Low Socioeconomic Level Research Articles

Comparative analysis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden between ages 20–54 and over 55 years: insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BackgroundTo systematically analyze differences in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) burden between young and older adults.MethodsWe estimated the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of ASCVD, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS), and peripheral artery disease (PAD), in individuals aged 20–54 and > 55 years from 1990–2019, utilizing data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. The annual percentage changes (EAPCs) for age-specific prevalence, mortality, or DALY rates were calculated to quantify the temporal trends of ASCVD burden. We also analyzed population attribution fractions (PAF) of premature ASCVD mortality and DALYs for different risk factors and compared the burden of extremely premature, premature, and non-premature ASCVD cases based on clinical classifications.ResultsFrom 1990–2019, the global prevalence rates of IHD, IS, and PAD in the 20–54 years age group increased by 20.55% (from 694.74 to 837.49 per 100,000 population), 11.50% (from 439.48 to 490.03 per 100,000 population), and 7.38% (from 384.24 to 412.59 per 100,000 population), respectively. Conversely, the ASCVD prevalence in > 55years age group decreased. Adverse outcome burdens, including mortality and DALYs, varied among ASCVD subtypes. The decrease in the mortality/DALY burden of IHD and IS was lower in the 20–54 years group than in the > 55 years group. For PAD, DALYs among those aged 20–54 increased but decreased among those aged > 55 years. When grouped according to socio-demographic index (SDI) values, lower SDI regions exhibited a higher proportion of young ASCVD burden. The prevalence of young IHD, IS, and PAD in low SDI regions reached 20.70%, 40.05%, and 19.31% in 2019, respectively, compared with 12.14%, 16.32%, and 9.54%, respectively, in high SDI regions. Metabolic risks were the primary contributors to the ASCVD burden in both age groups. Increased susceptibility to ambient particulate matter pollution and inadequate control of high body-mass index and high fasting plasma glucose in young individuals may partially explain the differing temporal trends between young and older individuals.ConclusionsThe ASCVD burden in young individuals may become a growing global health concern, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic development levels that require more effective primary prevention strategies.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Urban Forest Diversity and Structure in Green Areas of Santiago de Chile.

Urban trees enhance biodiversity, provide ecosystem services, and improve quality of life in cities. Despite their benefits, trees are not distributed equitably, and many cities exhibit a "luxury effect". Given the importance of public green space for providing access to urban tree benefits, we investigated the relationship between socioeconomic level and tree diversity and structure in 60 green areas in Santiago de Chile. Species richness and total tree abundance did not significantly vary among socioeconomic levels; however, a differential effect was found according to species origin. Introduced tree species exhibited similar abundance and species richness across socioeconomic levels, but native tree species were more abundant and richer in higher socioeconomic level areas compared to lower ones. Tree cover was higher in the high and medium socioeconomic level areas than in the low socioeconomic level area. A higher average DBH was found in the medium socioeconomic level area, which may be explained by older neighborhoods and a legacy of the luxury effect. Our findings reveal that socioeconomic groups are associated with differences in tree cover, width, and the number of native species in public green areas. Consequently, urban residents have different provisions of ecosystem services and opportunities to interact with natural heritage. Increasing the amount of tree cover and native species available to vulnerable groups will reduce disparities.

Mental health index of the elderly population in Medellín (Colombia)-2021: a factorial analysis.

There are several risk factors associated with developing mental disorders among people over 60 years of age. Mental health encompasses multiple domains or capacities, which can comprise the psychological wellbeing of older people. Therefore, resilient coping, self-compassion, self-esteem, hopelessness, quality of life, and depression are considered the characteristics and adaptive mechanisms that bring together the main risk and protective factors for imbalance in mental wellbeing. This study aimed to establish the demographic, social, and family factors, as well as the clinical characteristics and lifestyle habits that influence the mental health of the elderly people in the city of Medellín, in the year 2021, to build a mental health index. This study adopts a quantitative approach, employs retrospective temporality, and utilizes secondary sources. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with the SABAM Project (health and mental wellbeing of older adults from five cities in Colombia in 2021 by its Spanish acronym) database (secondary source), which is part of the research group "Public Health Observatory" of CES University (Medellín, Colombia). The database comprised 500 records of people aged over 60 years from the city of Medellín in 2021. While constructing the index, a principal component analysis was used, along with the Varimax method for factor analysis rotation. The median age of the general population was 67 years (IQR 63-72); for men, the median age was 66 years (IQR 63-71) and for women, the median age was 67 years (IQR 63-72). An association was found between low socioeconomic levels, alcohol consumption, and the level of higher education (university-postgraduate) with low levels of the Mental Health Index in people over 60 years of age in Medellín during the year 2021. A quantitative model was developed to predict either a positive or negative prognosis in the mental wellbeing of the population over 60 years of age in the city of Medellín. The model was also used for the development of a sociodemographic profile highlighting the impact on mental health among people over 60 years of age with limited economic resources.

Epidemiological aspects of individuals with mental disorders in the referral system: the experience of a Community Mental Health Center in the northeast of Iran

BackgroundCommunity Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) offer affordable mental health services in a less stigmatized environment, in a domiciliary setting. This study aimed to shed light on the epidemiological factors of patients attending CMHCs of Mashhad, their referral status, and treatment.MethodsThis study was conducted over the medical records of patients seen by psychiatrists between January 2014 and December 2021 in Mashhad's CMHC, the northeast of Iran. A detailed questionnaire was used to extract data from medical records about the epidemiological characteristics, diagnosed mental illnesses, referral status, and how often they visited the psychiatrist. The association between epidemiological findings and patient referral (referral system or self-referral) as well as the association between epidemiological findings and the number of psychiatric revisits were examined using the Chi-square test.ResultsOut of 662 patients, 472 (71%) were female and 190 (29%) were male, with an average age of 29 years. Among the 475 adult patients, 367 (77.3%) were married, with the majority being homemakers (56.4%). Major Depression Disorder (MDD) (32%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (18.3%) were the most prevalent mental health conditions among patients. The majority of patients (74.9%) were referred to the CMHC of Mashhad from Primary Healthcare centers (PHCs) and psychiatric hospitals. Furthermore, female gender and patients with lower level of education were associated with more referral through from referral system. Of note, 431 patients (65.1%) did not return for a second visit, the ratio of treatment dropout was higher for patients with lower education levels.ConclusionsReferral system should be more practical in Iran to enhance health services in CMHCs. It is recommended that PHCs undergo certain modifications to enhance the referral process for patients with mental health conditions, focusing on common mental disorders and individuals with low socioeconomic level.

Revisiting the effect of height on wages in a historical context: the case of the city of Zaragoza (Spain), 1924

ABSTRACT Several recent European studies conducted over the past 50 years have documented a positive connection between a person’s height and their salary. However, there are very few studies for earlier periods and for southern Europe. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between the height of conscripts born between 1888 and 1907 and their daily wages in 1924. Data for the Spanish city of Zaragoza was used. The results showed that for every additional 10 cm of height, an individual earned approximately 3% more. Furthermore, the shortest 25% of individuals suffered a considerable penalty in their income (about 15%). To understand the causes of this discrimination, we then analyzed the data by socioeconomic group. We found that people in low socioeco nomic groups essentially suffered wage discrimination. This finding could be linked to the fact that a tall stature conveys an image of strength and productivity. It should be noted that these results were found mainly for the urban areas, with their relatively large labor supply and weak blood ties rather than rural areas or among immigrants. In other words, the height penalty affected the weakest groups of society (low socioeconomic level and immigrants).

Children's liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian school meals at the scale of a French city

In Western countries, a behavioural shift towards more plant-based diets is helpful in protecting population and planet health. School canteens are an important public policy target to achieve this transition. Increasing the frequency of vegetarian meals in school canteens has been proposed as a solution to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a good nutritional quality. However, vegetarian meals acceptance by children is key to limit unintended consequences such as increased food waste or increased nutritional inequalities. We aimed to examine children's liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian main dishes at school canteens; and whether it varied across socioeconomic level. Connected scoring devices displaying a five-point smiley scale were installed in all the 38 primary school canteens of a French city, located in socially diverse neighbourhoods. Every day after their school lunch, children were asked to rate the main dish they had just eaten. During one school year, from September 2021 to June 2022, we collected 208,985 votes for 125 main dishes, including 32 vegetarian (i.e., no meat or fish) and 93 non-vegetarian dishes, for an average of 1672 (SD 440) votes per day across the 38 school canteens. We showed no difference in children's liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Additionally, the socioeconomic level of the schools was found to interact negatively with children's liking for vegetarian main dishes whereby vegetarian main dishes tended to be more liked in schools of lower socioeconomic level. In this French city, children's acceptance would not be a barrier to increase the frequency of vegetarian school meals and would not increase social dietary inequalities.

Knowledge and discriminatory attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the women of reproductive age group of Pakistan using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become a major worldwide public health issue, with a focus on developing nations. Despite having a very low HIV prevalence, South Asia faces serious issues with stigma and false information because of a lack of awareness. This stigma highlights significant gaps in popular awareness while also sustaining unfavorable attitudes towards those living with HIV/AIDS. Pakistan is ranked second in South Asia for the rapidly increasing AIDS epidemic. Thorough information and optimistic outlooks are essential for successful HIV/AIDS prevention, control, and treatment. But false beliefs about how HIV/AIDS spreads lead to negative perceptions, which highlights the need to look into how women’s knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS in Pakistan are influenced by sociodemographic traits and autonomy. MethodsThe purpose of this study is to evaluate Pakistani women’s discriminatory attitudes and level of awareness on HIV/AIDS. This study used data (the women in reproductive age 15‒49 years’ dataset) from the Pakistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey to conduct an analytical cross-sectional analysis. To represent the respondents’ attitudes and knowledge towards people living with HIV (PLHIV), two composite variables were developed and composite scored. Binary logistics regression was used to identify predictor variables and chi-square was used for bivariate analysis. ResultsThe findings reveal that almost 90% of Pakistani women have poor knowledge and attitude with HIV/AIDS. In Punjab, 72.8% of rural residents have low knowledge, whereas only 20.6% of young individuals (15–< 25 years old) show the least amount of ignorance. Education is shown to be crucial, and “Higher” education is associated with superior knowledge. Urban dwellers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa typically have more expertise. Knowledge of HIV is positively correlated with education; those with higher education levels know a lot more (odds ratio [OR] = 5.419). Similarly, quintiles with greater incomes show a higher likelihood of knowing about HIV (OR = 6.745). The study identifies age, wealth index, place of residence, educational attainment, and exposure to contemporary media as significant predictors influencing HIV knowledge and attitudes among women in these provinces. ConclusionThe majority of respondents had negative opinions regarding the virus, and the majority of women in the study knew very little about HIV. Individuals who live in metropolitan areas, have higher incomes, are better educated, are exposed to contemporary media, and are generally more aware of HIV and have more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, or PLHIV. The study found that, in comparison to those living in urban environments, those from rural areas with low socioeconomic level have a negative attitude and inadequate understanding.

Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: Epidemio-Clinical, Therapeutic and Prognostic Aspects

Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) is a multifactorial, frequent and highly progressive but curable cancer, and one of the haemopathies frequently managed at the Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech. Seventeen patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) were included in this study. The annual hospital incidence of LL in Marrakech was 1.8 cases/year. The 6-10 age group was in the majority (n=11; 70%). The sex ratio was 3.25 in favor of boys, and 82% had RAMED, which corresponds to a low socioeconomic level. Dyspnea was found in 10 patients (60%). Stage 3 was in the majority (n=7; 70%). Diagnosis was made by cytology in 94% of patients, histology in 23% and immunohistochemistry in 82%. Four patients died of chemotherapy toxicity after blood product rupture, and 3 of disease progression on chemotherapy. The 10 patients in remission survived event-free for an average of 21 months.

Compliance with the pregnancy prevention program among women initiating isotretinoin treatment between 2014 and 2021: Anationwide cohort study on the French Health Data System (SNDS).

Despite the French pregnancy prevention program (PPP), a considerable number of pregnancies are potentially exposed to oral isotretinoin. New measures were taken by the French Medicines Agency, including the restriction of initial isotretinoin prescriptions to dermatology specialists in May 2015 and a new information campaign on teratogenicity in January 2019. The aims were to: describe, between 2014 and 2021, compliance with PPP recommendations: isotretinoin use as a second-line treatment, first prescription by a dermatology specialist, monthly prescription renewal and pregnancy testing (PT); assess the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance; and identify the determinants of PT noncompliance. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women aged 11-50 years initiating isotretinoin between 2014 and 2021 using the French Health Data System. PT compliance corresponded to pregnancy test completion and specific delays between prescription and dispensation. Time series analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance, and log-binomial and Poisson multivariate regression models were used to identify the determinants of PT noncompliance. Isotretinoin was prescribed as a second-line treatment in 64% of initiations, mainly by dermatology specialists (92%). A new monthly prescription was observed in 98% of dispensations. PT compliance reached 61%, 72% and 25% at initiation, renewals and end of treatment, respectively. The 2015 measure was associated with better PT compliance at initiation and renewals. The 2019 measure had no significant effect on PT compliance at the initiation or end of treatment but was associated with a decrease in PT compliance at renewals. Age, low socioeconomic level, initiation by a nondermatology specialist and during summer were associated with PT noncompliance. Understanding factors associated with PT noncompliance could help to target specific subpopulations of women treated with isotretinoin.

The Impact of Psychosocial Support Services On Students’ Development at a South African TVET College

South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lecturers and student development practitioners are not sufficiently equipped to address psycho-social challenges encountered by students, and that negatively affects learning and teaching. The main aim of the study was to examine the impact of psycho-social support services on students’ development at a South African TVET college. The study used a qualitative phenomenological research technique. The participants of the study comprised a total number of 9 participants. The participants included 2 lecturers (one from NCV and the other from Report 191 programmes), 3 students from National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programme (L2-L4), 3 students from Report 191 programme (N4-N6), and 1 Student Development Practitioner of a South African TVET college who were selected through a simple random technique. Face-to-face interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was adopted as a tool to analyse the data and findings revealed inadequate provision of counselling and the unavailability of peer tutoring as psycho-social support services that had a negative bearing on their development. The participants' low socio-economic level and the restricted availability of specialised psycho-social assistance for student development from a South African TVET institution were additional factors that negatively impacted their relatedness, competence, and autonomy. Future research is needed to examine the impact of psycho-social support services on students’ development at South African TVET colleges by using a larger sample of participants. The paper's findings indicate that the provision of counselling to students, understanding the impact of socio-economic status, and the availability of peer tutoring could develop students psychosocially at the South African TVET college in question. Furthermore, empowering lecturers and SDPs with psychosocial support skills helps them respond to the psychosocial challenges to student development.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently have associated disorders and complications, including gastrointestinal problems. Helicobacter pylori is a common infection worldwide, frequently associated with gastrointestinal manifestations. MethodsTo estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children with CP, a cross-sectional study over an eight-month period was performed in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic of Tanta University Hospital. The study included 100 patients with CP aged two to 17 years. All patients were tested for H. pylori antigen in stool by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsThe mean age of studied children with CP was 7.03 ± 4.1 years; there were 57 males and 43 females. Spastic quadriplegic CP was the most common type of CP (34%). Forty-five children with CP were positive for H. pylori antigen in stool. Intellectual disability (ID), low sociodemographic scoring system, semisolid diet, and Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) levels 4 and 5 were significant predictors of H. pylori infection (odds ratio of 1.86, 2.63, 12, and 1.77, respectively, P < 0.05). Vomiting, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal tract bleeding were significantly more frequent in H. pylori-infected children with CP than noninfected children with CP (P value < 0.05) ConclusionH. pylori is a relatively common infection among children with CP. The main risk factors for H. pylori infection were low socioeconomic level, ID, semisolid diet, and EDACS levels 4 and 5.

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Dental Caries Among Adults in India: A Scoping Review

Background: It is well documented that India is an example of the unequal distribution of dental caries among different population groups, as higher prevalence and incidence have been reported among people with a low socioeconomic level. The objective of this review was to systematically map the scientific literature on the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on dental caries among adults, identify the research gaps in this area, and propose recommendations for future research. Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on the updated framework recommended by Joanna Briggs Institute. Relevant studies undertaken in India were identified by searching Medline/PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. The search strategy was limited to journal articles published between January 2012 and October 2022. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed by two reviewers independently. Results: The scoping review comprised 7 cross-sectional studies and 1 cohort study. Most reviewed studies used the Kuppuswamy scale or its modifications to assess the SES. Four studies determined the caries status regarding mean values according to SES and reported higher DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) among the middle and lower-class SES. Three studies employed regression analysis to determine the association, and all found that the DMFT score was significantly associated with socioeconomic status. Conclusion: The findings of this review confirm the existence of inequalities in caries experience in adults from different socioeconomic backgrounds. More high-quality and follow-up studies are needed to establish the magnitude of the scientific evidence regarding the association between socioeconomic status and dental caries among adults in India.

CONTRACEPTION IN WOMEN WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK; UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER OF TLEMCEN, ALGERIA

Objective: Study the vascular risk in women using oral hormonal contraception. Design and method: Descriptive study, interested in studying the blood pressures of women using contraception compared to women not using it. The data were entered and analyzed by Epi-info 6 software. Results: In total, 122 women were included in our study, 36 of whom were aged between 21 and 55 years, or 29.5% of cases. Women aged over 60 represented 73.7% of cases; 54.1% were married. There were 98 women users of oral contraception (OC), all ages combined, or 80.3%, compared to 25 women who did not use OC, or 20.5%. The prevalence of hypertension was 74.2% among female OC users; and 68% among women who do not use CO. Epidemiological profile and associated risk factors of hypertensive women using oral contraception: In number of 72. Women aged under 50 represented 23.6% and those aged over 60: 76.4%. A low socioeconomic level was noted for 72.2% and medium for 23.6%. Low educational level: 45.8%, Women who did not have a profession represented 70%. Married women represented 60% of cases and widows 38.9% with an average number of children of five. The average duration of hypertension was 12.15 ± 7.75 years, with a length of service ranging from one year to 40 years. The average duration of contraception was 24 ±7.6 years. Associated risk factors: diabetes 44.4%, hypercholesterolemia: 18.1%, migraine 14%, obesity: 12.5% and tobacco 4.2%. Conclusions: Many epidemiological data has investigated the link between oral contraceptive use and elevated blood pressure. In our study, hypertensive women who used oral contraception had significant risk factors; long-standing high blood pressure with an average of more than ten years and taking oral contraception for a long time with an average of more than twenty years. A woman with high blood pressure will be more limited than other women in her choice of contraceptive method.

Factors Affecting Usage of a Digital Asthma Monitoring Application by Old-Age Asthmatics Living in Inner Central Portugal.

To analyse factors affecting the ability to use the digital asthma monitoring application Mask-Air® in old-age individuals living in inland Portugal. In this observational study, patients with medically confirmed asthma who agreed to participate were interviewed and subdivided into Non-users Group: those who could not use the application and Users Group: those who could. Sociodemographic and psychological data, comorbidities, and asthma status were compared between groups. Assessment of reasons for refusal was based on a 6-item questionnaire. Among the 72 sequentially recruited patients (mean age±SD 73.26±5.43 yrs; 61 women; 11 men), 44 (61.1%; mean age±SD 74.64±5.68 yrs; 38 women; 6 men)) were included in Non-users Group and 28 (38.9%; mean age±SD 71.11±4.26 yrs; 23 women; 5 men) in Users Group. Non-users Group patients were significantly older, had lower socioeconomic level, and more frequently had severe asthma (25% vs 3.6%; Odds ratio=0.08 (95% CI=0.01-0.81; p=0.033)) and diabetes (32.6% vs 7.4%; Odds ratio=0.17 (95% CI=0.03-0.80; p=0.025)) than Users Group. The main reasons for not using the App were "Lack of required hardware" (n=35) and "Digital illiteracy" (n=26), but lack of interest to use the App among those who had conditions to use it was uncommon. Most old-age asthmatics living in Beira Interior either lack a smartphone or digital skills, which are significant obstacles to implementing app-based monitoring studies.

The Psychiatric Disorders and Cannabis Use

Introduction: Cannabis is the most widely used of illicit substances. It is a public health problem for the most vulnerable populations, and in particular; adolescents. Cannabis is the subject of much debate in its links with psychiatric disorders where it appears to be a risk factor and a worsening factor, as all psychoactive substances. Objective: Determine the hospital prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients who use cannabis and establish a correlation between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders. Method: This is a prospective study of 100 patients, consuming or having consumed cannabis, hospitalized at Ibn NAFISS hospital over a 6-month period from February 24, 2021 to August 24, 2021. The statistical study was carried out with the SPSS software version 25.0 and in bivariate analysis, and the comparison of the qualitative variables appealed to the statistical test of Chi2. Results: The average age of our patients is 32 years old, a clear predominance of men (95%), 73% of patients are single, 85% of patients have a low socio-economic level and 40% have a secondary education level. Psychiatric evaluation of our patients revealed that psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, acute psychotic attack, etc.) are found with a rate of 85% followed by bipolar (34%) and anxiety disorders (34%) and lastly depressive disorders (13%). The correlation between psychiatric disorders and the cannabis behaviour of our patients has objected that an early age of onset of use, heavy use, regular use and an unfavourable socio-economic level are all risk factors for psychiatric disorders in patients of cannabis users, especially psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, acute psychotic attack, etc...) Conclusion: The association between cannabis and psychiatric disorders is reported in numerous studies. These results found that cannabis-dependent subjects more frequently presented with psychiatric disorders and personality disorders than in the general population. This high .........

Height growth of Mexican boys by geographic region: an evaluation based on nationally representative data of ENSANUT 2012 and 2018.

Existing research on human growth in Mexico is regionally focused, creating a gap in the understanding of growth patterns of children and adolescents at national level and regional variation. The objective of the present study was to characterize the height growth curve of the Mexican population by geographic area and to cluster the states of the Mexican Republic according to their somatic maturation characteristics, based on a national representative sample of boys. Data on age, height, socioeconomic level, and geographic area of 18,219 boys were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT) and ENSANUT 2018, carried out in 32 Mexican states. Both surveys had representative samples. Preece-Baines 1 model was applied to fit height growth curves. Biological parameters were estimated; principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to group Mexican states based on these biological parameters. The estimated age at peak height velocity (PHV) was 12.3 years in the sample. Significant regional differences in the timing and tempo of PHV among Mexican boys were observed. Boys in the northern region experienced PHV at an earlier age and had a shorter duration of growth compared with boys in the central and southern regions. Boys in the central region had a longer duration of growth and a later age of PHV compared with the boys in the southern region. The cluster that included the southern states of the country showed estimated lower adult height and earlier somatic maturation. A lower height was found in the low and low-middle socioeconomic levels compared with the medium-high and high socioeconomic levels. Future research in Mexico should focus on longitudinal studies to analyse the timing and tempo of growth and maturation, considering the impacts of environmental and genetic factors. Public health strategies should account for geographic variations.

Management of Pregnancy-Associated Hypertension at the Kalaban Coro Referral Health Centre, Bamako, Mali

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from JUNE 1 to NOVEMBER 30, a period of six months. Our study included all pregnant women admitted to both wards for hypertension during pregnancy during the study period. Age, occupation, risk factors, history, gestation, parity, laboratory tests, complications, and treatment were studied. Out of 2500 pregnant women admitted, 150 had hypertension during pregnancy, i.e. a prevalence of 6%. The age group between 20 and 30 was the most common with 49%. The pre-eclampsia type is the most common subgroup with 46% and the most dreaded because of its high feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. We recorded maternal complications such as eclampsia and HRP. It is known that poor quality of NPC, late detection of hypertension, low socio-economic level, poor adherence to treatment are factors increasing mortality and feto-maternal morbidity.

Food insecurity and sociodemographic factors in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample population in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, household with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level. These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeconomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.

Somatic comorbidities in patients with schizophrenia

IntroductionPatients with schizophrenia have shown a high mortality rate, and life expectancy is shortened by 10-20 years. This seems to be mainly caused by metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Several risk factors are identified, including sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, low socioeconomic status, cognitive dysfunction, and antipsychotics iatrogenicity.ObjectivesWe aimed to explore somatic pathologies reported in patients with schizophrenia, and to assess risk factors predisposing to these impairments.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytical study, based on clinical and psychiatric observations of 60 patients with schizophrenia, hospitalized in psychiatry “B” department, Hedi Chaker university hospital (Sfax, Tunisia), during the period between 2015 and 2017.ResultsAmong our patients, 38.3% suffered from somatic comorbidities: diabetes (21.7%), hypertension (15%), coronary disease (15%), hyperlipidaemia (15%), respiratory diseases (6.7%).Tobacco consumption was reported in 53.3% of patients. It was significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (p=0.036). Alcohol abuse was noted in 16.7%, while obesity was reported in 6.7% of patients.Significant associations were found between obesity and diabetes (p=0.001), and between organic diseases and cognitive disorganisation (p=0.022). Somatic comorbidities were more frequent in patients with low socio-economic level (p=0.015).Among our patients, 83.3% were treated with conventional antipsychotics while 38.3% were treated with atypical antipsychotics (AAP). We showed that AAP were associated with the occurrence of organic diseases (p=0.037).ConclusionsPhysical health of patients with schizophrenia requires a serious attention. Coordinated care between psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals should monitor the physical health of these patients to prevent a premature death.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Sociodemographic and clinical profile of immigrants hospitalized in psychiatric facilities in Tunisia

IntroductionIn an increasingly interconnected world, migration has become a defining characteristic of the 21st century. While immigration offers new beginnings and prospects, it also presents unique challenges, particularly concerning mental health.The experience of migrating can exert pressure on mental health through factors such as acculturation stress, discrimination, and economic hardships. These challenges can, in turn, contribute to the development of mental health issues.ObjectivesTo study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of immigrants hospitalized in the “C” psychiatry department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, in Sfax, Tunisia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective descriptive study of immigrants hospitalized in the psychiatry department “C”, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax Tunisia from 2011 to 2023. Socioeconomic data and clinical profiles of immigrants were collected from archived files.ResultsThe total number of immigrants hospitalized during these 12 years was 32, with an average age of 28.81 years ±7.8 years, all of them were males, as the psychiatric department “C” only hospitalizes men. All were of African origin, of whom 21.9% (n=7) had Libyan nationality, 15.6% (n=5) had Somali nationality and 12.5% (n=4) had Sudanese nationality. Communication with them was possible in 87.5% of cases, primarily through the native Arabic language in 56.3% of instances. Illegal immigration was the most prevalent form, accounting for 75% of cases. During the immigration process, 18.8% of individuals reported experiencing violence.”The majority of hospitalized immigrants were single (71.9%), had a primary school education (37.5%), a low socio-economic level (81.3%), and no profession (59.4%). 21.9% of them had received social assistance, and 59.4% lived in a refugee camp. Psychoactive substance consumption was reported by 53.1% of our study population.Regarding the clinical profile of the population, 21.9% had a history of somatic conditions, 43.8% had a psychiatric history, including 9.4% who had attempted suicide, and 34.4% who had experienced traumatic events since arriving in Tunisia. The primary reason for hospitalization was behavioral disorders in 71.9% of cases and suicide attempts in 15.6%. The most prevalent diagnoses were schizophrenia (50%), and bipolar disorder (18.8%). Upon discharge, 15.6% encountered administrative issues.ConclusionsHospitalized immigrants exhibit diverse socio-demographic and clinical profiles. These findings underscore the significance of acquiring a deeper understanding of the mental health needs and existing barriers to healthcare within various immigrant communities. This is particularly crucial as immigration continues to be a central focus in Tunisia’s public policies and discussions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared