Implementation Of Prevention Programs Research Articles

Pregnancy with multiple high-risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A wide spectrum of high-risk factors in pregnancy can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes or short- or long-term health effects. Despite this, there has been no synthesis of findings on the measurement, potential causes, and health outcomes of multiple high-risk factors in pregnancy (MHFP). We aimed to address this gap by summarising the existing research on this topic. We retrieved studies published up to 3 June 2024 through systematic database searches and used a narrative synthesis approach to summarise the measurement, patterns, causes, and outcomes of MHFP. We also estimated the pooled MHFP prevalence through meta-analysis with a random effects model and performed subgroup analyses and meta-regression to examine potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. We included 83 observational studies published between 2010 and 2024, of which 72% were from high-income countries. These studied factors can be grouped into four categories: physical conditions, mental conditions, sociobehavioural problems, and pregnancy history. We identified 16 MHFP patterns, among which co-existing multiple physical conditions were the most common pattern. The overall pooled prevalence of MHFP was 12% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 12-13), with an increasing trend and relatively higher levels in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We observed heterogeneity in the measurement of MHFP across the studies, possibly due to the number of risk factors in the definition of MHFP. About 78% of included studies investigated MHFP-associated health outcomes for women and offspring, with only two studies examining long-term maternal or offspring outcomes later in life. Research into MHFP has been emerging over the past decade, but is far from complete. The burden of MHFP is increasing worldwide, particularly LMICs. Maternal healthcare systems must shift to a multidisciplinary and integrated framework so as to better design and implement prevention and intervention programmes and sustain the healthy development of the next generation. PROSPERO: CRD42022358889.

Disordered Eating in Emerging Adults: A Narrative Review and Recommendations for Prevention

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period during which individual, social, and professional changes occur. Among the psychopathological disorders that can appear during this period, disordered eating is a major risk. This narrative review provides an overview of the risk and protective factors of disordered eating. Recommendations intended to promote an appeased relationship with food and a positive body image within young adults are then proposed. The originality of this prevention approach is the promotion of protective factors, not only risk reduction. This paradigm shift allows young adults to learn positive skills, allowing for awareness of internal needs and external demands in a non-judgmental manner. Coupled with the implementation of self-care behaviors, this permits a balance between their internal system and the environment, gradually reaching flourishing. This is promising for the future implementation of prevention programs targeting the development of protective factors of disordered eating in young adults.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention program implementation in a community oncology practice: author response to Yang etal.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention program implementation in a community oncology practice: author response to Yang etal.

Training in infection prevention and control: survey on the volume and on the learning demands of healthcare-associated infections control figures in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy).

In the context of Infections Prevention and Control activities, the training of healthcare-associated infection control figures is crucial; the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the necessity of ensuring a widespread and stable level of skills over time for such professionals. The present work aims to identify the number and training needs of the personnel working in the Emilia-Romagna Region's healthcare facilities as "healthcare-associated infection control figures". Data were collected through a survey created by experts from the Regional Group "Training in the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance". The questionnaire explored the number, professional and educational background, and training requirements of Healthcare-associated infections control figures in Emilia-Romagna. With 73 figures dedicated to Healthcare-associated infections control, the Emilia-Romagna Region appears to be in line with the European standard ratio (1 professional every 125 beds). Professionals with a nursing background, over 50 years old and of female sex prevail in the group, while the training needs expressed include both theoretical and practical aspects. Healthcare assistants and nursing staff represent a fundamental resource for the implementation of infection prevention and control programs in our healthcare facilities; continuous, multidisciplinary and targeted training of these professionals is confirmed as necessary.

Etiopathogenetic programs aimed at preventing in children risk-associated diseases caused by exposure to adverse components in emissions from a large non-ferrous metallurgic production

Introduction. Non-ferrous metallurgy holds a specific place among various productions that create potential health risks due to environmental pollution. Total emissions from the branch enterprises into ambient air reach three million tons (aluminum, fluorine, nickel, manganese, benzo(a)pyrene, sulfur dioxide and trioxide, hydrocarbon, etc.) per year, which accounts for 18% of the total emissions from all stationary sources. Implementation of etiopathogenetic prevention programs is a promising trend in preventing in children actual diseases associated with poor quality of the environment. The aim of this study was to develop and substantiate technologies aimed at reducing incidence in children of risk-associated pathologies caused by exposure to emissions from a large non-ferrous metallurgic enterprise as well as assess their effectiveness. Materials and methods. We examined five hundred forty two children lived in close proximity to a large non-ferrous metallurgic enterprise and 149 children who lived on a reference territory. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, lifestyle, and socioeconomic position. The examination program included general clinical, functional, laboratory, chemical-analytical and statistical research methods, mathematical modelling, and assessment of technology effectiveness. Results. Fluorine, aluminum, manganese, chromium and nickel compounds as well as benzo(a)pyrene were identified in ambient air on the observation territory, their levels reaching 1.20–10.96 of average annual MPL; ambient air on the reference territory conformed to safety standards. Blood levels of these chemicals, which are 1.4–5.0 times higher than the reference level, raise prevalence of diseases of respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems and blood by 1.6–3.1 times. Pathomorphosis and pathology prevalence are determined by serous-catarrhal and immune-dependent inflammation with damage to airway epithelium and thyrocytes, deceleration of endochondral ossification and bone remodelling, impaired neuromediator synthesis and inhibited synaptic transmission, hemopoiesis suppression; impaired iron and iodine metabolism, imbalance in immune-competent cell sub-populations, specific sensitization and redox imbalance induced by chemical exposures. Limitations. The study was performed in 4–7 years children lived in an area influenced by a large non-ferrous metallurgic enterprise. Conclusion. Implementation of etiopathogenetic prevention programs decreases frequency of relapses by 3.8 times; prevents a growth in incidence rates; increases the number of children in health groups I and II (practically healthy and without any chronic diseases) by 17–39%; promotes recovery of functional and metabolic activity of critical organs and systems in 68–98% cases. It reduces costs associated with medication provision for children with risk-associated pathology by 34–60% and by 50–75% for children with high and medium risks. Another significant result 2.6–3.3 times shorter duration of temporary disability due to taking care of a sick child with a risk-associated disease; this period decreases 2.6–3.3 times in case of children with high and medium risks. Economic efficiency of these technologies amounts to 6.5 rubles per 1 spent ruble.

Rehabilitation of the knee following ACL repair and reconstruction: A review of clinical best practices

Background and Study Aim. ACL reconstruction is the surgical replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament with a tissue graft to restore knee function. To avoid problems including edema, loss of range of motion, muscle weakness, poor balance, and recovery of knee function, rehabilitation treatment should be performed after surgery. Immediate implementation of open kinetic chain exercises, use of criterion-based progressions for various activities such as running, sprinting, and plyometrics, and implementation of a secondary prevention program. This clinical practice review is to discuss the parameters associated with the rate of phase repair for ACL repair and to guide therapists according to the parameters of postoperative healing. Material and Methods. The patient presented with a knee brace still in place, swelling and incision marks above the patella, and atrophy of the dextra quadrisep muscle, the patient still had difficulty bending and straightening his right knee, and used crutches to help him walk. The modalities given are massage, electrotherapy (TENS), various exercises (exercise therapy), stretching, and cryotherapy. Results. There are five phases of rehabilitation: maximal protection, moderate protection, minimum protection (initial strengthening), Neuromuscular Control and Functional Training (strengthening-cardiovascular conditioning), and maintenance and Return to Activity (controlled agility-advanced conditioning). These stages are to help reduce swelling, increase joint range of motion, increase muscle strength, and reduce pain. Conclusion. Periodization theory should be fundamentally understood by sports rehabilitation professionals, especially physical therapists and sports medicine physicians. So that a safe and organized postoperative procedure can be established.

Preventing Chronic Pain: Solutions to a Public Health Crisis

Chronic pain is the top reason to seek care, the top cause of disability and addiction, and the primary driver of healthcare utilization. More than half of the persons seeking care for pain conditions at 1 month still have pain 5 years later despite treatment due to lack of training patients in reducing the many patient-centered risk factors that lead to delayed recovery, chronic pain, and in some cases, addiction. Chronic pain has emerged as a significant public health crisis, affecting millions worldwide and leading to considerable personal and societal burdens. Defined as pain lasting longer than three months, chronic pain can stem from various conditions, including myofascial pain, joint and skeletal disorders, neuropathic conditions, and headaches, among others. The widespread prevalence of chronic pain affects not only the individuals who suffer from it but also their families, workplaces, and healthcare systems. Understanding the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and exploring evidence-based solutions are crucial for mitigating its impact and improving individual and societal health outcomes. A solution to this crisis is to integrate prevention training and support for patients with pain conditions to reduce the risk factors that drive chronic pain and implement protective self-care actions that heal pain conditions. Prevention programs are greatly needed to be reimbursed and easily integrated into routine care similar to blood studies, urinalysis, and imaging. This paper describes the characteristics and implementation of prevention programs to prevent chronic pain and its consequences.

The global prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in pregnant women: a meta-analysis.

Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections with severe detrimental effects on pregnant women and fetuses. CTGI increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, exogenous fetal infection, and respiratory complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. According to the different published reports, this systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of CTGI in pregnant women. Initial searching was applied using valid databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar using MeSH keywords (by October 2023). Following duplicate detection and data exclusion, the Title and Abstract of other remaining papers were evaluated (primary screening). Full-texts of selected papers were assessed (secondary screening) and eligible studies were included for data extraction (total No of investigated pregnant women and the number of positive cases). The PRISMA approach was used for paper selection, and the quality assessment was determined according to the STROBE checklist. Data meta-analysis, heterogeneity, publication bias, and the factors affecting heterogeneity index were analyzed using CMA software. The findings were presented in the Forest Plot diagram and Static tables. Besides, heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 test and diffusion bias was demonstrated in Funnel Plot. Among 1061 selected articles, 44 eligible investigations were enrolled for meta-analysis. The global prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis genital infection (CTGI) was found 8.4% (95% CI 5.8 - 12.1). Meta-regression analysis showed that following the increase in sample size and year of paper publication, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in pregnant women decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The global prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in pregnant women is considerably influenced by some interfering factors including Age, Socioeconomic status, Geographic region, and Individual behaviors. Thus, the implementation of more comprehensive health programs for prevention, screening, and treatment seems necessary, especially for high-risk pregnant cases.

Factors influencing evidence-based cardiovascular disease prevention programming in rural African American communities: a community-engaged concept mapping study

BackgroundAfrican Americans experience cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities, and the burden is greatest in the rural south. Although evidence-based CVD prevention and management programs have been tailored to this context, implementation has been limited and not sustained long-term. To understand how to implement and sustain evidence-based CVD programs at scale, we must explore the perspectives of organizations serving rural African American communities and situate findings within foundational Implementation Science frameworks.MethodsThis study used group concept mapping (GCM) to elicit and synthesize stakeholder perspectives into an action-focused conceptual model depicting factors influencing implementation of evidence-based CVD programs. Representatives of community-based, faith, and healthcare organizations serving African Americans in five rural North Carolina counties were recruited via purposive sampling techniques. Participants (total n = 31) completed three activities: 1) brainstorming in response to an open-ended prompt (n = 31); 2) sorting brainstorm data into wider concepts and rating each in terms of relative importance and feasibility (n = 26); and 3) collaborative interpretation and refinement of the concept map (n = 19). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to generate a concept map. Absolute pattern matches comparing ratings of the relative importance and feasibility of each factor were generated and depicted via ladder graphs.ResultsThe final concept map included five factors: Accessibility, Community and Social Factors, Education and Training, Financial/Resource Development, and Organization Capacity and Staffing. There was high agreement (r = .98) between ratings of importance and feasibility. Education and Training, both within organizations and the wider community, was rated as the most important and feasible factor and Financial/Resource Development was the least important and feasible.ConclusionsThe concept map emphasizes aspects of organizations (inner setting), their surrounding community (outer setting), and individual stakeholders (participants, implementers) as influencing implementation of evidence-based CVD prevention and management programs in rural African American communities. The nature of the intervention or implementation processes were de-emphasized. Organizations in rural African American communities may feel equipped to implement a range of evidence-based programs, provided strategies address the contextual and structural barriers that impede their success. Group concept mapping helped distill and prioritize initial leverage points for action in our project catchment area by facilitating a community-engaged process of data generation and interpretation.

Awareness and Implementation of Sports Injury Prevention Programs Among Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs) are crucial for mitigating sports injuries and enhancing athletes' performance. In Saudi Arabia, the sports sector is growing, and the awareness and implementation of sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs) among physical therapists require examination. This study aims to evaluate physiotherapists' awareness of and the implementation of sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs) in the Saudi Arabian region with findings that could enhance rehabilitation and sports injury prevention practices. Materials and Methods: A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to licensed physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia. Three hundred sixty-six participants responded to the questionnaire, of whom 55.5% were male and 44.5% were female physiotherapists. Results: Licensed physical therapists show a high awareness of sports injury prevention, with 83.9% agreeing or strongly agreeing. However, only 53.8% were aware of sports injury prevention programs, and 37.7% reported actively implementing them. Sports physical therapists scored significantly higher in awareness and implementation than other specialties (p < 0.001) with no significant regional differences. Educational qualification was also significant, with those holding a master's degree or higher reporting greater awareness and implementation than those with a bachelor's degree (p = 0.007). There was a strong positive correlation between awareness and implementation (r = 0.723, p < 0.01), along with weak correlations between awareness and perceived barriers (r = 0.270, p < 0.01) and implementation and barriers (r = 0.280, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study finds that physical therapists in Saudi Arabia have moderate-to-low awareness and implementation of sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs), especially outside of sports-specific fields. Sports physical therapists and those with higher education have significant awareness. There are minimal regional differences but a strong positive correlation between awareness and implementation. Enhanced training, resources, and institutional support are needed to improve SIPP implementation in rehabilitation.

IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM PENCEGAHAN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCYVIRUS/AQCQUIRRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (HIV/AIDS) PADA PUSKESMAS PARINGIN SELATAN KABUPATEN BALANGAN

To prevent and overcome HIV/AIDS cases in Balangan Regency,the implementation of prevention programs at the South Paringin Health Center still faces several challenges.Community stigma and discrimination against this disease are still high, and the lack of infrastructure such as leaflet counseling media is an obstacle. This study used qualitative descriptive method involving 14 respondents.Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using a variety of analytical techniques.The results showed that the HIV/AIDS prevention program at Puskesmas Paringin Selatan was effective, but there was still a lack of resources and communication. Factors supporting program implementation include policy stakeholder commitment, cross-program and cross-sector involvement, and community participation. However, stigma and societal discrimination are inhibiting factors. To improve program implementation, it is recommended that the Health Office and Puskesmas program managers strengthen information about HIV/AIDS, at-risk groups conduct routine screening,and communities participate in the planning and implementation of this prevention program.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide Attempts in Kerman Province: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global suicide attempt rates. This study evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide attempts in the Kerman Province, eastern Iran. This is a cross-sectional study. Data on suicide attempt cases in Kerman Province was obtained from the database of Mental, Social, and Addiction Health Office of the Deputy for Health of Medical Sciences Universities from 2018 to 2021. An interrupted time-series model was used to assess the changes in suicide attempts before and after the pandemic. Suicide attempts exhibited a decreasing trend before the pandemic, with a monthly decrease of 0.9% (P<0.001). The immediate effect of the pandemic indicated that, at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a 4.5% increase in suicide attempts (P=0.134). The sustained effect of the pandemic showed that in the months following the onset of the pandemic, the rate of suicide attempts increased by 1.8% compared to before the pandemic (P<0.001). By the end of 2021, the number of suicide attempts per month exceeded the predicted amount based on pre-pandemic data. Factors such as marital status, education, occupation, place of residence, and previous suicide attempts were found to influence suicide attempts during the pandemic. Given the significant increase in suicide attempts following the onset of the pandemic, it is crucial to prioritize the implementation of prevention and intervention programs during this crisis.

Sharing knowledge on implementing mental health and wellbeing projects for veterans and first responders.

The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge to action and knowledge transfer approaches used in an international mental health research funding program and its outcomes. A key goal of the evaluation was to maximise organisational learning and knowledge sharing to inform future implementation projects. A series of interactive knowledge sharing workshops focused on five key themes: peer support; psychoeducation; the involvement of family, friends, and significant others; retreat, residential, or group-based programs; and organisational change. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used to code, summarise and describe themes. Key learnings that influenced the success of mental health initiatives include building relationships across all organisational levels, involving Veterans and First Responders with lived experience in the design and implementation process, and understanding the unique workplace culture and operations. Our findings highlight the need for collaborative, informed approaches tailored to the culture, organisation and mental health support needs of Veteran and First Responder. These insights enhance understanding of the factors that impact the successful implementation of mental health prevention and support programs for those exposed to work-related trauma.

Characteristics of mortality with Chronic Kidney Disease in Cuba. Trend and forecast. 2011-2020

Mortality due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has shown a significant increase globally and in Cuba over the past decade. This study analyzes the characteristics of mortality due to CKD in Cuba between 2011 and 2020, aiming to illustrate and determine the trend and prognosis. A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted, using data from 35,031 deaths registered by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba. The variables analyzed include the year of death, age, sex, province of residence, and cause of death, using the International Classification of Diseases. Mortality rates were calculated and age-adjusted using standard statistical methods and the SPSS version 20.0 program.During the study period, mortality with CKD in Cuba increased from 2,764 cases in 2011 to 4,325 in 2020, an increase of 56.47%. Age-adjusted mortality rates showed a higher increase in men (39.83%) than in women (20.71%). The average age at death was 70.38 years. Potential years of life lost (PYLL) amounted to 263,090.5, with the most affected age groups being 50-59 years. The provinces with the highest age-adjusted mortality rates were Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus.Renal diseases represent a growing cause of mortality in Cuba, aligning with trends observed in the Americas region. The implementation of CKD prevention and control programs in primary health care is crucial to mitigate this trend

IMPLEMENTATION OF A VIRTUAL FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM IN OLDER VETERANS

Abstract Though virtual platforms have increased in popularity few studies have explored the implementation and benefit of a virtually-based fall prevention program. MOVing FREEly (Multicomponent Otago Virtual Falls Reduction Exercise and Education program) is a VA-based fall prevention program delivered entirely over a virtual care platform. The MOVing FREEly program is six-weeks long and includes both education in fall-risk reduction and evidence-based fall prevention exercises. Process measures captured implementation considerations, feasibility and effectiveness of the program. 27 participants who were older (mean 75 years), mostly male (89.0%), white (85.2%) and moderate or high risk of falling completed the program. 70% were new to the virtual platform. Attendance for education and exercise classes was &amp;gt; 80% with little attrition. There was improvement in the Falls Efficacy Scale-International short form and statistically significant improvement in 30 second sit-to-stand and single leg balance tests. Process measures indicated that 40% of participants needed extra help at the start of each class to sign-on to the virtual visit, which was provided by program facilitators. By the fourth class, all participants were self-sufficient in their ability to navigate the virtual platform. Additional considerations such as electronic health record documentation and coding; clinic setup, referral management and virtual appointment scheduling; patient privacy and health emergency planning were necessary for the start-up and sustainability of the program. Virtual fall prevention programs are feasible and effective but require careful logistical planning and considerations. Implementation considerations from this program can guide future telerehabilitation research and clinical efforts.

Addressing the needs for cultural adaptation of DARE-keepin’ it REAL among Brazilian students: strategies to improve implementation

BackgroundThe widely implemented prevention program in Brazil, PROERD (a translated version of the DARE-kiR program), showed no evidence of effect in preventing drug use in a recent trial. The lack of cultural adaptation and instructors’ deviations from the curriculum were identified as potential reasons for its ineffectiveness. This study aims to identify points of inadequacy of the PROERD program for the Brazilian culture, suggesting strategies for revising the curriculum to improve implementation.MethodsWe triangulated data obtained from three different groups of study participants: semi-structured interviews with the law enforcement officer who implemented the program, focus groups with students who participated in the program, and questionnaires completed by external experts in the prevention field who evaluated the program’s manuals. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis based on the Ecological Validity Model theory, which encompasses three main axes: methodology, content, and language to identify the main points for cultural adaptation.ResultsRegarding the program’s methodology, there is an excess of activities with little interactivity involving literacy skills that do not match Brazilian students' cognitive development and require equipment unavailable in Brazilian public schools. Regarding content, activities were considered appropriate for evidence-based prevention; however, there were some contradictions related to the drug content. The language presented in the program’s manuals was considered inappropriate for the culture of Brazilian youth (vocabulary, examples, and images).ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study strongly recommends revising the PROERD curriculum Caindo na Real, ensuring it will align with the international prevention standards and Brazilian Culture.

Роль подразделений информационных центров системы МВД России в предупреждении преступлений

The article considers the development of information units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs system from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. It describes the value of knowledge obtained and accumulated by the information units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs system from a criminological point of view. At the same time, the authors note the absence of a purpose for using the obtained data (information on the identity of the criminal; identity of the victim; traces of the crime; stolen property, etc.) and crime prevention in the said units. It is noted that the lack of a unified approach to developing crime prevention measures both in the country and in its individual entities does not allow for the effective use of the acquired knowledge. The article indicates that today in the Russian Federation there are various databases containing information on the identities of criminals, identities of victims, traces of crimes, stolen property, real estate, transport, mobile phone numbers, etc., which allow identifying the causes and conditions for committing crimes, however, their use is ineffective due to the lack of specific units engaged in developing crime prevention measures in the Russian Federation and its individual entities. The authors of the article say that it is necessary to pay attention to the specifics of crime in a particular region, area, or locality, on the basis of which a unified crime prevention program in a given area should be developed. When developing a unified crime prevention program in a region, special attention should be paid not only to the actions of special entities aimed at combating crime, but also to the role and tasks of state bodies, local governments, public associations and citizens in implementing these measures. Thus, the crime prevention program will be a “road map” developed by the information units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs with the participation of local governments, taking into account the opinion of residents of a given municipality or subject of the Russian Federation, on the territory of which the implementation of this crime prevention program will be provided, which will certainly contribute to increasing the effectiveness of crime prevention and will allow citizens of the Russian Federation to exercise their right, enshrined in Part 1 of Article 32 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to their direct participation in managing state affairs - protecting society from criminal encroachments.

Evaluation of awareness levels among population of Zabaikalsky krai for planning prophylactic measures to control HIV-infection and viral hepatitis spread (pilot study)

Introduction. Currently, much attention is being paid to studying the level of knowledge of the country's population and improving health literacy in relation to HIV infection and parenteral viral hepatitis. With insufficient awareness of society about various aspects of social infectious diseases, morbidity increases, stigmatization of people living with HIV worsens, mortality increases and a tense situation in society is created.The purpose of the study: to evaluate levels of awareness among population of the Zabailalsky krai of the Far Eastern Federal district in order to plan priority direction of HIV-infection an viral hepatitis preventive measures.Materials and methods. To implement the goals and objectives of the research an analysis of population awareness levels about the issues of HIV and viral hepatitis was conducted after outreach event was performed. The questionnaire included 12 questions with a number of answers from 3 to 7 aimed at revealing awareness concerning the issues of HIV-infection and viral hepatitis. A total number of 312 people were examined. The research included sociological (questionnaire), statistical and comparative analysis.Results. Results of the pilot study revealed a satisfactory level of population awareness on main questions concerning risks of obtaining infection and preventive measures against the diseases. However, answers on some of the questions indicated a need of additional attention during development/adjusting and implementation of different preventive measures and educational programs. Youth mean age of whom equaled 15.6 years exhibited sympathetic behavior towards HIV-infected persons more frequently compared to adult population. Not quite satisfactory levels of awareness concerning ability of HIV-infected people to create family and have children was detected among adult population (mean age – 49.0 years). Some of surveyed people expressed a will to be tested for HIV. A total number of 90.5% of examined youth wanted to be tested but no one had a chance to do it because no one offered it.Conclusion. Taking in to account the obtained data for further development and implementation of prevention programs it is necessary to pay more attention to protection measures against HIV and hepatitis, emphasize attention on legal aspects of HIV and viral hepatitis issue as well as a necessity of regular testing to control HIV-status. Prevention work should include game-based learning to develop refusal skills to avoid risky behavior by playing out typical situations. It is necessary to continue the study and expand the number of respondents from different key groups and conduct a comparative analysis of awareness levels before and after the outreach events in order to evaluate their efficiency.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: exploring sociodemographic and associated factors.

Previous studies have shown that mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are on the rise globally, particularly among university students. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students, and the associated potential risk factors, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in a sample of 728 students who anonymously completed three sets of questionnaires: a sociodemographic and lifestyle information questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to screen for depressive symptoms and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale to screen for anxiety symptoms. In a survey of 728 students, 81.5% reported depression and 63.6% anxiety, with no difference between medical and non-medical majors. Regular exercise, a history of psychological disorders, a diagnosis of chronic illness, and the use of antidepressant medications were significant indicators of depression. Significant anxiety markers included female gender, a diagnosis of chronic illness, a history of psychological disorders, the use of antidepressant medications, and smoking. Surprisingly, we did not observe any significant differences between the prevalence of depression or anxiety symptoms and common risk predictors, such as poor academic performance, low family income, and year of study. Depression and anxiety had a high prevalence among undergraduates, regardless of their field of study; therefore, we recommend the implementation and expansion of community-based mental health prevention programs and mentorship programs. Universities with counseling programs should identify and eliminate factors that contribute to depression and anxiety.

The clinico-epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of methadone poisoning: a registry-based clinical study.

Methadone is a long-acting synthetic agonist of opioid receptors, which is used as an analgesic and as an alternative treatment in opioid-dependent patients. Clinical manifestations of methadone poisoning include miotic pupils, low levels of consciousness (LOC), respiratory depression or apnea, and coma and death. Considering the high consumption of methadone in society and the prevalent instances of overdose and poisoning, whether accidental or intentional, the authors decided to investigate the clinico-epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics of methadone poisoning in the Mazandaran province, northern Iran, from 2020 to 2022. This study was a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional registry-based study, wherein data was collected from the Mazandaran Registry Center of Opioids Poisoning (MRCOP), on patients with methadone poisoning. Data based on various parameters such as individual characteristics, ingestion motivation, and clinical outcomes were collected in a checklist. Of the 385 patients, who entered the study, 264 were men and 121 were women. The mean age of the patients was 29.02 years. Two hundred forty-four patients had intentionally consumed methadone. The most common symptoms observed among individuals with methadone poisoning were decreased arterial blood oxygen (225 patients) and decreased LOC (173 patients). The length of hospitalization for most patients was less than 1 week. Except for seven of them who died, most of them were discharged in good general condition. The study identified sex, age, marital and employment status, and suicidal intent as the most significant factors influencing methadone poisoning, which should be considered in the design and implementation of public education and prevention programs.