Demographic Patterns Research Articles

Evaluating Malaria Prevalence Across Different Age and Gender Groups in Peshawar Through Light Microscopic Analysis

Background: Malaria poses a significant public health challenge in Peshawar, Pakistan, where conditions are ideal for Anopheles mosquito breeding. This study investigates the prevalence of malaria across different demographic groups, employing light microscopy to detect Plasmodium parasites. Objective: The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of malaria in specific age and gender groups in Peshawar using light microscopy. A secondary aim was to identify demographic patterns in malaria spread to facilitate targeted public health interventions. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2021. It included 750 participants suspected of having malaria, selected through systematic sampling. Diagnostic procedures involved preparing both thick and thin blood smears stained with Giemsa to identify and quantify malaria parasites. Results: Among the participants, 299 tested positive for malaria, representing an infection rate of 39.87%. Males exhibited a higher infection rate of 43.83% compared to females at 35.77%. The highest prevalence was observed in the 41-60 age group, with an infection rate of 50.83%. Statistical analysis using a Chi-square test indicated a significant variation in malaria prevalence by gender (Chi-square = 5.079, df = 1, P = 0.0242). Conclusion: The study confirms a substantial malaria burden in Peshawar, with notable variations by gender and age. These results support the need for more focused malaria control strategies that address the specific vulnerabilities associated with these demographic factors.

The Phylogeography of Deciduous Tree Ulmus macrocarpa (Ulmaceae) in Northern China

Disentangling how climate oscillations and geographical events significantly influence plants’ genetic architecture and demographic history is a central topic in phytogeography. The deciduous ancient tree species Ulmus macrocarpa is primarily distributed throughout Northern China and has timber and horticultural value. In the current study, we studied the phylogenic architecture and demographical history of U. macrocarpa using chloroplast DNA with ecological niche modeling. The results indicated that the populations’ genetic differentiation coefficient (NST) value was significantly greater than the haplotype frequency (GST) (p < 0.05), suggesting that U. macrocarpa had a clear phylogeographical structure. Phylogenetic inference showed that the putative chloroplast haplotypes could be divided into three groups, in which the group Ⅰ was considered to be ancestral. Despite significant genetic differentiation among these groups, gene flow was detected. The common ancestor of all haplotypes was inferred to originate in the middle–late Miocene, followed by the haplotype overwhelming diversification that occurred in the Quaternary. Combined with demography pattern and ecological niche modeling, we speculated that the surrounding areas of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia were potential refugia for U. macrocarpa during the glacial period in Northern China. Our results illuminated the demography pattern of U. macrocarpa and provided clues and references for further population genetics investigations of precious tree species distributed in Northern China.

Esophageal cancer in Hispanics: a demographic analysis of the National Cancer Database

BackgroundHispanics are the fastest-growing minority and the second largest ethnic group in the United States, accounting for 18% of the national population. The American Cancer Society estimated 18,440 new cases of esophageal cancer (EC) in the United States in 2020. Hispanics are reported to be at high risk of EC. We sought to interrogate the demographic patterns of EC in Hispanics. Secondary objective was to examine evidence of socioeconomic disparities and differential therapy. MethodsWe identified Hispanic vs non-Hispanic patients with EC in the National Cancer Database between 2005 and 2015. Groups were statistically equated through propensity score-matched analysis. ResultsA total of 3205 Hispanics (3.8%) were identified among 85,004 patients with EC. We identified significant disparities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic groups. Disparities among Hispanics included higher prevalence of squamous EC, higher likelihood of stage IV cancer diagnosis, younger age, uninsured status, and income< $38,000. Hispanics were less likely to have surgical intervention or any type of treatment when compared to non-Hispanics. Multivariate analysis showed that age, ethnicity, treatment, histology, grade, stage, and Charlson–Deyo scores were independent predictors of survival. Treated Hispanics survived longer than non-Hispanics. ConclusionDespite the lower prevalence of EC, there is a disproportionately higher prevalence of metastatic and untreated cases among Hispanics. This disparity may be explained by Hispanics' limited access to medical care, exacerbated by their socioeconomic and insurance status. Further study is warranted to examine these health disparities among Hispanics.

Gambling participation and risk after COVID-19: Analysis of a population representative longitudinal panel of Australians.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling participation and levels of gambling harm across populations during the pandemic is now addressed in a well-established body of empirical literature. This study aimed to measure the longer-term implications of COVID-19 on gambling participation and levels of gambling harm. Population-based cohort study using group-based trajectory modelling. Australia, using gambling participation, problem gambling risk, sociodemographic and psychosocial data from 2019 (pre COVID-19), 2020, 2021 (during COVID-19) and 2023 (post COVID-19). A population representative survey of Australian adults, including four waves collected in April 2019 (n = 2054), November 2020 (n = 3029), October 2021 (n = 3474) and January 2023 (n = 3370), with a subset (n = 3160) of the sample having longitudinal data available. Participants were asked which gambling activities they participated in over the past 12 months for money. Problem gambling risk was measured by the nine-item Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). There was an overall reduction in gambling participation during COVID-19 and return to pre-pandemic levels for most gambling activities by 2023. The longitudinal analysis yielded four trajectories of gambling participation from 2019 to 2023, including individuals who (1) never gambled (25.0% of the longitudinal sample; n= 789); (2) engaged in non-problematic gambling (59.8%; n= 1888); (3) ceased gambling during COVID-19 and started again post pandemic (10.7%; n= 337); and (4) engaged in high risk gambling (4.6%; n= 146), with particular demographic and psychosocial profiles and patterns of participation in specific gambling activities related to these trajectories. Although overall gambling participation rates decreased at the population level in Australia during COVID-19, by 2023 participation in gambling appeared to have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels. Patterns of gambling behavior before, during and after the pandemic appear to be heterogeneous.

Rumours. Who believes them?

PurposeWhile psychology, sociology and communications studies hypothesise a range of independent variables that might impact on individuals’ acceptance or rejection of rumours, almost all studies of the phenomenon have taken place in environments featuring notable, and sometimes very deep, partisan divisions, making it almost impossible to isolate the impact of partisan influences on views on different rumour subjects. This study aims to remove the possibility of partisan influences on readers of internet rumours by testing the impact of independent demographic variables in China, a one-party state with no overt partisan divisions. The study provides an opportunity to strip away the influence of ideology and see whether this factor may have coloured previous studies on susceptibility to believe rumours.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was used to examine belief in false and true online rumours in a non-partisan environment. A large sample group was presented with rumours across four subject areas and respondents’ conclusions and demographic information was then subject to logistic regression analysis to identify relationships between factors and ability to identify the veracity of online rumours.FindingsUnexpectedly, the regression analysis revealed no statistically significant nexus between many independent demographic variables and patterns of believing or disbelieving rumours. In other cases, a statistically significant relationship was revealed, but only to a limited degree. The results suggest that once the role of partisanship in explaining the proliferation of and belief in false rumours and the ability to identify true ones is removed from consideration, no other independent variables enjoy convincing links with rumour belief.Originality/valueThe study tests in China, a jurisdiction featuring a non-partisan environment, the impact of independent variables on media users’ belief in a wide range of rumours.

Epidemiology and demographic patterns of cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms deaths in Western Europe: a 1990–2019 analysis

ObjectivesCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neoplasms have been considered as public health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the epidemiological patterns of death burden on CVDs and neoplasms and its attributable risk factors in Western Europe from 1990 to 2019 to discuss the potential causes of the disparities. Study design and methodsWe collected data on CVDs and neoplasms deaths in 24 Western European countries from the Global Burden of Disease Study. We analyzed patterns by age, sex, country, and associated risk factors. The results include percentages of total deaths, age-standardized death rates per 100,000 population, and uncertainty intervals (UIs). Time trends were assessed using annual percent change. ResultsIn 2019, CVDs and neoplasms accounted for 33.54% and 30.15% of Western Europe's total deaths, with age-standardized death rates of 128.05 (95% UI: 135.37, 113.02) and 137.51 (95% UI: 142.54, 128.01) per 100,000. Over 1990–2019, CVDs rates decreased by 54.97%, and neoplasms rates decreased by 19.54%. Top CVDs subtypes were ischemic heart disease and stroke; top cancers for neoplasms were lung and colorectal. Highest CVD death burdens were in Finland, Greece, Austria; neoplasm burdens in Monaco, San Marino, Andorra. The major risk factors were metabolic (CVDs) and behavioral (neoplasms). Gender differences revealed higher CVDs death burden in males, while neoplasms burden varied by risk factors and age groups. ConclusionIn 2019, CVDs and neoplasms posed significant health risks in Western Europe, with variations in death burdens and risk factors across genders, age groups, and countries. Future interventions should target vulnerable groups to lessen the impact of CVDs and neoplasms in the region.

Demographic profile, prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for retinal vein occlusion in Liberia: A retrospective study.

This study aims to describe the demographic profile, prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in patients over 40 years of age presenting to the Liberia Eye Centre, John F Kennedy Memorial Medical Centre, Monrovia, Liberia. A retrospective study was conducted on patients presenting to Liberia Eye Centre from July 2017 to February 2021. A total of 17506 new patients were examined during this period out of which 10813 patients were over 40 years of age. Data were collected from the electronic medical record system database. The variables in the collected data included age, gender, location, laterality of eye affected, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular diagnosis, systemic risk factors, and associated complications. Of the 10813 patients, RVO was found in 111 patients with an overall prevalence rate of 1.03% (95% confidence interval 0.80-1.2). Central RVO (CRVO) was more common than branch RVO (BRVO) in the defined population with similar proportions of both genders. The mean age for any RVO was 64.45 ± 12.27 standard deviation (SD) years (P = 0.734). Majority of the cases of RVO were from Lofa (n = 20; 18%). Fifty-five (61.1%) patients had hypertension, 5 (5.6%) had diabetes mellitus, and 6 (6.7%) had dyslipidemia. More than one systemic risk factor was present in 24 (26.7%) patients. However, none of the systemic risk factors were statistically significant. Visual acuity was most affected in patients with CRVO, with a visual acuity of <3/60 in 45 (63.4%) patients compared to 12 (30.0%) in BRVO patients. Glaucoma was present in 34 (30.6%) patients. The most common ocular complication was macular edema (n = 62, 55.8%) followed by vitreous hemorrhage (n = 8, 7.2%). RVO was detected in 1.03% of the study population over the age of 40 years in Liberia, CRVO being more common than BRVO. The clinical presentation of RVO in the Liberian population for the first time provides insight into the burden of the disease and opportunity for further research.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Adductor Canal Block versus Conservative Treatment for the Management of Anteromedial Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study

Abstract Context: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common type of lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA), with pain being the predominant symptom, leading to significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. Objectives: This study was designed to ascertain the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided adductor canal block (ACB), ensuing functional improvement and change in the quality of life in KOA patients with anteromedial knee pain and compare it with conservative treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 196 patients were recruited for this trial and initially treated conservatively with oral analgesics and exercise. At the end of 2 and 4 weeks from the inclusion date, they were offered a crossover to the intervention with ACB for the saphenous nerve. The outcome measures, such as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Timed Up and Go test, number of analgesics ingested per day and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) scores, were recorded at pre-decided time points. Results: After multiple structured follow-ups, 76 and 86 patients were analysed in the intervention and conservative groups, respectively. The two groups had no significant differences in the demographic and clinical patterns. The intervention group showed improvements in VAS (at week 2) (P &lt; 0.05), WOMAC and the number of analgesics ingested per day (weeks 2 and 4) (P &lt; 0.05). At ‘week 8’ follow-up, most patient outcomes including physical health and psychological domains of WHOQoL-BREF scores were better for conservative group (P &lt; 0.05). The rest of the outcome measures were comparable for both groups at all time points. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: This study suggests that ACB is effective only for a short duration and does not offer any significant advantage over conservative management in the long run.

Leprosy in Post-elimination Era: A Study Conducted in Rural Tertiary Settings in North India.

Background Leprosy is an age-old disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease was declared eradicated in India in 2005. Many new cases are still being identified in the outdoor patient department. This study was undertaken to understand the epidemiological, clinical, and social aspects of leprosy among new patients, and assessthe current situation regarding caseload and presentation. Material and methods This study was designed as an observational study. It was carried out in people newly diagnosed with leprosyattending the outpatient department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology in the tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences from July 2022 to January 2024. A total of 231 people afflicted with leprosy were included in the study. The data collected was statistically analyzed to identify demographic and social patterns, clinical presentations, and features associated with leprosy. Result Out of these 231 patients, 139 (60.17%) were male and 92 (39.83%) were female. Most cases belonged to the age group 40-59 years 87 (37.66%). History of close contact with an afflicted person was present in 34 (14.71%). Clinically, most patients belong to the borderline tuberculoid (BT) type. Only 24 (10.4%) patients were found positive for M. leprae by slit-skin smear examination. The ulnar nerve was the most common nerve involved in 63 (27.27%) cases. Trophic ulcers were the predominant deformity in 34 (14.7%), followed by foot drop in 13 (5.62 %). Conclusion The present study provides an overview of the prevailing trends of Leprosy within a specific region in the post-elimination era. The findings underscore the significance of the ongoing National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) program and stress the importance of aligning them with the common goal of eliminating the burden and stigma of Leprosy from society.

Behavioural heterogeneity across killer whale social units in their response to feeding opportunities from fisheries.

Intra-population heterogeneity in the behavioural response of predators to changes in prey availability caused by human activities can have major evolutionary implications. Among these activities, fisheries, while extracting resources, also provide new feeding opportunities for marine top predators. However, heterogeneity in the extent to which individuals have responded to these opportunities within populations is poorly understood. Here, we used 18 years of photo-identification data paired with statistical models to assess variation in the way killer whale social units within a subantarctic population (Crozet Islands) interact with fisheries to feed on fish caught on fishing gear (i.e., depredation behaviour). Our results indicate large heterogeneity in both the spatial and temporal extents of depredation across social units. While some frequently depredated on fishery catches over large areas, others sporadically did so and in small areas consistently over the years. These findings suggest that killer whale social units are exposed to varying levels of impacts of depredation, both negative (potential retaliation from fishers) and positive (food provisioning), on their life history traits, and may explain the contrasted demographic patterns observed within the declining population at Crozet but also potentially within the many other killer whale populations documented depredating on fisheries catches worldwide.

Characterization of Weissella Species during a 3-Year Observational Study - An Emerging Threat.

Weissella species are mistaken for Lactobacillus or Leuconostoc because of their Gram-staining property and resistance to vancomycin. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic pattern, presenting symptoms, risk factors, associated pathologies, and clinical outcomes in patients with Weissella infection. We also analyzed the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the Weissella species isolated. This retrospective observational study was done from January 2021 to August 2023 in a tertiary care referral center in Uttar Pradesh. All Weissella species isolated from blood cultures or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples during this period were included in the study. Twenty-four-hour growth from a positive blood culture or CSF sample was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Demographic and clinical details of the patients were extracted from the hospital information system. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. During the 3-year study, 13 isolates of Weissella species were identified in our laboratory. Among the patients, male predominance was seen. The age range of the patients was 5-53 years. The samples were blood samples (n = 11) and CSF samples (n = 2). Of these isolates, 12 (92.3%) were identified as Weissella confusa and 1 (7.69%) was identified as Weissella viridescens. Common risk factors were anemia, prolonged hospital stay, indwelling catheter, chemotherapy, and chronic kidney disease. All the isolates in this study were sensitive to amikacin, daptomycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, minocycline, and linezolid. Death was attributed to Weissella infection in three patients. Weissella species are opportunistic organisms that need to be identified quickly and precisely to guarantee the right course of treatment.

Concentrations of harm: Geographic and demographic patterning in human trafficking and related victimisation

Human trafficking and ‘modern slavery’ cover a wide, varied and poorly delineated range of exploitative practices. Yet, conflating different issues risks obscuring important variation. The geographies of trafficking are surprisingly under-researched, particularly quantitatively. Informed by opportunity theories, we examined geospatial and demographic concentrations in trafficking and related exploitation formally identified in the United Kingdom (UK) over the decade 2009–2019. Taking an exploratory approach, we analysed individual-level data for 26,503 people officially identified as suspected or confirmed victims. Our results reveal a highly complex landscape that likely reflects multiple and intersecting contributing factors, including both systemic drivers and more immediate opportunity structures. Alongside considerable variation overall, we found heavy geographic and demographic concentrations – and notable interactions between variables. Our study emphasises the importance of disaggregation for analysis and responses and underlines the complex systems involved. Limitations notwithstanding, this novel analysis shows the value of large-scale, context-sensitive research into the geographies of trafficking.

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial meningitis among hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia: a six-year retrospective study.

Bacterial meningitis poses significant medical challenges due to its acute inflammatory nature and potential for severe neurological complications, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Limited data exists on its epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance trends among hospitalized patients in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate these factors at a tertiary care hospital over six years. A retrospective analysis was conducted on cerebrospinal fluid samples results from 222 bacterial meningitis cases among hospitalized patients between 2018 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, microbiological data, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were collected and analyzed. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (43%) was the predominant pathogen isolated. Neonates (16%) and children (47%) were most affected population. Nosocomial meningitis accounted for 92% of cases, mainly in the intensive care settings (50.45%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was the leading resistance pattern (12.2%). Seasonal variation was observed, with a peak incidence in October-November. The study highlights the substantial burden of bacterial meningitis among hospitalized patients, especially among high-risk groups. Emerging antimicrobial resistance emphasizes the need for optimized surveillance and stewardship. Future prospective research employing molecular techniques across multiple centers in the country is warranted to enhance understanding and guide public health strategies in Saudi Arabia.

Towards conceptualizing ‘demographic agency’ in Family Language Policy

This article investigates the success story of language maintenance in Arab families in Iran. Taking Fishman’s (1991) emphasis on micro face-to-face interactions in language maintenance processes as our point of departure, it argues that language maintenance requires that families live in a sociolinguistic milieu in which face-to-face interactions are facilitated by demographic patterns of settlement. Despite unfavorable institutional policies towards minority languages in Iran, the specific geographical makeup of the country has historically pushed speakers of minority languages to settle in certain regions (Katouzian, 2009). Drawing on Sealey and Carter’s (2004) concept of ‘demographic agency’, this article argues that such a demographic settlement of Arabs in southern cities and towns in Iran has given them a collective power to maintain their language, which takes the form of laissez-faire interactions in Arabic at home. The findings, based on interviews with families and recordings of interactions at home, suggest that, although parents express concern regarding their children’s academic achievement and socioeconomic mobility, which requires higher proficiency in Persian, this concern does not readily translate into language practices in Persian at home.

Participation and Persistence in High School Elective Music Ensembles

In this study, we examined demographic patterns of participation and persistence in high school elective music ensembles. We extend prior research that has only compared music and non-music students by explicitly modeling persistence across multiple years of ensemble enrollment. The research draws on data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 and employs a zero-inflated Poisson regression model to analyze the data. This hurdle model, suitable for count data with a large number of zero observations, allows us to jointly examine factors related to enrolling in at least 1 year of a music ensemble (moving from 0 years to 1 year of music) and those factors related to accruing additional years of music ensemble enrollment (moving beyond 1 year to multiple years). We found that family socioeconomic status, birth-assigned sex, academic achievement, shared parent/student outside arts event attendance, and out-of-school arts engagement were significant predictors of both students’ music participation and persistence. By examining persistence, we add important nuance to the prior research examining demographic predictors of elective high school music enrollment, particularly for issues of birth-assigned sex and socioeconomic status in the choral context.

Children With Special Health Care Needs: An Analysis of National Survey of Children's Health Database.

Background Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) represent a diverse pediatric population requiring healthcare services beyond typical childhood needs. This study analyzes data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health Database to elucidate demographic patterns, prevalence rates, and nuanced factors influencing the health and well-being of CSHCN. Methods This retrospective observational study focuses on children aged 0-17 who are identified as CSHCN based on Maternal and Child Health Bureau criteria. A comprehensive analysis of the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) database examines key variables, including health outcomes, healthcare utilization, parental-reported health status, and socio-demographic factors. Stratified random sampling ensures national representation. Results The study encompassed 40,335 patients, revealing that 14.6% (CI: 14.0-15.3, n=6,445) of CSHCN received care in a well-functioning system. Across age groups, 19.1% (CI: 14.0-15.3, n=6,445) of CSHCN aged 0-5 received ongoing treatment, contrasting with 5.7% (CI: 5.2-6.2, n=1,599) in the 12-17 years group. Males exhibited a prevalence of 15% (CI: 14.1-15.9, n=3,674), and females had 14.2% (CI: 13.2-15.2, n=2,771). Racial disparities were noted; non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander children had a 3% (CI: 1.1-8.1, n=6) prevalence. Across Federal Poverty Level categories, prevalence ranged from 12.5% (CI: 11.5-13.6, n=1,753) to 17.7% (CI: 16.6-18.9, n=2,856). Notably, 18.5% (CI: 17.4-19.7, n=3,515) of children without adverse experiences were CSHCN. Among CSHCN in two-parent currently married households, 15.9% (CI: 15.0-16.8, n=4,330) received treatment, while those in unmarried households had a prevalence of 12.9% (CI: 10.5-15.7, n=335). CSHCN with parents born in the United Statesshowed a prevalence of 15.4% (CI: 14.7-16.1, n=5,257). Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and demographic patterns of CSHCN. Limitations include potential recall bias and the retrospective study design. Despite these constraints, the findings lay a foundation for future research and targeted interventions, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare in the United States.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Online Patient Portal Utilization Among Total Knee Arthroplasty Recipients

BackgroundSince 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have mandated that patients have open access to their medical records. Many institutions use online portals, which allow patients to access their health information and communicate with care teams. Our research aimed to evaluate demographic patterns for online patient portal utilization in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Further, we assessed if and how portal engagement contributes to perioperative outcomes. MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed primary and elective TKA from 2017 to 2022 at a single academic institution. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on their online portal status: activated (A) or not-activated (NA). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record and compared. ResultsIn total, 10,995 patients were included: 8,330 (75.8%) were A and 2,625 (24.2%) were NA. The NA group was significantly older (P < .001); more likely to be Black (P < .001), women (P < .001), single/divorced/widowed (P < .001), non-English speaking (P < .001), and Medicare or Medicaid insured (P < .001); from zip codes with median incomes below $50,000 (P < .001), and more likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV (P < .001). Patient-reported outcome measure completion rates were significantly lower in the NA group (15.3 versus 47.7%, P < .001). Lengths of stay (LOS) were significantly higher in the NA group (2.7 versus 2.1 days, P < .001). The NA group was significantly more likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities (P < .001). Comparable rates of 90-day emergency department visits, readmissions, as well as 90-day and 2-year revisions, were observed across groups. ConclusionsThere are significant disparities in online portal activation status based on patient demographics. Patients who have A portals had significantly higher Patient-reported outcome measure completion rates, shorter LOS, and higher rates of home discharge. Further research should determine which other factors may affect patient portal utilization and inform interventions to improve portal utilization among minority populations.

An Analysis of COVID-19 Statistics in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Study of Demographic Patterns, Geographic Distribution, and Prevalent Symptoms from April 2020 to March 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is characterized mainly by fever and cough and is capable of progressing to severe symptoms and in some cases death. Aims: To analyze COVID-19 statistics in Rivers State, Nigeria, during the specified period to contribute to the broader understanding of the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the region. Methodology: Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the retrieval of secondary data. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Epidemiology Division of the Rivers State Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, in December 2022. Participants: A total of 6,299 patients recorded between April 2020 to March 2021 in the Epidemiology Unit were included in the study. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from the analysis. Data Collection and Analysis: Secondary data recorded in Excel format was retrieved from the Epidemiology Unit of the Rivers State Ministry of Health. The data was then exported to IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Frequencies were generated and reported in tabular format. Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the State Ministry of Health Board, Port Harcourt, ensuring compliance with ethical standards in research and the University of Port Harcourt Ethics Committee to the State Hospital Board. Results: The mortality rate stood at 1.4%. Port Harcourt Local Government Area (LGA) accounted for approximately two-thirds of all infections, while nearly one-third originated from Obio/Akpor LGA. Among those infected, 17.4% reported a history of travel, while 1% had attended a burial before contracting the virus. Symptomatic presentation was prevalent, with four out of every five confirmed cases (76.9%) experiencing various symptoms, with sore throat emerging as a common presentation alongside fever and other symptoms. Significant disparities were observed concerning the sex and age distribution of infections (p &lt; 0.0001). Males were more affected than females, and individuals within the age groups of 31-40 and 41-50 constituted three-fifths of the total infections. Conclusion: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, a notable shift in infection rates emerged, highlighting a trend where younger demographics, notably women, became increasingly susceptible. Despite initial perceptions of heightened severity and mortality among older males, nuanced analysis revealed diverse vulnerabilities across gender and age spectrums. Occupational exposures, biological variations, and behavioural disparities all contributed to the observed gender discrepancies in infection rates and outcomes. Furthermore, the urban landscape, with its higher population density and increased mobility, served as a catalyst for the rapid spread of the virus, albeit impacting genders in differing proportions. Moreover, the varied presentation of symptoms, with sore throat emerging as a prevalent feature alongside fever and other manifestations, underscores the necessity for tailored public health interventions.

Demographics and Pathomorphology of Ameloblastoma: A 9 Year Retrospective Review at a Tertiary Health Care Centre in North-Central Nigeria

Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally invasive neoplasm that arises from odontogenic epithelium of the dental lamina. It is classified into the conventional, unicystic, extraosseous/peripheral and metastasizing variants. It is the most common odontogenic tumour in Nigeria and other developing countries. It affects individuals of all ages, has a peak of occurrence in the fourth and fifth decades with no sex predilection. The Mandible is the most commonly affected site and the conventional variant is predominant. The aim of this study is to document the demographics and Pathomorphology of ameloblastoma diagnosed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital over the past nine years. There is no previous documentation of the pattern of this tumour in the North-central region of Nigeria making this study relevant. This is a retrospective observational review of all cases of ameloblastoma diagnosed histologically at the Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2023. Materials utilized consisted of patient clinical case files, electronic histopathology result records, histopathology glass slides and formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks. The patient age, sex, anatomic location of tumour in the Jaw/face and pathomorphological features were recorded for all cases. The data obtained was analysed using Epi-info 7 (version 3.5.4) and Microsoft-Excel. Results were presented in tables and charts. Fifty one cases of ameloblastoma were diagnosed during the 9 years of review. Their ages ranged between 6 and 65 years with a mean age of 30.9±13.8 years and a peak of occurrence in the third decade. There were 29 males and 22 females with a male to female ratio (M:F) of 1.3:1. Ninety-two percent of cases occurred in the mandible and 8% in the maxilla. The conventional variant accounted for 72.5% of cases and the unicystic variant 27.5%. The follicular type accounted for 64.8% of cases of conventional ameloblastoma. Ameloblastoma occurred more commonly in males with a peak in the third decade. A vast majority of cases involved the mandible and the conventional type was predominant. This demographic pattern supports existing evidence that ameloblastoma occurs more commonly in males and in relatively younger patients in Africa.

Implementation of a pediatric trauma registry at a national referral center in Kenya: Utility and concern for sustainability

BackgroundPediatric trauma disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly the pediatric trauma systems, are frequently limited. This study assessed the patterns of pediatric traumatic injuries and treatment at the only free-standing public children's hospital in East Africa as well as the implementation and sustainability of the trauma registry. MethodsA prospective pediatric trauma registry was established at Shoe4Africa Children's Hospital (S4A) in Eldoret, Kenya. All trauma patients over a six-month period were enrolled. Descriptive analyses were completed via SAS 9.4 to uncover patterns of demographics, trauma mechanisms and injuries, as well as outcomes. Implementation was assessed using the RE-AIM framework. ResultsThe 425 patients had a median age of 5.14 years (IQR 2.4, 8.7). Average time to care was 267.5 min (IQR 134.0, 625.0). The most common pediatric trauma mechanisms were falls (32.7 %) and burns (17.7 %), but when stratified by age group, toddlers had a higher risk of sustaining injuries from burns and poisonings. Over half (56.2 %) required an operation during the hospitalization. Overall, implementation of the registry was limited by the clinical burden and inadequate personnel. Sustainability of the registry was limited by finances. ConclusionsThis is the first study to describe the trauma epidemiology from a Kenyan public pediatric hospital. Maintenance of the trauma registry failed due to cost. Streamlining global surgery efforts through implementation science may allow easier development of trauma registries to then identify modifiable risk factors to prevent trauma and long-term outcomes to understand associated disability.