Ischaemic heart disease remains the leading global cause of death, and is strongly linked to hypertension. However, recent data on hypertension and cardiovascular risk in Sri Lanka are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, its associations with demographic characteristics, and the cardiovascular risk profile of the population in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 2018-2020 in Western province. A total of 1800 non-institutionalized adults aged over 20years were recruited using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method. Data collection was made through interviewer administered questionnaire, physical measurements, and laboratory investigations of biochemical analysis. Hypertension was diagnosed based on the 2017 guidelines of the American College of Cardiologists/American Heart Association. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the WHO Cardiovascular Disease Risk Laboratory-Based Chart for the South-East Asia region and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Prevalence estimates are presented with 95% confidence interval. Data from 1,333 participants (response rate 78.2%) were analyzed; 62.3% were females, 36.4% lived in urban areas, and the mean age was 49.8years (± 9.1) (males- 49.7 ± 8.93, females-49.8 ± 8.99). Age- and sex-standardized prevalence of hypertension among all adults was 47.2% (95% CI:44.5-49.9). Crude prevalence was 56.3% (95% CI: 52.1-60.5), undiagnosed prevalence was 32.9% (95% CI:28.4-37.4) and already diagnosed was 23.4% (95% CI:20.2-26.6). Hypertension prevalence was highest among adults aged 60-69years (75.5%, 95%CI:68.8-82.2), those with primary education (62.6%, 95% CI:52.7-72.5), in Gampaha district (57.3%, 95% CI:53.0-61.6), rural setting (57.2%, 95% CI:53.6-60.8) and with lowest monthly income of USD < 200 (59.8%, 95% CI:52.7-66.9). Among adults aged 40years and older, the prevalence of high cardiovascular risk (> 20%) was 19.3% (95% CI:16.1-22.5) based on the FRS and 5.4% (95% CI:3.5-7.3) according to the WHO Risk Score. Over half of adults in Western Province, Sri Lanka have hypertension, with one-third undiagnosed. Nearly one-fifth of midlife adults face high cardiovascular risk. Socioeconomic disparities highlight the need for targeted workplace screenings and tailored health education for lower-income communities.

Advancements in monitoring adverse events following immunization in Iraq: Insights from the CIVIE project 2022-2023.

Globally, Public Health Nurses (PHNs) play a central role in disease prevention and health promotion. In Sri Lanka, the PHN service, discontinued in the 1980s, was reintroduced in 2018. However, a standardised framework for defining, implementing, and documenting their roles and services is still lacking, despite record-keeping being vital for evaluating service delivery. This study aimed to describe the duties performed by Sri Lankan PHNs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the PHNs working in 08 provinces in Sri Lanka during October 2024. Data collection was performed using a pre-tested, validated, self-administered questionnaire, and the results were analysed descriptively. Of 171 eligible PHNs, 127 responded (74.3%). Within the month, almost all (99.2%) delivered NCD prevention, running 1,183 screening clinics (median 8 per nurse) and registering 10,822 people (median 71 per nurse). In palliative care, 94% conducted 1,518 home visits (median 8), commonly providing catheter care (76.4%), wound care (59.8%), and NG feeding (48.8%). For geriatric services, 74.8% of patients received home-based care (744 visits), and their blood pressure was monitored (1,371 instances) and blood sugar levels checked (1,275 instances). Health promotion was universal, with 85% of the population contributing to mental healthcare. Although 83.5% of PHNs had attended in pain management, only 41.7% assessed pain, and 37.8% administered prescribed analgesics. Disaster management (4.7%) and research engagement (13.4%) were limited. Service volumes varied by district, with higher pain-management activity in Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura. Female PHNs more often attended bereavement sessions and mental healthcare (p = 0.036; p = 0.025), while older age correlated with longer travel for mobile clinics (rs=0.201) and more elderly home visits (rs=0.220). PHNs in Sri Lanka make strong contributions to NCD prevention, health promotion, and palliative care, with additional roles in elderly and mental healthcare. Yet, their involvement in pain management, disaster response, and research remains limited. Clearer role definitions, more PHN recruitments, targeted capacity building, and a workforce need assessment are essential to maximise their impact on community health.

Facing pediatric snakebites unarmed: knowledge gaps and first-aid response challenges among parents in rural Sri Lanka.

The Purpose of this study was to describe the level of knowledge about osteoporosis prevention among health science students and to identify influencing factors. A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 524 health science students enrolled at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Sousse (HSHSTS) and the Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Sousse (HINSS), Tunisia. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire based on the revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT). The OKT included two subscales assessing knowledge of osteoporosis prevention through physical activity and nutrition. Each correct response was awarded one point, while incorrect or "unknown" answers received zero points. The questionnaire also gathered sociodemographic information, including gender, age, living environment, and educational level. The participants had a mean age of 20.5 ± 1.4years. Overall, 71.8% of students demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis. The mean total knowledge score was 13.27 ± 3.67 out of 32. Female students scored significantly higher on the overall OKT compared to males (p = 0.007). Physical activity subscale scores were significantly associated with gender (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.003), living environment (p = 0.009), and education level (p = 0.010). Similarly, nutrition-related knowledge showed significant associations with gender (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.001), living environment (p = 0.033), and education level (p = 0.002). Key limitations include the cross-sectional design, possible participation bias from differing response rates between institutions, and a markedly imbalanced sex ratio, which may limit generalizability. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and early integration of osteoporosis content into university curricula to improve knowledge.

Background: Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide and are increasingly recognized as conditions that adversely influence physical health, including oral health. Through behavioral changes, medication side effects, and lifestyle factors, these disorders may predispose individuals to poor oral hygiene, dental caries, and periodontal disease. Objective: To assess the oral health status of patients suffering from depression and anxiety. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 patients attending the Psychiatry Department of Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat. Participants diagnosed with depression or anxiety were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Depression and anxiety severity were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales, respectively. Oral health was evaluated using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Gingival Index, and Periodontal Index. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and Student’s t-test. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.76 ± 9.47 years, with females comprising 57.76% of the sample. Strong positive correlations were observed between DMFT scores and depression (r = 0.97, p &lt; 0.001) as well as anxiety (r = 0.97, p &lt; 0.001). Gingival index and pocket depth were also significantly correlated with both depression and anxiety (p &lt; 0.001). Oral health parameters deteriorated significantly with increasing severity of depression, whereas no significant differences were observed between moderate and severe anxiety groups. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are strongly associated with poor oral health outcomes. Integrating oral health assessment and preventive dental care into mental health services may improve overall health outcomes in this vulnerable population. Keywords: Anxiety, Cross-sectional study, Depression, DMFT, Gingival Index, Oral Health, Periodontal Index.

The aim of this study was to determine the health problems of individuals who survived the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake according to the Omaha System. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Adıyaman, Türkiye, and included 297 earthquake survivors. Data were collected using the Problem Classification Scheme of the Omaha System. The majority of individuals who survived the earthquake were women and had at least one chronic disease. Of the 42 problems listed in the Omaha Problem Classification Scheme, 38 were identified. Most of the identified problems were actual and individual-level issues. Income, Sanitation, Residence, Living/workplace safety, Communication with community resources, Communicable/infectious condition, and Nutrition problems were identified in all earthquake survivors. The Omaha System provides nurses with pertinent data to organize health services and prioritize interventions in the post-disaster period. The problems identified highlight the urgent need to improve health and living conditions in temporary shelters.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing global public health challenge affecting both developed and developing countries. Its prevalence is strongly influenced by demographic, epidemiological, nutritional, and environmental determinants. South Asian countries, including Pakistan, are experiencing a disproportionate rise in diabetes burden due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary transitions. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and examine its association with selected modifiable and non-modifiable determinants among the adult population of District Swat and District Peshawar. Methodology: After obtaining ethical approval, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2024 among adults aged 18 years and above residing in Swat and Peshawar districts. A sample size of 309 participants was calculated using standard prevalence-based assumptions. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested proforma covering sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, dietary patterns, and clinical history. Diabetes mellitus was defined based on prior diagnosis, use of anti-diabetic medication, and/or HbA1c level &gt;6.6. Results: Out of 309 participants, 19.74% were found to have diabetes mellitus. Among diabetic individuals, 44.26% were aged above 60 years, 60.66% were males, and 68.85% belonged to urban or semi-urban areas. Overweight or obesity was present in 39.34%, while 40.98% were unemployed. Significant associations were observed between diabetes mellitus and tobacco smoking (57.38%, p&lt;0.001), positive family history (31.15%, p=0.0248), sedentary lifestyle (67.21%, p=0.0003), lack of physical exercise (80.33%, p=0.011), and meat consumption (p&lt;0.001). Advanced age, marital status, low income, and overweight/obesity also showed significant associations. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the study population was lower than national estimates but showed strong associations with both modifiable and non-modifiable determinants. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Lifestyle, Prevalence, Physical Activity, Risk Factors, Tobacco Smoking.

Background: Nephrolithiasis is a prevalent urological disorder and a growing public health concern worldwide. The development of kidney stones is influenced by multiple demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, hydration habits, obesity, dietary practices, and comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Pakistan lies within the global “stone belt,” where the burden of kidney stone disease is particularly high. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of kidney stones and to describe the distribution of demographic characteristics, clinical history, and lifestyle exposures among patients with nephrolithiasis from the Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at the Swat Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan. Adult patients (≥18 years) with imaging-confirmed kidney stone disease were enrolled using a consecutive sampling approach. Sociodemographic data, clinical history, and lifestyle factors were collected through structured interviews. Retrieved kidney stones were analyzed using standardized colorimetric and titrimetric wet chemical methods. Results: A total of 121 patients were included, with a mean age of 37.5 years; 62% were male. Kidney stones were most prevalent among individuals aged 30–50 years (54.5%), those with lower educational attainment (81.8%), and participants from middle socioeconomic backgrounds (51.2%). Commonly reported characteristics included inadequate water intake (69.4%), high dietary sodium consumption (61.2%), frequent tea intake (55.4%), and a personal history of kidney stones (65.3%). Calcium oxalate was the most frequently identified stone type (61.2%), followed by mixed stones (23.1%), calcium phosphate (7.4%), struvite (4.1%), uric acid (3.3%), and cystine (0.8%). Conclusion: Nephrolithiasis in this population predominantly affects middle-aged men and is commonly associated with modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly inadequate hydration and high dietary sodium intake. Calcium oxalate stones remain the most prevalent type. Keywords: Chemical Composition, Kidney Stones, Nephrolithiasis, Risk Factors.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fear of coronavirus during pregnancy on the attitudes of pregnant women towards the COVID-19 vaccine and the factors affecting their attitudes towards it. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted online with 324 pregnant women. It was determined that there was a positive and significant relationship ( r = .26, p = .000) between their positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine sub-dimension and the fear of coronavirus; however, the negative attitude sub-dimension did not have a significant relationship with the fear of coronavirus ( r = −.09, p = .099). The following were found to affect pregnant women’s positive attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine: socio-economic level and the thought that their baby would be disabled due to COVID-19. They should be informed more by the health professionals in order to develop a positive vaccination attitude regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

Objective: To assess the frequency and spectrum of haemoglobinopathies in Sindh and Balochistan using the Sebia Capillarys 3 Octa capillary electrophoresis system, and evaluate its diagnostic utility in routine clinical practice. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Hematology, Chughtai Laboratory, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: June 2023 to June 2024. Methods: A total of 1,340 patients referred for hemoglobinopathy screening were included using consecutive non-probability sampling. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was performed using the Sebia Capillarys 3 Octa system to detect hemoglobin variants and quantify HbA2. A cut-off value of HbA2 &gt;3.5% was used to identify β-thalassemia trait. Complete blood counts and peripheral smears were also evaluated. Patients with recent transfusions or incomplete data were excluded. Results: Out of 1,340 patients, 344 (25.7%) were diagnosed with haemoglobinopathies. β-thalassemia trait was most frequent (59.9%), followed by elevated HbF cases (13.9%). Females comprised 61.7% of the study population, with the 18–35 years age group most affected. Karachi reported the highest number of cases. CE showed high analytical performance in identifying common and rare hemoglobin variants. Conclusion: CE using the Sebia Capillarys 3 Octa system is a reliable and efficient tool for hemoglobinopathy screening. The high prevalence of β-thalassemia trait highlights the need for regional screening and prevention strategies.

Background: As people age, the prevalence of hypertension significantly rises. There is little data on the prevalence of hypertension and its contributing variables among the hospitalized elderly Bangladeshis, particularly in tertiary care settings. the purpose of the study was aimed to investigate the burden of hypertension and contributing causes in older persons admitted to a Bangladeshi teaching hospital for tertiary care. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted during the period from July 2022 to June 2023. The study included 150 in patients who were admitted and at least 60 years old. Using an organized case record form, information was gathered through interviews, medical records, and examinations of demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, family history, comorbidity, anti-hypertensive drug use and blood pressure management data.Separate bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with hypertension and results were expressed as Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% CI. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.6 ±4.6 years. Overall, prevalence of hypertension was 47.3% (41.3% old cases and 6% newly diagnosed) among them 45 (63.3%) were male. Out of 62 known hypertensive, majority (95.2%) was not taking their anti-hypertensive drugs regularly and optimal blood pressure was not achieved in 64.5% of them. Factors including being of male (OR:2.839, 95% CI:1.053, 7.654) no formal education (OR:2.217, 95% CI:1.059, 4.64) being obese by BMI criteria (OR:3.904,95% CI: 1.565, 9.559) and having a family history of hypertension (OR:8.297, 95% CI: 1.841, 17.162) were found to be significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: To sum up, about 50% of the elderly patients hospitalized in the medicine wards of a tertiary-level hospital had hypertension, which necessitates immediate steps to address this issue. JCMCTA 2025 ; 36 (2) : 71-76

Globally, an estimated 11.2billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually. The increasing volume and complexity of waste, together with rapid urbanization, pose major risks to human health through diarrheal disease outbreaks. In many urban centers of low- and middle-income countries, solid waste management (SWM) practices remain inadequate. In Mbale City, Uganda, diarrheal disease ranks among the top five causes of morbidity and mortality, with over 28,000 cases reported in 2018. This study assessed the association between diarrheal disease and SWM practices and perceptions among residents of Industrial Division, Mbale City. A descriptive cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted among 424 adult respondents (≥ 18 years) during the entire month of February 2020 in the Industrial Division of Mbale City. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant (KI) interviews with community leaders and municipal officials. Data were entered into Epidemiological Data Software (EpiData) and analyzed using STATA. Potential confounders were identified from literature and expert consultation, including age, sex, education, water source, sanitation, and family size. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between diarrhea and predictor variables. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Diarrheal disease was defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools in 24h (WHO). The prevalence of diarrheal disease among adults in Industrial Division was 36.8%. After adjusting for confounders (age, sex, education, water source, water treatment, and toilet type), only the type of solid waste generated was significantly associated with diarrhea: households generating textiles had lower odds compared to those generating paper waste (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.90). Other significant factors included household size, source of drinking water, and toilet ownership. While overall SWM practices were moderate, key risk factors for diarrheal disease included unsafe water sources, lack of household toilets, and larger household sizes. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved sanitation, safe water supply, and community awareness on proper waste handling. Local authorities should strengthen community sensitization on SWM, ensure continuous water quality surveillance, promote construction of household toilets, and integrate family planning initiatives into urban public health programs.

Introduction: Diarrhoea constitutes a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, globally. The disease situation among children under five in the Savannah Region has not been studied. This study described diarrhoea morbidity data to determine the distribution of cases among children under five years in the Savannah Region of Ghana. Method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using diarrhoea data of children under five extracted from the health system database from 2017 to 2021. The data was exported to Microsoft Excel 2019 and STATA 15.1 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to express the results as frequencies, percentages, and rates. We plotted the cases month-by-month for each year to determine seasonality. Results: A total of 90,381 cases of diarrhoea were reported, with the highest cases among children aged 12-59 months, 61,745 (68.3%). Most cases were among males, 47,160 (52.2%). Cases declined with the highest incidence in 2017 and lowest in 2020, 244 and 126 per 1000 persons, respectively. Bole district recorded the highest incidence (618 per 1000 persons in 2017). Two major peaks were recorded in January and June, with minor peaks in March and August. Rainfall did not significantly influence diarrhoea pattern (p&gt;0.05). A five-year forecast projected a decrease in cases from approximately 11400 in 2022 to about 4300 cases by 2026. Conclusion: Children within the age category 12-59 months and males accounted for most cases. The study illustrated seasonal variations in diarrhoea diseases, with cases in both the wet and dry seasons. All districts were affected, with the Bole having the highest burden. Cases are projected to decrease over the next five years. Health officials should strengthen surveillance and sustain interventions to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea in the region.

Recent studies revealed that more than half of French business leaders are at risk of burnout. They sacrifice sleep, physical activity and often work over 60 hours weekly. Poor sleep and lack of exercise contribute to major health issues in general population. To date, no study explored the variations in health status among business leaders across different types and sizes of companies. This study aims to assess health among French business leaders, focusing on sleep quality, physical activity, anxiety, and stress levels across their different organizational contexts. We hypothesized that hierarchical positions and level of responsibility was associated with severity of health issues. 361 business leaders (158 women/203 man) agreed to complete questionnaires including: Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Perceived Stress Scale, Global Anxiety Disorder and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RStudio software was utilized for descriptive statistics and analyses. Results revealed that 67.3% of them have poor sleep, 47.8% are highly stressed, and 22.5% have very low levels of physical activity. Women exhibit worse mental health and top leaders of small enterprise experience more stress, practice less physical activity and have poorer sleep The findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion strategies for leaders that take into consideration sex and organizational context.

Activities of daily living at home (ADL) are a fundamental aspect of adaptive behavior in children, youth, and adults with Down syndrome (DS). However, they have received limited attention in relation to this topic. This highlights the lack of a validated instrument for the DS population in Chile. a) Verify validity and reliability of the Scale for Assessing of Daily Living at Home (SAADL) and b) Develop benchmarks for daily activities in children, young people, and adults with DS in central-southern Chile. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in children, youth and adults with DS in Chile. A total of 320 young people (168 males and 152 females) with an age range of 6 to 29 years were recruited. Weight and height were assessed and body mass index BMI was calculated. The SAADL was used to measure activities of daily living at home. Reliability was determined by stability measures (test and retest) and validity by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Percentiles were constructed using the LMS technique (L(t) Box-Cox power, M(t) median and S(t) coefficient of variation). In both sexes, the technical error of measurement (TEM) showed very low values, with an absolute error of less than 0.23 and a relative error of 0.85%. The values of the concordance correlation coefficient showed high values of precision and accuracy from 0.94 to 0.98. The Kappa analysis showed substantial agreement values from 0.73 to 0.78. Mean differences in the Bland-Altman plot were minimal (~0.32 to ~0.56 points). The CFA demonstrated the validity of the scale (RMSEA: 0.057). Percentiles were plotted for SAADL (p5, p10, p15, p25, p50, p75, p85, p90 and p95). The study confirms that the SAADL is highly valid and reliable for assessing activities of daily living in children, youth and adults with DS in the south-central region of Chile. Its use is recommended as an effective tool for clinical assessment, early intervention and personalization of care, based on the proposed reference values.

Introduction: Mental health literacy is an emerging topic that has implications for individuals’ health and well-being. Objective: To assess Mental Health Literacy (MHL) regarding depression among Portuguese public security police officers. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using the QualisMental Questionnaire, which includes a vignette describing a case of depression, and the Personal Stigma Scale. Results: The sample comprises 253 professionals. Only 36.36% of respondents correctly identified the case as depression (95% CI: 30.40; 42.33). The distress was predominantly classified as “stress” (34.78%) or “anxiety” (32.81%), suggesting a defense mechanism that opts for socially less stigmatizing labels. Although the majority reject the belief that depression is a “personal weakness,” revealing low explicit stigma, the perceived usefulness of hierarchical figures in help-seeking is low (38.7% useful). High confidence is observed in informal networks (friends: 95.7% useful) and in mental health professionals, but there is marked distrust of psychopharmacology (antidepressants: 40.7% harmful). Conclusions: A paradox is observed between low personal stigma and low recognition of depression. MHL interventions should focus on neutralizing organizational stigma and increasing competencies for managing mental health crises arising from first aid, namely direct approaches to topics such as suicide.

Objectives: This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Herat Regional Hospital (HRH), Afghanistan, and identified sociodemographic predictors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at HRH (October–December 2024). Using convenience sampling, 261 HCWs completed a validated self-administered questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.78). Data were analyzed in SPSS v27 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression (p &lt; 0.05). Results: Participants were 51.0% male; most were aged 25–29 years (48.3%); nurses comprised 65.5%. Knowledge of key transmission routes was high (open wound 95.4%, contaminated syringes/needles 94.3%, high-risk sex 91.2%), and all reported HCV is preventable (100.0%). Prophylaxis knowledge was limited: 40.6% were unsure whether prophylactic medication exists and 29.9% answered “yes.” Attitudes indicated high perceived occupational risk (78.5% strongly agreed) and support for screening (73.9% strongly agreed all patients should be screened), yet stigma persisted (46.0% strongly disagreed that HCWs with HCV should be allowed to work). Preventive practices were generally good: 81.2% had been tested, 90.8% reported hand hygiene, 87.4% changed gloves between patients, 98.1% reported needlestick injuries, and 60.5% avoided needle recapping (safe practice). In multivariable analysis, age ≥30 years (OR = 4.514; p = 0.009) and trainee status (OR = 8.618; p = 0.013) predicted higher knowledge, while ≥6 years’ experience was inversely associated (OR = 0.344; p = 0.013). Conclusion: HCWs showed generally satisfactory HCV knowledge and practices, but misconceptions and stigma warrant targeted training and IPC refreshers.

Association between physical activity with disease activity and functional disability in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the profile of sports-related musculoskeletal complaints treated by physiotherapy during a multi-sport university competition, identify associated factors (training load, strengthening frequency, and previous complaint history), and evaluate the immediate effect of physiotherapy interventions on pain. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study analyzed physiotherapy records from a University Games (2022–2025), involving 5100 student-athletes. All athletes who sought physiotherapy for a musculoskeletal complaint during the events were included. A standardized assessment form recorded demographics, sport modality, training characteristics, strengthening frequency, previous complaints in the same region, anatomical location, mechanism, physiotherapy interventions, and pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS) before and after treatment. Incidence rates were calculated as physiotherapy-treated complaints per 1000 athlete exposure hours. Results A total of 1803 physiotherapy treatment encounters were registered. Most complaints involved the lower limbs (64.7%) and were classified as traumatic (50.3%) or atraumatic/overuse (25.0%). Five team sports – futsal, 7-a-side soccer, volleyball, handball, and basketball – accounted for 93.6% of sport-specific cases. The overall incidence of physiotherapy-treated complaints was 29.62 per 1000 athlete exposure hours. Baseline pain showed no significant difference between encounters with and without a previous complaint in the same region (p = 0.060), was weakly correlated with weekly sport-training hours (ρ = 0.101, p = 0.014), and was not associated with strengthening frequency (ρ = 0.038, p = 0.192). In 1020 encounters with pre- and post-treatment data, a mean reduction of −2.69 NPRS points was observed (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.58). Conclusion Musculoskeletal complaints during multi-sport university competitions predominantly affect the lower limbs and are mainly traumatic in nature, particularly in high-intensity team sports. Immediate, on-site physiotherapy provides substantial pain relief, underscoring its role in acute athlete care and as a foundation for targeted injury prevention strategies.