Chi-square Statistical Test Research Articles

Thyroid Ultrasonography Screening of a Cohort of Male University Students

Objective: To assess thyroid ultrasonographic (US) findings from a male cohort of asymptomatic Saudi Arabian university students. Materials and Methods: Sixty-three university students were enrolled in a quantitative prospective study from February 2024 to April 2024. They were conveniently selected, excluding females. A MyLab40 US equipment system was used with a 7 MHz transducer. The thyroid was evaluated with US for size, echotexture, and abnormalities. The chi-square test, correlations, and descriptive statistics were applied for the data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.5 ± 1.1 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.03 ± 6.6. 95.2% of participants had normal findings; positive findings were found in 4.8 % of the participants. Of these, 1.6 % had multiple nodules, and 3.2 % had signs of thyroiditis. The statistical analysis revealed no significant association between right and left thyroid lobe lengths compared to BMI ( p = .7 right and left 0.3). Moreover, there was no association between the thyroid echo pattern and the BMI ( p = .4). Conclusion: This cohort study concluded that the thyroid US findings were very limited. There was no statistical correlation between the thyroid lobe length, thyroid echo pattern, compared to participants’ BMI.

OGC SO46 - Improving outcomes after oesophagectomy: The benefits of full robotic-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIO) demonstrated in the first 100 cases, at a high-volume UK unit

Abstract Background There is a rapid movement towards adoption of robotically assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIO) in the United Kingdom. Transition from an open or laparoscopic oesophagectomy to a RAMIO programme, which carries considerable financial and training cost, must ensure parity of oncological and perioperative outcomes. We sought to compare our centre’s results of the three standard approaches to two-phase oesophagectomy: Open/Open (Open); laparoscopic/robotic abdomen with open chest (Hybrid); and RAMIO. Method This prospective cohort study investigated the experience of five surgeons in a single high-volume UK institution. We analysed consecutive patients undergoing two-phase transthoracic oesophagectomy for oncological reasons between 2018 and 2024. The study period was divided into three cohorts: Open (2018-2020, n=61), Hybrid (2020-2023, n=82) and RAMIO (2023-2024, n=100). Patient demographics, tumour characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and oncological data were compared. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared statistical tests. Results No significant differences were observed in patient demographics or tumour stage between the groups. Comparison of Open vs. Hybrid vs. RAMIO demonstrated a significant reduction in major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥III), 34.4% vs. 23.2% vs. 14% (p=0.0014); pulmonary complications, 36.1% vs. 25.4% vs. 13% (p=0.0004); anastomotic leak rate, 11.5% vs. 2.4% vs. 4.0%, (p=0.0370); median length of stay, 14 vs. 12 vs. 8 days (p=0.0001); and mortality, 4.9% vs. 1.2% vs. 0% (p=0.0133) all favouring the RAMIO group in sub-group analysis. Median lymph node yields were comparable across groups, 49 vs. 43 vs. 43 (p=0.0876). Conclusion This single-institution study demonstrates potential benefits of transitioning from open or hybrid to RAMIO for oesophagectomy. RAMIO was associated with significantly reduced pulmonary complications, major complications and a shorter length of hospital stay. Oncological outcomes were maintained across all 3 techniques. These findings have important patient, financial, and resource implications, and support the continued adoption of RAMIO in the UK.

Abstract 4145834: Comparison of 30-Day Outcomes of TAVR vs. SAVR in Patients with Prior CABG: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Managing severe aortic stenosis in patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is challenging. Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) was the standard treatment, but transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers a less invasive alternative. This meta-analysis compares the 30-day outcomes of TAVR versus SAVR in patients with prior CABG. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing TAVR and SAVR in patients with prior CABG were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day (cardiovascular) CV mortality, all-cause mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Chi-squared test and I-squared statistic. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Nine studies with a total of 8,487 patients were included for the 30-day outcomes. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for 30-day CV mortality was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.48-2.06), with no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR (p=0.99). For 30-day all-cause mortality, the pooled OR was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.51-1.10), also showing no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR (p=0.14). The pooled OR for 30-day myocardial infarction was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.09-1.27), indicating no significant difference between TAVR and SAVR (p=0.11). However, the pooled OR for 30-day stroke was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50-0.90), showing a significantly lower incidence with TAVR compared to SAVR (p=0.007). Detailed results in Figure 1. Conclusion: In patients with a history of CABG, TAVR appears to have comparable 30-day outcomes to SAVR in terms of CV mortality, all-cause mortality, and myocardial infarction. However, TAVR is associated with a significantly lower incidence of 30-day stroke. These findings suggest that TAVR may be a safer option in the short term for this high-risk patient population. Further research is needed to confirm these results in larger, randomized controlled trials.

Accessibility and Utilization of Contraceptives and Its Associated Factors among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Introduction: The use of modern contraceptives among young citizens has been documented to be effective in reducing STIs, unwanted pregnancies, as well as teenage pregnancy. Therefore, it has become necessary to determine utilization patterns of contraceptive services among young individuals as it is very critical for planning to meet the reproductive needs of young persons. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted using 404 undergraduates from two tertiary institutions. Simple random sampling was utilized in the study. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of chi-square test at p < 0.05. Results: About 53.5% are between 18–22 years with a mean age of 22.62 ± 2.948; 51.5% are males, 88.6% still single. About 51.9% do not have access to contraceptives, and 66.83% are not utilizing contraceptives. Side effect of the drugs, lack of access to modern contraceptives, lack of money to access it and lack of appropriate knowledge of the one to use are major factors for non-utilization. Gender was not significantly associated with utilization of contraceptives (p = 0.204). A statistically significant association was observed between religion of the respondents and utilization of contraceptives (p = 0.013), and between accessibility of contraceptives and their utilization (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is poor accessibility and utilization of modern contra- ceptives among young people. Individual’s religion and accessibility could influence utilization.

Investigating climate change adaptation strategies among informal residents in Kumasi, Ghana, through the lenses of the social action and control theories

The urban poor in informal settlements in Ghana remain exposed and vulnerable to climate--induced hazards. Their exclusion from official adaptation interventions, undeniably calls for social mechanisms to enable them to adapt to climate change hazards such as heatwaves and floods. Individuals may contribute to exacerbating climate-induced hazards or employ adaptation measures as a common practice or due to their connectedness to a group, as hypothesised by the social action and social control theories, respectively. There is, however, no known study on the empirical and theoretical contributions of these theories to influencing climate change adaptation efforts in urban Africa. At best, studies have looked at the importance of individual and community skills, and assets to adapting to climate change hazards. Underpinned by the social action and social control theories, 367 household interviews, four focus group discussions and seven relevant agency interviews in two of Kumasi’s largest informal settlements – Aboabo and Asawase - were conducted to explore how elements of the theories shape hazard reduction and adaptation efforts, and discuss the barriers to building adaptation to climate impacts. We found that most households employed several adaptation measures because they saw other residents do the same which was confirmed by the Chi-square test statistic (χ2=4.968, p<0.000) and as hypothesised by the social action theory. Similarly, as hypothesised by the social control theory, we also found differences in the adaptation measures employed by households belonging to identified environment-related groups (χ2=21.465, p<0.001). This was, largely, because among other activities, the education and training exercises undertaken by the groups influenced the knowledge levels of members about climate change hazards and adaptation measures. The groups offer emotional, monetary, material, and practical support to cope within the short-term; first to the members, and the general residents, who are hit by disasters. Generally, adopted measures to reduce adverse impacts and build adaptation were unsustainable. This study is among few studies that demonstrate the contribution of social action and social control theories to managing and adapting climate change and its associated impacts in African cities.

Study on Seroprevalence and Leptospiral Antibody Distribution Among Livestock Breeders and Farmers in Golestan Province.

The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and the distribution of serovars in livestock breeders and farmers in Golestan province. Seventy samples of serum collected from farmers and ranchers suspected of leptospirosis were examined using an ELISA method for surveying Immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-leptospiria. Also from samples, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using by primers for 16s rRNA. Demographic properties of positive patients were analysed. Chi-square statistical test shows a statistically significant difference between the gender and prevalence leptospirosis (p-value = 0.004). Also, by examining the age, it was shown that 68.57% of patients are in the middleaged rang. According to the results obtained from the study and investigation of blood serum IgM-and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in people suspected of leptospirosis, 3 cases of the patients had IgM higher than 11 and were known to be positive for leptospirosis. Also, by examining the IgG level of patients, 5 cases had intermediate results, and 2 cases were found to be positive for IgG. The PCR results showed that 41.42% of patients tested positive for the 16s rRNA. Leptospirosis is a common disease among farmers, and in Golestan province, considering traditional farming methods, it is considered an important infectious disease. Therefore, health and safety measures should be expanded to control and prevent this disease. Also, by employing mechanised agricultural methods, the prevalence of leptospirosis in this region can be significantly reduced.

Factors Influencing the Incident of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Aged 12-59 Months in Wallandimu East Nusa Tenggara

Background: Acute Respiratory Infection Disease is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five in Indonesia, especially in East Nusa Tenggara. The implementation of the ISPA disease control program focuses on finding and treating sufferers as early as possible by involving the active role of cadres, integrated health service support and referrals to related health facilities, however, these control efforts have not shown significant results. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection Disease in children aged 12-59 months in the Wallandimu Community Health Center working area. Method: This research uses an analytical research design with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were toddlers aged 12-59 months in the Wallandimu health center working area and the sample in this study was 30 toddlers. The sampling technique in this research was simple random sampling. The Chi-Square statistical test was used to determine the relationship between variables. Results: The results of the research from 18 respondents showed complete immunization status (76.7%), poor nutritional status (60.0%), and insufficient knowledge (56,7%) regarding the incidence of ISPA in the Wallandimu Health Center working area. The results of bivariate analysis showed no influence between immunization status and the incidence of ISPA (p= 0.896 &gt; 0.05), there was an influence between nutritional status and the incidence of ISPA (p= 0.007 &lt; 0.05), there was an influence between maternal knowledge and the incidence of ISPA (p = 0.010 &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: It is hoped that the Wallandimu Community Health Center will further improve its health programs, especially the Acute Respiratory Infection Disease control program for toddlers and provide education regarding maternal knowledge and the dangers of malnutrition for toddlers, so that the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection Disease in children aged 12-59 months will decrease.

The Relationship Between Nutritional Status And The Development Of Children Aged 4-60 Months

Child development is an important aspect of human life, especially in the early period of life, which is often referred to as the critical or golden period as the child's brain undergoes rapid growth. Developmental disorders in children under five, especially in terms of motor skills, have a long-term impact on their development, and a child's nutritional status has been shown to play a role in the process. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between nutritional status and development of children aged 4-60 months in Jember Regency. The research method used was a quantitative correlational approach with a cross-sectional approach, involving a total of 57 children who had a Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS) as the population. From the results of the formula calculation, the sample size was determined as 50 respondents using a non-randomized (non-probability) method, namely purposive sampling based on certain criteria. The research instruments involved the Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS) to assess children's nutritional status and the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP) to identify children's development. The results of the chi-square statistical test revealed a significant relationship between nutritional status and development of children aged 4-60 months in Jember District. [ Children with good nutritional status show more optimal developmental progress, while children with poor nutritional status tend to experience slower or inappropriate development for their age. This finding supports theories that emphasize the importance of adequate nutrition for children's growth and development. Therefore, efforts to improve children's nutritional status should be a top priority in various child health and education programs. With the right understanding and action, we can help create a healthier and more potential future generation.

HEALTH EDUCATION ON MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES IN BABY MASSAGE INDEPENDENTLY

Background: Baby massage is a comfortable form of communication between mother and baby. Benefits of regular baby massage with proper techniques include increased baby weight gain, improved breast milk production, reduced maternal anxiety, and stronger bonding. Method: Quantitative research using a cross-sectional approach. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate techniques with chi-square statistical tests. The sample in this study consisted of 45 mothers with babies aged 0–12 months in Kedak Village, Semen, Kediri Regency. Sampling technique with accidental sampling. Respondents were given a questionnaire before and after participating in a health education session conducted using audiovisual media and leaflets. Result:The bivariate analysis using the chi-square test showed the value of Asymp. A significant relationship was found between pre-health education and the knowledge and attitude of mothers in massaging their baby independently, with a p-value of 0.000. Post-health education, the Asymp. significance level of p-value 0.001 indicates a relationship between mothers' knowledge and their attitude towards independently massaging their babies after health education. Conclusion: There is a relationship between health education and mothers' knowledge and attitude towards independently massaging their babies.

Treatment of kidney disease: an analytical decision model at a Swiss university hospital

Abstract Background An observational hospital-based cohort study, where the kidney disease staging is identified as a digital marker, and the association between the standardised staging of Kidney Disease (KD) and the outcomes is assessed along the treatment process. Methods The clinical and administrative data for all patients are stored in the Clinical Data Warehouse. A specific digital marker for an exact KD staging is applied. Three retrospective patient cohorts for exact and imprecise staging and missing diagnosis are defined and compared regarding the in-hospital mortality, all-cause mortality and disease progression. Results In total, 83146 hospitalisations of 40421 patients with KD, treated in 2014-2023 (2016-2023 will be updated) were identified; the number of the first hospitalisations with exact staging was 847 (2%), unprecise 29934 (72%) and missing diagnosis (26%). The demographic and baseline factors distribution between groups was tested with no association (chi-squared test statistic). The median survival time with a 95% CI was 7.94 (7.66, 8.81) years for the exact and 7.47 (7.42, 7.53) for the imprecise staging group. A log-rank and loglikelihood tests indicated a significant difference in survival between the groups, p &amp;lt; 0.0001. The Cox regression model shows a statistically significant difference in Hazard Ratio; KD staging, age, Elixhauser van Walraven index, treatment, nephrotoxic medication, contrast agent application, and AKI were identified as the significant covariates, C-statistic 0.730, Likelihood ratio test, Wald test, log-rank score on 42 df, p &amp;lt; 2e-16. ANOVA analysis confirmed a significant difference in cost distribution between the groups. An economic decision model proposal integrates the findings, combining a profile-level Markov cohort with a Discreet Time-To-Event Simulation DICE. Conclusions The study demonstrates a better outcome regarding all-cause mortality, in-hospital mortality, and costs if a standardised KD staging was applied. Key messages • Intuition (clinical judgement) and standardised kidney disease staging perform differently regarding clinical outcomes and costs. • The study demonstrates a better outcome regarding all-cause mortality, in-hospital mortality, and costs if a standardised KD staging was applied.

Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding in Rahayu Village, Sanggau, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Low coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in the community is generally influenced by a lack of maternal knowledge, family support, and cultural influences. This results in a very low exclusive breastfeeding coverage rate, which has the potential to cause various future health problems, such as infections, fevers, and other diseases. This study aims to identify the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding in Rahayu Village, Sanggau, West Kalimantan. This is an analytic observational study with a case-control design. The population consisted of mothers who had children aged from 6 months and 1 day to 24 months, totaling 90 people. A total of 72 respondents were purposively selected for this study. The analysis used the chi-square statistical test with a 95% confidence level. The results showed that there was a relationship between age (p=0.002; OR=5.3), education level (p=0.031; OR=3.2), IMD (p=0.017; OR=3.6), culture (p=0.000; OR=8.2), knowledge (p=0.000; OR=10), and family support (p=0.000; OR=17.5) and exclusive breastfeeding in the Rahayu Village Study Community in the Working Area of Puskesmas Pusat Damai, Sanggau. The study also found several factors that did not have a relationship with exclusive breastfeeding, including work (p=0.156), parity (p=0.236), income (p=1.000), birth attendants (p=0.107), and place of delivery (p=0.260). It is expected that all sectors of government agencies will collaborate to address issues related to knowledge, family support, and conflicting cultural traditions to better support exclusive breastfeeding programs.

Examining cardiac toxicity in HER2-positive breast cancer patients using trastuzumab and its influencing factors at Iran Hospital.

Trastuzumab is primarily utilized in the treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of cardiac toxicity associated with trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer patients at Iran Hospital in 2023, as well as the factors influencing this toxicity. In this cross-sectional study, 200 patients diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer and receiving trastuzumab were included. The criteria for heart failure in this study were defined as an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 50% or a decrease of greater than 10% in EF. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square statistical test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The mean age of the participants was 51.5 ± 2.5 years. The odds ratio (OR) for the variable of anthracyclines was 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2-1.4); for opium use, the OR was 2.7 (95% CI: 0.9-8.5); for diabetes, the OR was 2.7 (95% CI: 1.2-5.9); for ischemic heart disease, the OR was 3.5 (95% CI: 1.6-7.7); and for hypertension, the OR was 4.8 (95% CI: 2.1-10.7). The OR for obesity was 1.45 (95% CI: 1.01-2.18), and the OR for age was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01-1.12). No statistically significant association was found between opium use and cardiotoxicity (p = 0.07). This research contributes to the identification of factors that may predict responses to anthracyclines and the potential for cardiotoxicities. Ultimately, this information could inform the development of more personalized treatment strategies.

Impact of Academic Progress on the Mental Health of Young People in Nigeria: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students in South-Western Nigeria

Background: Education is important in forging a pathway to economic opportunity and social mobility. It is widely regarded as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of personal and social development. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study employs a quantitative data collection approach. Four hundred individuals were interviewed using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questions through a multi-stage sampling technique. After data analysis with SPSS version 26, a chi-square test statistic was employed to determine whether there was a significant relationship between the categorical variables, with a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: Out of 400 respondents, 211 (52.8%) male and 189 (47.2%) female were questioned. Nearly half of the respondents (49.0%) were between the ages of 19 and 21 years old. According to the survey, most of the respondents (70.0%) asserted that their current academic workload is heavy, while (18.0%) and (9.0%) described their workload as moderate and light, respectively. Additionally, (60.0%) of the respondents rated their overall academic performance as good. However, only (13.0%) acknowledged that academic pressure contributes to stress and anxiety in life and (79.0%) occasionally expressed stress related to academic demands. About (11.8%) and (8.8%) of the respondents reported having been diagnosed with a mental health disorder before and experienced symptoms of depression in the past month respectively. An additional (20.0%) of respondents reported having experienced depression, while (24.5%) and (23.5%) claimed to have experienced anxiety and stress, respectively. Moreover, (11.8%) reported experiencing panic attacks, and (5.3%) mentioned having had suicidal thoughts. More than half of the respondents used to exercise (59.0%) and engaged in hobbies or interests (56.5%) as coping mechanisms for academic stress. Additionally, (45.5%) practiced mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and (25.5%) sought social support to manage their academic stress. About (32.5%) of respondents claimed they were aware of mental health support services available at their institutions, compared to (67.5%) who were unaware of these services. Of those aware, (33.1%) had utilized mental health support services. Additionally, (44.2%) of respondents were satisfied with the mental health support services on campus, while (39.5%) were very satisfied. The study also reveals that there’s no statistically significant association between the age, gender, monthly upkeep of the respondents and utilization of mental health support services. Conclusion: There is a complex connection between academic performance, psychological well-being, and the use of coping strategies and mental health support services among university students. This underscores the importance of addressing students' mental health needs alongside providing academic assistance. Keywords: Mental health, Academic performance, Mental health support services, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mental health coping mechanisms

HUBUNGAN ANTARA DERAJAT HIPERTENSI DENGAN KUALITAS TIDUR PADA PASIEN HIPERTENSI DI RUMAH SAKIT PMI KOTA BOGOR

Background: According to the Ministry of Health (2021), Hypertension or high blood pressure is characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure exceeding 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure exceeding 90 mmHg in two measurements taken five minutes apart in a sufficiently rested/quiet state. Poor sleep quality occurs due to increased cortisol hormone, caused by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which enhances vasoconstrictor effects (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that influence the increase in blood pressure. Individuals with good sleep quality tend to experience a better quality of life. This study aims to determine the relationship between the degree of hypertension and sleep quality in hypertensive patients at PMI Hospital Bogor City in 2023. Method: This is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional analytical study design. The sampling technique used in this study is non-probability sampling with a sample size of 82 individuals using accidental sampling. Sleep quality was measured using the PSQI questionnaire. Data analysis employed univariate and bivariate analyses with the chi-square statistical test. Results: The Chi-square test analysis for the relationship between the degree of hypertension and sleep quality in hypertensive patients yielded a p-value of 0.115 (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it is concluded that there is no significant relationship between the degree of hypertension and sleep quality in hypertensive patients at PMI Hospital Bogor City in 2023. Keywords: Hypertension Severity; Sleep Quality; PSQI

ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR RISIKO YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN RUAM POPOK PADA BAYI DAN BALITA DI KELURAHAN TANJUNG BUNTUNG

Background: Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis) is an inflammatory eruption in the area covered by diapers. The usual initial symptoms of diaper rash are mild redness in the area around the use of diapers that is limited in nature accompanied by abrasions or minor wounds on the skin, shiny, sometimes similar to burns and wetness, red spots and swelling in the area most exposed to diapers. Method: This study is an observational analytic study using a cross sectional approach conducted in Tanjung Buntung Subdistrict, the work area of the Tanjung Buntung Health Center, Batam City in December 2023. The sampling technique was accidental sampling technique with a total sample size of 60 respondents. The data analysis used was univariate analysis and bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test Result: From the results of the study, it was found that the type of diaper, frequency of changing diapers, and diarrhea had an association with the incidence of diaper rash. The results of the Chi-Square statistical test obtained a p value for the type of diaper with the incidence of diaper rash 0.036 (&lt;0.05), the p value for the frequency of changing diapers with the incidence of diaper rash 0.042 (&lt;0.05), and the p value for diarrhea with the incidence of diaper rash 0.000 (&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Based on this study, there is a relationship between diaper type, frequency of diaper changing, and diarrhea with the incidence of diaper rash in infants and toddlers in Tanjung Buntung Subdistrict. Keywords: Diapers, Diarrhea, Diaper Rash

Assessing how load-shedding affects the generation of household food waste in Merafong City Local Municipality, South Africa

ABSTRACT The present study investigated levels of awareness about the impact of loadshedding on the generation of household food wastes in Merafong City Local Municipality in South Africa. The research also assessed the statistical associations between socio-economic factors and food waste generation due to load-shedding. The stratified systematic sampling approach was used to select 105 survey participants. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by means of a questionnaire. The survey data were captured in Microsoft Excel (SPSS) and analysed using the Chi-squared ( χ 2 ) test and descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed a very strong association between type of settlement ( χ 2 = 39.8, p = 0.002 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.355), monthly income ( χ 2 = 76.0, p = <0.001 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.381), and the number of people living in the household ( χ 2 = 38.8, p = 0.029 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.304) with the contribution of load-shedding to household food waste. Overall, the study has identified the contribution of loadshedding on food waste generation. It is thus imperative for future studies to not only quantify the impact of loadshedding on food waste generation in Merafong but to also develop strategies to mitigate these negative effects on communities.

A meta-analysis approach to evaluate the effects of early group housing on calf performance, health and behavior during the preweaning period

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early group housing on the performance, health, and behavior of dairy calves during the pre-weaning period using systematic and meta-analysis approaches. Peer-reviewed articles written in English that compared dairy calves individually and group-housed with performance, health, or behavior outcomes were collected from Web of Science, PubMed and CabDirect databases. The resulting articles (n = 850) underwent a PRISMA 4-step appraisal process, resulting in a final sample of 51 articles containing 85 studies. The weighted or standardized mean differences between individually and group [pair or group (with > 2 calves)] housed calves were analyzed for each variable using the Der-Simonian and Laird methods. Heterogeneity between calf housing systems was evaluated by the chi-squared test and I2 statistics. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify categorical covariate effects for variables with high heterogeneity. Most of the studies included in this review evaluated female calves (45.8%) weaned at 8 weeks old (52.6%). Housing systems were mainly paired housing (55.3%), followed by groups of 3 to 6 calves (30.65) and groups of 7 to 15 calves (4.7%). We did not find studies with comparable outcomes for more robust health parameters (as occurrence of diseases), only blood parameters, that were not influenced by the housing system (P > 0.05). But, weight gain and feed intake parameters were higher (P < 0.05) in group-housed calves. Through the meta-regression, we found that average daily gain was positively affected (P < 0.05) by the group housing in studies with calves housed in small pen areas (<1.5 m2 per calf). Group-housed calves presented more active behaviors (feeding and playing) and less stress-related behaviors (self-grooming and interacting with the pen) than individually-housed calves. The behavioral tests most used were novel object, human approach, novel environment, and social tests. Individually-housed calves presented fewer vocalizations on these tests and spent more time interacting with humans during the human approach test than group-housed calves. Our findings provide consistent evidence that group housing improves the welfare of dairy calves; however, the effects on health parameters are still scarce and unclear.

The Relationship Between Nutritional Status and the Incidence of Dysmenorrhea in Adolescent Girls: A Frequency Analysis Based on Nutritional Status Categories

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a common complaint that occurs during menstruation. The main research problem is that dysmenorrhea is often experienced by young women with high cases. The results of preliminary studies show that adolescents with poor nutritional status or malnutrition have a 50% risk of experiencing dysmenorrhea. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and the incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. Methods: This type of research is observational analytic with a cross-sectional design. The population is all students in class VII MTs. Negeri 2 Magetan, totaling 225 students. The sample size was 144 students, calculated using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique is simple random sampling using a lottery. The independent variable in this study is nutritional status, and the dependent variable is dysmenorrhea. Instruments for measuring height use a height-measuring device, and instruments for measuring body weight use a weight scale. The instrument for measuring dysmenorrhea uses a questionnaire. Nutritional status data was collected by measuring body weight and height, while dysmenorrhea data was collected by filling out questionnaires. Analyze the data descriptively, and test the hypothesis using the Chi-Square statistical test. Results: The results of the study obtained a picture of 144 female students studied, half of whom had abnormal nutritional status (54.9%), and dysmenorrhea (54.2%). The prevalence ratio of exposure to abnormal nutritional status to the incidence of dysmenorrhea is 0.91. Then at 95% significance, there is a relationship between nutritional status and dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a relationship between nutritional status and the incidence of dysmenorrhea in young women at MTs. Negeri 2 Magetan and the prevalence ratio of dysmenorrhea from exposure to abnormal nutritional status was 50.7%. Comprehensive nutritional education and early health intervention are recommended to prevent and reduce the risk of dysmenorrhea.

Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Sputum Conversion Time in Drug-Resistant Pulmonary TB Patients at Dr. Soebandi Regional General Hospital, Jember

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity in drug-resistant (DR) pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients can be associated with the treatment outcome. In DR-TB patients with DM, the immune system is impaired, which will decrease the success of treatment. Sputum conversion time is an indicator used to predict the treatment outcome. However, there is still no further study related to the association between DM comorbidity and the sputum conversion time in DR-TB patients, especially in Jember. This study aimed to determine the association between DM and sputum conversion time in DR-TB patients at Dr. Soebandi Regional General Hospital, Jember. Methods: This was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 122 samples of DR-TB patients were taken using the purposive sampling method in 2018-2023 at Dr. Soebandi Regional General Hospital, Jember. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square and logistic regression statistical test. Results: Chi-square analysis showed that DM (p = 0.015; OR = 2.604; 95% CI 1.195-5.674) and age (p = 0.021; OR = 0.377; 95% CI 0.162-0.878) were associated with sputum conversion time. Logistic regression showed that DM was the most associated variable with the sputum conversion time (p = 0.016; OR = 2.604; 95% CI 1.195-5.674) compared to gender, age, TB resistance type, and anti-TB regimen. Conclusion: DM is associated with prolonged sputum conversion time in DR-TB patients at Dr. Soebandi Regional General Hospital, Jember. DM was also the most associated variable with the sputum conversion time compared to gender, age, TB resistance type, and anti-TB regimen.

Incidence of Obesity in Diabetes Mellitus Rates, Profile of Teachers and Employees at SMA X Surabaya

Background: Reduced metabolic function can cause the human body to experience a lack of energy, resulting in the possibility of diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and even coronary heart disease. Objective: This study aims to analyze the incidence of obesity through Body Mass Index on the incidence of diabetes mellitus and Lipid Profile at SMA X Surabaya. Methods: The research design used was cross-sectional. Sampling was carried out using non-probability sampling with a random sampling technique. Data collection was carried out at SMA X Surabaya by 64 teachers and employees of SMA X Surabaya. Respondents were gathered to receive health education, then went through the registration stages, and vital signs, and then 5 mL of venous blood was taken to measure blood sugar levels and lipid profiles, namely total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This research uses the Chi-Square test statistical test. Result: There is a significant relationship based on the chi square test between body mass index and cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. because the p-value &lt; 0.05 is 0.041 and 0.050 respectively, but there is no significant relationship between body mass index and glucose levels with a p-value of 0.181. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the incidence of obesity through Body Mass Index and the incidence of Lipid Profile but there is no relationship with the incidence of diabetes mellitus at SMA X Surabaya