Basic Sociodemographic Characteristics Research Articles

Correlation of Nutrition with Parental Literacy Status among School Going Adolescent Children in Telangana: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: National Family Health Survey-4 reports that 44.8% of boys and 41.9% of girls aged 15-19 are underweight. Globally, there is a lacuna of data on early adolescent children (10-14 years). Aim: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among school going adolescent children in Medchal, Telangana and also to assess the correlation between nutritional status of adolescent children and their parents’ literacy level and socio-economic class. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1000 adolescent children aged between 10-16 years. Pilot study was conducted on 110 students to test the questionnaire comprising basic data and socio-demographic characteristics before starting the study. Weight and height were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and based on BMI, children were classified into undernutrition, normal, overweight and obese. Parental literacy was ascertained. Parents were divided into five categories of socio-economic class according to BG Prasad Classification. Primary endpoint measured was prevalence of malnutrition among adolescent children and secondary endpoint measured was correlation of mother’s and father’s literacy status with nutritional status which was ascertained using spearman’s rank correlation test. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: Prevalence of undernutrition and overnutrition (overweight and obesity) was 48.5% and 4.6% respectively. There was statistically significant (p=0.046) difference between boys and girls with respect to prevalence of undernutrition and overnutrition. Majority of undernourished boys (49.1%) and girls (46.8%) were 13-14 years old. Spearman’s rank coefficient (rho-ρ) showed strong positive correlation between nutrition and socio-economic class (ρ:0.706) with moderate and weak correlation seen for mothers’ education (ρ:0.425) and fathers’ educational status (ρ:0.333), respectively. Conclusion: Undernutrition remains to be a common problem among early adolescents. Socio-economic class and literacy level of parents play significant role in nutrition of adolescents. At school level, adolescent children and their teachers need to be empowered to understand better about the necessity and impact of maintaining a normal nutritional status on their future health.

Cross sectional study of knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners about the use of rubber dam in endodontic procedures in urban area of Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: One of the prerequisite for the numerous endodontic and operative procedures is use of rubber dam which is an absolute necessity. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners about the rubber dam use during endodontic treatment of anterior and posterior teeth. Materials and Method: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in the urban area of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. 90 clinics which were having conservative and endodontics speciality were selected for the study. A prevalidated close ended questionnaire was used. Details about the basic sociodemographic characteristics, information with regard to rubber dam use during procedures, attitude of dentists towards its use and the reasons for whether non use of rubber dam was recorded. Results: A total of 90 questionnaires were mailed to dental practitioners in the urban locality. With respect to response to the use of rubber dam during endodontic procedures 13.72% of males and 12.82% of females responded that they were always using the rubber dam,5.88% of males and 5.19% of females used rubber dam very oftenly.17.64% and 2.56% of male and female participants used it occasionally. With regard to rubber dam use for the endodontic treatment procedures of the root canal of posterior teeth 15.68% of males and 12.82% of females responded that they were always using the rubber dam,5.88% of males and 5.19% of females used rubber dam very oftenly.17.64% and 2.56% of male and female participants used it occasionally. Conclusion: Hence it can be stated that for creating awareness among dental practitioners about the importance of rubber dam in endodontic procedure by continuing dental educations is the need of the hour to improve the quality of dental care. Keywords: Rubber Dam, Endodontics, Knowledge, Attitude

An assessment of socio-economic vulnerability at the household level: a study on villages of the Indian Sundarbans

The Indian Sundarbans with its unique bio-geographical composition is prone to hazards like cyclones, storms and floods, making its socio-ecological systems vulnerable to environmental stresses. Moreover, its structural aspects appear to be a significant factor in pushing the systems towards vulnerability. A landscape analysis was done in four villages in the Indian Sundarbans to measure their socio-economic vulnerability. An index method was followed to compare the variables linked with the system’s vulnerability, namely basic socio-demographic characteristics, lack of basic amenities and enough safety nets, lack of accessibility and poor transport and communication. Among these variables, lack of accessibility, and poor transport and communication place limitations on the external exposure of the Indian Sundarbans. Satjelia is an island village found to be the most vulnerable among all with a composite index score of 0.518. Satjelia’s distant geographical location along with lack of sufficient educational and income opportunities, poor social network, higher percentage of marginalised population and greater losses due to natural disasters have contributed to its high vulnerability. Less-accessible villages are deprived of some of the basic facilities and thus are ranked higher on the ‘sensitivity’ domain and lower in the ‘adaptive capacity’ domain, leading to a higher value in the Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index. However, the overall index values did not differ much in the case study villages of the Indian Sundarbans due to standardisation, equal weightage, spatial factors and the usage of a limited number of indicators. Hence, a policy initiative should focus upon the improvement of basic infrastructure and better accessibility among all the geographical locations, thus minimising socio-economic vulnerability in the Indian Sundarbans.

Public awareness and knowledge of factors associated with dementia in China

BackgroundDementia is a global public health priority. Many modifiable factors have been shown to influence the development of dementia, but these factors are not adequately known by the general public. This study aimed to assess public awareness of the factors that are associated with dementia in China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2019 using an Internet-based questionnaire. Data on basic sociodemographic characteristics were collected, and the knowledge of risk and protective factors for dementia was investigated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare levels of the knowledge of factors associated with dementia across populations with different demographic characteristics.ResultsData from 3338 respondents were analyzed. The percentages of participants who accurately identified the risk factors of dementia were follows: 84.24% for negative affect, 65.07% for alcohol use, 56.68% for smoking, 48.74% for hypertension, and 42.66% for diabetes. The percentages of participants who accurately identified the protective factors for dementia were follows: 90.00% for exercise, 84.69% for social activity, 80.92% for intelligence games, 74.45% for reading, and 6.14% for antihypertensive or hypolipidemic drugs. The majority of Chinese people correctly recognized the role of lifestyle factors in the development of dementia but not medical factors. The levels of knowledge of the factors associated with dementia were significantly distinct across populations with different characteristics. The following sociodemographic characteristics were associated with more comprehensive knowledge of dementia risk and protective factors: women, young age, high education levels, nonmanual jobs, and contact with patients with dementia.ConclusionsPublic awareness and knowledge of risk and protective factors for dementia in China are still insufficient. More efforts are needed to publicize information to reduce the risk of dementia.

Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation among college students: A structural equation modeling approach

ObjectiveSuicidal ideation (SI) among college students is frequently reported. However, the mediating roles of depressive and anxiety symptoms between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and SI has yet to be explored among college students. MethodA cross-sectional survey of college freshmen in China was conducted between October 2018 and December 2018. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information on basic sociodemographic characteristics, including SI, ADHD symptoms, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. A structural equation model (SEM) was then constructed. ResultsA total of 904 college freshmen were included in the analysis. The prevalence of ADHD symptoms and lifetime SI were 11.9% (95% CI: 9.9%–14.2%) and 29.2% (95% CI: 26.3%–32.2%), respectively. The SEM revealed that there were no direct paths from inattention, executive dysfunction, and hyperactivity to SI. Under the mediating role of anxiety and depressive symptoms, executive dysfunction (β = 0.011, p < 0.05) and hyperactivity (β = 0.015, p < 0.05) had indirect relationships with the risk of SI, and the role of inattention was not identified. Depressive and anxiety symptoms had direct influences on increasing SI. There also were indirect effects from anxiety symptoms to SI, which were mediated by depressive symptoms (β = 0.023, p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe current study indicated the indirect relationships between ADHD symptoms and SI among college freshmen. The findings could provide useful clues for clinical treatment and school-based prevention that aims to improve college students’ mental well-being.

Blood Uric Acid Prediction With Machine Learning: Model Development and Performance Comparison.

BackgroundUric acid is associated with noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, vascular dementia, and hypertension. Therefore, uric acid is considered to be a risk factor for the development of noncommunicable diseases. Most studies on uric acid have been performed in developed countries, and the application of machine-learning approaches in uric acid prediction in developing countries is rare. Different machine-learning algorithms will work differently on different types of data in various diseases; therefore, a different investigation is needed for different types of data to identify the most accurate algorithms. Specifically, no study has yet focused on the urban corporate population in Bangladesh, despite the high risk of developing noncommunicable diseases for this population.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting blood uric acid values based on basic health checkup test results, dietary information, and sociodemographic characteristics using machine-learning algorithms. The prediction of health checkup test measurements can be very helpful to reduce health management costs.MethodsVarious machine-learning approaches were used in this study because clinical input data are not completely independent and exhibit complex interactions. Conventional statistical models have limitations to consider these complex interactions, whereas machine learning can consider all possible interactions among input data. We used boosted decision tree regression, decision forest regression, Bayesian linear regression, and linear regression to predict personalized blood uric acid based on basic health checkup test results, dietary information, and sociodemographic characteristics. We evaluated the performance of these five widely used machine-learning models using data collected from 271 employees in the Grameen Bank complex of Dhaka, Bangladesh.ResultsThe mean uric acid level was 6.63 mg/dL, indicating a borderline result for the majority of the sample (normal range <7.0 mg/dL). Therefore, these individuals should be monitoring their uric acid regularly. The boosted decision tree regression model showed the best performance among the models tested based on the root mean squared error of 0.03, which is also better than that of any previously reported model.ConclusionsA uric acid prediction model was developed based on personal characteristics, dietary information, and some basic health checkup measurements. This model will be useful for improving awareness among high-risk individuals and populations, which can help to save medical costs. A future study could include additional features (eg, work stress, daily physical activity, alcohol intake, eating red meat) in improving prediction.

Assessment of optometrists\u2019 knowledge, skills and practice on cataract: a cross-sectional study from Kisumu County, Western Kenya

BackgroundThe quality of life can be impacted negatively by blindness arising from cataract. The total prevalence of blindness in Kenya is estimated at 0.7%, however cataract contributes almost half (43%) of the total blindness in Kenya. Optometrists are well placed to assess and refer cataract patients. However, little is known on optometrists’ skills, practice and knowledge. Therefore, this study was designed to assess optometrists’ knowledge, skill and practice on cataract in Kisumu, Kenya.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted from June 2019 to August 219 using self-administered questionnaire. Basic socio-demographic characteristics were collected and participants’ knowledge, skills and practice on cataract were investigated. The primary outcome measure was the proportions of participants who identified the questions related to knowledge, skills and practice on cataract. Chi-square analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic characteristics of participants with practice, knowledge and skills.ResultsA total of 49 optometrists with a mean age of 30.4 years and mean duration of practice of 1–10 years were interviewed. Most optometrists had good knowledge on various aspects of cataract. For example (98%) had a good knowledge on the types of cataract. Almost three quarter (75.5%) of the optometrists reported that they could diagnose cataract correctly based on skills. However, half (57.1%) of the optometrists could not identify nuclear cataract. Being a self reported practice and not an observed practice, most optometrists (61.2%) reported that they did not screen patients aged 40 years and above for cataract. Almost half (52.6%) of the optometrists reported that they did a routine eye examination however, they could not justify the significance of examining the crystalline lens for patient above 40 years.ConclusionThe study established that despite the good level of knowledge among optometrist on cataract, there exist a gap on skills and practice. The results of this study calls for more clinical based activities among optometrists. This will eases diagnosis of cataract and its management with an aim to reduce the burden in Kenya.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pregnancy outcomes in a racially and ethnically diverse population

BackgroundOlder age and medical comorbidities are identified risk factors for developing severe coronavirus disease 2019. However, there are limited data on risk stratification, clinical and laboratory course, and optimal management of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy.ObjectiveOur study aimed to describe the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019, effect of comorbidities on disease severity, laboratory trends, and pregnancy outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–positive pregnant women.Study DesignThis is a case series of pregnant and postpartum women who received positive test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, within 3 hospitals of the Yale New Haven Health delivery network. Charts were reviewed for basic sociodemographic and prepregnancy characteristics, coronavirus disease 2019 course, laboratory values, and pregnancy outcomes.ResultsOf the 1567 tested pregnant and postpartum women between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, 9% (n=141) had a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 result. Hispanic women were overrepresented in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–positive group (n=61; 43.8%). In addition, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher rate of moderate and severe diseases than non-Hispanic (18% [11/61] vs 3.8% [3/78], respectively; odds ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–20.7; P=.01). Of note, 44 women (31.2%) were asymptomatic, 37 of whom (26.2%) were diagnosed on universal screening upon admission for delivery. Moreover, 59% (n=83) were diagnosed before delivery, 36% (n=51) upon presentation for childbirth, and 5% (n=7) after delivery. Severe disease was diagnosed in 6 cases (4.3%), and there was 1 maternal death. Obese women were more likely to develop moderate and severe diseases than nonobese women (16.4% [9/55] vs 3.8% [3/79]; odds ratio, 4.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–19.25; P=.02). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were diagnosed in 22.3% of women (17/77) who delivered after 20 weeks’ gestation. Higher levels of C-reactive protein during antepartum coronavirus disease 2019–related admission were more common in women with worse clinical course; however, this association did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionCoronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy may result in severe disease and death. Hispanic women were more likely to receive a positive test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 than other ethnic groups. Obesity and Hispanic ethnicity represent risk factors for moderate and severe diseases.

Characteristics of migrants to Japan with TB and implications for pre-migration TB screening

Abstract Background Japan plans to introduce pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening for those traveling from the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Indonesia, and Myanmar, who are intending to stay in Japan for more than 90 days, in 2020. According to its screening algorithm, migrants will be screened by chest X-ray and those with abnormal findings will be asked to undergo sputum testing. We analyzed the characteristics of foreign-born TB patients coming from the above six countries, to identify some potential issues. Methods Data on foreign-born patients who had been newly notified with active pulmonary TB (PTB) in 2018 and 2017, and who had entered Japan in the same year they were notified, was extracted from the Japan TB Surveillance system. We assumed that these patients approximated to those hypothetical migrants who would be detected by pre-entry TB screening, and analyzed them by basic socio-demographic characteristics, radiological findings, and bacteriological test results. Results In 2017 and 2018, a total of 1,915 foreign-born PTB patients were notified from the above six countries. Of them, 19.9% (n = 381) had entered Japan in the same year they were notified. Among the 381, 23.9% (n = 50) had cavitary lesion, 27.3% (n = 57) were smear positive, and 48.9% (n = 73) were culture positive. 34.4% (n = 72) were both smear and culture negative, and the diagnosis would have depended on radiographical presentation. However, among the 72, the majority i.e. 87.5%, presented with non-cavitary pulmonary involvement. Conclusions Considering that approximately a third of TB patients who would may detected by the pre-entry screening are likely to be bacteriologically negative, Japan must ensure that the clinics conducting the pre-entry TB screening have access to high-quality radiography with expert interpretations, such as teleradiology and computer-assisted reading. Key messages A third of TB patients who would may detected by the pre-entry screening are likely to be bacteriologically negative. It is critical that clinics conducting screening have access to high-quality radiography with expert interpretations, such as teleradiology and computer-assisted reading.

Substance use, mental health, and life satisfaction in Czech straight and sexual-minority population

Abstract Background Evidence shows that sexual minorities are more vulnerable to substance use and psychological distress as a result of minority stress compared with heterosexuals. So far, research conducted outside North America or Western Europe has been underrepresented. This research compares for the first time the substance use, quality of mental health and life satisfaction between the sexual minority people and heterosexuals using a nationally representative probability sample in the Czech population. Methods Sample of the general population aged 15+ years surveyed within the National Survey on Substance Use in 2016 in randomly selected households (N = 3,601, F2F interviews). Prevalence of licit and illicit substance use, psychological distress (MHI-5 scale) and life satisfaction (SWLS scale) were analyzed by respondents' self-reported sexual identity and behaviors. Logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the differences between groups. Adjustment for basic sociodemographic characteristics was performed. Results 2.8% of adults identified as sexual minorities, including 0.5% lesbians or gays and 2.3% bisexuals. Sexual minorities were more likely to experiment with (illicit) substance use in the last 12 months (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.03-2.94), more often experience psychological distress (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50-4.38), and were slightly less often satisfied with their lives (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.46-1.37) compared to heterosexuals. Sexual minority status was not found as a significant predictor for daily tobacco smoking nor for frequent excessive/binge alcohol consumption. Conclusions In accordance with international evidence, sexual minorities represent a vulnerable group from the perspective of substance use and psychological distress. Factors influencing life satisfaction of sexual minority people living in geographically underrepresented regions need to be further investigated using measures more sensitive to local cultural circumstances.

Behavioral aspects of executive functions in young adults with well-controlled epilepsy

ABSTRACT Executive function (EF) skills involve higher-level cognitive functions, such as planning, goal formation, goal-directed behavior, and effective performance. Previous research has shown that these aspects of EF are essential for successful functioning in everyday life. This study aimed to examine differences in the behavioral aspects of EF between young adults with epilepsy and healthy controls. The study involved 62 young adults, aged 18 to 30 years, divided into two groups: a study group of young adults with well-controlled epilepsy and a control group of healthy young adults. The groups were matched according to basic sociodemographic characteristics. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult version was used to assess the behavioral aspects of executive functions. A significant difference between groups was only observed on the Organization of Materials scale, where the group with epilepsy achieved better performance. Our findings suggest that self-assessed behavioral control of EF is almost the same in healthy young adults and young adults with epilepsy who have no comorbidities and have good control of the disease as well as preserved intellectual ability and functionality in everyday activities.

Cohort Profile of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey Implemented in 22 Countries

ObjectivesTo detail the methodological features of the first International Spinal Cord Injury (InSCI) Community Survey by describing recruitment and data collection procedures, and to report on the recruitment results and basic characteristics of participants by country and income setting. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingCommunity setting in 22 countries representing all 6 World Health Organization regions. ParticipantsIndividuals (N=12,591) with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) aged over 18 years. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresRecruitment and data collection procedures, recruitment results, and basic sociodemographic and lesion characteristics of participants. ResultsEight countries used predefined sampling frames and 14 countries applied convenience sampling for recruitment. Most countries recruited participants through specialized rehabilitation facilities, patient organizations, or acute and general hospitals. Modes of approaching potential participants depended on the sampling strategy and multiple response modes were offered to maximize participation. Contact rates ranged from 33% to 98%, cooperation rates ranged from 29% to 90%, and response rates ranged from 23% to 54%. The majority of participants were men (73%), the median age was 52 years (interquartile range, 40-63y), 60% had a partner, 8% reported that they were born in another country than where they were currently residing, and the median length of education was 12 years (interquartile range, 9-15y). Paraplegia was the main diagnosis (63%), traumatic etiologies were the major cause of injury (81%), and the median time since injury (TSI) was 9 years (interquartile range, 4-19y). Compared with participants from lower income settings, participants from higher income settings were over-represented and, in general, were older, more often diagnosed with tetraplegia, had a longer TSI, higher education, and were more often born in a country different than their current residence country. ConclusionsThe successful implementation of the InSCI survey enables the comparison of the situation of individuals with SCI around the world and constitutes a crucial starting point for an international learning experience.

Biographical Stages and Information Sources in the Formation of Historical Consciousness

The study inquires into the process of formation of historical consciousness among the population of the Czech Republic. The process is examined in terms of biographical stages and information sources. First, the study draws upon the concept of sensitive period developed by Schuman and Corning. Second, it notes the increasingly mediated nature of socialization to historical consciousness. Data were gathered through a representative survey of the Czech population, with events of February 1948 and August 1968 serving as historical reference points of historical consciousness. Analysis identifies a formative pattern consisting of three stages. The study also identifies typical information sources corresponding to each formative stage. Further analysis employed regression analysis to assess the influence of basic sociodemographic characteristics on the stage in which individuals are socialized.

Predicting pregnancy outcome by Doppler study evaluation of fetal middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery and ductus venosus

Objective: To investigate the sensitivity and specify of MCA, UA and DV Doppler pulsatility index as a diagnostic value for antepartum assessment of fetal wellbeing and prediction of adverse perinatal out come in both low and high-risk pregnancies. Patients and methods: Aprospective observational case control study conducted at Mansoura university hospitals from February 2018 through march 2019 and involved 100 pregnant ladies with a singleton pregnan- cy divided into two equal groups, G1 cases with high risk pregnancy, and G2 cases with low risk pregnancy as a control group. Both groups were matched for age, parity and gestational age. Results: The basic socio-demographic characteristics of the studied cases and controls were similar in age, gravidity, parity and body mass index (p> 0.05) but in G1 cases had significantly higher frequencies of mean systolic blood pressure, gestational hypertension, gestational DM, mild or severe PET, oligo- hydraminions, IUGR (p <0.001). De- spite there was no significant difference among cases and control as regard mean (SD) of gestational age in weeks, BPD (mm), UA PI (p >0.05), but there is a highly significant difference as regard FL (mm), AC (mm), MCA PI, DV PI (p values < 0.05). Also; there is a signif- icant difference regarding the reactivity of NST being more reactive in control than cases (35 vs 2, p <0.001). Again; there is a significant difference between cases and control regarding mean (SD) of gestation- al age at delivery (34±2 vs 39±1 in G2, p <0.001), Fetal weight (gm) (2255±1047 vs 2944±976, p <0.001), Agar score at 5 minutes (4.9±1.1 vs 8.3±1.4, p <0.001), occurrence of hypoxia (68% vs 2%, p <0.001), need for NICU admission (66% vs 2% p <0.001) and acidotic cord blood with PH < 7.2 (33 cases vs 1 case only, p <0.001). Logistic re- gression analysis revealed the cut off value MCA PI (1.62) had high sensitivity (82%), specificity (78%), PV(79%), NPV (81%) and a diag- nostic accuracy of (80%). Also, UA PI cut off value was found (1.12) with sensitivity (60%), specificity (68%), PPV(65%), NPV (63%) with a diagnostic accuracy of (64%). Regarding the best cut off value of DV study by the same method, DVPI cut off value was(0.77), with sensi- tivity (84%), specificity (80%), PPV(80%), NPV(83%) with diagnostic accuracy (82%). Conclusions: Doppler velocimetry studies of placental and fetal circu- lation can provide important information regarding fetal well-being thus yielding an opportunity to improve fetal and neonatal outcome

The Influence of Efficacy Beliefs on Interpersonal Loneliness Among Front-Line Healthcare Workers During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of health beliefs interpersonal loneliness among front-line healthcare workers working in 2019 novel coronavirus epidemic areas. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 205 clinical medical staff from epidemic areas to examine the associations of self-efficacy with interpersonal loneliness in Hubei. We use the Internet survey platform questionnaire Star to make an online system to collect the basic socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, loneliness score, self-efficacy score, and locus of control. The linear regression model was used to examine the relationship between self-efficacy score and loneliness score, adjusted for sex and education. Results: Self-efficacy score was a positive correlation with loneliness score in the in both the unadjusted (β=0.30, 95%CI=0.12 to 0.48, p<0.001)and adjusted(β=0.30, 95%CI=0.12 to 0.48, p<0.001) analyses. Because of reverse scoring for self-efficacy, lower self-efficacy was associated with high levels of loneliness. Stratified analyses stratified by social demography characteristics showed that the no associations between self-efficacy score and loneliness score remained significant in over 35 years old or doctors. Conclusions: Low level of self-efficacy is a risk factor for loneliness in medical staff. The group of medical staff with low self-efficacy should attract our attention, and some strategies should be formulated to alleviate loneliness through improving self-efficacy.

Knowledge and practice on solar ultraviolet radiation and its impact on vision: a case study among Kenyan optometrists

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate optometrist’s knowledge and practice on solar ultraviolet radiation and its implication on vision. Material and method: A survey was conducted using purposive sampling. The study was conducted from January 2020 to February 2020 using emailed questionnaires. Basic socio-demographic characteristics, participants’ knowledge and practice on solar ultraviolet radiation were assessed. The key variables under consideration were knowledge and practice on solar ultraviolet radiation. Odds ratios were calculated and chi-square test conducted. Results: A total of 270 optometrists received the survey with a response rate of 81% and mean age of 26.4 ± 4.3 years. Only 36% had good knowledge of the effects produced by solar radiation. On attenuation knowledge only 1% recommended contrast filters, 13% polarizing lenses and 4% polycarbonate. There solar ultraviolet radiation and cortical cataract (p = 0.012) was significantly different. Men had good knowledge about cataract (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.56–1.76), keratopathy (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.35–1.56), and pterygium (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.32–1.43). Most respondents 66% could only dispense Photochromatic lenses because they are readily available. Conclusion: The study denotes that solar ultraviolet radiation is an issue of global public health concern. Awareness is still a challenge and optometrists are well placed to create awareness. Public health act should initiate a policy on the attenuation of solar ultraviolet radiation.

Immigrant women living homeless in Madrid (Spain).

Homeless people are one of the most obvious embodiments of the phenomenon of social exclusion, and homeless immigrants and homeless women are considered 2 particularly vulnerable groups. The objective of this article is to analyze the differences between women living homeless born in Spain (nonimmigrants) and those born abroad (immigrants). The study was carried out based on the data obtained from a sample of women living homeless in Madrid (Spain; N = 136). The information was collected using a structured interview. The results show major similarities between immigrant and nonimmigrant homeless women in terms of their basic sociodemographic characteristics (age, marital status, number of children), their state of health, satisfaction with their family and/or partner relationships, and feelings of loneliness or abandonment. Fewer immigrant women had their documentation in order, they received fewer financial benefits and their contact with their family of origin was more limited. However, the immigrant women became homeless at an older age and were subject to less chronic homelessness, their levels of consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive substances were lower, they had experienced fewer stressful life events, more of them had completed higher education, and more of them used mobile telephones and the Internet. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Seafarers' well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

The public health strategies for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection have included closing the national borders and cancelling international flights, which has severely affected free crew changes. This caused prolonged stay on board or at home for seafarers, who should be recognized as 'key' workers regarding their essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods. Using a general inductive approach, this qualitative study aims to describe how the COVID-19 pandemic reflects on seafarers' well-being. The study focused on obtaining personal experiences from seafarers on board, and seafarers at home, relating to the current world pandemic. A convenience sample consisting of 752 seafarers from the international seafarers' population participated in an online study in spring 2020. The questionnaire used included questions relating to basic sociodemographic and work characteristics, and one open question which addressed seafarers' personal experiences. The data obtained was analysed by thematic analysis. The emerged themes included mental, physical, social and economic well-being. Most of the answers of seafarers located on board related to threatened mental, physical and social well-being, while seafarers at home reported mostly on threats to their economic well-being. Seafarers' well-being is seriously threatened by preventive measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results are discussed in relation to earlier findings in the area of occupational stress in seafaring. Overall, the data obtained portrays existing underlying occupational structures in the seafaring sector, which are rendered more visible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, seafarers describe their reality as far away from the concept of 'key' or 'essential' workers.

Time to recurrence after first-ever ischaemic stroke within 3 years and its risk factors in Chinese population: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the time of recurrent ischaemic stroke events among the first 3 years of follow-up after hospitalisation discharge.Study designA prospective cohort study.SettingThe research was conducted in...

Treatment-seeking for vaginal fistula in sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundThere is dearth of data regarding the treatment-seeking practice of women living with vaginal fistula. The paper describes the health-seeking behaviour of fistula cases in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where the burden of the problem is high.MethodsThe data of 1,317 women who ever experienced fistula-related symptom were extracted from 16 national Demographic and Health Surveys carried out in SSA between 2010 and 2017. The association between treatment-seeking and basic socio-demographic characteristics was analysed via mixed-effects logistic regression and the outputs are provided using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsAmong all women who had fistula-related symptom, 67.6% encountered the problem soon after delivery, possibly implying obstetric fistula. Fewer identified sexual assault (3.8%) and pelvic surgery (2.7%) as the underlying cause. In 25.8% of the cases clear-cut causes couldn’t be ascertained and, excluding these ambiguous causes, 91.2% of the women possibly had obstetric fistula. Among those who ever had any kind of fistula, 60.3% (95% CI: 56.9–63.6%) sought treatment and 28.5% (95% CI: 25.3–31.6%) underwent fistula-repair surgery. The leading reasons for not seeking treatment were: unaware that it can be repaired (21.4%), don’t know where to get the treatment (17.4%), economic constraints (11.9%), the fistula healed by itself (11.9%) and feeling of embarrassment (7.9%). The regression analysis indicated, teenagers as compared to adults 35 years or older [AOR = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.20–47)]; and women without formal education compared to women with formal education [AOR = 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51–0.93)], had reduced odds of treatment-seeking. In 25.9% of the women who underwent fistula-repair surgery, complete continence after surgery was not achieved.ConclusionTreatment-seeking for fistula remains low and it should be improved through addressing health-system, psycho-social, economic and awareness barriers.