) visiting outpatient departments of selected health facilities in Kumasi from October - December, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was adopted to collect quantitative information from 385 respondents using a structured questionnaire. At 95% confidence interval and 5% alpha level, two-level logistic regression models were performed. Model I estimated the crude associations and the effect of covariates was accounted for in Model II. The results were presented in odds ratio with a corresponding 95% confidence interval. All analysis were performed using STATA statistical software version 16.0.ResultsOut of the 385 participants, 90.9% of the participants were satisfied with the services they received. Being married [AOR = 3.06, 95%CI = 1.07–8.74], agreeing that the facility is disability-friendly [AOR = 7.93, 95%CI = 2.07–14.43], facility has directional signs for navigation [AOR = 3.12, 95%=1.92–10.59] and the facility has comfortable and attractive waiting area [AOR = 10.02, 95%CI = 2.35–22.63] were associated with satisfaction with health service among patients. Spending more than 2 h at the health facility [AOR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.04–0.93] and having perceived rude and irritating provider [AOR = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.04–0.51] had lower odds of satisfaction with health service received.ConclusionThere is a high patient satisfaction with services received at out-patient departments which is influenced by a multiplicity of factors; being married, and agreeing that the facility is disability-friendly, has directional signs for navigation, and the waiting area is comfortable and attractive. The study findings call for the need to develop and implement health delivery interventions and strategies (i.e. patient-centered interventions, disability-friendly facilities, and sustainability and improvement of quality service) to improve and sustain patient satisfaction levels with health care service. These strategies must be directed towards addressing inequalities in infrastructural development and inputs needed for healthcare delivery in the health system.

Lung Function Impairment Among Paint Factory Workers: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

A paint factory or manufacturing is a vocation characterized by exposure to chemical hazards during production. Paint exposure plays a great role in the incidence of several health problems, particularly respiratory diseases. The study aims to assess the pattern of spirometric indices amongthe study population. This cross-sectional study of paint factory workers (PFWs)assesses their spirometric findings in Delta State, Nigeria. The participants for this study were divided into two groups; the PFWs and the non-PFWs (NPFW) which serve as the control group. Hundredand 200participants wererecruited for the study group and control, respectively. Among the participants in the paint worker cohort, 45 individuals (45.0%) had been employed for less than five years while 14 (14.0%) had worked over 10 years. Eighty-eight (88%) are aware of PPE; however, only 12 (12.0%) use them always.Findings show that 178(89.0%) vs. seven (7.0%) of NPFW and PFW had normal pulmonary function tests. The spirometric abnormalities within the PFW group were obstructive lung diseaseaffecting 59 (59.0%) of the cohort while 34 (34.0%) had restrictive lung patterns. Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from paint fumesis associated with spirometric abnormalities with obstructive patterns more predominant than restrictive patterns.

Sarcopenia, frailty prevalence, and related factors in patients with stroke: A cross-sectional analytical study from Turkey.

Sarcopenia and frailty may develop at varying rates depending on the metabolic, structural, and functional changes in the muscle structure after stroke. To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty in patients with stroke and affecting clinical parameters. This was a cross-sectional and analytical study. Twenty-six (49.1%) women and 27 men (50.9%) with stroke with an average age of 60.2 ± 10.3 (median = 62) years were included in the study. To evaluate physical performance, balance, and mobility, we used the 4-meter walk test (4-MWT), timed up and go test, chair sit and stand test, and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The SARC-F scale was used for sarcopenia. The average stroke duration was 21.6 ± 18.2 months. Prefrailty was present in 14 (26.4%) patients, frailty was present in 34 (64.2%) patients, and two (3.8%) patients were normal. Sarcopenia was detected in 28 (52.8%) patients. According to handgrip strength, the prevalence of low muscle strength was 17% (n= 9). In the sarcopenic group, female sex (p= 0.005) was more frequent, 4-MWT was longer (p= 0.003), chair stand test results were lower (p< 0.001), the clinical frailty scale (CFS) was higher (p< 0.001), fall risk was higher compared with the BBS (p< 0.001), there was lower HG strength (p= 0.009), lower malnutrition scores (PNI, prognostic nutritional index, p< 0.001), and lower lymphocyte counts (p= 0.037). EAT-10 scores and dysphagia presence (p= 0.026), the presence of malnutrition (p< 0.021) and Nottingham Health Profile score (p< 0.001) were higher in the sarcopenic group. Sarcopenia and frailty frequently develop in patients with chronic stroke, with low lymphocyte counts, physical performance, muscle strength, and mobility and balance scores, and it is associated with poor prognostic factors including high disease severity, dysphagia, malnutrition, risk of falling, and poor quality of life.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the A1 Phenotype in the Colombian Caribbean: A Shadow Behind Pulmonary Embolism.

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is an episodic condition of multifactorial origin, commonly manifesting as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonaryembolism (PE). VTE is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. As an acute condition, it has the potential for recurrence and is associated with major consequences; this disease poses significant challenges to the healthcare system. VTE is a widespread concern in developed and developing countries; therefore, it is not limited to specific regions or populations. To evaluate the risk factors associated with unprovoked PE in patients in a hospital center in Sincelejo, Colombia. This is an observational, analytical cross-sectional study utilizing retrospective data. From 2010 to 2023, we reviewed 126 medical records of patients who experienced their first unprovoked VTE events and met the inclusion criteria. We performed data analysis using R software version 3.5.1. Of the patients, 36.5% (n = 46) were women; 63.5% (n = 80) were men, with a mean age of 62.22 years (SD = 10.62). About 53% of women presented with PE, compared to 47% of men. The coagulation factor VIII acted as a PE risk factor (p = 0.098). The best model to predict PE development obtained an Akaikeinformationcriterion (AIC) of 176.67, indicating that the A1 positive phenotype is the risk factor with the highest prediction for PE occurrence. High levels of coagulation factor VIII and an A1-positive phenotype are risk factors that may increase PE development. These findings suggest the need for preventive strategies in this risk setting to reduce the incidence and recurrence of PE.

Prevalence, incidence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in faculty members: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to the broad acceptance of distance education (DE), with university professors and students conducting the teaching–learning process remotely from their homes. The propose of this study to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify risk factors associated with DE that may contribute to an increased incidence of these disorders among university professors.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study took a comparative approach and involved 310 university professors in Iran. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire. Initially, demographic and occupational information of the professors, hours of physical activity, and hours spent using electronic devices were recorded. Participants were then asked to report MSDs in various body areas throughout the previous year and the previous seven days. Finally, MSDs risk factors such as workstation ergonomics during computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet use, as well as working postures during online teaching or offline content development during the COVID-19 pandemic, were examined.ResultsThe majority of the participants were male (66.13%), with a PhD (46.77%) and a faculty member position (74.2%). On average, the use of computers and laptops increased by 2.67 h and 2.72 h, respectively, during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). MSDs incidence increased significantly before and during the COVID pandemic was observed in the areas of the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back, arms, forearms, wrists and fingers (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative incidence (Cin) of MSDs was related to the neck (Cin = 24.20%), upper back (Cin = 21.29%), low back (Cin = 18.06%) and fingers (Cin = 16.13%). The prevalence of MSDs during the COVID pandemic was significantly associated with employment status (P = 0.042), work experience (P = 0.016), age (P = 0.027), increase in the use of computers/ laptops (P < 0.001), decrease of the smartphone/tablet distance from the body (P = 0.047), workstation (smartphone-tablet, computer, laptop) (P < 0.05), head position (smartphone-tablet) (P = 0.029), display height (computer/laptop) (P = 0.045) and physical activity (P = 0.006).ConclusionsIt appears that the increased duration of smartphone, computer, and laptop use, combined with decreased physical activity and detrimental changes in ergonomic conditions of workstations during the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a shift from dynamic to static tasks and an increase in the prevalence and incidence of MSDs among university professors.

Clinical, ultrasound and anatomopathological concordance of thyroid nodules in Kinshasa: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe European Thyroid Association Thyroid Imaging Data and Reporting Systems (EU-TIRADS) is widely used in the risk stratification of thyroid nodule malignancy. However, data on the subject in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical, sonographic and histopathological concordance of thyroid nodules in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study that examined the clinical, ultrasound and pathological data of 61 patients from 4 hospitals in the city province of Kinshasa over a period of 24 months, from June 01, 2020 to May 31, 2022.ResultsOf the 61 patients, their mean age was 47.38 ± 8.8 years. The mean clinical score of the patients was 3.4 ± 0.84 with the extremes ranging from 1 to 5. The majority of the patients were classified as having an intermediate risk, ie 85.2% of the cases. It was noted that 41% of the nodules had a high risk according to the EU-TIRADS score and 8.2% of the nodules were malignant after histopathological analysis. The ROC curves reported at the diagnosis of malignancy show an area under the curve of 0.709 with 95% CI (0.486–0.931), a Youden index of 0.769 for the clinical score, and an area under the curve of 0.830 with 95% CI (0.605–0.995), a Youden index of 0.772 for the EU-TIRADS score.ConclusionIn a low-income country, a well-performed thyroid ultrasound and the well-applied clinical score could be an important tool in the selection of thyroid nodules suspected of malignancy and requiring histopathological examination to avoid excessive acts in the patient.

Correlation between salivary and serum biomarkers of kidney function in chronic kidney disease patients attending the nephrology clinics at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka

The present study was designed to determine the correlation between salivary and serum levels of creatinine and urea in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to propose the use of saliva as an alternative medium for the analysis of biochemical parameters of kidney function. Accordingly, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out using 100 CKD patients attending the Nephrology Clinics at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka. Saliva and serum samples were collected from the patients for the estimation of creatinine and urea using spectrophotometric assay kits. Of the total, the majority of the patients were found within CKD stage 3 (82%). The salivary and serum concentrations of creatinine varied within the range of 0.20 - 2.10 mg/dL and 1.54 – 11.6 mg/dL, whereas the salivary and serum concentrations of urea varied within the range of 68.04 – 127.59 mg/dL and 60.14 – 168.25 mg/dL respectively within the study population. Significant positive correlations were observed between the salivary and serum concentrations of creatinine (r= 0.985, p=0.01), and urea (r= 0.942, p=0.01), and between salivary concentrations of creatinine and urea (r=0.887, p=0.01). A significant difference was observed in the salivary biomarkers between mild to moderate stages of CKD patients and severe to end-stage CKD patients. No significant association was observed in the salivary markers with the age and sex of the patients. The area under curve values in the receiver operating characteristic analysis was&gt;0.9 (95% CI). These findings revealed high levels of diagnostic accuracy in salivary biomarkers suggesting the potential use of saliva for the assessment of kidney function in CKD patients.

Menstrual practice needs among college going women in Coimbatore district, India: an analytical cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn India, twenty-five percent of women who menstruate are unable to utilize sanitary methods, and even among those who have access, there are multiple obstacles to achieving proper menstrual hygiene management. The consequences of inadequate menstrual health may extend to affect a girl’s socialisation, empowerment, overall well-being, and even survival. ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of unmet menstrual practice needs and its determinants among college going women in Coimbatore district, India. MethodologyA questionnaire based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 3144 college going women from October 2022 to January 2023. Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36) was used to collect data regarding the unmet needs and their mean scores were compared across socio-demographic variables, menstrual knowledge, and the choice of hygiene material. ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the study population was 19.3 (1.8) years. The prevalence of unmet menstrual practice needs was 62.8% with a mean (SD) MPNS score of 1.8 (0.4). The total MPNS score was low for those currently residing in rural or having a rural hometown. The unmet need was better for those residing in-campus of the educational institute and having educated parents. The socioeconomic class and presence of a personal income also influenced the total MPNS scores significantly (p < 0.05). Menstrual talks with friends before puberty and with friends and family after puberty improved the MPNS scores. Regarding menstrual hygiene methods, modern menstrual methods (MMM), disposable and bio-degradable materials had a lower unmet need. Marital status, freedom to manage expenses, pre-pubertal menstrual talks with family, and total number of family members did not influence the scores of MPNS. Multivariate regression analysis showed that maternal education, menstrual talks with family after puberty, and type of menstrual hygiene method including its disposability were independent predictors of total MPNS scores. ConclusionAddressing unmet menstrual practice needs among college-going women in Coimbatore district necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing education, access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products, and destigmatization efforts.

Psychological impact of the earthquake 2023 in Turkey

BackgroundThe Turkish and Syrian earthquake on February 6th 2023, was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the last decade. It affected approximately 26 million people and left at least 50.000 dead. In this paper, we analyzed the psychological impact and the relationship between mental health factors, earthquake-related experiences and stressors, and resources related to the earthquake, 4 months after the event.MethodsWe conducted an analytical cross-sectional study, applying a survey to 320 adults (18–93 years old) in Adiyaman, Turkey. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed using the PC-PTSD, general psychiatric morbidity using the GHQ-12, together with questions focusing on suicidality, drug abuse, as well as experiences, related stressors and received support related to the earthquake.ResultsWe found a high prevalence of general mental health symptoms, and of PTSD. Fear of aftershocks and the loss of close family members were found to be risk factors for such symptoms. We didn’t find significant differences in the GHQ or the PC-PTSD scores when considering ethnicity, religion or financial income.ConclusionsHigh levels of general mental health symptoms and PTSD symptoms were found 4 months after the earthquake and need to be addressed in all groups, independently from potential religious, social or ethnic backgrounds. The results indicate a large psychiatric and material burden on the entire sample and some priority needs.