Average Family Income Research Articles

Nursing stress and associated factors during covid-19 pandemic: findings of a cross-sectional study at tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has posed an unparalleled obstacle to healthcare systems worldwide. Particularly in the pandemic period, nursing is seen as a demanding profession with high standards. This study was conducted to assess the level of nursing stress and to identify the factors related to high nursing stress among nurses working in dedicated COVID-19 hospitals. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from selected three dedicated COVID-19 public hospitals in Dhaka city of Bangladesh named Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, and Hospital, Dhaka North City Corporation dedicated COVID-19 hospital from 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2022. Total respondents were 368 who had working experience more than 6 months in above mentioned hospitals. Data were collected by face-to-face interview through pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Nursing stress was assessed by Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and categorized as low (≤39), moderate (40-62), and high (>62) stress score. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30.8±7.8 years, wherein highest number of respondents were in age group 20-30 years (50.3%). Among the respondents 86.7% were female, 83.4% were married and average monthly family income Tk. 53839±28587.7 taka. About 63% respondents had diploma degrees, 77.4% worked in different wards, and mean working hour per week was 51.9±5.6 hour. Overall, maximum 52.2% had moderate stress, while 39.4% had high stress and only 8.4% had low stress. Age >30 years, male, marital status, working place, having senior citizen (>60 years) and feeling stressed for isolation were the significant risk factors for having high stress level. Conclusion: Occupational health education, training programs, stress relieving programs, and motivational programs must be implemented in tertiary level hospitals. Special attention should be given on older aged married male nurses, having elderly family members and feeling stressed for isolation. JOPSOM 2023; 42(1):54-61

Caregivers' Perception of Child Weight and Its Implications on Children's BMI: Examining the Role of Weight Concern and Pressed Eating Behaviors as Mediators.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between caregivers' perception of child weight, their concern about children's weight, pressed eating behaviors, and children's BMI. A Child Feeding Questionnaire was administered to 442 primary caregivers of school-aged children (6-12y old) in Hangzhou, China. Significant differences were observed in age, family average monthly income, and family care type among children with different weight statuses (P<0.05). Caregivers' perception of child weight was positively correlated with children's BMI. Caregivers' perception of child weight and children's BMI were negatively correlated with pressed eating behaviors. Caregivers' perception of the child's weight, BMI, and pressed eating behaviors were positively correlated with caregivers' weight concerns. Caregivers' perception of child weight not only had a direct positive predictive effect on children's BMI but also influenced children's BMI through three paths: via the independent mediation of children's weight concern, the independent mediation of pressed eating behaviors, and the chain mediation of children's weight concern and pressed eating behaviors. Caregivers need to rectify perception biases regarding child weight, adopt reasonable feeding strategies, nurture children's self-regulation abilities regarding diet, and prevent the occurrence of childhood overweight and obesity.

Exploration of auditory statistical learning, socioeconomic status, and language outcomes in Bangladeshi children: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

Auditory statistical learning, or the ability to detect statistical regularities in continuously presented stimuli, is thought to be one element that underlies language acquisition. Prior studies have uncovered behavioral and neural correlates of statistical learning, yet additional work is needed from low- and middle-income countries to explore whether statistical learning varies across cultures or underlies associations often found between socioeconomic status (SES) and language outcomes. In the present study, we explored the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore auditory statistical learning in Bangladesh, a lower-middle-income country. Participants were 102 2-year-old (M = 25.72 months, SD = 2.07 months) and 125 5-year-old children (M = 62.35 months, SD = 2.46 months) living in a low-income urban neighborhood of Dhaka (average family income of 28,145.13 Bangladeshi Takas or 260.06 U.S. dollars per month). We also collected measures of SES and language outcomes. Brain responses during the statistical learning paradigm could be detected with fNIRS in both two- and 5-year-olds, with 2-year-olds exhibiting a higher response to predictable sequences and 5-year-olds exhibiting higher responses to unpredictable sequences. fNIRS correlates of statistical learning were not related to language outcomes but were associated with SES in the 5-year-old cohort. This study demonstrates the utility of employing fNIRS to study the neural correlates of statistical learning in low- and middle-income countries and the feasibility of expanding the representativeness of the existing literature. These findings also highlight potential areas for inquiry into how SES may relate to individual differences in statistical learning responses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sustainable Water Use Practices: Behavior and Knowledge Awareness of Applied Science Private University-Students

Jordan is facing a significant challenge with its water resources. Conserving water has become an urgent need. This study aims to provide new evidence on the behavior and knowledge awareness of water conservation for Applied Science Private University ASU students and how it affects water-saving behaviors. This study was applied to a stratified random sample from the ASU that included 134 students. A special questionnaire was distributed to the study sample, including the various study variables: gender, age, place of residence, and income. The questionnaire also included questions about behavior and knowledge awareness toward water conservation conviction about the reality of the water scarcity problem. Students showed good knowledge of sustainable Jordanian water sources and realized the limitations of these resources. ASU students practice water-saving behaviors in households, gardening, and swimming pools. They also adopt tools and practices to save water in their communities. This was evidenced by their concern about purchasing water-saving tools and interacting with posts related to water conservation on various social media platforms. Results showed that ASU students are concerned about water-saving education. The results revealed no significant differences in behavior and knowledge awareness towards water conservation attributed to gender, age, and level of study for father and mother, faculty, governorates, and average family income. The implementation of water waste reduction measures is expected to save about 10 million cubic meters of water, thereby improving water services for the people of Jordan, and contributing to strengthening resilience to climate change. Moreover, the project will contribute to reducing electricity consumption.

Current status and factors influencing the work readiness of middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients.

To identify the current status of return-to-work readiness and analyze its influencing factors among middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients. From July 2022 to February 2023, a total of 144 middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients who had been treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of West China Hospital, Sichuan University and had not returned to work were selected as the research subjects. A general information questionnaire, the Readiness for Return-To-Work (RRTW) Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used for the survey. Univariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to assess the current status of work readiness and its influencing factors. The distribution of work readiness from high to low was as follows: behavioral preparation-self-assessment stage, intention stage, preintention stage, and behavioral preparation-action stage. Univariate analysis showed that age, place of residence, occupation, nature of work, average family income, scope of surgery, postoperative complications, surgical site, and primary coping strategies were statistically significant (P < .05). The ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that patients engaged in mentally oriented work (odds ratio [OR] = 13.78, P < .001), with a monthly family income of ≥ 10,000¥ (OR = 6.28, P = .017), proactive coping strategies (OR = 4.84, P = .019), and higher self-efficacy (OR = 1.17, P < .001) had higher work readiness. Patients engaged in other industries (OR = 0.25, P = .028), agricultural, forestry, and fishing labor (OR = 0.08, P < .001), unemployed (OR = 0.12, P = .038), and with a monthly family income of < 1000¥ (OR = 0.07, P = .026) had lower work readiness. In overall, this study suggests that the work readiness of postoperative lung cancer patients needs improvement. Occupation, nature of work, average family income, primary coping strategies, and general self-efficacy are associated with return-to-work readiness among middle-aged and young postoperative lung cancer patients.

Assessing the current situation and the influencing factors affecting perceived stigma among older patients after leukemia diagnosis

BACKGROUND Psychological problems are becoming increasingly prominent among older patients with leukemia, with patients potentially facing stigmatization after diagnosis. However, there is limited research on the stigma experienced by these patients and the factors that may contribute to it. AIM To investigate the stigma faced by older patients after being diagnosed with leukemia and to analyze the potential influencing factors. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical data obtained from questionnaire surveys, interviews, and the medical records of older patients with leukemia admitted to the Hengyang Medical School from June 2020 to June 2023. The data obtained included participants’ basic demographic information, medical history, leukemia type, family history of leukemia, average monthly family income, pension, and tendency to conceal illness. The Chinese versions of the Social Impact Scale (SIS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess indicators related to stigma, social support, and mental health status. We used Pearson’s correlation coefficient to analyze the strength and direction of the relationship between the scores of each scale, and regression analysis to explore the factors related to the stigma of older patients with leukemia after diagnosis. RESULTS Data from 120 patients with leukemia aged 65-80 years were analyzed. The total score on the SIS and PSSS was 43.60 ± 4.07 and 37.06 ± 2.87, respectively. The SAS score was 58.35 ± 8.32 and the SDS score was 60.58 ± 5.97. The stigma experienced by older leukemia patients was negatively correlated with social support (r = -0.691, P &lt; 0.05) and positively correlated with anxiety and depression (r = 0.506, 0.382, P &lt; 0.05). Age, education level, smoking status, average monthly family income, pension, and tendency to conceal illness were significantly associated with the participants’ level of stigma (P &lt; 0.05). Age, smoking status, social support, anxiety, and depression were predictive factors of stigmatization among older leukemia patients after diagnosis (all P &lt; 0.05), with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.644 and an adjusted R2 of 0.607. CONCLUSION Older patients commonly experience stigmatization after being diagnosed with leukemia. Factors such as age, smoking status, social support, and psychological well-being may influence older patients’ reported experience of stigma.

Analysis of Sources and Diversification of Farmers' Household Income Around PT Jembayan Muara Bara, Tenggarong Seberang Sub-district, Indonesia

Most farming households depend entirely on sources of income from the agricultural sector, especially on-farm farming, this has the potential for quite a high risk of crop failure which results in a decrease in household income. Diversification of sources of income is aimed at creating wider employment opportunities, improving the economy in the agricultural and rural sectors, as well as developing services and service activities through linkages between agriculture and rural and non-agricultural sectors. The problem in realizing food security today is that the population continues to increase but rice production tends to decrease, thus affecting farmers' income in spending to meet basic needs, namely food. This study was conducted to find out the sources of income earned and the proportion of food expenditure of farmer households around PT Jembayan Muara Bara in Tenggarong Seberang subdistrict., Kutai Kartanegara Regency. This research was conducted in Mulawarman, Buana Jaya, Suka Maju, and Bukit Pariaman Villages, Tenggarong Seberang subdistrict. It rans from July 2023 to March 2024. Site selection is done by Purposive Sampling. Sampling using the method (Non Proportional Random Sampling) The number of samples is equalized in each village taking 25 families per village so that the total number of samples is 100 families. The types of data collected are primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques with observation, and interviews. The results showed that sources of income in the study area, apart from farming activities, namely by working as mining employees, traders, builders, stone diggers, masseurs, farm workers, RT heads, Honorary, and civil servants; The average total family income per month ranges from IDR 2,500,000.00 to IDR 8,800,000.00. The average per capita income per month ranges from IDR 910,152.00 to IDR 1,362,339.00, while the distribution of income per sample capita per month is between IDR 416,667.00 to IDR 2,500,000.00; and the proportion of food expenditure by farmer households ranges from 50.72% - 54.51%, while the proportion of non-food expenditure by farmer households ranges from 45.45 - 49.25%.

Factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among people in the highest risk area for Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand

Background: Over the past 30 years, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in the Northeast of Thailand has been high and has tended to increase. Fruits and vegetables (FV) were accepted as protective factors against CCA. The prevalence of FV consumption among Northeast people is lower than recommended, which is a significant health problem that must be urgently solved. Objectives: This study investigated the factors associated with FV consumption among people in Ubon Ratchathani, one of the high-risk areas of Thailand. Methods: A multi-stage sampling method was used to select the population aged 40 years and over. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with FV consumption. Results: Out of the total 744 respondents, only 11.83% consumed FV according to the standard of &lt;400 grams/day. The bio-social factor regarding an average family income of more than 15,000 Baht had a 10.54 times greater effect on FV consumption (AOR=10.54, 95% CI: 7.59-20.57). Purchasing FVs from mobile sales trucks (AOR=4.11, 95% CI: 1.69-9.97) and receiving information from radio (AOR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.14-3.39) were associated with standard FV consumption. However, a good level of attitude had decreased the risk of FV consumption (AOR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.18-0.49). Conclusion: The prevalence of FV consumption among the study population is considerably low. Family income, purchasing from mobile sales trucks, receiving information from radio, and having a positive attitude were associated with standard FV consumption among people in Thailand's highest-risk area for CCA. Relevant organizations should organize activities to provide people of every economic status with knowledge and attitude on FV consumption via radio or social media and support access to quality and safe mobile sales trucks to meet consumption standards and prevent as well as reduce the risk of CCA.

Coping Strategies for Financial Burden of Family for the Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder and an emerging public health issue globally which is associated with huge burden to the family, community and the nation. Study was conducted to find out the coping strategies for financial burden of the family with ASD children. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 154 children with ASD was carried out from July 2015 to June 2016 where data were collected from two special schools and two specialized hospitals of Dhaka city. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with semi-structured questionnaire following systematic random sampling technique. Informed written consent was taken from the parents. Results: Majority (73.4%) of the children were male and average monthly family income and total treatment cost was Tk. 41785.7 and Tk. 23076.62 respectively. However, coping strategies were adopted by the family “changing lifestyle” (96.8%), “accepting the reality” (100%), “minimizing family investment” (90.3%). Again, 52.5% families minimized family investment as coping strategies, 52.2% families had financial constraint as consequences of financial burden, which were significantly higher in comparison with others (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: ASD foist huge financial burden to the families of affected children. To compensate this financial burden, families adopted different coping strategies like changing lifestyle, taking social support, relying on religion, minimizing family investment, accepting reality etc. Appropriate early diagnostic facilities should be available to estimate the actual burden of the country. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 56 No (2) December 2023, pp 38-44

Farming system diversification: An insight on strengthening the livelihood in a hilly ecosystem

To make Indian agriculture remunerative, and enhance farmers’ income, the Government of India initiated a mission for doubling the farmers’ income (DFI) by 2022. For DFI under a conventional cropping system, the agriculture sector needs to grow @15% per annum. Therefore, there is a need for reorienting the conventional cropping system with a more productive alternative integrated farming system, combining on and off-farm occupations with high technological support. With this background, the present study was carried out in a cluster of villages where interventions through a research institution (Farmer FIRST project) were made. Such interventions were undertaken in a cluster of 7 villages involving 500 farm families (2016–19). The technological gaps were identified through benchmark surveys using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and extensive farmers' group discussions. During this, farmers’ skills and managerial capabilities were explored, and 16 interventions of various farming modules and sub-modules attributed to higher income were identified and implemented. The farmers were continuously provided technological and partial input support in terms of capacity building and seeds, fertilisers and similar others. The results indicated that mushroom production had high potential for supplementing farm income (117% per farm family). The income from food grains increased by 81% whereas, income from seasonal and off-season vegetable crops increased by more than double. Dairy farming exhibited 52.38% increase in income. In absolute terms, the dairy had maximum contribution in increasing income by ₹24,014 followed by food grains (₹13,251). The intervention modules increased the average per-farm family income by ₹46,979, which was highly significant (P&lt;0.01%). The income of 40% of the farm families increased by more than double, while the income of 1% of the farmers increased by &gt;75% in just 2 years. Overall, when four modules and sub-modules of the model were put together, the total farm income per family increased by 67% from ₹70,290 (2016–17) to ₹1,17,269 (2018–19).

An assessment on land management services of ministry of environment, natural resources, and energy: the case of Sulu Province

BARMM-MENRE land management services research after legal and administrative reforms. With descriptive-exploratory design, it evaluated 100 clients. Results showed Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy-Sulu Land Management Services clients view service execution differently. Certificate of Survey/Land Status Customer satisfaction means good service. Client-respondents impartially approve Survey Plans and title public land. Hypothesis testing demonstrates no gender, civil status, or educational implementation perception gap. Land Management Services subcategory matches age and average monthly family income. This study suggests: Land Management Services of Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy-Sulu may review the processes involved to improve the satisfaction of the client-respondents with the Application for the Approval of Survey Plan and Application for Public Land Titling; Land Management Services of Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy-Sulu may conduct an outreach and information campaigns to raise awareness and educate the public about the benefits and procedures of availing the services to address the disparities in the perceived implementation of the services; Clients may communicate their concerns and suggestions to the service providers and seek assistance when needed especially in Application for the Approval of Survey Plan and Application for Public Land Titling; Employees who are involved in the delivery of the Certification of Land Status and/or Survey Claimant services may maintain their high standards of quality and efficiency and seek to improve their customer satisfaction ratings; and in the delivery of the Application for the Approval of Survey Plan and Application for Public Land Titling services Employees can discover causes of neutral or negative client attitudes and enhance service and satisfaction.

Family health assessment in Ifugao, Philippines: a baseline study for Health In-tervention Program

A study was conducted to assess the health status of families in selected communities in Ifugao, Philippines. Interviews were done using a guide questionnaire adopted from the Family Health Management Manual for Nursing Students by Lydia Capistrano-Viet. The findings showed that the majority of households are nuclear, consisting of 5–10 people, and have an average monthly family income of 5,000–10,000 Philippine peso. The majority of the families possessed their own lots and homes made of wood and concrete, with enough space for the entire family. The majority of them disposed of their trash by burning it or giving it to animals. Nearly majority of them feature closed drainage systems and flush toilets. The majority reported that their homes lacked bug and rodent breeding grounds and shared a water supply. Additionally, they felt that their families' health was good as they had only experienced colds and the common cold over the previous six months. As shown by the fact that all of the respondents visit doctors and the health center for their medical requirements, 80% of them have complete immunization records. More or less seventy percent of people said they also follow healthy habits. The findings also demonstrate the availability of transportation, communication, and health resources in the neighborhood. A health intervention program aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of family clients in the community will be developed based on the study's findings.

(PM-23) YOGA PRACTICE INTERVENTION AS A COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE TREATMENT FOR COMPULSIVE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR DISORDER: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract Objective Investigate the feasibility of a Yoga Practice intervention (YPI) as an integrative treatment for adult men with compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) explored through the attendance and adherence treatment protocol, and the functionality of data collection mechanisms. Methods For this study, twelve men diagnosed with CSBD and that did not present substance-use, paraphilic, psychotic, current manic or hypomanic, neurocognitive disorders, gender dysphoria, physical limitations, already practiced yoga or started psychotherapy more than six months ago were randomized in a 2-arm, double-blind clinical trial, comparing a Kundalini YPI with a supervised muscle stretching 12-week program. Participants submitted their applications online on baseline, times 1 (4 weeks), 2 (8 weeks) and time 3 (12 weeks) and the proportion of treatment and protocol adherence, teacher adherence, and allocation concealment were estimated. Results The age range was 24 to 47 years old. 58% were single or widower, 41% married or common-law; 75% were caucasians and 25% afro-descendants. The minimum schooling was elementary, (50% finished college). Average family income was $ 1130. There was no statistically significant association between sociodemographic and intervention groups. The patient attendance was 58%, patient adherence to the protocol 30%, professors' adherence to the protocol reached 100%, and the allocation concealment for the double-blind method ensured 100%. The answers of the self-responsive online questionnaires on psychopathologic variables reached 87% of the requested answers, and the daily practices at home 45%. Conclusions Although the YPI evaluated for CSBD was acceptable and functional, this pilot indicates changes in procedures to improve attendance and adherence of patients. Financing No conflict.

Exploring the Interplay of Socioeconomic and Behavioral Factors: Unraveling Gender Disparities in Glycemic Control Among Adult Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Outpatient Care.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents global challenges, with optimal glycemic control being pivotal in managing complications, notably in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Yet, achieving sustained control faces barriers stemming from socioeconomic and gender-specific disparities. This study addresses these gaps by examining socioeconomic determinants and gender disparities in diabetes management, particularly in Maharashtra, India. Methodology This cross-sectional study involved 302 T2DM patients aged 20 to 79 years. Data on sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors were collected through interviews, and records were analyzed via logistic regression to identify predictors of glycemic control. Results Significant associations emerged between gender and education, occupation, and religion. Glycemic control, with a mean HbA1c of 8.45%, remained suboptimal. Logistic regression identified gender, average family income, diabetes duration, treatment nature, comorbidities, complications, and medication adherence as glycemic control predictors. Conclusions Addressing socioeconomic and gender-specific factors is paramount in diabetes management, especially in rural areas where sociocultural influences shape health behaviors. Tailored interventions, including gender-sensitive health education, are vital for improving diabetes care and outcomes. This study provides crucial insights into gender-specific influences on glycemic control among T2DM patients in Maharashtra, advocating for personalized interventions to enhance overall diabetes management.

Parents’ acceptance attitudes towards the vaccination of children based on M-LSGDM approach in China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesEnsuring that children receive timely vaccinations is paramount for preventing infectious diseases, and parental attitude plays a pivotal role in this process. This study addresses this gap in the existing...

Increased mobile phone use in high school students as a social problem under the dimension of addiction

Nowadays, mobile phone usage is increasing, especially among children and adolescents. Mobile phones can offer a multitude of advantages, such as instant communication, entertainment, and information. Of course, the frequency regarding mobile phone usage and exposure poses risks, such as mobile phone addiction. Adolescents now have their own mobile phone and use it most of the time without limitations, with the risk of becoming addicted. The purpose of this research is to examine the increased mobile phone use among high school students, which may lead to addiction, as a social problem related to the lack of social interactions. The research method of the survey is quantitative. The sample of the quantitative method consists of 110 adolescents attending high school, each one equipped with a personal mobile phone. Several conclusions were drawn about mobile phone addiction and its association with social factor and the networks of adolescents. Data showed that parental educational level and average family income positively influenced the likelihood of adolescent mobile phone addiction. In contrast, no association was observed in terms of gender with adolescents' mobile phone addiction. It was observed that parental networks and peer networks had a negative effect on adolescents' mobile phone addiction. The research findings point middle family income and parents with a higher education degree are factors associated with adolescent mobile phone addiction. Additionally organizational networks, peer networks and parental networks are associated with adolescents' mobile phone addiction. Our research presents some limitations but paves the way for future research for the findings to become enhanced.

Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with the Uptake of Community Led Total Sanitation: An Empirical Study among the Residents of Isiolo County, Kenya

Despite Kenya aiming to achieve 100% ODF status by 2030 and adopting CLTS, about 5.6 million (14%) of the population practice OD. Thus, this study was guided by the research question: What is the level of uptake of community led total sanitation among residents of Isiolo County? The study used a descriptive cross-sectional methodology and conducted among residents of Isiolo Sub-County, Kenya. The study sampled 373 household heads from population of about 21,870 household heads for the study. Systematic random sampling was used to select the participants. An inclusion and exclusion criteria-based period lived in the county and consent to participate in the study were used. Data collection instruments entailed structured questionnaires for households’ heads, key informant interview (KII) guides for opinion leaders, and an observation checklist. The content validity of the tools was assessed by expert from the department of Environmental Health at Kenyatta University. The tools were piloted in Longopito Sub-location with 37 households. Reliability of the tools was assessed using the piloted data through the test-retest technique. The paired data sets were correlated, giving R=0.75. The study found an association between demographic factors and the uptake of CLTS in Isiolo county. The uptake of CLTS was found to be low with almost half of the sampled residents lacking latrines. The study concludes there were a number of demographic factors that were significantly associated with the utilization of CLTS including the highest level of education (χ2=66.866, p = 0.001), Occupation (χ2=12.690, p = 0.002), Average monthly family income (KShs) (χ2=43.373, p = 0.012) and number of household members (χ2=6.948, p = 0.044). The study also found that Isiolo County had a low uptake rate for community-led total sanitation. Only three out of ten households in the county uptake CLTS. The study recommends that the County Government of Isiolo should scale up health education programs on community led total sanitation

Building blocks for a happy life: Longitudinal associations between early life income, mentorship and later well-being.

Longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID; N = 2996) were used to test hypotheses about the link between well-being and financial and social developmental resources. Results suggest that higher average family income from birth to age 18, and personal and professional mentoring received between 17 and 30, were positively associated with indicators of positive well-being and negatively related to negative indicators of well-being. Interactions between early life family income and mentoring during emerging adulthood were not significant predictors of any of the well-being outcomes. In all cases, the magnitudes of the coefficients became larger when simultaneously accounting for early life income, emerging adulthood mentoring, and their interactions-suggesting that financial and social resources in earlier life are independently linked to later life well-being. Findings highlight that mentoring received in emerging adulthood benefits downstream hedonic and eudemonic well-being, regardless of financial resources.

Social Awareness and Use of Face Masks among Medical Students in Association with the COVID-19 Pandemic

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted to assess the level of social awareness and use of face mask in association with the COVID-19 pandemic among the medical students of Ad-din Sakina Women’s Medical College, Jashore, Bangladesh, between January and February of 2022. The study was carried out in the Department of Community Medicine. A total of 354 students of the same medical college participated in the survey. Data was collected by structured questionnaire and data processing and statistical analysis were done by using SPSS version 25.0. The age of the respondents was between 18 and 26 years. The mean age was 21.73 years. 82.8% of respondents were Muslims and 15.3% were Hindu. The average monthly family income of respondents was about 53,000 BDT. 83% of the respondents used face masks for the protection against COVID-19. 70.3% of the respondents relied more on the surgical type of mask. According to the survey the main mode of transmission of virus was found to be through respiratory droplets by 87.3% of the respondents. However, 13% failed to recognize droplet inhalation as a source of transmission. 92.1% of the respondents believed that the route of transmission includes eyes, nose, and mouth. Among the respondents 96% sanitize hand and face properly and 87.3% maintain social distance. It was found out that 7.1 percent of the respondents were affected by COVID-19 and 100% respondents were vaccinated against COVID-19. These findings clearly showed a satisfactory level of awareness and attitudes among the medical students towards COVID-19. Promoting the use of facemasks and educating the public about mask-wearing as an effective tool in disease prevention may also help to increase the public’s perceived benefits, which may then also contribute to increasing mask-wearing compliance. Facemasks play a pivotal role in the prevention and control of infectious respiratory disease transmission. CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 71-76

The Effects of Family Functioning on Gross Motor Function, Activity, and Participation in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

The present study aimed to investigate whether family functioning (FF) could impact gross motor function, activity, and participation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Sixty-seven children with spastic diplegic CP who were admitted to the Special Education and Rehabilitation Clinic were included in the study. The guidelines of the American Academy of Neurology were followed for the diagnosis of spastic diplegia. The type of home where the family lives, the family's average income, the child's age, gender, and number of siblings, and the age and educational level of the child's primary caregiver were recorded. The gross motor function capacity of children with CP was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) was used to evaluate activity and participation performance. The children living in detached houses had statistically higher PEDI mobility levels than those living in apartments (p < 0.05). PEDI's social function and self-care levels were higher in 12 to 18-year-old children with two siblings (p < 0.05). The age and educational status of the primary caregiver were found to have an important impact on the PEDI scores. According to the results, social function and self-care levels were higher in children whose primary caregivers were 30 to 65 years old and had high levels of education above high school (p < 0.05 The effects of family income and gender on PEDI scores were statistically non-significant (p˃ 0.05). Variables related to family functioning had no statistically significant effect on GMFCS scores (p˃ 0.05). These factors can enable healthcare providers to collaborate with the families to develop more comprehensive intervention plans emphasizing family strengths and supporting their needs.