Health Association Research Articles

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Autistic Transgender or Gender-Nonconforming US College Students

Suicide risk is a global public health crisis, with suicide ranking as a consistent leading cause of death among adults in the US. Autistic individuals and transgender or gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals represent populations with notably elevated rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). To characterize suicidal thoughts and behaviors among TGNC and autistic individuals, using a large, nationally representative sample. This study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from students at colleges and universities throughout the US who participated in the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment from 2019 to 2023. Autistic and TGNC identities were self-reported by participants. The frequency of intersectionality of autism and TGNC identities and whether those who had intersectional marginalized identities had increased likelihood of STBs were examined. STBs were self-reported by participants. A series of moderated regression analyses were performed to examine how the interaction between autism and possessing a marginalized gender identity (ie, TGNC status) was associated with STBs. The sample included 41 507 college students with a mean (SD) age of 23.35 (6.83) years. A total of 2410 participants (5.81%) identified as being TGNC. Overall, 326 TGNC participants (13.53%) also identified as autistic, whereas 625 of those who identified as cisgender (1.58%) also identified as autistic. Gender identity and autism were associated with greater odds of STBs. For suicidal ideation, gender identity had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (95% CI, 2.99-3.73), and autism had an OR of 2.06 (95% CI, 1.76-2.42). For suicide attempts, gender identity had an OR of 2.74 (95% CI, 2.13-3.52), and autism had an OR of 2.39 (95% CI, 1.62-3.52). A significant interaction existed for attempts (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.97); nonautistic cisgender individuals had the lowest attempt rate. This cross-sectional study addresses the dearth of information on how intersectionality in gender and autism status impacts the risk of STBs, and the results confirm the elevated risk of STBs among TGNC and autistic populations. Interventions are needed to support college students with these identities.

National recommendations for the management of children and young people with IgA vasculitis: a best available evidence, group agreement-based approach

ObjectiveIgA vasculitis (IgAV) is the most frequently experienced subtype of vasculitis seen in children. Most children fully recover, however, complications including chronic kidney disease are recognised. The aim of this...

Preventive oral healthcare for children: towards appropriate care

In recent decades, oral healthcare has shifted from curation to prevention. Preventive oral healthcare for children consists mainly of oral health education to improve health behaviors and clinical prevention such as fissure sealants, application of fluoride varnish, removal of supragingival plaque and dental polishing. In addition, the periodic clinical examination is an important preventive instrument. These 5 preventive interventions for children up to 12 years of age can be discussed using the principles of 'appropriate care'. Appropriate care is an approach of the Dutch government to ensure the accessibility, quality and affordability of care in the Netherlands. Central to the approach are the effectiveness, efficiency and patient-centeredness of care. This article describes to what extent preventive oral healthcare meets these principles based on literature, care consumption data and recommendations from the clinical guidelines 'Oral care for children: prevention and treatment of dental caries' and the 'Advice on Caries Prevention' by the Ivory Cross, a Dutch scientific association for oral health. Appropriate oral healthcare is best served by care that is tailored to both the individual oral disease burden of the patient and their risk of disease as well as to the wishes of the patient.

The association of mental health with physical activity and its dimensions in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study.

Selecting the most efficient type of physical activity that improves mental health can assist in choosing appropriate interventions. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between physical activity and its various aspects, including weekly physical activity, weekly walking and exercise sessions, and the frequency of walking and exercise per week, with the mental health of Chinese adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Hangzhou (2023) involving 512 adults aged 18 and 64. Each participant received a self-completed questionnaire comprising three sections. The initial section focused on gathering basic information about the participants, such as gender, age, annual income, and marital status. The second section consisted of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which aimed to evaluate the mental health status of the participants. Lastly, the third section included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Version (IPAQ-SV), which assessed the metabolic equivalent (MET) of activities like walking, moderate-intensity exercises, and high-intensity exercises. The study found that mental health problems affected 25.74% of adults, while physical inactivity was prevalent in 49.63% of adults. The statistical model was highly significant (F = 25.143, p < 0.001), suggesting that at least one predictor has a significant impact on mental health. The model accounted for 39% of the variance in mental health, with all variables showing predictive value. Notably, the number of walking days per week emerged as the most influential predictor of mental health (β = -0.392), followed by level of weekly physical activity in MET, the number of exercise training sessions per week, weekly exercise training in MET, and weekly walking in MET (β = -0.312, -0.301, -0.212, and -0.202, respectively). Adults can allocate more days per week to walking and their usual physical activity to improve their mental health.

British Association of Sexual Health and HIV UK national guideline for the management of anogenital herpes, 2024.

The guideline provides recommendations on the management of adults with anogenital herpes in the UK. Recommendations include diagnostic tests, management of the primary or first episode of anogenital herpes and recurrences, effectiveness of therapy, prophylaxis, and prevention of transmission between partners, as well as patient centred counselling.

Evaluation of Health Associations With Height-Normalised Abdominal Body Composition Indices: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study.

Traditional metrics such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) fail to accurately assess the health outcomes associated with abdominal adiposity, because they neglect the intricacies of adipose tissue distribution. Notably, the variability in body composition scaled to height remains underexplored in Chinese demographics. This study introduces height-normalised indices of abdominal adiposity using computed tomography (CT) scans and further assesses their associations with various health outcomes. In a large, diverse Chinese population (n = 1054 healthy individuals; n = 1159 with dyslipidemia; n = 803 with diabetes; n = 1289 with cardio-cerebrovascular diseases; n = 1108 with cancers; and n = 509 with abnormal bone mas), abdominal CT scans were performed and allometric growth model analyses were used to derive height-normalised indices (body composition/heightβ). Logistic regression models assessed the associations between these indices and health outcomes. Distinct scaling powers were observed for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and total abdominal adipose tissue (TAT), as well as for sagittal diameter (SAD), with marked sex differences. Powers for VAT were 1.786 ± 1.270 for males and 1.274 ± 0.692 for females. Powers for SAT were 2.266 ± 0.856 for males and 1.656 ± 0.497 for females. Powers for TAT were 2.141 ± 0.967 for males and 1.438 ± 0.489 for females. Powers for SAD were 0.646 ± 0.217 for males and 0.678 ± 0.141 for females. After controlling for age, BMI and WC, VAT/heightβ, TAT/heightβ and SAD/heightβ retained their significantly positive associations with the odds of health outcomes, whereas SAT/heightβ did not. Our findings endorse the clinical utility of height-normalised indices, particularly VAT/heightβ, TAT/heightβ and SAD/heightβ, in health outcomes assessment. These indices, grounded in robust empirical data, underscore the necessity of a nuanced approach in obesity-related health evaluations, advocating for a departure from conventional methods like BMI.

Groundwater geochemistry using modified integrated water quality index (IWQI) and health indices with special emphasis on nitrates and heavy metals in southern parts of Tirupati, South India.

Groundwater is particularly vulnerable to pollution in places with a high population density and extensive human usage of the land, especially in southern parts of Tirupati, India. To assess this, 60 bore-well samples were obtained and assessed for physical specifications, ion chemistry, and heavy metals during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons 2022. The current investigation employed a modified integrated water quality index (IWQI), conventional graphical and human health risk assessment (HHRA) of nitrates and heavy metals to know the groundwater chemistry and its detrimental health effects on humans. The major ions were analyzed using American public health association (APHA)standards, whereas heavy metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES). Additionally, pH Redox Equilibrium and C (PHREEQC),a geochemical model written in C programming language was employed to determine the saturation indices of mineral facies and ArcGIS 10.3.1 was used for spatial distribution patterns of IWQI. Then, the HHRA of nitrates and heavy metals was performed using United States environmental protection agency (USEPA)guidelines. The noteworthy outcomes include elevated levels of Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3-, Cu,Fe, Mn, and Pb, demonstrating rock-water interaction, silicate weathering, Ca-Mg-HCO3 followed by mixed water facies, dissolution/precipitation, reverse exchange, and anthropogenic contamination are the major controlling processes in groundwater of southern Tirupati, India. The modified IWQI reveals that most groundwater samples (38%) fall under the bad quality class, with (47%) in the poor quality class and only (15%) classified as medium qualityclass in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Elevated IWQI were observed in all directions except in the east, which is suitable for drinking. Moreover, the major hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI)for nitrates (NO3-) and heavy metals like copper(Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) are above the critical value of 1, revealing potential risk to humans, especially infants, followed by children and adults, entailing the instantaneous implementation of proper remedial measures and stringent policies to reduce the risk associated with groundwater pollution in the southern parts of Tirupati.

Lifestyle behaviors and mental health outcomes in sexual and gender minority graduate students

Objective There are well-documented health disparities among sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) individuals generally, but there is limited research investigating the disparities in health-related lifestyle factors and mental health among LGBTQ+ graduate students, which is a group that may be especially vulnerable. Participants This project was a secondary analysis of data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment’s (NCHA) Fall 2019 wave, which included 7,766 graduate students. Methods Students self-reported engagement in health-related lifestyle factors and psychological distress. Welch’s independent samples t-tests were used to compare differences in psychological distress and lifestyle behaviors and multiple linear regression models were used to test lifestyle factors as predictors of LGBTQ+ psychological distress. Results LGBTQ+ graduate students reported worse lifestyle profiles compared to their peers and greater psychological distress. Sleep quality had the strongest association with psychological distress among LGBTQ+ graduate students. Conclusions These findings have important implications for policies and interventions to improve health and decrease suffering in LGBTQ+ graduate students.

Socioeconomic deprivation modifies green space and mental health associations: A within person study

Living in an area with good availability and accessibility of residential green spaces such as parks, woodlands, and residential gardens can improve mental health and reduce the global disease burden. Unlike for physical health, it is not well understood if mental health and green space associations might be modified by local area deprivation. Existing evidence for this association comes from cross-sectional studies, widely considered vulnerable to confounding and bias. Individual time-invariant mental health status, personality, and other factors may result in positive effect modification on green space and mental health associations in more deprived areas. We use fixed-effects models that remove time-invariant confounding by calculating differences within-persons to eliminate this bias and add to the existing evidence. We modelled changes in mental health status, green space, and deprivation (relative to the within-person mean) within 54,666 individuals with a combined total of 300,710 mental health scores from one of the world’s largest panel surveys: “Understanding Society” in the UK. We found a positive effect of increasing residential green space on mental health and this was positively modified and intensified by area deprivation before and after adjusting for confounding. Our results support providing green space to protect against the negative impact of socioeconomic deprivation on health, particularly for those moving from a less deprived to a more deprived area.

Sociodemographic and Mental Health Factors Associated with Obesity in Resettled Refugees in Syracuse, New York.

Resettled refugees have been exposed to stressful and life-threatening events preresettlement and are among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in society. Postresettlement, they face challenges when assimilating to an unfamiliar host country, which renders them vulnerable to adverse health outcomes including obesity, a major public health burden. This study was conducted to examine the association of mental health and sociodemographic factors, including language proficiency and educational attainment, with obesity in first-generation resettled refugees. We used data from electronic health records from the Adult Ambulatory Medicine Clinic of the State University of New York Upstate, Syracuse, NY. The probability of being overweight and obese (class I and class II) relative to normal weight was estimated using fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression models with relative risk ratios (RRRs). Relative to male refugees, female refugees were more likely to have class I obesity (RRR=1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.19, 2.80) and class II obesity (RRR=4.07; 95% CI=2.41, 6.87). Limited English proficiency increased the risk of being overweight (RRR=2.02; 95% CI=1.29, 3.17) and having class II obesity (RRR=2.14, 95% CI=1.20, 3.81). A clinical mental health diagnosis increased the risk of class I (RRR=2.00; 95% CI=1.35, 2.96) and class II (RRR=1.76; 95% CI=1.15, 2.71) obesity. Having no formal education was associated with decreased risk of class II obesity (RRR=0.42; 95% CI=0.19, 0.90). Obesity prevalence and subsequent related morbidity continue to be major public health burdens in vulnerable, often underserved populations in the United States. Further investigation into social determinants of obesity in refugees in a community setting that captures the unique experiences of heterogenous refugee groups outside the clinical setting is warranted.

The association of ideal cardiovascular health and its change with subclinical atherosclerosis according to glucose status: A prospective cohort study.

An updated definition was developed to better evaluate cardiovascular health (CVH). We aimed to investigate whether optimal or improvement of six CVH metrics defined by new Life's Essential 8 (LE8) may counteract the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis among patients with hyperglycemia. We conducted a prospective analysis of 5225 participants without prior cardiovascular diseases, of whom 4768 had complete data on CVH change. Subjects with CVH scores of 0-49, 50-79, and 80-100 points were categorized as having low, moderate, or high CVH, respectively. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, pulse pressure and albuminuria, both separately and in combination. Of the 5225 participants, 1937 (37.1%) had normal glucose regulation, while 3288 (62.9%) had hyperglycemia. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for composite subclinical atherosclerosis was 2.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.88-2.91), 1.43 (95% CI, 1.21-1.70), and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.46-1.18), for participants with hyperglycemia who had low, moderate, or high overall CVH scores, respectively, compared with participants with normal glucose regulation. In addition, compared with those with stable CVH and normal glucose regulation, participants who exhibited greater improvements in overall CVH from 2010 to 2014 had a reduced risk of composite subclinical atherosclerosis with an OR of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.53-0.98) for those with normal glucose regulation, and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.87-1.48) for those with hyperglycemia. The novel defined CVH using six metrics was inversely associated with subsequent risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. Both the status of CVH and its changes modified the relationship between hyperglycemia and subclinical atherosclerosis.

S2032 Association of Oral Health and Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Analysis of Data From NHANES 2017-2020

S2032 Association of Oral Health and Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Analysis of Data From NHANES 2017-2020

Mortality association with extremity trauma and transferring patients for higher level of care

Introduction: Rising healthcare costs and reduced Medicaid reimbursements pose lasting challenges for trauma centers. Various studies have highlighted the adverse effect of these cost-related circumstances on trauma center survival and the need for local hospitals to transfer patients to tertiary and quaternary care centers. Our study seeks to assess the relationship between patient transfer status to a higher level health center and association on mortality. Methods: A total of 19,417 patients were identified, of which 15,317 patients presented directly to the higher level health center, and 3,830 patients who transferred from 49 different outside hospitals within a 500 mile radius. Data collection was collected from the receiving higher level of care hospital trauma registry. IBM SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. A 1:1 propensity matched analysis based on age, gender, and injury severity score yielded 3,566 patients that presented directly to ARMC and 3,566 patients who were transferred to ARMC for higher level of care. Amongst various factors we considered mechanism of injury, response levels, arrival methods, and transfusion of blood products. Results: The univariate analysis of the propensity matched analysis demonstrated 88% blunt injury in the non-transferred group and 82% in the transferred group (P&lt;0.001). Overall, hospital mortality was 3% in non-transferred patients versus 4% in the transferred group (P&lt;0.001). A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated mortality is more likely in patients with higher injury severity scores (Odd Ratio (OD) 2.351 (1.029-1.082), P&lt;0.001) and lack of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions received within first 4 hours (OD 6.852 (3.525-13.318), P=0.001). Conclusion: The transfer of trauma patients with extremity injuries to Level 1 trauma centers has significant implications on patient outcomes. In our retrospective observational cohort study, we noted increased mortality among patients with higher injury severity scores, penetrating injuries, pRBC administration within the first 4 hours of hospitalization, and among patient transfers.

Effects of climate change on migration in Latin America and Caribbean: a scoping review

Climate change-induced natural disasters such as hurricanes, landslides, forest fires, and changes in precipitation directly affect rural sectors that depend on field production and other dimensions of everyday life. This generates the mobilization of people from their homes to safer places within the same country or across borders. There is a lack of information on the impacts of climate change on environmental migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This scoping review aims to describe the scientific evidence of the health effects of climate change on migrant in LAC. The review was conducted using databases from PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar in English, Spanish and Portuguese. After screening the title, abstract, and full text of identified hits (n = 726), 31 records were finally included. Evidence indicates that climate change relates to health and healthcare, psychosocial and infrastructure dimensions among migrants in LAC. Health effects refer to limited access to healthcare, underdiagnosis, increased susceptibility to diseases and mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. Psychosocial dimensions refer to a heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence, social marginalization, family separation, and loss of identity and culture. Infrastructure refers to environmental degradation and agricultural and urban infrastructure destruction. Multiple adaptations to these conditions are described among migrant populations in the region. Recommendations for improvements are presented. This scoping review suggests climate change’s significant health, psychosocial, and infrastructural associations with migrants in Latin America.

Non-pharmacological interventions of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome: a group consensus

ObjectiveTo make a group consensus about non-pharmacological interventions of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome based on the previous guidelines, literature, and expert viewpoints. MethodsOrganized by Chinese Integrative Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine Academy, Chinese Maternal and Child Health Association, China, 29 experts from 18 Chinese provinces and 2 international experts, who specialize in gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, endocrinology, cardiovascular, psychology, reproductive genetics, nursing, acupuncture and tuina, traditional Chinese medicine, integrative medicine, and other disciplines, discussed and revised the recommendations one by one through in-person or online communication. Each recommendation was approved by ≥90% of the experts before it could be established. Main outcome measure(s)An optimal clinical regimen for addressing the requirements of women with PCOS and improving their quality of life. Result(s)The writing panel drafted the initial report, following a consensus process via adequate communication, which was then reviewed and revised by the consensus panel. This consensus provides 12 non-pharmacological interventions (including acupuncture, thumbtack needle, thread-embedding therapy, TEAS, AA, acupoint hot compress, cupping, acupressure, moxibustion, five elements music, aromatherapy, traditional Chinese exercises) for 8 phenotypes of PCOS, resulting in 34 items of clinical practice recommendations. Conclusion(s)The consensus provides 12 non-pharmacological interventions of traditional Chinese medicine for 8 phenotypes of PCOS, resulting in 34 items of clinical practice recommendations, which may be improved by more high-quality multicenter clinical trials.

Joint British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists national UK guideline for the management of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in pregnancy and the neonate (2024 update).

This updated national UK guideline offers recommendations on the management of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) in mothers and pregnant people during pregnancy and within 4 weeks following birth. It includes recommendations for first episode and recurrent HSV, HSV in preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes and in co-infection with HSV and HIV. Recommendations around management of the neonate are made, on prevention of postnatal transmission, management of breastfeeding, and the management of clinically discordant couples. This guideline is aimed at healthcare professionals working in sexual health clinics, maternity units, and those working on postnatal wards and neonatal units in the UK. However, the principles of the recommendations should be adopted across all services, including community care.

Facilitators and barriers for working beyond statutory pension age: A prospective cohort study across 26 European countries.

The aging population of European countries highlights the need for extended working lives. This study aims to investigate facilitators and barriers for working beyond the statutory pension age (SPA). Using data from waves 1, 2, 4-9 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (2004-2022), we followed 9131 workers with a mean age of 56.9 [standard deviation (SD) 3.5] years from 26 European countries until they surpassed the SPA for their respective country, sex and year of participation. Using robust Poisson regression, we modelled the prospective association of work factors, lifestyle, health, and demographics at baseline with working at least one year beyond the SPA. Participants were followed for 9.5 (SD 3.9) years. After surpassing the SPA by at least one year, 18% were still working. Among the work factors, opportunities for skill development [risk ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.34] and recognition at work (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.26) facilitated working beyond SPA, while time pressure (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.97) and poor prospects for job advancement (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83) were barriers. For the other factors, smoking was negatively associated with working beyond the SPA, while living in the northern part of Europe, higher level of education, and being divorced or separated were positively associated with working beyond the SPA. This prospective cohort study across 26 European countries identified four modifiable work factors that influenced working beyond the SPA. Addressing modifiable barriers and facilitators at the workplace and through public health initiatives could help extend working lives in Europe.

Factors Affecting Health Seeking Behavior of Elderly People in a Community of Pokhara, Nepal

Introduction: Individuals have different opinion regarding willingness to seek help from health care services. Thus, a study aimed to find out the health care seeking behaviour, factors affecting health care seeking behaviour and association between health seeking and those factors among elderly people. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 197 elderly people of 65 years and above in Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward No.28. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected by face to face interview technique using self-developed structured interview schedule. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Inferential statistics (Chi-square test) was used to reveal the association between the selected factors and health seeking behaviour.. Results: Finding showed 77.66% of respondents sought appropriate health care where as only 22.34 % of respondents sought inappropriate health care. Among those who sought care from appropriate health care, 65.48% of respondents sought care from governmental hospital. Among those who sought inappropriate health care still 22.72 % of respondents had belief in traditional healer. Accompany for the treatment of elderly was found statistically significant and other factors was not found statistically significant Conclusion: Based on the findings more than two third of the respondents reported that they seek appropriate health care. Among those respondents nearly half of respondents’ reason for seeking appropriate health care was good experience of medical treatment in the past. Among those whose health seeking behaviour is inappropriate, still one fourth of respondents had belief on traditional healer. Key words: Health seeking behavior; Elderly people; Nepal

Unravelling the Seasonal Dynamics of Limnological Parameters and Assessment of Ecological Health: A Case Study of Lingadheeranahalli Lake in Bangalore North, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT: The present study investigates the seasonal dynamics of limnological variables and the developmental response of D. rerio in the wetland ecosystem of Lingadheeranahalli in the northern clutches of Bangalore in Karnataka. Once a vital water source for agriculture and replenishing groundwater, the lake faces degradation due to anthropogenic activities and the need for more awareness. A yearlong analysis was conducted with five sampling seasons and three sampling stations identified within the wetland. Parameters viz. physical, chemical, and biological were analyzed following American Public Health Association (APHA) guidelines. Somite development was studied using embryos while the heart rate was counted during the torpedo stage of D. rerio. The results of this comprehensive study revealed unique and significant seasonal variations over limnological parameters, providing novel insights into the dynamics of the wetland ecosystem. pH values are slightly acidic and influenced by precipitation and terrestrial vegetation. Turbidity spiked during winter due to colloidal dispersions, while conductivity peaked in spring due to sewage disposal. Reduced dissolved oxygen, high biochemical and chemical oxygen demand indicated organic pollution and microbial activity, particularly affecting the inlet station. Elevated phosphate and nitrate levels in spring indicated eutrophication potential. The influence of rains and mineral leaching during monsoons affected parameters such as alkalinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, and Magnesium. Analysis of D. rerio demonstrated delayed development and decreased heart rates in the inlet and deposit stations, indicative of potent stressors in the wetland ecosystem. All-inclusive Lingadheeranahalli Lake exhibited poor water quality, focusing on the need for adaptive management strategies to mitigate pollution and safeguard wetland ecosystems. Continued wetland research gives more insights into water quality and seasonal dynamics, paving the way for its conservation.

Spatial Variation of Physico-chemical and Microbial Parameters in Groundwater of Selected LGAs of Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria

Physico-chemical and microbial parameters of groundwater are useful indicators in monitoring the progress of Goal 6.3 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study evaluated the spatial variation of physico-chemical and microbial parameters in groundwater of selected LGAs of Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria in line with SDGs. A total of twenty (20) groundwater samples were collected from boreholes at different locations within Uyo, Itu, Ibiono Ibom and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas of Akwa-Ibom State. The boreholes were selected at random. Sterilized and pre-labelled water sampling bottles were used in collecting representative water samples to prevent contamination. Physico-chemical parameters sensitive to environmental changes such as temperature, pH and electrical conductivity were measured in-situ. Sampling and analysis followed guidelines specified by the American Public Health Association, (2012). Chemical analysis was carried out at the Geospectra Laboratory in Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria. Results showed that the groundwater condition ranged from acidic and slightly weakly acidic in Uyo and Ibiono Ibom but slightly alkaline in Itu. All the heavy metals analysed were within the permissible limits specified by WHO (2018) and NSDWQ (2015) in drinking water. The average values of total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), faecal coliform and total coliform in Uyo, Itu, Ibiono and Ibesikpo were 57.4 mg/L, 40.1 mg/L, 97.0 mg/L, 1032 and 1542.3 MPN/100ml, 54.3 mg/L, 51.6 mg/L, 110 and 47, 20.5 mg/L, 35.7 mg/L, 78.5 mg/L, 28.8 and 82.5 MPN/100ml, and 184 mg/L, 42.8 mg/L, 94.3 mg/L, 130 and 280 MPN/100ml respectively. The values of pH, BOD, COD, faecal and total coliforms were found to be above the permissible limits. Faecal and total coliforms, which indicate recent contamination, are high in Uyo and could be attributed to urbanisation with its consequent sewage management issues and increased animal droppings. There is a need for proper sewage management within the city.