Health Problems In People Research Articles

Prevalence of mental health problems in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT HIV remains a significant public health concern, with an estimation of 39 million people infected. There is a lack of universally accepted benchmarks for prevalence of mental health problems among people living with HIV. We aimed to compute aggregate estimates of mental health problems among people living with HIV. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Our inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed cross-sectional or longitudinal studies conducted in any country that investigated people living with HIV and provided data allowing us to determine the prevalence of mental health problems. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the combined prevalence of mental health problems among people living with HIV and consider predefined moderators by subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. Our initial search identified 31 407 records. After removing the duplication and excluding ineligible records, 240 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Six commonly reported mental health problems were identified (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder, stigma, and psychological distress). The pooled prevalence was 31% (95% CI 28–34) for depression, 29% (24–34) for anxiety, 20% (17–24) for suicidal ideation, 20% (13–28) for post-traumatic stress disorder, 47% (40–55) for stigma, 44% (31–56) for psychological distress. After considering predefined moderators, the heterogeneity was still observed. A high prevalence of mental health problems was observed among people living with HIV. Effective prevention and treatment programs can alleviate symptoms and promote mental health. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on all aspects of HIV management, leading to improved overall health outcomes for people living with HIV.

Metal‐Organic Framework (Cu@ZIF) for Photocatalytic Reduction of p‐Nitrophenol and its Toxicological Evaluation using Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

AbstractGlobal food security depends on agricultural development, yet excessive fertilizer and pesticide usage is harmful to the environment. These substances have a role in human health problems, environmental changes, and erosion of the soil. Although p‐nitrophenol, an organic pollutant and other organophosphorous compounds are utilised in agriculture, their usage raises major health and environmental issues. These synthetic pesticides are quite effective at getting rid of pests, but they have also been linked to serious health problems for people and animals, degraded soil, and contaminated water. One typical persistent pollutant present in industrial wastewater is the organic pollutant, which is produced by organophosphorous compounds. The primary objective of this work is to use Cu@ZIF for photoreduction of p‐nitrophenol (PNP). A UV‐visible spectrophotometer test revealed that the deterioration peak after 60 mins. An analyzer for total organic carbon (TOC) was utilised to assess the PNP mineralization. The catalyst remained same and continued in the same behaviour even after four cycles. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of PNP on the development of early‐stage zebrafish, paying particular attention to the embryonic developmental deformities. The technique of photocatalytic decontamination is safe for the environment, financially practical, and technically achievable.

Relationship between Perceived Stress and Psychological Capital in Nursing and Midwifery Students in Ahvaz, Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic led to mental health problems in people, including nursing students. People use different coping strategies when faced with unprecedented stress. This study aims to determine the relationship between perceived stress and psychological capital components (hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy) in nursing and Midwifery students in Ahvaz, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study that was conducted on 178 third- and fourth-year undergraduate nursing and Midwifery students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, who were selected using a census method. The data were collected from May to July 2022 online using a demographic checklist, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale 14-item, and Luthans’s Psychological Capital Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation test, and multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS software, version 22. Results: A significant and negative correlation was found between perceived stress and psychological capital components (r=-0.5, P<0.001). Regression models showed that optimism (β=-0.36, P<0.001), self-efficacy (β=-0.30, P=0.001), visiting a psychologist (β=-0.17, P=0.005), and resilience (P=0.043, β=0.16) were the predictors of perceived stress in nursing students. These factors were able to predict 32% of the changes in the perceived stress variable. Conclusion: There is a negative relationship between psychological capital and perceived stress in nursing students. It is recommended to make appropriate plans to improve the psychological capital of these students to prevent and control their stress during the pandemic.

HbA1c and leukocyte mtDNA levels as major factors associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome in type 2 diabetes patients

Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is an emerging health problem in people recovering from COVID-19 infection within the past 3–6 months. The current study aimed to define the predictive factors of PCS development by assessing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in blood leukocytes, inflammatory markers and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) with regard to clinical phenotype, gender, and biological age. In this case-control study, 65 T2D patients were selected. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on PCS presence: the PCS group (n = 44) and patients who did not develop PCS (n = 21) for up to 6 months after COVID-19 infection. HbA1c and mtDNA levels were the primary factors linked to PCS in different models. We observed significantly lower mtDNA content in T2D patients with PCS compared to those without PCS (1.26 ± 0.25 vs. 1.44 ± 0.24; p = 0.011). In gender-specific and age-related analyses, the mt-DNA amount did not differ significantly between the subgroups. According to the stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, low mtDNA content and HbA1c were independent variables associated with PCS development, regardless of oxygen, glucocorticoid therapy and COVID-19 severity. The top-performing model for PCS prediction was the gradient boosting machine (GBM). HbA1c and mtDNA had a notably greater influence than the other variables, indicating their potential as prognostic biomarkers.

Fibromyalgia in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders: Prevalence, associated factors and validation of a brief screening instrument.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome associated with significant distress and numerous unpleasant consequences. Mental health problems in people with FM have been reported in many studies. People with mental disorders are thought to be at higher risk of FM than the general population, but the prevalence has not been established. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of FM in a representative sample of inpatients with non-psychotic mental disorders. Additionally, we aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) in the Russian-speaking population of people with mental disorders. Consecutive inpatients admitted to the Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry for treatment of non-psychotic mental disorders were evaluated for FM by a neurologist and completed the FiRST, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Of the 1168 patients evaluated 9.0% met the diagnostic criteria for FM. FM was associated with being female, having a diagnosis of unipolar depression, and having higher total scores on the BDI and STAI. The psychometric properties of the FiRST were good (McDonald's omega 0.79, corrected item-total correlation greater than 0.45). An optimal cut-off point with the highest Yuden's index (J = 0.75) was >3 (AUC of 0.89). FM is a common comorbidity in people with non-psychotic mental disorders, associated with being female, having a diagnosis of unipolar depression, and having more severe anxiety and depression. The FiRST can be used for the FM screening with its cut-off >3 in people with non-psychotic mental disorders. It is the first study to determine the prevalence of FM in people with non-psychotic spectrum mental disorders. The study design included a consecutive sample in a real-life setting to avoid bias. In addition, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the FM screening instrument in a population of people with mental disorders and established the cut-off. The specificity of this subpopulation is explained by both the high prevalence of pain symptoms and the overlap of some psychiatric and FM symptoms.

Quality of life workers with hearing loss caused by exposure to industrial noise the of metalworking production

Introduction. Subjective assessment of the quality of life of workers exposed to occupational noise is an important aspect in the development of measures to prevent health problems in people with hearing impairment. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study of subjective assessment of the quality of life of two hundred twenty metalworking workers in “noise” occupations was carried out using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Results. Metalworking workers employed in conditions of exposure to industrial noise have been shown to rate their quality of life (QoL) as increased in almost all areas, except for the “environment” area. There has been established a decrease in estimated indicators of QoL depending on age, especially pronounced for the sphere of “physical health”. The lowest values of quality of life indicators are typical for elderly people and people with hearing impairment. Limitations. The studied indicators are subjective and may not reflect the actual health status of respondents. Conclusion. Subjective assessment of the quality of life of metalworking workers with hearing impairment caused by noise exposure showed the need for additional QOL studies with ranking of the interviewed persons according to the intensity of hearing damage.

#2121 The Kidney-specific Psychosocial ASSessment and support (Kidney PASSPORT) feasibility trial

Abstract Background and Aims Psychosocial interventions for depressive and anxiety symptoms are effective in CKD, but studies mainly focus on people on dialysis. Little is known about the role of screening and prevention of common mental health difficulties in early CKD. This trial assessed the research feasibility of an intervention to screen for psychological distress in CKD and deliver prevention approaches for sub-threshold symptoms. The intervention was facilitated by an Assistant Wellbeing Practitioner (AWP), a Band 3 healthcare assistant familiar with renal services and upskilled with specific competency-based training. Method We conducted a mixed-methods, one-year, single-centre, prospective, single-blind, wait-list, randomised controlled feasibility trial. We anticipated screening 250 individuals to identify 100 eligible, with a 40% screening positivity rate, a 45% participation rate and 20% attrition rate, to give 36 participants in the feasibility study. Primary outcomes are shown in Table 1. Potential participants were screened using an online self-completion questionnaire. Participants were randomised to 6 months of immediate or wait-list intervention. Data was collected using online self-report surveys, clinical research forms and semi-structured qualitative interviews. The trial was overseen by a steering committee and received the relevant ethics approvals. Funders included Kidney Care UK, the British Renal Society, the Royal Devon and Exeter Research Capacity Awards and the Exeter Kidney Unit development fund. Results We approached n = 233 people. Feasibility outcomes are shown in Table 2. Due to logistical issues an extension was obtained and in total n = 24 participants were recruited, agreed by the steering committee. All clinical research forms were completed. The most common intervention components were self-management and liaison with the clinical team. The median (interquartile range) difference in baseline and post intervention PHQ-9 score was −5 (−7, 0), n = 19, p = 0.003) and GAD-7 score was −7 (−8, −2), n = 19, p = 0.0002). Qualitative findings showed the AWP was seen as filling in the gaps left by other parts of the service. Key themes were accessibility, time availability, empathy, patient empowerment, and ability to empower the individual. Balance—especially family, work and health—was noted to be a challenge for participants. Importantly, the AWP was able to help participants overcome previous negative experiences. The trial provided valuable learning regarding role implementation, including recruitment, training, work patterns, everyday practicalities, and supervision arrangements. Conclusion We propose a novel intervention for screening and addressing early mental health problems in people with CKD. A single-centre feasibility design was appropriate. The screening positivity rate was lower than anticipated, informing samples for future trials. Outcome data collection via self-report surveys was not feasible. The intervention was well received, with the AWP being valued and self-help and clinical liaison being core elements. Significant reductions in depression and anxiety screening scores were observed. Despite the rigorous design, limitations included slow initial recruitment impacting the sample size and AWP role vulnerability. Future work includes adapting the AWP training and role based on trial learning and considering suitability for other long-term conditions. In conclusion, the AWP role shows promise in routine screening for and prevention of common mental health difficulties in CKD.

Integrated management of yellow aphid (Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner) in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Moench in Guerrero, Mexico

Sorghum is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is an important cereal for Mexico. However, it is affected by different pests, especially the yellow aphid. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical insecticides in reducing Melanaphis sacchari populations in sorghum plants under greenhouse conditions. Planting was conducted in a greenhouse, using the sorghum hybrid 945-M. Pests, diseases and weeds management were implemented. The incidence of the yellow aphid was induced artificially. A total of 13 treatments were applied. The following variables were assessed: the number of aphids per leaf, the biological effectiveness of the treatments, plant height, diameter of the plant stem, number of leaves, and the weight of fresh and dry plants. An analysis of variance was conducted for each variable under study, as along with a comparison of means using the Tukey method (α=0.05) and correlation analysis using the SAS® 9.4 software. The chemical, biological and organic insecticide that exhibited the greatest control of the yellow aphid (more than 95%) were: Toretto® (sulfoxaflor), PHC® Meta Tron® (M. anisopliae), Bio-Die® (Argemonin, Berberine, Ricinin and a-Terthienyl). Adequate management strategies are needed to avoid health problems in people, environmental contamination and resistance or multiple resistance.

Dyslipidemia among adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy and its association with age and body mass index in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dyslipidemia is a common public health problem in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are receiving antiretroviral therapy and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although evidence indicates that the prevalence of dyslipidemia is high, estimated pooled data are not well documented. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dyslipidemia in adult people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. The following databases and grey literature were searched: PubMed, WorldCat, ScienceDirect, DOAG, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and African Index Medicine. We included all comparative epidemiological studies that reported the prevalence of high concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein, and low concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol that were published between January 2003 and July 2023. The random effects model was used to pool the outcome of interest. Additionally, subgrouping, sensitivity analyses, and funnel plots were performed. R software Version 4.2.1 was used for statistical analysis. Seventeen studies with a total of 3929 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of dyslipidemia, high total cholesterol, high triglyceride, elevated level of low density lipoprotein and low level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were 69.32% (95% CI: 63.33, 74.72), 39.78% (95%CI: 32.12, 47.96), 40.32% (95%CI: 34.56, 46.36), 28.58% (95%CI: 21.81, 36.46), and 36.17% (95%CI: 28.82, 44.24), respectively. Age and body mass index were associated with high total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The authors concluded that the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Ethiopia is high in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy. Early detection of dyslipidemia and its integration into treatment are essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. Protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023440125).

Hydrogeological Investigations of Paghman Valleys in Kabul, Afghanistan

Paghman valleys are located at the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountain range (Afghanistan) and consist of dissimilar kinds of valleys with different rocks and sediments. Valleys in this region consist of several types of streams which are clean, due to their filtration at the valley beds. Water resources, such as streams, springs, and rivers are used for drinking, irrigation, and other general-purpose usages. Due to years of regional conflict, the general water infrastructure needs to be upgraded, however since people need water for their day-to-day activities, it is necessary to characterize various sources of water to ensure their safety. Thus, this study aims to estimate the petrographic characteristics of the Paghman valleys and predict the resource suitability of the region through certain analyses: petrographic, gravel, and sieving analysis. The study is important since no such studies exist on this subject for this region, because of decades of war and much work remains to be done due to an ever-increasing population accompanied by air pollution which may affect the water resources of the region and thus causing health problems for people. The results provided through this investigation provide some preliminary quantification of heavy and light minerals, mechanical analysis, pH determination, electrical conductivity, and Cation and Anion concentrations of heavy and light minerals in water. Furthermore, as the regional population is steadily increasing, the authors highlight policy recommendations for a range of mitigation measures for the relevant authorities to keep water and soil quality within a safe range.

An Analysis of Biopsychosocial Factors Associated With Chronic Pain Severity Among Hospitalized People Living With HIV in Shenzhen, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic pain is a primary health problem in people living with HIV (PWH). However, there is limited research regarding chronic pain among PWH in Chinese health care settings. To investigate biopsychosocial factors of chronic pain severity, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China. Chronic pain was defined as pain lasting for more than three months. Pain intensity was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Among 123 hospitalized PWH, 78.86% of participants had mild pain and 21.14% had moderate-severe pain. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that PWH in moderate-severe pain group were more likely to have higher levels of interleukin [IL]-6 (OR = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.003-1.066, p = .029) and anxiety (OR = 1.334, 95% CI: 1.071-1.662, p = .010) than those in the mild chronic pain group. Targeted pain management interventions should be explored in clinical practices and future studies regarding PWH with high levels of IL-6 and anxiety.

Impact of Atmospheric Conditions and Source Identification of Gaseous Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) during a Smoke Haze Period in Upper Southeast Asia.

Gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were measured in northern Thailand. No previous studies have provided data on gaseous PAHs until now, so this study determined the gaseous PAHs during two sampling periods for comparison, and then they were used to assess the correlation with meteorological conditions, other pollutants, and their sources. The total concentrations of 8-PAHs (i.e., NAP, ACY, ACE, FLU, PHE, ANT, FLA, and PYR) were 125 ± 22 ng m-3 and 111 ± 21 ng m-3, with NAP being the most pronounced at 67 ± 18 ng m-3 and 56 ± 17 ng m-3, for morning and afternoon, respectively. High temperatures increase the concentrations of four-ring PAHs, whereas humidity and pressure increase the concentrations of two- and three-ring PAHs. Moreover, gaseous PAHs were estimated to contain more toxic derivatives such as nitro-PAH, which ranged from 0.02 ng m-3 (8-Nitrofluoranthene) to 10.46 ng m-3 (1-Nitronaphthalene). Therefore, they could be one of the causes of local people's health problems that have not been reported previously. Strong correlations of gaseous PAHs with ozone indicated that photochemical oxidation influenced four-ring PAHs. According to the Pearson correlation, diagnostic ratios, and principal component analysis, mixed sources including coal combustion, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions were the main sources of these pollutants.

Relation Between Family Environment, Life Satisfaction, Depression and Anxiety

The background of this study is that as the standard of living and stress increases, most people begin to be dissatisfied with their current lives. And there is a gradual increase in the occurrence of mental health problems in people, especially depression and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Thus, this study intends to investigate the effect of the interaction of life satisfaction and family environment on individual depression and anxiety. A cross-sectional survey method was used to administer the questionnaire to 121 respondents. The Index of Life Satisfaction Scale(LSIA), Depression Scale(PHQ-9), 7-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD-7), and Family Environment Scale(FES) were used to investigate the relationship between current life satisfaction, family environment, and individual depression and anxiety. The results shows that life satisfaction index was significantly associated with depression and anxiety (p<0.05). In addition, anxiety was significantly associated with family members are always give each other the greatest help and support (p=0.008), family members always openly expressing their feelings for each other (p=0.030); depression was significantly associated with family members are always give each other the greatest help and support (p=0.025), members often quarrel at home (p=0.002), there is a kind of harmony and consistency in family (p=0.015), and family members are all heartily supportive of each other(p=0.032). Thus, life satisfaction index affects anxiety and depression, and some family environment situations are significantly associated with the development of anxiety and depression.

Prevalence of Co-Occurring Physical and Mental Health Problems in People with Drug Addiction in Pakistan

Drug addiction is a relapsing, chronic disorder in which drug abusing and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors are prevalent. The objective of the research was to explore the prevalence of different types of drug addictions along with co-occurring physical and mental health problems. Since 2021, a team of Happy Life Psychological Services (HLPS), Pakistan has dealt with 6000 triages and 156 admissions. The sample of the study was 156 participants with drug addiction collected from February 2021 to January 2023. The outcome of the study reflected that male have higher number of drug addiction (78.8%) compared to females and the most common age of drug addiction is middle adults (67.9%). In people with drug addiction, the highly used drug was tobacco (23.41%), the most common mental health problem was anxiety disorders (28.62%), the most common medical comorbidity was Hepatitis B & C (50%), and they had higher level of suicidal thoughts (49.32%). The study recommends nationwide concerted actions to decline the illicit demands of drugs. Mass media, law enforcement, medical practitioners, local communities, NGOs, international agencies, and affected families are the possible stakeholders that should be included to make up strategies to manage the issue of drug addiction in Pakistan.

Body mass index trends and its impact of under and overweight on outcome among PLHIV on antiretroviral treatment in rural Tanzania: A prospective cohort study.

Increased body weight is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is increasingly reported as a health problem in people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is limited data from rural sub-Saharan Africa, where malnutrition usually presents with both over- and undernutrition. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of underweight and overweight/obesity in PLHIV enrolled in a cohort in rural Tanzania before the introduction of integrase inhibitors. This nested study of the prospective Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort included adults aged ≥19 years initiated on antiretroviral therapy between 01/2013 and 12/2018 with follow-up through 06/2019. Body Mass Index (BMI) was classified as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), or overweight/obese (≥25.0 kg/m2). Stratified piecewise linear mixed models were used to assess the association between baseline characteristics and follow-up BMI. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between time-updated BMI and death/loss to follow-up (LTFU). Among 2,129 patients, 22,027 BMI measurements (median 9 measurements: interquartile range 5-15) were analysed. At baseline, 398 (19%) patients were underweight and 356 (17%) were overweight/obese. The majority of patients were female (n = 1249; 59%), and aged 35-44 years (779; 37%). During the first 9 months, for every three additional months on antiretroviral therapy, BMI increased by 2% (95% confidence interval 1-2%, p<0.0001) among patients underweight at baseline and by 0.7% (0.5-0.6%, p<0.0001) among participants with normal BMI. Over a median of 20 months of follow-up, 107 (5%) patients died and 592 (28%) were LTFU. Being underweight was associated with >2 times the hazard of death/LTFU compared to participants with normal BMI. We found a double burden of malnutrition, with underweight being an independent predictor of mortality. Monitoring and measures to address both states of malnutrition among PLHIV should be integrated into routine HIV care.

Foot Health in People with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review.

Chemotherapy has relevant implications for cancer patients' physical, social, and psychological health. Foot health has gained relevance in recent years due to its importance to independence and wellbeing, especially in chronic conditions. This study aims to explore the scope of the literature regarding foot health problems in people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR, Arksey and O'Malley, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Different databases were used (Cochrane Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed). A total of 4911 articles were identified. Finally, 11 papers were included. Foot problems are relevant and deteriorate wellbeing. The prevalence of some podiatric pathologies is controversial. The main literature deals with hand-foot syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Focused instruments on foot health were not thoroughly used. There is insufficient evidence on foot health problems and their influence on the quality of life of people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Even though a significant percentage of this population has a foot problem, its care and importance are neglected. More studies are needed to contribute to the care of people with cancer through foot health.

Healthcare professionals' experiences in identifying and supporting mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study.

Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risk of mental health problems. The interaction presents a major clinical challenge as this co-morbidity leads to worse outcomes for both conditions however, many cases go undetected. To explore perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals in the identification and support provision of mental health problems in adults living with type 1 diabetes. Using a qualitative research design, fifteen health care professionals working in the United Kingdom were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using reflexive inductive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified relating to barriers: time, knowledge, relationship between services, and stigma. Three themes were identified related to facilitators: education, communication, and appropriate tools and services. This research emphasizes the need for educational tools to improve the skills and competency of healthcare professionals in identifying mental health problems in people with type 1 diabetes, highlighting practical and theoretical implications for healthcare improvements, and the necessity for additional research to design care pathways that better support this population in which all health care professionals are aware of.

Sleep quality and associated factors among adult people living with HIV on follow-up at Dessie Town Governmental Health Facilities Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics, Northeast, Ethiopia, 2020, a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundPoor sleep quality is an important health problem in people living with HIV. The exact cause of sleep disturbance is not well known, but it may relate to HIV itself, antiretroviral drug side effects, and other HIV-related disorders. As a result, the purpose of this study was to assess sleep quality and associated factors among adult HIV patients on follow-up at Dessie Town governmental health facilities’ antiretroviral therapy clinics in Northeast Ethiopia in 2020.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 adult people living with HIV/AIDS from February 1/2020 to April 22/2020 in Dessie Town governmental antiretroviral therapy clinics. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. An interviewer-administered method of data collection with a chart review was used. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep disruption. A binary logistic regression was conducted to see the relationship between a dependent variable and independent variables. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to declare an association between factors and a dependent variable.ResultsA total of 419 study participants were enrolled in this study, with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of the study participants was 36 ± 6.5 SD years and 63.7% of the participants were female. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was found to be 36% (95% CI, 31–41%). Being female (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.52–7.79), viral loads 1000 copies/ml (AOR = 6.88, 95% CI: 2.79–16.9), CD4 cell count 200 cells/mm3 (AOR = 6.85, 95% CI: 2.42–19.39), WHO stage II and III (AOR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.05–17.53), having anxiety (AOR = 10, 95% CI: 4.21–23.9.ConclusionThe findings of this study showed that more than one-third of the study participants had poor-quality sleep at the Dessie Town Health Facility ART clinic. Being female, low CD4 cell counts, viral load ≥1000 copies/ml, WHO stage II and III, depression, anxiety, sleeping in a communal bedroom, and living alone were predictors of poor sleep quality.

Noise Measurements in Residential Areas in North A’ Sharqiyah Region -Oman

Noise pollution has become a serious problem nowadays due to the industrial development and urbanization. Noise level, in particular, is exceeding being an environmental issue to being a health problem for people. This study investigated the noise levels in residential areas, schools and hotels in North A’ Sharqiyah region in Oman. The area covered by the study is around 20 km2 which includes more than 200 houses, 13 schools and nine hotels. Fourteen different zones have been selected within this area to measure the noise levels. Using a sound level meter (S/N:2019023967) with a 30 to 130 dB measuring range and 1.5 dB accuracy, noise levels were measured. Around 90% of the collected data in the housing area at the city center was higher than the Omani standards (60 dB) and with an exposure time of 10 hours per day. In contrast, the housing areas outside the city center, only 5% of the measured noise was higher than the standards. In schools, it was found that the noise inside the schools is higher than the standards of indoor buildings noise. Furthermore, it was observed that the schools were built in quiet locations where the noise outside the schools met the standards. 70 % of the noise that was measured during the morning assembly in schools was higher than the standards. In hotels, it was found that the noise levels depend on the location of the hotel. The hotels located outside the city center or commercial area were found to be quiet and the noise levels within standards. In contrast, the others which locate in the city center have high noise levels.

Developing Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial Mortar Using Zinc Oxide Nanorods

Fungal and bacterial growth are two factors primarily responsible for the degradation and breakdown of the surfaces of buildings and structures. Fungi, which cause molds in buildings, develop rapidly in humid places like Assam and can cause deadly diseases such as Histoplasmosis. Remedial measures for these molds are expensive and cumbersome. Bacteria can result in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which causes acute health problems in people living in these buildings. Bacteria mostly grow in the damp walls of hospitals and cause acute diseases in people, which is a worldwide problem in humid countries. Nanotechnology can be utilized to solve these problems to a great extent, providing relief to the world's population. Tests with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorods grown on prepared mortar samples using hydrothermal techniques revealed dense growth of Nanorods deep into the pores of the mortar samples on scanning electron micrographs. This anti-fungal and anti-bacterial study was done on the prepared Ordinary Portland cement mortar sample with fungus Aspergillus Niger and bacteria Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and microorganisms samples collected from local hospital buildings