Analytical Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

A quantitative survey on exposures, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to swine influenza among villagers in different regions of Thailand

This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward the swine influenza virus (SIV) among pig farm owners, workers, and villagers in selected provinces of Thailand. This study was carried out from February to December 2022 in pig farms and villages across the provinces. A structured and standardized quantitative questionnaire was utilized to collect data on socio-demographic variables and KAP related to SIV from 215 participants. The quantitative data was analyzed in two steps using R software. The study findings showed that the average knowledge score on SIV was 6.92 out of 12, indicating moderate understanding of SIV in study participants. Attitudes towards SIV were generally positive, with an average score of 3.74 out of 5. Practices for SIV prevention averaged a score of 3.63 out of 5. Key factors associated with better SIV knowledge included higher education levels, higher monthly income, and direct involvement in vaccination processes. Moreover, those with higher education, employment on pig farms, and prior vaccination experience showed more positive attitudes towards SIV. Occupations related to pig farming and the availability of vaccination services significantly influenced SIV prevention practices. The findings highlighted that improved education and stronger connections with healthcare professionals and the pig farming sector may significantly enhance KAP regarding SIV among targeted populations. In contrast, participants with limited exposure to health services or pig farming activities, such as nearby villagers, require specialized educational interventions. This study recommends that local health authorities should develop and implement communication strategies and interventions focused on educating pig farm owners, managers, and villagers about SIV to mitigate the risks associated with SIV and other zoonotic diseases.

Agreement between Two Biometers for Central Corneal Thickness Measurement in High Myopia Patients

Background In refractive surgery, the measurement of Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is a critical factor in the preparation and screening of surgery to correct myopia. CCT measurements can be measured by optical biometers, including the Scheimpflug camera and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT). Aim This study aimed to compare the Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) measurements made with Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT)-based biometers and the Scheimpflug camera in patients with high myopia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the agreement between Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) values obtained using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera. We included a total of 28 individuals with high myopia, including 44 eyes, for our study. These patients underwent Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) tests using both Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera. The Bland-Altman test was used to assess the agreement between the two devices. Results Forty-four eyes with axial lengths ranging from 26.05 to 34.02 mm based on SS-OCT examinations were included in this study. The mean CCT was 527.59 ± 35.710 (p <0.05) μm and 525.64 ± 35.421 μm (p <0.05), based on SS-OCT and the Scheimpflug camera, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot revealed good agreement between both devices, with a mean difference of 2.3409 μm; however, a 95% limit of agreement demonstrated a wide range, ranging from -8.48509 to 12.39400 μm at a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion CCT measurements using SS-OCT and the Scheimpflug camera differed significantly among patients with high myopia. Our findings have suggested that CCT measurements made with either device should be interpreted with caution and not be used interchangeably.

Association of Vitamin D and Prostate Health Status in Men: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Association of Vitamin D and Prostate Health Status in Men: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Evaluation of Ocular and Systemic Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the most severe complication of chronic hyperglycaemi stimulates oxidative stress that changes the retinal basement membrane function and provokes neovascularization, macular edema and retinal detachment. But an oxidative–antioxidant biomarker assessment in ocular matrices, such as aqueous humor (AH) and vitreous, might show the oxidative stress (OS) status in the posterior segment. Here, we show a cross-sectional analytical study of 39 patients who had a vitrectomy and assess the levels of different oxidative–antioxidant biomarkers in blood, aqueous and vitreous humor in three groups: diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) with PDR [DM(+)PDR(+)] (n =13), DM2 without PDR [DM(+)PDR(−)] (n = 13) and non-DM2 non-PDR [DM(−)PDR(−)] as the control group (n = 13). Our finding suggests the presence of oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy, as evidenced by increased levels of 8-isoprostanes and decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity from stages before the development of diabetic retinopathy. Our results reveal a notable increment in catalase levels in the DM(+)PDR(+) group in blood and vitreous humor. Likewise, we identified that the DM(+)PDR(−) group presents significant levels in 8-IP and SOD in vitreous humor and blood versus aqueous humor. These finding suggest the role of antioxidant enzymes in compensating oxidative stress mechanisms in PDR development.

Knowledge and Attitude of Emergency department Nurses about Care of Self-Harming Adolescents and Related Factors: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Self-harm is a hidden health issue and an emergency priority that is relatively common among adolescents. The standard level of service management for self-harming patients is directly related to the knowledge and attitude of nurses when providing care to self-harming patients. Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of nurses regarding the care of self-harming adolescents and related factors among emergency nurses. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study involved 208 nurses with over 6 months of work experience in the emergency departments of educational hospital in Rasht, Iran. The nurses were included through census sampling. The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire including demographic information, the Attitudes Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ), and knowledge. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, multiple linear regression, the Friedman test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: Based on results the mean age of the participants was 34.8 ± 7.8 years and the majority of them (90.9%) were female and had bachelor’s degree (88.5%). The mean score of nurses’ knowledge was 0.67 ± 0.12. Nurses’ attitudes were positively evaluated with a mean score of 3.59 ± 0.28. Additionally, the attitude score had a positive correlation with the knowledge (r=0.252,p=0.001,). The knowledge score was significantly associated with nurses’ marital status (P= 0.042) and experience in caring for self-harming adolescents (P=0.016), Based on findings of multiple linear regression analysis, attitude score was significantly associated with nurses’ age (β=0.184, 95% CI; 0.061- 0.323, p=0.004) and experience in caring for self-harming adolescents (β=2.495% CI; 0.340 - 4.595, , p=0.023). Conclusion: Based on results, it is recommended to employ more experienced nurses in emergency departments to deal with these adolescents. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop orientation and retraining programs to familiarize nurses and strengthen positive attitudes, focusing on increasing empathy and self-confidence for effective care.

Associated factors with non[sbnd]operative management failure in bowel obstruction

BackgroundBowel obstruction caused by adhesion syndrome is a prevalent condition in emergency departments, presenting significant economic and morbidity challenges. While nonsurgical approaches succeed in 70–90% of cases, surgery becomes necessary for nonresponsive patients. This study aims to identify predictors of non-operative management failure in patients with bowel obstruction upon emergency room admission. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from 2015 to 2022 at Hospital Militar Central, focusing on patients with bowel obstruction secondary to adhesion syndrome. Comparative analysis of medical and surgical histories and admission laboratory values aimed to identify possibles factors associated with non-operative management failure and subsequent surgical intervention. ResultsAmong 354 patients with bowel obstruction, 130 met inclusion criteria, of whom 98 responded to non-operative treatment and 32 experienced treatment failure. Significant differences were found between groups, including age (p: 0.035), history of two or more abdominal surgeries (10.2% vs. 25%, p: 0.01), appendectomy (17% vs. 37%, p: 0.01), previous surgical intervention for bowel obstruction (22.5% vs. 9.38%, p: 0.008), and hospital stay duration (4.26 vs. 13.2 days, p: 0.001). In multivariate analysis using Poisson regression, age had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.01 [95% CI (1.00; 1.02), p < 0.04] for non-operative management failure, the history of peritonitis had a PR of 3.83 [95% CI (2.34; 6.26), p < 0.001], while each unit increase in lactate showed a PR increase of 1.24 [95% CI (0.99; 1.57), p 0.05]. ConclusionAge, history of peritonitis, and elevated lactate values upon emergency room admission are predictive factors for non-operative management failure in bowel obstruction in the population studied.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y enfermedades crónicas durante los primeros siete meses de la pandemia en Paraguay-2020

Introduction: COVID-19, a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, has demonstrated varying severity across populations, with approximately 20% of patients developing complications and less than 5% experiencing severe disease requiring hospitalization. The impact of chronic diseases on COVID-19 outcomes remains particularly relevant in developing countries, where healthcare resources and population characteristics differ from well-studied settings. Objective: Describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first seven months of the pandemic in Paraguay, analyzing how chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) influenced disease progression and outcomes. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study examining medical records from patients hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection across five major referral hospitals in Paraguay from March to September 2020. Using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with likelihood ratio criterion, we identified factors associated with ICU admission and mortality, considering p&lt;0.05 statistically significant. Results: Among 1,690 hospitalized patients, 797 (47.2%) met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 51 years and male predominance (53.8%). Chronic diseases were present in 61.9% of patients, with hypertension (29.6%) and diabetes (25.6%) being most prevalent. Multivariate analysis revealed that age over 80 years (OR=7.70), presence of COPD (OR=2.58), and having three or more NCDs (OR=2.78) significantly increased mortality risk. ICU admission was required for 29.6% of patients, with an overall mortality rate of 29.1%. Conclusion: The severity of COVID-19 outcomes among hospitalized patients in Paraguay showed strong associations with advanced age, multiple chronic conditions, and specific comorbidities like COPD. These findings emphasize the need for targeted preventive strategies and enhanced monitoring of high-risk patients, particularly those with multiple NCDs.

Accessibility and TB patient satisfaction in Nigeria.

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth among countries with a high Tuberculosis burden globally. The increasing incidence of drug resistance following poor treatment adherence among drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) patients necessitates reviewing TB services in Nigeria. This study explored accessibility and patient-reported experiences in newly established TB treatment facilities.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>In this comparative cross-sectional analytic study, we administered the Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) questionnaire to 430 patients with DS-TB in 27 public and 18 private newly engaged facilities in Osun, Nigeria. Data were analysed using R Software.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Private facilities were more accessible (n = 210, 97.2% vs n = 194, 90.7%; P = 0.004) and offered more satisfactory services (n = 209, 96.8% vs n = 194, 90.7%; P = 0.009). More patients in public facilities could not afford transportation costs (52.6% vs 35.8%; P = 0.007), and payment for services was higher in private facilities (P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, the odds of experiencing satisfactory services were 3.12 times higher in private facilities (OR 3.12, 95%CI 1.19-8.15). Time-to-facility, marital status, and facility type predict patients' experience.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>Private facilities were more accessible and offered more satisfactory services. National TB programmes should decentralise TB services to private facilities and address gaps in public facilities.</sec>.

Evaluating predictive values of umbilical cord arterial lactate for adverse newborn outcomes among term-births in northern Uganda: A cross sectional analytical study.

Birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of death for neonates worldwide. Lack of an objective cost effective test to predict poor newborn outcomes at birth affects the ability to respond appropriately. This study determined predictive values of umbilical cord arterial lactate in relation to adverse neonatal outcomes. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted between March 2018 and March 2019 at two hospitals in Northern Uganda. A total of 2655 women admitted for birth and their newborns were recruited. At birth, umbilical cord arterial blood was tested for lactate using the Nova Biomedical StatStrip Xpress meter. Apgar scores were assessed at 5 min by trained research midwives. Area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) was calculated relating umbilical arterial lactate (UAL) levels and four outcomes. We modeled the best lactate cutoff level associated with the highest AUROC for the four outcomes. The estimated AUROC for lactate was: 88.42% for Apgar score <7 at 5 min, 83.35% for resuscitation with bag and mask, 84.55% for oxygen therapy after resuscitation and 87.72% for admission to neonatal care unit. The UAL cutoff value of 5.5 mmol/L was associated with the best AUROC of between 75.81% to 81.75% for the four adverse outcomes with no significant differences when adjusted for infectious disease parameters. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were; 78.95%, 86.48%, 23.54%, and 98.73% for Apgar scores <7 at 5 min, 64.40%, 88.11%, 36.59%, and 95.87% for resuscitation with bag and mask, 67.17%, 87.20%, 30.23%, and 96.99% for oxygen therapy after resuscitation, and 77.17%, 86.15%, 22.27%, and 98.65% for admission to the special care unit, respectively. Umbilical cord lactate point-of-care (POC) estimate of ≥5.5 mmol/L predicts adverse neonatal outcomes. This test may be used to trigger early interventions and intensified neonatal care complementing the clinical Apgar score assessment in settings like Uganda.

Evaluation of patients' care pathway before the first consultation in the radiotherapy department of Centre Hospitalier Nganda (Kinshasa) for breast cancer treatment

Introduction: That study assesses the care pathway to detect the reasons why the patients reached the radiotherapy department of Centre Hospitalier Nganda with advanced breast cancer. Material and Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from March 2024 to June 2024. We included all new breast cancer patients in our center. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. An average comparison between quantitative variables was performed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results and discussion: We enrolled 54 patients. The mean age was 53.13 ± 11.94 years and the median age was 51 years. A breast mass dominated the clinical picture in 87.07% of cases. Regarding the first medical contact, 77.78% of patients sought care in a conventional medical center. During the treatment, 31.48% of patients had received traditional pharmacopeia and 16.67% had undergone holistic treatment. Regarding radiotherapy indications, 14.81% of patients had no relevant indication for irradiation. The average time between the first symptoms and the radiotherapy consultation was 12.9 ± 9.2 months. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the time from first symptoms to radiotherapy consultation and the staging of the disease (P-value=0.023). Patients who sought care at home (OR: 1.1; 95% CI 0.13-6.89) or in a conventional medical center (OR: 1.49; 95% CI 0.35-7.77) were all at risk of reaching radiotherapy with an advanced disease. Conclusion: The care pathway of breast cancer patients has a global impact on the outcome and also on the prognosis.

Association between Waist-Hip Ratio and Body Fat Composition, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Study at RSUP dr. Kariadi

Background: Metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of symptoms which are usually include of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and central obesity, has various fatal complications. Fat composition is known to have a close relationship with complications of metabolic syndrome. However, measurement of fat usually requires expensive tools and methods. Meanwhile, anthropometric indicators such as waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) have links with metabolic syndrome and central obesity. This study examines whether there is a significant relationship between WHR and body fat composition in patients with metabolic syndrome. Objectives: This study examined relationship between WHR and body fat composition as described in fat percentage, fat mass, visceral fat rating, and degree of obesity in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Cross-sectional observational analytic study was conducted on 51 metabolic syndrome patients at Endocrine Polyclinic, RS dr. Kariadi. Respondents filled out informed consent and questionnaires and measured WHR and body fat composition using Tanita scales. Data analysis was performed by univariate test and bivariate test (Pearson test, Spearman test, or Mann-Whitney test). Results: There is a weak significant negative correlation between WHR and body fat percentage (p = 0.023; r = -.0.318). There is no correlation between WHR and fat mass (p=0.312). There is a weak positive significant correlation between WHR and visceral fat rating (p=0.001; r=0.441). And there is no correlation between WHR and the degree of obesity (p=0.785). Conclusion: WHR has a weak significant correlation with body fat percentage and visceral fat rating in NCEP ATP III metabolic syndrome patients.

Assessment of prevalence and motivators for family planning utilisation among youth students in higher learning institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania: A cross sectional study.

Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has the greatest unmet need for family planning use, but young people are reported to under-utilise family planning services compared to other groups of women of the reproductive age in the region. Thus, promoting contraceptive services use among adolescents is vital in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and motivators for family planning services utilization among youth students in higher learning institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 randomly selected youths in higher learning institutions in Dodoma. A self-administered structured questionnaire adopted from previous studies was used to collect data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 25 established association between variables. Statistical significance was declared at 95% confidence interval with α<0.05 and strength of association was reported by Odds Ratio (OR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR). Majority of the participants 221 (52.5%) were females, and most of them 320 (76.0%) were aged between 21 to 24 years. Of all participants, bachelor's degree scholar were 257 (61.0%). About 305, (72.4%) participants reported to have had sexual intercourse in the past 12 month. Of these 50.5% had their first intercourse at the age between 15 to 19 years. Most participants 239 (56.8%) reported to have used contraceptive method in the past 12 months. After adjusting for confounders (participants' socio-demographic characteristics), the motivators for family planning use among youth students were: living with relatives (AOR = 2.904, p 0.006), adequate FP knowledge (AOR = 2.230 p 0.003), positive perception (AOR = 1.772, p 0.025) and discussing FP matters with sexual partners (AOR = 6.045, p <0. 001). This study highlights a significant unmet need for family planning services among youth students in higher learning institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania, reflecting broader trends in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite high sexual activity, family planning utilization remains suboptimal. Key motivators for using family planning services include living with relatives, having adequate knowledge, positive perceptions, and discussing family planning with sexual partners. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions focusing on education, fostering positive perceptions, and encouraging open partner discussions to enhance family planning utilization among adolescents, contributing to universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Oral Cholera Vaccine Acceptability in the Biyem-Assi Health District: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study in Yaoundé-Cameroon

Oral Cholera Vaccine Acceptability in the Biyem-Assi Health District: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study in Yaoundé-Cameroon

Burnout among Medical Assistants at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Professional burnout is a state of mental exhaustion and it is a passive reaction caused by chronic occupational stress that is not properly managed. Physician burnout is more prevalent than in the general population, particularly among residents. The aim of this study is to investigate burnout among the residents of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 residents of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, in 2022-2023 based on the Maslach Burnout Questionnaire. Residents were categorized into no, moderate and severe burnout groups using rates of 33% and 66%. Residents’ career choices, including their decision to enter the medical field and choose a specialty, as well as their priorities were also surveyed. Results: A total of 151 residents participated in this study (70.5%) with the mean age of 31.91±5.02 years. The mean burnout score was 51.25±26.97. Professional burnout did not differ significantly by gender, marital status, having children, type of specialty (surgical or non-surgical), or residency level. Burnout was highest in pediatrics, orthopedics and cardiology, and lowest in emergency medicine, infectious diseases and ophthalmology. This difference was significant between the disciplines (P-value=0.003). The most important unmet needs cited by residents were a suitable fellowship (77.5%) and fewer working hours (76.8%). 63 residents regretted their choice of medicine (41.7%) and 38 (25.2%) regretted their choice of specialty. There was no significant association between age and professional burnout (P-value=0.057). Conclusion: More than half of the residents suffer from moderate professional burnout. It is recommended to improve the conditions for residents, to conduct more studies with details and to evaluate this topic regularly.

Serum C-peptide as a Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Middle-Aged Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Serum C-peptide as a Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Middle-Aged Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Pregnancy with diabetes mellitus: Study in a district hospital, Jamalpur, Bangladesh

Cardiac disease is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in antepartum and postpartum period. Objectives of our study was to determine maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant women in Bangladesh.This was a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the department of Obstretics &amp; Gynecology in 250 bedded General Hospital, Jamalpur, Bangladesh during the period from January 2018 to in December 2018. The aim of this study was to find out the maternal and fetal outcome of the pregnancies complicated by pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus. In this study, a total of 225 patients were selected using purposive sampling technique. There were three groups of pre-gestational diabetic, gestational diabetic and non-diabetic control, designated as Group A, Group B, Group C accordingly; and each consists of 75 patients. Information collected from all pregnant women (After 28 weeks of gestation) with diagnosed GDM and Pre-GDM and symptoms signs suggestive of GDM and Pre-GDM later confirmed by relevant investigation (FBS, 2h PPBS &amp; HbA1C) using a questionnaire made for recoding all relevant parameters under study, after proper counseling and taking written consent of the patient or her legal guardian admitted during the study period in obstetric ward in Rangpur Medical College &amp; Hospital, Rangpur. Results: History of GDM was significantly more common among patients with pre-GDM (38%) and GDM (18%) compared to controls. History of abortion, IUFD and congenital anomaly were significantly higher among pre-GDM mothers than GDM mothers and controls (p&lt;0.05). History of deliveries with macrosomia and still birth was distributed similarly across the groups (p&gt;0.05). Pre–GDM and GDM patients had significantly higher number of patients with HbA1C &gt;6.5% than controls. Mean FBS and PPBS was significantly higher in pre-GDM &amp; GDM patients than control (p&lt;0.05). APGAR score was &lt;7 in significantly higher number of pre–GDM and GDM babies than controls (p &lt;0.05). Mean Weight of the babies was significantly lower among pre–GDM patients than GDM patients (p &lt;0.05). Among pre–GDM patients and GDM patient’s cases of birth asphyxia, Hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia and congenital anomalies were significantly higher than controls (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Interventions such as preconception care for women with pre-gestational diabetes, screening for early diagnosis, patient education, multidisciplinary approach and good metabolic control maintained throughout the pregnancy is the key to successful fetomaternal outcome.

Glycemic Management and Lipid Profile in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes During The COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The global outbreak of COVID-19 has raised concerns about its potential impact on the management of chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the effect of COVID-19 on blood sugar control and lipid profiles in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study gathered and analyzed data from 61 diabetic patients between March 2021 and March 2022. Data collected included demographic information, HbA1c levels, and lipid profiles, all obtained from the files at the Endocrine and Metabolism Clinic of Kowsar Hospital. Results: Among the 61 patients with complete data, 12 (19.7%) tested positive for COVID-19. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the COVID-19 positive and negative groups in terms of age (P = 0.759), HbA1c level (P = 0.209), total cholesterol level (P = 0.841), triglyceride levels (P = 0.876), HDL (P = 0.504), LDL (P = 0.191), or duration of diabetes treatment (P = 0.779). However, significant differences were found between male and female diabetic patients in age (P = 0.030) and total cholesterol levels (P = 0.030), with women being older and having higher total cholesterol. No significant differences were observed between groups treated with oral medication and insulin in terms of age (P = 0.789), HbA1c level (P = 0.584), total cholesterol level (P = 0.263), triglyceride levels (P = 0.162), HDL (P = 0.718), LDL (P = 0.463), or duration of diabetes treatment (P = 0.545). Conclusions: The findings indicate that COVID-19 did not significantly affect glycemic control or lipid profiles in the studied diabetic population. The observed associations between demographic and clinical factors offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between diabetes and COVID-19.

Psychological factors, lifestyle habits, and their association with gastroesophageal reflux disease among Egyptian university students: A cross-sectional study

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition among university students that is associated with various lifestyle and psychological factors. The study aims to evaluate the association of psychological factors, physical activity, and dietary habits with the prevalence of GERD among university students in Egypt. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to May 2024, selecting students from different universities in Egypt. A self-administered questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, and GERD assessment using the Gerd Q questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, Perceived Stress Scale 4, Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire, and short dietary habits questions were used to assess anxiety, perceived stress, physical activity, and dietary habits, respectively. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical logistic regression, which were employed to identify significant predictors of GERD. Among the 2241 university students, 22.6% had GERD (GerdQ score &gt; 8), 86.3% had high perceived stress, and 62.2% had high anxiety levels. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis identified old age, high weight, short height, frequent consumption of fried/fast food, and high anxiety levels as significant predictors of GERD. The study underscores the importance of considering psychological factors and dietary habits alongside traditional risk factors in understanding and addressing GERD among university students in Egypt. Public health interventions targeting psychological well-being and healthier dietary habits will play a pivotal role in reducing this population’s GERD burden.

Post-earthquake spiritual well-being and depression levels of postpartum women in Turkey

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to examine the spiritual well-being and depression levels of postpartum women following the two major earthquakes that occurred in 2023 with the epicenter Kahramanmaraş in Turkey. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with the participation of 345 postpartum women admitted to the maternity ward of a medical faculty hospital in the provincial center of Kahramanmaraş in Turkey between June and September 2023. Data were collected using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Independent-samples t-tests, Pearson’s correlation tests, and simple linear regression analysis were used in the analyses. It was determined that 48.7% of the participants were at risk of postpartum depression. The participants whose relatives were lost/injured in the earthquakes and those who experienced financial losses had significantly lower total SWBS scores and significantly higher total EPDS scores (p < 0.05). A negative and statistically significant relationship was found between the total SWBS and total EPDS scores of the participants (p < 0.001). In this study, it was determined that after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in 2023, almost one in every two postpartum women was at risk of depression, and their earthquake experience affected their mental health and spiritual well-being negatively. Moreover, as the spiritual well-being of the postpartum women increased, their risk of postpartum depression decreased.

Malnutrition and associated risk factors in orphanages in Punjab, Pakistan: an analytical study

BackgroundChildren living in orphanages face an increased susceptibility to malnutrition due to inadequate nutrition and psychological factors, in comparison to children who stay with their parents. A considerable proportion of...