Multivariate Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis Research Articles

Atrial fibrillation post CABG and the risk of arrhythmia recurrence: the AFRODITE study

BackgroundNew-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) occurs with an incidence of 20–40%. The clinical relevance of POAF remains a concern, and the need for further studies regarding the clinical management of POAF is necessary. AimThe AFRODITE study, a prospective multicenter cohort study, had as its primary endpoint the evaluation of AF recurrence in patients post CABG over a one-year period. MethodsTwo hundred twenty-eight patients aged >50 years who underwent isolated CABG were included in the study. Patients were stratified into two groups, POAF and non-POAF, and followed for 12 months for AF recurrence, hospitalizations, and death. ResultsTwo hundred twenty-eight patients (mean age 67 years, 88.6% male) were included in the study. 28.5% of patients experienced at least one episode of POAF during index hospitalization (POAF group) and were compared with the non-POAF group (n = 163). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the strongest prognostic parameter for POAF was the CHA2DS2-VASc score (odds ratio = 1.61, p < 0.001). POAF patients had a worse in-hospital outcome, but the incidence of long-term AF recurrence was not statistically different (3.6% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.9). ConclusionInterestingly, a one-year prospective follow-up of patients in the study did not reveal significant differences between POAF and non-POAF patients. A notable finding was that patients with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score were more likely to develop POAF.

Clinical-radiomics nomogram for the risk prediction of esophageal fistula in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy or volumetric-modulated arc therapy.

Esophageal fistula (EF) is a serious adverse event as a result of radiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). We aimed to identify the predictive factors and establish a prediction model of EF in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Patients with ESCC treated with IMRT or VMAT from January 2013 to December 2020 at Xijing Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Ultimately, 43 patients with EF and 129 patients without EF were included in the analysis and propensity-score matched in a 1:3 ratio. The clinical characteristics and radiomics features were extracted. Univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors associated with EF. The median follow-up time was 24.0 months (range, 1.3-104.9 months), and the median overall survival (OS) was 13.1 months in patients with EF. A total of 1,158 radiomics features were extracted, and eight radiomics features were selected for inclusion into a model for predicting EF, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.794. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor length, tumor volume, T stage, lymphocyte rate (LR), and grade IV esophagus stenosis were related to EF, and the AUC value of clinical model for predicting EF was 0.849. The clinical-radiomics model had the best performance in predicting EF with an AUC value of 0.896. The clinical-radiomics nomogram can predict the risk of EF in ESCC patients and is helpful for the individualized treatment of EC.

Predictive Factors for the Formation of Viable Embryos in Subfertile Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Clinical Prediction Study

This study aims to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting blastocyst formation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 445 DOR patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the Reproductive Center of Yulin Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to January 2023. A total of 1016 embryos were cultured for blastocyst formation, of which 487 were usable blastocysts and 529 did not form usable blastocysts. The embryos were randomly divided into a training set (711 embryos) and a validation set (305 embryos). Relevant factors were initially identified through univariate logistic regression analysis based on the training set, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a nomogram model. The prediction model was then calibrated and validated. Multivariate stepwise forward logistic regression analysis showed that female age, normal fertilization status, embryo grade on D2, and embryo grade on D3 were independent predictors of blastocyst formation in DOR patients. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test indicated no statistical difference between the predicted probabilities of blastocyst formation and actual blastocyst formation (P > 0.05). These results suggest that female age, normal fertilization status, embryo grade on D2, and embryo grade on D3 are independent predictors of blastocyst formation in DOR patients. The clinical prediction nomogram constructed from these factors has good predictive value and clinical utility and can provide a basis for clinical prognosis, intervention, and the formulation of individualized medical plans.

Burnout syndrome in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American ophthalmologists: a cross-sectional analysis.

Despite the well-known consequences of burnout syndrome, there has been little research into this syndrome in the field of ophthalmology. Our objective is to determine the frequency of burnout syndrome between Spanish, Portugal and Latin-American ophthalmologists, as well as to analyse its relationship with different sociodemographic variables. This is an observational cross-sectional descriptive study including ophthalmologists from Spain, Portugal and 15 Latin American countries. Burnout syndrome was evaluated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. Burnout syndrome was defined as high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization or low personal accomplishment. In addition, we recorded sociodemographic variables and aspects related to the type of work. A conditional backwards stepwise multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was run to assess the variables associated with burnout syndrome, expressed as an odds ratio (OR). A total of 527 surveys were analysed, the majority from Spain (401; 76.1%), followed by Argentina (45; 8.5%), and Mexico (31; 5.9%). The number of ophthalmologists with burnout syndrome was 351 (66.6%). The results show the profile of a young ophthalmologist (age OR 0.985), carrying out a public activity (OR 2.118) and dedicated to general ophthalmology (OR 1.860). The frequency detected in this study confirms a steady increase in rates of burnout among ophthalmologists. As the consequences of this are well known, it is vital for health centre managers to develop a strategic plan to allow the causes to be understood better and to implement steps to improve the situation in each medical centre.

Development and validation a nomogram for predicting new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation following pulmonary resection

BackgroundThe new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (NOPAF) following pulmonary resection is a common clinical concern. The aim of this study was to construct a nomogram to intuitively predict the risk of NOPAF and offered protective treatments.MethodsPatients who underwent pulmonary resection between January 2018 and December 2020 were consecutively enrolled. Forward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent predictors, and a derived nomogram model was built. The model performance was evaluated in terms of calibration, discrimination and clinical utility and validated with bootstrap resampling.ResultsA total of 3583 patients who met the research criteria were recruited for this study. The incidence of NOPAF was 1.507% (54/3583). A nomogram, composed of five independent predictors, namely age, admission heart rate, extent of resection, laterality, percent maximum ventilation volume per minute (%MVV), was constructed. The concordance index (C-index) was 0.811. The nomogram showed substantial discriminative ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.811 (95% CI 0.758-0.864). Moreover, the model shows prominent calibration performance and higher net clinical benefits.ConclusionWe developed a novel nomogram that can predict the risk of NOPAF following pulmonary resection, which may assist clinicians predict the individual probability of NOPAF and perform available prophylaxis. By using bootstrap resampling for validation, the optimal discrimination and calibration were demonstrated, indicating that the nomogram may have clinical practicality.

P276 Predictive value of changes in 3D volumetry in perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease under biologic therapy. A pilot study

Abstract Background Changes in the 3D volumetry of perianal fistulas measured by magnetic resonance (MR) could be an imaging biomarker of interest. The objective of the study is to determine the value of volumetric changes in perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) after biological treatment to predict subsequent clinical outcomes. Methods Retrospective single-center pilot study. We have included CD patients with perianal fistulas who started biological therapy between 2012-2020 and have 1) both pre- and post-treatment (3-18 months) pelvic MR and 2) follow-up after post-treatment MR of at least 2 to 5 years. According to the last visit, patients were categorized as clinically active (perianal discharge) or in remission (absence of draining). Using an specific software (vEUA, Motilent, London), we calculated the 3D volumetry of the fistulas, the active component (hypersignal on T2) and the fibrotic component (hyposignal on T2). We compared MR volumetric changes between both pre and post treatment MRs and calculated the value of MR volumetric changes in predicting clinical remission using a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 24 patients included, 13 were in perianal clinical remission in the last follow-up. The percentage (%) of volumetric changes in the active component was significantly higher in patients achieving perianal clinical remission compared to non-responder patients (82.5% vs 38.7%, p=0.007). The % of change of the fibrotic component was also significantly higher in patients achieving perianal remission (120% vs 34%, p=0.03). The % of change of the active component was identified as predictor of clinical remission (OR 1.06 [1.02-1.11] P=0.008). A reduction of ≥16% of the active MR component has a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 82% to predict clinical perianal remission on the long-term. Conclusion Changes in the 3D volumetry on MR of perianal fistulas have value in predicting clinical response. The decrease in the active component could be therefore a good biomarker to define therapeutic targets in fistulizing perianal CD.

The Impact of Cigarette Smoking, Water-Pipe Use on Hearing Loss/Hearing Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of the present study was to determine the association between cigarette smoking, waterpipe smoking, and co-morbidity diseases on hearing loss. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1015 patients [386 males (38%) and 629 females (62%)] who were aged are between 25 and 65 years. The study used clinical, physical examinations and Pure-Tone Audiometry (PTA) to assess hearing. Univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses were used for the statistical analysis. Out of 1015 patients assessed, 199 were cigarette smokers with hearing loss (21.6%) and 111 waterpipe smokers with hearing loss (12%). There were statistically significant differences between cigarette smokers with hearing loss regarding (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), tinnitus (p<0.001), vertigo and/or dizziness (p<0.001), and migraine/headaches (p<0.001). Also there were statistically significant differences between waterpipe smokers with hearing loss, none smokers concerning age groups (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), using MP3 players (p=0.004), family history of hypertension (p=0.026), ATP III metabolic syndrome (p=0.010), IDF metabolic syndrome (p=0.012), tinnitus (p<0.001), vertigo/dizziness (p<0.001), and migraine/headaches (p=0.025). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that tinnitus (p<0.001), dizziness (p<0.001), nausea (p=0.001), headaches and migraine (p<=0.003), fatigue (p=0.004), and vertigo (p=0.022) were considered as risk predictors risk hearing loss related cigarette smokers. Also, analysis revealed that tinnitus (p<0.001), nausea (p=0.001), headaches and migraines (p<0.001), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), and vertigo (p=0.021), were considered as risk predictors for hearing loss related waterpipe smokers. The present study suggests cigarette smoking and waterpipe smoking, life-style factors are possible risk factors for hearing loss among smoker participants.

Incidence and Outcomes of Aortic Dissection in Tabriz, Iran; a Longitudinal Study of 150 Cases.

A comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological features of aortic dissections in Azerbaijan Province, Iran, and their influence on patient survival remains unexplored. This study aimed to determine the incidence of aortic dissection and identify the associated factors of mortality in these patients. A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using hospital records of patients diagnosed with aortic dissection in Tabriz, Iran, between 2017 and 2021. The 3-month mortality was followed up via telephone calls using the contact numbers provided in the patients' records. Then, independently associated factors of mortality were identified using a multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Among the 150 cases of aortic dissection identified, 74% (n = 111) were classified as type A, and 26% (n = 39) were classified as type B. The overall incidence proportion of aortic dissections was 2.35 per 100000 population. In type A dissections, 64% (71 out of 111) of patients received surgical treatment, while 21.6% (24 out of 111) received medical treatment. Among type B dissections, only 23.1% (9 out of 39) underwent surgery. The all-cause mortality rate at 3 months was 52.5% (73 out of 139 patients with complete follow-up), 47 male (54%) and 26 female (50%). Multivariate analysis showed that higher age was independently associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.06, p = 0.027). In contrast, patients with DeBakey Type III classification (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.01-0.87, p = 0.027), hypothyroidism (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01-0.99, p = 0.049), and those who received either surgical treatment (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05-0.76, p = 0.019) or medical treatment (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.80, p = 0.024) had a lower chance of mortality. Gender was not found to be associated with the outcome. The study revealed an annual incidence rate of aortic dissection as 2.35 per 100000 population. Aortic dissection, regardless of type, remains a highly fatal condition, with over half of patients dying within 3 months of the initial event. To reduce the high mortality rates associated with aortic dissections, it is crucial to implement specific measures for the early identification of patients and ensure prompt and appropriate care.

Role of Decreased Expression of miR-155 and miR-146a in Peripheral Blood of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

To Study the Correlations of microRNA-155 (miR-155) and microRNA-146a (miR-146a) Expression in Peripheral Blood of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), and Explore the Clinical Value of miR-155 and miR-146a in the Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes of DPN. The study included 51 T2DM patients without DPN (T2DM group), 49 T2DM patients with DPN (DPN group), and 50 normal controls (NC group). Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to determine the expression levels of miR-155 and miR-146a. Clinical features and risk factors for DPN were assessed. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm whether the expressions of miR-155 and miR-146a could independently predict the risk of DPN. ROC curve analysis evaluated their diagnostic value. The T2DM group exhibited significantly lower expression levels of miR-155 and miR-146a compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the DPN group exhibited a significantly decreased expression level of miR-155 and miR-146a compared to the T2DM group (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of miR-155 and miR-146a might serve as protective factors against DPN development. ROC curve analysis revealed that miR-155 (sensitivity 91.8%, specificity 37.3%, AUC 0.641,) and miR-146a (sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 84.3%, AUC 0.722) possess a strong ability to discriminate between T2DM and DPN. Their combined use further enhanced the diagnostic potential of DPN (sensitivity 83.7%, specificity 60.8%, AUC 0.775). A multi-index combination can improve DPN diagnostic efficiency. The decreased expression of miR-155 and miR-146a in the peripheral blood of T2DM patients is closely related to the occurrence of DPN, highlighting their potential as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosticating DPN.

Blood Eosinophil Count and Its Determinants in a Chinese Population-Based Cohort

Introduction: Blood eosinophil count has been shown markedly variable across different populations. However, its distribution in Chinese general population remains unclear. We aimed to investigate blood eosinophil count and its determinants in a Chinese general population. Methods: In this population-based study, general citizens of Sichuan province in China were extracted from the China Pulmonary Health study. Data on demographics, personal and family history, living condition, lifestyle, spirometry, and complete blood count test were obtained and analyzed. A stepwise multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of high blood eosinophils (>75th percentile). Results: A total of 3,310 participants were included, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 47.0 (15.6) years. In total population, the median blood eosinophil count was 110.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 67.2–192.9) cells/μL, lower than that in smokers (133.4 cells/μL, IQR: 79.3–228.4) and patients with asthma (140.7 cells/μL, IQR: 79.6–218.2) or post-bronchodilator airflow limitation (141.5 cells/μL, IQR: 82.6–230.1), with a right-skewed distribution. Multivariate analyses revealed that oldness (aged ≥60 years) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.48), smoking ≥20 pack-years (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.20–3.00), raising a dog/cat (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.17–2.52), and occupational exposure to dust, allergen, and harmful gas (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15–2.15) were significantly associated with high blood eosinophils. Conclusion: This study identifies a median blood eosinophil count of 110.0 cells/μL and determinants of high blood eosinophils in a Chinese general population, including oldness (aged ≥60 years), smoking ≥20 pack-years, raising a dog/cat, and occupational exposure to dust, allergen, and harmful gas.

Akut pankreatitli hastalarda akut pankreatik ve peripankreatik sıvı gelişiminde prediktif faktörler

Aims: Acute fluid collections after acute pancreatitis carries risk of serious complications as infected pseudocyst and Wall off Necrose development. Hence, it is important to predict the development of acute fluid collections for treatment and management of acute pancreatitis. In this study, it is aimed to investigate predictive factors for development of acute fluid collections in patients with acute pancreatitis. &#x0D; Methods: Total of 438 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were screened. According to the Revised Atlanta Classification fluid development after acute pancreatitis was determined and the relationship between fluid development and the hematological/biochemical parameters of the patients at the time of admission was investigated. The best cut-off point of laboratory measurements for fluid development was determined by ROC analysis and the factors that may be most decisive in distinguishing between the patients with and without fluid development were determined by multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression analysis.&#x0D; Results: It is found that developing acute fluid collections after acute pancreatitis was higher in patients with younger age and male gender. Also the risk of developing acute fluid collections after acute pancreatitis was found to be 6.2 times higher in patients with CRP/Albumin ratio greater than 1.09; 2.5 times higher in patients with ALP below 199.5 U/L; 1.9 times higher in patients with WBC greater than 11,6 ×10⁹/L and 1.5 times higher in patients with PLR above 197.1. Also the risk of developing acute necrotic collections after acute pancreatitis was 3 times higher in patients with serum calcium level below 8,6 mg/dl.&#x0D; Conclusion: It has been determined that, presence of high CRP/albumin ratio, high NLR and low serum ALP level can be used as an indicator in predicting acute pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid development.

Risk factors for venous ulceration in patients with varicose veins of lower extremities.

The aim of this case-control study was to explore the potential risk factors for venous ulceration in patients with varicose veins of lower extremities and to establish a simplified diagnostic score model. Seventy subjects with varicose veins of lower extremities and venous ulceration were compared with 1164 controls with varicose veins of lower extremities and no history of venous ulceration. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for venous ulceration. The steps in developing the diagnostic score model were based on the Framingham Heart study. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the diagnostic ability of the diagnostic score model. Multivariate analysis showed that men, overweight, obesity, longer duration varicose veins, deep venous valve insufficiency, low lymphocyte counts, and high fibrinogen content were independently associated with an increased risk of venous ulceration. The AUC for the diagnostic score model was 0.75, which indicated good discriminatory ability. Special attention should be paid to the high-risk group of patients with lower extremity varicose veins. The diagnostic score model might be a useful screening tool for clinicians, policy makers, and patients.

A decision-making model for prediction of a stable disease course in chronic hepatitis B patients

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are regularly monitored for HBV DNA and liver enzymes in order to assess disease progression and the need for antiviral therapy. Identifying patients with a stable course of disease can potentially prolong the intervals between visits, withhold unnecessary tests and save money. Accordingly, we aimed to find predictors for a stable disease course in patients with CHB. 579 patients with CHB, who were followed in a tertiary referral center between January 2004–December 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with low and steady viral load titer (< 2000 IU/ml) and normal ALT levels (< 40 IU/ml) in 6 consecutive clinic encounters were considered to have a stable course of CHB. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis and a decision tree model were used to identify predictors of a stable disease course. Following exclusion of ineligible patients, a total of 220 patients were included in the final analysis. 64/220 patients had a stable disease course. Patients with a stable disease were older (62.99 ± 12.36 Vs. 54.07 ± 13.64, p < 0.001) with a higher percentage of women (53% vs. 38%) and had lower baseline levels of AST, ALT and viral load (VL). In a multivariate analysis, age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.98), baseline ALT (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.1) and VL (OR 1.05 95% CI 1.02–1.08), were significantly associated with a stable disease. In a decision tree model, patients 46–67 years old, with baseline VL < 149 IU/mL and ALT < 40 IU/mL had the best probability (91%) for a stable disease course over 4.4 ± 2.2 years. We conclude that integrating patients’ age with baseline VL and ALT can predict a stable disease course in patients with CHB off treatment.

Effects of different obesity evaluation indexes on long-term blood pressure variability in adults

Abstract Background In recent years, people have a new understanding of the treatment of hypertension. Even at the optimal blood pressure levels recommended by the guidelines, further attention to blood pressure variability is warranted. Obesity and overweight are associated with blood pressure variability, but existing studies mainly focus on the effect of traditional obesity indicators on blood pressure variability (BPV). Objectives To explore the correlation between the new obesity assessment indicators LAP, BRI, CVAI and blood pressure variability. Methods A total of 7092 subjects who had regular physical examination in a community health center, were included for analysis. We used new measures to assess obesity, including LAP, BRI, CVAI. Subjects were grouped according to the baseline CVAI quartile. We used variation independent of mean(VIM) to assess long-term variations in blood pressure. Variance analysis was used to analyze the differences among different blood pressure variables and their baseline characteristics. Stepwise multivariate linear regression and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of CVAI/LAP/BRI on VIM. Results The average age of the subjects was 60.7±6.8 years old. With the increase of CVAI and BRI, the mean blood pressure variability increased gradually. In contrast, the mean blood pressure variability decreases with increasing LAP. After adjusting for other confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed that VIMSBP increased by 0.007 and 0.216 for each unit increase in CVAI and BRI, respectively. LAP found no correlation. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased CVAI and BRI were risk factors for increased VIMSBP, and increased LAP was protective factor for increased VIMSBP. Conclusion Compared with traditional indicators, the novel obesity indicators were also associated with blood pressure variability. And it has a stronger correlation than traditional indicators.

Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications in neonates: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivePostoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are an important quality indicator and are associated with significantly increased mortality in infants. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for PPCs...

Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study (NYC-SIGHT): Subanalysis of Referral to Ophthalmology

Purpose The Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study aims to provide access to eye care for underserved populations, detect native rates of ocular pathology, and refer participants with eye disease to ophthalmology. This subanalysis describes the reasons for referral to ophthalmology and identifies risk factors associated with being referred. Methods Enrolled participants were aged ≥40 years, living independently in public housing developments and able to provide consent for eye health screenings. Those with habitual visual acuity 20/40 or worse, intraocular pressure (IOP) 23-29 mmHg, or an unreadable fundus image failed and were scheduled with the on-site optometrist. The optometric exam determined whether further referral to ophthalmology for a clinic exam was warranted. Those with an abnormal image or IOP ≥30 mmHg were referred directly to ophthalmology. Main outcome was factors associated with referral to ophthalmology. Results A total of 708 individuals completed the eye health screening over 15 months. A total of 468 participants were referred to ophthalmology (250 had an abnormal image and 218 were referred by the optometrist). Those referred were predominantly older adults (mean age 70.0 ± 11.4 years), female (66.7%), African American (55.1%) and Hispanic (39.5%). Seventy percent of participants had not had a recent eye exam. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants with pre-existing glaucoma (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.62 to 6.08, p = 0.001), an IOP ≥23 mmHg (OR 5.04, 95% 1.91 to 13.28, p = 0.001), or vision impairment (mild) (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.77, p = 0.001) had significantly higher odds of being referred to ophthalmology. Conclusion This targeted community-based study in Upper Manhattan provided access to eye care and detected a significant amount of ocular pathology requiring referral to ophthalmology in this high-risk population.

Risky sexual behaviors among orphaned youth in South Africa: findings of the 2017 population-based household survey

IntroductionIn sub-Saharan Africa, evidence shows that orphaned youth are exposed to more risky sexual behaviors than non-orphaned peers, which increases the chances of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The fast rises in the prevalence of orphanhood are a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.MethodologyThe data for this secondary analysis were collected through a cross-sectional, multi-stage, stratified, cluster randomized sampling design. Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was fitted to determine the factors associated with risky sexual behaviors among male and female adolescents and youth aged 12–24 years.ResultsOf 2,556 orphaned participants, 18.3% (95% CI: 14.3–23.0) had two or more sexual partners in the last 12 months, 31.3% (95% CI: 26.3–36.6) reported no condom use at last sex, and 98.3% (95% CI: 96.6–99.2) reported no consistent condom use. The likelihood of reporting multiple sexual partnerships was significantly lower among female adolescents, those residing in rural formal/farm areas, and those who reported sexual debut at age 15 years and was higher among those who reported sexual partners 5 years and older than their age group. The odds of not using a condom at last sex were significantly higher among female adolescents and those who perceived themselves as being at high risk of HIV infection and were significantly lower among those who had sexual debut at age 15 years and older.DiscussionThe findings suggest that there is a need for sexual risk-reduction strategies targeted at orphans, especially male orphans and those residing in urban areas. Such efforts should include behavior change interventions for delaying the age of sexual debut, changing HIV risk perception, mitigating multiple sexual partnerships, age-disparate sexual relationships, and enhancing condom use.

Social Determinants of Health Needs and Health-related Quality of Life Among Surgical Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of 8512 Patients.

To assess associations between social determinants of health (SDOH) needs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among surgical patients. Despite the profound impact of SDOH on health outcomes, studies examining the effect of SDOH needs on HRQOL among surgical patients are limited. A retrospective study was conducted using responses from the SDOH needs assessment and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems Global Health instrument of adults seen in surgical clinics at a single institution. Patient characteristics including socioeconomic status (insurance type, education level, and employment status) were extracted. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of global health scores. A total of 8512 surgical patients (mean age: 55.6±15.8 years) were included. 25.2% of patients reported one or more SDOH needs. The likelihood of reporting at least one SDOH need varied by patient characteristics and socioeconomic status variables. In fully adjusted regression models, food insecurity [odds ratio (OR), 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38-1.70 and OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22-1.81, respectively], housing instability (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12-1.43 and OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.13-1.70, respectively) lack of transportation (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27-1.68 and OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.00-1.57, respectively), and unmet medication needs (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.13-1.52 and OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.28-2.03, respectively) were independent predictors of poor physical and mental health. SDOH needs are independent predictors of poor patient-reported physical and mental health among surgical patients. Assessing and addressing SDOH needs should be prioritized in health care settings and by policymakers to improve HRQOL.

Development and validation of risk prediction model for premenstrual syndrome in nurses: results from the nurses-based the TARGET cohort study.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) stands as a significant concern within the realm gynecological disorders, profoundly impacting women of childbearing age in China. However, the elusive nature of its risk factors necessitates investigation. This study, therefore, is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of PMS by focusing on nurses, a cohort with unique occupational stressors, to develop and validate a predictive model for assessing the risk of PMS. This investigation employed a multi-center cross-sectional analysis drawing upon data from the TARGET Nurses' health cohort. Utilizing online survey versions of the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), a comprehensive dataset encompassing physiological, social, psychological, occupational, and behavioral variables was collected from 18,645 participants. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for PMS. Furthermore, a refined variable selection process was executed, combining the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method with 10-fold cross-validation. The visualization of the risk prediction model was achieved through a nomogram, and its performance was evaluated using the C index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the calibration curves. Among the diverse variables explored, this study identified several noteworthy predictors of PMS in nurses, including tea or coffee consumption, sleep quality, menstrual cycle regularity, intermenstrual bleeding episodes, dysmenorrhea severity, experiences of workplace bullying, trait coping style, anxiety, depression and perceived stress levels. The prediction model exhibited robust discriminatory power, with an area under the curve of 0.765 for the training set and 0.769 for the test set. Furthermore, the calibration curve underscored the model's high degree of alignment with observed outcomes. The developed model showcases exceptional accuracy in identifying nurses at risk of PMS. This early alert system holds potential to significantly enhance nurses' well-being and underscore the importance of professional support.

Socio-Economic Status in Risk of Acute Adverse Events Following Radiotherapy

Socio-economic status (SES) are known to influence cancer patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether SES affected the short-term clinical experience of patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) during the pandemic. This was a single institution, retrospective cohort quality improvement study. The primary endpoint consisted of adverse events (AEs) defined as an unplanned admission to a drop-in radiation-nursing clinic (RNC) or the institution's emergency department (ED) within 90 days of a radiation course. Adult cancer patients who received external beam RT from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022 were included. Patients were classified into two periods: treated prior to the pandemic (pre-COVID), and during the pandemic (COVID era), with a cutoff date of March 31, 2020. SES, age, RT intent (curative, palliative, SBRT), regimen (conventional fractionation and hypofractionation), disease site, and sex were included as co-variables. SES was obtained by matching a patient's postal code with a provincial data tool with four distinct dimensions: 1) residential instability, 2) material deprivation, 3) ethnic concentration, and 4) dependency. For each SES dimension, a score of 1-5 (best-worst) is assigned to individuals. A backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the variables and identify the factors that were significantly associated (p<0.05) with increased risk of AEs. Institutional ethics review board exemption was obtained. Across the 3-year period, 15715 patients (5499 pre-COVID and 10216 COVID era patients) were identified and included in the analyses, and 5756 AEs were observed. The analyses revealed that patient age (p<0.001), disease site (p<0.001), treatment intent (p<0.001) and treatment regimen (p = 0.005) were associated with the risk of developing AEs. AEs risk was correlated with the treatment period (pre-COVID vs. COVID era) (p<0.001) and material deprivation (p = 0.027). Adjusting for the other variables, patients who were least materially deprived were at lower risk (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.88, 95% CI [0.78-0.98]) of developing AEs than patients who were most materially deprived. Patient sex (p>0.1), residential instability (p = 0.069), ethnic concentration (p>0.5) and dependency (p>0.5) were not associated with AEs risk. Patients with more (SES score 1-4 vs 5) residential instability (p<0.001; OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.74-0.90]) and less (SES score 1 vs 2-5) material deprivations (p = 0.006; OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.66-0.88]) were at reduced the risk of ED visits. SES was not associated with RNC visits. In a universal health care system, SES (residential instability and material deprivation) were associated with the increased risk of ED within 90 days of RT. Proactive care and virtual monitoring during the 90-day period after RT in high-risk patients may reduce ED visits. ED visits beyond our tertiary institution are being gathered to address this study limitation.