Preventive Health Research Articles

Association of general anxiety and pediatric dental preventive examination utilization, National Survey of Children's Health, 2021.

Many factors influence preventive dental health service access for children. The objective of this research was to examine one factor, general anxiety, in accessing at least one preventive dental examination in the past 12 months in children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) and children without special healthcare needs (CWSHCN). National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2021 were obtained for this cross-sectional research. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to determine association of anxiety and past 12-month preventive dental examinations. The sample included 10493 CSHCN, and 35675 CWSHCN. Overall, 72.7% had past 12-month preventive dental examinations, and 9.9% had a healthcare provider indicate they had general anxiety. CSHCN with anxiety, CWSHCN with anxiety, and CSHCN without anxiety were more likely to have a past 12-month preventive dental examination visit than CWSHCN without anxiety (Adjusted Odds Ratios: 1.86, 1.39, 1.32, respectively). Our results suggest children with general anxiety (both CSHCN and CWSHCN) are more likely to have had at least one regular preventive dental visit within the past 12 months than CWSHCN and without general anxiety. There is a need for further understanding the relationship of general anxiety and dental health to improve the health of all children. CWSHCN without anxiety need individualized, comprehensive care with enough time, attention, instruction, and rewards to demonstrate to parents/guardians the importance of making routine preventive dental examinations a priority for their child.

Physically demanding occupations among females and sex-related differences to develop osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a leading cause of disability increasing with age and is more prevalent in women and in various physically demanding occupations. This systematic review identifies and summarises occupational exposures for women in physically demanding occupations and discusses sex differences and consequences.MethodsIn this systematic review, we searched various electronic databases for reports published between date of database inception and October 2022. We included cohort studies and case-control studies that assessed the association between exposure to physically demanding occupations and the development of HOA. We then assessed the methodological quality of selected studies, extracted relative effects, compared the risk for women and men and meta-analytically reviewed the effects of physically demanding occupations. All steps were based on a study protocol published in PROSPERO (CRD42015016894).ResultsWe included six cohort studies and two case-control studies in this systematic review. These studies showed a considerably increased risk of developing HOA in both sexes. Women working in traditionally female-dominated occupations such as cleaning, sales, catering, childcare and hairdressing that are physically demanding, have a higher risk of developing HOA than men in similarly physically demanding occupations. Conversely, in traditionally male-dominated occupations with a high heterogeneity of work activities, such as agriculture, crafts, construction, as well as in low-skilled occupations, the risk was higher for men. One exception are health occupations, which are grouped together with a wide range of other technical occupations, making it difficult to draw conclusions.ConclusionsExisting studies indicate an association between various occupations with a high physical workload and an increased risk of developing HOA. Occupational prevention and individual health promotion strategies should focus on reducing the effects of heavy physical workloads at work. The aforementioned as well as early detection should be specifically offered to women in female-dominated occupations and to people working in elementary occupations.

Long-Term Disinfection in Operating Rooms Affects Skin Microbiota and Metabolites of Medical Personnel.

Disinfectants play a critical role in reducing healthcare-associated infections by eliminating microorganisms on surfaces. However, prolonged use of disinfectants may adversely affect the skin microflora, essential for skin health and infection prevention. This study investigates the impact of disinfection on the skin microbiota and metabolites of medical personnel in operating rooms, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for safeguarding their skin health. We conducted 16S sequencing and metabolomic analysis to assess the effects of disinfection on the skin microbiota and metabolites of medical personnel. Samples were collected from operating room personnel after disinfectant exposure to identify changes in microbial communities and metabolite profiles. Our analysis revealed that prolonged use of disinfectants led to alterations in skin microbial communities and microbial metabolites. These alterations included the production of harmful metabolites that could potentially promote skin infections and other health issues among medical personnel. The findings underscore the importance of minimizing disruptions to skin microbiota and metabolites caused by long-term disinfectant use to preserve the overall health of medical personnel. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between disinfectant use, skin microbiota, and metabolites, highlighting the necessity for further research in this area.

Alcohol Consumption Is a Coping Mechanism for Male Patients with Severe Anxiety Disorders Treated with Antidepressants Monotherapy.

Background: Anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health conditions often accompanied by various comorbidities. The association between anxiety and liver disease, as well as fluctuations in blood sugar levels, highlights the importance of carefully evaluating patients with anxiety undergoing antidepressant therapy. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative assessment of liver function and blood glucose levels in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders while considering potential gender-specific differences. Methods: An analysis was conducted over a 24-month period. This study included 88 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders, with symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization, aged 18 or older, undergoing antidepressant monotherapy, without any additional pathologies. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), AST/ALT ratio, and blood glucose levels were measured and compared. Results: While no significant differences were found between antidepressant classes, increased GGT levels were observed in men older than 40 years compared to women of the same age, suggesting that alcohol consumption may be a coping mechanism for anxiety. This gender difference was not observed among young patients. Conclusions: Early detection of alcohol consumption is essential in patients with anxiety disorders in order to prevent alcohol-related liver damage and to adjust the management of both conditions accordingly.

Evaluation of the Oral Hygiene Ability Instrument (OHAI): Test of reliability.

To evaluate the reliability of the new Oral Hygiene Ability Instrument (OHAI) developed to assess the cause of any inability for older adults to manage oral hygiene self-care. Oral hygiene is an important part of oral health. The inability to manage oral hygiene, combined with other risk factors, often results in poor oral health and impaired quality of life. A reliable OHAI could benefit preventive oral health care. The preliminary OHAI uses 33 items in three parts: (I) interview, (II) clinical examination and (III) observation of oral hygiene activities. A total of 37 older adults participated in a test-retest study of Part I. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years, have at least one tooth and be able to oral hygiene self-care. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of parts II and III used films and photographs of OHAI assessments of 15 different individuals. These films/photographs were assessed twice by four dental professionals who had participated in the OHAI data collection. For statistical analyses of the reliability, per cent agreement, Krippendorff's alpha and E. Svensson's method were used. The test-retest for Part I items showed acceptable-to-good agreement and no systematic disagreement. In Part II, two items showed somewhat limited reliability. Part III showed good intra- and inter-rater reliability. The OHAI items seem stable and reliable for the intended sample, and the instrument may be a valuable tool to identify older adults at risk of impaired oral health. However, two items may need to be reformulated.

A qualitative study on the adaptation of community programmes for the promotion of early detection and health-seeking of perinatal depression in Nepal

BackgroundDespite the high burden of perinatal depression in Nepal, the detection rate is low. Community-based strategies such as sensitization programmes and the Community Informant Detection Tool (CIDT) have been found to be effective in raising awareness and thus promoting the identification of mental health problems. This study aims to adapt these community strategies for perinatal depression in the Nepalese context.MethodsWe followed a four-step process to adapt the existing community sensitization program manual and CIDT. Step 1 included in-depth interviews with women identified with perinatal depression (n=36), and focus group discussions were conducted with health workers trained in community mental health (n=13), female community health volunteers (FCHVs), cadre of Nepal government for the prevention and promotion of community maternal and child health (n=16), and psychosocial counsellors (n=5). We explored idioms and understanding of depression, perceived causes, and possible intervention. Step 2 included draft preparation based on the qualitative study. Step 3 included a one-day workshop with the psychosocial counsellors (n=2) and health workers (n=12) to assess the understandability and comprehensiveness of the draft and to refine the content. A review of the CIDT and community sensitization program manual by a psychiatrist was performed in Step 4.ResultsThe first step led to the content development for the CIDT and community sensitization manual. Multiple stakeholders and experts reviewed and refined the content from the second to fourth steps. Idioms of depression and commonly cited risk factors were incorporated in the CIDT. Additionally, myths of perinatal depression and the importance of the role of family were added to the community sensitization manual.ConclusionBoth the CIDT and community sensitization manual are grounded in the local context and are simple, clear, and easy to understand.

Study the Physiological and Biochemical Effects of Berberine Extract on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Male Rabbits

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent global health issue, characterized by hepatic steatosis and associated with metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD. In this research, we evaluated the effects of BBR on NAFLD management and its associated complications. Our analysis included three groups involving 10 rabbits induced NAFLD by administration cholesterol rich diet, 10 rabbits administrated high rich diet with fats and cholesterol, and 10 rabbits with normal fed as control group. BBR demonstrated significant improvements in liver function biochemical markers (ALT, AST, GGT), lipid indices (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C), and physiological parameters such as insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI). Importantly, BBR exhibited a favorable safety profile, with minimal gastrointestinal adverse events reported. These findings highlight BBR potential as an adjunct therapy for NAFLD. However, further well-designed clinical trials involving human subjects are warranted to validate its efficacy and safety.

Comparing health systems readiness for integrating domestic violence services in Brazil, occupied Palestinian Territories, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Domestic violence (DV) is a global prevalent health problem leading to adverse health consequences, yet health systems are often unprepared to address it. This article presents a comparative synthesis of the health system's pre-conditions necessary to enable integration of DV in health services in Brazil, Nepal, Sri Lanka and occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT). A cross-country, comparative analysis was conducted using a health systems readiness framework. Data collection involved multiple data sources, including qualitative interviews with various stakeholders; focus-group discussions with women; structured facility observations; and a survey with providers. Our findings highlight deficiencies in policy and practice that need to be addressed for an effective DV response. Common readiness gaps include unclear and limited guidance on DV, unsupportive leadership coupled with limited training and resources. Most providers felt unprepared, lacked guidance and felt unsupported and unprotected by managers and their health system. While in Brazil most providers felt they should respond to DV cases, many in Sri Lanka preferred not to. Such organizational and service delivery challenges, in turn, also affected how health providers responded to DV cases leaving them not confident, uncertain about their knowledge and unsure about their role. Furthermore, providers' personal beliefs and values on DV and gender norms also impacted their motivation and ability to respond, prompting some to become 'activists' while others were reluctant to intervene and prone to blame women. Our synthesis also pointed to a gap in women's use of health services for DV as they had low trust in providers. Our conceptual framework demonstrates the importance of having clear policies and highlights the need to engage leadership across every level of the system to reframe challenges and strengthen routine practices. Future research should also determine the ways in which women's understanding and needs related to DV help-seeking are addressed.

Perspectives of environmental health officers on climate change adaptation in Australia: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Aim Climate change adaptation is critical for reducing and preventing many community health risks. The Environmental Health Profession has decades of experience of effective interventions for reducing and preventing many community health risks. However, in Australia adaptation is not included in the profession’s scope of practice leaving the community health at risk to climate change. The aim of this study was to assess the perspectives of Australian Environmental Health Officers concerning climate change health adaptation and whether this should be included in their role. Subject and methods Eighty-nine (89) eligible participants undertook a mixed method survey between November 2021 and January 2022. These participants were members of Environmental Health Australia and held a relevant degree in environmental health. The questions on the survey were related to six themed items: (1) climate change and health, (2) climate change adaptation, (3) the profession’s role in capacity building for adaptation, (4) hurdles for building adaptive capacity, (5) health awareness as a bridging concept and finally, (6) disaster risk reduction. Results The findings from this study indicate that the majority of participants were concerned for their community health from climate change impacts. A system thinking approach is required to effectively address and understand complex health risks. There was also an overwhelming support for the profession to integrate approaches of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in health. However, the environmental health profession is facing some significant hurdles to building adaptive capacity to climate change. Conclusion This study demonstrates the environmental health profession does want to have a role in climate change adaptation in Australia. These findings, with further qualitative research, could bolster the preventive public health approach in building community health resilience to climate change and related disasters.

Smart Textile Impact Sensor for e-Helmet to Measure Head Injury.

Concussions, a prevalent public health concern in the United States, often result from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), notably in sports such as American football. There is limited exploration of smart-textile-based sensors for measuring the head impacts associated with concussions in sports and recreational activities. In this paper, we describe the development and construction of a smart textile impact sensor (STIS) and validate STIS functionality under high magnitude impacts. This STIS can be inserted into helmet cushioning to determine head impact force. The designed 2 × 2 STIS matrix is composed of a number of material layered structures, with a sensing surface made of semiconducting polymer composite (SPC). The SPC dimension was modified in the design iteration to increase sensor range, responsiveness, and linearity. This was to be applicable in high impact situations. A microcontroller board with a biasing circuit was used to interface the STIS and read the sensor's response. A pendulum test setup was constructed to evaluate various STISs with impact forces. A camera and Tracker software were used to monitor the pendulum swing. The impact forces were calculated by measuring the pendulum bob's velocity and acceleration. The performance of the various STISs was measured in terms of voltage due to impact force, with forces varying from 180 to 722 N. Through data analysis, the threshold impact forces in the linear range were determined. Through an analysis of linear regression, the sensors' sensitivity was assessed. Also, a simplified model was developed to measure the force distribution in the 2 × 2 STIS areas from the measured voltages. The results showed that improving the SPC thickness could obtain improved sensor behavior. However, for impacts that exceeded the threshold, the suggested sensor did not respond by reflecting the actual impact forces, but it gave helpful information about the impact distribution on the sensor regardless of the accurate expected linear response. Results showed that the proposed STIS performs satisfactorily within a range and has the potential to be used in the development of an e-helmet with a large STIS matrix that could cover the whole head within the e-helmet. This work also encourages future research, especially on the structure of the sensor that could withstand impacts which in turn could improve the overall range and performance and would accurately measure the impact in concussion-causing impact ranges.

A physiologically-based digital twin for alcohol consumption—predicting real-life drinking responses and long-term plasma PEth

Alcohol consumption is associated with a wide variety of preventable health complications and is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality in the age group 15-47 years. To reduce dangerous drinking behavior, eHealth applications have shown promise. A particularly interesting potential lies in the combination of eHealth apps with mathematical models. However, existing mathematical models do not consider real-life situations, such as combined intake of meals and beverages, and do not connect drinking to clinical markers, such as phosphatidylethanol (PEth). Herein, we present such a model which can simulate real-life situations and connect drinking to long-term markers. The new model can accurately describe both estimation data according to a χ2 -test (187.0 < Tχ2 = 226.4) and independent validation data (70.8 < Tχ2 = 93.5). The model can also be personalized using anthropometric data from a specific individual and can thus be used as a physiologically-based digital twin. This twin is also able to connect short-term consumption of alcohol to the long-term dynamics of PEth levels in the blood, a clinical biomarker of alcohol consumption. Here we illustrate how connecting short-term consumption to long-term markers allows for a new way to determine patient alcohol consumption from measured PEth levels. An additional use case of the twin could include the combined evaluation of patient-reported AUDIT forms and measured PEth levels. Finally, we integrated the new model into an eHealth application, which could help guide individual users or clinicians to help reduce dangerous drinking.

Indigenous peoples’ health: Culturally grounded evidence from the Baka, Southeastern Cameroon

Indigenous Peoples are exposed to the impacts of the climatic, ecological and socioeconomic changes, yet there is a need for a better understanding of their health and higher involvement of Indigenous Peoples in health promotion design and implementation. Our study brings empirical data on the healthcare system of the Baka, forager-horticulturalists from Cameroon. Using a mixed methods approach, we explored the health issues they encounter, the emic determinants of health and healthcare system, and the different threats towards their healthcare system. We conducted focus group discussions, interviews with experts, and self-reported health recalls with 302 individuals living in two settlements from southeastern Cameroon during two fieldwork periods between June and November 2022. Our insights highlight the prevalence of respiratory and children's digestive issues, and the occurrence of illnesses implying a combination of symptoms that would deserve further Western biomedical attention. The Baka's healthcare relies on medicinal plants, knowledge experts, and on the social cohesion of the community, all largely affected by the local social-ecological impacts of global change. Exposure to the market and health facilities does not seem to relate to Baka's health state and practices but might affect their perception of health. Deforestation, poor water quality, and alcohol (ab)use were reported and observed threats to the Baka's health and healthcare system. Our work supplies empirical evidence for a better understanding of Baka's health and healthcare system, helpful in designing health prevention and policies adapted to their reality and culture. Further research and interventions on health should consider the current threats to Baka's local ecosystems and cultural knowledge. These insights contribute to a higher recognition of the Baka's, and most broadly, the Indigenous Peoples' emic perspective on health, and on culturally grounded indicators of the resilience of their healthcare system to current and future challenges.

Accelerating implementation of adolescent digital health prevention programs: analysis of insights from Australian stakeholders.

Chronic disease risk factors are increasing amongst adolescents, globally. Digital health prevention programs, which provide education and information to reduce chronic disease risk factors need to be equitable and accessible for all. For their success, multiple highly engaged stakeholders should be involved in development and implementation. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders' support for, and perspectives on potential public health impact of digital health prevention programs for adolescents and potential pathways for future implementation. Qualitative semi-structured online interviews with stakeholders. Stakeholder mapping identified key individuals, groups and organizations across Australia that may influence the implementation of digital health prevention programs for adolescents. Recorded and transcribed interviews were analyzed within the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework, using deductive content analysis. Nineteen interviews were conducted in 2023 with stakeholders from government, health, non-government organizations, youth services, education, community settings and others. Four overarching themes were identified: (i) existing digital health initiatives are not fit for purpose; (ii) the co-creation of digital health prevention programs is critical for successful implementation; (iii) digital health prevention programs must address equity and the unique challenges raised by technology and; (iv) system level factors must be addressed. Stakeholders broadly supported digital health prevention programs, yet raised unique insights to ensure that future programs create public health impact by improving chronic disease risk factors among adolescents. These insights can be applied in future development of digital health prevention programs for adolescents to strengthen widespread implementation.

Haematinic Pill Chart Partner – An Innovative Production for the Management of Anaemia in Pregnancy in Perak, Malaysia

Anaemia is one of the most prevalent health problems in the world, affecting almost half a billion women of reproductive age.1 Major recognised contributing factor of anaemia in pregnancy is iron and folate deficiency. Many antenatal patients are not adherent to the iron supplementations prescribed. The objectives of this innovation, Haematinic Pill Chart Partner (HPCP), was to improve compliance of iron supplementation by antenatal anaemic patients, to achieve Hb &lt; 11 gm% at 36 weeks of pregnancy, to provide comprehensive and effective health education to all antenatal patients, to reduce time of consultation as well as to produce a pill chart in a cost effective manner. Time taken for initial doctor’s consultation pre and post HPCP was analysed from the clinic’s antenatal record book. 10 patients in January 2018 (pre-intervention) and 12 patients in January 2019 (post-intervention) were compared. Mean time taken and cost for production of one pill chart were calculated. There was marked reduction in the percentage of antenatal patients with Hb &lt; 11gm% at 36 weeks of pregnancy by 6.9%; from 8.3% in 2018 to only 1.4%. HPCP proved to be comprehensive and effective. 20 patients (100%) were satisfied (Patient’s Satisfaction Survey) and 5 doctors (100%) were satisfied (Doctor’s Satisfaction Survey) using HPCP. There was marked reduction in time taken (26 minutes) for doctor’s consultation. Cost of production of one HPCP was only RM 8.00. HPCP was found to be a very useful, user-friendly, and effective in the management of anaemia in pregnancy in Buntong Health Clinic.

Pattern of dental services utilization among adolescents and adults in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Nigeria is often conveniently described along geographical lines as North and South, each with its peculiar culture, predominant religion, and distinctive determinants of health. Available oral health information for Nigeria is derived from studies that have mainly been conducted in southern Nigeria. This study describes oral care-seeking behavior in northern Nigeria by analyzing the attendance pattern at a tertiary hospital over a period. Clinic records of patients who visited the Oral Diagnostic Sciences (ODS) clinic in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, were retrieved and retrospectively reviewed. Data on age, sex, ethnicity, and chief dental complaints were extracted and analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). The clinic records of 1,620 patients were reviewed, and the results showed that more males than females visited the clinic (55.4%), and dental pain was the most common reason for visiting the clinic (57.1%). Young adults and youths comprised the majority of patients, while the elderly population was the least represented. The study reveals dental healthcare utilization patterns in Kano, Nigeria, with sex differences reflecting sociocultural factors influencing health behaviors. The high proportion of dental pain cases highlights the need for preventive oral health efforts. The association between young/middle-aged individuals and dental trauma highlights occupational hazards and lifestyle as key determinants of dental health outcomes.

Spanish Adaptation of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) in Community Adolescents and Adults.

Despite the role of mentalization in mental health outcomes and prevention, psychometrically-evaluated screening measures for mentalization remain sparse. One widely-used mentalization questionnaire is the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ; Hausberg et al., 2012), which we aimed to adapt and validate for use in Spanish. We adapted the MZQ to European Spanish and evaluated its psychometric properties in both adolescent (n = 389, ages 12-19, M = 14.5) and adult community samples (n = 382, M = 48). Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a unidimensional structure including all items. This model had better goodness of fit than the original and other adaptations. Invariance analysis showed the same structure in adolescents compared by sex and age, and additionally in the adult versus adolescent samples. Evidence for convergent and discriminant validity was found. Internal consistency values in both adolescents and parents were fair and in the adolescent sample the MZQ scores remained moderately stable after re-test. The Spanish adaptation of the MZQ presents similar evidence of reliability and validity in the adolescent and adult samples. The results support this being a suitable version for evaluating mentalization in the general population.

The association between economic uncertainty and suicide in Japan by age, sex, employment status, and population density: an observational study

Suicide is one of the ten leading causes of death globally, and previous research has revealed a link between economic conditions and mental health. However, the literature has focused primarily on recessions and unemployment, i.e. actual economic developments, as opposed to uncertainty, which relates to economic developments that have not (yet) materialised. This study examines the differential association between economic uncertainty and suicide in Japan, depending on age, sex, employment status, and population density, in order to identify the groups that are affected the most. Using monthly prefectural suicide mortality data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and a monthly economic uncertainty index for the period 2009 to 2019, we employed a fixed effects panel data approach to examine the association between uncertainty and suicide by population group. We found that a 1% increase in economic uncertainty is associated with a 0.061 increase in the monthly number of suicides per 100,000 people per prefecture, on average (coefficient: 6.08; 95% CI: 5.07-7.08), which constitutes a 3.62% increase. Self-employed people, as well as men in their 50s and unemployed men, experience the highest additional risk of suicide when uncertainty increases. The association was approximately three times stronger for males than for females, and a strong association was observed for self-employed males living in more densely-populated areas. Uncertainty appears to relate to suicides for most groups, but self-employed people, males, and those living in more densely populated areas appear to be more at risk of suicide in periods of increased economic uncertainty. Our results provide an indication of which groups mental health services and prevention strategies can focus on in times of economic uncertainty. None.

Barriers and facilitators of communitybased implementation of evidencebased interventions in the UK, for children and young people's mental health promotion, prevention and treatment: rapid scoping review - ERRATUM.

Barriers and facilitators of communitybased implementation of evidencebased interventions in the UK, for children and young people's mental health promotion, prevention and treatment: rapid scoping review - ERRATUM.

О влиянии гормональной контрацепции на здоровье девушек-подростков.

The article presents an analysis of modern foreign scientific literature on the effect of hormonal contraception on the health of teenage girls; states the need to support expanded clinical research before implementing recommendations for the use of hormonal contraceptives among adolescents and to allocate funding for programs to promote, encourage, and distribute hormonal contraception among adolescents as the main means of preventing abortion. Given that WHO recognizes the lack of strong evidence of funding for programs promoting hormonal contraception promoted by international organizations, aimed primarily at the poor and marginalized sections of the population, in our country these programs should be considered unacceptable, and especially in general educational organizations. Today, more than ever, joint efforts are needed on the part of health authorities, education, family and society to promote preventive educational and health activities in order to inform adolescents about the risks of hormonal contraception on health, as well as to develop in young people a responsible attitude towards their health, starting a family and future motherhood.

Blunted Brachial Blood Flow Velocity Recovery to Acute Mental Stress in Young Women with PTSD Compared to Controls

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental illness associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, a major cause of death among women in the United States. Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD after trauma exposure, and cardiovascular reactivity to stress is a known risk factor for CVD. Therefore, our aim was to investigate if young women diagnosed with PTSD will present with impaired hemodynamic responses to acute stress compared to controls. We hypothesized that women with PTSD will have high blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and blood flow velocity (BFV) response to a mental stress protocol, and a blunted recovery. Methods: We recruited for this study ten young women with PTSD and nine trauma-exposed women without PTSD (controls) between the ages of 18 to 40 years. We collected data in a single laboratory visit after informed consent and PTSD symptoms severity questionnaire. After demographics and resting hemodynamics, we continuously measured HR using a three-lead EKG, beat-to-beat BP using finger plethysmography and continuous brachial BFV using Doppler ultrasound. A Doppler audio translator was used to transfer the doppler signal in our data analysis software for simultaneous recording of all hemodynamics variables. All variables were recorded during 5 min of supine rest, 5 min of mental stress (via mental arithmetic) and 5 min of recovery. The response and recovery to stress was analyzed using an analysis of covariance with timepoint as within factor and PTSD diagnosis as between-factor. Results: Women with a clinical diagnosis of PTSD had a mean age of 27±10 years and body mass index (BMI) of 30.1±2.9 kg/m2. Controls (trauma-exposed women without PTSD) had a mean age of 26±7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 24± 2.1 kg/m2. Resting seated BP and HR were not different between the groups. The slopes of the overall changes in BFV from baseline to mental stress to recovery were different between young women with PTSD and controls (timepoint*group, P= 0.057) when controlling for PTSD symptoms severity. Specifically, although mental stress elicited similar increases in BFV in women with PTSD (Δ0.80±1.8 cm/sec) and in controls [Δ0.45±1.2 cm/sec, P= 0.44 (timepoint*group)], BFV recovery from stress was impaired in PTSD (Δ0.64±1.3 cm/sec), but not in controls [Δ-2.20±0.84 cm/sec, P= 0.047 (timepoint*group)]. BP and HR reactivity to mental stress and recovery were not different between the groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The current pilot study revealed that PTSD is associated with blunted recovery from acute mental stress, suggesting early impairment of vascular function in these women at a young age. Young pre-menopausal women are overlooked in prevention strategies and health policies targeting populations at-risk for CVD; with the rising prevalence of trauma exposure in young women, evidence is pointing to a parallel increase in CVD risk. K01HL161027 and UMN CTSI UL1TR002494 No Disclosure. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.