Analytical Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

The implementation of conscious sedation by dental professionals in Egypt: an analytical cross-sectional study

Conscious sedation is widely considered one of the techniques most commonly used to manage anxiety in both children and adults during dental procedures. The application of procedural sedation exhibits considerable variation globally. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of conscious sedation in the current situation in the dental healthcare sector in Egypt and to identify the factors influencing it. An online cross-sectional analytical survey, consisting of nine multiple choice questions, was distributed through the contact lists of national dentists and social media platforms. 163 respondents completed the survey. Regarding the use of conscious sedation, only 25 (15.3%),95% confidence interval (10–21) utilized it. The percentage of participants who used conscious sedation was higher among dentists practicing pediatric dental specialists (n = 19, 76%). Academic qualification correlates significantly with the practice of conscious sedation (P = 0.002), but this was not reflected in multiple logistic regression. Indeed, while conscious sedation is part of the dental study curriculum in Egypt, its application rate is relatively low compared to other countries. This discrepancy could be attributed to a variety of factors, including resource availability, lack of training, reflecting the need to develop strategies to improve the implementation of conscious sedation in Egyptian dental practices.

Examining Movement Patterns, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Hip Mobility in Office Workers With or Without Lower Back Pain: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Examining Movement Patterns, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Hip Mobility in Office Workers With or Without Lower Back Pain: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Geriatric nutritional risk index and quality of life among elderly hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

Background: Nutritional problems are considered one of the main complications of hemodialysis, and the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a new instrument for assessing geriatric nutritional status. The present study sought to evaluate the relationship between the GNRI and quality of life (QOL) among elderly hemodialysis patients. Methods: In the present analytical cross-sectional study, 110 hemodialysis individuals were selected by applying a simple random sampling method, among whom 57 and 53 were males and females, respectively (mean: 70.3±6.93 years). Demographic characteristics, GNRI, and QOL status were determined. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software and descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA, independent sample t-tests, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean GNRI and mean total QOL were respectively obtained 93.903±11.067 and 20.95 ± 4.89. Among females, a significant direct relationship was observed between GNRI and total QOL (P = 0.010, r = 0.352), autonomy (P = 0.004, r = 0.389), and pleasure (P = 0.015, r = 0.333), while GNRI was not directly and significantly related to QOL in males (P = 0.161, r = 0.188). Conclusion: Due to the presence of a significant association between Geriatric GNRI and QOL among elderly hemodialysis patients, particularly among females, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional status in optimizing well-being.

Quality of life of dermatology outpatients and its associated factors in Halibet National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea

Skin diseases are prevalent globally and can have detrimental effects on the individual’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The treatment of dermatological patients typically focuses on clinical signs and symptoms and a subjective view of the impact of the disease on the patient’s life. Assessing quality of life can help provide patients with better service, by acknowledging their real needs and interfering with treatment decisions. The aim of the study was therefore to assess quality of life of dermatology outpatients and its associated factors. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the dermatology clinic of Halibet National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea. HRQoL data were collected between May 6 and August 18, 2022 using a validated standard tool (Skindex-29). Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and paired t-test were employed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version-26.0). A total of 375 dermatology clinic out-patients with a median age of 29 (Interquartile range: 25) were included in the study. The most commonly seen skin diseases were eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea pedis. Emotion, symptom, and functioning domains of HRQoL were severely impaired in 75.7%, 50.4% and 57.6% of all dermatology outpatients, respectively. More than half of the respondents (57.9%) had a severely impaired overall HRQoL. In the overall HRQoL, being a rural resident [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.18, 3.33] and presence of chronic illness (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22, 3.82) were significantly associated with severely impaired overall quality of life. A significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed in emotion [Mean (M) = 55.60, Standard Deviation (SD) = 21.0] as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). On the other hand, significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed on symptom (M = 54.08, SD = 20.5) as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). Skin diseases severely affected the emotion, functioning, and symptom domains of health-related quality of life. This highlights the importance of providing physical and psychosocial support to patients with dermatologic problems.

Correlation of Soil Contamination and Incident of STH Infection in Sukokerto Village Sukowono District Jember Regency

The most common worm infections are those caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection. Soil contamination is one of the causes of helminth transmission to humans. Poor environmental sanitation and personal hygiene facilitate the spread and transmission of STH. Jember is a district where the majority of the population lives in rural areas with poor sanitation access. This study aims to determine the correlation between soil contamination and incident of STH infection in Sukokerto Village, Sukowono District, Jember Regency. This cross-sectional analytic observational study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023. The total of samples in this study was 44 fecal and soil around the house. The data obtained from the laboratory examination showed that the total fecal positive of STH was 11 or 25%, and soil was 13 or 29.5%. The results of the Chi-Square test analysis obtained ρ&lt;0.05 (ρ=0.036, OR=4,457). The results showed a significant relationship between soil contamination and the incidence of STH infection in Sukokerto Village, Sukowo District, Jember Regency

Outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months Before and After the Institution of the Malnutrition Treatment Centre in the Regional Hospital Limbe, Southwest Region of Cameroon

Background: Malnutrition occurs when nutrient and energy intake do not meet, or exceed an individual’s requirements to maintain growth, immunity, and organ function. In 2020, among children 0-59 months worldwide, 21.3% (144 million) were stunted and 6.9% (47 million) were wasted. The Malnutrition Treatment Centre’s (MTC) establishment in the Regional Hospital Limbe in 2019 brought major changes in management such as free and continuous supply of therapeutic food and basic drugs, the expertise of a nutritionist and closer follow up of patients after discharge. The aim of this research was to evaluate the outcome of children with severe acute malnutrition aged 6-59 months treated at the MTC differed from those treated before the MTC’s creation. Methodology: An analytic cross sectional retrospective study was conducted from February to March 2022. The study period was from March 2016 to February 2019 (before the MTC) and March 2019 to February 2022 (after the MTC). A predesigned data extraction form was used to obtain sociodemographic data of the children and their parents, clinical findings on admission and hospital outcome. The data was entered into CDC Epi info 2.4 and analysed using SPSS. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 129 files included in the study, 35 were pre-MTC and 94 after its creation. The hospital prevalence of SAM increased from 4% to 7% after the MTC’s creation. The mean MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference) was 11.1 ± 0.98 cm. Marasmus was the most common form of SAM (90.7%). The most common admission symptoms were fever (74.4%), diarrhoea (47.2%) and vomiting (32.6%). The most common comorbidities were malaria (29.5%), gastrointestinal infection (20.9%), sepsis (18.6%) and pulmonary infection (14%). There was an increase in the recovery rate (from 71.4% to 76.6%) and the rate of weight gain (from 3.5 g/kg/day to 8.7 g/kg/day). There was also a reduction in the death rate (from 14.3% to 9.6%) and length of in-hospital admission (from 10.24 ±5.4 days to 7.3 ±3.6 days) Conclusion: The MTC led to an increase in the influx of patients with SAM at the RHL, marasmus was the most common form of SAM. There was an increase in the rate of weight gain, a decreased mortality rate and decreased length of hospital stay, thus revealing the pertinent relevance of the MTC in the management of SAM.

Outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months Before and After the Institution of the Malnutrition Treatment Centre in the Regional Hospital Limbe, Southwest Region of Cameroon

Background: Malnutrition occurs when nutrient and energy intake do not meet, or exceed an individual’s requirements to maintain growth, immunity, and organ function. In 2020, among children 0-59 months worldwide, 21.3% (144 million) were stunted and 6.9% (47 million) were wasted. The Malnutrition Treatment Centre’s (MTC) establishment in the Regional Hospital Limbe in 2019 brought major changes in management such as free and continuous supply of therapeutic food and basic drugs, the expertise of a nutritionist and closer follow up of patients after discharge. The aim of this research was to evaluate the outcome of children with severe acute malnutrition aged 6-59 months treated at the MTC differed from those treated before the MTC’s creation. Methodology: An analytic cross sectional retrospective study was conducted from February to March 2022. The study period was from March 2016 to February 2019 (before the MTC) and March 2019 to February 2022 (after the MTC). A predesigned data extraction form was used to obtain sociodemographic data of the children and their parents, clinical findings on admission and hospital outcome. The data was entered into CDC Epi info 2.4 and analysed using SPSS. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 129 files included in the study, 35 were pre-MTC and 94 after its creation. The hospital prevalence of SAM increased from 4% to 7% after the MTC’s creation. The mean MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference) was 11.1 ± 0.98 cm. Marasmus was the most common form of SAM (90.7%). The most common admission symptoms were fever (74.4%), diarrhoea (47.2%) and vomiting (32.6%). The most common comorbidities were malaria (29.5%), gastrointestinal infection (20.9%), sepsis (18.6%) and pulmonary infection (14%). There was an increase in the recovery rate (from 71.4% to 76.6%) and the rate of weight gain (from 3.5 g/kg/day to 8.7 g/kg/day). There was also a reduction in the death rate (from 14.3% to 9.6%) and length of in-hospital admission (from 10.24 ±5.4 days to 7.3 ±3.6 days) Conclusion: The MTC led to an increase in the influx of patients with SAM at the RHL, marasmus was the most common form of SAM. There was an increase in the rate of weight gain, a decreased mortality rate and decreased length of hospital stay, thus revealing the pertinent relevance of the MTC in the management of SAM.

Latent profiles of narrative competence and professional identity among nursing students: A cross-sectional analytic study based on the Ring theory of personhood

AimTo identify latent profiles of narrative competence in nursing students and examine the association between the potential competence profiles and professional identity from a person-centred perspective. BackgroundAccording to the Ring theory of personhood, nursing students can develop their professional identities from individual, relational and social aspects through interaction with patients, as well as listening to, understanding and responding to patients' disease narratives. However, few studies have examined the relationship between narrative competence and professional identity through the quantitative method. DesignA cross-sectional analytic study. MethodsA total of 472 nursing students responded to the survey between March and May 2023. The Professional Identity Questionnaire for Nurse Students and the Narrative Competence Scale were given to participants. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify narrative competence profiles. The Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars method was used to analyse whether these latent profiles for narrative competence affected nursing students’ general, individual, interpersonal and social professional identities. ResultsLatent profiles were identified as “low narrative competence” (12.1 %), “relatively low narrative competence” (39.9 %), “moderate narrative competence” (40.1 %) and “high narrative competence” (7.9 %). The profiles only show level differences rather than combinations of competence areas. These profiles had varying effects on the nursing students’ general professional identities, as well as their individual, relational and social professional identities. ConclusionThis study highlights the significance of providing tailored guidance and support to nursing students, taking into account their unique narrative competency profile, to promote the formation of professional identity from individual, relational and social aspects. Nursing educators should effectively distinguish nursing students with inadequate narrative competence and value patients’ disease narratives to promote narrative competence and professional identity.

Growth Assessment in Exclusively Breastfed Against Mixed Fed Infants in Two Hospitals of Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Background: Improving breastfeeding rates around the world could save the lives of more than 820,000 children under age 5 every year, the majority (87%) being under 6 months of age. The optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding is one of the crucial public health issues of WHO. Although breastfeeding provides many health benefits to infants, there is not enough information in our setting to support this assertion. Objective: To determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and evaluate the growth of exclusive breastfed against mixed fed babies in two hospitals of Fako division. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, analytic cross-sectional study was carried out with 186 mother-infant pairs from February to April 2022. Data collection consisted of the administration of a pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. Nutritional status and prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections were then assessed. Bivariate and Multiple logistic regression analysis was done with p-value set at &lt;0.05. Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in our setting was 43% while the prevalence of mixed feeding was 57%. The main reasons for practicing mixed feeding were: maternal school or work resumption (43.4%) and insufficient breastmilk (34%). The most common reason for practicing exclusive breastfeeding was medical advice (70%). On multivariate analysis, having a paid job (OR: 0.44, 95 % C.I: 0.203-0.968, p= 0.04) was the only significant predictor of mixed feeding. The incidence of diarrhea was significantly more prevalent (OR: 7.583, 95% C.I: 2.527-22.753, p=0.00) in mixed fed infants compared to exclusively breastfed infants. Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in our setting is low so there is need to improve and strengthen breastfeeding education during Antenatal visits. Our findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding to protect against diarrhea-specific morbidity and strengthens the current WHO recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months. These results prove the relationship between feeding method and infant morbidity and provides more data with the aim of encouraging more mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding hence reducing infant morbidity and mortality.

Growth Assessment in Exclusively Breastfed Against Mixed Fed Infants in Two Hospitals of Fako Division, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Background: Improving breastfeeding rates around the world could save the lives of more than 820,000 children under age 5 every year, the majority (87%) being under 6 months of age. The optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding is one of the crucial public health issues of WHO. Although breastfeeding provides many health benefits to infants, there is not enough information in our setting to support this assertion. Objective: To determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and evaluate the growth of exclusive breastfed against mixed fed babies in two hospitals of Fako division. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, analytic cross-sectional study was carried out with 186 mother-infant pairs from February to April 2022. Data collection consisted of the administration of a pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. Nutritional status and prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections were then assessed. Bivariate and Multiple logistic regression analysis was done with p-value set at &lt;0.05. Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in our setting was 43% while the prevalence of mixed feeding was 57%. The main reasons for practicing mixed feeding were: maternal school or work resumption (43.4%) and insufficient breastmilk (34%). The most common reason for practicing exclusive breastfeeding was medical advice (70%). On multivariate analysis, having a paid job (OR: 0.44, 95 % C.I: 0.203-0.968, p= 0.04) was the only significant predictor of mixed feeding. The incidence of diarrhea was significantly more prevalent (OR: 7.583, 95% C.I: 2.527-22.753, p=0.00) in mixed fed infants compared to exclusively breastfed infants. Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in our setting is low so there is need to improve and strengthen breastfeeding education during Antenatal visits. Our findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding to protect against diarrhea-specific morbidity and strengthens the current WHO recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months. These results prove the relationship between feeding method and infant morbidity and provides more data with the aim of encouraging more mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding hence reducing infant morbidity and mortality.

Dentists’ stress level during the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinion on the oral health status of their patients

Background and aims. “Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2) is the name of the etiological agent of the pandemic Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) which was declared on March 11, 2020 by the WHO and which affected all countries of the world, including Romania. Our study aimed to evaluate the psycho-affective implications and economic consequences for dentists in Romania during the COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease) pandemic state of emergency and their opinion on the patients’ oral health impact. Methods. A cross-sectional observational and analytical study based on a questionnaire was conducted. Dentists who work in Romania affiliated in 2020 to the Romanian College of Dental Practitioners was the target population. Results. Three hundred and seventy-three dentists participated in this survey. The age of the respondents ranged from 24 to 70. Men and women have the same expectation regarding the lockdown effect of worsening the oral health of the general population (worst, 79.5% of women and 81.3% of men, P=0.8842). Conclusions. The anxiety regarding the bank rates, supplementary investments, risk of COVID-19 infection and exposure to COVID-19 related mass-media information proved to be significantly higher among young dentists.

The Place and Approaches of Family Medicine Doctors in the Health Management of CBRN Events: The Case of Türkiye

In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge of Family Medicine residents about Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events, their risk assessments and their thoughts on the roles that CBRN events can play in healthcare services. As a multi-center and cross-sectional analytical study, 444 family medicine residents at the national level were included in the study via an online survey application method. The data form included a total of 25 questions prepared to evaluate the sociodemographic information of the participants and their evaluation, awareness, knowledge level, approach to events and general opinions regarding CBRN event risks. 91.7% of physicians evaluated their knowledge level as "very little" or "little" and 95.7% evaluated their preparation level as "very little" or "little". 77.3% of physicians think that family physicians should have a role in CBRN incidents. For a possible CBRN event in the next 5 years, physicians predict biological events as the highest risk and nuclear events as the lowest risk. The rate of physicians who stated that they had previously received CBRN training was 17.8%, and the rate of those who participated in the CBRN drill was only 0.9%. While 89.9% of the participants wanted to receive training on health management in CBRN incidents; 80.2% want the training to be included in the specialty curriculum. While the participants' level of knowledge about the symptoms that may develop after a CBRN event is high, when asked about the awareness of CBRN risks around their institutions, 79.3% of physicians stated that they were not aware. It was determined that the level of knowledge, preparation, training, practice and awareness of family physicians regarding CBRN events was low. On the other hand, their willingness to receive training and their belief that they had a role in CBRN incidents were found to be high. According to the data of our study, we evaluate that there is a need for institutional structuring against CBRN risks, including primary health care services, and we suggest that CBRN training modules should be included in specialty curricula, starting from medical faculties.

Quantitative Assessment of the Inadequate Intake of Macronutrients, Minerals, and Vitamins Associated with Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

Studies indicate that ultra-processed food (UP) consumption correlates negatively with essential vitamin and mineral intake and positively with sodium and lipid intake. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between UP consumption and deviations from nutritional guidelines. An observational, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on a probability sample of manufacturing workers in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Food consumption was assessed with a 24 h recall survey, and nutrient intake inadequacies were calculated as the difference between individuals’ intake of energy, macronutrients, minerals and vitamins, and the dietary reference intakes for individuals of the same sex and age group, and then analyzed for trends across the percentage contribution of UP to total energy intake with nonparametric multiple regression adjusted for covariates. The study included 921 workers from 33 industries, 55.9% male, with a mean age of 32 years. Overall, the study population exhibited deficits in energy, all macronutrients, and in some micronutrients. With increasing UP contribution to total energy intake, there is a trend towards a greater intake of energy (p &lt; 0.001), total, saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats (p &lt; 0.001), n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.03), carbohydrates (p &lt; 0.001), calcium (p = 0.008), and manganese (p &lt; 0.001), thiamin (p &lt; 0.001), and vitamin B6 (p = 0.01); however, this comes with a negative consequence in terms of reducing the protein consumption (p = 0.037), fiber (p = 0.035), copper (p = 0.033), and vitamin E (p = 0.002) intake. The results show that correcting energy and micronutrient deficiencies by increasing UP consumption can also lead to a decrease in diet quality.

Quantitative Assessment of the Inadequate Intake of Macronutrients, Minerals, and Vitamins Associated with Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

Studies indicate that ultra-processed food (UP) consumption correlates negatively with essential vitamin and mineral intake and positively with sodium and lipid intake. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between UP consumption and deviations from nutritional guidelines. An observational, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on a probability sample of manufacturing workers in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Food consumption was assessed with a 24 h recall survey, and nutrient intake inadequacies were calculated as the difference between individuals’ intake of energy, macronutrients, minerals and vitamins, and the dietary reference intakes for individuals of the same sex and age group, and then analyzed for trends across the percentage contribution of UP to total energy intake with nonparametric multiple regression adjusted for covariates. The study included 921 workers from 33 industries, 55.9% male, with a mean age of 32 years. Overall, the study population exhibited deficits in energy, all macronutrients, and in some micronutrients. With increasing UP contribution to total energy intake, there is a trend towards a greater intake of energy (p &lt; 0.001), total, saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats (p &lt; 0.001), n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.03), carbohydrates (p &lt; 0.001), calcium (p = 0.008), and manganese (p &lt; 0.001), thiamin (p &lt; 0.001), and vitamin B6 (p = 0.01); however, this comes with a negative consequence in terms of reducing the protein consumption (p = 0.037), fiber (p = 0.035), copper (p = 0.033), and vitamin E (p = 0.002) intake. The results show that correcting energy and micronutrient deficiencies by increasing UP consumption can also lead to a decrease in diet quality.

The Place and Approaches of Family Medicine Doctors in the Health Management of CBRN Events: The Case of Türkiye

In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge of Family Medicine residents about Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events, their risk assessments and their thoughts on the roles that CBRN events can play in healthcare services. As a multi-center and cross-sectional analytical study, 444 family medicine residents at the national level were included in the study via an online survey application method. The data form included a total of 25 questions prepared to evaluate the sociodemographic information of the participants and their evaluation, awareness, knowledge level, approach to events and general opinions regarding CBRN event risks. 91.7% of physicians evaluated their knowledge level as "very little" or "little" and 95.7% evaluated their preparation level as "very little" or "little". 77.3% of physicians think that family physicians should have a role in CBRN incidents. For a possible CBRN event in the next 5 years, physicians predict biological events as the highest risk and nuclear events as the lowest risk. The rate of physicians who stated that they had previously received CBRN training was 17.8%, and the rate of those who participated in the CBRN drill was only 0.9%. While 89.9% of the participants wanted to receive training on health management in CBRN incidents; 80.2% want the training to be included in the specialty curriculum. While the participants' level of knowledge about the symptoms that may develop after a CBRN event is high, when asked about the awareness of CBRN risks around their institutions, 79.3% of physicians stated that they were not aware. It was determined that the level of knowledge, preparation, training, practice and awareness of family physicians regarding CBRN events was low. On the other hand, their willingness to receive training and their belief that they had a role in CBRN incidents were found to be high. According to the data of our study, we evaluate that there is a need for institutional structuring against CBRN risks, including primary health care services, and we suggest that CBRN training modules should be included in specialty curricula, starting from medical faculties.

Role of optical coherence tomography as a diagnostic marker for neurodegeneration in epilepsy: a cross-sectional analytical study

BackgroundProgressive neurodegeneration is a common consequence of epilepsy, which has a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to predict neurodegeneration in patients with epilepsy (PwE) through assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, and central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).ResultsA cross-sectional study was done on 60 patients with idiopathic epilepsy and 30 healthy volunteers. They were subjected to a full neurological examination, ophthalmological assessment, and OCT for assessment of retinal layers, and cognitive examination using Addenbrooke’s scale. PwE had lower cognitive scores, including memory (13.97 ± 2.52), attention (15.95 ± 1.85), language (24.08 ± 1.71), and fluency (6.10 ± 2.05), compared to controls (20.53 ± 3.5), (17.13 ± 1.53), (24.83 ± 0.99), and (8.87 ± 2.39), respectively. There was a significant thinning in average RNFL thickness (84.27 ± 7.66), inferior RNFL thickness (99.33 ± 10.19), average GCC thickness (83.17 ± 9.76), and superior GCC thickness (84.83 ± 7.27) in the epilepsy group compared to controls (105.70 ± 8.73), (104.93 ± 9.75), (101.50 ± 4.84), and (100.53 ± 4.09), respectively. PwE had significantly higher focal macular volume loss (1.17 ± 1.22) versus (0.11 ± 0.21) and a higher insignificant global macular volume loss (1.88 ± 2.32) versus (1.37 ± 0.65) in controls, respectively. Superior GCC thickness was significantly lower in the uncontrolled patients (82.53 ± 6.23) compared to the controlled patients (87.13 ± 7.60), while CMT was significantly lower in the polytherapy group compared to the monotherapy group. There was a significant positive correlation between the age of epilepsy onset and verbal fluency (r = 0.382, p = 0.003). Epilepsy duration had significant negative correlations with memory (r = − 0.364, p = 0.004), inferior RNFL thickness (r = − 0.324, p = 0.012), perifoveal thickness (r = − 0.353, p = 0.006), and inferior (perifoveal) thickness (r = − 0.365, p = 0.004).ConclusionPwE receiving anti-seizure medications (ASMs) have reduced GCC, RNFL, and CMT and lower cognitive functions compared to controls. OCT may be a useful tool for detection of neurodegeneration in PwE.

Prevalence of chronic diseases and obstetric complications of pregnant women assisted in primary health care

Objective: to verify the prevalence of chronic diseases and associate them with obstetric complications in pregnant women assisted in Primary Health Care. Method: Analytical cross-sectional study, conducted by searching electronic medical records of pregnant women treated in a Family Health Strategy in a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Results: There was no association between systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity with hemorrhage, premature birth and late birth. In the case of premature birth, pregnant women with SAH had an approximately 1.9 times higher risk compared to those who did not have this comorbidity. With regard to pregnant women who are obese, the risk of premature birth was approximately 2.5 times higher compared to women who are not obese. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to monitor pregnant women in prenatal consultations in Primary Health Care and serve as important guidelines for the planning and implementation of health interventions aimed at chronic diseases and obstetric complications in pregnant women.

Prevalence of chronic diseases and obstetric complications of pregnant women assisted in primary health care

Objective: to verify the prevalence of chronic diseases and associate them with obstetric complications in pregnant women assisted in Primary Health Care. Method: Analytical cross-sectional study, conducted by searching electronic medical records of pregnant women treated in a Family Health Strategy in a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Results: There was no association between systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity with hemorrhage, premature birth and late birth. In the case of premature birth, pregnant women with SAH had an approximately 1.9 times higher risk compared to those who did not have this comorbidity. With regard to pregnant women who are obese, the risk of premature birth was approximately 2.5 times higher compared to women who are not obese. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to monitor pregnant women in prenatal consultations in Primary Health Care and serve as important guidelines for the planning and implementation of health interventions aimed at chronic diseases and obstetric complications in pregnant women.

Work-related injuries and illnesses among kitchen workers at two major students’ hostels

BackgroundKitchen workers face a disproportionately high risk of injuries and illnesses. Yet, despite the ubiquity of kitchen-related injuries, there has been a relative lack of comprehensive research on this topic, particularly in developing countries. Ain Shams University, as a prestigious educational institution with its diverse kitchen staff, provides an ideal setting for studying the challenges faced in professional kitchens. This study aims to measure the prevalence of work-related injuries and illnesses among kitchen workers of two major students’ hostels at Ain Shams University in Cairo and to explore their risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study involving kitchen staff from two hostels that house students at the university was carried out in 2021. The study involved all kitchen staff in the dorms for students (n = 128). Data was collected using a structured interview questionnaire.ResultsThe findings showed a significant prevalence of work-related illnesses (81.3%) and injuries (77.3%) among restaurant employees. Age, education, and job type all had a statistically significant relationship with the frequency of work-related injuries over the previous year. Additionally, there was a statistically significant relationship between age, job type, and the frequency of diseases among kitchen workers (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionCooks and other food service employees are more susceptible to occupational diseases and injuries in the workplace. Restaurants and the university hostel authorities should implement preventative measures and policies to lower the risk of harm among these employees by offering occupational health and safety services such as training and education programs, personal protective equipment, and regular health examinations.

Cost–utility analysis of a palliative care program in Colombia

BackgroundThe economic assessment of health care models in palliative care promotes their global development. The purpose of the study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of a palliative care program (named Contigo) with that of conventional care from the perspective of a health benefit plan administrator company, Sanitas, in Colombia.MethodsThe incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) and the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) were estimated using micro-costing in a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study on the care of terminally ill patients enrolled in a palliative care program. A 6-month time horizon prior to death was used. The EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3 L) and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) were used to measure the quality of life.ResultsThe study included 43 patients managed within the program and 16 patients who received conventional medical management. The program was less expensive than the conventional practice (difference of 1,924.35 US dollars (USD), P = 0.18). When compared to the last 15 days, there is a higher perception of quality of life, which yielded 0.25 in the EQ-5D-3 L (p < 0.01) and 1.55 in the MQOL (P < 0.01). The ICUR was negative and the INMB was positive.ConclusionBecause the Contigo program reduces costs while improving quality of life, it is considered to be net cost-saving and a model with value in health care. Greater availability of palliative care programs, such as Contigo, in Colombia can help reduce existing gaps in access to universal palliative care health coverage, resulting in more cost-effective care.