Cluster Sampling Research Articles

Keefektifan Model Problem Based Learning Berbantuan Concept Mapping Pada Materi Sistem Reproduksi Manusia Untuk Meningkatkan Literasi Sains dan Keterampilan Berdiskusi Kelompok Siswa SMA

The learning process consists of a sequence of instructional and learning exercises designed to ascertain the efficacy of concept mapping-aided problem-based learning model on the human reproduction system in raising science literacy as well as the efficacy of the model on the human reproduction system in raising students' discussion skills at SMAN 1 Kasihan. This research employed a quasi-experiment design. The samples of this research were selected using random cluster sampling, consisting of 1 control class used scientific learning approach and 1 experimental class used Problem Based Learning model and Concept Mapping strategy. A descriptive and inferential statistics Independent Sample T-test were employed to analyzed the data. The study's findings indicated that the experimental class's pre-test score was 46.97 and the control class's was 45.53. In addition, the experimental class scored 81.86 on the post-test, whereas the control class scored 62.28. The experimental class has a 0.7 N-Gain score in scientific literacy, whereas the control class has a 0.4 score. Based on the Independent Sample T-test findings, p=0.000 (p<0.05) is the significance threshold. It can be stated that students at SMA N 1 Kasihan's science literacy and group discussion abilities are successfully increased by Concept Mapping-aided Problem Based Learning (PBL) model on human reproduction material.

Characterising galaxy clusters’ completeness function in Planck with hydrodynamical simulations

Galaxy cluster number counts are an important probe with which to constrain cosmological parameters. One of the main ingredients of the analysis, along with accurate estimates of cluster masses, is the selection function, and in particular the completeness associated with the cluster sample under consideration. Incorrectly characterising this function can lead to biases in cosmological constraints. In this work, we want to study the completeness of the Planck cluster catalogue, estimating the probability of cluster detection in a realistic setting using hydrodynamical simulations. In particular, we probe the case in which the cluster model assumed in the detection method differs from the shapes and profiles of true galaxy clusters. We created around 9000 images of the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect from galaxy clusters from the IllustrisTNG simulation, and used a Monte Carlo injection method to estimate the completeness function. We studied the impact of having different cluster pressure profiles and complex cluster morphologies on the detection process. We find that the cluster profile has a significant effect on completeness, with clusters with steeper profiles producing a higher completeness than ones with flatter profiles. We also show that cluster morphology has a small impact on completeness, finding that elliptical clusters have a slightly lower probability of detection with respect to spherically symmetric ones. Finally, we investigate the impact of a different completeness function on a cosmological analysis with cluster number counts, showing a shift in the constraints on Ωm and σ8 that lies in the same direction as the shift driven by the mass bias.

Effect of partial pulp removal and fermentation duration on drying behavior, nib acidification, fermentation quality, and flavor attributes of Ghanaian cocoa beans

The study investigated the impact of partial pulp removal (PPR) and fermentation duration (FD) on drying behavior, quality attributes and flavor profile of cocoa beans. The research explored the use of PPR (ranging from 0 % to 100 %) at various FDs (0–6 days) as potential pulp pre-conditioning technique to enhance the drying time, pH, titratable acidity (TTA), fermentation quality (FQ), fermentation index (FI), and flavor attributes of fermented and sun-dried Ghanaian cocoa beans. The results revealed a significant reduction in drying time from 144 to 4.3 h for the 6 days fermented beans subjected to 0–100 % PPR treatment. Nib pH levels increased from 5.28 to 5.74, while the nib TTA values decreased from 0.083 to 0.013 meq NaOH/100g for PPR treatment ratios of 0 %–100 % PPR, respectively. The FQ and FI values peaked at 98.7 % and 1.19 for the 50 % PPR treatment before decreasing to 58.3 % and 0.098, respectively, at 100 % PPR. Sensory evaluation revealed improved overall flavor quality scores with increasing PPR, reaching a maximum of 44.8 at 50 % PPR before reducing to 34.0 at 100 % PPR. Principal component analysis clustered samples according to the PPR treatment ratio, fermentation duration, and quality parameters measured. Optimal conditions for enhanced nib acidification, fermentation quality, and flavor attributes were identified at 50 % PPR and 6-days fermentation using the response surface methodology. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of PPR as a pulp pre-conditioning technique to improve drying time and enhance the quality of cocoa beans.

Home Anxiety Assessment and Influencing Factors among Adolescent Athletes in Yantai City.

To understand the prevalence of home-related anxiety among adolescent athletes during the novel coronavirus pandemic and to ascertain the factors influencing this anxiety. We employed cluster sampling to select 1150 adolescent athletes (aged 8-18 years) from six sports training schools in Yantai City, Shandong Province. Mental health status was assessed and recorded. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the factors contributing to athletes' anxiety. The survey revealed a COVID-19 infection rate of 38.23% (437 individuals) with an anxiety score of 40.98 ± 8.20 and an anxiety detection rate of 11.29% (129 individuals) during the COVID-19 epidemic. Female athletes exhibited a higher anxiety rate of 14.40% compared to 8.40% in male athletes. Multivariate analysis identified female gender as a risk factor for anxiety (OR = 1.64), while participation in aquatics emerged as a protective factor (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 1.08-2.48). Professional training duration exceeding three years increased anxiety risk (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.67-5.58), as did not seeking help during difficulties (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.33-5.01). Interestingly, parental care was linked to increased anxiety risk (OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.34-4.44), while care from friends was protective (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-1.01), which was possibly due to the pressure associated with parental expectations. Adolescent athletes, particularly females and those with extended training durations, exhibit a heightened susceptibility to anxiety. This study also highlights that athletes who proactively seek assistance during challenging situations tend to experience lower anxiety levels. Additionally, a lack of COVID-19 infection and the involvement of concerned parents contribute to reduced anxiety among these young athletes.

Access to drinking safe water and its associated factors among households in East Africa: a mixed effect analysis using 12 East African countries recent national health survey

BackgroundMore than half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces limited access to safe drinking water. Unimproved water sources can pose risks to the health of entire households, particularly women and children. Despite the fact that East African countries have some of the poorest drinking water infrastructures globally, there is a lack of published data on this issue. Consequently, the objective of this study was to examine access to safe drinking water and its determinants among households in East Africa, utilizing recent nationally representative data.MethodsThis study analyzed data from recent demographic and health surveys conducted in 12 East African nations between 2011 and 2022. Data were gathered from 204,275 households. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling method was employed, with enumeration areas serving as the main sampling units and households serving as the secondary sampling units. Binary and multiple multilevel logistic regression were used to examine the relevant factors associated with the use of different sources of drinking water in the region. In binary regression and multiple regression, P values of ≤ 0.2 and < 0.05, respectively, were used to determine the statistical significance of variables in the final model.ResultsApproximately 72.62% (95% CI = 72.43, 72.83) of households have utilized improved sources of drinking water. Household heads aged 25–35 years (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.14), 36–45 years (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.14), and > 45 years (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.14), those with secondary/higher education (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.20–1.29), and individuals in wealth index categories of poorest (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.18), poorer (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.22), middle (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.27), and richer (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.38) were associated with improved sources of drinking water. Additionally, female household leaders (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.26), > 30 min of time taken to access the water source (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.95, 2.05), improved toilet facilities (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 2.19, 2.31), rural residence (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.45), high community wealth (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.13–1.51), community media exposure (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.51) were associated with improved sources of drinking water, respectively.ConclusionApproximately three-quarters of the population in East Africa has access to improved drinking water, although the quality of water in the region is still considered poor. It is important for relevant organizations to collaborate in order to improve the quality of drinking water, with special attention given to high-risk groups such as communities with high poverty and low literacy rates, poor households, and rural residents. Strengthening women’s empowerment and increasing mass media exposure can also play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of improved drinking water sources in East Africa.

Tourist Preferences, the Use of Social Media, and Travel Behaviours among Youth in Malaysia

The tourism sector in Malaysia plays a significant role in driving economic development, with particular emphasis on the youth travel market. The influence of social media on young individuals' travel preferences and behaviours is of considerable importance. However, there still needs to be more understanding of the specific relationship between tourist preferences, social media use, and travel behaviour among youth in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the relationship using a quantitative research design. A cluster sampling technique was used to select a sample of youth in Malaysia. Data were collected through an online survey and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics Pearson Correlation. The study showed that social media significantly affects young travel behaviour, social media use, and tourist behaviour in Malaysia. The tourist preferences (min=4.352), use of social media (min = 4.005) and travel behaviour (min = 4.238). Pearson Correlation was used to determine the significant relationship between tourist preferences, the use of social media and travel behaviour. The results showed that travel behaviour was positively and significantly correlated with tourist preferences (r = 0.6282, p &lt; 0.01) and the use of social media (r = 0.540, p &lt; 0.01). These results contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between tourist preferences, social media use, and travel behaviour among youth in Malaysia. The findings are also expected to interest tourism marketers and policymakers in developing strategies to attract and retain youth travellers.

An empirical study on the relationship between rider recreational specialization, individual-environment fit, and heart flow experience

The aim of the study is to create and validate a model of the relationship between specialization in leisure activities, the individual's adaptation to the environment and the heart flow experience. In order to clarify the role of the individual's adaptation to the environment in the relationship between specialization in leisure activities and the heart flow experience. The study utilized purposive sampling, cluster sampling, and random sampling. Using questionnaires and interviews to survey 525 cycling enthusiasts. Descriptive analysis, model construction and testing of the constructed path relationships were conducted using SPSS 20.0 and Amos 20.0. The results indicate that the model of the relationship between recovery specialization, individual-environment fit and heart flow experience has a good overall fit. The model shows good reliability and validity. Cyclists' recreational specialization has a statistically significant effect on individual-environment fit (β = 0.38, P < 0.001). The fit between individual and environment has a statistically significant influence on the heart flow experience (β = 0.39, P < 0.001). The fit between individual and environment serves as a mediating variable between recreational specialization and the heart flow experience, with the path showing statistical significance (β = 0.15, P < 0.001). Recreational specialization has a statistically significant effect on the heart flow experience (β = 0.30, P < 0.001). And the overall path of the effects of recreational specialization of cyclists on the fit between individual and environment is (β = 0.45, P < 0.001), with the path showing statistical significance. ConclusionThe stronger the recreational specialization of cyclists and the greater the fit between individual and environment, the stronger their heart flow experience. The fit between individual and environment plays a partially mediating role.

Entrepreneurial Innovation Competence and Growth of Micro and Small Enterprise in Nairobi County

Purpose: Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are important drivers of economic growth and development in Kenya. These enterprises create employment, facilitate wealth creation and form the backbone for private sector growth and expansion. The numerous challenges facing MSEs in Kenya are both internal and external to their operations. Many businesses are characterized by entrepreneurs’ lack of proper entrepreneurial training, lack of marketing capacity and broad operational capacity, lack of business innovation, inadequate business training, lack of motivation for business and pro-activeness. The purpose of the study was to evaluate how entrepreneurial innovation competence influences the growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. There were 1,236,907 operating businesses categorized as MSEs in Nairobi County by the year 2020. To select the MSE in all the regions in Nairobi County, cluster sampling techniques was employed, first to identify the various MSEs and clusters relevant to this study. Seventeen clusters were identified according to where they are located. 384 respondents formed the study sample. The selection of the sample from each cluster of the study was through simple random sampling. The study used a questionnaire to collect primary data, which was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Findings: The findings showed that an increase in Innovation competence would result to increase in growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. The findings showed that a unit increase in Entrepreneurial Innovation competence would result to an increase of 0.622 units in growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. The univariate analysis fitted to test the relationship between innovation competence and growth of micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County show that entrepreneurial innovation competence explained 31.2% of the variation in growth of micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County other factors held constant. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory that underpinned the study was entrepreneurial competency theory. This study recommended that micro and small enterprises should invest in technological innovation to enhance their growth. Investing in the latest software and hardware solutions can help increase productivity, streamline operations, and improve customer service. Additionally, investing in technology can help micro and small enterprises stay competitive in the global marketplace.

Entrepreneurial Motivation Competence and Growth of Micro and Small Enterprise in Nairobi County

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish how entrepreneurial motivation competence influences the growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are important drivers of economic growth and development in Kenya. These enterprises create employment, facilitate wealth creation and form the backbone for private sector growth and expansion. The numerous challenges facing MSEs in Kenya are both internal and external to their operations. Many businesses are characterized by entrepreneurs’ lack of proper entrepreneurial training, lack of marketing capacity and broad operational capacity, lack of business innovation, inadequate business training, lack of motivation for business and pro-activeness. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. There were 1,236,907 operating businesses categorized as MSEs in Nairobi County by the year 2020. To select the MSE in all the regions in Nairobi County, cluster sampling techniques was employed, first to identify the various MSEs and clusters relevant to this study. Seventeen clusters were identified according to where they are located. 384 respondents formed the study sample. The selection of the sample from each cluster of the study was through simple random sampling. The study used a questionnaire to collect primary data, which was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Findings: The findings showed that an increase in Innovation competence would result to increase in growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. The findings showed that a unit increase in Entrepreneurial Motivation competence would result to an increase of 0.639 units in growth of micro and small enterprise in Nairobi County. The univariate analysis fitted to test the relationship between motivation competence and growth of micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County show that entrepreneurial motivation competence explained 29.9% of the variation in growth of micro and small enterprises in Nairobi County other factors held constant. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory that underpinned the study was entrepreneurial competency theory. This study recommended that micro and small enterprises should have a strong mission and vision that is shared with all employees. This will help to create a shared sense of purpose and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal. Investing in training and development will help to increase employee motivation.

#1427 Comparison of METS-IR and HOMA-IR for predicting new-onset CKD in middle-aged and older adults

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a mounting public health issue worldwide; therefore, prompt identification and prevention are imperative in mitigating CKD-associated complications and mortality rate. We aimed to compare the predictive powers of the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) for CKD incidence in middle-aged and older adults. Method This study used longitudinal prospective cohort data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. A total of 10,030 participants, aged 40–69 years, residing in the Ansung or Ansan regions of the Republic of Korea, were recruited between 2001 and 2002 through a two-stage cluster sampling method. We compared the predictive powers of METS-IR and HOMA-IR for CKD prevalence and incidence, respectively. CKD prevalence was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the indices’ predictive performance for CKD incidence were assessed using Harrell's concordance index and time-dependent ROC curve analysis. Results A total of 9261 adults aged 40–69 years at baseline and 8243 adults without CKD were included in this study. The AUCs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of HOMA-IR and METS-IR for CKD prevalence at baseline were 0.577 (0.537–0.618) and 0.599 (0.560–0.637), respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.337). The Heagerty's integrated AUC for METS-IR in predicting CKD incidence was 0.772 (95% CI 0.750–0.799), which was significantly higher than that of HOMA-IR (0.767 [95% CI 0.742–0.791], p = 0.015). Conclusion METS-IR surpassed HOMA-IR in predicting CKD incidence and was as effective as HOMA-IR in predicting CKD prevalence. This implies that METS-IR could be a valuable indicator for early detection and prevention of CKD among Korean adults.

Suicide among Reproductive-Age Women in Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Suicide is one of the global burdens of morbidity and mortality in all reproductive-age women population groups across the world. It is one of the most significant contributors to the global burden of illness and a cause of morbidity. This study is aimed at finding out how it occurred and what risk factors were related to suicidal ideation and attempts among women in the reproductive-age group. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using a multistage cluster sampling technique to get a total of 590 study participants from March to April 2021. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed in bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Variables with a p value &lt;0.05 were declared to be associated risk factors with the outcome variable. Results. A total of 590 of the 598 sampled women participated, with a response rate of 98.7%. A one-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 2.9% (95% CI: 1.5%, 4.4%) and 2.5% (95% CI: 1.4%, 3.7%), respectively. Intimate partner violence (AOR=4.69, 95% CI: 1.53, 14.45), depression (AOR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.11, 9.85), and history of mental illness (AOR=5.18, 95% CI: 1.55, 17.32) were associated risk factors for suicide ideation. Anxiety (AOR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.17, 10.81), being unmarried (AOR=4.39, 95% CI: 1.49, 12.87), and history of mental illness (AOR=7.95, 95% CI: 2.42, 26.15) were associated risk factors for suicide attempts. Conclusion. SI and SA are prevalent in reproductive-age women. Intimate partner violence, depression, anxiety, a history of mental illness, and being single were associated factors. This implies that providing relevant information, education, and continuing support is very crucial for reproductive-age group women to decrease the incidence and risk factors of suicide.

Fostering emotional well-being in adolescents: the role of physical activity, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal forgiveness.

Adolescence is considered a stress-sensitive developmental period, and the escalating and sustained pressure during this phase poses a significant threat to the mental and physical well-being of adolescents. Therefore, enhancing positive emotions in adolescents is crucial. This study aims to investigate the impact of physical activity on the emotional intelligence, interpersonal forgiveness, and positive emotions of adolescents. Using a cluster sampling method, data were collected from 500 adolescents in four schools across the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province, China. A total of 428 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The study employed AMOS v.23 to construct a structural equation model to validate the hypotheses. The results indicate that physical activity significantly influences the emotional intelligence, interpersonal forgiveness, and positive emotions of adolescents. Furthermore, emotional intelligence and interpersonal forgiveness mediate the relationship between physical activity and positive emotions. Based on these findings, collaborative efforts from government agencies, schools, and families are essential to provide robust support for adolescents' participation in physical activity, encouraging more adolescents to actively engage in sports.

Effectiveness of a school-based Life Gatekeeper Training Program on suicide prevention in China: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWith suicide as a leading cause of death, the issue of children and adolescent suicide risks is in the spotlight today. To empower teachers in primary and secondary schools to serve as gatekeepers and to ensure the safety of children and adolescents, the systematically tailored and localized Life Gatekeeper suicide prevention program was designed for Chinese schools.ObjectiveWith the ultimate goal of preventing child and adolescent suicide, we aim to outline a research protocol for examining outcomes of the recently created standardized school-based Life Gatekeeper program in reducing teachers’ stigma, increasing their knowledge, willingness to intervene, and perceived competence.MethodsParticipants will be recruited from eligible primary and secondary schools. Cluster sampling will be used to randomly assign each school to either the intervention group or the control group. The primary outcomes are stigma against suicide, suicide literacy, perceived competence, and willingness to intervene with suicidal individuals, which will be measured using the Stigma of Suicide Scale, the Literacy of Suicide Scale, and the Willingness to Intervene Against Suicide Questionnaire, respectively. Measurements will be taken at four time points, including pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, 6-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsThe current study features innovative implementation in the real world, by using a randomized controlled trial design to examine the effectiveness of a school-based gatekeeper program among primary and secondary school teachers, following a sequence of defined and refined steps. The research will also investigate the viability of a school-based gatekeeper program for primary and secondary school teachers that could be quickly and inexpensively implemented in a large number of schools.

The Mediating Role of Health-Promoting Lifestyle in the Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Anxiety in Adults of Sistan and Baluchistan Province

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate the mediating role of health-promoting lifestyle in the relationship between physical activity level and anxiety in adults of Sistan and Baluchistan. Methods: The method of research was descriptive and its design was of the correlation, which was carried out by the field. The statistical population included adults (15 years old and above) among them 360 people in the cities of Saravan, Chabahar, Zahedan, and Soran by Cluster sampling were selected. To collect the data, the standard health-promoting lifestyle questionnaires of Walker et al. (1997), Spielberger's anxiety (1970), and IPAQ Physical activity were used. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling with AMOS. Results: The results showed that physical activity has a direct and significant effect on the health-promoting lifestyle, the effect of physical activity on anxiety was negative and significant, effect of health-promoting style on anxiety was observed to be negative and significant. The results showed an indirect and significant effect of physical activity on anxiety through a health-promoting lifestyle. Conclusion: Findings show the importance of a health-promoting lifestyle as a mediator in reducing anxiety; therefore, improving lifestyle will facilitate the effect of physical activity on reducing anxiety.

From classroom to entrepreneurship: the link between educator competencies, entrepreneurial literacy and entrepreneurial behaviour in higher education

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine the relationship between educators' professional competence, pedagogical competence and the entrepreneurial behaviour of students in higher education as well as the role of entrepreneurial literacy in mediating these variables.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved a sample of 361 students from several universities in Indonesia. A probability sampling method approach with cluster sampling was applied to collect the data, which aims to ensure the representation of each region in Indonesia. The data were retrieved through self-administered questionnaires and structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the relationship between each variable.FindingsThe results revealed a positive and significant relationship between educator competencies and students' entrepreneurial behaviour: professional competence (β = 0.26, p &lt; 0.001) and pedagogical competence (β = 0.27, p &lt; 0.001), indicating that higher educator competencies levels were associated with greater students' entrepreneurial behaviour. The mediation analysis showed that entrepreneurial literacy was partially mediated for professional competence (LL = 0.42; UL = 0.460, p &lt; 0.008) and fully mediated for pedagogical competence (β = 0.021; β = 0.375, p &lt; 0.058).Research limitations/implicationsA study solely concerned with a specific group of educators and students in a particular region as well as a cross-sectional study, may lead to generalisations of the findings. Future studies could expand the sample size and include a more diverse group of participants to increase the external validity of the results.Practical implicationsIt offers valuable insights for educational institutions, policymakers and educators themselves, who can use the findings to design effective entrepreneurship education programmes and initiatives.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field of higher education by emphasising the importance of educators as catalysts for entrepreneurship and by providing guidance on how to enhance their competencies and literacy in fostering entrepreneurial behaviour among students.

Factors associated with depression among war-affected population in Northeast, Ethiopia

BackgroundDepression is the most common mental health outcome of exposure to war-related traumatic stressors. Due to inter-communal conflict, Dessie City residents have experienced prolonged armed conflict in 2021. This conflict leads to widespread violence, negative impact on mental health, and large-scale forced migration. However, the problem is not properly addressed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of depression in the war-affected area in Dessie City, Ethiopia.MethodA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 785 participants in 2022. The study subjects were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. The outcome measures used in the study were validated with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data was entered using Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 25 was used to analyze data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were done to identify factors related to depression. In multivariable logistic regression variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant and, adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was used to present the strength of the association.ResultThe prevalence of depression among participants was found to be 24.5% (95% CI,21.7, 27.5). In multivariable analysis, post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.76–4.43), middle-perceived life threats (AOR = 8.25, 95% CI 2.47–17.49), low social support (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.23–2.96) were variables significantly associated with depression.ConclusionThis study found a high prevalence of depression among Dessie City residents. post-traumatic stress disorder, middle-perceived life threats, and low social support were associated with depression. Interventional strategies should be implemented to promote healing, resilience, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities. However, the findings underscore the need to address the current lack of mental health care resources in post-conflict populations.

Overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria; an emerging, but under-reported epidemic

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are increasing at epidemic levels in all ages globally, but there is little nationally representative data on female adolescents in Nigeria. The focus on female adolescents is important because of the negative implications of overweight and obesity on their health and survival, and that of their unborn children.AimTo estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria.MethodsCross-sectional study using data from the Nigeria demographic and health survey, 2018. A total of 2,721 female adolescents aged 15–19 years were selected using cluster sampling technique. Overweight and obesity were determined using BMI-for-age reference values of World Health Organization and different explanatory variables at the individual, household and community levels were included. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of overweight/obesity using five models.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 16.8 ± 1.4 years. The prevalence rate of overweight/obesity was 10.2%, but with a large variation in the geographical and socio-economic distribution. At the crude/unadjusted rate, nearly all the explanatory variables showed a statistically significant association with overweight and obesity, but at the full model which controlled for all the explanatory variables, only the household wealth index retained its statistically significant association, such that female adolescents who were from richer and richest households had about 3 times higher odds of being obese compared to those from the poorest households. (OR: 2.7; p = 0.018; CI: 1.18–6.18), (OR: 2.8; p = 0.027; CI: 1.13–7.06) respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight/obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria was 10.2%. The household wealth index remained the only factor with a statistically significant association with overweight and obesity after controlling for confounders. Efforts at addressing overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Nigeria should target those from the richer/richest households.

Over 200 globular clusters in the Milky Way and still none with super-Solar metallicity

A large number of globular clusters in the Milky Way have been studied in recent years, especially in hidden regions such as those of the Galactic bulge. The main goal of this work is to understand what we can learn if we include these new objects into the Milky Way globular cluster (GC) system that we know today. We compiled a catalog of 37 recently discovered globular clusters. Most of them are located in the Galactic bulge, but we also included some of the GCs for comparison. We used a range of distributions for investigating the Galactic GC system based on the metallicity, luminosity function, and age. We considered three samples. We first treated the new GC sample separately from the known and well characterized GCs. Consequently, we merged these two samples, thereby upgrading the Milky Way GC system. Furthermore, we performed a comparison between our clusters sample and the field star population. We found a double-peaked distribution for the luminosity function, which shows an elongated faint end tail. Considering the "merged" sample, the luminosity function peaks at $M_ V up 1.3$ mag and at V up 0.48$ mag. The metallicity distributions also display a bimodality trend. In this case, we compare our new sample compilation with previously published ones, finding that the distributions are in good general agreement. We also constructed the metallicity distribution for the field star sample and, by comparing it with that of the GCs, we learned that a high percentage of field stars show Fe/H $&gt;0$; whereas we did not detect any GCs in the same metallicity range. To understand this inconsistency, we constructed the age-metallicity diagram for both samples, noting that the old and metal-poor population (age $ Gyr and Fe/H -1.0$) is represented by Gcs, while the young and metal-rich population (age $&lt;8$ Gyr and Fe/H $&gt;-1.0$) corresponds to field stars. From the analysis of the GC luminosity function and metallicity distribution, we can conclude that many GCs, probably those that are very faint, have survived strong dynamical processes that are typical of the bulge regions. Moreover, we cannot exclude the possibility that some of them have been accreted during past merging events, especially the metal-poor component, whereas the metal-rich population may be related to the formation of the bulge and/or disk. Finally, the difference that we notice between the cluster and field star samples should be explored in the context of the evolutionary differences among these two stellar populations.

Role of food choice motives in the socio-economic disparities in diet diversity and obesity outcomes in Kenya.

The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, along with high diet diversity, is observed among higher socio-economic groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. One contributing factor to these observed variations is food choice motives. However, the role of these motives in explaining the observed differences has not been thoroughly explored in this context. This study investigates whether there are significant differences in food choice motives among socio-economic groups and whether these variations can partly explain the socio-economic disparities in diet diversity and overweight and obesity outcomes. This study utilizes cross-sectional data from four counties in Kenya: Kiambu, Murang'a, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru. The survey employed a three-stage cluster sample design to gather data using structured questionnaires on food choice motives, diet diversity, and anthropometrics from 381 adults in 2022. The mediating effects of 8 food choice motives (health, mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, price, weight control, and familiarity) were analyzed using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. The results show that individuals with higher household incomes place greater importance on health, mood, sensory, and weight concerns. The probability of an overweight and obesity outcome increases by 19% for a standard deviation change in the asset score, and by 8% for a standard deviation change in the years of schooling. Sensory motives significantly mediated these relationships. Sensory motives explained 29% of the income-BMI association and 30% of the education-BMI relationship. Higher education was also associated with increased diet diversity (β = 0.36, P < 0.001) mediated by higher health and sensory concerns. The findings suggest significant differences in food choice motives among socio-economic groups, which contribute to outcomes such as overweight and obesity. Therefore, educational and other policies aimed at reducing obesity should also address food choice motives, while considering the disparities among socio-economic segments within populations.

Outcome Assessment of the implementation of Mass Drug Administration against Lymphatic Filariasis, in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) District of Karnataka state: A Cross Sectional Survey.

Mass Drug Administration of Di-Ethyl Carbamazine and Albendazole is an effective strategy recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent transmission and eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in India, Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is carried out as a yearly activity in endemic areas to accelerate the progress towards elimination of lymphatic Filariasis. The study was carried with the objective to determine the coverage of Mass Drug Administration against Lymphatic Filariasis among the eligible population in Kalaburagi district and delineate the common reasons for non acceptance of MDA. Field based cross sectional survey was carried out in Kalaburagi. Cluster sampling of 4 clusters (3 rural and 1 urban) from four different taluks (one cluster from each taluk) of the district reporting high, medium and low coverage of MDA (as reported by District Malaria Office) Members from selected Households in all clusters were interviewed regarding MDA administration, Directly Observed treatment, side effects and any co morbidities which ruled out MDA administration. Responses documented as tally marks in assessment sheets shared by National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme office. Proportions, frequencies, and mean were calculated and inferential statistics were used. A total of 1263 individuals were assessed for Mass Drug administration from a total of 240 households (60 households in each cluster). The coverage of MDA varied from 90.33% in Heerapur in Kalaburagi Urban to 97.87% in Mogala thanda (Chittapur Taluk). MDA Coverage against Lymphatic Filariasis has improved when compared to previous reported studies carried out and it has also exceeded the coverage threshold as determined by programme for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis.