Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with hypertension

Aims: To assess the prevalence and general characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with hypertension, investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and blood pressure, and the effectiveness of continuous positive pressure ventilation treatment after 1 month in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with follow-up after 1 month in hypertensive patients treated at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital with respiratory polygraphy from January 2021 to June 2023. Patients were given history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, Lipid profile test, intravenous glucose, Epworth scale assessment, CPAP treatment and re-evaluated after 1 month. Results: 134 patients were registered for the study from 01/2021 to 06/2023. Hypertensive patients with OSAS were 73.13%. BMI in the OSAS (+) group was 22.84 ± 3.04 kg/m2 and was statistically significantly greater than the OSAS (-) group: 22.79 ± 3.07 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Neck circumference in the OSAS (+) group was 37.45 ± 2.44 cm, which was statistically significantly larger than the OSAS (-) group: 36.36 ± 1.57 cm (p<0.05). The rate of loud snoring during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in the OSAS patient group was statistically significantly higher than in the group without this syndrome (p<0.05 and p<0.01). The average systolic blood pressure in the OSAS (+) group was 154.79 ± 13.32 mm Hg and was statistically significantly higher than the OSAS (-) group (p<0.01). AHI has a moderate positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.45, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.34, p<0.01). CPAP treatment improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure and symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: There is a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension. CPAP treatment improves blood pressure and daytime sleepiness.

Characteristics of her2-positive breast cancer, and the current use of anti-her2 therapy and its related factors

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and to identify the proportion of patients using anti-HER2 therapy, and treatment-making related factors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 79 patients with BC and HER2-positive diagnosed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or with FISH at the Oncology Department of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Oncology Center of Hue Central Hospital from 1/2021 to 12/2022. Clinical and pathological features, type of drug, number of cycles using anti-Her2 therapy were recorded using medical documents. The decision-making related factors were recorded by questionnaire interviewing patients and relatives. Exclusion criteria included recurrent or previously treated tumors; having contraindications with anti-HER2 therapy; not being willing to participate in the study. SPSS 22.0 was used for the analysis. Results: Mean age was 54.14 ± 11.03. Patients with right-sided BC accounted for 53.1%. 60.8% of tumors were located in the upper right quadrant of the breast. Patient’s self-report of lumps was the most common cause of hospitalization (77.2%). By ultrasound, 60.2% of participants had a tumor size of 2 - 5cm. Abnormal lymph nodes were identified in 40.8% of patients. Histopathologically, invasive ductal carcinoma was found in the majority of tumors (75.9%). Stage II was predominant with 59.5% and 7.6% of patients with stage IV. The rate of treatment with Trastuzumab in our study was 27.8%. The main reason that patients refused anti-HER-2 therapy was financial problems (96.5%). The awareness of anti-HER2 therapy among patients and their relatives was significantly associated with the treatment decision (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Regarding the positive-HER2 BC patients, invasive ductal carcinoma was the major histopathological finding. More than half of the patients were classified as stage II of the disease. The rate of patients undergoing antiHER2 therapy was 27.8%. Financial problems were found to be the main reason for refusal of treatment. Awareness of anti-HER2 therapy is significantly associated with the patient’s decision on treatment.

Evaluation of dry eye disease symptomatology and mental health status among patients with different COVID-19 statuses

AIM: To evaluate dry eye disease (DED) symptomatology and mental health status in different COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational design was used. Totally 123 eligible adults (46.34% of men, age range, 18-59y) with COVID-19 included in the study from August to November, 2022. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Five-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used in this study. RESULTS: OSDI scores were 6.82 (1.25, 15.91) in asymptomatic carriers, 7.35 (2.50, 18.38) in mild cases, and 16.67 (4.43, 28.04) in recurrent cases, with 30.00%, 35.56%, and 57.89%, respectively evaluated as having DED symptoms (χ2=7.049, P=0.029). DEQ-5 score varied from 2.00 (0, 6.00) in asymptomatic carriers, 3.00 (0, 8.00) in mild cases, and 8.00 (5.00, 10.00) in recurrent cases, with 27.50%, 33.33%, and 55.26%, respectively assessed as having DED symptoms (χ2=8.532, P=0.014). The prevalence of clinical anxiety (50.00%) and depression (47.37%) symptoms were also significantly higher in patients with recurrent infection (χ2=24.541, P<0.001; χ2=30.871, P<0.001). Recurrent infection was a risk factor for high OSDI scores [odds ratio, 2.562; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.631-7.979; P=0.033] and DEQ-5 scores (odds ratio, 3.353; 95%CI, 1.038-8.834; P=0.043), whereas having a fixed occupation was a protective factor for OSDI scores (odds ratio, 0.088; 95%CI, 0.022-0.360; P=0.001) and DEQ-5 scores (odds ratio, 0.126; 95%CI, 0.039-0.405; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with recurrent COVID-19 have more severe symptoms of DED, anxiety, and depression.

Evaluation of Visual Cortex Activity using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Primary Open Angle and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: A pilot study.

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy was used to assess visual cortical activity in patients with primary open angle and primary angle closure glaucoma. There was decreased activity in the visual cortex of glaucoma patients correlating with the severity of glaucoma. To evaluate visual cortex activity using fNIRS (Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) compared to healthy controls. A total of 30 POAG, 31 PACG, and 30 healthy aged-matched controls from a single centre were recruited in this cross-sectional observational pilot study with purposive sampling. The POAG and PACG groups were age-matched but were not matched for disease severity at recruitment. All participants underwent fNIRS testing using a multi-channel continuous-wave near infra-red system NIRSport 8×7 device (NIRx Medizintechnik GmbH, Berlin, Germany). The visual cortex activity was evaluated in terms of maximum amplitude of change in oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) concentration over 10 seconds and a comparison was done between three groups. Both POAG and PACG groups were combined (termed as glaucoma group) to assess relationship of visual cortical activity with disease severity {by visual field defect (mean deviation) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness}. All participants showed the characteristic response of increased OxyHb and decreased DeoxyHb during stimulus presentation. The maximum amplitude of change in OxyHb concentration over 10 seconds was significantly lower in both POAG and PACG groups compared to control in the right and left middle occipital gyri (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between PACG and POAG. Importantly, there was a negative correlation of the visual cortex activity with the visual field defects (mean deviation) (P<0.05) and a positive correlation with RNFL thickness in the glaucoma group (P<0.05). In glaucoma patients, reduction in visual cortical activity was observed which may be indicative of neuronal degeneration occurring in the occipital cortex. Disease severity in glaucoma appears to be closely correlated with visual cortex activity. fNIRS can serve as a useful neuroimaging modality for assessing the hemodynamic and neurodegenerative changes in glaucoma.

Exploring the link between intelligence and drug abuse among juvenile felons in India

ABSTRACT Children involved in the juvenile justice system are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and intellectual disabilities. Substance abuse is a major public health concern among young individuals globally, including juvenile felons. This study examines the relationships and factors that influence juvenile felons’ substance abuse, intelligence, and delinquent behaviour. This study applies a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a purposive sampling technique. The participants included 163 male juveniles from Tamil Nadu, India. The psychological measures used for the study were the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scale, the Standard Progressive Matrices, and the Australian Self-reported Delinquency Scale. According to the study’s findings, intelligence does not have a significant impact on juvenile felons’ delinquent behaviour. Furthermore, the study identified repeated offences and runaway behaviour as factors that increase the risk of substance abuse. Juvenile felons’ substance abuse significantly influences and predicts their delinquent behaviour.

Affective cognition in response to infant stimuli in pregnant compared with non-pregnant women

ABSTRACT Physiological, neurocognitive, and psychological changes facilitates adaptation to motherhood. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women in affective cognitive and psychophysiological responses to infant stimuli. We hypothesized that pregnant women would display (I) reduced negative emotional reactivity and perception of distressed infant stimuli, (II) increased attention toward infants compared to adults, and (III) greater psychophysiological response to infant distress. The sample comprised 22 pregnant women (22–38 weeks gestation) and 18 non-pregnant nulliparous women. Four computerized tasks were administered to measure affective cognitive processing of infant stimuli, while recording facial expressions, electrodermal activity, and eye gazes. Results indicated that pregnant women exhibited fewer negative facial expressions, reported less frustration when exposed to distressed infant cries, and showed greater attention to emotional infant faces compared to non-pregnant women, but the differences did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No differences were observed in psychophysiological responses. The findings indicate a possible pregnancy-mediated effect regarding the cognitive processing of infant stimuli, potentially as preparation for motherhood. Future research with larger samples and longitudinal design is needed to understand the predictors, timing, and plasticity of cognitive changes during pregnancy.

Mediation in the Relation of Orthographic Processing on the Lexical and Sublexical Level with Reading and Spelling Skills. A Large Cross-Sectional Study in Elementary School Children in Germany

ABSTRACT Purpose Two types of orthographic knowledge were examined: i) knowledge of permissible letter combinations (general orthographic knowledge) and ii) knowledge of whole words (word-specific orthographic knowledge), to gain further insights into the relationship of general and word-specific orthographic knowledge with literacy skills. Method Mediation models were estimated using a sample of 2,636 3rd and 4th grade children (50.6% female, ethnic backgrounds were not surveyed) to examine whether general orthographic knowledge predicts reading fluency and spelling performance and whether this path is mediated by word-specific orthographic knowledge. Using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), we examined whether the responses to correctly spelled words/legal letter patterns and pseudohomophones/illegal letter patterns in word-specific and general orthographic knowledge tasks were generated by separate latent constructs. Results Our results confirm that word-specific orthographic knowledge is a facilitatory mediator in the relationship between general orthographic knowledge and literacy skills. The relationship of general and word-specific orthographic knowledge with literacy skills varies by item type, with a tendency toward higher correlations between literacy skills with pseudohomophones (vs words) and illegal (vs legal) pseudowords, which is in line with the two-factor solution of the CFA. Conclusion From a theoretical perspective, we conclude that general orthographic knowledge facilitates orthographic learning of words. From a methodological perspective, we encourage future researchers to distinguish between targets and foils in orthographic decision tasks.

Illness perceptions in relation to self-management behaviour among elderly patients with COPD: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of self-management behaviour and illness perceptions and to examine illness perceptions in relation to self-management behaviour in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 152 elderly COPD patients were recruited via the convenience sampling method. The COPD Self-Management Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for COPD patients were used to examine self-management behaviour and illness perceptions. Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used to explore illness perceptions in relation to self-management behaviour. The mean overall score for self-management behaviour was 2.90 ± 0.39. Among the subscales of self-management behaviour, information management had the lowest score of 2.20 ± 0.76. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including educational level, smoking status, type of primary caregiver, home oxygen therapy and COPD duration, were found to be significant determinants of self-management behaviour. After controlling for these variables, several illness perception subscales, including treatment control, personal control, coherence, timeline cyclical and identity, were significantly correlated with self-management behaviour. This study confirmed that elderly COPD patients' self-management behaviour was unsatisfactory and that illness perceptions were significant determinants of self-management behaviour. The findings may contribute to the development of self-management interventions for elderly COPD patients.

Sonographic and histopathological findings endometrium among perimenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding- A cross sectional study in north Kerala

: AUB makes a perimenopausal woman to seek medical care. This study evaluated and correlated the endometrial thickness obtained by ultrasonography and histopathological findings of endometrium in perimenopausal women with AUB.A hospital based observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Baby Memorial Hospital, Calicut for a period of 18 months. Histo-pathologic evaluation of endometrial tissue was done and was correlated with endometrial thickness.: The average age of women enrolled was 47.88 years with standard deviation of 3.729. The average endometrial thickness was 12.40mm. Endometrial hyperplasia without atypia was the leading histopathological finding obtained after analysis of endometrium (21.5%). This study shows that there is a significant relationship between histopathology findings of endometrium and age of participant and between endometrial thickness and menorrhagia. There was no relationship between histopathology findings and endometrial thickness. Perimenopausal AUB should be evaluated in a systematic manner, so that endometrial hyperplasia, carcinoma endometrium could be diagnosed in a very early stage and prompt treatment be given at right time reducing morbidity improving the quality of life.

Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff in a low and middle-income country: A cross-sectional digital survey-based study.

To assess the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among the nursing staff and educate them on prevention. Nursing staff is integral to the Indian community healthcare systems. Recent studies report a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Indian nursing staff. Therefore, data on the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff are crucial for education on prevention. A cross-sectional digital survey-based study. We invited 4435 nursing staff to attend our online survey. We used a customized questionnaire for data collection, including a digitized version of the Community-Based Assessment Checklist form. A score of >4 was considered high risk and warranted screening. Among 682 nursing staff who attended, 70% had never undergone screening for non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors was significantly higher in male nursing staff. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age, tobacco and alcohol use, increased waist circumference, physical inactivity and family history of non-communicable diseases were significant risk factors among nursing staff. The study findings suggest that the nursing staff have suboptimal self-health concerns on non-communicable diseases. This situation warrants continued medical education, awareness campaigns on adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Atrial remodelling associated with sporting discipline, sex and duration in elite sports: a cross-sectional echocardiographic study among Danish elite athletes

BackgroundElite endurance training is characterised by a high-volume load of the heart and has been associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in middle-aged men. We compared left atrial (LA) remodelling among...

Work-related musculoskeletal complaints: risk factors and impact on work productivity among university administrative employees

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant workplace problem leading to loss of productivity and disability. Administrative workers perform computer-based tasks for long periods. Consequently, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to explore the frequency and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and their impact on work productivity among administrative employees of Suez Canal University, Egypt.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 administrative employees through simple random sampling. Data were collected by an interview questionnaire including sociodemographic, work-related data, ergonomic and psychological risk factors, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).ResultsThe frequency of work-related musculoskeletal complaints in at least one anatomical region over the past year was 74.7%. Neck (47.1%), lower back (40.7%), and shoulder (36.3%) were the most reported sites of complaints. Risk factors significantly associated with work-related musculoskeletal complaints were gender, age, physical activity, work experience, workplace stress, sustained body position, awkward posture, and inadequate rest breaks. Logistic regression revealed that older age (OR = 1.039, p = 0.023), being female (OR = 2.175, p = 0.011), and not having adequate rest breaks (OR = 1.979, p = 0.019) were significant predictors for the occurrence of WMSDs. The risk factors of absenteeism include gender, age, marital status, educational level, physical activity, BMI, work experience, and musculoskeletal complaints.ConclusionMusculoskeletal problems were highly prevalent among administrative employees. Being female and not having adequate rest breaks were significant predictors for the occurrence of WMSDs. Ergonomic interventions and improvement of working conditions are recommended to reduce WMSDs.

Comparing generative and retrieval-based chatbots in answering patient questions regarding age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy

Background/aimsTo compare the performance of generative versus retrieval-based chatbots in answering patient inquiries regarding age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).MethodsWe evaluated four chatbots: generative models (ChatGPT-4, ChatGPT-3.5 and...

A study on appropriate use and stewardship of proton pump inhibitors

Objective: To analyze the prescribing pattern of use of PPI with respect to “FDA-Approved Indications and Doses for PPI Therapy.” Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 inpatients in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. The data were collected from the patient case profile and prescriptions and noted in a self-designed data collection form. The statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using SPSS software and Excel. Results: The study, conducted on 400 patients, revealed a male majority (60%) and a female representation of 40%. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), mainly Pantoprazole (74.70%), were frequently prescribed, notably in General Medicine (220 patients). PPI use was generally appropriate: indication (99%), dose (97%), frequency (92.8%), and duration (91.8%). However, irrational prescriptions were noted: indication (1%), dose (3%), frequency (7.3%), and duration (8.3%). 139 drug interactions were identified, categorized into Major (39.6%), Moderate (46%), and Minor (14.4%). For example, Ondansetron and tramadol exhibited a major interaction. Among PPI combinations, 93.75% could affect CYP2C19 metabolism, and 6.3% had additive/synergistic toxicity potential.

Association between Serum Ferritin Levels and Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease in Adults: a Cross-sectional Study Based on the NHANES.

Ferritin, initially acting as an iron-storage protein, was found to be associated with metabolic diseases. Our study was designed to investigate the association between serum ferritin and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of the United State of America. A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling a total of 2145 participants from the NHANES in the 2017-2018 cycles. Hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis were assessed by ultrasound images and several non-invasive indexes. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between serum ferritin concentration and MAFLD and liver fibrosis. The analysis revealed that participants with higher serum ferritin levels (Q3 and Q4 groups) had a higher prevalence of MAFLD than those with the lowest serum ferritin levels [Q3 vs. Q1: OR=2.17 (1.33, 3.53), P<0.05 in fatty liver index (FLI); Q4 vs. Q1: OR=3.13 (1.91, 5.13), P<0.05 in FLI]. Additionally, participants with the highest serum ferritin levels (Q4 group) displayed a higher prevalence of liver fibrosis [Q4 vs. Q1: OR=2.59 (1.19, 5.62), P<0.05 in liver stiffness measurement; OR=5.06 (1.12, 22.94), P<0.05 in fibrosis-4 index], with significantly increased risk observed in participants with concomitant diabetes [OR=7.45 (1.55, 35.72), P=0.012]. Our study revealed that elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with a higher prevalence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis in patients. Elevated serum ferritin levels combined with diabetes are important risk factors for liver fibrosis.

Practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the North Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: a convergent mixed-methods study

ObjectiveTo assess practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the North Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.DesignCommunity-based cross-sectional study with a convergent mixed-methods approach.SettingThe study...

The stigma towards seeking help among university students: a cross-sectional study in Jordan

BackgroundMental disorders affect one in two people globally, with COVID-19 exacerbating anxiety and depression. Stigma, a major hindrance to seeking mental health services, manifests as public, perceived, and self-stigma. Cultural misconceptions contribute to public stigma. Studies show high stigmatization among university students, impacting help-seeking behavior. Arab populations exhibit varied attitudes influenced by religious beliefs. The research aims to bridge gaps in understanding stigma among university students in Jordan, focusing on the impact of post post-COVID-19 era on mental health perceptions. The study hypothesizes differences in attitudes and stigma between medical and non-medical students, investigating these aspects in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional study assessed attitudes and stigma related to seeking help among 1,151 university students in Jordan from June 20th to July 20th, 2023. The sample included diverse participants from Jordanian universities. Data were collected through an online survey covering sociodemographic details, psychological background, and attitudes using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH). Ethical considerations included approval from the University of Jordan Institutional Review Board and informed consent from participants.ResultsThe survey included 1151 participants. The overall mean age was 20.34 years. Among the participants, 761 (66.1%) were medical students, while 390 (33.9%) were non-medical students. The overall mean ATSPPHS score was 16.30. Medical students exhibited a significantly more positive attitude (73.3%) compared to non-medical students (26.7%). Being a medical student was associated with higher odds of having a positive attitude while being male was found to be a negative predictor.ConclusionFindings revealed that being a medical student and having prior mental health education were linked to more favorable attitudes, whereas male students tended to hold more negative views. Incorporating mental health education into non-medical curricula could be beneficial in diminishing stigma and fostering positive attitudes toward seeking help.

Self-Esteem, Life Satisfaction, and Quality of Life Among Audiology Students

ABSTRACT Self-esteem, life satisfaction, and quality of life act as important aspects in determining a successful and fruitful university life. Nevertheless, little is known on these subjective well-being aspects among students undergoing a dedicated audiology course. Essentially, the present study aimed to: (i) examine the relationship between self-esteem, life satisfaction, and QoL and (ii) examine the differences in students’ academic achievement according to their self-esteem, life satisfaction, and QoL. A total of 61 students (aged 20–24 years) from Audiology Programme, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), took part in this cross-sectional study. Validated self-report questionnaires were used to achieve the study’s objectives. The results showed significant correlations between self-esteem, life satisfaction, and QoL (p < 0.05). Specifically, there was a significant correlation between self-esteem and QoL (p < 0.05), as well as between life satisfaction and QoL (p < 0.05). In terms of academic achievement, audiology students who achieved the highest academic rank, displayed the highest level of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and QoL. As a final point, the present study demonstrated that the audiology students’ QoL was affected by self-esteem and life satisfaction, while the academic achievement affected their self-esteem and QoL.

Pharmaco-virological outcomes and genotypic resistance profiles among children and adolescents receiving a DTG-based regimen in Togo.

Few data are available on the real-world efficacy of receiving tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (DTG) as HIV treatment, particularly among young people in West Africa. Here, we evaluated pharmaco-virological outcomes and resistance profiles among Togolese children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, Togo, enrolling antiretroviral-treated people with HIV aged from 18 months to 24 years. Plasma HIV-1 viral load and antiretroviral concentrations were measured. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of protease, Reverse Transcriptase (RT) and integrase was performed on all samples with viral load >200 c/mL. Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were identified and interpreted using the ANRS-MIE algorithm. 264 participants were enrolled (median age=17 years), 226 received a DTG-based regimen for a median of 20.5 months. Among them, virological suppression at the 200 c/mL threshold in 80.0% of the participants. Plasma DTG concentrations were adequate (i.e., >640 ng/mL), suboptimal and below the limit of quantification in 74.1%, 6.7% and 19.2% of participants receiving DTG, respectively. Overall, viruses resistant to any of Nucleoside RT Inhibitors, Non-NRTIs, and protease inhibitors were found in 52%, 66% and 1.6% of participants, respectively. A major integrase inhibitor DRM was observed in 9.4% (n=3/32, R263K, E138A-G140A-Q148R, and N155H) of participants with a viral load >200 c/mL. These first findings in such a large series of adolescents in a low-income country, showed a good virological response of 80% and the presence of an integrase DRM in 9.4% of the virological failures, supporting the need to monitor DTG drug resistance to reduce the risk of resistance acquisition.

"Prevalence and Associated Factors of Perinatal Suicide Risk in Spanish Women".

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and in the perinatal period, the trend is increasing, even up to 100 times in the US. No studies have been carried out with validated instruments despite abundant recommendations to do so. This study aims to determine the prevalence of perinatal suicide risk in Spanish women, as well as the factors associated with it. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 908 women in the perinatal stage. Sociodemographic and obstetric variables, anxiety level (GAD-7), social support (DUKE-UNC), risk of intimate violence (WAST), and suicidal ideation (Paykel) were collected. Crude (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated using logistic regression for the main risk factors for suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 19.3% (175), and suicide attempt 2.4% (22). In the perinatal stage, the risk factors were anxiety [aOR of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04-1.31)], experiencing a possible situation of intimate partner violence [aOR of 1.59 (95% CI: 1.04-2.43)], and a risk of PPD [aOR of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.86-4.81)]. Perceived social support appears as a protective factor [aOR of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99)], along with skin-to-skin contact with the baby during childbirth [aOR 0.50 (95% CI: 0.28-0.88)]. Conclusions: Presenting anxiety or depression, little social support, and living in a possible situation of intimate partner violence are associated with a greater risk of suicidal ideation during the perinatal stage.