Low Monthly Income Research Articles

Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors among Newborn Babies - A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Mortality and morbidity rate of low-birth-weight babies are major public health concerns worldwide. The main objective of this study was to determine the associated factors that are related to low birth weight.
 Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2021 among 208 mothers who delivered babies in two tertiary level hospitals in Dhaka city. Data were collected by using a pretested semi-structured interview-guided questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 23 version software. 
 Results: Significant associations were found between the low birth weight and some factors: babies delivered in rural areas (p=0.021), less educated mothers (p=0.018), and mothers having a low monthly income (p=0.007). Moreover, birth weight of the neonates was significantly associated with the number of antenatal visits (p=0.016) and intake of nutritional supplements by the mothers in last pregnancy (p=0.000). The mothers who took nutritional supplements in their last pregnancy had a lower proportion to deliver LBW (40%) that were significantly associated with nutritional status and birth weight (p=0.000). The mothers having low BMI had a higher rate of delivering LBW neonates (75%). A significant positive correlation was found between BMI of the mother and birth weight of the index child (r=0.243, p<0.001).
 Conclusion: These study findings will guide us in paying special attention to the associated risk factors of low birth weight that will assist to formulate an intervention to prevent LBW by improving antenatal care and overall maternal health.

Determinants of visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability among Ghanaians with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

To identify the determinants of systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) among Ghanaians. We undertook a secondary analysis of data collected in a prospective study. The study involved patients with hypertension and or diabetes receiving care in five hospitals in Ghana. We assessed determinants of SBPV among 2,785 Ghanaian patients. We calculated the standard deviation (SD) of systolic BP recordings of 3 to 10 visits per patient over 18 months as a measure of SBPV. A multivariate linear regression analysis was fitted to identify factors independently associated with risk visit-to-visit SBP standard deviation. The mean SD of individual patient visit-to-visit SBP overall was 14.8± 6.3 mm Hg. Those with hypertension and diabetes had the highest SD of 15.4 ±6.2 mm Hg followed by 15.2 ±6.5 mm Hg among those with hypertension only and then 12.0 ± 5.2 mm Hg among those with diabetes only, p<0.0001. Factors independently associated with SBPV with adjusted β coefficients (95% CI) included age: 0.06 (0.03 - 0.08) for each year rise in age, eGFR -0.03 (-0.05 - -0.02) for each ml/min rise, low monthly income of <210 Ghana cedis 1.45 (0.43-2.46), and secondary level of education -1.10 (-1.69, -0.50). Antihypertensive classes were associated with SBPV, the strongest associations being hydralazine 2.35 (0.03 - 4.68) and Methyldopa 3.08 (2.39 - 3.77). Several socio-demographic and clinical factors are associated with SBPV. Future studies should assess the contribution of SBPV to CVD outcomes among indigenous Africans and identify actionable targets. Funding for this study was provided by MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi (each a Participant Company) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (collectively, the Funders) through the New Venture Fund (NVF). FSS and BO are also supported by funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL152188).

Affordable Housing and Economic Sustainability: The Case of the Poorest of the Poor Housing in Debre Markos City

Housing affordability is a crucial policy objective. Incorporating economic sustainability in affordable housing in the development of the poorest of the poor's housing programs has become a major concern. This paper examines the affordability and economic sustainability of the poorest of the poor affordable housing in Debre Markos city. To address this, this study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, Using a questionnaire survey, Interviews, field observation, household survey, and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings show that households in the expansion area have lower monthly incomes than in the past, but they are satisfied with the housing quality, rental pricing, and tenure security of their homes. This demonstrates in providing affordable housing for the poorest of the poor the location of the houses must be considered in order to have affordable and economically sustainable development. The findings show that housing is not truly affordable if it is in an inaccessible place with a long commute to work, high transportation expenditures, and land use that is homogeneous. Increasing the supply of affordable housing in accessible locations helps the poorest of the poor achieve multiple planning objectives: it reduces transportation costs, improves incomes, provides infrastructure, and reduces the distance to the work area.

Obstetric Violence among Pregnant Jordanian Women: An Observational Study between the Private and Public Hospitals in Jordan

Obstetric Violence (OV) is a public health matter that affects women and their children with an incidence rate between 18.3-75.1% globally. The delivery institution of public and private sectors represents a potential factor contributing to OV. This study aimed to assess OV existence among sample of pregnant Jordanian women and its risk factors domains between public and private hospitals. This is a case-control study including 259 recently delivered mothers from Al-Karak Public and Educational Hospital and The Islamic Private Hospital. A designated questionnaire including demographic variables and OV domains was used for data collection. A significant difference was seen between patients delivering in the public sector compared to patients delivering the private sector in education level, occupation, monthly income, delivery supervision and overall satisfaction. Patients delivering in the private sector showed a significantly less physical abuse by the medical staff compared to patients delivering in the public sector, and patients delivering in a private room also showed a significantly less OV and risk of physical abuse compared to patients delivering in shared room. In public settings, medications information was lesser versus the private ones, additionally, there is significant association between performing episiotomy, physical abuse by staff and the delivery in shared rooms in private settings. This study showed that OV was less susceptible during childbirth in private settings compared to public settings. Educational status, low monthly income, occupation are risk factors for OV; also, features of disrespect and abuse like obtaining consent for episiotomy performance, delivery provision updates, care perception based on payment ability and medication information were reported.

Associations between type of childhood adversities and labour market participation and employment conditions in young adults

BackgroundCumulative exposure to childhood adversity is associated with a variety of labour market outcomes in young adulthood. It remains largely unclear whether the type of adversity matters in this association....

Predictors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake in a Sexual Health Clinic With Rapid PrEP Initiation.

Improved pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake is essential for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention initiatives. Offering PrEP at the time of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can improve uptake. We offered rapid PrEP initiation in a sexual health clinic and assessed predictors of PrEP interest, initiation, linkage, and retention. Between November 2018 and February 2020, PrEP-eligible individuals who presented to a sexual health clinic were offered a free 30-day supply of PrEP plus linkage to continued PrEP care. Univariable and multivariable analyses of demographic and HIV risk data were conducted to determine predictors of PrEP uptake. Of 1259 adults who were eligible for PrEP (99.7% male, 42.7% White, 36.2% Hispanic), 456 were interested in PrEP, 249 initiated PrEP, 209 were linked, and 67 were retained in care. Predictors of PrEP interest included younger age (P < .01), lower monthly income (P = .01), recreational drug use (P = .02), and a greater number of sexual partners (P < .01). Negative predictors of PrEP initiation included lower monthly income (P = .04), testing positive for chlamydia (P = .04), and exchanging money for sex (P = .01). Negative predictors of linkage included self-identifying as Black (P = .03) and testing positive for an STI (P < .01). Having health insurance positively predicted both linkage (P < .01) and retention (P < .03). A minority of PrEP-eligible HIV and STI testers initiated PrEP when offered, suggesting that easy PrEP access in sexual health clinics alone may not improve uptake. Predictors of uptake included established HIV risk factors and markers of higher socioeconomic status, suggesting that those aware of their risk and with the means to utilize health services engaged best with this model.

Quality of life in older adults according to race/color: a cross-sectional study.

Increased longevity is accompanied by new social and health demands, such as the race/color social construct, indicating the need to identify the specific needs of older adults to maintain and improve their quality of life. We aimed to verify the direct and indirect associations of demographic, economic, and biopsychosocial characteristics with self-assessed quality of life in older adults according to race/color. This cross-sectional study included 941 older adults living in the urban area of a health microregion in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Older adults were divided into three groups: white (n = 585), brown (n = 238), and black (n = 102) race/color. Descriptive and trajectory analyses were performed (P < 0.05). Among the three groups, worse self-assessed quality of life was directly associated with lower social support scores and greater numbers of depressive symptoms. Worse self-assessed quality of life was also directly associated with a higher number of functional disabilities in basic activities of daily living and the absence of a partner among older adults of brown and black race/color. Lower monthly income and higher numbers of morbidities and compromised components of the frailty phenotype were observed among participants of white race/color, as well as lower levels of education in the brown race/color group. Factors associated with poorer self-assessed quality of life among older adults in the study community differed according to race/color.

Depression and quality of life among Afghan healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey study

BackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization, approximately 280 million individuals worldwide suffer from depression. One occupational group that is more prone to mental health issues is healthcare workers (HCWs). However, very little is known about the mental health of HCWs in Afghanistan. Therefore, the present study examined depression, quality of life (QOL), and related factors among Afghan HCWs.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered in June 2022 among healthcare workers (N = 299) in the Herat province of Afghanistan. The survey examined depression, its risk factors and predictors among HCWs.ResultsOf the 299 participants, 73.6% of them reported depression symptoms. Low monthly income, working in a private hospital, and being a cigarette smoker were some of the main variables associated with depression symptoms among Afghan HCWs. Multiple regression analysis indicated that field of work (aOR = 3.774, p = 0.0048), monthly income (aOR = 0.746, p = 0.0088), job type (aOR = 8.970, p < 0.0001), cigarette smoking (aOR = 2.955, p = 0.0069), a bad event happening during the past month (aOR = 2.433, p = 0.0157), physical domain of quality of life (aOR = 0.966, p = 0.0186), and psychological domain of quality of life (aOR = 0.950, p = 0.0005) were significantly associated with depression symptoms.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression symptoms is high among healthcare workers in the Herat province of Afghanistan. One of the variables found to have a major impact on the prevalence of depression was their monthly income. Considering its impact on quality of life and the overall quality of healthcare services, the government should implement regular screening for depression, psychological counselling services, and psychiatric treatment for vulnerable healthcare workers.

Greater financial toxicity correlates with increased psychological distress and lower quality of life among Turkish cancer patients

This study aims to investigate the factors that influence financial toxicity and its effects on both quality of life and psychological distress in Turkish cancer patients. Data from 400 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a public university in Turkey was analyzed. The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST), Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) were used to measure financial toxicity, psychological distress, and health quality of life, respectively. Patients' median COST score was 22 (SD = 10.1; range: 1-44) and was consistent with mild financial toxicity. Financial toxicity was associated with lower education level (p < 0.001), lower monthly income (p < 0.001), being a woman (p = 0.021), living in another city (p = 0.012), and previous cancer surgery (p = 0.02). A negative and statistically significant correlation was found between financial toxicity and quality of life (r = - 0.139; p = 0.005) and psychological distress (r = - 0.398; p < 0.001). This investigation demonstrated that financial toxicity was a significant determinant of quality of life and psychological distress.

Timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in Sebata Hawas district, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Lack of timely initiating of postpartum contraceptive utilization may lead to mistimed, unintended pregnancies and even become dying as a result of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. To the best of our knowledge, we have not found enough evidence on the associated factors of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in the rural setting of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Sebat Hawas, Oromia, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to May 20, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association. A P-value <0.05 was declared as a statistically significant association. All analysis was performed using SPSS. A total of 804 participants were included in this study. Overall, the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was 38.6%. In the multivariable models, illiterate women (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.94), with less than 3000 ETB monthly income (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.79), counseling on family planning (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.59-8.83), Menses returned time (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15-4.72) and discussion with husband on family planning (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.61-5.84) were significantly associated with timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization. The findings of this study suggested that the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was low. Illiterate women, with low monthly income, counseling on family planning, menses returned time, and discussion with their husbands on family planning was the main determinant factors for timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization.

Senile dementia and psychiatric stigma among community health service providers and relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients: a cross-sectional study.

The number of people suffering from dementia is increasing rapidly in China. Early identification, referral, and intervention for dementia patients within communities are important to public health. However, these measures could be impacted by misconceptions about dementia and associated psychiatric stigma from community health professionals and relatives of dementia patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 249 participants, which included community doctors, community nurses, and relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients in Guiyang, China. Participants were recruited through convenient sampling. The Chinese version of Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and the Perceived Psychiatric Stigma Scale (PPSS) were used to evaluate the participants' knowledge of dementia and dementia-related psychiatric stigma. A total of 249 participants completed the questionnaire. The participants had moderate overall knowledge of dementia and the associated psychiatric stigma. Participants who were ≥45 years old, had a low level of education, had a low monthly income, or gained knowledge of dementia through non-media channels had lower awareness of dementia and stronger psychiatric stigma. In the "Communication & behavior" subscale of DKAS, all participants had a low level of awareness. Relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients had higher total PPSS and "Marital preclusion" subscale scores than community doctors and nurses but lower psychiatric stigma based on the PPSS "Self-deprecation" subscale score. Despite their profession, community doctors and nurses did not show an absolute advantage over relatives of diagnosed and suspected dementia patients in the dementia knowledge, and they even showed higher psychiatric stigma in some subscales. The self-deprecation subscale is related to the identification with negative labels such as "people with a mental illness are the weak". This study shows that reducing stigma on the "Self-deprecation" subscale should be a core component of training and educational programs targeted at improving dementia knowledge among community health service providers.

The magnitude and predictors of self-medication amongst street dwellers in Ethiopia: a multicentre study.

Low levels of living standards amongst street dwellers worldwide limit their access to conventional healthcare services, resulting in self-medication use for the treatment of an illness. Nevertheless, self-medication use has risks, including adverse drug reactions, increased polypharmacy, drug resistance, drug dependence, drug interactions and incorrect diagnosis. Ethiopia has a large street-dwelling community; however, there are no studies conducted in Ethiopia assessing self-medication use amongst street dwellers. This study provides insight into self-medication use and predictors amongst street dwellers in Ethiopia. A community-based, multicentre cross- sectional study was conducted amongst street dwellers from 1 September 2022 to 1 February 2023 at community drug-retail outlets in the three major cities in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The data were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages of descriptive statistics were calculated. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to indicate predictors of self-medication use. To determine statistical significance, a 95% confidence interval with a p value below 0.05 was utilized. The prevalence of self-medication use was 67.4%. Time and financial savings were reported as the reasons for most self-medication use. The most commonly reported illnesses for which people sought self-medication were gastrointestinal diseases. Low monthly income (adjusted OR 3.72, 95% CI 2.34-5.91) and residing near sewage areas (adjusted OR 3.37, 95% CI 2.03-5.58) were significantly associated with self-medication use. Street dwellers had a high rate of self- medication use. Residing near sewage areas and having a low level of income were factors in self-medication use. Gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory ailments and dermatological conditions were the most frequently reported complaints, whereas antimicrobials and anthelmintics were the most commonly used medications. We recommend that healthcare services enhance outreach programmes to the most vulnerable people, such as street dwellers, especially those with lower monthly incomes and who live near sewage areas, to reduce self-medication rates.

Prevalence and the Factors Associated with Self-Medication Practice

Introduction: Self-medication (SM) is popular globally but leads to the wastage of resources, health hazards, and resistance to pathogens. This study aims to ascertain the frequency and manner, in which SM practices were employed by the urban population of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: The study was an observational cross-sectional one conducted in Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal, India, using a sample size of 180 adults (aged at least 18 years), residing in the study area, i.e., urban slum area for at least 6 months and conducted over 2 months. The data have been collected through a semi-structured schedule consisting of questions on the sociodemographic characteristics of the study subjects and their SM practices. The data were thereafter analyzed, wherein descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test were used. Results: It was found that SM was prevalent among 48.9% of the study population, with most participants practicing SM for body pain, headache, and fever. Among the different classes of drugs used, analgesics were the most common (31.8%), followed by antipyretics (25.0%) and antacids (20.5%). The correlation between sociodemographic characteristics and the practice of SM showed that individuals below the age of 36 were found to be more likely to engage in SM, along with individuals who had a low monthly income, and no comorbidities. These subjects were practicing SM more than their counterparts and it was statistically significant with the P &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of awareness and education regarding the proper use of over-the-counter drugs and recommends educating pharmacists and the public about the same. Public health programs should be introduced for the people living in slums to create cautiousness about SM.

Orbital floor fractures in Taiwan: A 10-year nationwide population-based study.

To characterize the epidemiology, associated complications, and risk factors of orbital floor fractures in a nationwide longitudinal health insurance database. Claims data from a million randomly selected registered residents from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed between 2001 and 2011 as part of a retrospective cohort review. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Disease-9 diagnosis codes for orbital floor fracture (closed: 802.6; open: 802.7). The cases were categorized as surgical or nonsurgical based on the procedure codes and compared statistically. From 2001 to 2011, 663 patients were diagnosed with orbital floor fractures out of a total population at risk of 9,836,431 person-years (average incidence: 6.78 persons/100,000/year) with overall increasing incidence. Surgical treatments were performed in 213 (32%) patients. Patients who received surgical treatment were younger than those who did not (mean age 25.3 ± 13.6 years vs. 34.2 ± 18.6 years, P < 0.001). The diagnosis with diplopia was a significantly associated factor for surgical treatment (2.2% in nonsurgery group vs. 6.6% in surgery group, P = 0.007). Male gender (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79-2.49) and low monthly income (aHR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.16-2.67) were the risk factors for orbital floor fracture. The incidence of orbital floor fractures increased in the Taiwanese population between 2001 and 2011. Men and low income patients were at increased risk of orbital floor fracture. More research is necessary to clarify what factors are driving the escalating incidence of orbital fractures in this national population.

Health staff's job motivation post COVID-19 pandemic: A case study in Vietnam.

Vietnam has witnessed a severe shortage of qualified staff in the public health sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our cross-sectional study aimed to identify job motivation and associated factors among experienced frontline health staff working in public health in order to have preventive measures in the event of future pandemics. A cross-sectional study, from March 2022 to November 2022 at a Vietnamese public hospital, on the job motivation and the predicted factors of 381 healthcare workers who participated in the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021. The survey tool, developed by Mbindyo Patrick (2009), includes three components: (i) job satisfaction, (ii) organizational commitment, and (iii) conscientiousness. The survey tool was revalidated in our study with structural equation model for the construction of job motivation model and confirmatory factor analysis for certifying the elementary three components (factors) of the tool. And the tool's reliability was evaluated by Cronbach's Alpha. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to identify the predicted factors with the job motivation cutoff of 4.0. The tool for job motivation constructs showed all specifications were good fit indices and the Cronbach's Alpha was 0.85. The job motivation of health staff decreased dramatically in all dimensions post COVID-19 pandemic, with a mean score of 3.26. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment were the most negatively impacted areas, with scores of 3.02 and 3.00, respectively. The predicted factors of low job motivation were young age (less than 30 years old), low monthly income (less than $400), high qualification, and non-managerial positions with odds ratio of 2.27, 2.5, 2.09, and 3.61, respectively. Following the COVID-19 outbreak in Vietnam, healthcare workers who had been in the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, had experienced a significant decline in their job motivation, despite their continued employment at public hospitals.

Characteristics, attitudes, and the odds for positive attitude toward clinical trial: A study on Indonesian COVID-19 vaccine trial participants.

This study was performed to understand the Indonesian population's characteristics and the factors that contribute to a more positive attitude toward participation in a clinical trial. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 402 COVID-19 vaccine trial participants in Semarang, Indonesia, utilizing self-reporting questionnaires consisting of questions related to socio-demographic characteristics and statements in a 5-scaled Likert Scale to assess the attitude toward vaccine trial. The odds for positive attitude were analyzed using Ordinal Logistic Regression to obtain the odd-ratio and 95% confidence interval. The P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most of the respondents were adults aged 22-64-year-old (89.30%), males (63.68%), married (77.61%), worked as an employee (59.70%), obtained information about the clinical trial from the Public Health Service (41.29%), had a low education level (40.80%), a low monthly income level (68.41%), with no previous participation in a clinical trial (90.80%). All respondents showed a good attitude toward the trial, with low education level, nonemployment status, fewer or no previous participation in clinical trials, and getting the information from the public health centers were the main predictors for better attitude toward vaccine trials. There was a positive attitude toward vaccine trials in the Indonesian population. The positive attitude could be driven by having a low education level, nonemployment status, fewer or no previous participation in the clinical trial, and getting information from public health centers.

Motivational Factors for Cessation of Cigarette Smoking among Current Smokers in Aseer Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Smoking is considered one of the leading public health problems with a direct heavy toll on lives, and indirectly, via passive inhalation of tobacco smoke. Smoking is a severe public health problem and can lead to substantial health and economic consequences. Aim of Study: To identify factors motivating smokers to quit smoking among adult Saudi smokers in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional research design. It included 428 Saudi adults, who are currently cigarette smokers, registered at the Smoking Cessation Clinics in Aseer Region, and who wish to quit smoking. The selection of participants was done by systematic random sampling. The data was collected by using the “Tobacco Programme Management System” questionnaire, along with some other motivational factors for getting the maximum responses from the participants. Results: The majority of quitters were males (95.6%). Almost two-thirds of quitters (60.3%) started smoking by the age of 15-20 years. Most quitters (75%) were cigarette smokers for more than 15 years. The main motives for quitting cigarette smoking were to improve health status (39.5%), followed by having a better quality of life (27.3%), and to save the costs of smoking cigarettes (19.9%). Motives for quitting differed significantly according to their place of residence, age groups, and educational level. Conclusion: The majority of current Saudi cigarette-smoking quitters are young males, well-educated with no or low monthly income. Most smokers start cigarette smoking during their adolescence. Recommendations: Parents should play an important role to motivate quitting smoking and keeping their young kids away from smoking. School-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs should be enforced. Keywords: Cigarette Smoking, Smoking Cessation, Motives, Fagerström Scores.

Comparison of health inequalities according to socioeconomic status: findings from the fourth Korean working condition survey: a cross-sectional study

this study aims to examine health inequalities among Korean workers by sex, age, education, monthly income, occupation, and employment type and identify groups of workers who may be neglected in the process of resolving health inequalities. we used data from the Fourth Korean Working Condition Survey conducted by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute and compared the number of health symptoms among various groups using the t-test and one-way analysis of variance to determine their health status. We also calculated the Gini index of the number of health symptoms of each group and plotted the Lorenz curve to illustrate health inequalities. we found that the number of health symptoms was higher in groups with lower socioeconomic status (e.g., female, blue-collar workers, older, low education, low monthly income, and self-employed workers). However, the Gini index and Lorenz curve with respect to socioeconomic status indicated that health inequalities were higher among white-collar and permanent workers vis-à-vis blue-collar and self-employed workers, respectively. Further, it was found that health inequalities were higher among males than females with respect to the same occupational groups and employment types. general health policies are often targeted at the socially and economically vulnerable group, but according to the results of this study, it can be considered that there may be subjects who are vulnerable to health problems even in groups that are not socioeconomically vulnerable.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and their associations with overweight/obesity and impaired blood glucose among diabetic patients in Eastern Ethiopia: Institutional-based study.

This study aimed to determine the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its associations with overweight/obesity and impaired blood glucose among diabetic patients in Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 644 diabetic individuals were included in the study through systematic random sampling techniques. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument was used to evaluate the presence of diabetic neuropathy. Data were presented using narrative, figures, and tables from the results of statistical analysis. The descriptive result was reported using frequency (percentage) for categorical variables and mean ± SD for continuous measures, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The overall prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 47.8% (95% CI: 43.9%-51.7%). Low monthly income (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.73), history of khat chewing (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.907), impaired blood glucose (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.94), physical inactivity (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.36), and raised body mass index (AOR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.99) were factors significantly associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The study emphasizes the value of early diabetic peripheral neuropathy detection and the widespread presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy risk factors in diabetes patients. Any initiative intended to lessen the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy-related morbidity and high health care costs must be implemented as a strategy.

AIR POLLUTION IN SKOPJE: PRACTICE AND AWARENESS IN THE SCOPE OF HOUSEHOLD HEATING

Air pollution is a concern which poses threat to human health and likewise greatly impacts the ecosystem and the environment.&nbsp;By its broader definition, the air pollution is described as increase in the rate of harmful gases and particles in the atmosphere. Given that the city of Skopje is on the top of the list of most polluted cities in Europe the aim of this study is to analyze the air pollution in Skopje, particularly focusing the attention on the household heating as one of the major sources of ambient air pollution in the city. A survey on 242 households was conducted in order to obtain information about the ways of residential heating and the willingness of households to use more environmentally friendly heating technologies. The survey was carried out on the territory of the city of Skopje, as it is the most polluted city in the country. The governmental measures for air pollution abatement in Skopje were reviewed as well. The results show that most of the households although aware about the emission of harmful particles into air when combusting firewood in old traditional stoves, they still use firewood as it is the cheapest mode of heating. The previous is of particular importance and decisive for the low-income households. It was also observed that the respondents were familiar with the possibility for using wood pellets, as more environmentally heating mode, but there was a lack of information concerning the possibility of governmental subsidizing for replacement of the existing firewood with more modern wood pellets system. The households that have already started to use wood pellets instead firewood, have increased monthly costs (10 - 15%), but nevertheless they still recommend the use of pellets and pellet stoves due to the efficiency of heating, maintenance, cleanliness, and less pollution of air on the long run. Summarizing, the choice of heating with firewood is more due to the lower monthly incomes and rational cost planning of the households, and less to the lack of awareness of citizens for utilizing more efficient and more environmentally friendly heating technologies.