Multistage Sampling Method Research Articles

EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD SANITATION AND WOMEN’S MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT IN RURAL ODISHA, INDIA

IntroductionAccess to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities has been globally recognized as a critical need, especially for women and girls to ensure their menstrual hygiene. This study aimed to investigate the association between household sanitation and women’s menstrual management experience in Odisha, India. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Balasore district of Odisha state in India among 694 rural women and girls aged 15-45 years selected using a multi-stage sampling method. The Performance Monitoring and Accountability (PMA) 2020 questionnaire was used for data collection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25. ResultsMore than two-third (68.4%) of rural families used improved sanitary facilities. Around 30% of households have been using an unimproved sanitary facility, which means the practice of open defecation is still prevalent in rural areas. About 40.6% of women and girls reported using clothes as their primary menstrual hygiene material. Further, women and girls with improved sanitation facilities (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09 - 2.59) were more likely to change menstrual materials at the main household sanitation facility than those with an unimproved sanitation facility. In contrast, households using improved sanitation facility were less likely to use bedroom/sleeping areas to change the menstrual materials (aOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-0.99) than those with an unimproved facility. ConclusionAvailability of improved household sanitation is critical to good menstruation management practices. State-specific policy for menstrual health and hygiene could provide the much-needed impetus to strengthen WASH infrastructure in rural and tribal regions of Odisha.

Iranian farmers' response to the drought crisis: How can the consequences of drought be reduced?

Climate change (CC) is an undeniable global phenomenon, impacting various regions, including Iran. Key components of CC, including the increase in greenhouse gases, rising temperatures, and fluctuations in precipitation patterns, are expected to significantly reduce agricultural crop yields in the near future. In response, identifying effective adaptation strategies is critical for mitigating these adverse effects. This study investigates the role of environmental values, risk perception, and psychological distance in shaping Iranian farmers’ adaptation strategies to CC. A sample of 390 farmers from Shushtar County in southwestern Iran was selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling method. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the analysis revealed complex interrelationships between environmental values (biospheric, altruistic, and egoistic), beliefs, risk perception, psychological distance, and farmers' adaptation responses to CC. Furthermore, the results indicated that the study variables explain 67.6% of the variance in farmers' adaptive behaviors, with belief in CC emerging as the most influential factor. These findings not only enrich the current body of literature but also provide actionable insights for policymakers to foster adaptive strategies among farmers.

Association Between Maternal Weight Perception Before and During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Status in Southern China

Objective: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication after childbirth. Weight misperception can lead to self-esteem issues and mental health problems, especially in women and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between weight perception before and during pregnancy and the status of PPD in Southern China. Methods: From October 2021 to November 2023, a multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit 2169 eligible mothers aged 18–49 who had delivered live-born singleton infants within 3 to 180 days postpartum. Anthropometric measurements and face-to-face questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect data. The Kappa test was used to assess the agreement between actual and perceived weight. The generalized linear model incorporating multiplicative interaction analysis was applied to explore the associations among variables. Results: The prevalence of PPD status was 18.0%. Among women, 35.2% perceived their pre-pregnancy weight (PPW) as abnormal, while 33.1% perceived their gestational weight gain (GWG) as inappropriate. There was poor agreement between maternal actual and perceived PPW/GWG (Kappa = 0.366, p < 0.001; Kappa = 0.188, p < 0.001), with 27.8% of women misperceiving their PPW and 52.1% misperceiving their GWG. The results of the general linear model indicated that women who perceived their PPW as underweight (β = 0.70, p = 0.016) or overweight/obese (β = 0.86, p < 0.001), as well as those who perceived their GWG as excessive (β = 0.47, p = 0.028) were more likely to exhibit PPD status. The interaction analysis results showed that those who perceived their PPW as underweight and their GWG as insufficient (β = 1.75, p = 0.020), as well as those who perceived their PPW as overweight/obese and their GWG as excessive (β = 0.90, p = 0.001) had a positive interactive effect on the occurrence of PPD status, while underestimating PPW and GWG may be a protective factor against PPD status (β = −1.03, p = 0.037). Conclusion: These findings support that maternal weight perception plays a role in the development of PPD status. Further improvement is needed in personalized health education for weight management, both prior to and throughout the pregnancy period. This can help women reduce weight anxiety, better understand their body image, and potentially lower the risk of developing PPD.

The Role of Sorghum in Enhancing Food Security Among Smallholder Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya

In the wake of climate change and prevailing food insecurity, there has been increased attention on crops that can withstand harsh climatic conditions and have the potential to sustain livelihoods. Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor)</i> is among the cereal crops with the potential to address these unprecedented challenges. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions characterized by unpredictable weather patterns, rising poverty levels, and food insecurity. In Kenya, sorghum ranks third in terms of production and importance. Nevertheless, there is prevailing food insecurity in Makueni County, where sorghum thrives well. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of sorghum in enhancing food security among smallholder farmers by establishing the potential factors influencing sorghum production and income from sorghum. A multistage sampling method was used to select a sample of 96 respondents. Data analysis involved the use of multiple linear regression model and gross margin analysis. The results indicated that experience, household size, and extension service influence sorghum production positively, while distance to all-weather roads and off-farm income have a negative effect. Gross margin results revealed sorghum is a profitable enterprise with an average net farm income of about 10,760 KES per acre. This suggests that sorghum production improves the income of sorghum-producing households and consequently enhances food security. The study, therefore, proposes strategies such as developing appropriate training facilities and strengthening extension services to boost sorghum production and thus promote food security among smallholder farmers. Furthermore, national and county governments should develop efficient road networks and provide incentives to sorghum producers to enhance access to services and markets, and foster specialization in sorghum enterprise.

Poverty and resilience impacts of conservation agriculture adoption against climatic-shocks in Eastern Ethiopia

The aims of this study are to analysis adoption and impacts of conservation agriculture on poverty and resilience to drought in Eastern Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling method was employed and four districts were randomly selected from Eastern Hararghe Zone. Using cross-sectional survey data collected in 2023 from 430 households, multinomial endogenous switching regression was applied in impact evaluation. The result shows farm experience, education, climatic-shocks experience, access to climate information, access to extension, number of oxen, farm size, labor force, livestock and distance to market are determinants of conservation agriculture (CA) adoption in terms of inter-cropping, crop rotation and crop residue retention or mulch practices in its single and combination of practices. Poverty was evaluated based on cost-of-basic-need and resilience to drought is in its index. Accordingly, the food poverty line and total consumption expenditure or total poverty line was found to be 6582.7ETB and 8620.70ETB per Adult/Equivalent per year in the study area. Results of average treatment effect on treated shows adoption is significantly reduced poverty and increased resilience to drought condition in the area. The study also shows importance role of extension service in adoption of CA practices. There is a need to encourage extension facilities and awareness to promote better adoption of CA particularly, in its combination. The combination of practices increased consumption expenditure of adopters by 73.3 percent compared to non-adopters, given its significant impact on households’ poverty and resilience to drought in moisture stress area of eastern Ethiopia. So, it is crucial to more advances farmers and experts’ information on climate shocks and conservation agricultural practices adoption. The policymakers ought to develop and encourage farmers’ asset building plan including livestock, adult education, market linkage facilities, extension and weather related information delivery service to enhance adoption of conservation agricultural practices to combat the current and future drought.

Determinants of nutrition status among adolescents in selected secondary schools in rural Kanungu district Uganda

Background: Adolescence, the time between childhood and adulthood, often considered relatively healthy stage of life remain highly vulnerable to malnutrition. One crucial first step in reducing teenage malnutrition may be to attend to their dietary needs. This study examined the determinants of nutrition status among secondary school adolescents in the Kanungu district, Uganda. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional analytical study was employed in this study where both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used for triangulation purposes. A multi-stage random sampling method was applied to obtain the study respondents. The Cochran formula was utilized to obtain 340 study respondents. Results: More than a quarter (37.1%) of the study respondents had malnutrition. Households that were father-headed (OR=1.8,95%CI=1.03-3.20), having met the recommended number of meal frequency (OR=2, 95%CI=1.13-3.44), being aware of healthy dietary habits (OR=2.2, 95%CI=0.29-0.71), having a small household size of 1-4 members (OR=4.3, 95%CI=2.38-7.83) and being employed (OR=2.1, 95%CI=1.17-3.93) increased the odds of having a normal nutrition status while having a primary level of education (OR=3.6, 95%CI=0.11-0.68), having an inadequate dietary score (OR=2.1,95%CI=0.28-0.76) reduced the odds of having a normal nutrition status. Conclusions: From this study, malnutrition was a public health concern. Households that were father-headed, being aware of healthy dietary habits, having a small household size of 1-4 members, and being employed increased the odds of having a normal nutrition status while having a primary level of education, having an inadequate dietary score reduced the odds of having a normal nutrition status.

Reasons for contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age in Kano, Nigeria: A qualitative study

Women’s attempts to achieve their desired levels of fertility are hindered when they stop using contraceptives, which could lead to unwanted pregnancies. This study aimed to assess reasons for contraceptive discontinuation among women of reproductive age in urban and rural areas of Kano State, Nigeria. Qualitative data were collected in urban and rural communities of Kano State in February to May, 2022 from women of reproductive age group, their male partners, family planning service providers, and community and religious leaders. Focus group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews (KII), using multi-stage sampling methods explored previous experience with contraceptive use, fertility consequences and reasons for contraceptive discontinuation. Following data collection, digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded using thematic analysis through an inductive approach. Study reported the high discontinuation rates and identified side effects as the primary reason for discontinuation, with injectable contraceptives being the most commonly discontinued method. Other reported reasons for contraceptive discontinuation by respondents in both urban and rural groups were: method failure, intention to get pregnant, health concerns, husband disapproval, methods not available, inconvenience to use and interference with body structure or functions. The high contraceptive discontinuation poses significant risks of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, thereby increasing maternal morbidity and mortality rates in Kano State. These consequences emphasize the need for family planning interventions that incorporate quality of care in service provision to address contraceptive discontinuation. Engaging men and other social influencers in family planning programs and services will help gather support for contraception, rather than focusing exclusively on women.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Female Adolescents in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors related to VD deficiency among female adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in secondary and preparatory schools in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from May 2022 to July 2023. A total of 120 schools were included in the study, with a calculated sample size of 340 female adolescents using a probability multistage random sampling method. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for VD levels. Results: In a study of 340 female adolescents aged 14-18 years, the findings showed that 39.4% of participants had severe VD deficiency, 42.6% were deficient, and 17.9% had insufficiency. The mean VD level was 13.29±6.45 ng/mL. Seasonal variation significantly impacted VD level (p=0.001), with the highest levels seen in summer and the lowest in winter. Skin colour also significantly influenced VD level (p=0.020), as individuals with lighter skin have higher levels. There were positive correlations between VD levels, milk intake (r=0.138, p=0.011), and cheese consumption (r = 0.135, p=0.013). The use of sunscreen had mixed effects. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between SPF 15 and VD level (r=0.132, p=0.015), while higher SPF values were associated with lower levels. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of seasonal adjustments, improved dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to address VD deficiency in the population effectively.

Assessment of farmers’ resilience to drought and its influencing components: the case of Fars Province, Iran

ABSTRACT Drought is a complex socio-natural hazard that increases in magnitude with climate changes. Fars province, in the south of Iran, as one of the agricultural poles of Iran, has experienced severe droughts in recent years. Therefore, the present descriptive-correlational research was conducted aiming at assessing farmers’ resilience to drought within the province. Using a structured questionnaire, 420 farmers were surveyed following a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Results of the research demonstrate that the farmers’ social resilience levels to drought are slightly higher than the average. Furthermore, three independent variables including adaptive capacity, job satisfaction, and learning capacity have the highest positive and significant correlations with social resilience. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that seven variables including adaptive capacity, perceived social support, learning capacity, social capital, coping capacity, job satisfaction, and drought perception had positive and statistically significant effects on the farmers’ resilience to drought. When considered together, these seven predicting variables account for about 41% of the variance of the dependent variable. In general, the results of this research can be useful in better understanding the social aspects of agricultural societies and increasing planners’ awareness concerning farmers’ resilience to climatic and environmental challenges.

Factors associated with risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students in Thailand

BackgroundRisky sexual behaviors refer to actions or practices that increase the likelihood engaging in sexual intercourse. Such behavior can lead to HIV infection/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy. The impact of risky sexual behaviors is a growing public health concern. These issues pose significant challenges to public health, particularly among university students and younger age groups who may be more vulnerable to various factors. Thus, this research aimed to examine the factors and sexual health literacy associated with risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students in the four major regions of Thailand.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among 916 undergraduate students in their final semester of the 2023 academic year, from March to May 2024, at public, autonomous, and private universities across four regions: northern, central, southern, and northeastern of Thailand. The study employed multistage random sampling method. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess risky sexual behaviors and the data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsA total of 916 students participated in the study. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 46.84% (95% CI:43.56% to 50.12%) students engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Risky sexual behavior was significantly associated with grade point averages (GPA) between 2.00–3.00 could protective risky sexual behaviors was 42% as compared to GPA > 3.00 (AOR = 0.58, 95%CI:0.42 to 0.79), ex-substance use (AOR = 3.48, 95%CI:1.46 to 8.26), Current smoker (AOR = 2.90, 95%CI:1.90 to 4.43), negative attitudes toward risky sexual behaviors (AOR = 2.32, 95%CI:1.32 to 4.06), access to places of ill repute and access to sexual arousal stimuli (sometime) (AOR = 2.23, 95%CI:1.41 to 3.52), social influences (high level) (AOR = 0.29, 95%CI:0.15 to 0.55), and sufficient to excellent level of the application of information about sexual health (AOR = 0.48, 95%CI:0.26 to 0.87) of statistical significance at P < 0.05, which was significantly associated with risky sexual behavior.ConclusionThe findings of this study offer important insights for preventing risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students across four regions. By promoting healthy sexual practices and encouraging behavior modification, negative consequences can be reduced. Public health care providers, policymakers, and stakeholders should implement tailored strategies, such as comprehensive sexual education and accessible health services, to address the specific needs of these students. These targeted interventions can significantly reduce the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors.

Development and validation of the mathematics self-efficacy scale for university students

Background: Academic underperformance in mathematics is widespread across all educational levels. To comprehend its causes, it is crucial to analyze various factors that impact academic advancement in mathematics through their interplay. The present study aimed to develop and validate a mathematics self-efficacy scale for university students. Methods: The research method was correlational and of instrument development type. The statistical population included all undergraduate students of Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran in 2021, of which 300 were selected as a sample using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. In the process of scale construction, a set of items was initially selected based on a review of the research literature in the field of mathematics self-efficacy and the identification of valid tests in this area. Then, a preliminary version of the questionnaire was administered to a sample of 300 students. Factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results: Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the mathematics self-efficacy scale consisted of four components: mathematical achievement and success, general mathematical self-efficacy, mathematical anxiety, and mathematical stress. Cronbach’s alpha for the four components were 0.97, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.93, respectively. The results of the convergent validity evaluation showed that all four components of the mathematics self-efficacy scale were positively correlated with the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation components of the Academic Motivation Scale and negatively correlated with academic motivation. Conclusion: The components of the mathematics self-efficacy scale had acceptable internal consistency and convergent validity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the designed scale can be used as a valid tool to measure the level of mathematics self-efficacy in university students.

The relationship between BMI and depression: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionMental health problems, especially depressive symptoms, are becoming increasingly prominent, posing a significant risk to public health. Changes in the body mass index (BMI) may impact an individual’s mental health, however, the relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between BMI and depressive symptoms.MethodsUsing a multi-stage sampling method, 10,686 adults in Longgang District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, were selected for participation in this study. Surveys were distributed in 2020 and 2021 to measure participant demographic data and health. Binary logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms.ResultsThe results showed a U-shaped relationship between BMI and depression. Both obesity and underweight increased the risk of depression among the participants, especially in subgroups of participants who were young, highly educated, single and employed.ConclusionThese findings suggest that adults should try to maintain a normal body weight as a way to prevent depression and maintain their physical and mental health.

Relationship of the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) with depression and anxiety: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested a significant association between diet quality and mental health. However, a limited number of studies have utilized the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) to examine this association. Additionally, no study has yet compared the PDQS and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) in terms of their association with depression and anxiety.AimThis cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, measured by the PDQS and HEI-2015, and the odds of depression and anxiety in adults.MethodsThis study utilized data from the LIPOKAP study, which was conducted between February 2018 and July 2019 in five cities in Iran. We included 1994 adults aged 18 and above who were selected through a multistage cluster sampling method. Participants completed a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate their dietary intake. The FFQ was used to calculate the PDQS and HEI-2015. Depression and anxiety levels were determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 39.79 ± 13.87 years, with females accounting for 1,041 (52.2%) of the total population. PDQS showed a significant inverse association with the odds of depression (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28–0.71) and anxiety (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.62) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, the highest quartile of HEI-2015 showed a significantly lower odds of depression (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40–0.90) and anxiety (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42–0.92) compared to the lowest quartile.ConclusionBoth PDQS and HEI-2015 were associated with a reduced risk of depression and anxiety. However, the PDQS demonstrated a stronger inverse association with these risks compared to the HEI-2015. This suggests that the PDQS could be a more beneficial dietary pattern for preventing depression and anxiety compared to HEI-2015. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Participation of Smallholder Farmers in Wheat Cluster Farming: The Case of Gasera District, Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the main means of livelihood in Africa. Wheat is one of the globally produced and marketed cereal crops which cover 15% of the total sowing areas of cereal crops in the world. This study focused on the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmer’s participation in wheat cluster farming in Gasera District of Bale zone. A multi-stage sampling method was employed for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 259 sample respondents in three selected Kebeles out of 24 total kebeles in the woreda. Primary data sources were generated using an interview schedule, five Focus Group Discussions, and eight key informant interviews. Besides, secondary data were obtained from literature and the Woreda Agricultural Office. Both descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed to analyze the collected data. The descriptive statistics results showed that from the total sampled households, 169 (65.3%) were participant and, 90 (34.7%) were non-participant smallholder farmers of wheat cluster farming technology. According to the probit regression model, education status, wheat land, livestock size, frequency of extension contact, credit access, availability of fair price, market information, agricultural input access, training access and membership in a cooperative had a positive influence on farmers’ decisions to participate in wheat cluster farming. Therefore, the local community, Woreda Agriculture Office and research institutes need to expand cluster farming technology to increase wheat production and policies aiming at increasing farmers’ awareness of producing wheat in cluster to increase yield of farmers.

Investigating the Role of Migration on Household Wellbeing: A Study in an Emerging Market

ABSTRACTThis study aims to investigate the impact of internal migration on household wellbeing, measured using a multidimensional wellbeing index (MWI). Utilizing the Alkire–Foster methodology, we conceptualize MWI to encompass the following five broad dimensions: education, health, income and employment, standard of living, and inclusion. The study is based on household‐level primary data collected from the Indian state of Jharkhand using a multistage stratified sampling method. Data were analyzed using probit regression with MWI as a dependent variable. Our findings suggest that (i) internal migration has a positive association with households' wellbeing and (ii) the inflow of remittances significantly contributes to increasing the total household income of migrant families, which positively impacts household wellbeing.

A Quality Gap Analysis of Educational Services among Iranian Medical Students Using the SERVQUAL Method

Introduction The quality gap in educational services among the students of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in the year 2023 was evaluated using the SERVQUAL method. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 334 participants were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method, and 316 responded to the standard SERVQUAL questionnaire. Results The majority, 181 students [57.3%], had a strong interest in their field of study. The mean scores for the current status [perceptions] and the optimal status [expectations] of educational service quality were 3.27±0.66 and 4.41±0.63, respectively. There was a significant difference between the current and optimal status across all SERVQUAL dimensions. The largest gaps were in the dimensions of Responsiveness, Empathy, and Tangibles, followed by Assurance and Reliability. The comparison of mean scores for the educational service quality gap across variables, such as gender, academic semester, and interest in the field of study, indicated significant differences among these groups. Conclusion By assessing the status of educational services from the student's perspective, this study aims to provide valuable information to policymakers and university senior management to enhance the educational service system. Educational and incentive strategies, along with careful monitoring and planning according to different dimensions of service quality, can be effective in improving the system.

A mixed method evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice on dengue fever among Lalitpur Metropolitan City residents: a cross-sectional investigation.

Dengue poses a significant global public health challenge, including in Nepal. Understanding community's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning dengue fever is imperative to developing effective prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dengue fever among residents of Lalitpur Metropolitan City. A descriptive cross-sectional household study was conducted using a mixed-method approach, which included quantitatively studying 636 individuals and conducting 20 qualitative interviews. The data was collected between April 2023 and June 2023. The multistage cluster sampling method was applied for household selection during the quantitative study and a purposive judgmental sampling method was used to identify participants for the qualitative interviews. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire for the quantitative study and an interview guide for the qualitative study. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression in STATA version 13, and thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The findings were validated through triangulation of results from both the qualitative and quantitative study. Regarding knowledge, 64.94% (n = 413/636) reported being informed about dengue fever. In terms of attitude, a substantial majority, 91.51% (n = 582/636), expressed a positive attitudes toward dengue fever, indicating a favorable perception and knowledge of its significance. Concerning practice, 49.84% (n = 317/636) of respondents reported actively engaging in dengue fever prevention measures. The variables gender, previous history of dengue fever and residency were the determinants of dengue fever knowledge. Additionally, gender, residency, and attitude were predictors of preventive practices concerning dengue fever. Our study revealed that while the community demonstrated good knowledge of dengue fever and positive attitudes toward prevention, their preventive practices were inconsistent, indicating a gap between knowledge and action. A positive attitude was linked to better adherence to preventive measures. To address this gap, it is crucial to promote a positive attitude toward dengue prevention through initiatives like education efforts and social mobilization programs. Implementing Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) programs focused on dengue prevention and control measures can help bridge this knowledge-action gap.

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND BURDEN OF MORBIDITY: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN A RURAL BLOCK OF WEST BENGAL

Objective: Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in developing and industrialized countries. Most agricultural workers in developing countries have poor housing conditions and an inadequate diet and are exposed to both general and occupational diseases. The study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of occupational morbidity and its associated risk factors among agricultural workers in a rural Block of West Bengal. Methods: The study was conducted among agriculture workers of Habra Block-I of the state of West Bengal. Multistage random sampling method was followed to select a total of 302 individuals who were distributed among the four villages according to the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) method. Results: The majority of workers (58.6%) were suffering from nutritional pallor/anemia and dental carries/dental stains were 45.4%. Among other morbidities, 42% of workers were suffering from respiratory morbidity, 26.8% of workers were suffering from cardiovascular diseases, and 26.5% were suffering from hypertension. Duration of work (more than 8 h/day) was significantly associated with morbidity also other covariates such as age, sex, type of family, smoking status, and alcohol consumption had significant effects on morbidity among agriculture workers in both bivariate and multivariable linear regression. Conclusion: This research revealed not only the high prevalence of morbidities among the study population but also the occurrence of a large population with modifiable risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, high load and long duration of work, poor personal hygiene, and non-use of personal protection equipment; the latter, if taken care, will reduce the morbidities of the agriculture workers.

Low mental health literacy is associated with depression and anxiety among adults: a population-based survey of 16,715 adults in China

BackgroundMental health literacy is a predictor of health outcomes in psychological distress. However, limited research has explored whether low mental health literacy is associated with recent depression and anxiety.MethodsWe used data from the Guangdong Mental Health Survey, a provincial representative and a population-based survey with a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. We included adults aged 18 and above living in communities from September to December 2021 in Guangdong, China. Eligible participants were those who completed the mental health literacy questionnaire and assessments for depression and anxiety symptoms. We assessed the proportion of individuals with low mental health literacy by categories of psychological symptoms and whether low mental health literacy was associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in the general population and subgroups.ResultsA total of 16,715 adults were included. We found that individuals with more severe symptoms had a greater proportion of low mental health literacy- it went from 89.4% in participants without depression or anxiety to 96.2% in people who co-occurred with depression and anxiety (x2 = 21.457, P < 0.001). After controlling confounders, low mental health literacy was associated with depression (adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR [95%CI]:2.74 [1.92–4.04]) and anxiety (2.27 [1.49–3.64]) in the total sample, when compared with adequate mental health literacy.ConclusionsThis study found a positive association between low mental health literacy and the presence of depression and anxiety. Tackling inadequate mental health literacy may be a key strategy to promote psychological well-being across the lifespan, especially for young adults.

The Association Between Parental Academic Support and Students’ Academic Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Academic Resilience

Background: Parental academic support plays a significant role in fostering academic resilience in students. By providing encouragement, guidance, and emotional support, parents can help their children develop the coping skills and self-confidence necessary to overcome obstacles and persist in their academic endeavors. Objectives: This study examines the relationship between parental academic support and students’ academic well-being, with a particular focus on the mediating role of academic resilience. Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The population included all high school students in Ahvaz city during the 2022 - 2023 academic year. A sample of 384 students was selected using a multistage cluster sampling method. The research instruments included the School-Related Well-Being Scale (SWBS), Academic Support Scale, and Academic Resilience Scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) in SPSS 25 and AMOS 25 was used to analyze the model relationships, followed by bootstrapping to test indirect effects. Results: The findings indicated significant positive relationships between academic resilience and academic well-being, and between parental academic support and academic resilience (P &lt; 0.001). However, the direct relationship between parental academic support and academic well-being was not significant. The indirect relationship between parental academic support and academic well-being through academic resilience was found to be significant (P = 0.006). The final model demonstrated a good fit to the data, as evidenced by fit indices, including RMSEA (0.001), TLI (0.99), and CFI (0.99). Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesized mediating role of academic resilience. These results suggest that parental involvement, which fosters students' ability to recover from setbacks and persist in their studies, ultimately contributes to positive academic experiences and well-being.